Shinto/Shang
Fall - Fortnight 16 (Earth+Earth)
1st Fortnight of Winter: Physical Vitality (Stages 1–3, Days 1–15)
1. The Personal within the Universal:
At this level the Universal, ones Original
Nature, dawns within the Personal. A new way of living in the world is
unveiled, one grounded in experiential certainty, observation, and inquiry.
Winter Fortnight 1: Earth (Days 1–15)
Theme: Grounding, stability, and laying the foundation
for transformation (Neidan Stage 1: Refining Jing, Laying the Foundation).
Earth represents the body and physical discipline, aligning with Zen’s
emphasis on work and mindfulness.
Introduction: The first cycle, spanning days 1–15, establishes a robust
foundation, aligning with the Novice degree and the cave chambers of Purification,
Endurance, and Illumination. Drawing from Po’s early stages (organ cleansing,
dantian cultivation, inner heat), it integrates Shugendo’s cold purifications
and mantra chants to awaken qi and build resilience.
Goal: Achieve physical vitality—a purified body, stable qi flow, and
mental fortitude—preparing for deeper alchemical and ascetic work.
How It Is Achieved: Over 15 days, three stages (each five days) combine
Po’s meditations with Shugendo exercises. Stage 1 (Days 1–5) cleanses organs,
Stage 2 (Days 6–10) builds dantian energy and endurance, and Stage 3 (Days
11–15) ignites inner heat and spiritual insight, reflecting the cave’s
journey from cleansing to awakening. Daily practice (e.g., Inner Smile,
misogi) ensures gradual progress.
How It Is Measured: Progress is gauged by physical ease (e.g., comfort
in cold zazen), energetic sensations (e.g., dantian warmth), and mental
clarity. Journaling tracks reduced tension and emotional stability over
each fiveday stage, with the milestone confirmed by vibrant health and
focus after 15 days.
Major Feast (Day 1): Prepare and eat a Shojin Ryori meal, respecting each grain, as per Dogen’s Tenzo Kyokun: “Do not let a single grain fall to the ground.”
Festival/Nov
4: Shamans of Shinto and Shang.
Purity and power of nature, sensing the essence (Kami) in everything and
everyone. The pre-buddhist pre-tao animistic traditions of northern China
and Japan. Lao-Tzu.
Cycle 1: Physical Vitality (Stages 1–3)
Focus: Purify the body, awaken qi, and establish a strong foundation.
First 5 Day Ko
Day 1-5 of 1st Fortnight
Mind: Intro:
Stage 1: Organ Cleansing (Po Stage 1 – Substage: Organ Cleansing) 5 day
Neidan Meditation: Inner Smile Meditation - Sit comfortably, spine straight.
Visualize a radiant smile in the heart, spreading to each organ (lungs:
white, liver: green, heart: red, spleen: yellow, kidneys: blue). Inhale,
filling each organ with light; exhale, releasing toxins. Practice for 15–20
minutes daily.
Purpose: Cleanses physical and emotional blockages, initiating vitality.
Connection to Po: Aligns with Po’s awakening of the primordial force
by harmonizing organs.
Body:
Earth of Earth related practices. (daily 20" exercise)
Truths: Flower
Festival, Shinto salt ceremony
History: Shang/Shinto
The Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) and early Shinto (c. 3rd century BCE)
shared animistic roots, with Shang oracle bones and Korean Mu shamans venerating
kami in nature. Shinto altars and grounding meditations connected practitioners
to earth’s purity, sensing kami everywhere. Their unique idea of a matriarchal
divine essence in all things predates later patriarchal shifts.
Mythos: Kotoamatsu-kami
in Heaven
Earth of Earth related practices. (daily 20" exercise)
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1. Purifying the Body (Physical Foundation)
Posture: Sit crosslegged (lotus or halflotus) on a cushion, spine straight, shoulders relaxed, hands on knees, palms up.
Time of Day: Morning (5–7 AM, Mao hour) for Qigong; evening (7–9 PM) for meditation.
Breathing: Slow, deep abdominal breathing (4 seconds inhale, 4 seconds exhale) through the nose, focusing on the lower abdomen.
Dietary Changes: Observe a sctrict vegan diet: rice porridge, steamed vegetables, goji berries. Avoid spicy, greasy, processed foods.
Substances: Goji berries (1 tbsp daily in tea) or ginseng tea (1 cup daily) to nourish Jing.
Exercises:
Physical: Wai Dan Standing Meditation (30 minutes, morning):
1. Stand, feet shoulderwidth apart, knees slightly bent, spine straight.
2. Arms relaxed, palms inward, breathe deeply into lower abdomen.
3. Sway gently to loosen joints (5 minutes).
Energetic: Abdominal breathing (10 minutes, evening):
1. Sit in lotus position, hands on lower abdomen.
2. Inhale, expanding abdomen; exhale, contracting it.
3. Focus on clearing meridians.
Spiritual: Xinzhai meditation (15 minutes, evening):
1. Sit in lotus position, eyes halfclosed, gazing downward.
2. Visualize white light entering through the crown, cleansing organs.
3. Mentally affirm, “My body is pure, aligned with the Dao.”
Phenomena and Visions: Sensations of warmth in the lower abdomen, reduced bloating, and a lighter body. Energetically, tingling or subtle vibrations in limbs signal opening meridians. Mentally, focus sharpens, with fewer distractions. Spiritually, fleeting visions of white or pale light appear, symbolizing purity. Chen Pu: “When the body is cleansed, it becomes light and clear, as if washed by celestial waters, its impurities swept away like dust from a mirror, revealing the true form within.”
Part 1: Jing (Essence) – Physical Practices
Focus: Practical actions, Zen work ethic, cleanliness,
and bodily discipline.
Basis: Zen’s emphasis on manual labor as meditation (Dogen’s Shobogenzo: “To sweep the floor is to sweep the mind”).
Exercise: Sweep a small area (indoor or outdoor) with a broom, focusing on each stroke as a cleansing of mental clutter. Visualize dust as distractions being cleared.
2. Mindful Dishwashing
Basis: Dogen’s Tenzo Kyokun on respecting
utensils and food preparation.
Exercise: Wash dishes by hand, feeling
the water and soap, treating each plate as sacred. Contemplate Dogen’s
words: “Handle even a single leaf of green as if it were the Buddha.”
3. Walking Meditation (Kinhin)
Basis: Soto Zen’s walking meditation
to cultivate mindfulness.
Exercise: Walk slowly in a circle
or straight path, synchronizing breath with steps (inhale two steps, exhale
two steps). Focus on the earth beneath your feet.
4. Tending a Small Plant
Basis: Chan/Zen farming as spiritual
practice, reflecting Neidan’s nurturing of Jing.
Exercise: Water and care for a potted
plant, visualizing your essence being nourished as you nurture the plant’s
roots.
5. Salt Purification Ritual
Basis: Shinto’s salt ritual for
cleansing impurities.
Exercise: Sprinkle a pinch of salt
around your space, then rub a small amount between your palms, visualizing
negative energies dissolving into the earth.
Second 5 Day Ko
Day 6-10 of 1st Fortnight
Mind: Intro:
Stage 2: Dantian Cultivation (Po Stage 2 – Substage: Dantian Cultivation)
Meditation: Lower Dantian Breathing
Sit crosslegged, hands on lower abdomen. Inhale,
visualizing qi as golden mist gathering in the lower dantian (2 inches
below navel). Exhale, feeling warmth and density. Practice for 20–25 minutes.
Purpose: Builds a qi reservoir, conserving jing.
Connection to Po: Reflects Po’s focus on storing qi in
the lower dantian.
Body:
Earth of Earth related practices. (daily 20" exercise)
Truths: Shinto/Zen
buddhist prostrations
History: Lao
Tzu - Lao Tzu, traditionally dated to c. 6th century BCE (though possibly
legendary), authored the Tao Te Ching, foundational to Taoism, emerging
from Shang animism. Shinto/Zen prostrations aligned personal nature with
universal flow, reflecting experiential certainty. His distinctive concept
of wuwei (nonaction) unveiled a natural order within chaos.
Mythos: Izanagi
and Izanami
Earth of Earth related practices. (daily 20" exercise)
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2. Calming the Mind (Mental Clarity)
Posture: Sit in lotus or halflotus, spine straight, hands in lap (right over left, thumbs touching), eyes halfclosed.
Time of Day: Evening (7–9 PM, Xu hour) for calm introspection.
Breathing: Slow, even breathing (5 seconds inhale, 5 seconds exhale), focusing on rhythm.
Dietary Changes: Continue vegan diet; Include oats, lotus seeds for calming effects.
Substances: Chrysanthemum tea (1 cup daily) to reduce mental heat.
Exercises:
Physical: Gentle stretches (10 minutes, evening):
1. Stretch arms upward, then bend forward to touch toes.
2. Rotate neck and shoulders to release tension.
Energetic: Slow breathing (10 minutes):
1. Sit in lotus position, hands in lap.
2. Inhale, filling chest; exhale, releasing tension.
3. Anchor mind to breath.
Spiritual: Stillness meditation (15 minutes):
1. Visualize a calm lake, undisturbed by thoughts.
2. Let thoughts pass like ripples, returning to stillness.
3. Affirm, “My mind is clear.”
Phenomena and Visions: Relaxed muscles, reduced tension in shoulders or jaw. Energetically, subtle warmth or lightness in the chest. Mentally, prolonged mental silence with fewer intrusive thoughts. Spiritually, soft blue or silver light appears, symbolizing purity. Chen Pu: “The mind, once turbulent like a stormy sea, settles into a mirrorlike stillness, reflecting only the pure light of the Dao, free from the clouds of worldly thoughts.”
Part 2: Qi (Energy) – Mental Focus and Koans
Focus: Cultivating energy through contemplation
and Zen koans.
Basis: Dogen’s Shobogenzo: “Mountains walk, clouds walk.”
Exercise: Sit in Zazen and contemplate this koan. Ask: “How does a mountain walk?” Let thoughts arise and dissolve without clinging.
7. Breathing the Cauldron
Basis: Neidan’s lower Dantian breathing
to gather Qi.
Exercise: Sit cross-legged, hands
on lower abdomen. Inhale deeply, visualizing golden light pooling in your
Dantian (below navel). Exhale, releasing tension.
8. Koan: The Sound of One Hand
Basis: Rinzai Zen’s famous koan
to break dualistic thinking.
Exercise: Sit in Zazen, asking:
“What is the sound of one hand clapping?” Hold the question without seeking
an answer.
9. Chanting “Mu”
Basis: Rinzai Zen’s use of “Mu”
(from Gateless Gate) to exhaust the mind.
Exercise: Chant “Mu” softly with
each exhale for 10 minutes, letting the sound resonate in your chest.
10. Contemplating the Diamond Mandala
Basis: Shingon’s Diamond Mandala,
symbolizing indestructible wisdom.
Exercise: Visualize a radiant
diamond at your heart, its facets reflecting all phenomena. Contemplate:
“All is one, one is all.”
Third 4/5 Day Ko
Day 11-15 of 1st Fortnight
Mind: Intro:
Stage 3: Inner Heat Cultivation (Po Stage 3 – Substage: Inner Heat Cultivation)
Meditation: Inner Cauldron Meditation
Visualize the lower dantian as a cauldron. Inhale,
drawing jing (white light) from kidneys into the cauldron; exhale, igniting
a fire beneath (via breath) to refine jing into qi (golden light). Feel
warmth. Practice for 25–30 minutes.
Purpose: Transforms jing into qi, boosting energy flow.
Connection to Po: Aligns with Po’s jingtoqi refinement.
Milestone (Physical Vitality): The practitioner achieves
a purified, vibrant body with stable qi flow, ready for deeper energetic
work. The organs are cleansed, jing is conserved, and inner heat signals
energetic awakening.
Body:
Earth of Earth related practices. (daily 20" exercise)
Truths: Shugyo
Fast Shinto altars Nika
Danjiki* Fast
History: Chuang
Tzu - Chuang Tzu (c. 369–286 BCE), a Taoist philosopher, expanded Lao Tzu’s
teachings in the Zhuangzi, emphasizing spontaneity. Shinto salt ceremonies
purified the personal within the universal, fostering inquiry into kami.
His unique parabledriven approach revealed unity through paradoxical observation.
Mythos: Shinto
kami
Earth of Earth related practices. (daily 20" exercise)
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| Feast/Fast | - | - | - | Nika Danjiki* Fast | Nika Danjiki* Fast |
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3. Moral Cultivation (Ethical Alignment)
Posture: Sit in a chair or lotus position, spine straight, hands on knees, palms up.
Time of Day: Morning (5–7 AM) for clear reflection.
Breathing: Natural, relaxed breathing, focusing on steady rhythm.
Dietary Changes: Maintain pure diet (rice, legumes, vegetables, fruits). Avoid heavy foods.
Substances: None specific; pure, whole foods for clarity.
Exercises:
Physical: Light walking (15 minutes daily):
1. Walk slowly, focusing on each step.
2. Stand still periodically, feeling grounded.
Energetic: Gentle Qi circulation (10 minutes):
1. Sit or stand, hands on abdomen.
2. Breathe naturally, visualizing smooth Qi flow.
Spiritual: Virtue reflection (15 minutes, morning):
1. Sit, eyes closed, reflect on compassion, humility, sincerity.
2. Visualize performing a virtuous act (e.g., helping someone).
3. Affirm, “I live in harmony with the Dao.”
Phenomena and Visions: Lightness or warmth in the body during reflection. Energetically, subtle Qi flow in the heart fosters emotional balance. Mentally, inner peace and moral clarity grow. Spiritually, visions of golden light or serene landscapes emerge. Zhonghe Ji: “When virtues are cultivated, the heart glows with a warm light, as if a golden flower blooms within, connecting the self to the boundless harmony of the Dao.”
Part 3: Shen (Spirit) – Visualization and Altar
Work
Focus: Spiritual refinement, visualization, and
altar practices.
Basis: Neidan’s use of symbolic spaces; Zen’s simplicity in altars.
Exercise: Arrange a small altar with a stone, candle, and incense. Meditate before it, visualizing your body as a mountain anchoring your spirit.
12. Wall-Gazing Meditation
Basis: Bodhidharma’s nine-year
wall-gazing (Soto Zen).
Exercise: Sit facing a blank
wall, letting thoughts dissolve. Visualize your mind as a still lake, reflecting
the wall’s emptiness.
13. Visualizing the Golden Embryo
Basis: Neidan’s early stage
of forming the Immortal Embryo.
Exercise: Sit in meditation,
visualizing a golden seed in your Dantian, glowing with each breath, symbolizing
your spiritual potential.
14. Contemplating a Rock Garden (Fast Day) Nika
Danjiki* Fast
Basis: Zen rock gardens as
tools for contemplation; Neidan’s focus on stillness.
Exercise: Sit before a small
arrangement of stones (or visualize a rock garden). Contemplate their stillness
as a reflection of your eternal nature, preparing for life after death.
15. Offering to Hungry Ghosts (Fast Day) Nika
Danjiki* Fast
Basis: Buddhist offerings
to ease suffering of spirits.
Exercise: Place a small bowl
of rice on your altar, dedicating it to hungry ghosts. Meditate on compassion,
visualizing their liberation as your own.
