An Outline of Simple Taoist Meditation

The Taoist meditation practices are less abstract than the other similar methods evolved in India (the Hindu and Buddhist systems). One of the main focuses of Taoist meditation concerns the circulation of deh-chee, or internal energy. This method of mediation can be used to fortify a healthy life style, and prolong life expectancy. It can achieve this by improving your spiritual relationships with the world around you. Practical aspects of Taoist meditation can involve interests and activities such as spiritual healing, self-knowledge, and concentration.

There are two elements in Taoist meditation. The first is the “jing”, which means calmness and stillness. The second is the “ding”, which stands for focus and concentration. Calmness is directed towards cutting off external factors of disturbance, thus allowing you to concentrate your attention towards your inner self. By focusing on the breathing and allowing your mind to concentrate, you should be able to reach a state called “one-pointed awareness”.

One-pointed awareness in Taoist Meditation allows you to achieve a deep concentration, enabling you to get a better understanding of whatever it is that you are focusing on. There should be no, or very limited, distractions during this heightened awareness state. This technique may be used efficiently to find solutions to problems presented by the exterior world and also prepares you to deal with these difficulties.

The initial steps of practicing Taoist meditation can often be difficult, as your mind will not be willing to cooperate fully in the process. It is not easy to tap into the high potential of the subconscious mind. Our thoughts tend to wonder, thus increasing confusion when we need clarity; this can bring mental chaos at a time when order is sought. There are six ways that enable you to recover your inner concentration and increase your ability to focus precisely on what you dictate your mind to, not vice versa.

Taoist Meditation - 6 Ways To Achieve Concentration

1. Focus on the flow of energy through your body. You can do this by paying special attention to your breathing, to the air going in and out of your lungs.

2. Take this a step further and focus on the contractions of the abdominal area as you breath in and out.

3. Imagine a candle, with your eyes closed. Shift your focus on the center of the flame but don’t loose sight of the flame's edges. At this stage it is vital to eliminate or ignore all outside interferences.

4. Practice mantra, the 'sacred syllables' which lead to a harmony of the mind and relaxation of the body. The three most effective syllables are 'om', which brings equilibrium to your body, 'ah', which balances your vital energy, and 'hum', which takes the spirit into a heightened state of awareness and focus. Chanting of the syllables should be done in a deep, low-pitched tone and a long exhale of the air.

5. Allow your breathing to create a rhythmic “drum beat” which will increase your energy and help you ignore outside interferences.

6. Focus on a symbol that is very important to you. This can be a person you love, a deity or a place or notion. When you feel relaxed and focused switch back to the meditation.