Are you constantly under stress? Do you feel you lack peace and happiness in life? Then it’s high time you tried meditation.

On that note, Chinese meditation is something we need to talk about. Would you like to know more? Keep reading!

Basics Of Chinese Meditation:

Chinese meditation is more than 2,500 years old, and its benefits are time tested. As a matter of fact, it has several wings, and they are practiced by thousands of followers in both China and other parts of the world. Chinese meditation forms focus on bringing balance in the mind and harmonizing the body. They also help regulate the breathing process. It is only in the last few decades that the use and popularity of Chinese meditation in the Western world has gone up.

There are quite a few variants of Chinese meditation –including Buddhist meditation, Tai Chi, Taoist, and qigong meditation. Continue reading to know them!

1. Taoist Meditation:

This ancient Chinese meditation technique focuses on non-action. It teaches you the concept of flowing with circumstances instead of battling them. In this method, your mind becomes conscious of things and phenomena and reflects on them without becoming affected or judgmental. The wisdom that you obtain from the meditation helps you go with the flow. Various adaptations of Taoist meditation exist – including the likes of White Skeleton Visualization, Inner Smile and Embryonic Breathing.

Taoist meditation has some techniques similar to Buddhist and Hindu meditation.

While the word meditation in Chinese denotes sitting, Taoist meditation technique focuses on observing motions and activities in a non-attached way. It also focuses on breathing regulation. Quietness and focusing the mind form the core of Taoist meditation. Stillness helps turn your attention towards the inner self. It also lets you concentrate on breathing, so that the mind remains in an undistracted state. This in turn paves the way for spiritual awakening.

Techniques:

1. In Taoist meditation, you are required to sit comfortably in a half-lotus position with both legs crossed.
2. The spine should be straightened, and the rear can be kept elevated using a cushion or pillow. This position is stable, and it lets the energy flow upwards.
3. Focus on the entire breathing process at this time.
4. Keep the eyes nearly closed and focus on a picture or candle. This gradually eradicates distractions from the mind.
5. You may also chant a mantra at this time. The hands should be placed on your thighs.

2. Tai Chi Meditation:

Tai chi is deemed as one of the most widespread forms of Chinese meditation. This meditation not only relaxes the mind, but also helps tone the muscles in your body. It comprises of several graceful poses that have fluidity. It is safe in general, but people with joint problems may not be able to practice it. Tai Chi can help you focus on various aspects like increasing flexibility and developing a sense of spirituality.

Tai chi is also known as meditation in motion, and one advantage of the method is that it can be practiced literally everywhere. The standing meditation is the most popular form of Tai chi, and there are some variations.

Technique:

1. You need to stand with your feet kept shoulder-width apart. The toes should point towards the front. The knees will be a little bent.
2. Your head should be up, and your shoulders should be down. Now, breathe in and out using your nose. You will have to keep your eyes closed.
3. Next, start meditating and focus on the feet and how they are connected to the Earth.
4. Imagine your body is pulling the energy from the earth beneath, and your breathing is returning it.
5. The followers of Tai Chi also resort to seated and horse stances. In any form, focusing on the breathing process is very important.

3. Wuji Qigong:

Wuji Qigong, also called chi kung, is another ancient Chinese meditation form that focuses on acquiring life energy and harnessing that energy thereafter. It lets you become aware of bodily functions like fast heartbeats and respiration, and you can even control them. It helps achieve the same results as biofeedback machines. It is done in a standing posture.

Technique:

You should not try Wuji Qigong meditation on an empty stomach. It is not recommended to be done on a full stomach either. It should be practiced in fresh air- possibly in a serene place. You should wear comfortable and loose clothes that facilitate easy movement.

1. Stand with legs kept parallel to each other. They should be shoulder-width apart.
2. Now, bend the knees a little.
3. Relax the lower part of the body and straighten the lower spine. Your thighs and buttocks need to be relaxed. Then tuck the chin inwards and keep your mouth closed.
4. The arms should stay relaxed on the sides.
5. Start breathing deeply and stay relaxed as far as possible.

4. Zen Meditation:

This is one type of Buddhist meditation originated in China. It was conceived way back in the 6th Century. It focuses on the wisdom obtained from experience. In this technique, mind and body are not perceived as separate entities.

Zen meditation focuses on self-study and enlightenment. It requires you to be in a seated position like the Buddha. It helps you attain a state of stillness that is greater than sleep.

Technique:

1. You will need to sit in the Lotus pose to practice this form of meditation. Your spine should be straightened, and hands should touch your feet.
2. Focus on a body part such as the left hand. Do not think of anything, but try to feel the left section. You will feel the thoughts disappearing.
3. Start deep breathing and continue for some time. Then resume the normal breathing pattern and focus only on inhaling and exhaling. This can be continued for half an hour or so.

You can find plenty of resources on Chinese meditation techniques on the web. There are centers for teaching these meditation techniques worldwide. For some people, practicing the techniques at home may be preferable, but others may seek expert help.

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by Renold Rajan via STYLECRAZE