Mantak Chia, the Thai author and teacher offers a unique system of meditation. Instead of focusing on one point in the body such as the mid-eyebrow point, or looking at an object like a lighted candle, he teaches a method for moving energy around the body while in a meditative state, with the aim of gradually opening energy channels.
In addition to the meditation technique, Mantak Chia offers a complete system for personal development which includes healing techniques and self-defence. Though having direct teaching is the best method of learning, there are several books, tapes and DVDs available to help anyone interested.
Though initially teaching in the USA, Mantak Chia has now an established retreat center in Thailand. Additionally, there are retreat sessions held around the world where the system can be learnt first-hand. The main website is https://www.universal-tao.com where you will also find some free mp3 audio lessons.
The simplest book to begin with is “Awaken Healing Energy Through the Tao” by Mantak and Maneewan Chia. This teaches the basic exercises known as the “inner smile” and the “microcosmic orbit”. These exercises form the basis for entire system and involve going into a meditative state, smiling down to each of the main organs of the body, and circulating energy (chi) through the energy channels. These techniques will take a few days to learn but once mastered can be completed within a few minutes.
The other basic exercise is the “six healing sounds” which provides work on emotional release and negative emotions in order to lessen the damage these emotions can cause in the body and mind.
It’s particularly commendable the way Mantak Chia emphasizes safe meditation practice by teaching the need to end the meditation by storing any excess energy around the navel. Also, all the exercises and postures are clearly illustrated in his books.
For anyone interested in studying Mantak Chia’s complete Healing Tao system then “Awaken Healing Light of the Tao” by Mantak and Maneewan Chia can be recommended. It’s a large volume (561 pages), most suitable for more experienced mind/body/spirit practitioners, and offers a comprehensive overview of the system.
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Yoga is a way of life, a conscious act, not a set or series of learning principles. The dexterity, grace, and poise you cultivate, as a matter of course, is the natural outcome of regular practice. You require no major effort. In fact trying hard will turn your practices into a humdrum, painful, even injurious routine and will eventually slow down your progress. Subsequently, and interestingly, the therapeutic effect of Yoga is the direct result of involving the mind totally in inspiring (breathing) the body to awaken. Yoga is probably the only form of physical activity that massages each and every one of the body’s glands and organs. This includes the prostate, a gland that seldom, if ever, gets externally stimulated in one’s whole life.