- 1 -

Chapter 4: Energetic Preparations for Meditation Practice
4. Shoulders: The shoulders should be relaxed and balanced over
the hips. The armpits should be slightly open allowing enough
space to hold a Ping Pong ball (Fig. 4.4). This permits free circulation
of blood and Chi into the arms and keeps the nerves in
the arms from being impinged.
Leave enough space
beneath each armpit to
hold a Ping Pong ball.
Fig. 4.4 Arms’ Position
5. Chin: The chin should be drawn back slightly, with as little strain
as possible, so that the ears are over the shoulders. If you strain
too much to bring the head back, your muscles will soon tire.
6. Eyes: Your eyes should generally be closed or slightly open with
the gaze directed downward. Or you can focus on the nose,
and from the nose focus into the heart. You can open the eyes
for a while if you feel sleepy or distracted (Fig. 4.5).
7. Tongue: The tip of the tongue should be touching the upper
palate (Fig. 4.6). This connection acts like a switch in that it
connects the Tu Mo and Ren Mo, the Governor and Functional
Channels. The best point for you to use is the one where you
feel the strongest sensation of Chi.
- 56 -