Chapter XV
Summary of the Seven Stages
of Taoist Esoteric Yoga
Small Heavenly Cycle (Microcosmic Orbit)
The introduction to the seven higher formulas of Taoist Esoteric
practice is the Opening of the Microcosmic Orbit, or the rebirth
process of return to the mother's womb. This route is composed
of the Functional and Governor Channels, which must be purified
and linked to form a free-flowing circuit.
The life of a human being begins with the piercing of an egg by
a sperm cell. From this original act of Kung Fu, an enormously
complex human being develops, which is capable of real genius.
The fetus develops around that point, which is called the navel. It is
from this point that nutrients are absorbed and wastes expelled
from the developing creature. Therefore, in the Warm Current
Practice the navel is a point of overriding importance. While in the
womb the human being doesn't breathe air (the lungs do not function
at all). Energy and oxygen are passed to the fetus through the
umbilical chord. When the energy flows into the fetus' body, it enters
at that point at which the navel will later be after the umbilical cord
is severed. Then it proceeds downwards to the bottom of the trunk
flows all the way up the spine to the crown of the head and from
there flows down the middle of the face continuing on to the navel,
again to complete the circuit.
The fetus, it is said, automatically touches its tongue to its palate.
This serves to link the two energy channels and allows the power
to flow. The crown of the baby's head is open and moves up and
down. This is due to the waxing and waning of the flow of power
through this particular part of the body.
Thus, the tongue is the terminus of the Functional Channel. This
energy pathway begins at the bottom of the trunk at the point midway
between the anus and the testes, called, the "Hui-Yin". From thereChapter XV