Thanks Sam! As a woman and mother, I’ve never had any doubt at all about the link between the lower tantien and the uterus. Surprisingly, over the decades the idea has caused some heated arguments with several taiji teachers and fellow players. I guess because pretty much all the standard texts and descriptions have been written by those who have never been pregnant.
There’s an ancient ‘furnace’ analogy still in use of course… The term ‘a bun in the oven’ dates back to the texts of Hippocrates.
The nurture of all of the tantiens of each new life happen in that oven. The development and enhancement of new life, the energetic cultivation and nurture of life, it all goes on in that space. Which of course does not remain precisely physically located, it grows and moves and one’s sense of centre shifts around a little during pregnancy. It is very clear if you are feeling for it. The very subtle vibrational echoes of ancestors and of the living and of future possibilities also meet and are connected in the lower tantien. I’d describe that energetic centre as a stable meeting place, somewhere to trust what you feel there.
Interestingly, I have met a few men who feel these same connections and describe the lower tantien in a similar way, that it does ultimately connect to all and everything you will ever be connected to.
Best article I've read in a while! Thanks Sam.
Thanks Patrick!
Good one Sam! I enjoyed it, thanks.
Keep head low and eyes high!
P
I like it!
Your tie in with embryology and the uterus is something new to me, thanks. I lack a uterus but it makes poetic sense.
Thank you so much from Spain! I’m a student from Javier Arnanz .
Sending gratitude
Benvenidos!
Thanks Sam! As a woman and mother, I’ve never had any doubt at all about the link between the lower tantien and the uterus. Surprisingly, over the decades the idea has caused some heated arguments with several taiji teachers and fellow players. I guess because pretty much all the standard texts and descriptions have been written by those who have never been pregnant.
There’s an ancient ‘furnace’ analogy still in use of course… The term ‘a bun in the oven’ dates back to the texts of Hippocrates.
The nurture of all of the tantiens of each new life happen in that oven. The development and enhancement of new life, the energetic cultivation and nurture of life, it all goes on in that space. Which of course does not remain precisely physically located, it grows and moves and one’s sense of centre shifts around a little during pregnancy. It is very clear if you are feeling for it. The very subtle vibrational echoes of ancestors and of the living and of future possibilities also meet and are connected in the lower tantien. I’d describe that energetic centre as a stable meeting place, somewhere to trust what you feel there.
Interestingly, I have met a few men who feel these same connections and describe the lower tantien in a similar way, that it does ultimately connect to all and everything you will ever be connected to.