The Chakras

There is a common error within the Qi Gong community whereby the three Dan Tian are believed to be the same thing as the seven chakras, albeit three of them. This is not the case. The three Dan Tian exist as an aspect of the energetic matrix with associated physiological components. The seven chakras exist within the spiritual range of frequencies with some associated tethers into the energetic realm. Though they have no literal form, the seven chakras are experienced as being much smaller than the Dan Tian and have a very clear quality to them that can only really be experienced when at the stage of harmonising the Shen. Within Qi Gong, they are known under three sets of names: either the Qi Huo (七火) ‘seven fires’, Qi Ding (七鼎) ‘seven cauldrons’ or the Qi Lun (七輪) ‘seven wheels’. The seven ‘fires’ or ‘wheels’ reside within the spiritual aspect of the channel running through our spine. They serve as a way to unlock various aspects of the Yuan Shen with regards to how it is tethered into the realm of manifestation. Though the Chakra are rarely talked of in Daoist literature, they are indeed a part of the Daoist tradition. They form a larger part of Shen Gong (神功) ‘spirit skill’, Xin Ling Li (心靈力) ‘psychic ability development’ or Guan Chan (觀禪) ‘realised perception’ practice. These systems of practice develop refinement of Shen through tantric meditation methods, directed development of siddhis and enlightenment, respectively. Although they have a relation to Nei Gong, they are distinct systems of practice in their own right.

That being said, for interest, those who would like to understand the place of the chakra system within Daoism may be interested in the general functions of each of these spiritual centres and so I have listed them below:

Chun Zhen Lun (純真輪) – Wheel of Genuine Truth

Zhen Zhi Lun (真知輪) – Wheel of Genuine Knowledge

Zheng Dao Lun (正道輪) – Wheel of the Upright Path

Ren Ai Lun (仁愛輪) – Wheel of Benevolent Love

Da Tong Lun (大同輪) – Wheel of Great Harmony

Kuan Shu Lun (寬恕輪) – Wheel of Expressive Compassion

Zi Jue Lun (自覺輪) – Wheel of Self Awakening

Wheel of Genuine Truth

This Lun sits at the base of the spine or sometimes it is listed as being in the region of the perineum. It is the equivalent of the Muladhara Chakra as it is generally known within Yogic systems and the ‘sacral fire’ of alchemical traditions. The Chen Zhen Lun governs the base desires of the mind; when it is open, base desires are transmuted into supreme will that is aligned with the will of Heaven. There is a recognised ‘trap’ here: if the Lun in this location of the body opens prematurely, with a lack of spiritual refinement, then a practitioner will be left with a deep, nihilistic dislike of life.

Wheel of Genuine Knowledge

This Lun sits at the level of lower lumbar of the spine. It is the equivalent of the Svadisthana Chakra as it is generally known within Yogic systems and the Ming Men (命門) fire of alchemical systems. The Zhen Zhi Lun governs your emotional programming; when it is open, a higher degree of emotional intelligence unfolds within you. There is a recognised ‘trap’ here: if the Lun in this location of the body opens prematurely, with a lack of spiritual refinement, then a practitioner will become driven by power and dominance.

Wheel of the Upright Path

This Lun sits at the level of the solar plexus. It is the equivalent of the Manipura Chakra as it is generally known within Yogic systems and the Zhong Shu (中樞) fire of alchemical traditions. The Zheng Dao Lun governs your spiritual sense of ‘self’; when it is open, the knowledge of ‘right action’ and ‘right practice’ as is required to first build and then dissolve the sense of self is innately understood. There is a recognised ‘trap’ here: if the Lun in this location of the body opens prematurely, with a lack of spiritual refinement, then it is possible to become overly attached to the sense of self; the materialistic side of your nature can become an overwhelming drive.

Wheel of Benevolent Love

This Lun sits at the level of the Heart-centre. It is the equivalent of the Anahata Chakra as it is generally known within Yogic systems and the Shen Dao (神道) fire of alchemical traditions. The Ren Ai Lun governs your sense of connection to others as well as the way in which you relate with them. When this Lun is opened, it brings with it a great sense of peace and loving connection to all life forms. There is a recognised ‘trap’ here: if the Lun in this location of the body opens prematurely, with a lack of spiritual refinement, then a deep feeling of dis-connection from all others can be experienced. This results in loneliness and depression which permeates through the Shen of the practitioner.

Wheel of Great Harmony

This Lun sits at the level of the occiput or, sometimes, it is linked to the throat. It is the equivalent of the Vishuddha Chakra as it is generally known within Yogic systems and the Ya Men (啞門) fire of alchemical traditions. The Da Tong Lun governs your ability to communicate the deeper truths of your spiritual being. When this Lun is opened, it brings forth the ability to express yourself with honesty and truth in a way that permeates through to the core of the ‘self’ of others. It is the important Lun centre of spiritual teachers within the esoteric Daoist traditions. There is a recognised ‘trap’ here: if the Lun in this location of the body opens prematurely, with a lack of spiritual refinement, then feelings of mistrust and resentment can arise in a person. This often comes with a feeling of constriction of the throat that is worsened when in the company of other people.

Wheel of Expressive Compassion

This Lun sits within the centre of the head. It is the equivalent of the Ajna Chakra as it is generally known within Yogic systems and the Yin Tang (印堂) fire of alchemical traditions. The Kuan Shu Lun governs your ability to experience the true nature of reality as well as the complexities of Ming as it is experienced by all living beings. When this Lun is opened, it gives the ability to perceive the nature of reality as well as a deep understanding of the spiritual needs of others. There is a recognised ‘trap’ here: if the Lun in this location of the body opens prematurely, with a lack of spiritual refinement, then delusion, madness and great mental anguish will arise.

Wheel of Self Awakening

This Lun sits upon the crown of the head. It is the equivalent of the Sahasrara Chakra as it is generally known within Yogic systems and the Bai Hui (百會) fire of alchemical traditions. The Zi Jue Lun controls your connection to the ‘Heavenly realms’ and Dao itself. When this Lun is opened, it brings with it an awakening to the delusion of your false sense of self; it is the precursor to enlightenment within esoteric systems utilising the Lun system. There is a recognised ‘trap’ here: if the Lun in this location of the body opens prematurely, with a lack of spiritual refinement, then there will be insanity, a tendency towards demonic influence and a great level of inner suffering that will arise from being still attached to the earthly realm.

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This piece was an excerpt from my forthcoming book: A Comprehensive Guide to Daoist Nei Gong which is available to pre-order from Amazon bookstores. Click on this link for more details.