Question
Hello, Kosen, During the past year's sesshins, you warned about dragon fire, a condition described in traditional Chinese medicine and caused by excessive spiritual practice, if I understood correctly. What defines excess in this area, and how can we recognize it? Thank you.
Koan
Answer from Master Kosen
Regarding "dragon fire":
It is said that improper qigong practice can trigger a state of "tsu ho hu mo," the escape of fire and the entrance of the dragon.
This is a phenomenon it is important to know about when practicing qigong or zazen.
If you seek to awaken special powers within yourself, or practice for a particular purpose, you may expose yourself to dangerous side effects.
Pursuing such a goal creates tension within the deepest consciousness; this kind of tension must absolutely be avoided. It is therefore preferable to maintain a spirit of "mushotoku."
Kosen