(Originally in English)
Dear Master Ching Hai,
Will You provide clearer advice regarding the rule on the initiation form that states disciples should not practice breathing techniques of any sort as this will damage our spiritual development?
I have practiced a kind of chi-kong, and have some awareness of moving energy inside and around the body by using mind concentration. Some exercise movements I learned have self-healing effects, they assist the healthy maintenance of my body, and when I practice one of the exercises, a kind of chi-kong walk, up to a more advanced level, the energy can feed all of my body regions. I also use the exercises to spread my love and compassion to the land and surroundings I walk on.
I have actually stopped exercising since taking initiation due to my uncertainty as to what my understanding is of breathing exercises. A Quan Yin messenger once told me that I can do chi-kong but no breathing exercises of any sort. I have difficulty understanding that if I can direct my breath so it is more efficient hence speeding up my enlightenment then why stop? So I would like to know if I can flow chi around my body with my awareness. I would like my life and spiritual practice to be one, so I wish to receive an answer.
Thank You very much Master, for the many miracles which have been helping me and my family in many seen and unseen ways.
Yours sincerely
With warmest regards
Michael
Dear Michael,
You may carry on with your practice of chi-kong, as long as it is for the purpose of physical exercise or training. However, always remember to concentrate on your wisdom eye. This is most beneficial for you. It's not natural to consciously adjust our breathing, or to focus our attention on the chi moving in our body. It is because the chi in our body is also ephemeral. It did not exist before we were born and will not after we die. Our spiritual practice shouldn't rely on the ephemeral things.
Being the supreme method, the Quan Yin Method also includes the effects of chi-kong which comes naturally. This inner sound current, the most superior vibration of the universe, nourishes our spiritual body and also naturally adjusts our physical condition and the circulation of the chi. So, there is no need to interfere with this natural system with our intended consciousness. If we still try to control the chi with our consciousness, then our spiritual development will stop at the mind level, cannot go above it.
For example, your are already in university, so you don't have to do primary school mathematics by using your fingers anymore. You know the answers without thinking even. Similarly, the Quan Yin Method is the most high and the ultimate method. It is a natural, automatic system of doing without doing.
As we practice the Quan Yin Method, we are approaching the origin, the "Tao", and we are naturally filled with love. When we meditate, we are in direct contact with the greatest Love Power, the highest Almighty Power of the universe. Through us, the merciful blessings of God are spread to the whole world, even without our mind knowing, so we will not be affected by our "ego".
Wishing you progress in your practice!