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The brain directs the activities of all our other vital organs. It processes information to coordinate our bodily functions and activities, and their interaction with the environment. Although it weighs just three pounds, the brain commands 20 percent of our blood circulation. Scientists say that the human brain is the most complicated object in the known universe. It is our brain above all that sets us apart from all other life on this planet.

Although the brain has billions of individual neurons and many different structures, Ilchi Lee find it helpful to think about the brain in terms of its ancient history as all life on earth is connected through the history of evolution.

The brain has three major subsystems that correspond to dir-ferent evolutionary eras. These subsystems are the brainstem, limbic system, and neocortex, and they are shared by reptiles, early mammals, and later mammals, respectively.

The brainstem governs automatic processes which are necessary for the most basic life functions. It controls our heartbeat, breathing, and basic aspects of arousal and consciousness. These activities are crucial to life. If the brainstem is injured, we will die in a matter of minutes.

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EACH DAY,WE PROBABLY THINK AT LEAST ONCE about OUr health, sex, or the purpose of our life. Most of us think very little of our brains—we do not think often about our brains nor do we think much of our brains. Most of us do not really understand the true nature of our brains and thus, our true values.

So let us now talk about the master controller of Human Technology—the brain. I have said that HT is a toolkit for improving the quality of life, ending our over-dependence on experts, and helping us become self-reliant. Our brain is the way to attain these goals. There is no human activity that can happen without the brain.

Understanding and mastering the HT tools presented in this book are only possible through the brain. Optimizing our brain function is the thread that weaves together all the tools of HT. If we were to use our brains well, we would be more creative, productive, and peaceful in our daily lives.

Everything we do in HT is ultimately intended to help us better care for our brains and improve brain function. Prof Ilchi Lee tells that I believe the brain is the key to all learning and human betterment. Here are some basic facts about the evolutionary history of the brain which everyone should know.

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In order to realize my life purpose, Ilchi Lee have designed and promoted holistic education programs called Dahnhak and Brain Respiration for people to attain enlightenment through their bodies and brains. Realizing that individual health and peace is not possible without the health and peace of all made me dedicate my life to peace education.

When I was enlightened thirty years ago to the questions within me, I thought everything was answered. However, I soon realized that enlightenment is not the end but only the beginning. The truly important thing is not knowing but doing. No matter how great or magnificent our enlightenment might be, it is useless without application. People say that we are what we choose. I want to bring this truth to the next level. We are what we do. No action, No creation. My enlightenment has grown stronger and more powerful in the process of realizing my life purpose.

My choice to find my life purpose ended thirty years ago. At that time, I felt that I had arrived. Since then I never asked myself the question, “Who am I?” I changed my question. What do I need to do to realize my life purpose? What do I need to do to put my life purpose into practice? I ceaselessly ask and find a better way. And I ceaselessly choose.

Through reflection, awakening, and choice we are able to exist as our true selves. However, this is not the end. In order for us to realize and put into practice the life purpose we have chosen, endless choices await us. These choices are different from ones you have made so far. Now the choices you make are not about finding your path. Rather, they are choices to open the path you have found.

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Benefits: This exercise helps to open up and tone tight shoulder and upper back muscles.

Note: You don’t need to try to make the circles too big. The joints shouldn’t click or feel strained, and your shoulders shouldn’t hunch. Imagine you are oiling the insides of the shoulder joints.

1.    Put both hands on the shoulders and stretch the elbows forward.

2.    Inhale and lift the elbows to your shoulder’s height.

3.    Make a large circular motion and rotate them slowly one time. Exhale as you bring the elbows down.

4.    Repeat six times front to back and six times back to front.

Health improvement articles by Ilchi Lee

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Benefits: This stretch eases tension, increases flexibility, and tones the neck muscles. If your neck starts to feel tight in the middle of the working day, this is a simple way to release the muscles.

Note: Maintain focus on your neck as you perform these movements. Move only your neck and head very slowly. Relax the rest of your body.

1.    With hands on your waist, breath in and push your chin slowly down to the chest. Exhale and return.

2.    Inhale and stretch your neck backward.  Feel your chin stretch. Exhale and return.

3.    Breathe in and bend the head sideways to the left, trying to touch the left ear to the shoulder.

4.    Repeat the movement in the opposite direction.

5.    Breathe in and slowly turn your head to the left. Exhale and return.

6.    Repeat the movement in the opposite direction.

7.    Next, rotate your head to the left side.Repeat the movement in the opposite direction.

Body exercises articles by Ilchi Lee

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Moreover, all my spiritual training has taught me that direct communication between the brainstem and higher structures is the ultimate source of brain power. Remember, the brainstem governs unconscious, automatic processes.

Ilchi Lee think that in a state of high concentration, activity in the neocortex and limbic system minimizes and the brain system is activated. In this state, you become one with your brain, and through awakening, you gain the ability to create infinitely. True creativity does not come from the knowledge stored in the neocortex. True creativity arises from the world of unconsciousness when the original life force that resides inside the brainstem, the sensibilities of the limbic system, and the neocortex are integrated as one. By learning to control this structure, you truly become the master of your life.

We vastly underestimate the power of our brains. Health, feeling and experience, physical movement, motivation and purpose—all of these are based on brain activity. The HT toolkit is designed to help you realize the power of your brain. HT stimulates your physical body; opens your energy meridians: helps you release needless preconceptions or emotional memories: and awakens you to the challenges of your life purpose. In particular, Brain Respiration (see following three chapters) is designed to help improve communication and functional integration of all your brain structures.

All life can be improved by better use of our brains. Take the best possible care of your brain. Learn whatever you can about its operation and how to keep it healthy. Learn the major acupressure points in the head and stimulate them frequently. Through better understanding and care of our brain, we gain greater confidence and capacity for mastering all our life skills.

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Meridian Stretching includes various movements to make the hip joints flexible and strong. This is necessary because each hip joint acts as a faucet for collecting energy into the lower Dahn-jon. Training the muscles around the hip joints makes the circulation of energy and blood flow smoother while helping the accumulated energy in the Dahn-jon move and spread throughout the body.

In order to optimize the effects of Meridian Stretching, movement, breathing, and awareness must be harmonized Ilchi Lee says that start the movements while inhaling. Hold your breath for a moment while holding the posture and then exhale slowly while returning to the beginning position. The body should be centered at the lower Dahn-jon and your consciousness should be focused on the areas being stretched during the movements. When exhaling, imagine that the impure, stagnating energy in the body is leaving with every exhalation. With the mind, imagine that you are having a conversation with the body and focus on the changes or sensations occurring in the body.

It is important to practice Meridian Stretching in a way that is suitable for your body. For example, a healthy person can train more intensely, whereas a weaker person could practice the movement much more gently. Even ill and very fragile people can benefit from gently rubbing and massaging the whole body while breathing and focusing on the consciousness. In the beginning, try to master the movements first rather than attempting to harmonize the breathing and movements. Practice the movements according to your breathing capacity (without straining) when you are familiar with the movements.

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Benefits: This exercises stretches and lengthens the natural curve of the spine and hamstrings. It squeezes the abdominal organs and nourishes them with fresh blood and energy.

Note: Be sure to avoid overstretching your thighs by taking most of your weight on your hands at first. Little by little inch your way forward until you can bring your elbows down.

1.    Stretch your legs apart as much as you can.
2.    Point your toes upward.
3.      Bend your elbows while leaning slightly forward with your palms down and your fingers facing each other. Bounce several times. DAMN YOGA IN PRACTICE
4.    Bend more from your upper torso, trying to touch your chest and chin to your thighs while facing straight ahead. Touch your ankles with your hands.
5.    Repeat several times.

TOE TAPPING

Benefits: This exercise helps circulation to the lower extremities and balances water and fire energy in the body. It will also help provide a deeper and more peaceful sleep. Try this exercise just before bedtime if you suffer from insomnia.

Note: You can perform this exercise from either a lying or sitting position. You may place your hands on your abdomen or on the floor with palms facing upward.

1.    Lie down on your back with your feet together.
2.    Flex your feet and keep your heels together.
3.    Tap your big toes together, then open your feet so that your little toes tap the floor. Repeat as rapidly as you can.
4.    Begin with 100 repetitions and increase the number as you practice more.

Read Prof Ilchi Lee books on Dahn Yoga.

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Benefits: This gives an excellent stretch to the spine, toning the spinal nerves and promoting proper function of the digestive system. This exercise also stretches out the part of the Liver Meridian that runs along the inner thighs to release blockages and to enable smooth energy flow.

Note: Take several full breaths in each position before releasing it for further stretching and relaxation.

1.    Sit up and stretch your right leg out to the side. Bend your left leg and tuck it in.

2.   According to Ilchi Lee instructions place your right hand behind the arch of your right foot. Breathe in and stretch your left arm up and bend from the waist as you reach your hand over to your right foot. Hold for as long as comfortable while focusing on stretching your left side as much as possible. Exhale and return.

3.    Repeat on the opposite side. Repeat each side at least twice.

4.    Sit up with your spine straight and spread your legs.

5.    Place your right hand on the left side of your rib cage. Breathe in ana benc from the waist as you bring your hand over to your right foot. Hold for as long as is comfortable while focusing on stretching your left sioe as much as possible. Exhale and return.

6.    Repeat on opposite side. Repeat each side at least twice

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