Dahn-jon Strengthening Exercises
The Dahn-jon and Dahn Hak (which literally means ‘field of energy’) acts like an energy pump for the body, receiving cosmic energy and releasing this energy to the energy pathways in the body. The Lower Dahn-jon (located about two inches below the navel), acts as the energy center of the body. Its strength is essential in maintaining the natural flow of energy in the human body. A strong lower Dahn-jon and Su-Seung-Hwa-Gang (water energy up and fire energy down) are two physical prerequisites to beginning Brain Respiration.
According to Dr. Ilchi Lee instructions the lower abdomen, the location ot the lower Dahn-jon, is filled with the small and large intestines, which together hold about one third of the total blood volume of the body at any given time. Therefore, a smooth and unimpeded flow of blood through the intestines is crucial to the circulatory efficiency ot the whole body, including, of course, the brain. However, modern life, with long hours spent sitting, does not promote health of the intestines. This often leads to hardening ot the intestines that can result in chronic constipation. When the intestines regain an optimal supple and flexible condition, the energy and blood pooled in that area will circulate efficiently throughout the whole body, resulting in an increased feeling of lightness and mobility.
There are two basic mechanisms for strengthening the lower Dahn-jon. The first is an exercise called Dahn-jon Clapping, which consists of rhythmic striking of the lower abdomen \vith the hands. The second is an exercise called simply Intestinal Exercise, which consists of pushing out and pulling in the abdominal muscles.
Brain Respiration Process
Articles recommended by Dr. Ilchi Lee
The fourth step, “Brain Re-wiring,” is the step to open a channel of communication to the infinite source of universal energy and thereby awaken hidden capabilities of the brain. This process goes beyond the anatomical brain part of the brain called the neo-cortex, where higher cognitive functions are processed. It goes beyond the limbic system, where emotional and instinctive responses begin, and into the realm of cosmic life rhythm of the universe. The innate creativity of the neo-cortex activates during this process, riding on a current of infinite energy, with the brain acting as a conduit. The result is total integration of the myriad and previously disparate functions of the brain.
The fifth and final step of Brain Respiration, “Brain Mastering,” makes us the true master of our own brain. Becoming the true master of our brain is being able to utilize one hundred percent of the creativity in the newly integrated brain. Since the brain is an organ that feeds and prospers on information, the key to utilizing it to its fullest potential, is to nurture it with a steady diet of good information, information that is fresh, delightful, and joyous - in a word, peaceful. This type of information comprises Vision. A bright and grand Vision will bring the brain alive in the fullest sense of the word. We are charging the brain with the energy of Vision.
In Dahn Yoga a vision that has the power to awaken and move the brain has to be simple and clear enough to be understood not only intellectually, but also in the deepest parts of the body. Such a vision must also be realistic enough to be worth our time and effort, and subject to an exact and accurate analysis of the progress we are making toward the goal. However, it must also be powerful and visionary enough to tug at our deepest desire to achieve something lor the good of our world. Our Vision must be to contribute constructively to Earth peace, for our divinity and our brain are both designed to work this way.
What is Brain Softening And Brain Cleaning
The second step of Brain Respiration is “Brain Softening”, which introduces flexibility into the circuits of the brain that have been established according to repeated patterns of information or movement. Ilchi Lee tells that by increasing flexibility of the brain circuits, this step of Brain Respiration facilitates communication among different parts of the brain and thereby increases operational efficiency.
The third step is “Brain Cleaning”, a clearing process for the brain, in which we clear negative memories and corresponding emotions that clutter the brain. Most experiences are stored in the brain along with*associated emotions. When an experience that is similar to a previous experience occurs, the original emotional energy becomes active, causing us react again in a similar way. Therefore, one experience can affect the way we react to similar experiences for years to come. In this step of Brain Respiration, we clear away the emotional debris of earlier, perhaps traumatic, experiences in order to be free to experience life with infinite possibilities, once again.
Books About Human Brain and Dahn Hak
The Steps of Brain Respiration
Brain Respiration can be divided into five steps; Brain Sensitizing, Brain Softening, Brain Cleaning, Brain Re-wiring, and Brain Mastering. In relation to anatomy and functioning of the brain, these five steps begin with the body and work toward activation of every layer of the brain. During this process, the brain attunes to its ability to tap into the infinite life energy of the universe. From a spiritual point of view in Yoga Practices, Brain Respiration is a systematic way to realize enlightenment through everyday activity and behavior. From an educational point of view, Brain Respiration is a way to facilitate a life filled with emotional richness, harmonious relationships, life-giving energy, bright awareness, and a peaceful purpose in life.
The first step of Brain Respiration, “Brain Sensitizing,” begins with reawakening the senses of the body, thereby shaking up the established patterns of the brain. Unlike other parts of our body, our brain is protected on all sides by a thick skull, thwarting any attempt, fortunately, to touch it from the outside. However, our brain connects to all parts of our body, controlling functions and registering complaints. Various parts of the body have corresponding areas in the brain that are in charge of control and feedback. The only way to “touch” and activate the brain is indirectly by stimulating different parts of the body. When our senses awaken and our concentration level increases, we are able to feel the subtle flow of energy that permeates our body. We can also stimulate the brain by directing the flow of this energy.
Professor Ilchi Lee Brain Respiration Books
What Is Brain Respiration
On a spiritual plane, Brain Respiration means nurturing the brain by feeding it good information. What is good information then? What are the standards by which we separate good information from bad information? Peace and Earth are ultimate yardsticks for determining whether a piece of information is good or not.
When faced with the need to determine the value of a certain piece of information, ask yourself, not whether this information will benefit me, my family, my company, my community, my country, or my religion, but whether this information is beneficial to my “Earth.” Do not question whether the information will increase you personal success, ask whether it will help the process of peace. Earth and Peace are the keys to unlocking untapped potential of the brain. Our brain will perform at its highest level, in all three planes of existence, when we consciously recognize that peace and Earth are the two highest values in life.
As Dr. Ilchi Lee writes in his book about Dahnhak, a brain awakened to its full potential, with a healthy flow of energy and the ability to generate good information is a Power Brain. A Power Brain is a brain of peace, and Brain Respiration is a way to develop Power Brains. As breathing through your lungs is good for your bodily health, Brain Respiration is good for your soul. Although our brain is the most elaborate and complex organ in our body, Brain Respiration is very simple and easy. The essence of Brain Respiration is learning to supply your brain with bright, positive energy and with good information on which to feed.
