Is There a Danger in a Practice?

Damo Mitchell has studied the martial, medical, and spiritual arts of Asia since the age of four. His studies have taken him across the planet in search of authentic masters. He is the technical director of the Lotus Nei Gong School of Daoist Arts and teaches Nei Gong in various locations around the world. He specializes in uncovering and studying with rare alchemical and spiritual lineages linked to the tradition of Daoism. Books: A Comprehensive Guide to Daoist Nei Gong Four Dragons (Daoist Nei Gong) The Yellow Monkey Emperor’s Classic of Chinese Medicine Daoist Nei Gong: The Philosophical Art of Change Heavenly Streams: Meridian Theory in Nei Gong (Daoist Nei Gong) White Moon on the Mountain Peak (Daoist Nei Gong) Daoist Reflections from Scholar Sage (Daoist Nei Gong) Daoist Nei Gong for Women: The Art of the Lotus and the Moon Websites: lotusneigong.com damomitchell.com Discussion of this interview in the BatGap Community Facebook Group. Summary and transcript of this interview Interview recorded January 16, 2021 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Damo Mitchell 00:05:38 - The Evolution of Taoism and Chinese History 00:10:41 - The Purpose of Qi Gong and Nei Gong 00:14:58 - Taoist Alchemy: Awakening and Immortality 00:19:10 - Cultural differences in Taoist teachings 00:23:18 - Misusing Tremendous Energy 00:27:22 - The Importance of Addressing Problems in Spiritual Traditions 00:31:25 - The Yin and Yang energy within the body 00:35:25 - The Erosion of Willpower through Habits and Mindset 00:39:33 - Transforming the Body and Siddhis in Neigong Practice 00:43:37 - The Pitfalls of Demonstrating Special Abilities 00:47:49 - Alchemy as a Path to Enlightenment and Health Improvement 00:51:45 - The Importance of Personal Motivation in Spiritual Practice 00:55:39 - The Love of the Art and Existential Crisis 00:59:42 - From Anti-Religious to Religious Orientation 01:03:33 - The Importance of Clear Definitions and Shared Language 01:07:28 - Psychological Development in Spiritual Growth 01:11:29 - Sports Visualization and its Application 01:15:28 - The Practice of Governing and Non-Governing 01:19:18 - Pedaling, Coasting, and Effort in Practice 01:23:10 - Explaining Non-Physical Energy to Atheists 01:27:11 - "Going ahead alone" 01:31:14 - Inadequacy and the Path of Enlightenment 01:35:26 - Building the Dan Tian 01:39:30 - Gaining Momentum in the West 01:43:42 - Therapeutic uses and the harm of recreational drug use 01:48:00 - Navigating the Path and Multiple Paths 01:51:50 - The Experience of Taking Auto-Suggestion 01:55:53 - Litmus Test and Handprints in Temples 02:00:00 - Benefits of the Courses: Transformation and Joy 02:04:03 - Studying Channeling and the Institute of Noetic Sciences