Damo Mitchell, an author and teacher of internal Asian arts, dives into the complexities of Qigong and meditation. He reveals the darker side of these practices, such as 'dragon sickness' and mental overload, emphasizing the importance of understanding true meditation versus mental exercises. Damo warns about the risks of spiritual encounters and the pitfalls of pushing energetic boundaries. He shares personal experiences and offers insights on how to navigate psychological challenges in these disciplines while advocating a holistic approach to personal development.
Damo Mitchell discusses various qi-related ailments like dragon sickness and nihilism, emphasizing the importance of understanding energetic imbalances in practice.
He identifies two primary triggers for qi illnesses: lack of preparation and the pursuit of intense sensations, which can exacerbate existing psychological issues.
Damo clarifies the distinction between meditation-related problems and Qigong illnesses, highlighting their unique causes and the necessity for tailored guidance.
He warns against risky practices like spirit work and emphasizes the need for a grounded, informed approach in energetic practices to ensure safety.
Deep dives
Understanding Chi-Related Illnesses
Various types of chi-related problems, such as dragon sickness, nihilism, depression, and entity possession are explored in relation to meditation and internal practices. These conditions highlight the impact of energetic imbalances that can arise when engaging in practices without proper understanding or guidance. Deimu Mitchell emphasizes that these issues often stem from individuals pushing themselves beyond their limits or neglecting their psychological states prior to undertaking intense internal work. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these illnesses is crucial for practitioners to avoid harmful consequences.
Triggers for Chi Illnesses
The two primary triggers for chi-related illnesses include a lack of adequate preparation before starting energetic practices and the pursuit of intense sensations within the body. Deimu discusses how improper training or techniques can lead to imbalances, which may manifest as serious health issues. Furthermore, he warns that the quest for stimulating experiences often results in individuals entering a fight-or-flight state, exacerbating existing psychological challenges. This highlights the importance of grounding oneself and ensuring a safe approach to energy work.
Distinctions Between Meditation and Qigong Problems
Deimu Mitchell differentiates between meditation-related problems and Qigong-related illnesses, clarifying that they arise from different conditions and underlying issues. While meditation sickness, such as Chanbing, primarily refers to psychological difficulties following intense meditation, Qigong illnesses may involve physiological symptoms caused by energy mismanagement. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these distinctions, as conflating the two could lead to misleading assumptions and ineffective treatments. His insights encourage practitioners to critically assess their experiences and seek appropriate guidance tailored to their specific contexts.
The Role of Awareness and Mental State
Deimu asserts that one's mental state is vital in determining susceptibility to chi-related problems. When engaging in energetic practices, practitioners must be aware of existing psychological imbalances since adverse effects can amplify underlying conditions. Additionally, he highlights the interconnectedness of mental and physical well-being, asserting that energetic practices require a holistic approach. This understanding helps individuals navigate their energetic journeys more safely and effectively.
Spiritual Encounters and Mystical Experiences
Deimu shares personal anecdotes about spiritual encounters, emphasizing the significance of discerning genuine experiences from mere psychological manifestations. He ponders whether it's wise to communicate mystical experiences with students, as revealing such information may unintentionally encourage attachments to those experiences. He stresses the importance of remaining detached and maintaining focus on the present moment while training. This mindset allows practitioners to engage with their experiences without becoming overly attached or distracted.
The Caution Around Spirit Work and Tantric Practices
Warning against overly focusing on spirit work and certain tantric practices, Deimu expresses reservations regarding the potential risks associated with these approaches. He advocates for a grounded understanding of energetic practices and encourages individuals to prioritize their safety and well-being. The allure of connecting with spirits or bent on seeking power through Kundalini practices can lead practitioners astray, resulting in debilitating experiences. Acknowledging these dangers reinforces the need for conscious, informed engagement with energy practices.
The Importance of Traditional Medicine
Deimu emphasizes the value of traditional medicine, particularly Chinese medicine, in treating chi-related ailments. He advocates for consulting skilled practitioners who understand the complexities of energetic imbalances and can devise personalized treatment plans. By seeking professional guidance, practitioners can navigate their experiences safely and prevent issues from escalating. Ultimately, traditional medicine serves as a valuable resource for addressing even the most severe energetic disturbances.
Avoiding Entanglement with Plant Medicines
The discussion around the use of psychedelics and plant medicines alongside energetic practices brings up significant concerns. Deimu warns that combining these substances with intense internal work can heighten the risk of energetic imbalances and destabilization. He asserts that the practice of internal arts requires a clear, grounded approach, arguing that psychotropic substances often lead to more delusion than awareness. Maintaining a focus on traditional energetic methods without the interference of substances is essential for overall well-being.
In this episode I am once again joined by Damo Mitchell author, teacher, and student of the internal arts of Asia including Tai Chi and Daoist Inner Alchemy.
Damo draws on his background in the qi arts, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western psychology to reveal the causes and symptoms of various types of qi and meditation related problems, including dragon sickness, nihilism and depression, scorched nervous system, entity possession, and more.
Damo explains the two most common triggers for qi illnesses, expresses warnings about working with spirits and reservations about tantric practices of deity and guru yoga, and differentiates true meditation from mere mental cultivation.
Damo shares his own spiritual encounters, considers whether or not it is wise to explain mystical experiences to students, and offers recommendations for those facing energetic or existential upset.
…
Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Damo comments on Dr Willoughby Britton’s work
03:04 - Is meditation dangerous?
04:31 - Mediation vs qigong illnesses
06:15 - The illness threshold
07:06 - Why qigong illnesses are common
07:38 - Hunting sensation and hyper-stimulation of the nervous system
11:12 - Releasing the nerves
11:45 - Teachers who disclose vs those who withhold
1534 - Making progress or losing ground?
19:19 - Combining Eastern and Western psychological methods
23:00 - Meditation vs mere mental work
26:27 - Fascination with one’s own psychology
27:12 - Damo’s definition of mental illness
28:07 - Is mental work a preliminary to or distraction from meditation?
30:39 - Chinese terms for meditation vs mental work
32:23 - Comparisons with Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga
34:10 - Identity attachment
34:55 - Why teaching hurts your training
35:55 - Freedom vs negligence as a teacher
38:01 - Psychiatry vs traditional medical and religious models
41:03 - Two common triggers for qi deviations
42:34 - The dangers of going inside
43:32 - Qi side effects
44:14 - Advice for qigong teachers
45:19 - Scorching the nervous system
46:37 - Dragon sickness
47:43 - A case of dragon sickness that ended in suicide
50:04 - 5 types of qigong illness
51:38 - Entering into fire to encourage demons
52:39 - Nihilism from meditation
53:05 - Poison fire infecting the heart
54:19 - Criticism of sexual practice
58:06 - Contamination of the heart mind
01:00:25 - Love in the spiritual arts
01:01:49 - Demon possession or psychological disorder?
01:03:51 - How entity possession happens
01:06:27 - Lighting up the body
01:07:22 - A story about possession
01:08:58 - Seeking contact with entities through Falun Gong and tantra
01:11:56 - Don’t trust spirits
01:15:07 - Evolution away from shamanism
01:17:15 - Tulkus, dead gurus, and terma
01:20:05 - The cult of Avalokiteśvara and the Dalai Lama
01:21:07 - Risks associated with contacting ascended masters
01:23:42 - Reflections on deity yoga
01:25:15 - Quan Yin worship and personification of deities
01:27:52 - Premature ejaculation and sexual imbalances
01:31:36 - Damo’s mystical experience in a Bhutanese temple
01:35:19 - Questioning one’s own position
01:36:39 - Kundalini syndrome vs qi sickness
01:38:40 - What is kundalini syndrome?
01:39:55 - Commenting on Gopi Krishna’s kundalini account
01:41:26 - Karmic illnesses
01:43:39 - Pilgrimage and confession
01:44:30 - How to fix qi deviations
01:46:28 - Complicated cases and overpowering the incorrect patterns
01:47:22 - How extreme cases develop
01:48:43 - Scaremongering and the value of lineage
01:52:02 - Combining psychedelics with qigong practices
01:55:24 - Potency and risk
…
Previous episode with Damo Mitchell:
- https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep174-daoist-inner-alchemy-damo-mitchell
To find out more about Damo Mitchell, visit:
- https://damomitchell.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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