"Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing"
Entering
a quiet state of mind.
Another basic skill used in mastering Qigong is how to concentrate and regulate one's mental activity so as to enter a quiet, meditative state. Much of the success of a Qigong practice depends on the level of peace and quietness one can attain. This entering a quiet state refers to a settled and peaceful state of mind that is free of thoughts. All awareness of external stimuli is there by reduced, even to the point that the practitioner's sense of position and weight are lost, until one reaches a state where the person is conscious yet not conscious, aware yet not aware. In this way, the cerebral cortex enters a quiet state.
Most people find it difficult to enter into such a quiet place - being frequently disturbed by extraneous thoughts. With patience and perseverance peach of mind can gradually be attained.
There are five common methods used to help enter such a state.
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Fixing the Mind: The mind concentrates on a point on the body, most commonly the "Dan Tian". When concentrating the practitioner must rid one's mind of all extraneous thoughts. Do not over-concentrate - instead remain relaxed and natural, keeping one's thoughts at the point, yet not stuck there. |
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Following the Breath: Here one concentrates on the breath - essentially on the undulation of the abdominal area while breathing. Do not attempt to control the breath. Practice until a quiet state is reached where the breath and mind are united. |
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Counting the Breath: One inhalation and one exhalation count as one breath. Silently count each breath until one can count to 200 without the mind wandering - your ears hear nothing, your eyes see nothing, and there are no extraneous thoughts. |
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Silent Reciting: Words or phrases are recited in the mind. They should be simple so the practitioner can enter a quiet state. One can, for instance, recite the words "relax", "quiet", or "one." Others use a mantra, such as "OM." Any of these have proved to be of great help in calming the mind. |
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Listening to the Breath: Use your ears to actually listen to your respiration. It is best to reach the stage at which one cannot actually hear one's breathing, and so by attempting and concentrating to hear when one cannot, it aids the process of entering a quiet state. |
To begin with, the practitioner may practice on "fixing the mind." Then, once the person is comfortable, gradually turn to "following the breath" and "listening to the breath." Or, one may choose to stay with "fixing the mind."
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