The Barrier of Sitting

The barrier of sitting (zuoguan) is the first barrier we pass through in Dragon Gate practice. Barriers are obstacles we must overcome in order to progress. In Chinese the word guan means a mountain pass. There is a way, but it is up to each of us to figure out how to get through. The opposite of a guan is a qiao. A qiao is an opening. Once we break through the barrier, it becomes an opening.

To practice Taoist alchemy we cross our legs and sit. This is the first step. Taoist alchemy cannot be practiced without sitting. Standing, moving, and lying down help, but the core of neidan practice is done sitting.

But sitting is easy, so what’s all the fuss? The issue is the length of time. To do the alchemical work we need to sit for long periods. Often, the longer we can hold the sit without moving, the better. In other words, more is more. And this can be uncomfortable, even painful. If you are the kind of person who enjoys climbing a mountain three times before breakfast, you might enjoy this part of the training. If not, it might be a challenge.

To pass the barrier of sitting we should be able to sit without moving for four hours. The bar is set pretty high. And I am not going to sugar coat it: getting through this barrier can be tough. But we don’t need to make it through all at once. Think of it as a goal to work towards. We can still get a lot done with neidan even if we can’t sit for four hours.

I have found with my own students that getting over an hour is good, holding the session for 90 minutes even better. A lot can happen in 90 minutes. But anything much under an hour does not let the qi build up enough to get anything done. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the reason for long sits.

The best way to understand why the barrier of sitting is a thing is to go through it. Once you are on the other side it will all make sense. But if you are the kind of person who likes to know why you are doing something, here are a few reasons.

First, qi. The longer we sit, the more time we have to build up qi. Neidan practice is about cultivating qi. Yes, there are some meditative aspects to the practice, but internal alchemy is about energetic transformation. To do it we need qi.

Second, stillness. Because neidan is a pre-heaven practice, we need to be very still to find and work with the right kind of energy. Random thoughts distort stillness more than anything else. Figuring out how to sit for long periods requires us to deal with our random thoughts. When our conceptual mind is running around like a monkey with its butt on fire, it is much harder to manage the discomfort of sitting for so long.

Third, healing. Sitting for long periods is actually quite healing on many levels. It heals our physical body. As qi builds up and circulates, tissues heal and bones align. On a deeper level it helps with unresolved emotions. Stuff gets released when we sit through discomfort. And on the deepest level it burns through reincarnation energy. Reincarnation energy is all the super old stuff we have held on to.

Fourth, improve life. And of course, when we heal, our life changes for the better.

Fifth, save the world. And when our life gets better, we impact the people around us in a positive way. This change then ripples outwards to our broader communities, our countries, and even the world. That’s right: going through the barrier of sitting will save the world.

Reasons not to do it. Discomfort. This is your chance to get out now. Maybe take up some other hobby. I hear golf is fun.