Hello,
In this edition of the Nüwa Newsletter you’ll find two passages relating to the quality of alignment (zheng, 正), as well as a brief piece on the initial stages of the alchemical firing process (huohou, 火候).
Enjoy!
Daoist practice is a process of internal development that begins with the cultivation of alignment (zheng, 正). There are numerous forms of alignment we need to think about, the first of which is alignment of the physical body (zhengxing, 正形). Beyond this there is alignment of the energetic system (zhengqi, 正氣) and alignment of the heart-mind (zhengxin, 正心). Additionally, there is the alignment of our actions with the cycles of yin and yang taking place within the external environment.
When alignment is established, a process unfolds within the mind that culminates in the foremost Daoist contemplative state - non-action (wuwei, 無為). Non-action can be understood from a number of perspectives; here we might just say that it is a state of non-dual awareness in which the underlying reality of the Dao becomes apparent.
Alignment of the physical body (zhengxing, 正形) is the first step in Daoist practice. With the body aligned, the heart-mind (xin, 心) enters into stillness (jing, 靜) and disruptive emotions, desires, thoughts and perceptions are reduced. Inner-power (de, 德) arises through clearing the brambles of the heart-mind.
When you first start the firing process (huohou, 火候), it takes a lot of effort to build the fire and to light it. Imagine the kindling is quite damp and it won't easily light. You have to exert a lot of energy getting it to happen, but once it's lit then the fire is easier to maintain.
You're working hard to alter the functioning of the body on a deep level. It's a sweaty process! The body does not know how to produce qi either efficiently or in large amounts, and you have to put a lot of energy and effort into changing this. This is combined with what is often quite a draining process of clearing blockages and pathogens from the body, and generally restructuring the body so that it is open.
It is much easier and quicker to move through this part of the cultivation process if you adhere to basic yangsheng guidelines. Things like eating a diverse and nutritionally complete diet, sleeping enough and exercising should not be forgotten when practising neigong or neidan.
道炁長存,
Oscar 🌺
so right and useful, thanks !