The Root to the Tangible Energy: Traditional Meditation

                                      

 Often times in my Classes I get asked from many students wanting to know what was the first "break through" practice I did? It is the Root to everything I follow; meditation.  This usually sometimes confuses people since not many teach it in the popular Qigong circles.

Most authentic teachers with you're best interest at heart will promote the importance of meditation in the pursuit of whatever they consider to be the ultimate perfection or final goal, whether it is called enlightenment, emancipation, total realization, etc. In traditions of salvation, the emphasis is rather on faith, divine grace, prayer, redemption, etc., but the practice of meditation is not excluded. 

In the Taoist Tradition, Buddhist Paths, Aramaic Christian tradition, Christian Cistercian Order & Jesuits the contemplative life is upheld as the model lifestyle, life path tradition although it is only promoted to a small minority of practitioners. This was made extremely clear to myself by very good teachers of Thailand, China, Japan & Taiwan. Its also taught within orders outside of Community Christian Church followers. You can find it in the Aramaic Christian Community,  Jesuit Community, and  Christian Cistercian Order as well. The practice of Meditation is so universal its almost in any tradition. It will take someone with wisdom to share their insights to aid one in this path, but its ok they are very all comparable to a certain degree.   

What is Meditation?

  In general, the term meditation includes a great  range of practices, from breathing exercises, concentration, visualization, deep meditation, and higher contemplation to mystical ecstasy. All these forms, and more, are found within  the traditions of East Asia Traditions that being of Taoism, Buddhism and inner traditions of Christianity. The tradition essentially return us to our true nature and all is balanced, harmonized and cleansed. Nothing is dissipated or dispersed easily. This is the goal of the practice in a nutshell.

Many Traditions Similar Practice 

The Taoist & Buddhist of Central China, have indeed adopted principles and practices from each other, share the tradition of the Centering Meditation Way. According to one my teachers that traveled and studied in the Tien Tai Mountains there is much historical documentation of the Interaction of early Taoist and Buddhist. It is believed as well that some of their methods are identical, while only the object of attention and the goal to be pursued are different. The Orthodox Buddhist Traditions of Theravada, Mahayana & Tibetan have been excellent in documenting and sharing their beliefs on Buddhist meditation, from Theravada practices focusing on "tranquility", "concentration" and "insight" to Chan or Zen methods used in China & Japan. There truly is no shortage of information to learn this tradition from the Buddhist.  

 The Taoist tradition is not so well represented, yet, indirectly, because the Chan/Zen tradition has shined in the mainstream way more than the Taoist. Its not for a lack of credible teachers, many just would rather keep a low profile and fly under the mainstream radar. Often times its due to lack of bilingual teachers as well. The Buddhist do owe much of its systematization to Taoist Traditions of many traditional lineages.

Give yourself a Keeper Tradition

 Whether it be Taoist, Buddhist or any of the available solid Centering Traditions, becoming "one" with the universe inside yourself and outside all around of you is a wonderful feeling attainable anywhere at anytime. Meditation through practice will give meaning of your life and your personal essence, in which you are presented with a fantastic chance to conquer your current circumstances. The deep self healing training offered by the various practices enable us to vanquish self-doubt and negativeness and see through life obstacles. The tradition of Meditation allows the taking of a mental silence. Through meditation we can go beyond the restricted framework that we call our self, and connect with the greater consciousness of the universe. Reaching a universal consciousness that transcends mere self-consciousness, we are brought into contact with an immense force through which miraculous healing can occur. 

Final Thoughts

Having a practice group that are "Qigong friendly" is a good idea for most likely will be able to accelerate the deeper learning of the tradition. Buddhism & Taoism from a traditional pointe of view is not Qigong in a sense; they are spiritual indigenous traditions that became reorganized from Mao Tsu Tung and coined under the umbrella term "Qigong". Christian paths have nothing to do with Qigong or East Asian Spiritual traditions what so ever. They share the "sameness" in their practice of Meditation.

  Good luck on your Path!

Gary Abersold