Meditation How It Helps Us to Live a Truly Healthy, Happy, and Meaningful Life 9798504468204

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Meditation How It Helps Us to Live a Truly Healthy, Happy, and Meaningful Life

HEE WOON YUM

Copyright © 2021 by HEE WOON YUM All rights reserved. ISBN: 9798504468204

Disclaimer The author and publisher are not responsible for any injury that may occur using the information in this book. This book is intended only to help the reader to understand the basic principles of meditation. The information explained in this book should not be regarded as a replacement for professional medical treatment.

To M.S., Lawrence, and Gilbert

It is the beginning of happiness to be grateful for what we have. Happiness is the mind that pursues righteousness and enjoys the little things. Our life becomes truly happy when we are bright, peaceful, and full of benevolent feelings toward all beings. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems]

Contents Introduction 1. A Simple, Powerful Meditation

Part I: Deep Breathing and Balanced Posture 2. Energy 3. The Energy Body 4. Full of Balanced Energy 5. Deep Breathing 6. Balanced Posture 7. Developing a Balanced Posture 8. Stretching, Pose, and Movement

Part II: Meditation 9. Meditation 10. Cultivation of the Physical Body 11. Cultivation of the Mind 12. Cultivation of the Spirit 13. Cultivation of the Energy Body

Part III: Living a Meaningful Life 14. The Great Universe 15. Recovering Our True Nature 16. Expanding Our Consciousness 17. Enlightenment 18. Meditation in Daily Life 19. Happiness 20. Righteousness (Right Mind) 21. Conscience 22. Read It to Yourself

1 2

7 9 20 31 34 42 56 70

73 75 83 85 90 91

101 103 110 116 123 132 135 136 137 138

Part IV: The Fundamental Aspects of the Universe 23. Describing the Fundamental Aspects of the Universe 24. Evolution Based on the Neutral Principle 25. Light 26. A Comprehensive Model of Light

References

139 141 142 158 164

173

Introduction I am grateful for the opportunity I had to learn meditation. As with most other people, I started meditating to improve my health. Then about six years ago, I had a rare opportunity to live in a mountain hermitage for three years, practicing meditation and learning the teachings of enlightened beings. I really loved it and learned the most precious things in my life during this time. If it goes well, meditation is the most wonderful of all things in life. It is a great pleasure and honor for me to share my understandings of meditation with other people through this book. The topics explained in this book are based on the teachings of enlightened beings. My contribution is in the scientific interpretation of them. Enlightened beings are truly great. They are beings of pure light and ultimate wisdom. They directly experience the true nature of reality and have a deep understanding of life’s most important aspects. I am profoundly thankful to them for their teachings and guidance. I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to Great Master Dowoon. This book introduces a meditation technique that is simple for beginners yet powerful for advanced practitioners and explains it at the fundamental level from an overall perspective based on the teachings of enlightened beings, clarifying the core principles of meditation. Energy is a life force that transforms us into a much better state during meditation. This book explains meditation from an energy perspective, detailing how energy in the atmosphere is inhaled abundantly into our body, how it makes our physical body function optimally, how it makes our consciousness enter into mindfulness, and how it helps us recover our true nature. Meditation works well only if we have a balanced posture. However, there is incredibly little information available on the definition of a balanced posture. This book provides a biomechanical definition of a balanced posture and introduces an effective way to develop it. This book is a guide for a truly healthy, happy, and meaningful life.

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1. A Simple, Powerful Meditation not adequately developed state physical body

poor posture

energy body

mental body

impure almost dormant mind energy body

fully developed state

spiritual body

dormant spirit

physical body

Meditation transforms us into a fully developed state (our best state).

energy body

mental body

spiritual body

focus the consciousness on the center center of the body balanced deep breathing posture (silent (fully posture) active)

pure empty mind (silent mind)

brightened spirit (fully active)

Meditation has become popular today. It has been around for thousands of years, and the benefits were well known from ancient times. It has been proven to bring significant benefits to physical and mental health. But what exactly is meditation? And how does it work? As we go deeper into it, we begin to notice that there is so much more to meditation than we think. To understand meditation, we need to look beyond the physical body. The physical body is the body we see every day, but we are more than just the physical body. We are made up of the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual bodies, which coexist as one whole being. The physical body holds the energy, mental, and spiritual bodies, which are subtle and invisible to the physical eyes.

2

What Is Meditation? As shown in the illustration on the previous page, most of us are in a not adequately developed state where: 1. The physical body is tight with poor posture, 2. The energy body is almost dormant, 3. The mind is impure, 4. And the spirit is dormant. We live a life mainly with the physical body and the mind. Meditation can be defined as a practice that transforms us into a fully developed state (our best state) where: 1. The physical body is deeply relaxed with a perfectly balanced posture, 2. The energy body is fully active, 3. The mind is empty and pure, 4. And the spirit is fully active. We live a life not only with the physical body and the mind but also with the energy body and the spirit. We live up to our full potential with extremely high-density energy and the spirit that is vast, truthful, righteous, and beautiful.

How Does It Work? The physical, mental, and spiritual bodies use energy to maintain their reality. We have been created in a way that pure universal energy in the atmosphere is inhaled into our body and used in our physical, mental, and spiritual activities. The pure universal energy inhaled into our body vitalizes (energizes) the whole being, including the spirit. The energy we get from food using oxygen mainly vitalizes the physical body. The inhalation of pure universal energy from the atmosphere (deep breathing) provides us the means to realize the full potential of our physical, energy, mental, and spiritual bodies. Only with a huge amount of pure universal energy inhaled from the atmosphere can we activate the energy body and the spirit. When we inhale pure universal energy, we instantly feel better. The more energy we inhale, the better we become physically, energetically, mentally, and spiritually.

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A Simple, Powerful Meditation Technique There are many ways to meditate. The following is a simple, powerful meditation technique used in Kouksundo, which is a 9,700-year-old art of cultivating the body, mind, and spirit:

1. Sit relaxedly on the floor (or a chair) with the back straight. 2. Close the eyes. 3. Focus the consciousness on the center of the body, watching the breath. This meditation is so simple and easy to follow for beginners yet so powerful for advanced practitioners. The whole idea is to simply focus the consciousness on the center of the body. When we focus the consciousness on the center, energy in the atmosphere is inhaled abundantly into the body. The focused consciousness is the driving force behind the inhalation of energy. When we sit relaxedly with the back straight, focusing on the center, it improves the whole being. 1. It activates the energy body. Energy in the atmosphere is inhaled, condensed, and accumulated at the center. High-density energy is formed at the center with feelings of high pressure and heat, and it improves the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. 2. The high-density energy at the center makes the physical body function optimally. It actively circulates along the energy pathways and vitalizes the whole body. It vitalizes all systems of the physical body (i.e., the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, and immune systems) and makes them function optimally. 3. The high-density energy at the center purifies the mind. It dissolves negative emotions, such as sensitivity, anxiety, and depression. It quiets down the mind at the center. Distracting thoughts stop, and fluctuating emotions become immensely peaceful. This happens naturally with no conscious effort to quiet the wandering mind. It is not possible to stop our thoughts by thinking about quieting them. 4. The high-density energy at the center brightens the dormant spirit. We begin to feel our spirit (another self deep inside). We directly experience who we really are. We are aware that we are not our mind but our spirit. Most of us live a life without knowing this truth. The spirit is clearly aware of what is happening in the present moment and is in a significantly happier state simply for being. We sit relaxedly, resting the mind at the center, and slowly enter into a highly quiet, peaceful, clear, and blissful state of consciousness (i.e., enter into mindfulness).

4

Balanced Posture The energy inhaled from the atmosphere improves the whole being during meditation. But to get energy, we need a deeply relaxed body with a balanced posture. Meditation works well only if this necessary condition is satisfied. There is no other way. The amount of energy inhaled depends on how well the physical body is balanced. In the case of poor posture, no substantial changes occur in the body. That is why so many people start meditating and quickly give up.

Empty Mind The human mind is far from perfect. It has free will, pursues selfish desires, and makes judgments. It is prone to dark, negative thoughts and emotions such as anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction, criticism, and discrimination. We always identify with this mind and suffer from it. It is fortunate that we are not just our mind, but the spirit is the essence of us. The spirit helps us to live a meaningful life without suffering. But since the mind has the right to make a decision in our body, just having a brightened spirit is not enough. It is essential for us to have an empty mind, which is pure, has the righteous will, and is obedient to the spirit. When we empty our selfish mind and brighten the spirit, our consciousness produces only higher quality thoughts and emotions, such as acceptance, forgiveness, respect, peacefulness, gratefulness, benevolence, joy, and a feeling of oneness.

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Advanced Level Meditation A pure empty mind is silent, and a perfectly balanced physical body is silent. When we breathe deeply with a silent mind and a silent posture, it transforms us into our best state. 1. It fully activates the energy body. Pure universal energy in the atmosphere is inhaled infinitely through the whole body, and we become full of true energy. The energy that is truly pure and fine and is of extremely high density (e.g., a million times higher density – this number is an estimated value used to help understand the concept) is called true energy. It enables a manifestation of the true self, miraculous healings, and superpowers. 2. True energy makes the physical body extremely powerful. 3. True energy expands our consciousness beyond the self. The consciousness becomes truly vast, pure, empty, peaceful, free, bright, blissful, and full of benevolent feelings. It perceives, feels oneness with, and embraces all beings in the universe. We recover our true nature, realize the natural providence embedded in all beings in the universe, and enter the path of truth conforming to it.

As energy is an integral part of meditation, we need to have a basic understanding of energy in order to understand meditation. This book begins with an explanation of energy and the energy body in the following sections, utilizing both the great discoveries of modern science and the findings of enlightened beings.

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Part I Deep Breathing and Balanced Posture 2. Energy 3. The Energy Body 4. Full of Balanced Energy 5. Deep Breathing 6. Balanced Posture 7. Developing a Balanced Posture 8. Stretching, Pose, and Movement

7

8

2. Energy Energy Is a Mystery

energy

What is energy? And where is it? Energy is the creator of everything. Human beings, trees, mountains, Earth, and the Sun are created from energy. It is also a life force that makes everything alive. Energy is everywhere. It is all around us. Even though it is everywhere, we never know it is there as it is invisible to us. The truth about energy is hard to discover. It is a big mystery.

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Creation of the Universe time Big Bang

small sphere of compressed energy

today age of stars and galaxies

age of atoms

Atoms were created from energy.

Stars and galaxies were created from atoms.

The Big Bang theory explains how the universe began. In the beginning, there was no matter but was only energy. The universe was a small sphere of compressed energy that has extremely high temperature and density. This energy expanded rapidly to a huge universe. The Big Bang occurred 13.7 billion years ago. As the temperature cooled down, atoms were created from energy, based on 2 E = mc . Atoms created in this way became stars, and stars formed into galaxies. Stars and galaxies were created from atoms. Earth was created 4.6 billion years ago. Life was created on Earth about 3.5 billion years ago. First, primordial cells (single-celled organisms) appeared, and they evolved into multi-cellular organisms through billions of years of evolution. About 0.5 billion years ago, species leading to current living organisms appeared. Homo sapiens appeared about 200,000 years ago.

E = mc2 E = mc2 E = energy m = mass c = speed of light (3 x 108 m/s)

atom

energy

=

2

Einstein’s most famous equation, E = mc , implies that energy and matter are fundamentally the same. Atoms created from energy can be converted back into energy. This equation explains the origin of the universe.

10

Atoms Atoms are the basic building blocks of all matter. It is a simple principle that underlies everything in the universe. There are over a hundred kinds of atoms, such as hydrogen (H), carbon (C), oxygen (O), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu). Everything in the universe is made up of these atoms. For example, water (H2O) is made up of two kinds of atoms. Two atoms of hydrogen (H) and one atom of oxygen (O) unite together as one to form a water molecule.

O H

H

water (H2O)

The Structure of Atoms nucleus at the center (positive charge)

electron (negative charge)

-10

Atoms are tiny (10 m) and made up of smaller particles called electrons and nuclei. A nucleus at the center is surrounded by orbiting electrons. Electrons have a negative charge, whereas nuclei have a positive charge.

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Planck quantum 1.6 x 10-35 m Energy exists in particles.

Energy was thought to be continuous.

Max Planck (1858-1947) discovered the most fundamental aspect of the universe. He discovered that energy exists in particles and came up with the length of an energy particle. In an effort to explain the experimental data on blackbody radiation, he assumed that light was emitted in packets of energy, and it worked well. Energy was thought to be continuous, but energy exists in individual particles. This individual particle of energy is called quantum (plural quanta). The fundamental energy quanta make up the universe. The discovery of energy quanta revolutionized our understanding of the atomic world. In 1918, Max Planck received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of energy quanta. Planck derived the following equation: E = hv where h is Planck’s constant, and v is the frequency of light. The energy E of light is equal to hv. The energy of light is proportional to the frequency.

Planck Length The Planck length, 1.6 x 10 in the universe.

-35

m, is the length of a minimum unit of energy. It is the smallest length

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The Energy Cycle

glucose O2

We eat plants and use the energy stored in glucose.

Energy is stored in glucose.

CO2 H2O energy

Plants and human beings are interconnected energetically.

Plants and human beings are interconnected energetically. Photosynthesis in plants and cell respiration in human beings are interconnected. Plants help us energetically and make us alive. Plants capture the Sun’s energy and store it as food in glucose. We eat plants and use the energy stored in glucose. While photosynthesis in plants produces food using energy, cell respiration in our body produces energy from food using oxygen. Plants and human beings are also interconnected in breathing. Plants help us breathe with oxygen (O2), and we help them breathe with carbon dioxide (CO2). Plants and human beings live together in harmony, helping each other and making each other alive, each making its contribution with its own function.

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CO2 + H2O + sunlight

Glucose is stored in the plant.

glucose + O2

sunlight

Leaves release O2 into the air.

Leaves absorb CO2 from the air.

Roots absorb water.

Photosynthesis Plants make food by photosynthesis. They are very good at making food from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). They convert carbon dioxide and water to glucose and oxygen (O2) using energy from sunlight. Their leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen into the air, and their roots absorb water. Plants make up most of the food on Earth. We eat food to get energy. When we eat food, we take the energy stored in food into our body.

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glucose + O2

O2 CO2

CO2 + H2O + energy (stored in ATP)

food mitochondria ATP (energy source for all the activities) cell

Cell Respiration Glucose is the main source of energy in our body. The food we eat and digest is converted to glucose. It travels through the bloodstream to the cells. In the cells, the glucose is combined with the oxygen (O2) we breathe in. This chemical reaction takes place in the mitochondria and produces carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy. The energy is stored in ATP, and the carbon dioxide is breathed out. The carbon dioxide is dissolved in the blood, carried to the lungs through blood circulation, and breathed out.

ATP The food we eat is used to produce molecules called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Energy is stored in ATP for later use. ATP releases energy at places where energy is needed, such as cells, muscles, and organs. This energy is used in all our life activities.

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Neutral Energy

Neutral Energy

Modern science has made great advances in our understanding of the structure and principles of the universe. It explores the universe from the small-scale world (energy, elementary particles, and atoms) to the large-scale world (stars and galaxies). Quantum mechanics explains the small-scale world, while Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity explains the large-scale world. Max Planck and Albert Einstein discovered that at the fundamental level, the universe is made of energy particles and developed the necessary equations to compute them. As shown in the “A Comprehensive Model of Light” section, enlightened beings could perceive energy with their spiritual eye that has an extremely large range of resonant frequencies. They described their findings about energy as a short text that has a profound meaning.

All that exists in the universe maintains its reality by the operation of Neutral Energy. Neutral Energy consists of fundamental Yin and Yang energy. The basic principle of Neutral Energy is the Neutral Principle. Neutral Energy that pursues Neutral (the Neutral Principle) underlies all phenomena. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] The above statements are the basic principles of energy that underlie all phenomena in the universe. Energy has been termed Neutral Energy as it pursues Neutral to achieve balance and harmony. The Neutral Principle is a simple, beautiful principle that underlies everything from atoms to the whole universe. It is detailed in the “Evolution Based on the Neutral Principle” section. Energy gives life to all beings in the universe. Everything uses energy to maintain its reality. Every activity that happens in the universe uses energy.

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Yin and Yang Energy It is true that Yin and Yang exist in Neutral Energy. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] quantum 1.6 x 10-35 m Yin energy

Yang energy

Neutral Energy consists of Yin and Yang energy, which are the fundamental energy quanta Max Planck discovered. They are discrete particles of energy with a size of the Planck length, -35 1.6 x 10 m. They are charged particles that have a field around them. Yin energy is negatively charged, and Yang energy is positively charged. Yin energy and Yang energy are opposite: 1. Yin energy is contractive, cool, and restful. 2. Yang energy is expansive, warm, and active. For example, during the day, Yang energy becomes more active, it gets warm, and everything awakes and begins its activity. During the night, Yin energy becomes more active, it gets cool, and everything stops its activity and takes a rest. Since everything is created from Yin and Yang energy, everything has Yin and Yang aspects as follows: Yin aspect

Yang aspect

contracting

expanding

cold

hot

matter

consciousness

water

fire

earth

heaven

dark

bright

night

day

fall, winter

spring, summer

female

male

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Although Yin and Yang are opposite, they attract each other. Yin energy and Yang energy attract each other. An atomic nucleus (Yang) and electrons (Yin) attract each other. A male (Yang) and a female (Yin) attract each other. When Yin and Yang unite together as one, they create great things such as atoms, molecules, cells, and living beings. They have creative power.

Yin and Yang energy

Yin and Yang energy particles do not exist as separate individual particles but exist as a team. Yin energy and Yang energy have the following properties: 1. They exist as one interconnected whole. 2. They are constantly changing and evolving. Just as Yin energy and Yang energy are interconnected and constantly changing and evolving, so is everything created from it. Complementary Yin energy and Yang energy that interact in harmony in space over time have created an amazingly wonderful universe. If there had been only one type of energy, we would not be in this universe.

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Neutral Energy

10-35m

energy vortices

electron

nucleus

atom, 10-10m nucleus, 10-15-10-14m electron, < 10-18m

Emptiness can be changed to form and vice versa in Neutral Energy. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] Empty space is full of energy and fluctuates with activities of energy such as moving from one place to another, contracting inward, and expanding outward. Form (matter) arises from emptiness (energy), and form disappears into emptiness. Energy vortices are created while energy contracts inward. Although there are many, there are basically two types of energy vortices - one is composed of Yin energy particles and negatively charged, and the other is composed of Yang energy particles and positively charged. Energy vortices are elementary particles, which make up electrons and atomic nuclei. Electrons and atomic nuclei make up atoms. When electrons and an atomic nucleus unite together as one, they become an atom, which is a more balanced structure. Atoms make up everything in the universe. We are composed of the same atoms of which everything else is made.

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3. The Energy Body The Human Body = the Physical Body + the Energy Body physical realm

energy realm

Yin and Yang energy particle 10-35m

atom

10-10m

energy body

human

Earth

solar system

galaxy

universe

1m

107m

1012m

1021m

1026m

physical body

The physical realm is the world we see every day. The reality, however, is more than just the physical realm. The universe is composed of the physical, energy, and consciousness realms. The physical, energy, and consciousness realms exist in the same space. The physical realm consists of atoms, and the energy realm consists of infinitesimal energy particles. The consciousness realm is explained in “Part III: Living a Meaningful Life.” The human body is composed of the physical and energy bodies, which coexist as one whole being. The physical body consists of atoms, and the energy body consists of energy particles that are invisible to the physical eyes.

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Where Do We Get Energy? physical body

energy body energy in the atmosphere

oxygen food

cell

The energy produced from food is stored in ATP in the cells and used in all our life activities.

The physical body gets energy from food using oxygen.

The energy body gets energy directly from the atmosphere.

In order for the human body to sustain its life, it needs a constant supply of energy. But where do we get energy? There are two sources of energy. First, food is the primary source of energy. The physical body gets energy from food using oxygen. The food we eat reacts chemically with the oxygen we inhale to produce energy. The energy produced from food is stored in ATP in the cells and used in all our life activities. But not enough amount of ATP is produced in the physical body through this process. We need to replenish this energy by regularly eating food. Second, energy in the atmosphere is another source of energy. The energy body gets energy directly from the atmosphere. When our almost dormant energy body becomes active, we can get much more energy from the atmosphere. This energy is constantly replenished from the atmosphere.

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Energy Accumulation at the Main Energy Center The energy body has evolved into an efficient energy management system, which constantly inhales energy from the atmosphere and supplies it throughout the body. There are many energy centers and numerous energy pathways in the energy body. The energy inhaled from the atmosphere is accumulated at the energy centers and then circulated through the energy pathways. The energy body is visible to the spiritual eye. The energy fields in the energy centers and energy pathways are also visible to the spiritual eye. The main energy center is the most important in the energy body. The energy inhaled from the atmosphere is accumulated at the main energy center.

The Main Energy Center energy body top of the head

central energy pathway

main energy center

center of the body perineum

The main energy center is at the center of our body. It is the place where energy is gathered and stored. It is the place where deep breathing occurs. It is the root of all meridians. It is the base of all internal organs. It is the source of all forces in the body. [Introduction to Kouksundo] [3]

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Higher Density Energy at the Main Energy Center enlarged atom with a size of Earth, 1.3 x 107 m atom, 10-10m nucleus, 10-15-10-14m electron, < 10-18m

Focus the consciousness on the center

An atom is enlarged to the size of Earth. energy particles, 10-35m In an atom, a vast number of energy particles can exist.

human beings, 1-2m Seven billion people live on Earth today. enlarged nucleus

enlarged energy particles, 10-18m A vast number of enlarged energy particles can exist.

atoms at the main energy center particle accelerator

low density energy

higher density energy We can create a concentration of energy at the main energy center with higher density (e.g., a thousand times higher density or even a million times higher density).

Physicists create a concentration of energy with a billion times higher density in the powerful particle accelerator.

As physicists create a concentration of energy with a billion times higher density by focusing a huge amount of energy into a point in the powerful particle accelerator, we can create a concentration of energy in our body. By focusing the consciousness on the center, we can create a concentration of energy at the main energy center with higher density (e.g., a thousand times higher density or even a million times higher density). A human body is composed of trillions of cells, each of which is composed of trillions of atoms. Atoms are mostly empty space. We can concentrate a vast number of energy particles in an atom. In order to show that a vast number of energy particles can exist in an atom, an atom is enlarged to 17 the size of Earth. Earth is 10 times larger than an atom. If an atom were the size of Earth, then the nucleus at the center would be the size of a football stadium. There is vast empty space between the stadium and the edge of Earth. On this vast empty space, a vast number of enlarged energy particles -18 -35 17 with a size of 10 m (10 m x 10 ) can exist. Seven billion people with a size of 1-2m live on Earth today. 23

The Unification of Yin and Yang at the Main Energy Center heaven energy

energy body

Yang energy in the upper body

fire energy main energy center

center of the body

water energy

Yin energy in the lower body

earth energy

In a human body, the unification of Yin and Yang gives life, while the separation of Yin and Yang leads to death. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] The main energy center is the place where Yin and Yang unite. It is the place where Yin energy and Yang energy unite, water and fire unite, and earth energy and heaven energy unite. [Introduction to Kouksundo][3] Energy is Yin if there are more Yin energy particles than Yang energy particles, and it is Yang if there are more Yang energy particles. When energy is used in the body, it tends to get unbalanced. Yin energy is created in the lower body, and Yang energy is created in the upper body. Extreme Yin energy symbolized as water is created in the kidneys, and extreme Yang energy symbolized as fire is created in the heart. When energy is too much Yin or Yang, it causes problems in the body. The human body needs a constant supply of balanced energy to function properly. When Yin energy and Yang energy unite, they become balanced (i.e., there are about equal amounts of Yin and Yang energy particles). The unification of Yin and Yang occurs at the main energy center. The Yin energy in the lower body and the Yang energy in the upper body unite, water and fire unite, and earth energy (Yin) and heaven energy (Yang) flow into the body and unite. When Yin and Yang unite together as one, spinning around the center, they become balanced and accumulated at the main energy center. The unification of Yin and Yang constantly replenishes balanced energy at the main energy center and makes us healthy. The separation of Yin and Yang leads to illness. 24

Energy Circulation Through Energy Pathways The energy accumulated at the main energy center circulates along the energy pathways (meridians). Two major meridian systems are the 12 primary meridians and the governing and conception vessels. There are about 360 acupuncture points lying along these 14 meridians. Acupuncture points are energy gateways that control the flow of energy in the meridians and exchange energy with the atmosphere.

The 12 Primary Meridians acupuncture point (energy gateway)

energy body

Yang meridians of the arm small intestine meridian

Yin meridians of the arm

triple warmer meridian

lung meridian

large intestine meridian

heart meridian

pericardium meridian

main energy center

Yin meridians of the leg

spleen meridian liver meridian kidney meridian

Yang meridians of the leg bladder meridian gallbladder meridian stomach meridian

The 12 primary meridians are energy pathways that distribute energy throughout the body. Each meridian is connected to a specific organ. The vitality of all internal organs is highly influenced by the energy at the main energy center. The accumulated energy at the main energy center flows into the internal organs through these meridians. When the flow of energy in these meridians becomes blocked, the corresponding internal organs do not get enough energy and start to malfunction. 25

The Governing and Conception Vessels

The ascending of water (water evaporation) and the descending of fire (heat from the Sun) occur in nature.

energy body

conception vessel

governing vessel

fire energy heat from the Sun

water evaporation

rain

water energy

When the energy at the main energy center circulates through the governing and conception vessels, the ascending of water energy and the descending of fire energy occur actively.

The ascending of water (water evaporation) and the descending of fire (heat from the Sun) occur in nature. The energy in nature circulates and becomes balanced. It makes nature healthy. Extreme Yin energy (water energy) is created in the kidneys, and extreme Yang energy (fire energy) is created in the heart. Water energy has a tendency to sink, and fire energy has a tendency to rise. When water energy descends and fire energy ascends, the energy in the body does not circulate well and becomes unbalanced. When the energy accumulated at the main energy center circulates through the governing and conception vessels, the ascending of water energy and the descending of fire energy occur actively. The energy in the body circulates well and becomes balanced. It makes the body healthy and makes the mouth water as it rains in nature. The governing vessel runs along the midline of the back through the spine, from the main energy center to the top of the head. It is an important Yang energy pathway that is connected to and directs all the Yang meridians of the arms and legs shown on the previous page. The conception vessel runs along the midline of the front, from the top of the head to the main energy center. It is an important Yin energy pathway that is connected to and directs all the Yin meridians of the arms and legs.

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The Meridians Become Narrow and Closed for Adults When we are infants, all the meridians are completely open. The energy in the atmosphere abundantly flows into the body and actively circulates along the meridians. As we grow up, the central energy pathway and the governing and conception vessels become narrow and closed. For adults, they become almost completely closed and remain barely open. In addition, as we grow up, the 12 primary meridians become narrow.

The Central Energy Pathway The central energy pathway running vertically from the top of the head to the perineum is an energy pathway through which energy in the atmosphere flows into the body. When we are infants, it is completely open. The energy that flows in abundantly through the soft spot on the top of an infant’s head moves down to the main energy center along the central energy pathway. As the infant’s soft spot gets closed, it becomes closed too. It is almost completely closed and remains barely open. [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6]

The Governing and Conception Vessels When we are infants, the governing and conception vessels are completely open. As we grow up, they become narrow. They become almost completely closed during puberty and remain barely open (the conception vessel is not completely closed for females). [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6]

The 12 Primary Meridians The 12 primary meridians are not closed but become narrow. The flow of energy in the 12 primary meridians becomes weak. We can activate the 12 primary meridians through meditation. When we breathe deeply during meditation, the high-density energy formed at the center actively circulates through the 12 primary meridians.

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The Force Behind Energy Accumulation and Circulation

universe energy realm

physical realm

Yin and Yang energy particle (1.6 x 10-35 m) atom (10-10m)

energy body

Gravitational force attracts objects toward each other. Vibrating charged particles generate an electromagnetic wave.

Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center

Matter is made up of charged particles.

Basic principles of the universe - Maxwell electromagnetic force electromagnetic wave - Newton, Einstein gravitational force - The Principle of Kouksundo

Neutral Energy the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy the Neutral Principle

28

attractive EM force electromagnetic force repulsive EM force

Modern science has discovered two fundamental forces that underlie all phenomena, which are gravitational force and electromagnetic force in the physical realm.

Gravitational Force Isaac Newton (1643-1727) revolutionized the way we view the world. He discovered the gravitational force that applies to any two objects in the universe. His well-known equation 2 F = G m1 m2 / r describes the gravitational force that attracts objects toward each other. It explains the motion of objects on Earth. It explains the motion of stars and planets, such as Earth, the moon, the Sun, and Mars. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) accomplished a remarkable scientific achievement. His general relativity theory explains the gravitational force in terms of the curvature of space and time. It replaced Newton’s theory of gravity. The amount of energy or energy density at some location causes space and time to curve. Massive objects like the Sun cause space and time to curve. If we spend a few minutes in a place where the density of energy is extremely high and come back, it is possible that a few hours have passed. General relativity explains most of the phenomena taking place in the universe on a large scale, such as the motion of planets, the expansion of the universe, black holes, and the bending of light from stars.

Electromagnetic Force In the 19th century, scientists found that matter is not made of ball-like particles but charged particles. Charged particles exert force on other charged particles. This force was called electromagnetic force. They discovered another important force in nature in addition to gravitational force. The electromagnetic force, like gravity, affects everything and explains all the phenomena taking place in the world. In atoms, electrons have a negative charge, and nuclei have a positive charge. Like charges repel each other, and unlike charges attract each other. The attractive electromagnetic (EM) force between electrons and nuclei enables the formation of atoms and molecules. In the illustration on the previous page, the repulsive electromagnetic force between electrons enables a tree to stand on the soil. James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) developed equations that describe the properties of the electromagnetic force. They describe how electric and magnetic fields are influenced by objects and how electromagnetic waves radiate. Maxwell’s equations are a great scientific achievement that enabled the development of modern information and communication technology such as smartphones, televisions, and computers.

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Enlightened beings have discovered another fundamental force that underlies all phenomena, which is the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy in the energy realm. This force is really important for the functioning of all beings. The energy accumulation and circulation in the energy body are driven by this force.

The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy exists at the center of everything. The change of Yin and Yang, the ascending of water and descending of fire, and the circulation of energy through the meridians are all caused by this Uniting Force. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] When we focus the consciousness on the center of our body, it creates the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center that produces a strong absorption force. The strong absorption force at the center draws the energy in the atmosphere toward the center. The absorbed energy is condensed and accumulated at the center. The high-density energy formed at the center circulates through the meridians to vitalize the whole body.

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4. Full of Balanced Energy physical body

universe

energy body

When we stand or sit relaxedly with a balanced posture, energy in the atmosphere flows abundantly into the body, and we become full of balanced energy at the main energy center.

balanced posture

All that exists in the universe maintains its reality by the operation of Neutral Energy. The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy exists at the center of everything. Neutral Energy is really important for the functioning of all beings. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] In order to be truly healthy, we need a constant supply of balanced energy at the main energy center. The universe provides an infinite amount of energy around all beings. When we stand or sit relaxedly with a balanced posture, energy in the atmosphere flows abundantly into the body, and we become full of balanced energy at the main energy center. It makes us much more powerful and keeps our body function optimally. It is constantly replenished from the atmosphere. Constantly getting enough balanced energy is really important for the functioning of our body.

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Feeling Centered, Grounded, and Light When we stand or sit relaxedly with a balanced posture, we feel centered, grounded, and light. We feel centered because the physical body is balanced at the center. The legs feel grounded because the legs are relaxed but have a strong force of energy supporting us in the legs. The upper body above the navel feels light because the balanced spine in the upper body creates deep relaxation in the muscles of the upper body.

True Strength When we are full of balanced energy at the main energy center, the low abdomen is inflated with high-density energy and feels like a balloon inflated with high-pressure air. The physical body gets deep support from this energy. This energy is the source of all forces in the body. The force from this energy is stronger than hardened muscles. It makes us much more powerful. It is true strength.

True Health When we are full of balanced energy at the main energy center, it improves the functioning of the physical body. It actively circulates along the meridians to vitalizes the whole body, including the internal organs. It vitalizes all systems of the physical body (the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, and immune systems) and makes them function optimally. It brings true health. It makes the muscular system function optimally. This is shown in the “Stretching, Pose, and Movement” section. It even makes the skeletal system balanced optimally. This is shown in the “Energy Shaped Spine” section. The following shows how it makes the circulatory system (the heart) and the respiratory system (the lungs) function optimally.

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The Respiratory and Circulatory Systems energy body

physical body

inhale O2 exhale CO2 O2

CO2 lungs vein

artery

heart

CO2

O2

Oxygen is vital for us. The respiratory and circulatory systems work together to provide oxygen to all cells in the body and remove carbon dioxide. The oxygen we breathe in is carried through the blood from the lungs to all cells in the body. Good breathing and blood circulation are essential for good health. When we are full of balanced energy at the main energy center, it makes our heart and lungs function optimally. It makes our breathing deep and slow. It moves the diaphragm deeply and slowly to maintain an optimal level of oxygen. Sufficient oxygen is beneficial, but too much oxygen is harmful to our body. Deep and slow breathing is a sign of good health. It normalizes our blood pressure. It improves the return of blood to the heart by fully contracting the vein that brings blood to the heart. It helps the heart beat slowly. The full contraction of the vein and a low heart rate are signs of good health.

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5. Deep Breathing Meditation Deepens Our Breathing physical body

energy body

O2 in

physical body

energy body

O2 in

Focus the consciousness on the center, watching the breath.

Meditation deepens our breathing.

ordinary breathing

deep breathing

The following is the simple, powerful meditation technique introduced earlier:

1. Sit relaxedly on the floor (or a chair) with the back straight. 2. Close the eyes. 3. Focus the consciousness on the center of the body, watching the breath. Meditation deepens our breathing. When we meditate, focusing the consciousness on the center, it deepens our breathing and makes our body breathe in energy as well as oxygen. It happens naturally when we are deeply relaxed with a balanced posture. The energy breathed in is condensed and accumulated at the main energy center. During meditation, we watch the breath. Initially, we watch the breath in the physical body. But as we make progress, we just watch the breath in the energy body and let go of the breath in the physical body.

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Ordinary Breathing exhalation

inhalation physical body

O2 in

energy body

physical body

energy body

CO2 out

lungs chest expands

chest contracts diaphragm moves up

diaphragm moves down

The physical body breathes in O2.

The physical body breathes out CO2.

In ordinary breathing, the physical body breathes in oxygen (O2) and breathes out carbon dioxide (CO2). During inhalation, the diaphragm moves down, and the chest expands. Oxygen flows in as the lung volume increases. During exhalation, the diaphragm moves up, and the chest contracts. Carbon dioxide flows out as the lung volume decreases. Ordinary breathing is quick and shallow. It is driven by the breathing muscles. The diaphragm is the most important breathing muscle.

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Deep Breathing inhalation physical body

exhalation

energy body

O2 in

physical body

energy body

CO2 out

The diaphragm is moved down effortlessly by the internal force.

The lower abdomen and the lower back slightly bulge out due to the energy pressure. The physical body inhales O2.

The energy body inhales fresh energy from the atmosphere.

The physical body exhales CO2.

The energy body exhales degraded energy.

Breathing of Air and Energy When we breathe deeply, breathing occurs both in the physical body and the energy body. The physical body breathes in oxygen to produce energy from food and breathes out carbon dioxide. The energy body breathes in fresh energy from the atmosphere and breathes out degraded energy.

Deep, Slow Diaphragmatic Breathing Breathing in the physical body is mainly driven by the diaphragm. The diaphragm is moved down effortlessly by the internal force from the high-density energy at the main energy center. The movement of the diaphragm is deep and slow.

Abdominal Breathing The lower abdomen and the lower back slightly bulge out due to the energy pressure built up at the main energy center.

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Basic Level Deep Breathing

physical body

diaphragm moves up

diaphragm moves down

breath out

breath in

breath out

breath in

time

energy body

Breathe out focusing the consciousness on the center.

Breathe in focusing the consciousness on the center.

Ordinary breathing is an automatic process. Normally, we hardly control our breath. Deep breathing is also an automatic process. It is best to have deep breathing without controlling it. Although our ultimate goal is to have deep breathing naturally without any control, we can consciously initiate our breath to facilitate the process of developing deep breathing:

1. Sit relaxedly on the floor (or a chair) with the back straight. 2. Close the eyes. 3. Consciously breathe out and then breathe in, focusing the consciousness on the center. To develop deep breathing, we can consciously initiate our breath. We consciously breathe out and then breathe in, focusing the consciousness on the center. We consciously initiate outbreath first and then let inbreath occur naturally without much effort. We consciously initiate our breath at the beginning of meditation and then breathe naturally.

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When we are deeply relaxed with a balanced posture, energy in the atmosphere is inhaled abundantly. Breathing in the physical body occurs effortlessly with help from this energy. When the consciousness stays at the center, deep breathing occurs automatically. A balanced posture helps the consciousness to stay at the center. The breath of the energy body and that of the physical body are synchronized. The length of breath differs from person to person. The length of breath progressively increases over time. For example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, ... seconds. The time required to develop deep breathing varies between individuals. If we have a balanced posture, it starts to happen within a month. If we have poor posture, it takes a long time to have deep breathing. It is strongly recommended that meditators with poor posture breathe naturally without controlling it to avoid any side effects.

Caution During meditation, we should not exert muscular effort to move down the diaphragm or push out the abdominal muscles. When exerting muscular effort, it feels as if we have deep breathing. However, it eventually creates tightness in the diaphragm and the abdominal muscles. When it happens, it blocks the normal flow of energy and causes difficulty in breathing and digestion. When any difficulty occurs, or the pushing of the diaphragm occurs automatically, we should stop controlling the breath and breathe naturally.

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Intermediate Level Deep Breathing

diaphragm moves down

diaphragm stays at the bottom

diaphragm moves up

diaphragm stays at the top

physical body breath in

pause (hold)

breath out

pause (hold) time

breath in

breath out

energy body

Breathe out focusing the consciousness on the center.

Breathe in focusing the consciousness on the center.

When the length of breath becomes very long, a pause (hold) of breath starts to happen in the physical body. During inhalation, it occurs when the diaphragm moves down and then stays at the bottom. It continues to last while the energy body inhales energy. The pause also happens during exhalation. It occurs when the diaphragm moves up and then stays at the top. The breath of the energy body and that of the physical body are synchronized. While the energy body breathes in, the physical body breathes in and then pauses. While the energy body breathes out, the physical body breathes out and then pauses. The length of breath depends on the person. The length of inbreath progressively increases over time. For example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 seconds.

Caution We should not exert muscular effort to create the pause (hold). It creates tightness in the diaphragm and blocks the normal flow of energy. The pause occurs effortlessly by the internal force from the high-density energy at the main energy center.

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Advanced Level Deep Breathing

near bottom

physical body

diaphragm diaphragm diaphragm moves stays at the moves up down bottom breath in

pause

breath out

…

time

breath in (…, 1, 2, 3, …, 10, …, 20 minutes, …)

breath out

energy body

Advanced level deep breathing occurs when the physical body is balanced at the center, and the consciousness stays focused at the center. It occurs without any conscious effort. We just focus the consciousness on the center, watching the breath in the energy body. Breathing occurs primarily in the energy body. The breathing of air in the physical body occurs unconsciously. We let go of the breath in the physical body. Breathing in the energy body is not synchronized with breathing in the physical body. The breathing of energy and the breathing of air proceed independently. The length of inbreath in the energy body progressively increases over time (..., 1, 2, 3, ..., 10, ..., 20 minutes, ... ). The length of inbreath in the energy body becomes extremely long. The more energy is inhaled, the longer the length of inbreath becomes. The length of outbreath in the energy body becomes shorter as our body gets purified. The breathing of air in the physical body proceeds unconsciously and automatically. Our body monitors the levels of energy, oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) and makes the breathing of air proceed appropriately. It proceeds slowly, deeply, and quietly. Our body depends less on oxygen since the energy body inhales a tremendous amount of energy.

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ordinary breathing top

basic and intermediate level deep breathing

near bottom advanced level deep breathing

bottom

movement of the diaphragm - ordinary breathing: shallow, quick - basic and intermediate level deep breathing: deep, slow - advanced level deep breathing: deep, slow, quiet

Movement of the Diaphragm The diaphragm moves differently depending on breathing levels. In ordinary breathing, the movement of the diaphragm is shallow and quick. In basic and intermediate level deep breathing, the movement of the diaphragm is deep and slow. The diaphragm moves down all the way to the bottom. In advanced level deep breathing, the movement of the diaphragm is deep, slow, and quiet. The diaphragm makes a slight, quiet movement near the bottom. When exhaling, it moves only to the near bottom position (not to the top position). When inhaling, it moves down from the near bottom position to the bottom position. It is a slow, slight movement near the bottom. Breathing becomes quiet.

Caution We should not exert muscular effort to move the diaphragm deeply, slowly, and quietly. The deep, slow, quiet movement happens effortlessly by the internal force from the high-density energy at the center.

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6. Balanced Posture Defining a Balanced Posture Meditation works well only when we have a deeply relaxed body with a balanced posture, which can be developed through stretching. So beginners need to invest a huge amount of time in stretching to prepare their bodies for meditation. This and the next sections clarify a balanced posture with a biomechanical definition and introduce an effective way to develop it.

We should always assume the right posture. The right posture is a silent posture. For the right posture, straighten the sacrum to achieve vertical straightness. [Introduction to Kouksundo][3] The above statements are the essence of posture and have the following meaning: 1. “The right posture” – A balanced posture is the right posture. 2. “A silent posture” – Posture becomes silent when we assume the right posture. 3. “Straightening the sacrum” – Straighten the sacrum vertically to assume the right posture. Biomechanics helped me to come up with a scientific interpretation of “the right posture.” This section proposes the biomechanical definition of a balanced posture based on the lateral (sagittal) balance, analyzing the mechanical aspects of bones, muscles, and ligaments in terms of the position of the sacrum. This definition is an important discovery because a balanced posture is fundamental to the whole being (i.e., It is fundamental not only to the physical body but also to the energy, mental, and spiritual bodies).

In order to obtain the right mind, it is necessary to have the right posture. The right spirit dwells in the right physical body. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4]

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Balancing the Bones physical body

cervical (C1-C7)

spine

Balancing the spine above the sacrum is relatively easy.

thoracic (T1-T12)

lumbar (L1-L5) L5 S1 pelvis

sacrum

Balancing the sacrum with respect to the hip joint (pivot) is very delicate and hard to achieve.

coccyx

Balancing the sacrum is the key to balancing the bones.

To have a balanced posture, we should keep the bones balanced (aligned). We should keep the spine, pelvis, and legs balanced. The spine, pelvis, and legs are balanced when the sacrum is in a balanced position.

To have a balanced posture, we should keep the bones balanced (aligned). We should keep the spine, pelvis, and legs balanced. The spine, pelvis, and legs are balanced when the sacrum is in a balanced position. The sacrum is in a balanced position when it is vertical with respect to the hip joint (pivot). Balancing the spine above the sacrum is relatively easy. It is not difficult to straighten, bend, or twist the spine above the sacrum. But the sacrum is at a place where it is not easy to balance. Balancing the sacrum with respect to the hip joint (pivot) is very delicate and hard to achieve. Balancing the sacrum is the key to balancing the bones. The sacrum is a base that supports the spine above it. If the base is balanced, the spine above it is also balanced and has an optimal curvature. If the base goes wrong, the whole spine above it goes wrong too. The root cause of poor posture is a sacral imbalance. The sacrum is the most important bone in the body. It helps us to have a balanced posture, deep breathing, and spiritual cultivation. It is a sacred bone.

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Understanding Balanced Posture Through an Experiment We can conduct an experiment using a water bottle and a chopstick (or pen) to simulate the conditions of the sacrum, pelvis, and hip joint. A 2-liter water bottle (2 kg) or 1-gallon water bottle (3.8 kg) may be used. The hip joint (pivot) supports the sacrum through the pelvis, and the sacrum supports the weight of the upper body. Similarly, pivot A supports the weight of a water bottle through a chopstick. Through this hands-on experiment, we experience vertical alignment, turning force, and muscular effort and understand the balanced posture.

The hip joint (pivot) supports the sacrum through the pelvis, and the sacrum supports the weight of the upper body.

weight of the upper body (30 kg)

Pivot A supports the weight of a water bottle through a chopstick. COG of water bottle W (weight)

chopstick (or pen)

hip joint (pivot)

pivot A

balanced posture

- The sacrum is vertical with respect to the hip joint (pivot). - There is no turning force in the pelvis. - The muscles around the pelvis are relaxed.

- The center of gravity (COG) of the water bottle is vertical with respect to the pivot. - There is no turning force in the chopstick. - The muscles of the hand are relaxed.

turning force = 30 kg x D W (weight) D (distance)

turning force =WxD D (distance)

hip joint (pivot) poor posture

- The sacrum lies behind the hip joint (pivot). - There is a strong turning force in the pelvis. - The muscles around the pelvis tighten to offset the turning force. - The tightening of the muscles occurs unconsciously.

pivot A

- The COG of the water bottle lies behind the pivot. - There is a strong turning force in the chopstick. - The muscles of the hand tighten to offset the turning force.

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A Balanced Posture Enables Deep Breathing physical body

physical body

energy body

energy body

weight of the upper body When the physical body is deeply relaxed with a balanced posture, it enables deep breathing.

balanced posture

turning force

Poor posture with an unbalanced sacrum disturbs deep breathing because there is a strong turning force in the pelvis due to gravity.

poor posture

deep breathing

The physical body holds the energy body. When the physical body is deeply relaxed with a balanced posture, it enables deep breathing. Energy in the atmosphere flows in and is accumulated at the main energy center. Poor posture with an unbalanced sacrum disturbs deep breathing because there is a strong turning force in the pelvis due to gravity. When there is a turning force in the pelvis, both the physical body and the energy body make an effort to balance the turning force. 1. The physical body tightens the muscles to stand upright. The tight muscles around the pelvis block the free flow of energy to the main energy center. 2. The energy body also makes an effort to balance the turning force by using the energy at the main energy center. Thus, there is no accumulation of energy at the main energy center. Even a slight turning force in the pelvis disturbs the accumulation of energy at the main energy center.

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Center of Gravity COG

COG

good posture

COG

COG

slouched posture

COG

COG

forward bending posture

The center of gravity (COG) is the point at which turning forces due to gravity are balanced. It is the center of balance. In biomechanics, the center of gravity simplifies the analysis of the complex human body. In a human body, the location of the center of gravity is not fixed. It is changed by the posture of the physical body. The center of gravity mirrors posture.

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Moment The turning effect of a force is called the moment. The moment (turning force) about a pivot is calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance from the pivot. M (moment) = F (force) x D (distance)

2m

1m

anticlockwise moment (10 kg x 2 m)

clockwise moment (20 kg x 1 m)

10 kg

20 kg pivot (center of balance) (center of gravity)

Two people on a seesaw above are balanced. The clockwise moment and the anticlockwise moment are equal as follows: 10 kg x 2 m (anticlockwise moment) = 20 kg x 1 m (clockwise moment)

COG

0.2 m 10 kg pivot

clockwise moment (10 kg x 0.2 m)

The cube above is unbalanced and falls down clockwise. The COG of the cube lies behind the pivot. There is only a clockwise moment. 10 kg x 0.2 m (clockwise moment)

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Muscle Force in Poor Posture physical body

COG of the upper body 0.2 m 0.05 m

forward moment due to gravity (30 kg x 0.2 m) 30 kg (weight of the upper body)

back muscles backward moment due to muscle force (Fmuscle x 0.05 m)

Fmuscle = 120 kg L5-S1 joint (pivot) (center of balance) poor posture

The following assumptions are made to simplify the analysis: 1. The upper body is represented as a single mass. 2. All muscle forces are represented as a single force. 3. The upper body and the lower body meet at the L5-S1 joint (pivot). If we have poor posture in which the head moves forward and the upper back rounds, a huge amount of muscular effort is exerted to stand upright. Muscle forces can be calculated from moments. The weight of the misaligned upper body creates a forward moment (forward turning force). This forward moment is balanced by a backward moment from the back muscles. 30 kg x 0.2 m (forward moment) = Fmuscle x 0.05 m (backward moment) Fmuscle = 120 kg The muscle force (Fmuscle) of the back muscles is 120 kg.

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Biomechanical Analysis of Lateral Balance top of the head

HeadToPerineum-ReferenceLine central energy pathway in the energy body

BSM-ReferenceLine (parallel to HeadToPerineum-ReferenceLine)

SS (Sacral Slope)

SS-ReferenceLine (perpendicular to BSM-ReferenceLine)

BSM (Backward Sacral Movement)

hip joint (pivot in the standing position)

perineum (pivot in the sitting position)

Parameters (BSM and SS) for the Position of the Sacrum In order to analyze the lateral (sagittal) balance of the spine, pelvis, and legs, it is necessary to define parameters for the position of the sacrum. Backward sacral movement (BSM) is defined as the backward movement of the sacrum with respect to the hip joint (pivot). Sacral slope (SS) is defined as the slope of the sacrum with respect to the pelvis. Reference lines are used to measure the angles of BSM and SS. The HeadToPerineum-ReferenceLine runs from the top of the head to the perineum. There is a central energy pathway in the energy body that runs from the top of the head to the perineum. The BSM-ReferenceLine runs from the center of the hip joint and is parallel to the HeadToPerineum-ReferenceLine. The SS-ReferenceLine runs from the center of the sacral plateau and is perpendicular to the BSM-ReferenceLine. The HeadToPerineum-ReferenceLine is useful even when the upper body bends as long as the bending occurs at the hip joint. The hip joint is the pivot for the sacrum in the standing position, and the perineum is the pivot for the sacrum in the sitting position.

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balanced

sacrum tilts backward (backward moment)

SS = 45o (Sacral Slope)

Fsliding 21 kg

45o

Fcompression 21 kg

Fweight 30 kg

sacrum tilts forward (forward moment)

SS = 60o

SS = 30o Fsliding 15 kg

30o Fweight 30 kg

Fcompression 26 kg

Fsliding 26 kg

60o

Fcompression 15 kg

Fweight 30 kg

Loads On the Sacrum Given that the sacrum is tilted, the weight of the upper body (Fweight) is distributed into the compression force (Fcompression) and the sliding force (Fsliding). When the sacral slope (SS) is 45 degrees, the compression force (Fcompression) and the sliding force (Fsliding) are equal. The sacrum is balanced. When the sacrum tilts backward, Fcompression becomes larger than Fsliding. It creates a backward moment. For example, if SS is 30 degrees, 30 kg Fweight is distributed into 15 kg Fsliding and 26 kg Fcompression. When the sacrum tilts forward, Fsliding becomes larger than Fcompression. It creates a forward moment. If SS is 60 degrees, 30 kg Fweight is distributed into 26 kg Fsliding and 15 kg Fcompression.

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Biomechanical Definition of a Balanced Posture physical body

The spine is perfectly aligned and has optimal curvature in the neck, upper back, and lower back. The sacrum is perfectly aligned, and the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are balanced, supple, and relaxed.

SS around 40o (Sacral Slope)

Mupper body (forward moment of the upper body) Fsliding

BSM near 0o (Backward Sacral Movement)

Mpelvis = 0 (backward moment of the pelvis) Fcompression Fweight

hip joint (pivot)

A balanced posture (the perfectly aligned bones) allows us to stand upright with deep relaxation in the muscles and ligaments. balanced posture

A balanced posture (the perfectly aligned bones) allows us to stand upright with deep relaxation in the muscles and ligaments. The sacrum is perfectly aligned, and the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are balanced, supple, and relaxed. The spine is perfectly aligned and has optimal curvature in the neck, upper back, and lower back. The hip joint supports the sacrum through the pelvis, and the sacrum supports the weight of the upper body. The spine, pelvis, and legs are balanced when the sacrum is in a balanced position. The sacrum is most important in maintaining the lateral balance. We focus our analysis on the forces acting on the sacrum, as in the above illustration. Mupper body is the forward moment of the upper body. Mpelvis is the backward moment of the pelvis. Fweight is the weight of the upper body that is distributed into Fcompression and Fsliding.

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It is most important not to have any backward moment (turning force) in the pelvis (Mpelvis = 0). There is no backward turning force in the pelvis if the sacrum is balanced. The sacrum is balanced when it is vertical with respect to the hip joint (pivot). So as not to have any backward turning force in the pelvis, the value of backward sacral movement (BSM) should be as small as possible. It should o be near 0 . The forward moment of the upper body is greater than 0 (Mupper body > 0) since the COG of the upper body lies in front of the sacrum. To balance this, the value of sacral slope (SS) should be less than o o 45 . SS around 40 leads to lateral balance. o

o

BSM near 0 and SS around 40 make the sacrum balanced. When the sacrum is balanced, Mupper body, Mpelvis = 0, Fcompression, and Fsliding are balanced with deep relaxation in the muscles around the pelvis. The BSM and SS for the balanced sacrum vary slightly among individuals. Everybody has a unique bone structure. The balanced sacrum creates a balanced posture. It makes the whole spine above it balanced. It creates an optimal curvature (the right amount of curvature) in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spines. It creates a silent posture in which there is no turning force and no muscular effort in the pelvis.

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Sacral Imbalance Causes Poor Posture physical body The spine is misaligned and has too little or too much curvature in the neck, upper back, and lower back. The sacrum is misaligned, and the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are unbalanced and tight.

BSM > 15o (Backward Sacral Movement)

The sacrum that is not vertical with respect to the hip joint (pivot) causes a strong turning force in the pelvis due to gravity.

Fweight

Mpelvis = Fweight x D (backward moment of the pelvis)

D (distance)

hip joint (pivot) Poor posture (the misaligned bones) places a considerable strain on the muscles and ligaments due to gravity.

poor posture

Poor posture (the misaligned bones) places a considerable strain on the muscles and ligaments due to gravity. The sacrum is misaligned, and the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are unbalanced and tight. The spine is misaligned and has too little or too much curvature in the neck, upper back, and lower back. A misaligned sacrum causes an imbalance in the spine. It also causes imbalances in the pelvis, hips, and knees. The root cause of poor posture is a misaligned sacrum. The sacrum that is not vertical with respect to the hip joint (pivot) causes a strong turning force in the pelvis due to gravity. The muscles around the pelvis constantly contract to offset the turning force. The turning force is proportional to the perpendicular distance from the pivot. Mpelvis = Fweight x D (distance) As the perpendicular distance increases, so the value of backward sacral movement (BSM) increases o (BSM > 15 ). BSM usually increases with age.

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examples of poor posture

...

forward head

kyphosis (round back)

hyperlordosis (hollow back)

sway back

flat back

kyphosis lordosis

The sacrum is a base that supports the spine above it. If the base goes wrong, the whole spine above it also goes wrong. If there is a sacral imbalance, the bones (vertebrae) above the sacrum change their alignment to compensate for it, which results in too little (flattened) or too much (exaggerated) curvature in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spines as follows: 1. The lumbar spine is attached to the sacrum and is affected by any change in the position of the sacrum. It may develop a flattened curve (flat back) or an exaggerated curve (hollow back). A flattened lumbar curve is known as hypolordosis, and an exaggerated lumbar curve is known as hyperlordosis. 2. The thoracic spine may develop a flattened curve or an exaggerated curve (round back, hunch back). An exaggerated thoracic curve is known as kyphosis. 3. The cervical spine may develop a flattened curve (flat neck) or a slanted curve (forward head, turtle neck). Spinal alignment may go wrong in various ways. Some examples of poor posture are as follows: 1. Forward head posture: In this posture, there are a forward head and a slanted curve in the neck. 2. Kyphosis posture: The upper back has an exaggerated curve. 3. Hyperlordosis posture: The lower back has an exaggerated curve. 4. Sway back posture: There are a slanted curve in the neck, an exaggerated curve in the upper back, and a flattened curve in the lower back. 5. Flat back posture: There are a slanted curve in the neck, a flattened curve in the upper back, and a flattened curve in the lower back. 6. Kyphosis lordosis posture: There are a slanted curve in the neck, an exaggerated curve in the upper back, and an exaggerated curve in the lower back.

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A Classification of Posture The following table classifies posture based on how well the sacrum is balanced. It is a useful guide for meditators in the evaluation of their posture. o

Balanced posture

Slightly unbalanced posture

Moderately unbalanced posture

Highly unbalanced posture (poor posture)

o

The sacrum is balanced (BSM near 0 and SS around 40 ). This is a silent posture in which there is no turning force and no muscular effort in the pelvis. The muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are supple and deeply relaxed. Deep breathing and energy accumulation occur at the main energy center. The sacrum is slightly unbalanced. There is a slight turning force in the pelvis. The muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are supple.

The sacrum is moderately unbalanced. There is a moderate turning force in the pelvis. The muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are tight.

The sacrum is highly unbalanced. There is a strong turning force in the pelvis. The muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are extremely tight. If we have poor posture, the bones around the pelvis (the pelvis, sacrum, and lumbar spine) may undergo deformation over the years.

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7. Developing a Balanced Posture Simplified Model balanced posture

poor posture

ligaments (balanced, supple, relaxed)

muscles (balanced, supple, relaxed) balanced bones (aligned bones)

turning force

posture correction

ligaments (shortened, tight) muscles (shortened, tight)

ligaments (lengthened, tight) muscles (lengthened, tight)

unbalanced bones (misaligned bones)

When we are in a balanced posture, the bones are balanced (aligned), and the muscles and ligaments around the bones are balanced, supple, and relaxed. When the bones are unbalanced (misaligned), there is a turning force due to gravity, and muscles contract to prevent the upper body from falling forward. It leads to poor posture over time. The muscles that constantly contract in a shortened position become shorter and tight, and the muscles that constantly contract in a lengthened position become longer and tight. The muscles and ligaments around the bones become unbalanced and chronically tight. Once we have poor posture, we cannot assume a balanced posture due to the shortened muscles and ligaments around the bones. We can develop a balanced posture through stretching. Stretching lengthens the shortened muscles and ligaments. Stretching makes the muscles and ligaments balanced and supple. Stretching improves the alignment of the bones.

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Developing a Balanced Posture physical body

physical body

We develop a balanced posture by improving the position of the sacrum.

balanced posture

turning force

When we are in poor posture, the sacrum is misaligned, and the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are unbalanced and chronically tight.

poor posture

When we are in poor posture, the sacrum is misaligned, and the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis are unbalanced and chronically tight. The shortened muscles and ligaments around the pelvis prevent us from assuming a balanced posture. We develop a balanced posture by improving the position of the sacrum. When the sacrum is balanced, the whole spine above it also becomes balanced and recovers its optimal curvature. For deep breathing and meditation, we aim for a perfect alignment of the sacrum and the spine. The more perfectly the sacrum and the spine are aligned, the deeper the breathing and meditation become.

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We can improve the position of the sacrum through stretching. Stretching makes the muscles and ligaments around the pelvis balanced and supple. We do stretching in the following order: 1. Stretch the muscles around the pelvis first. 2. Then move on to stretch the ligaments around the pelvis. Initially, we only feel the tightness in the muscles around the pelvis. But when the muscles become sufficiently supple, we begin to feel the tightness in the ligaments and the imbalance in the bones. The shortened ligaments around the pelvis can be lengthened through deep stretching. Deep stretching occurs when the internal force of energy at the main energy center is used with the muscles relaxed. The stretching exercises, poses, and movements of Kouksundo are designed to develop a perfect alignment of the sacrum and the spine. For more information on this, please refer to Kouksundo for Beginners [2].

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Correcting Muscles Around the Pelvis physical body

physical body

The muscles around the pelvis are balanced, supple, and relaxed.

abdominal muscles (shortened, tight)

correcting muscles around the pelvis quadriceps (lengthened, tight)

balanced posture

back muscles (lengthened, tight) The muscles around the pelvis are unbalanced and turning chronically tight. force

hamstrings (shortened, tight)

flattened lumbar curve posture

When we are in a balanced posture, the muscles around the pelvis are balanced, supple, and relaxed. In poor posture, the muscles around the pelvis are unbalanced and chronically tight. There are more than 40 muscles attached to the pelvis. Although there are over 40 muscles that are unbalanced and chronically tight, only four muscle groups are considered in the following for simplicity: 1. In the flattened lumbar curve posture, the abdominal muscles and hamstrings are shortened, and the back muscles and quadriceps are lengthened. 2. In the exaggerated lumbar curve posture, the opposite is true. The abdominal muscles and hamstrings are lengthened, and the back muscles and quadriceps are shortened. We should make the tight, unbalanced muscles around the pelvis balanced and supple. Stretching makes the muscles around the pelvis balanced and supple.

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Fascia Muscles are surrounded by fascia. The fascia that surrounds shortened muscles is shortened, and the fascia that surrounds lengthened muscles is lengthened. It is harder to lengthen the shortened fascia than it is to lengthen the shortened muscles. More tension arises in the shortened fascia than in the shortened muscles. In order to lengthen the fascia, it is necessary to apply stretching slowly and then hold at the point of slight tension for more than a minute. Stretching makes the fascia balanced and supple.

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Correcting Ligaments and Joints Around the Pelvis rear view

front view SI joint

front ligaments of the sacrum

ilium rear ligaments of the sacrum

sacrum

The pelvis consists of the sacrum and two ilia. The ligaments of the sacrum hold them together at the sacroiliac (SI) joints. The ligaments of the sacrum provide stability in the SI joint. They are the strongest ligaments in the body. The SI joint is movable. The sacrum can tilt slightly forward and backward at the SI joint with respect to the ilia. The ligaments of the hip stabilize the hip. The ligaments of the spine stabilize the spine.

poor posture

balanced posture

ligaments of the spine

SI joint

front ligaments of the sacrum

rear ligaments of the sacrum

turning force

correcting ligaments and joints around the pelvis ligaments of the hip The ligaments and joints around the pelvis are unbalanced and tight.

The ligaments and joints around the pelvis are balanced and supple.

When we are in a balanced posture, the ligaments and joints around the pelvis are balanced and supple.

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In poor posture, the ligaments and joints around the pelvis are unbalanced and tight. The sacrum is immovable (i.e., the sacrum is unable to tilt slightly forward and backward relative to the pelvis) as the ligaments of the sacrum get hardened and the SI joint gets fixed. It is challenging to make the ligaments and joints around the pelvis balanced and supple. We should make the following ligaments and joints balanced and supple: 1. The ligaments of the sacrum 2. The SI joint 3. The ligaments of the spine 4. The ligaments of the hip The advanced stretching exercises, poses, and movements of Kouksundo are designed to stretch the ligaments and joints around the pelvis in all directions (vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc.) to make them balanced and supple.

Movable Sacrum

SI joint

SS around 40o (Sacral Slope)

ligaments of the sacrum

sacrum tilts slightly forward relative to the pelvis

The movable sacrum helps us to assume a balanced posture with a balanced position of the sacrum.

sacrum tilts slightly backward relative to the pelvis

BSM near 0o (Backward Sacral Movement)

When the ligaments of the sacrum are supple and the SI joint is flexible, the sacrum becomes movable. The movable sacrum can tilt slightly forward and backward relative to the pelvis. It enables us to fine-tune the vertical alignment of the sacrum with respect to the hip joint (pivot). It helps us to o o assume a balanced posture with a balanced position of the sacrum (BSM near 0 and SS around 40 ).

Caution Stretching should be done without strong muscular effort. It should be done slowly and softly to avoid any injury.

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Bone Deformation

SS < 35o BSM > 15o

Mpelvis

SS > 45o

SI joint

SI joint flattened lumbar curve posture (e.g., BSM > 15o, SS < 35o)

Mpelvis

BSM > 15o

exaggerated lumbar curve posture (e.g., BSM > 15o, SS > 45o)

Over the years, standing or sitting with a misaligned sacrum leads to flattened lumbar curve posture o o o o (e.g., BSM > 15 , SS < 35 ) or exaggerated lumbar curve posture (e.g., BSM > 15 , SS > 45 ), which has a strong turning force in the pelvis and prevents us from having deep breathing and meditation. Flattened lumbar curve posture and an exaggerated lumbar curve posture have bone deformation in the pelvis, sacrum, and lumbar spine. Due to this bone deformation, it is structurally impossible to align the sacrum vertically with respect to the hip joint (pivot), and thus it is impossible to assume a balanced posture with a balanced position of the sacrum. It is important to develop a balanced posture before any bone deformation starts to happen in the pelvis, sacrum, and lumbar spine.

Slightly Deformed Bone As in the case of slightly flattened lumbar curve posture and slightly exaggerated lumbar curve posture, if there is slight bone deformation in the pelvis, sacrum, and lumbar spine, it can be compensated for by the supple muscles and ligaments around the pelvis and the flexible SI joint. When we have slight bone deformation, we can still assume a balanced posture with the following: 1. The muscles around the pelvis are supple. 2. The ligaments of the spine and hip are supple. 3. The ligaments of the sacrum are supple, and the SI joint is flexible (movable sacrum). The movable sacrum improves posture as follows: 1. It can tilt slightly forward to improve a slightly flattened lumbar curve posture. 2. It can tilt slightly backward to improve a slightly exaggerated lumbar curve posture.

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Assuming a Balanced Posture physical body

Relax the muscles around the main energy center.

energy body

A balanced posture can be assumed as follows: 1. Balance the base of the spine. 2. Keep the spine above the base straight. 3. Keep the consciousness at the center.

Gently tighten the anal sphincter muscles.

A balanced posture can be assumed as follows: 1. Balance the base of the spine. Straighten the sacrum vertically with respect to the hip joint, relaxing the muscles around the main energy center and gently tightening the anal sphincter muscles. Imagine that the pivot (the hip joint) is vertically supporting the sacrum through the pelvis. This first step determines the success of assuming a balanced posture. 2. Keep the spine above the base straight. Keep the head, neck, upper back, and lower back as straight as possible. Imagine that the sacrum is vertically supporting the whole spine above it. 3. Keep the consciousness at the center. When we are in poor posture, we should not exert constant muscular effort to assume a balanced posture. It causes tension in the muscles and blocks the normal flow of energy. Poor posture should be improved through a daily practice of stretching.

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Sitting on a Chair balanced posture

poor posture

physical energy body body

physical body

The sacrum is balanced.

energy body

The sacrum is unbalanced. turning force perineum (pivot)

When sitting on a chair, we should assume a balanced posture as follows: 1. Balance the base of the spine. 2. Keep the spine above the base straight. 3. Keep the consciousness at the center.

When sitting on a chair, we should assume a balanced posture as follows: 1. Balance the base of the spine. Straighten the sacrum vertically with respect to the perineum, relaxing the muscles around the main energy center and gently tightening the anal sphincter muscles. Imagine that the pivot (the perineum) is vertically supporting the sacrum through the pelvis. This first step determines the success of assuming a balanced posture. 2. Keep the spine above the base straight. Keep the head, neck, upper back, and lower back as straight as possible. Imagine that the sacrum is vertically supporting the whole spine above it. 3. Keep the consciousness at the center. We sit relaxedly with the back straight without touching the back of the chair. It feels much more comfortable when sitting with a balanced posture. In poor posture, due to the unbalanced sacrum that causes a strong turning force in the pelvis, it is difficult to sit up straight, and it is also difficult to sit without resting our back against the chair.

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Keeping the Sacrum Balanced physical body

energy body

bend at the hip joint

physical body

stay full of energy at the main energy center

energy body

lower back rounds

The sacrum is unbalanced.

The sacrum is balanced.

We should always keep the sacrum balanced to stay full of energy at the main energy center. When bending, the upper body should bend at the hip joint without rounding the lower back to stay full of energy at the main energy center.

The sacrum is balanced.

The sacrum is unbalanced.

stay full of energy at the main energy center

When lying down on the back, we should keep the sacrum balanced to stay full of energy at the main energy center. The sacrum and the pelvis are beautifully designed in such a way that once they are balanced, the balance can be maintained even when we are lying down on the back.

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Energy-Shaped Spine physical body

energy body

In the energy-shaped spine, the spine is straighter (more balanced) than the normal S-shaped spine.

normal S-shaped spine

When we are full of energy at the main energy center, the internal force of energy improves the alignment of the spine further.

When we are full of energy at the main energy center, the internal force of energy improves the alignment of the spine further. The spine is transformed into a more balanced shape. In the energy-shaped spine, the spine is straighter (more balanced) than the normal S-shaped spine. It has much less curvature in the lower and upper spine than the normal S-shaped spine. The more balanced spine allows the muscles of the upper body to relax deeply. The energy-shaped spine is free from back pain. It feels much more comfortable when we have an energy-shaped spine.

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People Today Are Sitting Too Much

People today are sitting in chairs throughout the day: 1. We sit down to eat meals, 2. To drive in a car, 3. To work on the computer, 4. To use a smartphone, 5. And to get some rest. Sitting with a misaligned sacrum leads to poor posture over time. When we are in poor posture, there is a strong turning force in the pelvis, which prevents us from having deep breathing and meditation. Our body is designed to move to stay balanced and full of energy. Sitting too much with a misaligned sacrum is harmful to our health. In modern society, even children are sitting too much with a misaligned sacrum after going to elementary school. They begin to lose their straight back (balanced posture, vertical straightness between the sacrum and the hip joint) at the age of seven.

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Amount of Time Required to Achieve a Balanced Posture The amount of time required to achieve a balanced posture varies from person to person. If we have good posture, we can achieve a balanced posture through a daily practice of stretching. But if we have poor posture, it is difficult to achieve a balanced posture.

Slightly unbalanced posture (1 to 12 months)

Moderately unbalanced posture (1 to 5 years)

Highly unbalanced posture (poor posture) (5 to 15 years)

If we have a slightly unbalanced posture with a supple body, then it will take about 1 to 12 months to achieve a balanced posture.

If we have a moderately unbalanced posture with a tight body, then it will take about 1 to 5 years to achieve a balanced posture.

If we have a highly unbalanced posture with an extremely tight body, then it will take about 5 to 15 years to achieve a balanced posture. With poor posture, it takes a long time to achieve a balanced posture. When we are over 40 years old, it proceeds extremely slowly over time. With poor posture, even the bones around the pelvis (the pelvis, sacrum, and lumbar spine) may undergo deformation over the years. If the deformation is serious, it is difficult to achieve a balanced posture.

It is recommended to develop a balanced posture when young before any deformation starts to occur in the bones around the pelvis. Elementary school years provide the perfect opportunity to develop a balanced posture.

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8. Stretching, Pose, and Movement

We normally do stretching using muscular forces. Stretching is improved if we use the internal force from the high-density energy at the main energy center. Stretching using the internal force relies less on muscular forces. The high-density energy at the main energy center is the source of all forces in the body. Stretching (pose, movement) using the internal force 1. Improves posture. Stretching using the internal force improves posture. When the internal force is used with the muscles relaxed, deep stretching occurs, and it facilitates the process of improving posture. Relaxing the muscles helps stretching, but tightening the muscles disturbs stretching. 2. Strengthens the muscles. The muscles are strengthened by the internal force. The muscles are relaxed yet become stronger due to the internal force. The muscles are not strengthened by the hardening of muscles. 3. Enhances the circulation of energy in the body. Energy is sent to the place where stretching (pose, movement) occurs and is brought back to the main energy center. This opens up the meridians, and energy flows increasingly freely in the body. The stretching exercises, poses, and movements of Kouksundo are designed to open up the meridians throughout the body.

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Basic Approach 2. Move into a stretched position. - Move from the main energy center using the internal force. - Move slowly with the muscles relaxed. - Send energy from the main energy center to the place where stretching (pose, movement) occurs. energy body

1. Become full of energy at the main energy center. - Keep the sacrum balanced with the consciousness at the center.

energy body physical body

physical body

stretched position

initial position 3. Return back to the initial position. - Bring energy back to the main energy center.

Stretching (pose, movement) using the internal force adopts the following approach: 1. Become full of energy at the main energy center. Keep the sacrum balanced with the consciousness at the center. 2. Move into a stretched position. Move from the main energy center using the internal force. Move slowly into a stretched position with the muscles relaxed. Send energy from the main energy center to the place where stretching (pose, movement) occurs when moving into a stretched position. 3. Return back to the initial position. Bring energy back to the main energy center when returning back to the initial position. Move the consciousness to move energy. When we move energy with the consciousness, energy moves through the whole body as well as through the meridians. We can use this approach even for walking, hiking, and running. When walking, hiking, or running, first become full of energy at the main energy center by keeping the sacrum balanced with the consciousness at the center, and then move the legs with the muscles relaxed, sending energy from the main energy center to the legs.

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Part II Meditation 9. Meditation 10. Cultivation of the Physical Body 11. Cultivation of the Mind 12. Cultivation of the Spirit 13. Cultivation of the Energy Body

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9. Meditation The Human Body physical realm

energy realm

mental realm

spiritual realm

atom (coarse, vibrating slow)

Yin and Yang energy particle

mental particle (fine, vibrating fast)

spiritual particle (finer, vibrating faster)

physical body

energy body

mental body

spiritual body

If we assume that the mental particles are as big as a fist, the spiritual particles are thinner and softer than our hair. The spiritual particles become finer, suppler, thinner, and softer. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5] The human body is composed of the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual bodies, which coexist as one whole being. The physical body consists of visible atoms. The energy body consists of invisible energy particles. The mental body consists of invisible mental particles. The spiritual body consists of invisible spiritual particles, which are finer and vibrating faster than mental particles. The human body is made up of atoms, Yin and Yang energy particles, mental particles, and spiritual particles. The energy, mental, and spiritual bodies are only visible to the spiritual eye. The physical body is the physical base of the human body that holds the energy, mental, and spiritual bodies. The energy body constantly inhales energy from the atmosphere and distributes it throughout the body. The mental body is the basic consciousness that operates the physical body. The spiritual body is advanced consciousness.

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Three Major Energy Centers physical body

energy body

mental body

spiritual body

top of the head upper energy center

middle energy center main energy center

thought

spiritual activity

will emotion

center of the body

perineum

There are three major energy centers in the energy body, which are the upper, middle, and main energy centers. The upper energy center is located in the same space as the brain in the physical body, the area where thoughts occur in the mental body, and the area where spiritual activities occur in the spiritual body. It supplies the necessary energy to the brain, to the area where thoughts occur, and to the area where spiritual activities occur. The middle energy center is located in the same space as the heart in the physical body and the area where the will is exercised and emotions arise in the mental body. It supplies the necessary energy to the heart and to the area where the will is exercised and emotions arise. The main energy center at the center of our body is the place where energy is accumulated. The accumulated energy at the main energy center circulates throughout the body. When the energy at the main energy center is abundant, the energy at the upper and middle energy centers also becomes abundant.

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Today’s People physical body

energy body

mental body

spiritual body

thought Our consciousness stays at the upper energy center at all times.

will emotion

tight with poor posture

almost dormant energy body

overactive, impure mind

dormant spirit

Today, we live a comfortable life, relying on machines and spending most of our time sitting. Due to this comfortable lifestyle, our physical body is tight with poor posture. As we live in the information age, our mind is always busy processing information. Due to this overactive mind, our consciousness stays at the upper energy center at all times. Since our physical body is tight with poor posture, and our consciousness stays at the upper energy center at all times, the energy at the main energy center is at an all-time low. The energy in the atmosphere flows into the body only minimally. Our spirit is dormant, and our life is driven by the mind. We are in an ignorant state and suffer throughout life. Although we live longer and have become more intelligent with great scientific advances, most of us are in a not adequately developed state where the physical body is tight with poor posture, the energy body is almost dormant, the mind is overactive and impure, and the spirit is dormant. Meditation can help us to realize our full potential. It can help us to realize the full potential of our physical, energy, mental, and spiritual bodies.

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Meditation (Pursuing Neutral) physical body

mental body

energy body

thought

spiritual body

awareness

consciousness will emotion

Uniting Force of Neutral Energy

center of gravity

center of the body

deep right posture (balanced posture) breathing

right mind activated (empty mind)

Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism all pursue Neutral (the Neutral Principle). Kouksundo pursues Neutral from a universal perspective. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] The following is a short description of Kouksundo meditation, which has a profound meaning:

Kouksundo pursues Neutral from a universal perspective. It encompasses the simple, powerful meditation technique introduced earlier:

1. Sit relaxedly on the floor (or a chair) with the back straight. 2. Close the eyes. 3. Focus the consciousness on the center of the body, watching the breath. We focus our consciousness on the center with the back straight. When we focus our consciousness on the center, the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy unites the whole being (the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual bodies) at the center. Deep breathing occurs. Pure universal energy is inhaled abundantly, and it improves the whole being.

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Pursuing Neutral The Neutral Principle, which is detailed in the “Evolution Based on the Neutral Principle” section, is a fundamental principle that underlies all phenomena. Neutral connotes meanings such as “center,” “unification (oneness),” “balance,” and “harmony.” We pursue Neutral (meditate). We pursue “unification (oneness)” at the “center” to achieve a “balanced,” “harmonious” state. We pursue “unification (oneness)” of our whole being at the “center.” We unite our physical body (Yin) and consciousness (Yang) at the center. We unite our physical body, mind, and spirit at the center. We unite our center of gravity, will, emotion, thought, and awareness at the center. We unite our three major energy centers at the center. When our whole being unites at the center, we are transformed into a “balanced,” “harmonious” state (our best state, our full potential) where the physical body is deeply relaxed with a perfectly balanced posture, the energy body is fully active, the mind is empty and pure, and the spirit is fully active. We pursue Neutral from a universal perspective. We pursue “unification (oneness)” with all beings in the universe through the “center” to achieve “harmony.” We unite (become one) with other beings and nature and live together peacefully in “harmony,” helping each other and making each other alive. When our spirit is fully active, we can become one with all beings in the universe.

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Center of the Body The center of our body is the center of gravity (COG) of the physical body. It is the center of the energy body. It is the place where deep breathing occurs. It is the place where energy is accumulated. It is the center of the mind. It is the place where the mind rests. It is the place of no mind where all the disturbances in thought and emotion calm down. It is the place of neutral (midway) where there is no concept of good and evil, and there is no judgment about things. It is the place beyond dispute and discrimination. It is the place of love and peace. It is the place through which our spirit is connected to the great universe. [Introduction to Kouksundo][3] The center of the body clearly reveals itself to us when the physical body is perfectly balanced at the center with a balanced posture, and the consciousness is one-pointedly focused at the center.

Become Centered By pursuing Neutral (meditation), we become centered. Both the physical body and the consciousness become centered. The physical body is balanced at the center, and the consciousness is moved down to the center.

Thought and awareness at the upper energy center are moved to the center. Will and emotion at the middle energy center are moved to the center. [Introduction to Kouksundo][3]

Deep Breathing at the Center When we are centered, deep breathing occurs at the center. When the physical body is balanced at the center, and the consciousness stays at the center, deep breathing occurs, and high-density energy is formed at the center. The more centered we are, the deeper the breathing becomes, and the higher the density of energy becomes. When the physical body is perfectly balanced at the center, and the consciousness one-pointedly stays at the center, pure universal energy is inhaled abundantly into a point at the center of the body, and extremely high-density energy is formed there.

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The Force Behind Deep Breathing at the Center The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy exists at the center of everything. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] When our consciousness stays, energy is condensed and accumulated. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4] Our mind and spirit are drawn into the center of the main energy center by a strong absorption force. [Introduction to Kouksundo][3] The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy is the force behind deep breathing. When pursuing Neutral, the consciousness at the center creates the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy that produces a strong absorption force. The strong absorption force at the center draws pure universal energy in the atmosphere to the center. The absorbed energy is condensed and accumulated at the center. It also draws the consciousness to the center and helps it to stay at the center. The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy unites pure universal energy and our consciousness at the center.

Pursuing Neutral Improves the Whole Being When we pursue Neutral with the right posture and the right mind, a huge amount of pure universal energy in the atmosphere flows into our body, and high-density energy is formed at the center. The high-density energy at the center improves not only the physical body but also the mind and the spirit. It actively circulates through the meridians. It vitalizes all systems of the physical body (i.e., the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, and immune systems) and makes them function optimally. It purifies the mind. It dissolves negative emotions, such as sensitivity, anxiety, and depression. Our mind drawn to the center by the strong absorption force becomes empty. Distracting thoughts stop, and fluctuating emotions become immensely peaceful. It brightens the spirit. Our dormant spirit is brightened with a clear awareness. The spirit has a clear awareness of the present moment.

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Positive Feedback System physical body

energy body

mental body

thought

spiritual body

spiritual activity consciousness

will emotion center of gravity positive posture-energy feedback

positive energy-consciousness feedback

Our body is a positive feedback system. Posture, consciousness, and deep breathing affect each other positively. Once we begin to have deep breathing at the center, posture and consciousness are increasingly improved over time.

Positive Posture-Energy Feedback The high-density energy formed at the center improves posture. The improved posture, in turn, deepens the breathing and accumulates more energy at the center. As we go further, the COG of the physical body is gradually moved to the center. The posture gets balanced more toward the center. The more the physical body is centered, the deeper the breathing becomes, and the higher the density of energy becomes.

Positive Energy-Consciousness Feedback The high-density energy formed at the center improves consciousness. The mind becomes silent, and the spirit stays focused at the center with a clear awareness. The improved consciousness, in turn, deepens the breathing and accumulates more energy at the center. As we go further, the consciousness is gradually moved to the center. The mind becomes more silent, and the spirit stays more focused at the center with a clear awareness. The more the consciousness is centered, the deeper the breathing becomes, and the higher the density of energy becomes.

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10. Cultivation of the Physical Body We cultivate our physical body to have the right posture (balanced posture). We do a daily practice of stretching, pose, and movement to have a balanced posture. The balanced posture is the structural integrity of the physical body. When we are deeply relaxed with a balanced posture, energy in the atmosphere is absorbed abundantly into the body. The cultivation of the mind and the spirit requires a good physical foundation.

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Balanced Posture energy body

physical body

physical body

energy body

Balanced posture allows the free flow of energy from the atmosphere to the center.

Poor posture blocks the free flow of energy from the atmosphere to the center. center of the body

turning force

COG lies in front of the center. poor posture

By pursuing Neutral (meditation) with a daily practice of stretching, pose, and movement, we can develop a balanced posture.

COG coincides with the center. balanced posture (silent posture)

The center of gravity (COG) is the point at which turning forces due to gravity are balanced. It is the center of balance. When we are in a balanced posture, the bones are balanced, and the COG coincides with the center of the body. The physical body is balanced at the COG with deep relaxation in the muscles. A balanced posture is a silent posture in which there is no turning force in the pelvis due to gravity and no muscular effort. A balanced posture allows the free flow of energy from the atmosphere to the center. In poor posture, the bones are not balanced, and the COG lies in front of the center of the body. The physical body is balanced at the COG with a tremendous amount of tension in the muscles. There is a strong turning force in the pelvis due to gravity and a strong muscular effort. Poor posture blocks the free flow of energy from the atmosphere to the center. By pursuing Neutral (meditation) with a daily practice of stretching, pose, and movement, we can develop a balanced posture.

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11. Cultivation of the Mind We cultivate our mental body to have the right mind (empty mind). We do a constant practice of emptying the mind and retrospection to have an empty mind. The empty mind is the content integrity of the mental body. When we have an empty mind, energy in the atmosphere is absorbed infinitely into our body. The cultivation of the spirit requires a good mental foundation.

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Empty Mind energy body

mental body

spiritual body

energy body

spiritual body

major energy gateway at the top of the head

limited (narrow perspective) knowledge, experience, beliefs

thought (distracting)

dark residual bitter feelings

mental body

thought (silent)

free will (pursues selfish desires) By pursuing Neutral (meditation) with a emotion constant practice of (fluctuating) emptying the mind and retrospection, our impure mind is dormant impure mind gradually transformed into a pure empty mind.

righteous will (conforms to the spirit) emotion (peaceful)

pure empty mind

activated

The human mind is impure, has free will, and pursues selfish desires. It has distracting thoughts and fluctuating emotions. It is filled with limited (narrow perspective) knowledge, experience, and beliefs and dark residual bitter feelings piled up deep within it. An empty mind is pure, has the righteous will, and conforms to the spirit. It has silent thoughts and peaceful emotions. It is free of limited knowledge, experience, and beliefs, and dark residual bitter feelings. By pursuing Neutral (meditation) with a constant practice of emptying the mind and retrospection, our impure mind is gradually transformed into a pure empty mind.

Free Flow of Energy There is a major energy gateway at the top of the head. The most amount of energy is absorbed into the body through this energy gateway. Distracting thoughts, fluctuating emotions, and dark residual bitter feelings block the free flow of energy to the center. The silent, peaceful mind allows the free flow of energy to the center. When we have an empty mind, pure universal energy is infinitely absorbed into the center. [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6] 86

Emptying the Mind Emptying the mind is emptying our selfish ego. We empty our thoughts and emotions that arise from selfish desires. We empty our limited knowledge, experience, and beliefs. We empty our dark residual bitter feelings deep within the mind. Infinite emptiness is the essence of our mind. When we empty our mind, the spirit appears. The spirit is the master of an empty mind. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4]

Retrospection Retrospection is the act of looking back and reflecting on the past. We look inward, recognize the flaws of our mind, and make an effort to improve them. We improve our mind by emptying it (not by changing it). We do a daily practice of retrospection to have an empty mind. We used to think that we are nice. But when our spirit gets activated, we clearly see our mind as it is and realize that we are far from nice. Retrospection happens automatically: 1. We always think that we are right, seeing things only from the standpoint of the self. 2. We are even unable to understand and embrace the closest person. 3. We are full of selfish desires, and all our thoughts and emotions are for the self. We clearly see our selfishness, narrow-mindedness, and foolishness. We understand that most of the problems are coming from the self due to these flaws. We empty our mind, looking inward and recognizing the flaws of our mind.

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Thoughtforms and Thought Waves mental body

mental body

positive thought wave (high frequency, smooth, comfortable)

positive thoughtform (bright)

negative thought wave (low frequency, spiky, uncomfortable)

negative thoughtform (dark)

negative thoughts and emotions

positive thoughts and emotions

Thoughts are not something void. The mind is of subtle material, and thoughts radiate thought waves. We live our life, radiating thought waves with changing thoughts in each moment. We should live our life with righteous thoughts, which radiate thought waves beneficial to all beings in the universe. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5] Thoughts and emotions generate vibrating mental energy fields called thoughtforms. Each thought generates a thoughtform with a unique shape and color. There are countless shapes and colors of thoughtform. Thoughtforms are visible to the spiritual eye. Positive thoughts and emotions generate positive thoughtforms, which radiate positive thought waves that are beneficial to all beings. Positive thoughtforms are bright, and positive thought waves are of high frequency, smooth, and comfortable. Negative thoughts and emotions generate negative thoughtforms, which radiate negative thought waves that are harmful to all beings. Negative thoughtforms are dark, and negative thought waves are of low frequency, spiky, and uncomfortable. As time passes, our thoughts and emotions keep changing. As thoughts and emotions arise and go away, thoughtforms and thought waves change correspondingly moment by moment.

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Positive Mind Makes Us Healthier physical body energy body

mental body

physical body energy body

mental body

Pursuing Neutral (meditation) makes our mind bright. produce harmful hormones

block harmonious flow of energy

generate negative thoughtforms and thought waves

produce beneficial hormones

enable harmonious flow of energy

generate positive thoughtforms and thought waves

Our mind plays a significant role in our health. Pursuing Neutral (meditation) makes our mind bright.

Negative Mind A negative mind produces negative thoughts and emotions, which affect our mental, energy, and physical bodies negatively. Negative thoughts and emotions generate negative thoughtforms and thought waves in the mental body. They block the harmonious flow of energy in the meridians, which results in insufficient energy in the internal organs. The physical body produces harmful hormones that correspond to them. A negative mind leads to illness. Having negative thoughts and emotions toward others harms us. We can let go of negative thoughts and emotions by emptying our mind.

Positive Mind A positive mind produces positive thoughts and emotions, which affect our mental, energy, and physical bodies positively. Positive thoughts and emotions generate positive thoughtforms and thought waves in the mental body. They enable the harmonious flow of energy in the meridians. The physical body produces beneficial hormones that correspond to them. A positive mind leads to a healthier body. Smiling makes our mind bright and makes us healthy.

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12. Cultivation of the Spirit physical body energy body

mental body

spiritual body

consciousness

unhealthy

dark

The spiritual eye is opened.

Caution Spiritual cultivation without good physical and mental foundations is undesirable. Just focusing on the cultivation of the spirit makes our mind dark and makes our physical body unhealthy. The peaceful empty mind brightens the spirit. It is important to open the spiritual eye at the center, pursuing Neutral. Otherwise, the physical body becomes weak, and the mind becomes dark. [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6] The spirit, which is composed of finer, faster-vibrating spiritual particles, requires a tremendous amount of energy to be activated. If we just pursue the activation of the spirit and the opening of the spiritual eye by focusing our consciousness on the upper energy center, the energy at the upper energy center is used up, and we have low levels of energy at the middle and main energy centers. It weakens our physical body and darkens our mind. The topic of spiritual cultivation is beyond the scope of this book, and I am not eligible to discuss this topic. For more information on this topic, please refer to Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo[4].

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13. Cultivation of the Energy Body Energy in the atmosphere minimally flows into our body due to the following: 1. The central energy pathway is closed. 2. The governing and conception vessels are closed. 3. The 12 primary meridians are narrow. We can activate the 12 primary meridians by having high-density energy at the main energy center, which actively circulates through the 12 primary meridians. However, this is not enough. We need to completely open all the meridians and energy gateways (acupuncture points) so that we can produce extremely high-density true energy at the center for advanced level meditation. We can open all the meridians and energy gateways by opening the governing and conception vessels, which is not easy to achieve. We start opening these vessels by consciously circulating the high-density energy at the center through them. The current of energy is faint in the beginning but becomes more powerful as we make progress. The current of energy gradually increases and begins to open them. They become completely opened when we have extremely high-density true energy at the center. When the governing and conception vessels are completely opened, all the meridians connected to them also become completely opened, and energy gateways along the meridians also become completely opened. The energy in the atmosphere abundantly flows into the body through the completely opened energy gateways and actively circulates through the completely opened meridians. Energy flows in and circulates like a waterfall. All the meridians connected as a body-wide web clearly reveal themselves to us. The opened meridians are as thick as a drinking straw. The technical aspects of cultivating the energy body are beyond the scope of this book. They are detailed in Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo[4].

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Consciousness Controls Energy energy body

Consciousness moves.

Consciousness is focused.

Consciousness stays.

Energy is condensed and accumulated.

Energy follows the movement.

Energy is concentratedly accumulated.

Yin and Yang energy can be controlled. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] Energy gathers at the center of consciousness. When our consciousness moves, energy follows the movement. When our consciousness stays, energy is condensed and accumulated. When our consciousness is scattered, the accumulated energy is scattered. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4] Consciousness controls energy. Consciousness can gather, accumulate, scatter, or move energy. Grandmasters are adept at the art of controlling energy. Energy is concentratedly accumulated when our consciousness is focused. If consciousness is onepointedly focused, energy is one-pointedly accumulated. If consciousness is broadly focused, energy is broadly accumulated.

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Levels of Energy Accumulation energy body

a million times higher density

a thousand times higher density

atoms around the center

accumulation level 0 (low-density energy, today’s people)

accumulation level 1 (high-density energy)

accumulation level 2 (very high-density energy)

accumulation level 3 (extremely high-density energy)

As we progress to higher levels of meditation, the consciousness gets more focused and produces higher density energy. At accumulation level 1, the consciousness focused at the center creates high-density energy at the center (e.g., a thousand times higher density - this number is an estimated value used to help understand the concept). At accumulation level 3, the consciousness one-pointedly focused at the center produces onepointedly condensed energy, which is like a tiny black hole absorbing an infinite amount of energy. The power of spiritual concentration creates extremely high-density energy at the center (e.g., a million times higher density). Energy fields that emit subtle light are visible to the spiritual eye. To the spiritual eye, the very highdensity energy at the center is looked like a fog, and the extremely high-density energy at the center is looked like a transparent bead of energy radiating light. A huge amount of energy being drawn to the center and spinning around the center is also visible to the spiritual eye. It is looked like a curved wire, as in the illustration above.

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Accumulation Level 0 physical body

energy body

mental body spiritual body

The consciousness stays at the upper energy center.

tight with poor posture

low-density energy

overactive

dormant

Breathing At accumulation level 0, breathing occurs primarily in the physical body. Breathing is quick and shallow.

Energy Accumulation Low-density energy is formed at the center. The physical body is tight with poor posture, and the consciousness stays at the upper energy center at all times.

Consciousness The spirit is dormant, and the mind is overactive. Distracting thoughts are arising incessantly, and emotions are fluctuating. We are mainly aware of the five senses in the physical body.

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Accumulation Level 1 physical body

energy body

mental body spiritual body

The consciousness stays at the center.

relaxed with a balanced posture

high-density energy

slightly activated

Breathing At accumulation level 1, breathing occurs both in the energy body and the physical body. Breathing becomes deep and slow. Breathing in the energy body and breathing in the physical body are synchronized. Breathing at this level creates high-density energy at the center.

Energy Accumulation High-density energy is formed at the center. It happens when the physical body becomes relaxed with a balanced posture, and the consciousness stays at the center. The lower abdomen is automatically inflated with high-density energy. There are feelings of high pressure and warmth at the center. The lower abdomen feels like a balloon inflated with high-pressure air. The accumulated energy is scattered as soon as the consciousness is scattered. [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6]

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Consciousness The mind rests at the center. Distracting thoughts subside, and fluctuating emotions become peaceful. The high-density energy at the center dissolves negative emotions, such as sensitivity, anxiety, and depression. The spirit is slightly activated. Awareness becomes slightly clear, and conscience is slightly opened. We are aware of the five senses in the physical body and begin to be aware of the mind.

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Accumulation Level 2 physical body

energy body

mental body spiritual body

The consciousness stays focused at the center.

more relaxed with a balanced posture

very high-density energy

slightly activated

Breathing At accumulation level 2, breathing occurs both in the energy body and the physical body. Breathing becomes deep, slow, and quiet. Breathing in the energy body and breathing in the physical body are not synchronized. The length of inbreath in the energy body becomes very long. Breathing at this level creates very high-density energy at the center.

Energy Accumulation Very high-density energy is formed at the center. It happens when the physical body becomes more relaxed with a balanced posture, and the consciousness stays focused at the center. The very high-density energy formed at the center feels like a lump of energy with the size of an egg. There are feelings of high pressure and heat at the center. The whole body feels like a balloon inflated with very high-pressure air. The lump of accumulated energy is scattered when the consciousness is scattered. [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6]

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Accumulation Level 3 physical body

energy body

mental body spiritual body

The consciousness stays one-pointedly focused at the center.

fully relaxed with a perfectly balanced posture

extremely high-density energy

activated

Advanced Level of Practice Accumulation level 3 is an advanced level of practice and is the beginning of spiritual cultivation.

Breathing Breathing occurs primarily in the energy body. Breathing becomes deep, slow, and quiet. Breathing in the energy body and breathing in the physical body are not synchronized. It feels that breathing in the physical body almost ceases. Breathing in the energy body occurs automatically. We just focus the consciousness on the center, watching the breath in the energy body. The length of inbreath in the energy body becomes extremely long. Breathing at this level creates extremely high-density true energy at the center.

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Energy Accumulation Extremely high-density energy is formed at the center. It happens when the physical body becomes fully relaxed with a perfectly balanced posture, and the consciousness stays one-pointedly focused at the center. The one-pointedly focusing spirit at the center creates the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy that produces an extremely powerful absorption force. Pure universal energy is absorbed infinitely into this point. It is like a tiny black hole. To the spiritual eye, it is looked like a tiny, transparent bead of energy radiating light. It is about 1-3 mm in diameter. There are feelings of extreme heat at the center and of emptiness in the body. The bead of accumulated energy is not scattered easily. It is not just energy. It is a unification of energy, mind, and spirit. It is a manifestation of the true self. [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6]

Consciousness The mind is settled at the center and becomes empty. Distracting thoughts stop completely, and fluctuating emotions become immensely peaceful. The spirit is activated. The spiritual eye is opened, and the conscience is opened. Our awareness is shifted from the mind to the spirit. Forgetting of the physical body (forgetting of the form) occurs, and then forgetting of the mind (forgetting of the self) occurs. We are clearly aware of the spirit. We realize that we are not our thoughts or emotions but are our spirit. We are in bliss (extreme happiness) and begin to perceive a completely different reality. We see inside our physical body and see energy fields in the energy body. Time slows down at the center, where the density of energy is extremely high. When our consciousness stays at the center for about five to ten minutes, we find that an hour has passed.

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Part III Living a Meaningful Life 14. The Great Universe 15. Recovering Our True Nature 16. Expanding Our Consciousness 17. Enlightenment 18. Meditation in Daily Life 19. Happiness 20. Righteousness (Right Mind) 21. Conscience 22. Read It to Yourself

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14. The Great Universe universe physical realm

consciousness realm energy particle

mental realm

spiritual realm

atom mental particle

spiritual particle

stars, galaxies, and living beings

the pure universal consciousness mental light

electromagnetic wave

benevolent spiritual light

energetic light

physical eyes

spiritual eye conscience

physical energy mental spiritual body body body body

All Beings Are Interconnected as One Through Light As shown in the “A Comprehensive Model of Light” section, although all beings in the universe are spatially separate, they are interconnected as one through light. Each being is connected to every other being through light. The universe is an open system where information about each being is available to every other being in the form of light. All beings (physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual beings) in the universe continuously radiate light (physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual light) wherever they are, and whatever activities (physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual activities) they do. They leave traces of their existence and activities in the universe with light. The radiated light can be accessed through a process called resonance. All beings have a resonant capability.

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Perception of the Mind The mind has limited perception. It perceives the world through the five senses (see, hear, touch, taste, smell). The physical eyes have a small range of resonant frequencies. The physical eyes can resonate with visible light but cannot resonate with subtle light (energetic, mental, and spiritual light). Although we are spatially separate, the mind sees the people and things around us with the physical eyes through visible light. But there is more to reality than the mind sees.

Perception of the Spirit The spirit has expanded perception. It perceives the world with the spiritual eye. The spiritual eye that has an extremely large range of resonant frequencies can resonate with subtle light. When the spiritual eye is fully opened, the spirit can perceive all beings in the universe. In the fully opened spiritual eye, the universe resides. With the spiritual eye, we can resonate, interact, and feel oneness with other beings. Although we are spatially separate, at the spiritual level, we are deeply connected to other beings, nature, and the universe through visible, energetic, mental, and spiritual light.

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Consciousness Time Big Bang

Consciousness evolved into the basic consciousness. matter universe

consciousnes s

Consciousness evolved further into the advanced consciousness. matter

today

consciousnes s human body

basic consciousness (mental realm)

sometime in the future

basic consciousness (mental realm)

spiritual body (dormant)

human body

spiritual body (active)

advanced consciousness (spiritual realm)

Consciousness is not something void or non-existent but is something created from energy. Although consciousness is invisible to us, we experience it at all times. It is visible to the spiritual eye. Everything in the universe is created from energy. Matter is the Yin manifestation of energy, and consciousness is the Yang manifestation of energy. The universe is composed of energy, matter (Yin), and consciousness (Yang). The universe is composed of the physical, energy, and consciousness realms. The mental and spiritual realms make up the consciousness realm. The mental realm (Yin) consists of invisible mental particles. It has both darkness and brightness. It has both conflict and harmony. The mental body (the mind) is created from mental particles. The spiritual realm (Yang) consists of invisible spiritual particles. It is the center of the universe. It is pure and bright. There is no darkness. There is only harmony with no conflict. It is truly peaceful and full of benevolent spiritual light. The true nature of the universe is peace and love. The spiritual body (the spirit) is created from spiritual particles. The spirit has advanced functions such as awareness (expanded perception), conscience, intuition, and communion.

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Consciousness evolved into the basic consciousness (the mental realm, the mind), then further into the advanced consciousness (the spiritual realm, the spirit) through billions of years of evolution. The consciousness of human beings consists of the mental body (the mind) and the spiritual body (the spirit). At the current stage of evolution, the spirit is dormant for most people. The mind is in charge of our consciousness and controls the operation of the physical body. Sometime in the future, when our consciousness evolves further, the spirit will be active for most people. The spirit will be in charge of our consciousness, and the mind will control the operation of the physical body under the guidance of the spirit. This is one way to view the world. I also respect other views about the world.

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The Great Universe (the Great Nature) We live in the great universe (the great nature), where all beings in the universe exist as one interconnected whole at the spiritual level. When our spirit gets brightened, we begin to be aware that we are connected to all beings in the universe. The mind is individual consciousness that pursues the prosperity, oneness, and harmony of all cells within the self. We have been created in such a way that all the cells in the body - communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, - helping each other and making each other alive, - each cell (a blood cell, nerve cell, muscle cell, bone cell, skin cell, etc.) making its contribution with its own function. At the mental level, trillions of cells in the body exist as one interconnected whole. They are systematically interconnected and live as one community. They are not alone. They are all part of the community. They are all important for different functions. They do their best for the community. If one part of the body suffers, then all the cells as a whole suffer together. When all the cells suffer together, they unite together as one and overcome together. The spirit is universal consciousness that pursues the prosperity, oneness, and harmony of all beings in the universe. The universe has been created in such a way that all beings in the universe - communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, - helping each other and making each other alive, - each being (a tree, plant, mountain, river, ocean, farmer, carpenter, delivery man, firefighter, teacher, doctor, scientist, etc.) making its contribution with its own function. At the spiritual level, all beings in the universe exist as one interconnected whole. We are systematically interconnected and live as one community. We are not alone. We are all part of the community. We are all different but important for different functions. We do our best for the community. If some of us suffer, then we all suffer together. When we suffer together, we unite together as one and overcome together. We suffer together as a community.

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The Pure Universal Consciousness The physical realm is full of atomic particles. Stars and galaxies (huge physical structures) are created from atomic particles in the physical realm through billions of years of evolution. The consciousness realm is seemingly empty, but it is actually full of invisible consciousness particles (mental particles and spiritual particles). The pure universal consciousness (a huge spiritual structure) is created from spiritual particles in the spiritual realm through billions of years of evolution. The pure universal consciousness is the spirit of the universe. It perceives all beings in the universe as they are and embraces them with benevolent feelings without discrimination, like a mother who nurtures a baby.

The pure universal consciousness is love, compassion, righteousness, and benevolence. Love and righteousness are harmonized. It is a life force that makes all beings alive. The pure universal consciousness is the natural providence and the will of the great nature. All beings are great creations of the great nature. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5]

Conscience The spirit includes a function of conscience. Our spirit is connected to the pure universal consciousness through conscience. Through conscience, we listen to the will of the great nature (the pure universal consciousness), which pursues the prosperity, oneness, and harmony of all beings in the universe. Conscience instantaneously makes us feel guilty when we do something unrighteous. Conscience guides us on the right path.

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Resembling the Pure Universal Consciousness Truly enlightened beings resemble the pure universal consciousness. They perceive all beings in the universe as they are and embrace them with benevolent spiritual light. All beings are permeated by this benevolent spiritual light. Our spiritual body, which is dormant but resembles the pure universal consciousness, is within us, waiting to be awakened. We should live a life brightening the incredibly wonderful spirit deep within us to resemble the pure universal consciousness. Through the brightened spirit, we can deepen the feeling of oneness with other beings, nature, and the universe.

The consciousness realm (heaven) and I are not separate but are systematically connected as one. So are nature and I, and you and I. Our immortal spirit is one with the pure universal consciousness and the great nature. When we are one with our spirit, we can become one with numerous other people. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5]

Scientific Verification The interconnectedness of reality described in this section cannot be scientifically proven because it is beyond the measurement of scientific instruments. People find it hard to believe because the mind cannot perceive it, and the spirit is dormant for most people. The mind cannot even perceive the spirit. We know the interconnectedness of reality only when we experience it with the spirit. We can only verify it personally by activating the spirit within us and directly experiencing it through the spiritual eye that can perceive subtle light.

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15. Recovering Our True Nature physical body

energy body

mental body

physical body

spiritual body

energy body

mental body

spiritual body

Meditation recovers our true nature.

poor posture

impure almost dormant mind energy body

dormant spirit

balanced deep posture breathing (fully (silent posture) active)

pure empty mind (silent mind)

brightened spirit (fully active)

Pursuing Neutral (meditation) recovers our true nature, which is truthful, righteous, and beautiful. The ultimate goal of meditation is to manifest the true self and become one with the pure universal consciousness through the spirit of the manifested true self. When we breathe deeply with a silent mind and a silent posture, our mind is purified, and our spirit is brightened. We recover our true nature (our true mind, the spirit), which is of infinitely vast emptiness and embraces the entire universe. When we breathe deeply with a silent mind and a silent posture, pure universal energy in the atmosphere infinitely flows into the center. This energy is truly pure and fine. It vitalizes the whole being, including the spirit. Food energy vitalizes only the physical body. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4]

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Living a Meaningful Life living a life driven by the mind mental body

mental body

spiritual body

free will The mind leads our life.

living a life driven by the spirit

dormant spirit

Meditation helps us to live a meaningful life.

When living a life driven by the mind, we suffer throughout life.

spiritual body

righteous will The empty mind The spirit conforms to the leads the spirit. mind.

The spirit guides us on the right path.

The mind has the right (authority) to make a decision in our body. Decisions are made in the mind. In order to live a life being confined in the physical body, our mind is developed into a narrow, distorted human mind, which discriminates, makes judgments, and pursues selfish desires. The spirit is the essence of our body. It is righteous consciousness. Only through the spirit can we purify our mind and control our limited knowledge, experience and beliefs, and selfish desires. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4]

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While the mind is individual consciousness that pursues the happiness of the self, the spirit is universal consciousness that pursues the harmony of all beings in the universe. While the mind lives a life as an individual, the spirit lives a life as a community. When we live a life driven by the mind, we suffer throughout life. One important reason is that the mind lives a life as an individual, but our life takes place as a community. It is fortunate that we are not just our mind, but the spirit is the essence of us. The spirit helps us to live a meaningful life without suffering. But since the mind has the right to make a decision in our body, just having a brightened spirit is not enough. We need to have an empty mind, which is pure, has the righteous will, and is obedient to the spirit. When we empty our selfish mind and brighten the spirit, the spirit leads the mind, and the empty mind conforms to the spirit. The spirit guides us on the right path.

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Living a Life Driven by the Mind Most of us have a dormant spirit and live a life driven by the mind. The mind has limited perception, feels separate from others, and feels alone. The mind has both dark (negative) and bright (positive) thoughts and emotions. It is prone to negative thoughts and emotions, such as dissatisfaction, resistance, refusal, blame, criticism, discrimination, sensitivity, worry, anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and hatred. The mind does not have a clear awareness of the present moment. It has distracting thoughts and fluctuating emotions. It is always busy thinking about the past and future, recollecting past experiences and worrying about the future. It is not easy to keep our mind from wandering. The mind has free will. It pursues selfish desires and the pleasures of the five senses. It feels happy when it achieves something for a selfish desire. Happiness does not last long, and it wants more to be happy. It has strong attachments to the physical world. It wants to be rich and famous. The mind has the concept of good and evil. It always tries to make judgments about things, whether they are right or wrong. The judgments are made from an individual perspective based on limited knowledge, experience, and beliefs, disregarding the standpoint of others. To the mind, things have to be right from the viewpoint of the self. This results in dissatisfaction, resistance, refusal, blame, criticism, and wanting others to be punished. This causes conflict with others and suffering to the self. The mind paradoxically causes its own suffering when it works hard for selfish desires or tries to protect the self. The selfish mind cannot be happy. The mind has a biased awareness of things due to selfish desires and limited knowledge, experience, and beliefs. It tends to see only the appearance of things and wants to have a beautiful appearance. But we are our consciousness. We are truly beautiful when we are beautiful inside. The mind always seeks something. It easily gets bored or lonely when there is nothing to do. Life does not flow according to our selfish desires. The mind has difficulty accepting the flow of life as it is and tries to control it. It feels that the world is full of suffering and conflict. It tends to have a feeling that life is meaningless. It thinks of itself as a good person and always tries to assert itself. It is not easy for the mind to realize that it is far from good. The mind is very reluctant to improve itself to become a better person.

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emotional body

thought body

1

mental body

2

3

spiritual body

Emotions The major components of the mind are the emotional body and the thought body. They work very closely together to create thoughts and emotions. 2 The mind has both dark (negative) and bright (positive) emotions such as happiness, anger, sorrow, pleasure, and so on. Our emotions fluctuate as the mind is easily affected by its surroundings. The emotional body is dark (Yin). It is prone to a negative state. When our life is driven by this emotional body, 1 we are likely to live in disharmony with others and waste life pursuing pleasure. Negative emotions like anger hurt others and cause disharmony. When in a negative state, the emotional body completely disregards the feelings and standpoints of others. We should not allow the emotional body to have complete control over us. The emotional body has complete control over us when we identify with our emotions. When a negative emotion like anger arises, we automatically identify with the emotional body, become a slave to it, and suffer from it. It happens quite easily. It is a flaw in our mind. Instead of unconsciously allowing the emotional body to control us, we should watch our emotions and control them. It is very difficult to do this with our mind. We have much higher quality consciousness (the spirit) deep inside. 3 When our spirit becomes active, we can see our emotions and understand how they affect our thoughts, words, and actions. With the spirit, we can process them consciously in a positive way. If we already have a negative emotion, we should not suppress it. Suppressing the already-arisen negative emotion is harmful to us, as residual bitter feelings will continue to stay deep within the mind. We should release it in a positive way. The best way is to stay beyond fluctuating emotions. The empty mind is truly peaceful and free from fluctuating emotions.

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Living a Life Driven by the Spirit When we have a brightened spirit with an empty mind, the spirit becomes the main operating system of our body. The spirit has expanded perception, is deeply connected to other beings, and is aware of the mind and our thoughts, words, and actions. When we have a brightened spirit with an empty mind, our consciousness produces only bright, higher quality thoughts and emotions, such as acceptance, forgiveness, respect, peacefulness, gratefulness, benevolence, earnestness, and a feeling of oneness. It has a clear awareness of the present moment. It is in joy (great happiness) or in bliss (extreme happiness) simply for being. It never gets bored or lonely. It is full of joy just watching the world clearly with no distracting thoughts. There is no concept of good and evil. It is non-judgmental. It does not criticize or blame the flaws of others. Rather it tries to help others and makes them recognize their flaws through love. It accepts the flow of life as it is without judgment. It is grateful for what we have, even for the little things. It is in true peace and free from pursuing selfish desires. It feels happy through the happiness of others. This makes others as well as the self happy. It finds meaning in becoming one with all beings in the universe and conforming to the will of the great nature (the pure universal consciousness). It feels that life is precious and lives every moment of it earnestly. It feels that the world is beautiful and magnificent. It finds itself far from righteous, and retrospection happens automatically. It has a strong motivation to improve itself to become a higher quality being. Today, we spend most of our precious time with the mind, which is always busy processing information. On the contrary, we spend little or no time with the spirit. We should spend our precious time more with the spirit, the essence of us, connecting to the inner world.

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16. Expanding Our Consciousness universe physical realm

consciousness realm

mental realm

2

1

spiritual realm

3

4

We can expand our consciousness from to by pursuing Neutral (meditation).

1

The spirit is dormant.

1

narrow, closed consciousness

low-density energy at the center today’s people

4

The spirit is slightly activated.

2

The spirit is activated. The spiritual eye is opened.

slightly expanded consciousness

high-density energy at the center basic level

3

expanded consciousness

extremely high-density energy at the center advanced level

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The spirit is fully activated. The spiritual eye is fully opened.

4

fully expanded consciousness

An infinite amount of energy is absorbed through the whole body. true enlightenment

Our consciousness is in a narrow, closed state. It can be transformed into infinitely vast consciousness that perceives and embraces the entire universe. As we progress to higher levels of meditation, our consciousness expands from individual consciousness 1 to universal consciousness. 4 Our consciousness can expand beyond the self. The more our consciousness expands, the more we become connected to other beings. When our consciousness is fully expanded, we are connected to all beings in the universe. It feels as if we are the universe, although we are part of the universe. - Today’s people 1 The spirit is dormant. Our consciousness is in a narrow, closed state. It has limited perception and feels separate from others. It cares only about the self. - The basic level (high-density energy level) 2 The spirit is slightly activated. The mind is slightly empty. Our consciousness is transformed into a slightly expanded state. It begins to see the people and things around it and begins to care about them. - The advanced level (extremely high-density energy level) 3 The spirit is activated, and the spiritual eye is opened. The mind is empty and has the righteous will. Our consciousness is transformed into an expanded state. It perceives the people and things around it and feels connected to them. It cares about others and nature. It perceives the lower part of the mental realm. It perceives consciousness beings in the lower part of the mental realm. - The true enlightenment level 4 The spirit is fully activated, and the spiritual eye is fully opened. The mind is fully empty and has the righteous will that conforms to the will of the great nature. Our consciousness is transformed into a fully expanded state. It perceives the spiritual realm. It perceives, feels oneness with, and embraces all beings in the universe.

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The Basic Level

1 narrow, closed consciousness

slightly expanded consciousness

2

Consciousness expands slightly.

Although only a small number of people make progress to the advanced level, the basic level is available to anyone who is earnestly pursuing Neutral (meditating). When we pursue Neutral with a balanced posture, energy in the atmosphere flows in abundantly and expands our consciousness slightly. Even though it is just the basic level, it gradually transforms our consciousness into a higher quality state. It slightly expands our consciousness and makes us beautiful inside. We grow inside mentally and spiritually and become a better person. We become more open to the people and things around us. We begin to see things from the standpoint of other people. We begin to care about other people and nature. We find meaning in life in serving others as well as the self. We become more humble, generous, and harmonious.

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Example 1: Narrow, Closed Consciousness

narrow, closed consciousness

1 driver B driver A

Driver B is having difficulty changing lanes due to heavy traffic. Driver B, who wants to change lanes to the left, is trying to cut in front of car A. Driver A’s consciousness is in a narrow, closed state. It cares only about the self and tries to protect the self. It makes a judgment about whether this situation is right or wrong from the standpoint of the self. The judgment results in refusal, anger, and wanting driver B to be punished. Driver A gets angry, honks the horn, and speeds up. Driver B cannot change lanes and gets angry too. The narrow, selfish mind makes both the self and other people unhappy. It causes conflict with other people and suffering to the self. It is a paradox that the mind causes its own suffering when it tries to protect the self. This paradox happens because the mind lives a life as an individual, but our life takes place as a community. The mind cannot be both selfish and happy. It is important to realize that the negative thoughts and emotions above (darkness and foolishness) are our own flaws that arise from narrow-mindedness and selfishness. Most people think that we cannot do anything about this and suffer from it. It is not true. We can improve this. We can improve this by emptying our selfish mind. We empty our thoughts and emotions that arise from selfish desires and become free from the darkness and foolishness.

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Example 2: Slightly Expanded Consciousness

driver B

2

slightly expanded consciousness driver A

Driver B, who is having difficulty changing lanes due to heavy traffic, is trying to cut in front of car A. Driver A’s consciousness is in a slightly expanded state. The spirit is slightly activated, and the mind is slightly empty. It accepts the flow of life without judgment. It sees this situation from the standpoint of others. Driver A slows down and helps driver B to change lanes. Driver B is greatly thankful to driver A. Driver A feels happy through the happiness of driver B. Slightly expanded consciousness makes both the self and other people happy. It leads us to a joyous and harmonious life. The spirit lives a life as a community. It sees all the cars around it as a team and does its best for the team. When our consciousness is in a lower quality state, it makes judgments about things, whether they are right or wrong, from the standpoint of the self. However, when our consciousness is in a higher quality state, it is non-judgmental and does not criticize or blame the flaws of others but tries to help. The human mind is far from perfect and makes mistakes. Understanding this helps us to forgive others. We should be understanding and generous to others.

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The Advanced Level

universe physical realm

consciousness realm

mental realm

spiritual realm

4

3 The advanced level practice expands our consciousness from to 4 .

the pure universal consciousness

3

In each generation on Earth, about tens of thousands of people make progress to the advanced level (this number is an estimated value). Among them, only a few finally attain true enlightenment. It is extremely difficult for advanced level masters to expand their consciousness to the spiritual realm. The advanced level is just the beginning of spiritual cultivation. Attaining true enlightenment requires a life-long dedication and the guidance of a true teacher.

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The following are some of the descriptions of advanced level Kouksundo. The technical aspects are beyond the scope of this book.

As we progress to the advanced level, an infinite amount of pure universal energy flows into the center of our body. The spirit is activated, and the communication channel (the spiritual eye) is opened. We commune with all beings in the physical realm and in the consciousness realm. We lay the foundation for unification with the spiritual realm. We deepen our understanding of all beings in the universe by resonating, interacting, and feeling oneness with them. We become free from the habit of understanding, judging, and making decisions according to our limited knowledge, experience, and beliefs. We redefine the concept of all beings from a universal perspective and see the essence of them. We become free from the habit of caring only about the self from an individual perspective based on our limited knowledge, experience, and beliefs. We care about all beings from a universal perspective. We develop benevolent feelings (love) toward all beings in the universe. We awaken our conscience, which leads our human mind and controls our thoughts and emotions. We purify our thoughts and emotions in the light of conscience. We empty our mind that pursues selfish desires to manifest the righteous will that conforms to the will of the great nature. We keep our mind empty by always watching the thoughts and emotions deep within our mind. We earnestly pursue Neutral with an empty mind so that our spirit, which is the master of our mind, can commune with and visit the spiritual realm. We live a meaningful, virtuous life brightening the world. We rightly realize the natural order and universal providence embedded in all beings in the universe and enter the path of truth conforming to them. Pursuing Neutral earnestly with an empty mind from a universal perspective is the way to achieve true enlightenment. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4].

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17. Enlightenment Consciousness World universe consciousness world (energy realm + mental realm + spiritual realm)

physical world (physical realm + energy realm + mental realm + spiritual realm)

temporary journey to the physical world return back to the consciousness world at death consciousness being

human being

physical body energy mental spiritual body body body

previous life

1

current life spiritual energy mental body body body

next life life of a

2 consciousness being

The universe is composed of the physical world and the consciousness world. They coexist together in the same space. The physical world consists of the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual realms. Human beings in the physical world consist of the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual bodies. The consciousness world consists of the energy, mental, and spiritual realms. Consciousness beings in the consciousness world consist of the energy, mental, and spiritual bodies.

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We are originally consciousness beings from the consciousness world. We come to this physical world, live for about eighty years, and return back to the consciousness world. A very short life on earth is only a temporary journey for consciousness beings. At death, consciousness beings leave the physical body painlessly and go back to the consciousness world. As we come to know much of the physical world through technological advancements, people today paradoxically believe much more strongly that the physical world is all that exists. Our mind only perceives part of reality. It only perceives the physical world and its current life. 1 Our spirit, when activated, can perceive the whole reality. 2 It can perceive the whole world (both the physical world and the consciousness world). It can also perceive the whole life (the previous life, current life, and next life). The previous life, current life, and next life are connected as one. They make up the whole life of a consciousness being. The reality of our life is much bigger and longer than the mind’s comprehension. Everybody wants to be happy in their current life. 1 However, it is much more important to have a goal for the whole life. 2 Our whole life becomes happier when we transform our consciousness into a pure, bright state. The current life is a precious opportunity to invest our time in transforming our consciousness

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Perception of Enlightened Beings universe physical realm

consciousness realm energy realm mental realm

spiritual realm

sub-realm 1 (Yin, dark)

A

sub-realm 10 (most Yang, brightest)

…

B 1

2

… 9

10

the projected true self energy mental spiritual body body body The projected true self can move freely both in the physical realm and the consciousness realm.

enlightened being physical energy mental spiritual body body body body

The spiritual eye can resonate with (see, feel, know, etc.) all types of light (light in the physical realm, light in the energy realm, light in the mental realm, and light in the spiritual realm).

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All beings (matter, energy, and consciousness) in the universe radiate light wherever they exist and whatever activities (physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual activities) they do. The light can be perceived by resonance. While the physical eyes can only resonate with visible light (light in the physical realm), the spiritual eye can resonate with (see, feel, know, etc.) all types of light (light in the physical realm, light in the energy realm, light in the mental realm, and light in the spiritual realm). The spirit has access to the whole reality (the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual realms). The more the spiritual eye is opened, the more it becomes connected to other beings. Enlightened beings deepen their understanding of all beings in the physical realm by resonating, interacting, and feeling oneness with them.

Electromagnetic Waves The spiritual eye can resonate with subtle electromagnetic waves that our physical eyes cannot perceive. It can see distant objects, inside objects, and infinitesimally small objects. It can see both the inside and outside of things. It can see the inside of rocks as well as the outside. It can see internal organs and cells in the physical body. In the most highly activated state, the spiritual eye can even see atoms and molecules.

Energy Fields The spiritual eye can resonate with the energetic light emitted from energy fields in the energy body. It can see various energy fields in the energy body. It can see the accumulation of energy at the energy centers and the flow of energy in the meridians.

Thoughtforms and Thought Waves The spiritual eye can resonate with thoughtforms and thought waves. It can see the thoughtforms of other people. It can feel the thoughts and emotions of other people. It can feel the thoughts and emotions of other living beings. This enables enlightened beings to communicate with animals and trees.

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Enlightened beings deepen their understanding of all beings in the consciousness realm by resonating, interacting, and feeling oneness with them.

Consciousness Beings The spiritual eye can resonate with the light emitted from the energy body, mental body, and spiritual body. It can see the energy body, mental body, and spiritual body of human beings, animals, and trees. It can also see consciousness beings in the consciousness world.

Transcend Time and Space The spiritual eye can perceive the past and future. It can perceive distant objects. Its perception transcends time and space.

Intuition The spirit knows things instantaneously by intuition. The mind relies on reasoning to figure out things.

Communion The spiritual eye can resonate with the mental and spiritual light. It can commune with the consciousness realm. It can commune with consciousness beings in the consciousness realm. The spirit knows the consciousness realm by communing with it.

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Consciousness Being physical energy mental spiritual body body body body

human embryo

physical energy mental spiritual body body body body

consciousness embryo

energy mental spiritual body body body

physical energy mental spiritual body body body body

Human Embryo, Consciousness Embryo A human embryo is produced when an egg cell is fertilized by a male reproductive cell. When an egg cell (Yin) and a male reproductive cell (Yang) unite together as one at the center, they create a human embryo. A human embryo is not just a physical body. It is composed of the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual bodies. It grows and develops into a human being. When the physical body is perfectly balanced at the center and the consciousness one-pointedly focused at the center, pure universal energy is inhaled infinitely into a point at the center of the body, and extremely high-density true energy is formed at the center. When a pure empty mind and a brightened spirit unite with this true energy at the center as one, they create a consciousness embryo. It is a manifestation of the true self, which consists of the energy, mental, and spiritual bodies. It grows and develops into a consciousness being.

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Projection of the True Self The consciousness embryo (the true self) grows through spiritual cultivation. It can be projected out of a human being. It consists of energy particles, mental particles, and spiritual particles. These particles are extremely small when compared to atoms. It can be projected out of a human being without interference from the physical body, which consists of atoms. The projected true self can move freely both in the physical realm and the consciousness realm. It can move freely in the physical realm. It can visit places on Earth A and travel in space. B The projected true self can move freely in the consciousness realm. It is known that there are ten subrealms in the consciousness realm. The first sub-realm is a dark (Yin) realm. The tenth sub-realm is the brightest (most Yang) realm. Each higher sub-realm is brighter and more beautiful than the subrealm below it. Each higher sub-realm is more difficult to perceive. Initially, the projected true self can perceive and visit the first sub-realm. 1 When it gets brighter and purer, it can perceive and visit the next higher sub-realm. 2 The brighter the spiritual body is, the higher the resonant frequencies become. Higher resonant frequencies enable it to perceive and visit the next higher sub-realm. The tenth sub-realm is the final destination. 10 It is extremely difficult to go beyond the mental realm. Only a few who make their energy body, mental body, and spiritual body truly pure and bright can progress to the spiritual realm. When one progresses from the mental realm to the spiritual realm, the spiritual eye becomes immersed in the infinitely benevolent feelings (light) of the spiritual realm.

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True Enlightenment

universe physical realm

consciousness realm energy realm mental realm

spiritual realm

the pure universal consciousness

stars, galaxies, and living beings

benevolent spiritual light truly enlightened beings

physical body

energy body

mental body

Pure universal energy is absorbed infinitely through the whole body.

spiritual body

Truly enlightened beings embrace all beings in the universe with benevolent spiritual light.

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There are many consciousness beings in the spiritual realm. They are truly enlightened beings whose true self is united with the spiritual realm. They are beings of pure light. All truly enlightened beings are one with individuality in the spiritual realm. They are connected to each other and feel oneness. There is no boundary between the self and others. They radiate one type of light (benevolent spiritual light). [Guide to the cultivation of Dantian][6] Those truly enlightened beings, who are currently living in the physical world (realm) that is limited by time and space, are connected to the unlimited spiritual realm that transcends time and space and permeates the physical realm. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5] Truly enlightened beings are heavenly human beings who become one with the pure universal consciousness. They live a virtuous life. They save and brighten the world with their spiritual light, ultimate wisdom, and fragrance. [Introduction to Kouksundo][3] The true self of truly enlightened beings grows to be infinite and immortal. Their spiritual body is fully activated. They attain ultimate wisdom. Truly enlightened beings can tune in and perceive all that exists in the universe as they are. They feel oneness with all beings in the universe. They embrace all beings in the universe with benevolent spiritual light. The spiritual body of truly enlightened beings is infinitely bright. They absorb an infinite amount of pure universal energy through the whole body and shed brilliant spiritual light on the universe. This light is visible to the spiritual eye. The Kouksundo tradition produced many truly enlightened beings in the twentieth century.

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18. Meditation in Daily Life

Once we achieve the basic level, we can extend our regular practice of pursuing Neutral (meditation) to all daily activities. Every activity, such as driving a car, exercising, walking, hiking, sitting on a chair, and working in the office, is an opportunity for pursuing Neutral. We can live our life pursuing Neutral throughout the day. We can pursue Neutral by keeping our consciousness at the center with a balanced posture. The consciousness is kept broadly focused at the center. While pursuing Neutral, we identify with the slightly activated spirit so that the spirit leads our life. It is very difficult to stay connected with the spirit throughout the day. We easily lose our connection with the spirit and reidentify with the mind. When we identify with the mind (a thought or emotion), we should just empty it, move our consciousness to the center with a balanced posture, and reidentify with the spirit.

Caution Start pursuing Neutral in daily life only if it happens naturally. Trying to make it happen forcefully with muscular effort causes tightness in the body and blocks the normal flow of energy.

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Balanced Posture It is difficult for today’s people to maintain a balanced posture since we spend most of our time sitting. When we spend most of our time sitting, it leads to poor posture over time. We should keep our posture balanced by pursuing Neutral with a daily practice of stretching, walking, hiking, or spending time in nature.

Empty Mind It is important to keep our mind empty. We keep our mind empty so that the empty mind behaves in accord with the spirit. When we empty our selfish mind, our thoughts and emotions are replaced with bright, higher quality thoughts and emotions, such as acceptance, forgiveness, respect, peacefulness, gratefulness, benevolence, earnestness, joy, and a feeling of oneness.

When we empty our mind, brighten the spirit, and open our conscience, the selfish human mind disappears, and the pure universal consciousness (the heavenly mind) presides over. Our true nature is a heavenly mind. When we recover our true nature, we are already a being of perfection. [Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo][4]

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A Great Way to Live a Truly Healthy, Happy, and Meaningful Life In daily life, we should always pursue Neutral (meditate) with our consciousness at the center, and be aware of the spirit (another self deep inside) which watches our mind, thoughts, words, and actions. We should trust it, rely on it, and be obedient to it. We should keep our conscience open and live a life of wisdom, controlling and improving our thoughts, words, and actions. When pursuing Neutral with our consciousness at the center, we will be able to think right, speak right, and act right. We should always think, speak, and act from the standpoint of others. We should speak only warm words, praising, encouraging, recognizing, and considering others. With each thought, word, and action, we make the world beautiful. Our earnest time of pursuing Neutral and keeping our conscience open will make us beautiful. Gratefulness and benevolent feelings toward all beings manifest accordingly, and we become harmonious. These are the foundation for peaceful living.

We have been originally created in such a way that we communicate with all beings in the universe and live together peacefully in harmony, helping each other and making each other alive. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5]

Pursuing Neutral earnestly in daily life with a balanced posture and an empty mind from a universal perspective is a great way to live a truly healthy, happy, and meaningful life.

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19. Happiness

It is the beginning of happiness to be grateful for what we have. Happiness is the mind that pursues righteousness and enjoys the little things. Our life becomes truly happy when we are bright, peaceful, and full of benevolent feelings toward all beings. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5]

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20. Righteousness (Right Mind) universe

5 physical realm (earth)

1

2

4 human beings 3

6 consciousness realm (heaven)

mental realm

spiritual realm

limited (narrow perspective) knowledge, experience, education, philosophy, ideas, customs, collective consciousness

the pure universal consciousness

Righteousness is achieving oneness by pursuing virtue (goodness), understanding and considering each other’s standpoint. True righteousness is achieving oneness through harmony, embracing all of the standpoints of heaven, nature (earth), and human beings.

Righteousness is not the rightness that tries to achieve oneness by distinguishing or discriminating through dividing, cutting, or carving out. 1 It is achieving oneness by pursuing virtue (goodness), understanding and considering each other’s standpoint (perspective). 2 True righteousness is something that is thought of as right when viewed from any standpoint. It is the right mind that is not biased by knowledge, experience, education, philosophy, ideas, customs, and collective consciousness. 3 It is achieving oneness through harmony, embracing all of the standpoints of heaven, 6 nature (earth), 5 and human beings. 4 We should live a life of wisdom, seeing, listening, and making decisions based on this right mind. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5]

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21. Conscience universe physical realm (earth)

consciousness realm (heaven) energy particle

mental realm

spiritual realm

atom mental particle

spiritual particle the pure universal consciousness (the will of heaven, the natural providence, the heavenly mind)

stars, galaxies, and living beings

benevolent spiritual light

Conscience is not the emotion of the mind that is made up of experience and education.

conscience emotion

physical energy mental spiritual body body body body

Conscience is a channel to the pure universal consciousness. Conscience is the pure universal consciousness (the heavenly mind) that is protected purely without being weakened by any environment, collective consciousness, ideas, and philosophy.

Conscience is a channel to the pure universal consciousness. We should always look inward and see, listen to, and feel our conscience as conscience is the channel that receives the will of heaven. The will of heaven is the pure universal consciousness and natural providence. Conscience is not the emotion of the mind that is made up of experience and education. Conscience is the pure universal consciousness (the heavenly mind) that is protected purely without being weakened by any environment, collective consciousness, ideas, and philosophy. We should always keep our conscience open, become one with the will of heaven, and live a virtuous life enlightening the surroundings. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5]

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22. Read It to Yourself May I understand the true nature of the great universe (the great nature). May I understand our true nature (the incredibly wonderful spirit deep within us). May I earnestly pursue Neutral. May I have a balanced posture. May I have an empty mind. May I be blessed with deep breathing. May I be blessed with the brightened spirit. May I keep my conscience open. May my thoughts be righteous. May my words be warm. May my actions be kind. May I be grateful. May I have benevolent feelings toward other people and nature. May I be harmonious. May I be peaceful. May my consciousness be expanded. May I become one with all beings in the universe. May I live a meaningful life brightening the surroundings.

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Part IV The Fundamental Aspects of the Universe 23. Describing the Fundamental Aspects of the Universe 24. Evolution Based on the Neutral Principle 25. Light 26. A Comprehensive Model of Light

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23. Describing the Fundamental Aspects of the Universe universe dark matter

physical realm (5% of the universe)

dark energy atom

stars, galaxies, and living beings

subtle light

subtle light light (electromagnetic waves)

Modern science has discovered that the physical realm makes up only 5% of the universe. Based on astronomical observations, astronomers believe that the rest (95%) of the universe is made of invisible energy called dark energy and invisible matter called dark matter. They have been termed dark energy and dark matter because it is not possible to detect them with scientific instruments. Everything in the physical realm emits or reflects light (electromagnetic waves). Scientific instruments detect things in the physical realm by observing this light. Dark energy and dark matter generate subtle light scientific instruments cannot detect. Although modern science cannot prove dark energy and dark matter directly, it knows that they exist in the universe. As shown in the “A Comprehensive Model of Light” section, enlightened beings could perceive subtle light with their spiritual eye that has an extremely large range of resonant frequencies. They could perceive dark energy and dark matter. The following sections are my humble attempt to describe the fundamental aspects of the universe, such as evolution and light, utilizing both the great discoveries of modern science and the findings of enlightened beings (NOTE: This is not an attempt to prove them scientifically, but an attempt to come up with a description of them with help from both modern science and enlightened beings).

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24. Evolution Based on the Neutral Principle All that exists in the universe maintains its reality by the operation of Neutral Energy. Neutral Energy consists of fundamental Yin and Yang energy. The basic principle of Neutral Energy is the Neutral Principle. Neutral Energy that pursues Neutral (the Neutral Principle) underlies all phenomena. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] These statements are the basic principles of energy that underlie all phenomena in the universe. Energy has been termed Neutral Energy as it pursues Neutral to achieve balance and harmony. The Neutral Principle is a simple, beautiful principle that underlies everything from atoms to the whole universe. Neutral connotes meanings such as “center,” “unification (oneness),” “balance,” and “harmony.” As underlying Neutral Energy pursues Neutral, matter (Yin) and consciousness (Yang) created from it also pursue Neutral.

Neutral Energy evolved into an amazingly wonderful universe with both matter and consciousness through billions of years of earnest pursuit of Neutral. The earnest pursuit of Neutral is the driving force behind evolution. It is the force that has been driving the creation and evolution of all beings (atoms, molecules, cells, living beings, minds, and spirits) in the universe over time. The whole process of this evolution is earnest. No part of it is random. The underlying energy earnestly pursues Neutral, and everything created from it also earnestly pursues Neutral.

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Yin and Yang Energy It is true that Yin and Yang exist in Neutral Energy. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1]

Yin energy

Yang energy

Neutral Energy consists of fundamental Yin and Yang energy. They are the basic building blocks of the universe. Yin energy and Yang energy are opposite. 1. Yin energy is contractive, cool, and restful. 2. Yang energy is expansive, warm, and active. Although they are opposite, Yin energy and Yang energy attract each other. When they unite together as one, they create great things such as atoms, molecules, cells, and living beings. They have creative power.

Yin and Yang energy

Yin and Yang energy particles do not exist as separate individual particles but exist as a team. Yin energy and Yang energy have the following properties: 1. They exist as one interconnected whole. 2. They are constantly changing and evolving. Just as Yin energy and Yang energy are interconnected and constantly changing and evolving, so is everything created from it. Complementary Yin energy and Yang energy that interact in harmony in space over time have created an amazingly wonderful universe. If there had been only one type of energy, we would not be in this universe.

Taegeuk

Taegeuk is a graphical symbol that represents Yin energy and Yang energy as one interconnected whole. It depicts how complementary Yin energy and Yang energy interact in harmony in space over time.

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Evolution of Matter and Consciousness

Neutral Energy

matter (Yin manifestation)

consciousness (Yang manifestation)

Yin energy vortex (spinning, vibrating slower)

negatively charged

Yang energy vortex (spinning, vibrating faster) positively charged

atom basic consciousness particle (mental particle) molecule

cell

living organism

Yin process (coarser, slower)

Yang process (finer, faster)

Basic principles of the universe - Maxwell electromagnetic force electromagnetic wave - Newton, Einstein gravitational force - The Principle of Kouksundo

Neutral Energy the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy the Neutral Principle

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advanced consciousness particle (spiritual particle)

Energy Vortex Emptiness can be changed to form and vice versa in Neutral Energy. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] The universe is Neutral Energy, with everything created from it (space and time, light, matter, consciousness, etc.). The universe has both Yin and Yang aspects. Matter is the Yin manifestation of energy, and consciousness is the Yang manifestation of energy. Matter and consciousness exist in the same space and are interconnected. Empty space is full of energy and fluctuates with activities of energy. Form arises from emptiness (energy), and form disappears into emptiness. Energy vortices, which are the basic building blocks of form (matter and consciousness), arise from energy. There are two types of energy vortices. One is the Yin energy vortex, and the other is the Yang energy vortex. Matter is composed of Yin energy vortices, and consciousness is composed of Yang energy vortices. Yin energy vortices are created during the contracting Yin change of energy, and Yang energy vortices are created during the expanding Yang change of energy. Energy vortices are spinning and vibrating. Yang energy vortices are spinning and vibrating faster than Yin energy vortices. There are two types of Yin energy vortices. One is composed of Yin energy particles and is negatively charged, and the other is composed of Yang energy particles and is positively charged.

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Evolution of Matter Yin energy vortices are the basic building blocks of matter. Yin energy vortices are elementary particles, which make up electrons and atomic nuclei. Electrons and atomic nuclei make up atoms. Atoms make up molecules. Molecules make up cells. Cells make up living organisms. Yin energy vortices evolved from atoms into living organisms. Through this Yin process, they evolve into the coarser matter.

Evolution of Consciousness If we assume that the mental particles are as big as a fist, the spiritual particles are thinner and softer than our hair. The spiritual particles become finer, suppler, thinner, and softer. [Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems][5] Yang energy vortices are the basic building blocks of consciousness. Yang energy vortices evolved into basic consciousness particles (mental particles), then further into advanced consciousness particles (spiritual particles). Through this Yang process, they evolve into finer consciousness particles, which spin and vibrate faster.

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Matter Pursues Neutral Atom Electrons and atomic nuclei make up atoms. Electrons and atomic nuclei pursue Neutral. They pursue “unification (oneness)” to achieve a “balanced,” “harmonious” state. When they unite together as one, they become an atom, which is a more balanced, harmonious structure. Electrons and an atomic nucleus in an atom - communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, - systematically helping each other, - each making its contribution with its own function. They exist as one interconnected whole. They exist as one great atom.

Molecule Atoms make up molecules. Atoms pursue Neutral. They pursue “unification (oneness)” to achieve a “balanced,” “harmonious” state. When atoms unite together as one, they become a molecule, which is a more balanced, harmonious structure. Atoms in a molecule - communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, - systematically helping each other, - each atom making its contribution with its own function. They exist as one interconnected whole. They exist as one great molecule.

Cell Molecules make up cells. Molecules pursue Neutral. They pursue “unification (oneness)” to achieve a “balanced,” “harmonious” state. When molecules unite together as one, they become a cell. Molecules in a cell - communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, - systematically helping each other, - each molecule making its contribution with its own function. They exist as one interconnected whole. They exist as one great cell. It is much more advantageous for molecules to exist as one whole team in a cell. Molecules evolved into cells. This evolution took billions of years of earnest pursuit of Neutral.

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Living Organism Cells make up living organisms. Cells pursue Neutral. They pursue “unification (oneness)” to achieve a “balanced,” “harmonious” state. When trillions of tiny cells unite together as one, they become an amazingly wonderful living organism. Trillions of cells in a living organism - communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, - systematically helping each other and making each other alive, - each cell making its contribution with its own function. They exist as one interconnected whole. They exist as one great life. It is much more advantageous for cells to live as one whole team in a living organism. Cells evolved into living organisms. This evolution took billions of years of earnest pursuit of Neutral.

Homeostasis Living organisms pursue Neutral to maintain a balanced, harmonious internal environment to sustain their lives. This constantly happens in all parts of the body. Thousands of internal variables such as body temperature, blood pressure, and levels of sugar, salt, calcium, oxygen, and so on are kept within neutral values.

The Universe All beings make up the universe. All beings pursue Neutral. They pursue “unification (oneness)” to achieve a “balanced,” “harmonious” state. When all beings unite together as one, they become an amazingly wonderful universe. All beings in the universe have originally evolved in such a way that they - communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, - systematically helping each other and making each other alive, - each being making its contribution with its own function. They exist as one interconnected whole. They exist as one great universe (one great nature). It is much more advantageous for all beings to live as one whole team in the universe.

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Consciousness Pursues Neutral basic consciousness (the mind)

advanced consciousness (the spirit)

1 2

cell

The basic consciousness evolved into the advanced consciousness.

Consciousness evolved into the basic consciousness (the mind), then further into the advanced consciousness (the spirit). The evolution of consciousness took billions of years of earnest pursuit of Neutral.

Mind The mind is the basic consciousness, which is composed of mental particles. The mind pursues Neutral. The mind pursues “unification (oneness)” and “harmony” of all cells in a living organism. The mind connects all cells in a living organism as one. 1 At the mental level, all cells in a living organism communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, systematically helping each other and making each other alive, each cell making its contribution with its own function. The mind is individual consciousness that pursues the prosperity, oneness, and harmony of all cells within the self.

Spirit The spirit is the advanced consciousness, which is composed of spiritual particles. The spirit pursues Neutral. The spirit pursues “unification (oneness)” and “harmony” of all beings in the universe. The spirit connects all beings in the universe as one. 2 At the spiritual level, all beings in the universe communicate with each other and live together as one in harmony, systematically helping each other and making each other alive, each being making its contribution with its own function. The spirit is universal consciousness that pursues the prosperity, oneness, and harmony of all beings in the universe.

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Energy Is Constantly Changing in Space over Time Space and Time Everything in the universe occupies space. When we see things, we tend to view them as an object that only occupies space. But they also occupy time. Things are constantly changing in space, and this change in space is the flow of time. Things occupy space and time simultaneously. Space and time cannot be separated. Energy is not stationary. It is never in a paused state. Energy is constantly changing in space over time in two ways: 1. Energy changes its position. 2. Energy changes in a Yin-Yang cycle.

Energy Changes Its Position

Energy constantly changes its position in space over time. It constantly moves from one place to another. In the human body, it constantly circulates through the meridians.

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Energy Changes in a Yin-Yang Cycle

Yang change

Yang energy becomes more active.

Yang change (Yang phase) The curved arrows around Taekeuk indicate the flow of time. Yin change (Yin phase)

Yin change Yin energy becomes more active.

Energy constantly changes in a Yin-Yang cycle in space over time. When Yang energy becomes more active, it creates warmth, outward expansion, and activity. This change is called the Yang change (Yang phase). On the other hand, When Yin energy becomes more active, it creates coldness, inward contraction, and rest. This change is called the Yin change (Yin phase). The change of energy does not occur only in one direction. The change progresses in a cyclical pattern to achieve balance and harmony. First, Yang energy becomes more active and drives the change, and then Yin energy takes over and drives the change. Yin energy and Yang energy take turns. Yin change and Yang change are interdependent. For example, rest is needed for activity. Likewise, contraction, night, and death are needed for expansion, day, and birth, respectively. In Taekeuk, there are Yin and Yang phases. The curved arrows around Taekeuk indicate the flow of time. At the beginning of the Yang phase, dormant Yang energy begins its activity. While its activity increases over time, the activity of Yin energy decreases. When its activity reaches its peak at the end of the Yang phase, Yin energy takes over and begins its activity. While its activity increases over time, the activity of Yang energy slows down. At the end of the Yin phase, the cycle turns into the Yang phase again.

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This cyclical change of energy underlies the changes everything goes through in nature. Living beings have the life cycle of Yin and Yang phases, including birth (1 Yang), growth (2 Yang), maturation (1 Yin), and death (2 Yin). The daily rotation of Earth creates the daily cycle of Yin and Yang phases, including day (1 Yang) and night (1 Yin). During the day (Yang phase), it gets warm, and everything awakes and becomes active, while during the night (Yin phase), it gets cool, and everything stops its activity and takes a rest. The inclination of the Earth’s axis creates the seasonal cycle of Yin and Yang phases, including spring (1 Yang), summer (2 Yang), fall (1 Yin), and winter (2 Yin). During spring and summer (Yang phase), the weather gets warm, and seeds sprout and grow, while during fall and winter (Yin phase), the weather gets cold, and plants cease to grow and bear fruit. We can divide Yin and Yang phases further into multiple phases.

- Four Phases (2 Yin and 2 Yang) 2 Yang (2 Yang 0 Yin)

1 Yang (1 Yang 1 Yin)

1 Yin (1 Yin 1 Yang)

2 Yin (2 Yin 0 Yang)

- Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) fire (2 Yang)

wood (1 Yang)

earth metal (1 Yin)

water (2 Yin)

Nature does not allow unlimited growth. The growth of the fire phase (2 Yang) is stopped by the earth phase. Through the earth phase, the fire phase (2 Yang) turns into the metal phase (1 Yin). The earth phase transforms an expansive Yang phase into a contractive Yin phase. This earth phase is driven by the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center. Although it is not shown in the above illustration, there is another earth phase between the water phase (2 Yin) and the wood phase (1 Yang), which transforms a contractive Yin phase into an expansive Yang phase. It is driven by the repulsive force at the center.

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- Six Phases (3 Yin and 3 Yang) 2 Yang (2 Yang 1 Yin) 3 Yang (3 Yang 0 Yin)

1 Yang (1 Yang 2 Yin) 3 Yin (3 Yin 0 Yang)

1 Yin (1 Yin 2 Yang)

2 Yin (2 Yin 1 Yang)

- Eight Phases (4 Yin and 4 Yang) 3 Yang

2 Yang (2 Yang 2 Yin)

4 Yang

1 Yang (1 Yang 3 Yin)

1 Yin

4 Yin (4 Yin 0 Yang) 3 Yin (3 Yin 1 Yang)

2 Yin

- Twenty-Four Phases (12 Yin and 12 Yang) 7 Yang 8 Yang

6 Yang

5 Yang 4 Yang

9 Yang

3 Yang

10 Yang

2 Yang (2 Yang 10 Yin)

11 Yang 12 Yang

1 Yang (1 Yang 11 Yin)

1 Yin

12 Yin (12 Yin 0 Yang) 11 Yin (11 Yin 1 Yang)

2 Yin 3 Yin

10 Yin

4 Yin

9 Yin 5 Yin

6 Yin 7 Yin

8 Yin

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Energy pursues Neutral The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy exists at the center of everything. The change of Yin and Yang, the ascending of water and descending of fire, and the circulation of energy through the meridians are all caused by this Uniting Force. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] Neutral Energy pursues Neutral. It pursues “unification (oneness)” at the “center” to achieve a “balanced,” “harmonious” state. It happens in two ways: 1. Yin energy and Yang energy are balanced harmoniously in space. 2. Yin-Yang cycles are balanced harmoniously over time.

Yin Energy and Yang Energy Are Balanced Harmoniously in Space

Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center

The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center unites Yin energy and Yang energy at the center. When Yin energy and Yang energy are drawn to the center by this Uniting Force, they do not collide with each other but spin around the center, unite together as one in harmony, and become balanced.

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heaven energy

energy body

Yang energy in the upper body

fire energy water energy

Yin energy in the lower body

earth energy

Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center

In a human body, the unification of Yin and Yang gives life, while the separation of Yin and Yang leads to death. [The Principle of Kouksundo][1] Energy is Yin if there are more Yin energy particles than Yang energy particles, and it is Yang if there are more Yang energy particles. Too much Yin or Yang is harmful to the body. We need a constant supply of balanced energy to function optimally.

The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center unites Yin energy and Yang energy at the center. When Yin energy and Yang energy are drawn to the center by this Uniting Force, they spin around the center, unite together as one in harmony, and become balanced, condensed, and accumulated at the center. The accumulated energy does not stay at the center but circulates actively along the meridians to vitalize the whole body. In a human body, balanced energy is constantly produced at the center and then circulated through the meridians.

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Yin-Yang Cycles Are Balanced Harmoniously over Time

Yang change Yang change

Yin change

The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center transforms it into Yin change.

Yin change

The curved arrows indicate the flow of time.

The repulsive force at the center transforms it into Yang change.

The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center and the repulsive force at the center make the cycles of Yin and Yang change balanced harmoniously over time. Neither Yin change nor Yang change can proceed forever. Yang change leads to Yin change, and Yin change leads to Yang change. When expanding Yang change reaches its peak, the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy transforms it into contracting Yin change. When Yin change reaches its peak, the repulsive force transforms it back into Yang change again. When energy is compressed enough, it automatically has a repulsive force. The balanced cycles of Yin and Yang change underlie all phenomena. It creates a constantly changing yet balanced and harmonious universe.

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A Cosmological Model Based on a Yin-Yang Cycle current universe matter consciousness

Yang change Big Bang small sphere of compressed energy Yin change

Big Crunch

The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center transforms it into

The repulsive force at the center transforms it into expanding Yang change.

contracting Yin change.

A cosmological model can be proposed based on a Yin-Yang cycle. It is a dynamic model where the universe expands and contracts. In the beginning, the universe was a small sphere of compressed energy. During the Big Bang, it expanded to a huge universe. Space was full of energy, and matter and consciousness were created from energy. The current universe is in Yang change, expanding. When it reaches its maximum, the Uniting Force of Neutral Energy at the center transforms it into contracting Yin change. It continues to contract until it becomes a small sphere of energy. During the Big Crunch, everything (matter and consciousness) in the universe is converted to energy. When it reaches its minimum, the repulsive force at the center transforms the universe back into expanding Yang change again. The universe starts its new life, expanding. The new universe consists of the same energy inherited from the previous life. In its new life, everything unfolds similarly but differently.

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25. Light Electromagnetic Wave electric field

electromagnetic wave

magnetic field

Vibrating electrically charged particles generate an electromagnetic wave.

Vibrating electrically charged particles generate an electromagnetic wave. An electromagnetic wave consists of vibrating electric and magnetic fields. An electromagnetic wave travels through space at the speed of light (300,000 km per second). There are seven types of electromagnetic waves. Wave type

Frequency in Hertz (cycles per second) < 10 (lower frequency, lower energy) 9 11 10 – 10 11 14 10 – 10 14 14 4x10 (red) ~ 7x10 (violet) 14 16 10 – 10 16 19 10 – 10 19 > 10 (higher frequency, higher energy) 9

Radio wave Microwave Infrared Visible light Ultraviolet X-ray Gamma-ray

Photons electric field photon light

magnetic field

Albert Einstein showed that light is really made of energy particles. These energy particles of light are called photons. Light is a particle, although it behaves like a wave. The classical view of light as a wave was replaced. In 1921, Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the photoelectric effect.

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The Structure of a Photon A red light photon with 4.3 x 1014 Hertz frequency contains 4.3 x 1014 energy particles. A photon is made up of Yin and Yang energy particles.

The structure of a photon is unknown. The structure of a photon may be proposed as follows, based on Planck’s discovery, Einstein’s discovery, and the concept of Neutral Energy: 1. A photon is made up of Yin and Yang energy particles. 2. There are equal amounts of Yin and Yang energy particles in a photon, so photons are neutral and have no electrical charge. -35 3. Energy particles have a size of the Planck length, 1.6 x 10 m. 4. There are as many energy particles as the frequency in a photon. 14 14 A red light photon with 4.3 x 10 Hertz frequency contains 4.3 x 10 energy particles. 5. The energy E of a photon may be defined as: E = hn where h is Planck’s constant, and n is the number of energy particles in a photon. The energy of a photon is proportional to the number of energy particles in a photon. Each energy particle contributes a frequency of 1 Hertz. The energy E of a red light photon is: E = 6.626 x 10-34 J·s x 1/s x 4.3 x 1014 = 2.849 x 10-19 J

Pair Production electron positron gamma-ray photon Gamma-ray photons have enough Yin and Yang energy particles to produce a pair of electron and positron.

A photon can be transformed into a pair of oppositely charged particles (e.g., a pair of electron and positron). This pair production occurs only for gamma-ray photons. Gamma-ray photons have 19 enough Yin and Yang energy particles (> 10 ) to produce a pair of electron and positron. An electron is composed of Yin energy particles, and a positron is composed of Yang energy particles.

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Wave-Particle Duality Wave-particle duality is a mystery. The wave-particle duality may be explained as follows:

Energy Particle Yin and Yang energy particle

Yin and Yang energy particles are not just energy but are energy that is capable of holding a vibrating electrical field, so they exhibit a wave-like property. They are energy and function as a carrier of a vibrating electrical field (information). This is an amazing property of energy, which enables communication.

Photon

photon

Photons are a particle that holds a vibrating electrical field, so they exhibit a wave-like property. They are composed of Yin and Yang energy particles that have a wave-like property. Vibrating charged particles emit a stream of photons, each of which holds a vibrating electrical field. Photons are the carrier of a vibrating electromagnetic field (information).

Electron

electron

Electrons are a particle that can hold a vibrating electrical field, so they exhibit a wave-like property. They are composed of Yin energy particles that have a wave-like property.

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Light Connects All Things in the Universe universe

Light can be accessed from anywhere in the universe.

Everything in the universe communicates with others through light.

Everything in the universe is continuously radiating a stream of light particles called photons in all directions to all others. This light can be accessed from anywhere in the universe. It can be accessed from a nearby neighbor, from another planet, or from another galaxy. Everything in the universe communicates with others through light. Light enables the transmission of information over long distances. It travels in straight lines at 300,000 km per second. It travels continuously without losing its energy and information. Photons, radiating in different directions, spread out over an increasingly larger area as they radiate out from their source.

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Information Exchange Each photon holds information (a vibrating electrical field).

“hello”

“hello”

smartphone A

smartphone B

When we send the message “hello” from smartphone A to smartphone B, the following happens: 1. “hello” is converted to electrical signals in smartphone A. Electrical signals make electrons vibrate in the transmitting antenna. Vibrating electrons emit a stream of photons. Each photon holds information (a vibrating electrical field). It travels in straight lines at the speed of light. 2. A stream of photons is absorbed into the receiving antenna. Photons make electrons vibrate as they hold a vibrating electrical field. Resulting electrical signals are converted to recreate “hello.”

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Resonance Each photon holds information (a vibrating electrical field).

“hello”

“hello”

receiving antenna

transmitting antenna

The phenomenon that takes place between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna is called resonance. Resonance enables everything to receive information from others. The receiving antenna is a resonant antenna, which resonates at certain frequencies (resonant frequencies).

visible light

Our eyes can resonate with visible light. We see things around us by resonating with visible light. Our eyes absorb visible light photons and resonate at certain frequencies. Our eyes cannot resonate with radio waves and thus cannot see or feel them. Our skin resonates with infrared light and feels the warmth from it.

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26. A Comprehensive Model of Light All Beings Are Connected as One Through Light universe physical realm

energy realm

consciousness realm

mental realm spiritual realm

light in the physical realm

light in the energy realm

light in the mental realm

light in the spiritual realm

The universe is a huge, distributed information processing system. The universe is an open system where information about every being is available to every other being in the form of light. All beings in the universe are connected as one through light.

The universe is a huge, distributed information processing system. Every being in the universe functions as an information processing system. The universe is an open system where information about every being is available to every other being in the form of light. All beings (physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual beings) in the universe continuously radiate light (physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual light) wherever they are, and whatever activities (physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual activities) they do. All beings leave traces of their existence and activities in the universe with light. The radiated light can be accessed through a process called resonance. All beings have a resonant capability. All beings in the universe are connected as one through light. Each being is connected with every other being. Enlightened beings know this truth through the direct experience of it. Light is truly amazing. It is fundamental to understanding the universe.

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A comprehensive model of light is proposed in this section based on the perception of enlightened beings. It deals with all types of light in the physical, energy, mental, and spiritual realms. Physical beings in the physical realm (atoms, molecules, cells, trees, human beings, etc.) radiate physical light (electromagnetic waves). Energy fields in the energy realm radiate energetic light. Mental beings in the mental realm radiate mental light. Spiritual beings in the spiritual realm radiate spiritual light.

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Types of Light consciousness realm physical realm

atom (coarse, vibrating slow)

energy realm

mental realm

Yin and Yang energy particle

mental particle (fine, vibrating fast)

mental light (thought wave) electromagnetic wave vibrating electromagnetic field

physical body

energetic light

spiritual realm

spiritual particle (finer, vibrating faster)

spiritual light vibrating spiritual energy field

vibrating mental energy field (thoughtform)

vibrating energy field

mental body

energy body

spiritual body

There are many types of light in the universe. Each realm has its own type of light. Physical beings in the physical realm generate physical light (electromagnetic waves). Likewise, the energy, mental, and spiritual beings generate energetic, mental, and spiritual light, respectively. All beings have vibrating energy fields, which generate light. Slow-vibrating atoms generate lower frequency electromagnetic waves, and faster-vibrating spiritual particles generate higher frequency spiritual light. When we have physical activities such as heartbeats, muscle contractions, and so on, vibrating electromagnetic fields arise in the physical body. Vibrating electromagnetic fields radiate a stream of electromagnetic waves. Vibrating charged particles like electrons emit a stream of electromagnetic waves. The physical body reflects visible light, which is one type of electromagnetic wave. Vibrating energy fields in the energy body radiate a stream of energetic light. The energy body itself radiates energetic light, too.

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When we have mental activities such as thoughts and emotions, vibrating mental energy fields (thoughtforms) arise in the mental body. Vibrating mental energy fields radiate a stream of mental light (thought waves). The mental body itself radiates mental light, too. When we have spiritual activities, vibrating spiritual energy fields arise in the spiritual body. Vibrating spiritual energy fields radiate a stream of spiritual light. The spiritual body itself radiates spiritual light, too.

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Resonance consciousness realm physical realm

mental realm

energy realm

atom (coarse, vibrating slow)

Yin and Yang energy particle

mental particle (fine, vibrating fast)

mental light (thought wave) electromagnetic wave vibrating electromagnetic field

physical body

energetic light

vibrating mental energy field (thoughtform)

vibrating energy field

mental body

energy body

spiritual realm

spiritual particle (finer, vibrating faster)

spiritual light vibrating spiritual energy field

spiritual body

physical energy mental spiritual body body body body

Every being has a resonant capability. Resonance enables every being to perceive light. Each being has a different range of resonant frequencies. Faster-vibrating particles have a larger range of resonant frequencies. The physical eyes, which are composed of slow-vibrating atoms, have a small range of resonant frequencies. The spiritual eye, which is composed of faster-vibrating spiritual particles, has an extremely large range of resonant frequencies.

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The physical eyes in the physical body can resonate with visible light. We see things around us by resonating with visible light. Electromagnetic devices like smartphones receive information by resonating with electromagnetic waves. The physical eyes and electromagnetic devices cannot resonate with subtle light (energetic, mental, and spiritual light) because they have a small range of resonant frequencies. The mental eye in the mental body can resonate with mental light. We feel people around us by resonating with mental light (thought waves). When someone stares at us with intention, we notice it as our mental eye feels the mental light radiated toward us. The spiritual eye in the spiritual body has an extremely powerful resonant capability. It can resonate with all types of light. It can perceive (see, feel, know, etc.) the light that comes from all beings in the universe. It can perceive visible light emitted from the physical body, energetic light emitted from the energy body, mental light emitted from the mental body, and spiritual light emitted from the spiritual body. It can also perceive electromagnetic waves emitted from physical activities, energetic light emitted from energy fields, mental light emitted from mental activities, and spiritual light emitted from spiritual activities.

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Thought Waves (Staring At) just looking (no thought wave)

staring at (thought waves)

visible light

mental eye

person A

visible light

physical eyes

physical eyes

thought waves

person B

person A

person B

detects the stare of a distant person

Staring At As shown above, people often detect the stare of a distant person. When person B stares at person A with a mental intention, thought waves are radiated toward person A. Person A notices person B’s stare immediately as person A’s mental eye feels the thought waves radiated from person B. Person B sees person A by resonating with the visible light radiated from person A.

Just Looking When person B looks at person A with no mental intention, no thought wave is radiated. Person A does not notice person B’s looking. Person B sees person A by resonating with the visible light radiated from person A.

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The Universe Is Filled with Light consciousness realm

physical realm

energy realm

mental realm

positive mental light

spiritual realm

benevolent spiritual light

energetic light electromagnetic wave

negative mental light

The universe is filled with many types of light. Each realm is filled with its own type of light. The physical realm is filled with physical light. Likewise, the energy, mental, and spiritual realm is filled with energetic, mental, and spiritual light, respectively. On Earth, the physical realm is filled with electromagnetic waves from the Sun and with electromagnetic waves reflected or generated by physical beings such as humans, animals, trees, and so on. It is also filled with electromagnetic waves generated by electromagnetic devices like smartphones.

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The energy realm is filled with energetic light generated by energy fields. The mental realm is filled with both positive (bright) and negative (dark) mental light. Positive mental light is generated by positive thoughts and emotions, and negative mental light is generated by negative thoughts and emotions. The spiritual realm is filled with benevolent spiritual light. While the mental body generates both positive and negative mental light, the spiritual body generates only benevolent spiritual light. Spiritual light is the brightest, most beautiful, and most benevolent. It is of the highest frequency and requires an extremely high energy level to generate. All beings are permeated by this benevolent spiritual light. It passes through matter (atoms).

Traces of Our Life We leave traces of our life in the universe with light. We leave a stream of electromagnetic waves wherever we go and whatever we do. We leave a stream of thought waves with our thoughts and emotions. We leave streams of spiritual light with our brightened spirit. Light in the universe holds information about our existence and activities. We should leave the right traces of our life in the universe with the right thoughts, words, and actions that are beneficial to all beings.

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References Books [1] The Principle of Kouksundo, on the following page. [2] B. Kyungmu Hur, The Great Master of Kouksundo, Kouksundo for Beginners, 2009. [3] Great Master Dowoon, Introduction to Kouksundo, 2000. (Korean edition) [4] Great Master Dowoon, Introduction to Advanced Level Kouksundo, 2015. (Korean edition) [5] Great Master Dowoon, Heaven’s Fragrance: Meditation Poems, 2017. (Korean edition) [6] Inhak Yoo, Guide to the Cultivation of Dantian, 2005. (Korean edition)

Organizations [1] World Kouksundo Federation http://www.kouksundo.com

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The Principle of Kouksundo It begins by explaining the basic principles of energy.

All that exists in the universe maintains its reality by the operation of Neutral Energy. Neutral Energy consists of fundamental Yin and Yang energy. The basic principle of Neutral Energy is the Neutral Principle. Neutral Energy that pursues Neutral (the Neutral Principle) underlies all phenomena. The Uniting Force of Neutral Energy exists at the center of everything. The change of Yin and Yang, the ascending of water and descending of fire, and the circulation of energy through the meridians are all caused by this Uniting Force. Neutral Energy is really important for the functioning of all beings. In a human body, the unification of Yin and Yang gives life, while the separation of Yin and Yang leads to death. It is true that Yin and Yang exist in Neutral Energy. Yin and Yang energy can be controlled. Emptiness can be changed to form and vice versa in Neutral Energy. An explanation of Kouksundo follows.

Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism all pursue Neutral. Kouksundo pursues Neutral from a universal perspective.

...

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About the Author HEE WOON YUM, Ph.D., is a scientist and author. He received his Ph.D. in computer science from Northwestern University in Evanston and has worked as a professor for more than twenty years. He has been practicing meditation for over fifteen years while exploring ways to explain the teachings of enlightened beings from a scientific perspective. The goal of his exploration is to help people to deepen their understanding of all beings in the universe, see the essence of things, and live a life of wisdom.

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