Level II – Internal Practice
1. More Advanced Sitting Energy-Mastering Meditations – Beginning Internal Alchemy
Fusion of the Five Elements The Fusion of the Five Elements is the second level of UTC internal Alchemy meditation. The concept of Internal Alchemy is grounded in the Taoist belief that the inner universe is identical to the outer universe. They share the same “cosmology” The knowledge of the Internal Alchemy is a necessary step in becoming connected to the outer universe, from which an unlimited power can be derived for one’s individual benefit. The Taoist Masters reasoned that to become connected to the outer universe, one needs first to gain control of his or her own inner universe. The Fusion of the Five Elements practice is a big step in this direction. One begins with the understanding of the dynamics of the universe, the planet earth, and the human body with respect to their relationship to the Five Agents of Nature (or Energy Phases) and the Eight Forces of Nature. In our inner universe, our organs correspond with these Five Phases of Energy in three distinct ways: controlling, creating and balancing. The Fusion practice combines the energies of the Five Phases of Energy into one harmonious whole.
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Fusion I,II,III (Combined course, Summer & Winter retreat)
A. Fusion of the Five Elements I (F1)
Fusion I uses pakuas to call forth and connect with the five energies and eight forces of nature for protection, to enhance one’s energy and to increase the mind power. The pakuas are energetic figures controlled by the mind to guide energy. In this practice of internal alchemy, the student also learns to transform the negative emotions of worry, sadness, cruelty, anger, and fear into pure energy. This process is accomplished by identifying the source of the negative emotions within the five organs of the body. After the excessive energy of the emotions is filtered out of the organs, the state of psychophysical balance is restored to the body. Freed of negative emotions, the pure energy of the five organs is crystallized into a radiant pearl or crystal ball. The pearl is then circulated in the body and attracts energy from external sources – Universal Energy, Cosmic Particle Energy, and Earth Energy. The pearl plays a central role in the development and nourishment of the soul or energy body. The energy body is then nourished with the pure (virtue) energy of the five organs.
B. Fusion of the Five Elements II (F2)
The second level of Fusion practice teaches additional methods of circulating the pure energy of the five organs once they are freed of negative emotions. When the five organs are cleansed, the positive emotions of kindness, gentleness, respect, fairness, justice, and love are combined into compassion energy that emerges as a natural expression of internal balance. The practitioner is able to monitor his state of balance by observing the quality of emotions arising spontaneously within. The energy of the positive emotions is used to open the three channels running from the perineum, at the base of the sexual organs, to the top of the head. These channels collectively are known as the Thrusting Channels or Routes. In addition, a series of nine levels called the Belt Channels is opened, encircling the nine major energy centers of the body.
C. Fusion of the Five Elements III (F3)
The third level of Fusion practice completes the cleansing of the energy channels in the body by opening the Bridge and Regulator channels. You also learn in this level to build some extra psychic protection, You learn techniques to drive out negative energy entities that attach to the spine and other areas. There are specialized practices to protect the spine and to clear the brain. The opening of the Microcosmic Orbit, the Thrusting Channels, the Belt Channel, the Great Regulator, and Great Bridge Channels makes the body extremely permeable to the circulation of vital energy. The unhindered circulation of energy is the foundation of perfect physical and emotional health. The Fusion practice is one of the greatest achievements of the ancient Taoist masters, as it gives the individual a way of freeing the body of negative emotions, and, at the same time, allows the pure virtues to shine forth.
2. More Advanced Standing and Moving Energy-Mastering Meditations
Level I – Developing Internal Power
A. Tai Chi Chi Kung I (TI)
Tai Chi Chi Kung consists of thirteen movements which are performed in all the four directions, clockwise and counterclockwise. Tai Chi Chi Kung is comprised of four parts:
1. Mind:
a. How to use one’s own mass together with the force of gravity;
b. How to use the bone structure to move the whole body with very little muscular effort;
c. How to learn and master the thirteen movements so that the mind can concentrate on directing the Chi energy.
2. Mind and Chi: How to use the mind to direct the Chi flow.
3. Mind, Chi, and Earth force: How to integrate the three forces into one unit moving unimpeded through the bone structure.
4. Learn applications of Tai Chi for self-defense.
In the practice of Tai Chi Chi Kung, the increased energy flow developed through the Microcosmic Orbit, Fusion work, Iron Shirt, Tao Yin and Tan Tien Chi Kung practices are integrated into one unified movement, so that the body learns more efficient ways of utilising energy in motion. Improper body movements restrict energy flow causing energy blockages, poor posture, and, in some cases, serious illness. Quite often, back problems are the result of improper posture, accumulated tension, weakened bone structure, and psychological stress. One result of increased body awareness through movement is an increased awareness of one’s environment and the potentials it contains. Since Tai Chi is a gentle way of exercising and keeping the body fit, it can be practiced well into advanced age because the movements do not strain one’s physical capacity as some aerobic exercises do.
Before beginning to study the Tai Chi Chi Kung I form, the student must complete: (1) Opening of the Microcosmic Orbit, (2) Iron Shirt Chi Kung I, and (3) Seminal and Ovarian Kung Fu.
Tai Chi Chi Kung I, Tan Tien Chi Kung and Tao Yin are combined in one week of summer retreat.
Level II
B. Iron Shirt II (I2)
In the second level of Iron Shirt, one learns how to combine the mind, heart, bone structure and Chi into one moving unit. The static forms learned in the first level of Iron Shirt evolve at this level into moving postures. The goal of Iron Shirt II is to develop rooting and internal power and the ability to absorb and discharge energy through the tendons. A series of exercises allow the student to change, grow and strengthen the tendons and joints, to stimulate the vital organs and to integrate the fascia, tendons, bones and muscles into one structure. The student also learns methods for releasing accumulated toxins in the muscles and joints of the body. Once energy flows freely through the muscles and joints, accumulated toxins can be discharged out of the body very efficiently without resorting to extreme fasts or special dietary aids. Iron Shirt I is a prerequisite for this course.
C. Iron Shirt III (BM)
In the third level of Iron Shirt, one learns how to strengthen the bones by increasing bone density and structure and to regrow the marrow through bone breathing and internal sexual organ massage. One also learns how to direct internal power to the higher centers. This level of Iron Shirt works directly on the organs, bones and tendons in order to strengthen the entire system beyond its ordinary capacity. An extremely efficient method of vibrating the internal organs allows the practitioner to shake toxic deposits out of the inner structure of each organ by enhancing Chi circulation. This once highly secret method of advanced Iron Shirt, also known as the Golden Bell System. Prerequisites: Iron Shirt Chi Kung I and Healing Love.
D. Tai Chi Chi Kung II (T2)
Tai Chi Chi Kung II is the higher level of moving meditation using the Discharge technique to absorb and transmit the Universal and Earth Forces. The practice consists of the 13 movements performed clockwise & counterclockwise, as in Tai Chi Chi Kung I, with Push Hands applications. This discipline improves postural alignment, and body and mind coordination with self-defense applications.
Level II – Advanced Internal and Discharge Power
A. Tai Chi Chi Kung III – Wu Style (T3)
Tai Chi Wu Style is the advanced level moving meditation using twisting and leaning techniques to open the kua and sacrum for transferring the Cosmic Forces. The practice consists of eight movements performed in the Eight Directions, connecting with the Eight Forces. This discipline balances the hip and sacral alignment, opens the Tan Tien and Kidney fires, and coordinates body and mind movement with self-defense applications.