So you’ve learned a bunch of dynamic qigong exercises like the 18 Luohan Hands, the 12 Sinew Metamorphosis, and the 5 levels of Bone Marrow Cleansing.
You’ve learned it all, right?
Nope. You ain’t learned nothing yet, kiddo!!
In the Chinese classics, the Small Universe (小周天, or xiao zhou tian) is viewed as the ultimate qigong technique. In other words, all other forms of qigong pale in comparison.
But don’t worry. If you’ve been faithfully practicing the qigong exercises I mentioned above, you’re still on the right track.
In fact, if you haven’t spent a few years practicing those exercises, then you’re not only off track, but you might just hurt yourself with the Small Universe.
Are You Ready?
In some qigong schools, the Small Universe is taught to beginners.
I strongly disagree with this approach.
I think it’s totally irresponsible to teach this technique to someone who is not ready.
The risk of messing up their energy system is high, and the chance of success is low.
In other words, the most likely result is that the student will get hurt, and the least likely result is that the student will get benefit.
If you think that I’m exaggerating, if you think that qigong can’t do any harm — think again.
You’d be shocked at how many people hurt themselves by practicing the Small Universe before they are ready.
It’s more common than you might think. I’ve even seen students end up in the emergency room as a result of practicing it incorrectly!
Here an example of a recent email I received from a stranger:
“I need your help because I’ve made a mess. I am a beginner in qi gong and this morning, intrigued by the practice of the small universe, I tried it. I immediately felt a strong anxiety. I thought I was dying. The point is I feel restless, and I am very anxious, I do not feel well at all. I really need your help.”
I’ve received emails just like this for years. And it’s not just qigong.
I’ve seen the same with the yoga technique called Kundalini. In fact, many people have come to me to heal the damage done by Kundalini Yoga.
Here’s an example:
“I have been practicing kundalini yoga and I have experienced symptoms that were quite bad. I have chest pain and can’t sleep. Can you help?”
As an aside, I’m not a yoga master, but it’s obvious to me that Kundalini, which involves bringing energy from the chakra (energy center) near the anus up to the chakra in the head, is an advanced form of qigong. It’s definitely not for beginners.
Does all this scare you? Good! The Small Universe is powerful. Have some respect for it, just like you would for an 18-Wheeler.
Clearing Blockages
Most students are not ready for the Small Universe simply because they haven’t spent enough time clearing blockages.
1. Mental Blockages
The Small Universe requires a well-trained Zen mind. If your mind is unfocused, if you are still distracted by random thoughts, if you can’t let go of the internal dialogue — then you’re not ready for the Small Universe.
2. Physical Blockages
If your structure is off, if one shoulder is higher than the other, if your pelvis is rotated, if your posture is bad — these things need to be corrected before attempting the Small Universe. And if you haven’t spent years doing qigong, then I can almost guarantee that your structure is off.
3. Emotional Blockages
If you suffer from emotional blockages, like anxiety or depression, then you’ll probably just make them worse by practicing the Small Universe.
Why? Because you’re adding pressure to clogged pipes. You need to clear these blockages before adding any pressure to the pipes.
4. Pain
If you have any kind of chronic pain whatsoever — that’s a blockage. Ideally, you should be 100% pain free before doing the Small Universe.
As a compromise, students can still have some lingering pain, assuming that they’ve already gotten rid of a lot of it already.
The best way to clear all of the blockages mentioned above is to spend 2-3 years with the basics — the 18 Lohan Hands, Sinew Metamorphosis, and Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow.
Too impatient to wait for that? Too bad. The truth doesn’t change according to your ability to stomach it.
The Breakthrough
The Small Universe is more than a technique; it’s an energetic breakthrough.
It actually marks a developmental shift in your energy system. Traditionally, it was also the mark of a real master. In fact, past masters would throw a celebration when the finally had the breakthrough.
When you achieve the Small Universe, the energy flow along the Ren and the Du meridians starts to flow freely.
The Ren meridian runs from your chin, down the center line of the torso, all the way to the perineum (between the genitals and the anus).
The Du meridian runs from the perineum, up the center line of the back, around the top of the head, down the nose, and to the upper lip.
When these two meridians connect, you form the Small Universe — down the Ren, and up the Du, in a continuous loop.
Real and False
What we are shooting for is called the “Real Breakthrough” of the Small Universe. Along the way, we may also experience what is known as the “False Breakthrough”.
What’s the difference?
The False Breakthrough happens spontaneously to students who’ve been practicing basic techniques and clearing blockages for a few years. In the False Breakthrough, the two meridians are not continuously filled. Small “bubbles” of energy travel around the loop, giving the sensation of the Small Universe.
In the Real Breakthrough, the energy is continuous, with only minor gaps along the entire loop.
Instead of bubbles traveling around, you have a continuous stream.
A high-level master will have a wide, powerful stream. A younger master (like myself) will have a thinner stream. But the key factor is that both of our streams are continuous.
Over the years, I’ve met a lot of people who learned The Small Universe from other teachers (or from books). After just one look at them, you can tell that they haven’t had the Real Breakthrough.
Heck, you can tell they haven’t even had the False Breakthrough.
How can you tell?
It’s obvious when someone has had the Real Breakthrough. The person looks vibrantly healthy, their skin is radiant, their eyes are clear, and there is a palpable sense of both energy and calm coming off of them.
Meanwhile, the people I described above looked pale, weak, and their eyes were dull. When I asked them about their health, they admitted that they were still in pain.
And they’ll remain that way until they stop practicing the Small Universe and switch to more basic techniques.
Benefits of the Breakthrough
If there are so many risks, and if other types of qigong bring so many benefits, then why would anyone want to practice the Small Universe?
It’s a fair question. Here are some reasons:
Eliminating 100 Diseases
It is said that when you complete the Small Universe, you’ll eliminate hundreds of diseases.
Actually, what it means is that you’ll keep “100” (the ancient Chinese way of saying many) diseases at bay. To have the Real Breakthrough, you need to be relatively healthy already. But when you have the breakthrough, you step into a new realm of health. In other words, illnesses just “bounce off” of the Small Universe.
Never-ending Energy
If you practice qigong in general, your energy levels should jump. But with the Small Universe, there’s something new.
In my experience, it seems like the Small Universe produces its own energy, almost like a generator. This happens continuously throughout the day, even when you’re not doing qigong.
Longevity
Obviously, I can’t verify this one from personal experience (yet!), but I can make some reasonable predictions.
I feel better at 40 than I did at 30. I’ve steadily gotten rid of aches, pains, and illness, and my body is functioning better than ever. I think it’s fair to assume that it will last a long, long time.
How long? Modern scientists say that humans have the capacity to live at least 120 years.
Of course, there are legends of ancient Chinese masters living to be much, much older than that. Is it true? If they had the Small Universe, who knows?
Martial Qigong
The Small Universe serves as the foundation for several Martial Qigong methods, like Cosmos Palm and Iron Shirt.
Although you can do arts like these without the Small Universe (I did for years), it’s a totally different experience after the breakthrough. It’s incredible to feel the Small Universe flowing while you practice these other methods. It has to be experienced to be understood.
Party Rocking
It’s true. Having the Small Universe allows you to get away with more, shall we say, transgressions.
Of course, this shouldn’t be your main motivation, but I’ll admit that it’s a nice perk being able to stay up too late on occasion, or drink a few beers with friends, or eat stuff I shouldn’t eat.
Spiritual Cultivation
The Small Universe also opens up new realms of spiritual cultivation. All great spiritual masters had the Small Universe, even if they never knew what it was called or specifically practiced the techniques. From years of meditation, the Small Universe opened naturally in them. And once it does, it allows for deeper states of meditation.
The Techniques
In part 2 of this series, I’ll talk about the actual techniques of the Small Universe. With a better understanding of the risks vs. rewards, I going to assume that you won’t start practicing this advanced form of qigong from a web page. And if you do, despite all the warnings — well, I can’t think of a better example of karma in action.
The good news is that if you do mess yourself up, the problem is fixable. You’ll need a good acupuncturist, a good herbalist, or a good qigong master, but the damage is not permanent.
In closing, let me make it clear that if you have a) a good teacher, and b) a good qigong foundation, then practicing the Small Universe is safe, and you shouldn’t be afraid at all.
But if you have neither a good teacher nor a good foundation, do yourself a favor and get those 2 things before messing with the Small Universe. Best regards, Sifu Anthony 
I’m Anthony Korahais, and I used qigong (pronounced "chee gung") to heal from clinical depression, low back pain, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Today, I'm the director of Flowing Zen, an international organization with students in 48 counties. I've been teaching qigong since 2005, I've served on the board for the National Qigong Association, and I’ve helped thousands of people to use qigong for their own stubborn health challenges. If you're ready to get started with qigong, there's no better way than my best selling book, which comes with free videos and meditations. The sooner you read my book, the sooner you can start healing! Click here to see my book on Amazon.
Ever since hearing about the Small Universe, I’ve been shocked at how many books and schools consider it an art that completely fresh beginners can delve right into. The only two authentic lineages I’ve run across (Shaolin Wahnam and Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming’s school, whose name escapes me at the moment) reserve the Small Universe for advanced students.
Two schools I know about start with the Eight Pieces of Brocade for a few months before doing Small Universe during sitting meditation; another school starts straight with the Small Universe in sitting meditation! Not a single one of those schools’ students that I’ve met could be said to be healthy, vibrant, or possessing internal force.
Looking forward to part two!
Fred, I couldn’t agree more. And I have a 17 year history of pretty severe kundalini syndrome to back up my claim.
Great article, Anthony Sihing. I laughed out loud several times, because I’ve done my best to keep up with Sifu, too, and never come anywhere close.
I also appreciate this post because it’s a great reminder of why I continue to practice. I’ve come a long way and experienced great benefits in so many areas of my life, but I’m still just an experienced beginner.
The Shaolin Arts really are a journey, not a destination. What a rich adventure. And a true privilege.
Thanks for the continued inspiration.
Well, you’ve done a great job of scaring me. I believe I would like to wait at least 10 years before even thinking about the small universe, Thank you. 🙂
Melissa, three years of steady practice is enough — if you have a good teacher. 🙂
Well, I guess I’m in luck. 😀
Excellent article! Just what I needed.
My son and I will see you in St. Pete in a couple of weeks. I wish we could do all 4 days, but I don’t have the vacation time. So we’ll be there through Sunday. I am looking forward to it SO much.
If we can find time while there, I’d like to chat with you about how I can go about learning (from a master of course) the other 9 Luohan Hands, 11 Sinew Metamorphasis, and all 5 of the Bone Marrow Cleansing.
Also, I’ll do my best to have goal setting complete by then 🙂
Talk to ya later.
Hi Mike. We can chat in St. Pete. But to be clear, you don’t need to learn all of that stuff. It’s good to know, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
Hi Sifu,
What if we do not have a perfect physical structure to work with? –When I was 17, my left pelvis was broken in several places, and now my left hip is slightly rotated inward and not completely vertically aligned with the right hip. Would this be a problem for small universe?
Honestly, I’m not sure. The solution would be to do it carefully with close supervision. I’ll be able to tell if the Small Universe is causing problems. Worst case scenario, you would focus on Abdominal Breathing instead of the Small Universe.
FAntastic positive article, keeps me focused on continuing this daily Wanham practice. Thanks, Sifu Anthony
Very nice, your way of writing is pleasant to read. It really makes sense how you explain al of this. I’m starting with a basic qigong meditationcourse next week. After reading this I feel confident that I made the right decision to sign myself up for the course. I’ve been practising several energetic healing techniques tru out the years but my feeling tels me that this wil be the next step. Thank you for your contribution in my quest.
Kind regards,
Dirk
You’re welcome, Dirk. Good luck in your journey!
Hi sifu,
Im learning the standing posture and ermei wuji qigong.
I myself not in a healthy conditions, not sure will you stop by singapore ?
Would really like to hear some advice from you.
best regards
Ted
Thank you for this article. I experienced something in a dream and want to know if QiGong in true form is what it is…. perhaps this small universe. QiGong has been on the *back burner* for me for awhile. I know I am being called to practice. In this Astral dream~ my hands were vibrating and humming, then my heart, then my whole body vibrating. This was a state we were to all be in~ yet— our programming of *distractions* keep this vibratory state dulled- the knowledge of the vibratory state forgotten. Will Qigong bring me to this place? What is Small Universe? Thanks so much!
In Honor and Respect,
Sunflower
Another benefit worth mentioning is that Small Universe is great for increasing good luck! Hao Yun Chi!
the concept of luck is a misconception of how the laws of the universe work. “Luck” and “chance” are the views of cultures that are alienated from the teachings of ancient wisdom. Nothing is “by chance”. Everything that happens is nature’s feedback. good begets good.
I am wondering if small universe is the same practice as microcosmic orbit?
Yes, it is Benny.
Hi Sifu,
I purchased the Small Universe Meditation dvd from Spring Forest Qigong (Chunyi Lin). It has not been successful for me, because I’m unable to keep my mind free of thought when moving energy from one place to another (true beginner)
What is recommended for beginners? I see no mention of that.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jim. I get a lot of emails from people with experiences similar to yours. I have a lot of respect for Master Lin, but the curriculum in my school is quite different. If you read my article on the 12 Phases of Qi Master, you’ll see that I start beginners with Discovering the Qi (phase 1) and Circulating the Qi (phase 2). By contrast, the Small Universe is not taught until phase 10 (Transforming the Qi).
Thanks for the quick reply.
I found your article regarding the 12 phases. Where can I get more in depth practices for each one of your phases?
Hi Jim. You can’t get more on the 12 Phases, not yet at least. Although I’m teaching using to the 12 Phases in Gainesville, I haven’t started to teach them publicly yet. However, I’m gearing up to launch some online classes for beginners, which will cover phases 1-2.
Ah, I have Spring Forest Qigong, should I not be doing the Small Universe then? I am a beginner. Thought I found his active exercise helpful.
Hi Sibinsai. If you find it helpful, then why would you stop? On the other hand, if you ever find it to be causing problems, then I suggest you stop or switch to more dynamic exercises.
I too trained with the SFQ school. As you mention, they teach small universe meditation right from the start. Also, the beginning hand movements mimic energy flow along the pathways of the small universe. It was too powerful for me, and brought up some energetic congestion and emotional junk.
Hi Anthony! Thanks so much for your warnings regarding the small universe. I just found Spring Forest qigong on Internet and I have practised Zhineng qigong för 10 years. I still have adrenal fatique and exhaustions. I understand that I have underlaying issues such as severe traumas, PTSD and suppressed feelings. I plan to buy the cd for beginners from Spring Forest. I tried practising moving yin and Yang from a clip ön you tube. Since I am ying I found it very useful. Do you see any danger with this CD? Does qigong tranform negative emotions such as fear, anger, sorrow? Thank you.
Hi Carina. If you find it useful, then use it!
Yes, Qigong should transform negative emotions. If you look at the 12 Phases of Qi Mastery, then the “Purifying the Qi” phase would focus on that aspect.
Dear Anthony! Pls notify Me on follow-up comments by email. Missed marking the box.
Thanks, Carina
So when you make the real breakthrough with Small Universe does it just run on its own or do you need to do exercises to maintain it? Would mastering small universe remove the need for sex or masturbation and enable some one to live like a saint?
Why I began practicing qi gong for nearly 2 years is to help control my impulses. In the beginning of the journey I was able to control myself for seven months and this year four months. I feel qigong might be the true solution to my masturbation impulses though I have lost some control since the summer time despite a near daily qi gong and meditation practice.
Would mastering and making a breakthrough with small universe with a master be a permanent solution ( and of course along with a near daily qi gong practice)?
Yes, the Small Universe starts to run on its own, but it still needs maintenance. I haven’t tried it, but I suspect that if I stop practicing it for too long, it will stop flowing on its own.
The Small Universe is also helpful for redirecting sexual energy.
When will you make the article about the Big Universe? I can not wait to here about it from you.
Thanks for the reminder! I had forgotten about it. I’ll see if I can find the old draft and resurrect it.
Here’s a quick explanation: The Big Universe (Da Zhou Tian) is a meditation that circulates the qi in a loop through the 12 primary meridians. We go down the yin meridians of the arms, then up the yang meridians to the head, then down the yang meridians on the back and the legs, and then up the yin meridians of the legs. For some reason, it’s actually easier to achieve that than the Small Universe.
Hi Sifu, you wrote this article 4 years ago ( now it is June 2016)….they were 4 years of amazing journey of shedding pain and negativity. My intuition was the great teacher behind the teachings of other masters and books.But what impressed me more from your article was the warning which I felt instinctively and thank you so much for enforcing and consolidating that warning.
Hi Anthony,
Thank you for posting this. Another questioner here asked “Would mastering small universe remove the need for sex or masturbation and enable some one to live like a saint? ”
You replied, “The Small Universe is also helpful for redirecting sexual energy.”
I don’t see anything wrong with sex, so I don’t see a lack of sexual desire as saintly. I am not looking to redirect my sexual energy.
My question is: is it true what I have read that working with the microcosmic orbit necessarily decreases sexual desire? I am a human being and I think sexuality is a part of life, like eating or breathing, and while I try to avoid excess in all these things I am also not interested in trying to avoid nature.
In summary, does practicing the microcosmic orbit necessarily lead to a decrease in sexual desire? If you could explain this a little (or a lot), I would very much appreciate it.
Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.
Hi Greg. I’m in Costa Rica at the moment, but my quick answer as a married man is that no, it doesn’t decrease sexual desire. The opposite.
Thank you for your reply! Look forward to your return.
Part of what I have heard about Small Universe (SU) is that a man must decrease the frequency of ejaculation (some say even non-ejaculatory orgasm), and while I am not a porn star, I just want to live a human life here on this planet, rather than some mythical buddha-like existence. I am also not sure when ‘they’ talk about this if they mean that having a regular sex life merely impedes one’s progress with SU, or it seems like they are saying it actually causes a net negative (i.e. sex + SU is worse for one’s health than sex without SU).
Qigong is very confusing for a qi-numb person like myself 🙂
I agree that qigong can be very confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. My mission is to demystify qigong and tai chi.
Just don’t worry about the confusing stuff. In your first few years of qigong practice, you should be getting such amazing and obvious results that issues like this are of no concern.
As for you being “qi numb”, it’s not true. You just need proper instruction and proper practice. Most of my students can feel qi within a month, and many feel it within hours.
I wonder if you can see how arrogant your second paragraph is? That and some of your other writings made me go elsewhere. “Just trust master and don’t think.” No.
Hi “G”.
Which 2nd paragraph are you referring to?
Also, the whole “do as the master thing” is totally not my approach. I’m not sure where you’re getting that vibe, but it’s not me.
This old article might help explain things: http://flowingzen.com/8379/blind-faith-in-qigong/
And this one too, which is more recent: http://flowingzen.com/17484/how-i-will-change-the-world-with-qigong/
“Just don’t worry about the confusing stuff. In your first few years of qigong practice, you should be getting such amazing and obvious results that issues like this are of no concern. ”
But my question was what is the deal with MCO and sex. Once you get into MCO is sex/ejaculation an issue? Specifically, does sex simply impede MCO progress, or is sex with MCO somehow worse for your health than sex without MCO? And why are you so unwilling to answer this?
This is a legitimate question, and if you are not an old fashioned guru type teacher, it would seem reasonable to answer (though I keep asking without getting anything other than the guru answer).
Hi Greg. I feel a lot of antagonism in your posts, and I don’t know where it’s coming from. Have we met in person?
I did my best to answer a few of your questions, but for some reason, you decided to call me arrogant, and label me as an “old fashioned guru type teacher”.
Neither one of those comments is true. Just ask my students.
It’s difficult to answer your questions, not because I’m unwilling or because I can’t. but because we are not communicating well. And half of that communication failure is your responsibility. I’m willing to do my part. Are you willing?
May I suggest that you try being kinder in your communication? This has nothing to do with gurus or Chinese etiquette. It’s just good manners to be nice to someone who you’re asking for help.
along with power comes more responsibility. If you do these practices with the intention of exploiting what nature has to offer, you may be headed for trouble. Unless your intentions are service-oriented, more power will be your downfall. one can use qigong in this way, but nature will take him/her down. A stronger person sees to the well-being of others. If not, he gets into trouble very quickly. Napolean, Mao, Stalin, Nixon, Bush……the list goes on.
This came up in my email inbox, so I have returned years later to try again! Items in quotes are from Anthony.
“Just don’t worry about the confusing stuff. In your first few years of qigong practice, you should be getting such amazing and obvious results that issues like this are of no concern.”
You don’t know what I want out of my life. Some people like jogging; others like swimming. With regard to the orbit and sex, some teachers say you can have very little sex once you get into that; other teachers say it is all bs, that qi work and sex are two different things.
“As for you being “qi numb”, it’s not true. You just need proper instruction and proper practice. Most of my students can feel qi within a month, and many feel it within hours.”
I studied with a teacher who you can only fantasize about. And the other students all made great progress. I have some severe back issues, and everyone in qi work says the back is key to qi work. I am not into rub your hands and feel the qi (warmth). If qi is real (I now know it isn’t since I have been to enough ‘masters’ who can not get me to feel anything), then it can be felt like anything else. Then teachers says: oh no, qi is different; it’s mysterious; you need faith. I say, have a nice day!
To summarize, you seem very traditional, arrogant, and close minded because rather than straightforwardly answering my question, you in effect said “Don’t worry sonny, I’ll tell you what to do.” But it is common for people entertaining the possibility of starting any hobby to wonder about the time, effort, expense, etc that it will entail. However, learning French, to play guitar, or joining a hiking club don’t come with the future possibility of a reduced sex life (and god knows how the other guy connected that Mao and the others).
I respectfully asked you to be kinder and clearer in your communication. Instead, you doubled down and called me arrogant and closed-minded. You also put words into my mouth.
Sorry, but we don’t want that kind of energy in our community. This is not the place for you. Wishing you all the best in your path, wherever it leads. Goodbye.
I wouldn’t say I’m scared as my Taiji teacher said I can start working on the small universe 🙂 I really love your articles because I feel like some people shy away from stating the dangers of certain energy practices. First you build a foundation, then you move on to higher levels.
Hi David.
If you have a good teacher an a good foundation, there’s nothing to be scared about.
If you have neither a good teacher nor a good foundation — then I will simply quote the 1986 version of “The Fly”
“Be afraid…be very afraid.” (link)
Hi Anthony, is the Kriya Yoga technique the same as the Small Universe?
Hi James. I’m not an expert in Kriya Yoga, but as I understand it, they use technique where they move the energy up and down the spine. The Small Universe circulates energy in a loop, down the Ren meridian on the front of the body, and then up the Du meridian on the back. So the techniques strike me as different.
Just want to clarify the SFQ MCO, as there is a lot of confusion about it. It is therapeutic for the length of the meditation, and not meant to start the real thing for most people, just clear the pipes of gross blockages. Of course the real thing would be best, but many people come to SFQ very sick, so who could do that ? Also the practitioner doesn’t really do it by himself, there’s a powerful energetic transmission where you ride the energy of the Master to help move your own internal energy. You basically align your intent to move from point to point with the Master’s intent, and his voice acts as a carrier which contains all his energetic information. It’s an “open” as opposed to “closed” MCO system, meaning you open yourself to the Universal energy first, then connect to your Master’s energy, then listen to the Master sing. The two sounds, OMMMMM and MWHAAAA are chosen because they create two specific energy flows in the body. The first one makes energy rise up the back channel. The second energy makes energy go down the front channel.
I agree that the real thing is the goal and the best thing to achieve. I also agree with the descriptions in the article. Basically, this very unique SFQ MCO style where you relax and listen to the Master sing was meant as a complement to active practice, and can not replace the real thing by itself. The real thing is organic and happens by itself. For those looking to start the real thing with SFQ, the MCO should be used in 70/30 ratio – mostly building energy, and then circulating what you’ve built. So the value of this style is that you increase your health immediately, and also set yourself up for the real thing in the future. Of course, we do a lot of other stuff too. But as Sifu said, and Master Lin knows, opening these two channels is the real deal in terms of health benefits. Hence the focus from so many lineages on it.
Hope this helps some readers here who were confused like me about the SFQ style at one point.
Thanks for clarifying, Seb. Very interesting.
hello sifu, i want to know that how can i clear my blockages to increase my qi flows.
Hi Rahul. If you want to get healthier, clear your energy blockages, and improve the flow of qi, then my Qigong 101 program is perfect for you. Registration will reopen in September. Please make sure to get on the waiting list here: https://flowingzen.mykajabi.com/p/qigong-101-the-art-of-healing-for-busy-people
Nice job with similar book I was reading by by Wong Kiew Kit.
I guess i made a Real Break through as your article suggest b/c I feel qi flowing in my SU orbiting on its own. It’s sure feel weird having qi orbing inside of you.
Is this correct Sifu Anthony?
Yes, Wong Kiew Kit is my former teacher. I broke with him in 2014 after 17 years as a disciple over a sexual abuse scandal perpetrated by one of his instructors. I believe that Sifu Wong was unethical in the way that he handled the situation.
Anyway, it sounds like you have the real breakthrough. If it goes on its own, and if you have a ton of energy, then those are good signs!
wow I’ve didn’t heard that about. Thanks for infor. Yes, My SU definity orbity with sensation of magnet/tingling and with feeling of awakefullness as well energizing feeling.
I also notice as the qi orbit (GV) it also split in my arms channels causing tingling in my yin channels. Is that normal?
You kind of touched on this in your article but how likely is the possibility of opening and using small universe unknowingly or rather unintentionally through herbalism and meditation and visualization vs qigong? Also is it possible to have it falsely opened(like the bubble example) while your working on it but have days where its open and smooth but days where its not(do to either lacking complete fullness or just not 100% open yet)?
I’ve never met anyone who opened the SU through herbalism. I suspect that some meditation masters have it open, but many of them use a different language.
I learned QiGong practice from Master Chunyi Lin, including Small Universe Meditation. I have known Master Lin for over 10 years, and my trust in him has only increased. I do not believe that he teaches unsafe practices, nor is he “totally irresponsible. Small Universe meditation has been one of the greatest gifts I have received in life, and has helped me in very many situations, despite not having the greatest concentration and really struggling with consistency in my practice.
I have never heard of anyone from this school experiencing damage from practicing this meditation.
Thanks for the input, Al. I’m glad it’s working for you.
I like Master Lin, I respect him, and I think he does good work. On the issue of the Small Universe, we disagree.
Unfortunately, over the years I’ve received several comments and emails from people who practiced the Small Universe via Master Lin and had negative experiences. You can even find a few of them in the comments section of this article. The rest came to me via email.
I helped several of these people to overcome their issues.
The “echo chamber” phenomenon is something that I believe might be in effect here. I saw it happen with one of my own masters. Basically, the master rarely hears any negatives because he/she is surrounded by people who share only positive experiences (like your own). This creates and echo chamber where negative feedback isn’t heard or addressed.
I think it’s possible that Master Lin doesn’t even know about the negative reactions because those people either keep quiet or send their complaints elsewhere.
Great post, I really like the the comparison with the 18 wheeler, made me laugh out lout!!!
I started the 101 program and I start to feel naturally energy flowing around the small universe, bubbly like feeling as you said. It felt really nice, but should I worry about negative effect…?
Although, I’m not trying to do it but it just happen when I’m breathing and flowing still.
Glad I still get some chuckles from the crowd. 🙂
You’re opening the Small Universe the traditional way, i.e. by letting it happen naturally. There are zero negative side effects from this. It’s only when you try to FORCE it that you can screw things up.
Great i like this article, just that will you include the practise in chi gong 201, and i will like a article on big universe and the similarities between small universe and big universe.
Thanks for the article. This has answered many of my questions. Back to basics, and follow the leader. People can have a tendency to want to fly before they can walk. I see this in other traditions also. Generally they find what they are given as not exciting enough, because they have not yet integrated the basics.
Hi Sifu. Does or can doing Flowing Breeze Swaying Willow after doing Small Universe alone or doing Small Universe as part of a routine eliminate or diminish the possible negative side effects from having done Small Universe?
Hi Mary. Yes, FBSW protects us against problems that can arise from any incorrect energy practice, including the Small Universe.
Hi sifu, its me again, the weird guy with not so good english.
So i’ve been practicing belly breathing and meditating (quieting the monkey mind), and i’ve gotten good result as in less body pain, and more energy. So far i feel more peaceful meditating in sitting position, i feel something moving in my crown and front body area during lifting the sky, but less peaceful mind (thinking too much on the posture and motion). I’ve been doing researches from online and book sources about feeling/discovering qi (in fact i found flowingzen during my search of dan tian). I might read too much that things got mixed up, so i stick to meditation and breathing techniques for now as it benefits me positively already (and try to be slow and steady but reach the goal-i hope).
So, i read somewhere that ejaculating releases jing energy, and i should stop practicing for 72 hrs or my dantian might rupture (mo pai), what is your recommendation or say about this?
Sometime i feel some kind of tension (almost like soreness/pain after doing much sit ups), am i doing belly breathing wrong, or is it symptom of blockage, or is that normal because of pulling the stomach during exhalation?
Note: you recommend me qigong 101 course which hasn’t open yet
thank you
Or to make long question short:
is it possible for dan tian to break/rupture/leak, and is it repairable?
note: i have hard time maintain erection (need more concentration and stimulation), which has been happening for about a year now. And at most i have sex 4-8 times a month, i’m 38 years old). i hope thats not too vulgar, and if it was, feel free to delete this comment
thank you again
You need to be really careful what information you trust on the internet. This is especially true of qigong.
No, it’s not possible for dantian to break or rupture or leak. It is possible to have some disruptions at dantian, but it’s definitely repairable.
Forget everything you’ve learned about Mopai. Trust me. I know more about Mopai than pretty much any other non-Mopai member, and I’ve communicated directly with legitimate practitioners. The information you’ve received is intentionally cryptic, false, or downright dangerous. Seriously. Stop with that stuff.
What you need is quality instruction. If you’re ready for that, then you’re in the right place.
Thank you for clarifying this, it really take a lot of burden from me
Hi Anthony,
I would like to thank you for your fascinating blog. I get a lot of value from reading your articles. I have been practising Qigong on a daily basis for about 4 months. At first, I attended classes with a local teacher but have had to stop attending due to changes in my working hours. I appreciate the honesty of your post about the dangers of approaching ‘The Small Universe’ with too little experience. I am single and celibate. I prefer not to masturbate for personal reasons. ‘The Small Universe’ is commonly presented as a way of tapping into the power of sexual energy and to prevent it from stagnating. However, whenever I have practices it on occasion, I feel anxious, irritable and slightly nauseous. Therefore, whenever I have experimented with it, the trials have never lasted for longer than two days. Your article has made it clear for me that my experiences are not necessarily the result of me doing it wrong, but that I am simply not ready for it. Can you recommend any Qigong exercises for beginners that involve redirecting and working with sexual energy, particularly to stop it building up and causing problems? Many thanks for your help in advance
Hello Anthony,
Very informative article … I wanted to ask….should we rest/ relax/ release …the tongue through out the day as well as at night??
If so.. then how do we rest the tongue in mouth cavity??
Is it supposed to be on the upper palate (maxilla) or is it supposed to rest on the floor of the mouth??
If it is supposed to rest on the floor of the mouth entire day…then in the day it is ok (we consciously keep it at the bottom of mouth) but at night it is not possible as it results in teeth clenching…
So at how to relax the tongue at night??
Thanks…