I. The Origins and Aims of Qigong
Back then in China, much of qigong came from Daoism and Buddhism; certain Dharma doors were selected from within them. What they sought was to strengthen the body and promote health. Because their aims were different, they remained at a certain level. But a few teachers use qigong as a starting point and guide people, theoretically, toward something deeper; they also guide them toward Awakening and liberation, though this is relatively rare.
II. Daoism’s “Having a Self” and Buddhism’s “No-Self”
Liberation—that is Daoism’s way of putting it, because Daoism seeks immortality. Daoism seeks immortality; therefore there is cause and effect, and therefore a lifespan. Buddhism is simply The Four Elements Are Empty; it would be only too happy to pat its backside and leave, so it has no such notion. This stinking fleshly shell—right, just taking off clothes. Why does he keep wearing it?
It starts from “having a self.” Between Daoism and Buddhism, Daoism has a self here. It says there is a self that can ascend to become an immortal and live forever; this is the goal it seeks—Daoism’s. Buddhism, then, starts from no-self.
III. The Later Synthesis of Daoism
Later, Daoism gradually became more complete. By its later period, many Daoist masters had already combined with Buddhism. For example, when he is refining essence into breath/energy, refining breath/energy into spirit, and refining spirit back into emptiness, he begins entering “refining emptiness and merging with the Way”—that is, refining emptiness and merging with the Way. Then, even at the end, he shatters emptiness again. At this point, Buddhist teachings have entered it.
IV. Buddhism Begins with “No-Self”
After Buddhist teachings enter, Daoism begins to enter a state of non-action and no-self—the non-action of Laozi. But Daoism begins its cultivation from “having a self”; that is, there is a self. But Buddhism is different. At the very beginning, it says: “You have no self. The Four Elements Are Empty. You are not there; this is illusory; everything is illusory.”
《Different Paths》#20104@20130618
Note: This text was prepared from a teaching video by Yang Ning. If it differs from the video, the video takes precedence. Watch the video.
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