Harmonious Inner Balance
Unlocking the Mysteries of Out-of-Body Experience and Astral Travel:
Exploring Taoist Wisdom and Harmonious Inner Balance
The techniques for experiencing “out-of-body” and astral travel are the subject of research by alchemists belonging to various esoteric philosophies and religions around the world, including Taoist philosophy.
However, it is important to note that if a person is imbalanced and in disharmony with themselves, they will never be able to authentically and naturally experience these phenomena. According to Taoist philosophy, the harmonious flow of vital energy, known as Qi, is essential to open the doors to these experiences. If a person’s “chakras” are not in harmony and Qi does not flow freely in the body, the experience will be compromised. Therefore, before undertaking such practices, it is important to work on one’s inner harmony.
Although these experiences may be presented as “magical techniques,” Taoist philosophy considers them an intrinsic quality of the human being, accessible to all. However, due to the “monsters” that obscure the practitioner’s mind, heart, and ego, these experiences can be extremely difficult to achieve. The “monsters” represent internal obstacles such as fears, selfish desires, and illusions that imprison the individual and make personal development an unnatural process.
It is important to understand that access to these “faculties” is normal, but attempting to reach them with the “Force” of the ego can lead to negative consequences. It is preferable to approach these experiences with a calm mental state and a prepared body and mind. Additionally, having an expert guide can be of great help.
A fundamental aspect of experiencing an out-of-body state is the purification of thoughts and the control of sexual impulses and obsessive thoughts, which influence many of our actions. This implies nourishing the energy of the “Lower Chakras” and using it to fuel the “Upper Chakras.” Through this practice, the mind can be purified within a harmonious and healthy body, where Qi flows correctly in all meridians without disharmony or blockages. At this point, the out-of-body experience will become a natural consequence of inner well-being, no longer an objective to be achieved through effort and “techniques.” It will no longer be necessary to rely on the “Force” to reach this state, and when we find ourselves in that moment, it will be a natural and tranquil experience—we will be ready.
The body positions that favor the appropriate state for an out-of-body experience may vary and require the study of Shili since it is always the mind (Yi) that moves the vital energy (Qi) and thus the astral body outside the “physical body.” The lying-down positions are similar to standing while flying. Therefore, the body must be completely relaxed, but at the same time, there must be a great movement of Yi and Qi within the body. Without an understanding of the concept of YangShenGong, which concerns the integration and cultivation of vital energy, it will be difficult to enter the appropriate state for “taking off.” Like in ZhanZhuang, a practice of static standing meditation, the body is motionless, but the mind (Yi) is in motion.