583. Damo Mitchell

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.

Interview recorded January 16, 2021

Video and audio below. Audio also available as a Podcast.

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