Extraordinary Vessels

The Extraordinary Vessels are reservoirs of constitutional energy, deeper than that of the five elements.  This is partly conveyed simply by the word, "vessel", that is used when referring to them, rather than "channel" that is used to refer to the meridians.  Its the difference between a lake and a river.  The core vessel has a special relationship with the Ocean.

(NOTE: You'll find that the wording custom of channel / vessel is not always followed by everyone, in all situations.  No worries.)

MICROCOSMIC ORBIT

    Comprised of two of the extraordinary vessels (du and ren), already introduced within the microcosmic orbit section.

    Of the eight extraordinary vessels, the microcosmic orbit (du & ren) sometimes garners the most press, attention, emphasis.  That emphasis is mis-placed, as the more critical transformations of alchemy occur within the deep-centers, which reside along the core vessel (a.k.a. central vessel).  This doesn't mean that the m.orbit isn't important, nor that all of the eight extraordinaries aren't important, only that correct emphasis is sometimes lost.

CORE VESSEL  (also know as, "central vessel")

    Refinement into the deep-center/s is one of the most important steps in all of alchemy.  It might be said that it is the key: As the core is opened, the centers activated & connected, many of the other channels, vessels, phenomena & non-phenomena, open, fill, occur, are recognized, spontaneously.  Its where the stillness meditations take place.  See Tsongkhapa's Six Yogas of Naropa for more traditional treatment of this critical topic.

    Finding the Deep-Centers and Central Vessel

    The Deep-Center - what happens there.

            Jing-to-Light Transformation - jing, bindus, and Vast Light.

THRUSTING VESSELS

Thrusting Vessels main essay and meditation.

    Deep layer of blood, emotions, nourishment.  Relationship with the core vessel, and with marrow washing.  "Zen Pakua" method.

Thrusting Vessels: Breath Technique

    A simple breath technique to open the vessels.

Kidney-1 Breathing  

    Activating the thrusting vessels from the ground up, developing root.

One-Legged Work

    Various slow body-weight one-legged exercises assist in opening the thrusting vessels, and in developing tan tien, root.

BELT VESSELS

    An easy, safe, and effective way to integrate the Heaven and Earth energies.

Note: Regulator and bridge vessels are not covered in this website.