Historical past of Qigong: The Small Universe (or Microcosmic Orbit)

The Small Universe.

The Microcosmic Orbit.

The Small Circulation.

Imagine it or not, all three of those phrases are translations of the identical Chinese language qigong approach, known as Xiao Zhou Tian (小周天).

If you wish to hear a local speaker, who could or could not even be a robotic, pronounce the phrases in Mandarin, click on right here to go to Google Translate after which click on the speaker icon subsequent to the Chinese language characters.

In any other case, you possibly can hearken to me do a B+ job of saying the Chinese language phrases:

Right now, we’re going to take a quick have a look at the historical past of this method. I’ll use the interpretation Small Universe just because that’s what I’ve used for years. The opposite translations are additionally acceptable. Use the one you want finest.

I’ve written a number of weblog posts on qigong historical past, and this will likely be one other in that collection. You don’t must learn the earlier articles to be able to perceive this one. In actual fact, this text is likely to be higher to start out with. Nonetheless, listed here are the opposite articles:

I’ve additionally written 2 articles particularly in regards to the Small Universe:

Now let’s dive in.

In response to Wikipedia, the Small Universe entails “respiratory workouts at the side of meditation and focus strategies which develop the circulation of qi alongside sure pathways of power within the human physique which can be acquainted to those that are finding out conventional Chinese language medication, Qigong, tai chi, Neidan and Chinese language alchemy. The train could be carried out normally at first in a sitting place, nevertheless it can be practiced standing as in Zhan zhuang or with actions included as with T’ai chi ch’uan.”

(Observe: Neidan interprets roughly to Taoist inside alchemy; zhan zhuang is a sort of qigong standing meditation; and T’ai chi ch’uan is an outdated spelling of tai chi.)

Actually, Wikipedia did a reasonably good job there. It’s a bit wordy, however I used to be pleasantly stunned as a result of Wikipedia could be hit and miss relating to qigong. So this can be a good begin.

Right here’s my very own fast description of the Small Universe, to enrich what’s written above:

• It may be carried out seated or standing. Each variations have execs and cons.
• It has little or no seen motion. An observer would in all probability assume you’re doing breath work or sitting meditation and won’t even affiliate it with qigong.
• It makes use of targeted intention to direct the qi alongside the Ren and Du meridians, thereby creating an orbit or a circuit. The orbit is as follows:
  • 1) from the decrease lip, down the centerline of the torso, right down to the perineum, after which
  • 2) from the perineum, up the centerline of the again, across the prime of the top, and right down to the higher lip.
• It carries extra dangers than different forms of qigong, however it’s nonetheless very secure in the event you observe it inside the 5-Section Routine (which you’ll study in my packages and my e book), and with just a few different easy security valves that I educate in my methodolgy.
• It’s a pure course of that’s already taking place in your physique; nevertheless, till you observe the approach, the circulation of the circuit shouldn’t be clean, steady, or voluminous.
• It’s a really pleasurable type of quiescent qigong that I discover to be extra accessible than sitting meditation. (If you happen to even have ADHD, then you definately may need an analogous expertise.)

Within the qigong world, the Small Universe is usually seen as the final word qigong approach. In some colleges, together with mine, it’s the most superior approach taught. In different colleges, nevertheless, it’s taught to newbies. I’m not a fan of this method, as I wrote about in this text right here. I feel college students ought to have a strong basis with the 5-Section Routine earlier than training the Small Universe.

The Small Universe was practiced by each Taoist and Shaolin monks for longevity, spirituality, and likewise for martial arts. It is without doubt one of the oldest qigong strategies nonetheless practiced as we speak and its roots hint again hundreds of years. These Chinese language monks sought to know the circulation of power inside the human physique and so they believed that by harnessing and directing this power, they might obtain enlightenment, higher well being, and excessive longevity.

The identify hints at an astronomical orbit, just like the orbit of the earth across the solar, however inside the human physique. The observe entails two predominant power channels: the Ren (任脈) and Du (督脈) meridians. These channels kind a steady loop, with 2 small gaps. One hole is between the higher and decrease lips, and the opposite is on the perineum.

Right here’s a easy drawing that I did as an example the trail. And sure, I perceive {that a} 6-year-old may undoubtedly do a greater job. I can write good however I’m badly at drawing:

To attach the orbit of the Small Universe, we have to not solely direct the power alongside the trail, but additionally assist it to “soar” throughout the 2 gaps. We do that each bodily (by lifting the tongue and lifting the pubococcygeus muscle) and likewise energetically (by internally directing the power throughout the gaps).

In response to Dr. Yang Jwing Ming, a well-respected scholar and likewise (briefly) one in all my lecturers, the Small Universe in all probability developed round 500AD. Though classical texts from earlier than 500 AD point out strategies just like the Small Universe, the complete approach wasn’t mentioned till later. Moreover, Chinese language medical principle was not mature sufficient to present a theoretical background to the Small Universe.

Over the millennia, this observe has been handed down via varied lineages, every including their distinctive taste and strategies. However the core ideas have remained constant. To my data, all variations nonetheless contain the essential premise of connecting the Ren and Du meridians in an orbit, and all lineages use the identical route for the circulation. Some lineages, nevertheless, additionally reverse the circulation in the wrong way.

After 500 AD, the Small Universe was repeatedly revised and possibly peaked in the course of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Lots of the martial tales that we now have in regards to the Small Universe in all probability got here from this era. You’ll even discover discuss of the approach in among the Wuxia novels, that are form of like quick works of fantasy kung fu fiction.

The Small Universe is deeply rooted in historic Chinese language Taoist texts and practices. Listed below are some notable texts that debate or allude to the Small Universe and associated power circulation practices:

1. c. 300 BC – The Circulating Qi Inscription (Xing Qi Ming, 行氣銘) gives an in depth description of the circulation of qi. The Xing Qi Ming won’t describe this precise methodology in the way in which modern practitioners perceive it, nevertheless it does emphasize the significance of circulating qi for well being and religious advantages.
2. c. 100 CE – Huangdi Neijing (黄帝内经): Translated because the “Yellow Emperor’s Inside Canon”, that is the elemental textual content of Conventional Chinese language Medication. It speaks about respiratory qi and retaining the thoughts tranquil and promote longevity. It additionally talks about Qi Circulation Principle, the Principle of 5 Components, and the Principle of Yin and Yang.
3. c. 400 CE – Daozang (道藏): Sometimes called the “Taoist Canon”, the Daozang is an enormous assortment of Taoist texts. Inside its many volumes, there are discussions on meditation, alchemy, and power practices, together with strategies associated to the Small Universe.
4. c. 1688 CE – Secret of the Golden Flower (太乙金华宗旨): This can be a Taoist meditation treatise, and whereas it doesn’t explicitly element the Small Universe, it touches on related ideas of power circulation and inside alchemy.
5. 1971 CE – Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality: This can be a translation of a more moderen textual content, nevertheless it gives detailed directions on Taoist power practices, together with the Small Universe. Lots of the trendy variations of the Small Universe have been in all probability influenced by this e book.

For tons of of years, the Small Universe was prized by martial artists searching for to extend their punching and kicking energy. Sadly, due to the secrecy of the Chinese language martial custom, we don’t have many historic sources outdoors of the oral traditions.

Many martial arts traditions used what is known as the Forceful Small Universe. Because the identify implies, this can be a extra forceful model of the approach. Nevertheless, some traditions, together with the tai chi custom, used the Mild Small Universe.

I’ve realized each variations, however I desire the Mild Small Universe. It matches in higher with my methodology, it’s safer, and it’s extra pleasurable.

There are tales of masters throwing a celebration when then achieved the breakthrough of the Small Universe. It is because the Small Universe not solely improve the cultivation of inside energy, nevertheless it additionally protects towards deviations brought on by improper coaching.

This concept that the Small Universe is protecting runs counter to a number of the recommendation that you simply hear as we speak. To be honest, a few of my very own previous writings could have brought on confusion on this matter. Right here’s what actually issues:

When the Small Universe is finished nicely, it’s a qi-circulation approach that’s protecting in an analogous means as Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow. It protects exactly as a result of it circulates.

The tough half is that doing the Small Universe nicely does NOT imply doing it completely. In actual fact, perfectionism would possibly simply be the #1 enemy relating to training qigong. With a purpose to get the protecting advantages of this method, we have to be skillful at following the 3 Golden Guidelines.

Right now, the Small Universe is principally present in qigong colleges. An identical model can be present in some yoga colleges, notably Kundalini Yoga. Nevertheless, the elemental distinction is that the Small Universe works on an orbit of power, versus only a rising of power up the backbone like in Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini Syndrome is a contemporary phrase used to explain individuals who expertise issues after training this sort of yoga. An identical however awful-sounding phrase is present in Chinese language: Escape Fireplace Enter Demon (走火入魔, zou huo ru mo). Each of those phrases refer to what’s recognized within the qigong world as a deviation.

I’ve written about qigong deviations earlier than right here: Qigong Deviation vs. Qigong Cleaning: What College students Must Know

My private feeling is that the Small Universe has gotten a nasty rap over the past 50 years. Quite a lot of college students are scared to observe it. If we demystify the approach and easily view it for what it’s – i.e. a complicated observe – then it shouldn’t be scary in any respect.

Getting in your automotive carries extra inherent dangers than training qigong, which may be very secure when carried out appropriately.

So there you have got it—the Small Universe, a way as historic as it’s highly effective. Whether or not you’re a martial artist seeking to amplify your inside drive, or somebody merely searching for a deeper reference to your personal power, this observe has one thing for everybody. However keep in mind, it’s not a fast repair or a magic bullet. Like all issues value doing, mastering the Small Universe takes time, dedication, and correct steering.

In my subsequent article, we’ll dive into the real-world advantages of this unbelievable approach, demystifying it additional. Till then, hold your qi flowing and your coronary heart smiling.

Sources:

1. The Root of Chinese language Qigong: Secrets and techniques of Well being, Longevity & Enlightenment by Yang Jwing-Ming. This e book gives a complete overview of qigong, its historical past, and its foundational practices. Whereas it covers a broad vary of matters, it delves briefly into respiratory strategies as nicely, lots of that are associated to the Small Universe.
2. Awaken Therapeutic Power Via The Tao: The Taoist Secret of Circulating Inside Energy by Mantak Chia. Mantak Chia is a widely known determine on the earth of Taoist practices, and this e book particularly discusses the Microcosmic Orbit (Small Universe) approach. Sadly, this e book has carried out hurt to unsuspecting college students. The strategy taught on this e book shouldn’t be appropriate for newbies. Learn my article in regards to the dangers for extra on this matter.
3. Taoist Yoga: Alchemy & Immortality by Charles Luk: This e book interprets and interprets a traditional Chinese language textual content on Taoist esoteric yoga, and it gives directions on varied power practices, probably together with the Small Universe.
4. Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation by Yang Jwing-Ming. This e book delves deep into the Small Circulation (or Small Universe) meditation approach, discussing its historical past, significance, and observe. As a lot as I respect Dr. Yang, I’m not certain that this e book is useful to new practitioners as a result of it overcomplicates the idea of the approach. It is likely to be good to have in your shelf for reference, however I feel there are higher methods to show the Small Universe.
5. Chinese language Medical Qigong by Tianjun Liu.
6. My former instructor’s books.

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