Mantak Chia - Cosmic Fusion: The Inner Alchemy of the Eight Forces

Acknowledgments

The Universal Tao Publications staff involved in the preparation and production of the first edition of this book extends its gratitude to the many generations of Taoist Masters who have passed on their special lineage, in the form of an unbroken oral transmission, over thousands of years. We thank Taoist Master I Yun (Yi Eng) for his openness in transmitting the formulas of Taoist Inner Alchemy.

We offer our eternal gratitude to our parents and teachers for their many gifts to us. Remembering them brings joy and satisfaction to our continued efforts in presenting the Universal Tao System. For their gifts, we offer our eternal gratitude and love. As always, their contribution has been crucial in presenting the concepts and techniques of the Universal Tao.

We wish to thank the thousands of unknown men and women of the Chinese healing arts who developed many of the methods and ideas presented in this book. We offer our gratitute to Master Lao Kang Wen for sharing his healing techniques.

We thank the many contributors essential to this books final form: The editorial and production staff at Inner Traditions/Destiny Books for their efforts to clarify the text and produce a handsome new edition of the book, Victoria SantAmbrogio for her line edit of the new edition, and the artist, Juan Li, for the use of his beautiful and visionary paintings, illustrating Taoist esoteric practices.

For their assistance in producing the original edition of this book, we thank Lee J. Holden Jr. for his editorial work and writing contributions, as well as his ideas for the cover. We appreciate his research and great labor. We wish to thank Colin Campbell for his editorial contributions on the revised edition of this book, as well as thanking our Senior Instructors, Rene J. Narvarro and Annette Derksen, for their insightful contributions to the revised version. We thank Joost Kuitenbrouwer for his technical editing and clear writing throughout the book.

A special thanks goes to our Thai Production Team for their cover illustration and book design and layout: Raruen Keawapadung, Computer Graphics; Saysunee Yongyod, Photographer; Udon Jandee, Illustrator; and Saniem Chaisam, Production Designer.

The practices described in this book have been used successfully for thousands of years by Taoists trained by personal instruction. Readers should not undertake the practice without receiving personal transmission and training from a certified instructor of the Universal Tao, since certain of these practices, if done improperly, may cause injury or result in health problems. This book is intended to supplement individual training by the Universal Tao and to serve as a reference guide for these practices. Anyone who undertakes these practices on the basis of this book alone, does so entirely at his or her own risk.

The meditations, practices, and techniques described herein are not intended to be used as an alternative or substitute for professional medical treatment and care. If any readers are suffering from illnesses based on mental or emotional disorders, an appropriate professional health care practitioner or therapist should be consulted. Such problems should be corrected before you start training.

Neither the Universal Tao nor its staff and instructors can be responsible for the consequences of any practice or misuse of the information contained in this book. If the reader undertakes any exercise without strictly following the instructions, notes, and warnings, the responsibility must lie solely with the reader.

This book does not attempt to give any medical diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or remedial recommendation in relation to any human disease, ailment, suffering, or physical condition whatsoever.

The Universal Tao is not and cannot be responsible for the consequences of any practice or misuse of the information in this book. If the reader undertakes any exercise without strictly following the instructions, notes, and warnings, the responsibility must lie solely with the reader.

Cosmic Fusion and the Tao

Cosmic Fusion is the basic Taoist practice of Internal Alchemy. Cosmic Fusion: The Inner Alchemy of the Eight Forces is the second book in a three-part series. This book expands on the concepts and practices of Fusion I, which are introduced in Fusion of the Five Elements. Here, the practice goes to the next level of development.

In the beginning these practices may seem complex and mentally challenging; yet once the formulas are understood and applied, they are quite simple. With practice, the materials become familiar territory that you can traverse easily. Take your time with the formulas. Experiment with what works for you. The formulas are the guidelines to enhance your life. The Cosmic Fusion is a doorway into the vast potential of the self and the universe. It is a very natural process and the first step of the Taoist alchemical practice.

THE TAO

The word Tao means the Waythe way of nature and of the universe, or the path of natural reality. It also refers to a way in which we can open our minds to learn more about the world, our spiritual paths, and ourselves. Taoism is a practice of body, mind, and spirit, not just a philosophy of mind. When we have the true sense of the Tao, of its real knowledge and wisdom, we will be able to make the right decisions in our lives.

Taoism involves many practical disciplines that can restore our lost youth, energy, and virtues while awakening our deepest spiritual potentials. Taoists regard these practices as a form of technology through which we can learn universal truths if we are willing to be receptive.

The ancient masters recognized that these potentials include the possibility of attaining conscious freedom and existence in the afterdeath state. Through specific exercises, the practitioner can avoid the suffering often associated with the experience of death by expanding the consciousness beyond the physical body before its demise. This makes it possible to determine ones future existence before leaving this life.

All spiritual paths ultimately lead to the truth. Taoism is both a philosophy and a technology for seeking and finding the truths of humanity, nature, and the universe. Its focus goes beyond one single path or viewpoint. Taoism is not a religion, as it requires no initiations or ceremonies; yet it is the outcome of all religions. Departing from dogma at the point of truth, it leaves behind all religious beliefs, like the clothing of past seasons. The goal of the Tao is also the goal of science; but the Tao leaves behind all scientific theories as partial and temporal descriptions of the integral truth. Taoism includes all matters of religion and science; yet its breadth goes far beyond the limits of devotion or intellect.

Taoist teachings are like master keys unlocking all doors. They assist people in their lives, as do all religious teachings. Yet the teachings of the Tao transcend religion while retaining the essence of spirituality. They explain and demonstrate the truths of the universe directly, rather than on the level of emotions, thoughts, or beliefs. For this reason, students of the Tao have little cause for skepticism or endless searching.