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Xingqi jade pendant inscription of around 400 BC
Identifier
016622
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
This is symbolic not actual, it is not as some sources say to do with controlled breathing.
A description of the experience
This poem entitled xingqi 行氣 "circulating qi" was inscribed on a dodecagonal block of jade, tentatively identified as a pendant or a knob for a staff. While the dating is uncertain, estimates range from approximately 380 BCE (Guo Moruo) to earlier than 400 BCE (Joseph Needham).
The inscription says:
To circulate the Vital Breath:
Breathe deeply, then it will collect.
When it is collected, it will expand.
When it expands, it will descend.
When it descends, it will become stable.
When it is stable, it will be regular.
When it is regular, it will sprout.
When it sprouts, it will grow.
When it grows, it will recede.
When it recedes, it will become heavenly.
The dynamism of Heaven is revealed in the ascending;
The dynamism of Earth is revealed in the descending.
Follow this and you will live; oppose it and you will die. (tr. Roth 1997:298)
The source of the experience
QigongConcepts, symbols and science items
Science Items
Activities and commonsteps
Commonsteps
References
