Rituals are a very important part of Taoism, generally as a means to train the body but also to train the heart and mind. They serve on occasion to invite heavenly protectors, create good tidings and to block harmful spirits. The supernatural, mythological and legendary play a large part of Taoist religion. [2] X Research source
Similarly in Buddhism, which meditators are more likely to have encountered, Taoism places great importance on gentleness and proper conduct as a foundation to meditation.
At each stage, imagine the healing energy from the ball flood that part of your body, releasing any tension or blockages while healing and cleansing the area. You may allow the colour to change if necessary (it often will do this on its own) or it will let you know by not feeling right or complete. Allowing this energy to adapt will give the best benefits and you may change the colour until it does feel right. Different colours have different energies (see below section on colour healing).
Ideally keep the tongue in a gentle contact with the roof of the mouth as that acts as an energy conduit.
If you wish, you may imagine this cloud or mist draining out of you through your feet while fresh mist is flowing in through your head, flowing just like a gentle river and cleansing, healing and replenishing your entire body.
This can take some time, so it is best to be in no hurry for this kind of meditation. Take care that you base this energy on love or kindness, as the next stage will not happen unless you are able to love the entire universe and everything in it, which means letting go of any troubles you may be experiencing in your daily life now.
Gather and share your energy with the stars, the planets and all beings. Sharing your energy gives you more energy.
A classical metaphor used in Taoism and Chan Buddhism is “still, flowing water”. This ancient metaphor describes nicely what you are aiming for, it is a state of letting go that you become still, with the flow of time, energy and space happening without your interference, but with your complete acceptance and love. This comes into Taoist philosophy as a “returning to the source”. Again like Buddhist philosophy (which is why Buddhist and Taoist meditations can and often are used side by side), all things come from the Tao, which is nothingness or voidness, and this emptiness contains the whole universe. Returning to the source of this energy will not only replenish and heal but lead towards enlightenment. This is because the mind is fundamentally void and clear, and it is simply manifestations we see, feel and interact with, and these come from the emptiness - the Tao. When you deeply understand this, you will not be troubled by thoughts or feelings as you know they are simply manifestations, but you can return to the source; that beautiful, peaceful emptiness and stillness and you know nothing can contaminate your mind. It’s also used in the old Taoist riddles and Zen koans of the original mind or nature.
Use this practice to create serenity as by knowing that the source of everything and nothing is within you, then many of your troubles can seem much smaller - even irrelevant - than they were before.
The colour that arises naturally at the time is usually best and may be symbolic, but it is best not to read into these things, it is a process of healing and complicating it will reduce or stall its effectiveness.
As you do this, remind yourself that your channels are opening and blockages, toxins and diseases are melting away and leaving your body in the smoke.
