Taoist meditation comes from the Taoism religion of China. Taoist meditation is much simpler than Hindu, Buddhist or Zen forms of meditation.
There are no postures involved in Taoist meditation. Taoist meditation aims to gain wisdom by the close observation of incidents and things in our surroundings.
Taoism Beliefs
Taoism has five core beliefs or principles.
- Chi:It refers to the flow of energy. Taoism believes that balance in both quality and quantity of this energy is essential for well being. This is achieved through breath control and acupuncture.
- Feng Shui: This is the art of placement of things in such a way so as to optimize the flow of energy in our surroundings.
- Interdependency between Life and Death: Taoism believes in the duality of nature. It recognizes good and bad as two sides of a coin. It believes that everything is a stage of transformation.
- The Eight Immortals: These are eight realities of life represented as powerful living beings.
- The Ultimate Reality: The ultimate reality in Taoism is not easily understood. It is best described as “being” and “non-being”.
Taoist Meditation Technique
Taoist meditation consists of two basic guidelines, stillness and concentration. The aim of Taoist meditation is to turn your focus inside and cut off external stimulation. This allows intuitive ideas to flow from inside your mind.
- Sit comfortably, balancing your weight evenly. Straighten the spine, and pay attention to the sensations in the body.
- After your body is balanced and comfortable in itself, focus on your breath. Observe as it flows in and out of the nostrils and the lungs.
- Your mind may wander to other things. But bring it gently on to your breath.
- Do this for atleast ten minutes. Increase the duration gradually everyday.
- Another effective meditation technique is to concentrate on a candle flame. With your eyes half-closed, concentrate on a candle flame. Focus on the centre, but also take in the edges with peripheral vision.
