Shaping the Alchemic Consciousness: The Teaching of the Immortal Cao Guojiu
The core concept within the immortal Cao Guojiu’s teaching is the transformation of one type of energy into another. The fundamental component of his art is the formation of the Dantian, or, in other words – the shaping of the alchemic consciousness.
The building of the alchemic consciousness leads to the ability to process the temporal energies yin qi and yang qi into such types of energy that are not subject to the destructive influence of time: these are known as yin shen and yang shen. In order to achieve this, a source of yin jing and yang jing energies has to be created. This source or center is what is commonly referred to as the Dantian.
This knowledge is believed to have been guarded by Dong Wang Gong, the mythological Ruler of the East. Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West, asked him to share it with her, so that she could perfect her nature. Whatever the folklore versions surrounding this teaching, building of the alchemic consciousness is fundamental to Daoist alchemy. Later on this doctrine became also known as ‘Royal’, since it suited very well rulers and governors who aspired to find the fastest and most perfect way to achieve immortality.
A member of the then ruling Song dynasty (960-1279) named Cao Guojiu embarked on a search for the elixir of immortality and was lucky to meet the immortal Lu Dongbin. Lu Dongbin told Cao that the quickest way to achieve the desired goal was related to the ‘Beginning’, but the slowest one was the cultivation of that very ‘Beginning’. When asked about how to get hold of it, Lu Dongbin advised Cao to request the help of Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West. Xiwangmu taught Cao Guojiu the art of the ‘Beginning’, or the art of forming ‘the One’. When Cao mastered this practice he was exalted, since, on the one hand, he had learned the laws of the eternal energy transformation and, on the other, he could continue to live as a ruler.
At the end of the 18th century this practice was elaborated and established in the form it is known today by Liu Yiming (1734-1821), who was the eleventh generation patriarch of the Longmen (Dragon Gate) School in the mountains of Qiyun, modern province of Gansu. Thus, the establishment of the Dantian formation practice could be attributed to Liu Yiming and the Longmen School.
Program
The practice of the alchemic consciousness building is fundamental to Daoist alchemy. Not only does it form an understanding of correctness in one’s actions but also an idea of how to travel along the path of Alchemy.
- The Art of forming the alchemic consciousness (Lecture)
- Shaping the ‘Beginning’ of the Dantian (Practice)
- Nourishing the Dantian: Short Energy (Practice)
- Strengthening the Dantian: Middle Energy (Practice)
- Cultivating the Dantian: Long Energy (Practice)
Terms and Conditions
- Advanced seminar for INBI World members. Please enquire for participation.
- Limited places
Items Required
- 1.4–1.6 m. staff (bamboo or rattan)
- Short stick (around 30 сm.), 3–4 сm wide
- Basketball-size ball.
Schedule
| May 23 | 18.00–22.00 |
| May 24—25 | 16.00—21.00 |
Fees
- Prices are quoted in EUR.
- Please note that a prepayment is needed to guarantee registration.
- Some prerequisites exist for attending this event. Please contact us for more information.
RSS: