5 Mt. System of Individuated Gnosis

2nd FORTNIGHT of EARTHSTAR
As Utilized by the 5 Mt System of Miryai
In the Living Gods, Let the hallowed Light of Transcendant Truth be praised. Let the Sweet Mystery of Miryai awaken in the heart of hearts.

FORTNIGHT OVERVIEW

Fall - Fortnight 17 (Earth+Water)

Feast/Nov 19: Internalizing the twofold oneness and mystery. Secret of the Golden Flower Neiden Inner Alchemy Schools of Taoism. Neidan_Master_Chen-Nine_Stages_of_Transformation

Zhang Daoling

Zhang Daoling (34–156 CE), founder of the Celestial Masters, established Taoist religious structure with the Five Pecks of Rice movement. Shugendo misogi waterfall purification internalized oneness, cleansing body and spirit. His distinctive spearwielding creation myth with Izanagi and Izanami bridged cosmology and practice.

Southern Neidan

Southern Neidan, formalized by Zhang Boduan (c. 987–1082 CE) in the 11th century, developed inner alchemy, as in Wuzhen Pian. Shinto onsen bathing contained personal aspirations within universal mystery, promoting transformation. Its unique ninestage alchemy refined the personal into divine essence.

Northern Neidan

Northern Neidan, led by Wang Chongyang (1113–1170 CE) of the Quanzhen School, emphasized asceticism and meditation. Zen matcha tea ceremonies reflected universal containment, purifying Izanagi’s ascent. Its distinctive Golden Flower secret integrated personal and cosmic energies for immortality.

Zhang Daoling/5 Pecks 156 CE	Zhang/So. Neidan 11thc CE	Wang/No. Neidan 1170 CE
Shinto/Shugendo Misogi waterfall purification	Shinto onsen bathing	Zen matcha green tea ceremony
Izanagi and Izanami create worlds with spear	Izanami dies birthing fire god, Izanagi descends down to Yomi to retrieve rotting Izanami	Izanagi reascends, purified in waterfall, gives birth to kami

2. The Universal within the Personal:
Here the Universal is the dominant sphere acting as a container for the thoughts, feelings, and aspirations of the Personal.

FORTNIGHT DAY 1

FORTNIGHT DAY 2

FORTNIGHT DAY 3

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FORTNIGHT DAY 5

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FORTNIGHT DAY 7

FORTNIGHT DAY 8

FORTNIGHT DAY 9

FORTNIGHT DAY 10

FORTNIGHT DAY 11

FORTNIGHT DAY 12

FORTNIGHT DAY 13

FORTNIGHT DAY 14

FORTNIGHT DAY 15

RITE

PRACTICE

Nagoshi no harae Festival

1. Kidney Cleansing Breath - Breathing to nourish and cleanse the kidneys.

1. Waterfall Meditation (Takigyo) - Standing under a waterfall for purification.

2. Water Qi Gathering - Absorbing or visualizing water energy for fluidity.

2. Cold Water Ablutions - Daily cold water baths for mental and physical discipline.

3. Winter Contemplation - Reflecting on water's stillness during winter.

3. River Walking - Walking barefoot in rivers for grounding and purification.

4. Water Element Mantra - Chants to invoke water's qualities of flow and wisdom.

4. Water Offerings - Offering water to deities or nature spirits.

5. Fluidity Exercises - Movements like Tai Chi to embody water's flow.

5. Mantra of Water - Chanting mantras related to water deities like Benzaiten.

6. Water Path Breathing - Breathing along water-related paths for rejuvenation.

6. Moon Meditation - Reflecting on the moon's reflection in water for tranquility.

7. Kidney Qi Circulation - Ensuring the smooth flow of kidney qi.

7. Hydration Practices - Drinking water mindfully to understand its essence.

8. Water Element Sound - Using the sound associated with water for healing.

8. Purification Rituals - Ceremonial washing or sprinkling for spiritual cleansing.

9. Ocean Visualization - Imagining oneself as part of the vast ocean.

9. Bathing Meditation - Using the bath as a meditative practice.

10. Water Alchemy - Transforming fear into wisdom, using water's teachings.

10. Water Visualization - Imagining oneself as water for adaptability.

11. Fetal Breathing - Advanced technique mimicking the breath of a fetus in water.

11. Stream Meditation - Watching or listening to the flow of water for serenity.

12. Return to the Source - Meditating on returning to the origin, like water to the sea.

12. Kegare Cleansing - Rituals to remove spiritual impurities.

Shugyo Fast

STUDY

Neidan

MEDITATION

Part 1: Jing (Essence) – Physical Practices
Focus: Physical actions connected to water and mindfulness.

16. Feeding Koi
Basis: Zen folklore of koi becoming dragons; Shugendo’s reverence for water.
Exercise: Feed koi in a pond (or visualize doing so), contemplating their ascent up a waterfall to become dragons, symbolizing your transformation.

17. Mindful Bathing
Basis: Shinto’s misogi (water purification); Zen’s mindfulness in daily acts.
Exercise: Wash your hands, face, or feet with cool water, feeling each drop cleanse impurities. Visualize your essence becoming pure.

18. Sweeping Water
Basis: Zen’s extension of sweeping to all elements; Dogen’s respect for resources.
Exercise: Wipe a wet surface (e.g., table) with a cloth, focusing on each motion. Contemplate Dogen’s words: “Water is not just water; it is the life of all things.”

19. Walking by a Stream
Basis: Shugendo’s practice of meditating near water.
Exercise: Walk slowly beside a stream or visualize one, matching your breath to the water’s flow, feeling your body align with its rhythm.

20. Folding Origami Boats
Basis: Shinto’s use of paper in rituals; Zen’s mindful crafting.
Exercise: Fold a paper boat, focusing on each crease. Float it in water, visualizing it carrying away attachments.

Part 2: Qi (Energy) – Mental Focus and Koans
Focus: Cultivating energy through water-related contemplation.

21. Koan: Dogen’s Moon in Water
Basis: Dogen’s Shobogenzo: “The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.”
Exercise: Sit in Zazen, contemplating the moon’s reflection in water. Ask: “What is real, the moon or its reflection?”

22. Breathing the Ocean
Basis: Neidan’s tidal breathing to circulate Qi.
Exercise: Sit, inhaling as if drawing in an ocean wave, exhaling as it recedes. Visualize Qi flowing like water through your body.

23. Chanting Fudo Myo-o’s Mantra
Basis: Shingon’s reverence for Fudo Myo-o, associated with water and purification.
Exercise: Chant “Nomaku Sanmanda Bazaradan Senda Makaroshada Sowataya Un Tarata Kanman” softly, visualizing Fudo’s sword cutting through delusions.

24. Koan: The Water’s Sound
Basis: Rinzai Zen’s use of natural sounds as koans.
Exercise: Listen to flowing water (real or imagined), asking: “What is the sound of water’s silence?” Let the question dissolve your thoughts.

25. Contemplating the Womb Mandala
Basis: Shingon’s Womb Mandala, symbolizing the fluid source of life.
Exercise: Visualize a lotus blooming in a dark pool, its petals radiating compassion. Contemplate: “All beings arise from the same source.”

Part 3: Shen (Spirit) – Visualization and Altar Work
Focus: Spiritual flow and connection to the divine.

26. Water Offering on Altar
Basis: Buddhist and Shinto water offerings; Neidan’s symbolic purification.
Exercise: Place a bowl of water on your altar. Meditate, visualizing it as the elixir of immortality, purifying your spirit.

27. Visualizing the Elixir Pool
Basis: Neidan’s formation of the Golden Elixir.
Exercise: Sit in meditation, visualizing a pool of golden liquid in your Dantian, rippling with each breath, nourishing your spirit.

28. Moon Reflection Meditation
Basis: Zen’s use of the moon as a symbol of enlightenment; Neidan’s reflective clarity.
Exercise: Gaze at the moon’s reflection in water (or visualize it). Contemplate its impermanence as your mind clears.

29. Tea Ceremony (Fast Day)
Basis: Chan/Zen tea ceremony as meditation; Neidan’s focus on purity.
Exercise: Perform a simple tea ceremony, sipping tea mindfully. Visualize each sip as a step toward bodhisattvahood, serving all beings.

30. Offering Tea to Spirits (Fast Day)
Basis: Buddhist offerings for spirits; Neidan’s transcendence of death.
Exercise: Pour tea into a bowl on your altar, dedicating it to spirits. Meditate on life after death, visualizing yourself as a bodhisattva aiding others.