Chi Flame
Due to incorrect theories of what the Ki/Chi Flame is, the name may bring a bad taste to your mouth. Perhaps the image is that of a person embodied by a flame of energy to enhance his strength and speed. As well, it may conjure memories of novices asking how to "power up" and the likes. However, the true Chi Flame is nothing like the version that has been created in the minds of those who are captured by Japanese Anime.
One of the traditional Taoist exercises to cultivate the Chi was also called the Chi Flame(the actual Chinese word translated more as "burning one-point"). It was one of the extensive list of exercises found in Nei Gung. A now extinct form of what has become known as Chi Kung. The exercise was a form of meditation that focused on the expansion of the Tan Tien so that it merged with the Higher and Middle Tan Tien(Some Taoist beliefs said that there were actually three Tan Tiens). In whole, the practicer would become one with his one-point. This technique cured illness and, for a time, gave the student an exceptional skill with Chi.
The Exercise-
Now it is time for me to share the actual exercise that was the Chi Flame. Go along with your regular meditation exercise as layed down before(or use on of your own).
After about 15 repetitions of the four-fold breathing, begin to focus soley on your Tan Tien. By now, your breathing should rythymic and automatic so that you do not have to think about your breathing as much in order to maintain the four-fold breath. The proceedure from here goes as follows: When you inhale, bring in the Chi from the Earth through your nostrils then down straight in to your Tan Tien. When you hold your breath, visualize that chi fully mixing with your Tan Tien. As you Exhale, let that Chi expand your Tan Tien in the shape of a fire(optional). As you exhale further let the fire grow inside of you, untill finally you are out of breath. At this point, repeat the process.
Do not let the fire grow quickly! If it does, then the effects will be minimal. Instead, try to only let it expand about an inch or two in width and hieght for every breath. At that rate, it should take about 30+ full cycles untill the fire has engulfed your body.
When the fire reaches about your chest cavity in hieght, and spreads out to your knees in width(if you are sitting cross legged), you will most likely feel a surge of heat constantly fluxuating through your body. There have been instances in my sessions of practice where the hairs on my body could be felt standing on end.
When the flame has engulfed you fully, then the session has ended. As the day goes on the energy will depleat down to it's original potency. But for some time after the closing of your meditation, you will feel invigorated and notice an increase in the effects of any following psychic or chi related practices.
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William
