Concentration of the mind or intent is an activity which is conducted by the thought processes found within the cerebrum of the brain. The cerebrum is the focal point of the body's central nervous system. It is the control center for the motion of the entire body. It's activity can produce various phenomena/effects on the body. The cerebrum has a direct influence on the emotions of the body. The thought process cannot be seen, but the effects can be directly seen through such things as the emotional state of the body. The mind can stimulate the motion and reaction of the body's muscular and glandular systems. Consequently, without the use of the mind or intent in the practice of qigong, there is a great decrease in the benefits and will bring qigong down to just a common exercise.

The cells of the brain's nervous system are being rejuvenated 24 hours a day. Within this process, the internal and external body is transmitting messages to its surroundings. This type of message transmission is a minute form of particle flow. However, this type of transmission is in random chaos most of the times. When the mind becomes concentrated on a particular thought, the information can flow in a more concrete manner. It is similar to the transmission of an electrical current without the aid of a wire. The activity of the mind during qigong strives to achieve this kind of function. For example, when the mind concentrates on the Dantian located below the navel, the thoughts are transmitted out to the Dantian from the cerebrum. This will cause a gradual stimulation to the cells within the Dantian thereby producing physiological changes.

Entering Calmness (Ru Jing)

Entering a state of calmness (Ru Jing) is the most essential way to regulate the mind in terms of qigong practice. It is based on the ability to relax the body and to regulate the breath, body, and mind. Entering a state of calmness is directed under the control of the brain. It is the ability to lock out incoming and outgoing information to the brain to produce a high level state of awareness both internally and externally. At this point, the body will have no tension in the muscles and the breath will become even, deep, and smooth.

Entering a calm state is between being awake and being asleep. Therefore, it can be called a third state of being. When asleep, we use ten percent less oxygen than in an awake state. However, during a state of calmness, the body uses 16 percent less oxygen. In fact, those who have achieved high level abilities in entering a state of calmness can use up to 34 percent less oxygen than normal people. The importance of qigong is that it increases the strength of the human body as well as elevates the processes within the brain. In other words, it greatly increases the efficiency of brain cell activity.

Due to the differences in the conditions of various qigong practitioners, which are often quite dissimilar, there will also be differences in the ability to enter a state of calmness. Some may be very profound while others may be slightly shallower.

In the most basic stages the regulation of the body must be completely natural. The breathing pattern must be even and soft; the thoughts must be minimized; and the mind must be in a peaceful mood in order to achieve success in entering a state of calmness.

After a period of practice, the process of entering a state of calmness will gradually deepen. Outside stimuli will not disturb the practitioner during practice. The body will become very light and relaxed and the mind will be naturally concentrated. After a practice session, the spirit will be full, life will be more meaningful, the mind will be clear, and everyday matters will be conducted more efficiently.

At high levels of achievement, the outside world will seem to disappear; the breath will seem to cease; and the body will seem to be non- existent. At this level of practice words cannot completely describe the total experience.

It should be noted as well that not ever style of qigong can attain all of the above states of calmness. Some may attain the highest level of calmness while others may only attain a minimum level. One should not chase after the effects but allow nature to take its course. Only by maintaining a strict practice schedule and persevering will one attain the ability to enter a state of complete calmness.

Methods for Entering a State of Calmness

The practice of entering a state of calmness must be conducted under the basic guidelines of relaxation, the regulation of the body, breath, and mind, and the concentration of the thoughts. Entering a state of calmness is allowing the mind to enter a peaceful quiet state. One should first practice several minutes of relaxation techniques before following the below description:

The eyes should be slightly closed to only allow a slit of light through. The mind should try to close off the ears from hearing outside stimuli. The tongue should be placed on the roof of the mouth and the thoughts within the mind should be removed. The mind should be focused on the Dantian in the lower abdomen. Only by focusing the mind on one point can the mind truly enter a state of calmness. The reason for focusing the mind on the Dantian is to reduce the thought process to a minimum and to reduce external distractions.

In most cases, practitioners use a combination of breathing and mantra techniques to enter a state of calmness. For example, during an inhalation the mind says to itself the word "relax"; and upon exhalation, the mind says "calm". In this way the practitioner gradually enters into a state of calmness.

In order to enter into a state of calmness one must be patient and maintain a strict practice schedule. By establishing this foundation one will definitely achieve the goal of calmness.

Based on clinical tests, it has been established that 30 minutes of practice is more beneficial than two hours of sleep. This is because entering a state of calmness is different from ordinary sleep. Entering a state of calmness allows the central nervous system to obtain enhanced rest unlike sleep. Consequently, entering a state of calmness is one of the key elements in proper qigong for the treatment of disease and sickness that arises in the body.

As stated above, each individual is different, therefore the amount of time required to attain such calmness will vary from one person to the other. Some individuals require only a short period of time to achieve their goals while others may take several years. Certain techniques work for some people while others do not. Subsequently, there have been various techniques designed for the attainment of entering a state of calmness over the centuries. The following will discuss several techniques to aid in this. The first technique of using the Dantian has already been described above.

The second technique is to gently close the eyes to only allow a slit of light through in order to see the tip of the nose or the tip of the toes. The eyes look but do not really see; the ears hear but do not really hear. It is said that by gazing at the toes entering a state of calmness will be easier. In order to do this, one must by in a lying position with the head slightly elevated by a pillow. This not only aids in entering a state of calmness, but it also aids in the circulation of blood and internal energy to the lower extremities of the body.

Another technique often used to enter into a state of calmness is to use one's imagination. The practitioner thinks of some type of natural setting such as a flower, grass, flowing water, mountain peak, and others to release the tension within the mind. By using the imagination to look at a setting, one will unit the spirit with the vision being seen. By doing this the thoughts within the mind will be reduced which in turn leads to calmness.

One other technique is to count one's breaths. This means when the breath is inhaled, the mind counts one; and when exhalation occurs, the mind counts two. This is repeated over and over. After counting to a certain point, the counting can be reversed back to one. Continue this process until the mind has entered a state of calmness.