Shoshuten or Circulation of Light is a Taoist technique in which meditators practice raising the Ki (Chi) or energy from the base of the spine to the top of the head, transforming it to a higher spiritual energy(1).
One loses joy and happiness in the attempt to possess them.
-Masanobu Fukuoka
Introduction
According to Taoist beliefs, when the Light or the Chi or energy is allowed to be circulated within the body, it strengthens all the powers of the universe(2). The method is known as Shoshuten and it is a technique of purifying the energy. In this meditation, Circulation of Light refers to the flow of all the true, creative, and formative powers residing within ourselves(2).
One key factor about Shoshuten is that it involves the circulation of light or energy in a reverse direction(3). Which means, the technique requires meditators to channel the flow of the Chi inward (within themselves) rather than letting it flow outward (the external world)(3). When the stray energy is circulated through Shoshuten Meditation, it becomes available for all the organs, blessing the practitioners with good health and long life(4).
The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.
-Lao Tzu
History/Origins
According to Motoyama, Shoshuten is “Circulation of Light, in which ki (chi) energy is raised from the tip of the coccyx to the top of the head(1).” Motoyama also compares the technique with Tantra yoga by concluding, “In both cases, this physiological energy is sublimated into higher psychological or spiritual energy…thus the functions of the sushumna and the governor vessel meridian in spiritual practices of their respective traditions exhibit a high degree of correspondence(1).”
Benefits of Shoshuten
According to a study published in the International Journal of Computer Applications(5), meditation techniques based on circulation of energy can improve the strength of certain energy centers, resulting in increased consciousness in the body. The techniques like Shoshuten can also prevent the possibility of developing heart diseases, while improving emotional harmony, balance in life, physical resistance, and flow of positive energy in our body. Another research article(6) suggests that continuous practice of such meditation methods can also effectively heal psychological stress.
References
- American University Faculty | Dept. of Public Administration and Policy | The Chakra System and Ancient Wisdom Traditions Worldwide by Patricia Day Williams
- Mariner Books | Secret of the Golden Flower: A Chinese Book of Life (Paperback) by Tung-Pin Lu (Translated by Richard Wilhelm)
- State University of New York Press | The Body, Self-cultivation, and Ki-energy by Yasuo Yuasa
- White Cloud Press | The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark | The Microcosmic Orbit
- International Journal of Computer Applications | Volume 126, No.12 | 2015 | Effect of Meditation on Chakra Energy and Hemodynamic Parameters by D.K. Chaturvedi, Jyoti kumar Arora and Ravindra Bhardwaj
- Indian Journal of Positive Psychology | Volume 5, Issue 4 | Healing Of Chakras Meditation On Psychological Stress by Balaji Deekshitulu P. V
