Nei Gong, Taoist Alchemy, and the Dan Tian
Summary: This conversation explores Taoist practice through Nei Gong, qi cultivation, and alchemy, with a focus on what these traditions are actually trying to accomplish. It also examines the need for clear definitions, the role of psychological and bodily development, and the difference between special experiences and genuine transformation.
Questions This Interview Explores
- What is Nei Gong actually for, and how does it differ from martial arts or general Qi Gong?
- How do Taoist alchemy, awakening, and the idea of immortality relate to one another in practice?
- Why is it so important to define spiritual terms clearly before trying to practice them?
- How do body-based cultivation, willpower, and psychological development support real spiritual growth?
- What are the risks of chasing powers, energy, or dramatic experiences instead of steady transformation?
In this conversation, Damo Mitchell explores Taoist practice from the inside out, focusing on Nei Gong, qi cultivation, and the alchemical dimension of awakening. He and Rick discuss what these traditions are really aimed at, how they differ from martial or therapeutic systems, and why clear language matters so much when talking about spiritual development.
The interview also digs into the relationship between body, mind, and practice: building the dan tian, working with yin and yang, developing willpower, and understanding the role of effort, non-effort, and psychological maturation. Along the way, they touch on siddhis, the pitfalls of प्रदर्शन or status-seeking, the meaning of religion versus spirituality, and how genuine cultivation can lead to greater joy and steadiness in everyday life.
- Books:
A Comprehensive Guide to Daoist Nei Gong - Four Dragons (Daoist Nei Gong)
- The Yellow Monkey Emperor’s Classic of Chinese Medicine
- Daoist Nei Gong: The Philosophical Art of Change
- Heavenly Streams: Meridian Theory in Nei Gong (Daoist Nei Gong)
- White Moon on the Mountain Peak (Daoist Nei Gong)
- Daoist Reflections from Scholar Sage (Daoist Nei Gong)
- Daoist Nei Gong for Women: The Art of the Lotus and the Moon
Websites:
Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group.
Transcript, summary, and key takeaways from this interview
Interview recorded January 16, 2021
YouTube Video Chapters:
- 00:00:00 – Introduction and Background of Damo Mitchell
- 00:05:38 – The Evolution of Taoism and Chinese History
- 00:10:41 – The Purpose of Qi Gong and Nei Gong
- 00:14:58 – Taoist Alchemy: Awakening and Immortality
- 00:19:10 – Cultural differences in Taoist teachings
- 00:23:18 – Misusing Tremendous Energy
- 00:27:22 – The Importance of Addressing Problems in Spiritual Traditions
- 00:31:25 – The Yin and Yang energy within the body
- 00:35:25 – The Erosion of Willpower through Habits and Mindset
- 00:39:33 – Transforming the Body and Siddhis in Neigong Practice
- 00:43:37 – The Pitfalls of Demonstrating Special Abilities
- 00:47:49 – Alchemy as a Path to Enlightenment and Health Improvement
- 00:51:45 – The Importance of Personal Motivation in Spiritual Practice
- 00:55:39 – The Love of the Art and Existential Crisis
- 00:59:42 – From Anti-Religious to Religious Orientation
- 01:03:33 – The Importance of Clear Definitions and Shared Language
- 01:07:28 – Psychological Development in Spiritual Growth
- 01:11:29 – Sports Visualization and its Application
- 01:15:28 – The Practice of Governing and Non-Governing
- 01:19:18 – Pedaling, Coasting, and Effort in Practice
- 01:23:10 – Explaining Non-Physical Energy to Atheists
- 01:27:11 – “Going ahead alone”
- 01:31:14 – Inadequacy and the Path of Enlightenment
- 01:35:26 – Building the Dan Tian
- 01:39:30 – Gaining Momentum in the West
- 01:43:42 – Therapeutic uses and the harm of recreational drug use
- 01:48:00 – Navigating the Path and Multiple Paths
- 01:51:50 – The Experience of Taking Auto-Suggestion
- 01:55:53 – Litmus Test and Handprints in Temples
- 02:00:00 – Benefits of the Courses: Transformation and Joy
- 02:04:03 – Studying Channeling and the Institute of Noetic Sciences
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