Course Content
Welcome
Welcome to "An Introduction to Qi Cultivation: The Fundamentals of Qigong and Internal Alchemy"! In this section, I'll share my personal journey into Qi and introduce you to the lineage from which this wisdom originates. We'll also go over the course structure and what you can expect. Let's embark on this journey of internal alchemy together!
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Qigong Warm Ups
Qigong practice has its own unique forms of warm up, including exercises which focus on joint rotations to improve the flow of energy, and the practice of shaking.
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Posture Notes & Balancing Exercises
This section contains preparatory posture guidance and post-practice balancing tools. The posture notes for standing and seated exercises are designed to improve alignment, balance, and energy flow, and the post-practice balancing tools are designed to ensure that any stored tension that may have occurred during practice is alleviated.
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Enlivening the Organs with Energy
In Taoist practice, the internal organs are regarded as particularly important places to focus Qi, because they are places in the body where key internal processes take place, as well as the place where our emotions are stored.
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Earth and Sky Breathing
The following meditations use the mind to extend the energy body beyond the confines of the physical body. As you do this, you open yourself to a whole palate of feelings that go beyond normal experience.
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Generating the Qi Ball
The Qi ball is a foundational concept in energy work: the idea that we can generate a quantum of energy which then is, and has, a force of its own which we can direct as we will.
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Working with the Qi Ball
Once we have generated the feeling of a Qi ball in the body, we open up a series of practices that, utilising the quantum of energy represented by the Qi ball, serve to further enhance the ability of the body to attract, store and command energy.
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The Microcosmic Orbit
This is a foundational Taoist exercise for health and wellbeing, otherwise called “circulating the light”.
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Working with Qi pressure & “Cooking” Qi
This set of exercises involves compressing and refining energy within the lower tan tien, transforming it into a more potent and concentrated form for enhanced vitality, resilience, and internal power.
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Inner Alchemy
By working with light, breath, and focused intention, we engage in the ancient art of inner transformation, taking a step closer toward our highest potential as beings of energy and consciousness.
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Absorbing Qi from Nature
External Qi absorption techniques harness the abundant energy from nature allowing practitioners to replenish, refine, and harmonise their internal Qi for greater vitality and balance.
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“Empty Force”
In this Section, we begin the sacred work of returning to ourselves — drawing our awareness inward, listening to the subtle movements within, and learning to gather and circulate our innate energy.
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Meridian Slapping
I call this practice "Better Than a Coffee", because it provides a full-body energetic stimulation, but without any side effects!
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Seeing the Qi
It is also possible to see the Qi visually!
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An Introduction to Qi Cultivation: The Fundamentals of Qigong and Internal Alchemy
About Lesson

Dedication Practice: Sending Energy with Intention

 

In many spiritual traditions, particularly in Buddhism and Taoism, it is believed that energy, thoughts, and intentions shape reality. The Dedication Practice is a powerful method of using cultivated Qi not just for personal benefit, but for the betterment of the world. This practice aligns with the principles of karma, universal connection, and collective energy amplification.

 

At its core, Dedication Practice involves:

  • Generating a concentrated field of energy (Qi ball) through cultivation
  • Infusing it with a focused intention
  • Releasing it into the universe to amplify and support a chosen goal

 

This practice is, in essence, a form of energetic prayer or directed intention. It recognises that all thoughts and actions send ripples into the world, influencing reality at subtle and profound levels. By dedicating energy with pure intent, we contribute to positive transformations both within ourselves and in the collective field of humanity.

 

While many traditions rely on verbal prayer or silent meditation to send energy, this approach involves a more tangible method — creating a Qi ball. This technique gives the intention physical form, making it more focused, directed, and powerful.

 

A Qi ball acts as a “container” of energy, which can then be charged with a specific intention and released into the universe. Intention is the guiding force behind energy. Just as a compass directs movement, a clear intention directs Qi. When we dedicate energy with an intention, it strengthens that particular force within the universe. The more energy is directed toward a single purpose, the stronger it becomes. When we send Qi into the universe with a specific intention, it merges with other energies of the same nature, reinforcing and amplifying them.

 

Ethical Considerations and the Law of Karma

  • Only dedicate energy to positive causes – avoid sending Qi with selfish or harmful intentions.
  • Remember that what you send out returns to you – this practice follows the law of cause and effect.
  • Be mindful of free will – instead of trying to change others, dedicate energy to their well-being and clarity.

 

There is a Buddhist formula which works with this law of karma to dedicate even the merits of their good deeds to selfless causes. The formula is: “I dedicate the merit of my action to the lessening of suffering in the world.”  In other words, aware that their good deeds will earn them karmic merit, they dedicate even that positive karmic repercussion to the ultimate salvation of humanity.

 

The Dedication Practice is one of the most selfless and transformative ways to use cultivated Qi. It reminds us that energy is not meant to be hoarded, but shared, with the well-being of all beings in mind.

 

Through conscious dedication, we bridge the gap between our internal cultivation and the greater universe, aligning ourselves with the natural flow of wisdom, compassion, and higher purpose.

 

Please see the Exercise Files for a description of this practice. Please follow the description to practice the exercise, and write down your experience with it, as well as any reflections, in your Course Journal.

 

 

 

Exercise Files
Dedication Practice.pdf
Size: 312.47 KB