By
[http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Elizabeth_Reninger/24043] Elizabeth Reninger
Yoga and Qigong practice is traditionally spoken of as
occurring on three levels: the outer, the inner & the secret. These three
levels of practice have similarities to what in Taoist practice are known as
the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi & Shen); and also to what in Buddhist
practice are known as the Three Bodies (Tri-Kaya) of the Buddha/Awakened Mind
(Nirmanakaya, Sambhogokaya & Dharmakaya). [They also have a less precise
but still resonant relationship to the Hindu yogic system of the "five
sheathes."]
The outer level of practice is the most superficial (or
densely vibrating) level. In qigong, it is called the level of the
"tendons" and is associated ~ in terms of the Three Treasures ~ with
Jing/essence (which, among its physical substances, includes cerebral-spinal
fluid, marrow & sexual fluids). In terms of an asana practice, this is the
level at which one focuses on physical alignment: on creating a structure (of
bones, muscles, organs, tendons) conducive to entrance into the deeper levels
of the practice. This is the level at which one learns a "form" which
(like a mandala, a yantra, or good feng shui) can then serve as a portal
through which the energies/insights of the inner levels of the practice can
more easily flow. So as practitioners, this means learning the particular
form(s) associated with our chosen tradition.
