Every time we fall asleep a process of overwhelming importance takes place. Our awareness which is focused on the physical body during waking hours, shifts and becomes fully active through the subtle body. The degree of opportunity offered by this shift is beyond the scope of our imagination.
As children from the moment we start learning to walk we begin a long process of manifesting the intention through the physical body. Through all the years of schooling and growing self discipline we keep refining the ability to manifest intent through the physical body. In the Dream Yogas we extent this process into the realm of the subtle body and the dimensions outside of time and space. The reason for doing this is transcendence of consciousness.
The physical body is limited by time and space, and regardless of the good care we take, it dies at some point. The individual consciousness is outside the limitations of time or space and if cultivated through energy disciplines is capable of transcending the death of the physical body and continue operating through the subtle body.
The main purpose of the Dream Yogas is developing the ability to operate fully conscious outside time and space through the subtle body. This training gives coherence to the subtle body and gradually makes intent and realization an instant reality.
The Dream Yogas gradually transcends the fear of the unknown at the moment of death. Instead a seamless continuity of consciousness is experienced between the physical and the subtle dimensions.
Dream Practice II : Dream Incubation
Historically, one of the most important aspects of dream practice has been the incubation of healing dreams in temples and power places.
People have incubated dreams for healing; obtaining answers to difficult problems; contacting the departed; receiving initiations and developing familiarity with a particular dimension of transcendence.
Dreams are traditionally incubated in a sacred spot such as a temple, shrine, cave or powerful tomb. At present, it is extremely difficult to sleep within a temple, church or sacred spot, as all these places do not allow overnight stays and dream incubation is best done at night. So in this level we learn to transform our sleeping place into a sacred spot where dream incubation can be done at any time.
Dream incubation is done within a ritual context, so one learns to develop the basic steps to activate the magical aspect of the mind capable of generating magical results. Magic is defined as going beyond the limits of what was believed to be possible.
The ultimate purpose of dream incubation is developing a creative relationship with the Original Mind, the superconscious aspect of the mind. The Dream Yogas are the foundation for developing the Yogas of Death and Transcendence.
Dream Practice III: Yogas of Death and Transcendence and Reincarnation
In this level we examine the mysteries surrounding the process of transcendence and the crossing of interdimensional gates at the moment of death. The training for transcendence begins during life when we are still capable of taking charge of our lives.
In modern western society the greatest taboo subject is the topic of death. It is socially considered a morbid subject. Within the medical profession, death is treated as a form of illness to be fought by all means possible, even to the point of stripping the person of all dignity. In the modern circle of Daoist practitioners there is a huge blind spot concerning death. Practically all the energy practices are focused on vitality, health, physical and mental power, and emotional balance, with no knowledge on how to guide one’s own consciousness at the moment of dying or that of a dying relative.
The process of dying is the most important moment in our lives. It is the culmination of everything we have attained in terms of consciousness, emotional balance and mental clarity. It is the space where we face who we truly are with total nakedness. Ancient practitioners in all the great traditions have focused the totality of their energy work on “crossing the great water”, as the I Ching calls it. Paradoxically, the modern blind spot in this most important phase of existence, is due to the subconscious belief that we are the physical body and that the end of the physical body is the end of everything.
It is necessary to become familiar with the signs of approaching separation of consciousness from the physical, through the actual phases of dying and the orientation of consciousness toward a dimension of transcendence or reincarnation. The subject is extremely vast and the choices open are, literally, infinite.
One characteristic of the intermediate state, after the consciousness separates from the physical, is its intense clarity. This is when truly valuable teachings we have come across, even as a passing comment, come to the forefront as true resources for generating stability and continuity of consciousness. An important aspect of this training is how to help others transcend toward the dimensions of light. In the words of one of my Tibetan teachers, “Death is a potent reminder to use life well.”
The Union of Fire and Water: Developing the Central Channel
The process of transformation takes place thanks to the Creative Energy. As learned in the previous levels, Creative Energy manifests only when there is a harmonious interaction of yin and yang polarities. The place where this interaction takes place is the central channel.
The central channel is not only the cauldron of Creative Energy; the frequency at which it operates determines our level of consciousness, the scope of our personal power and the ability to accomplish what we set out to do.
In order to operate properly in the society we live with a reasonable degree of focus and clarity, the central channel has to operate within a limited range of frequencies. However that range is does not tap the complete energy potential of the central channel. The key purpose of all the yoga practices is opening the energy potential of the central channel and expand the range of frequencies it is capable of operating.
All the work done in the preceding levels, specially the work with the negative emotions in Harmonizing the Five Elements 1, creates the conditions for expanding the frequency of the central channel. The work multiplying the positive emotions in the second and third levels of Harmonizing the Five Elements, stabilizes high frequencies in the entire energy system raising expanding the vibrational range of the central channel.
The main purpose of the Union of Fire and Water practices is opening the complete potential of the central channel. This is done in a three step process called ‘Opening the Three Cauldrons’.
The first cauldron refers to the level of ordinary consciousness we start with. The focus of the practices is the central channel at the level of the navel area. As energy frequencies are raised and become stabilized-not just fluctuating, the level of consciousness is raised to the level of the second cauldron at the heart center. This is the level where the energies of love expand beyond our limited self to embrace all creation and all beings. This is not a mechanical process that can be ‘tricked’ by some energy technique. It is an expansion of perspective brought about by operating consciously at a higher level. The opening of the third cauldron takes place in the center of the brain in what is called ‘The Crystal Chamber’. The outcome of raising consciousness to operate from this center generates union with all creation and spontaneously projects the consciousness beyond the physical plane. This stage is also named ‘Union with the Dao’ or Original Mind.
A consciousness raised to the universal stage is able to transcend the physical plane without attachments or unfulfilled desires. The work on the physical plane is completed.
I Ching Guidance for the Higher Practices
It would be naïve to believe that the Union of Fire and Water practices could be successfully carried out through sheer improvisation and good luck. The I Ching provides timely counsel on the different stages of the practice. More than half of the book is devoted to the Fire and Water practices.
This level is for clarifying the use of Yang and Yin perseverance in the Fire and Water stage.
Stellar Practices: the Circumpolar Stars
In our subtle anatomy the gland system functions as the switch regulating energy flow between the subtle dimensions and the physical body. The increase in frequency spoken in the Union of Fire and Water practice is made possible through the opening of potential of the gland system.
The master glands regulating energy flow from the universe down to the physical dimension are located in the Crystal Chamber in the center of the brain. They are the pineal and the pituitary glands. Both glands work with energy as light-vibration.
The main purpose of the Stellar Practices is opening the potential of the master glands by consciously connecting with the subtle light of specific stars.
The circumpolar stars are the group of star-beings aligned with the central channel-axis of the Earth. All conscious beings are endowed with a central channel. The Earth-being is not an exception. All beings on the Earth are in resonance with the central channel of the Earth.
The Pole Star and the stars of the Big Dipper are the focus of the Stellar Practice because of their connection with the central channel and the empowering effect they have on all beings on Earth. The stars of the Big Dipper empower the five elements, both subtle and gross and the Pole Star grants the ability to remain centered in the state of union with Original Mind.
In this level one consciously establishes the inner stars as a link to the visible outer ones. One of the insights of all the great practitioners of the past is that whatever is outside is also within. Sometimes this stage is named ‘Bringing Heaven to Earth’.
The relationship developed with the Pole Star and the Dipper becomes increasingly important in the Transcendence Practice stage. The Pole Star is the interdimensional portal through which the consciousness is projected beyond the grip of the physical dimension. This is not a process of ‘going’ somewhere but of ‘tuning’ to the frequency of a particular dimension. One is capable of doing that because there are matching stable high frequencies developed in the personal energy system.
In the Stellar Practices greater importance is given to the stars over the planets. As self-illuminated beings the stars are in stages of consciousness where the inner light has been developed to the degree that they now generate benefit to all beings. This is the life-giving function of the Sun-being, the star closest to us. By contrast, the planets are still at the level of consciousness where the inner light has to be developed. Like human beings, they are also on the way to illumination.
Preparing for Transcendence: the Yogas of Pilgrimage
Traditionally, the Yogas of Pilgrimage are carried out at the end of a long training to mark a transition from one state into another and to put to the test everything which has been learned and integrated. This stage is often misunderstood as just wandering from sacred place to place taking a break from ordinary routines. Nothing could be further from reality.
The Yogas of Pilgrimage begin with finishing in a graceful way all the unfinished situations in our lives. One pays all debts, clears misunderstandings with family and friends, lets go of all attachments to property, relationships and places. One prepares for death leaving all affairs in order before setting out on the journey. The pilgrimage begins when all the cords of attachment have been cut.
The goal of the Yogas of Pilgrimage is freeing all energy caught in unfinished cycles and thus experience fully conscious ultimate freedom from limitations. An important aspect of freeing energy is freeing oneself from the fear of death and dying. The pilgrim makes the decision to go on the journey even if it means dying in the process. We stand by our decision and beliefs with our whole being. Before setting out the pilgrim transcends the paralyzing fear of dying and goes forward with its plans. The fear of dying may remain, but it is no longer a deciding factor on whether we do something or not. From that moment onwards a space of limitless freedom opens and a milestone in personal development is crossed. Nothing stops the pilgrim now. This is the theme of hexagram 28 in the I Ching.
The Yogas of Pilgrimage are a preparation for death. A preparation for letting go of the familiar and venturing into the unknown regardless of the consequences. It is the practice for going from a familiar structure into no structure at all. With this perspective it can be said that the Yogas of Pilgrimage are the most difficult and demanding of all the stages of energy work. It is not a holiday vacation!
Stabilizing the Mountain: Silent Retreat
One of the ways that the Creative Energy makes itself known when it is fully active is through silence and clarity of mind. It is not difficult during a good meditation to tune to a high frequency of Creative Energy generating deep inner silence. The process of stabilizing the central channel at increasingly higher frequencies manifests as inner silence sometimes called ‘The Void’. This void is not a state of drowsiness or mental paralysis, instead it is the state of supreme bliss of contacting Original Mind.
The purpose of Silent Retreat is for stabilizing higher frequencies, strengthening the cauldron and experiencing the bliss of unobstructed Original Mind.
Silent Retreat generates powerful waves of bliss and clarity. The sense of separation between self and other melts away and inner and outer become one in a continuum of energy of a most subtle and luminous nature.
Enriching the Ancestral Lineage: Teacher Training
In the Daoist tradition it is required of the practitioner who develops superior insights into the practices to share it with at least two other people following the same path.
Sharing one’s insights into practice; transmitting the waves of joy and benefit received through the infinite wisdom passed down by the ancestors of the practice; imbuing others with our enthusiasm and appreciation for having found our purpose in this life, is something that can only be done when our being overflows with clarity and gratitude.
Teaching is more than passing techniques and information in a mechanical way. A video or a book can do a more thorough job at that. Teaching has to do with the transmission of experience and the state of consciousness realized through the practices and most important of all it is the transmission of greatness at finding the way.
In the Daoist tradition teaching was done by those already on the stages of transcendence with a complete view of the process and lots of personal experience on the terrain of the path.
Teaching is not a job, it is the stage where one ensures the continuity of the illustrious lineage of the teachings for future generations. Teaching is the stage where, through deep experience, one refines and makes the teachings accessible to the present generation under the present conditions. Teaching is an updating of the stages without altering the essence.
The transmission of experience and wisdom carries the greatest responsibility. If the teacher, in the words of the I Ching, ‘gets his tail wet’ with power, greed, desire to manipulate others and direct the teachings for personal gain, then all is lost and the person stands truly alone in the most desolate place of the creation. That place is the space where the ancestors have withdrawn their support and guidance; the support which all along has complemented all personal effort.
V. Transcendence practices
Every time we fall asleep a process of overwhelming importance takes place. Our awareness which is focused on the physical body during waking hours, shifts and becomes fully active through the subtle body. The degree of opportunity offered by this shift is beyond the scope of our imagination.
Historically, one of the most important aspects of dream practice has been the incubation of healing dreams in temples and power places. 
In this level we examine the mysteries surrounding the process of transcendence and the crossing of interdimensional gates at the moment of death. The training for transcendence begins during life when we are still capable of taking charge of our lives. 
The process of transformation takes place thanks to the Creative Energy. As learned in the previous levels, Creative Energy manifests only when there is a harmonious interaction of yin and yang polarities. The place where this interaction takes place is the central channel. 
It would be naïve to believe that the Union of Fire and Water practices could be successfully carried out through sheer improvisation and good luck. The I Ching provides timely counsel on the different stages of the practice. More than half of the book is devoted to the Fire and Water practices.
In our subtle anatomy the gland system functions as the switch regulating energy flow between the subtle dimensions and the physical body. The increase in frequency spoken in the Union of Fire and Water practice is made possible through the opening of potential of the gland system.
Traditionally, the Yogas of Pilgrimage are carried out at the end of a long training to mark a transition from one state into another and to put to the test everything which has been learned and integrated. This stage is often misunderstood as just wandering from sacred place to place taking a break from ordinary routines. Nothing could be further from reality.
One of the ways that the Creative Energy makes itself known when it is fully active is through silence and clarity of mind. It is not difficult during a good meditation to tune to a high frequency of Creative Energy generating deep inner silence. The process of stabilizing the central channel at increasingly higher frequencies manifests as inner silence sometimes called ‘The Void’. This void is not a state of drowsiness or mental paralysis, instead it is the state of supreme bliss of contacting Original Mind.
In the Daoist tradition it is required of the practitioner who develops superior insights into the practices to share it with at least two other people following the same path.