Root Practice (Part 2) - Ankles and Knees

Taoist yoga seeks to establish a balance between the Father-Yang energy (heavenly energy) and the Mother-Yin energy (earth energy) within the human body (human energy). These three energy forms are known as the "three pure forces", derived from the dual unity of yin and yang generated by the "Great Ultimate" (tai chi). Tao is the incomprehensible source of all things. The concept of the trinity dates back to shamanic ancient Chinese practices that predate Taoism. The shamanic universe has always consisted of three forms or three worlds - the upper world, the middle world and the lower world.

In Taoist yoga, the upper world is compared with the heavenly energy of the Father-Yang, the middle world with human energy (also known as “cosmic energy”).
go plane", or the energy that exists between Earth and Heaven), the lower world - with the yin energy of Mother Earth. The “three treasures” of Taoist yoga - qi, jing and shen (breath, body and mind) - are also a product of the “three pure forces”. Father Yang gives birth to Shen. Mother Earth gives birth to Jing. Human energy generates qi.

In order for the reader to get an idea of ​​the origins of internal alchemy, let me make a brief excursion into the history of this issue. The very structure of Taoist yoga undoubtedly resembles more ancient shamanic rituals and practices. My teachers claimed that the art known as “Taoist yoga” originated more than six thousand years ago. There is no direct evidence for this statement, but indirect evidence suggests that shamanism is one of the oldest religions.

Over time, the shamanic structure of knowledge has undergone significant changes and has been creatively rethought. This book provides only the initial knowledge necessary on the long and difficult path of internal alchemy. For those interested in aspects related to the higher levels of the alchemical process, I refer you to my first book, The Tao and the Tree of Life.

Sometimes beginners are in too much of a hurry to begin a practice associated with the highest level of spiritual comprehension (heavenly energy). However, progress on the path of knowledge of Tao depends on the energy of Mother Earth, which must be in harmony with the energy of Heavenly Father.

It is at this stage that the need to perform the “rooting” exercise arises. It makes it possible to achieve balance between human energy (the middle world), the energy of Mother Earth (the lower world) and heavenly energy (the upper world). The latter is a derivative of the energy of the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, galaxies and constellations, united by the universal Energy of the Spirit.

Last week you learned about the nine points of the foot. The legs bear the weight of the entire body. If you learn to connect with the earth through these points, you will find that the weight of the body falls exactly in the middle of the foot, at the point that the Taoists call the “bubbling brook” (“bubbling spring”). It is through nine points that one can establish interaction with the earth at the level of energy exchange. When they are “open,” your feet “breathe.” By focusing on them, you will be able to receive energy supply directly from the earth. Healing earthly energy has a beneficial effect on organs and glands. You will feel an inextricable unity with the planet, whose energy strengthens all the elements in your body.