SEIKA TANDEN 'PULSING'
Copyright © 2003 James Deacon

'Seika Tanden Pulsing' comes from the loose 'conglomeration' of miscellaneous practices and techniques referred to as reiryoku no michi:

"the Way of [connection with] Spiritual Power"

or, alternatively:

"the Way of the Soul's Power"

It is a highly effective practice for developing a sense of 'centre' and energy-awareness.

It should ideally be practiced in the seiza posture, however, for those who have difficulties with maintaining this position, it can also be practiced either seated on a chair, stool or bench, or in a cross-legged posture.

Alternatively, it can be practiced lying down.

[As with all the developmental practices, choose a time and place where you are unlikely to be disturbed.

And wherever you are doing this exercise - indoors or out, make sure (if seated or reclining on the floor) the floor/ground is both comfortable and warm. Do not practice this on cold floors/ground, do not practice in the cold, generally.]

If practicing this meditation lying down, settle into a comfortable position, arms by your sides.

If practicing this meditation in a seated position, sit up straight (comfortably so - no need for rigid military-style posture - this will only impede the technique).

Place your hands either palms-down on your legs - or in your lap, with left hand resting in your right palm, tips of your thumbs lightly touching.

With your mouth loosely closed - jaw relaxed - place the tip of your tongue lightly against your palate (be sure to actually touch the roof of your mouth, not the point just above your teeth).

You may find that with your tongue in this position you produce more saliva than usual. Simply swallow gently as you feel the need to.

[Close your eyes and 'hara-centre' yourself: focus your awareness on your seika tanden - an area deep inside your body mid way between your navel and the top of your pubic bone.

For a few moments, simply 'be' - silently and restfully 'watching the breath': loosely aware of the natural rhythms of your breathing. There is no interference with the natural process - no seeking to consciously breathe - merely to be aware that you are breathing effortlessly.]

With your focus at seika tanden, allow yourself to become aware of a pulsing sensation - the natural pulse of your blood as it circulates deep within this tanden area.

Let your awareness of this 'tanden pulsing' become heightened. Allow yourself to focus in on it more closely, filtering out any other sensations that may compete with it - disregarding them. Feeling only this singular ' pulse' in the seika tanden.

Really feel the pulse - be aware of its strength - its rhythm.

Let the sensation wash over you.

In addition to the physical sensation of the pulse, you may begin to perceive it - see it - as a pulsing light.

You may begin to hear it - a very particular frequency, sounding throughout the seika tanden.

However you perceive the seika tanden pulse, stay with it.

Become one with it.

If your attention is momentarily distracted by other sensations, gently ease it back to focus in the tanden pulse...


Maintain this awareness for as long as you feel comfortable.


Then, when you are ready, allow your attention to turn outwards once more -
loosely shake your hands out by your sides, take a few deep breaths, and gently stretch your arms and legs.


Note: a very small percentage of people may find that they become slightly uncomfortable or 'fidgety' while practicing this meditation. If at any time you experience even the mildest sense of discomfort, simply end the meditation and go do something else.