The Principles of Self-Cultivation

The human body inherently possesses innate qi, which is largely obscured by postnatal dietary intake, preventing it from fully exerting its proper functions. The more one eats, the more severe this obscuration becomes, leading to increased accumulation of waste and impurities, a heavier body, and greater difficulty in cultivating meditative concentration (dhyāna). To effectively mobilize the innate qi inherent within oneself, one must focus the mind on the dantian (elixir field), allowing qi to gather there. When the dantian qi becomes sufficient, it activates the qi mechanism, supplying qi energy throughout the body, driving the continuous circulation of blood. Thus, the body's functions are stimulated and utilized. 

Countless people fail to utilize the genuine qi and functions inherently present in their bodies throughout their entire lives, as these are suppressed by dietary habits. At birth, an infant's bodily functions operate excellently; the body is soft and elastic. During infancy and childhood, the body maintains high flexibility, allowing the legs to be easily crossed. As one grows older, the body becomes increasingly rigid, making it harder to sit cross-legged, accumulating more bodily waste and impurities, and impairing the circulation of qi and blood. This innate qi within the body can only be released and fulfill its proper functional role by reducing food intake and practicing cultivation methods. Therefore, by fully mobilizing the body's qi channels, one can successfully cultivate meditative concentration, improve physical constitution, and prolong life. Cultivating the body and meditative concentration ensures that our progress on the spiritual path (dao ye) remains unobstructed and continuously advances. Otherwise, an unhealthy body leads to an unsettled mind; if the mind cannot be cultivated properly, how can there be attainment of the Way (dao)?

We cultivate the body and mind through fasting (bigu). During the fasting period, when no food is consumed yet the body still requires energy, we must transform and absorb other forms of energy, such as light energy and qi energy. Light energy must ultimately be converted into the qi energy needed by the body. This qi energy drives the circulation and movement of blood to maintain the body's energy balance. To absorb light energy, one method is sunbathing; another is to sit in meditation and visualize sunlight entering the body, transforming into utilizable energy within. One can also chant mantras and visualize Buddha light entering the body to supply it with energy. Simultaneously, one must expel pathogenic qi, cold qi, damp qi, and toxic qi from the body. Mastering this visualization practice greatly benefits physical health, offering greater purity and efficacy than dietary intake, and without side effects.

Additionally, practice cultivation exercises to supplement the body's energy and increase yang qi. Specific methods can be practiced as follows:

1. Clasp both hands together behind the back and lift them upwards. This elevates stomach qi and lung qi, stretches the bladder meridian, and helps straighten the back. 

2. Raise both hands above the head, clasp them together, keep the body still, and rotate the upper torso above the chest. 

3. Position both hands in front of the lower abdomen with palms facing upwards, as if holding a ball. Slowly raise them while taking a deep breath. Continue raising them overhead, simultaneously lifting the heels. Turn the palms, hold the position briefly while filling the lungs with air (inhaling fully). Then lower both hands along the sides of the body while exhaling the breath and lowering the heels. This increases lung qi.