Breatharians Live Long Lives
One of the phrases most often repeated by parents to their children is: “You must eat well.” Eating is considered one of the most important aspects of life. However, in Daoist philosophy, there is a very different perspective: “Those who eat qi live long.” Daoism teaches: “Meat-eaters are fierce and aggressive; grain-eaters are clever but short-lived; those who eat nothing are divine, enlightened, and long-lived.”
This sharply contrasts with conventional beliefs. It suggests that those who refrain from eating not only live longer, but also remain healthy, energetic, and vibrant—with a high quality of life.
But this doesn’t mean people with anorexia are healthier. Of course not. The idea refers to those who cultivate and circulate qi through spiritual practice until the Eight Extraordinary Meridians are unblocked and flowing freely. Then, jing (essence), qi (vital energy), and shen (spirit) reach a transcendent state described as:
“When essence is full, one is free of lust. When qi is full, one loses the desire to eat. When spirit is full, one transcends the need for sleep.”
In this state, one is no longer driven by desire for sex, food, or sleep, and instead remains full of vitality, health, and longevity.
However, reaching such a state where the qi channels are completely open cannot be achieved by meditation alone. In both Tibetan esoteric teachings and Daoist practices, emphasis is placed on cultivating the three primary channels. Tibetan practice focuses on the left and right channels, while Daoism emphasizes the Ren and Du meridians. Regardless of the path, all cultivation eventually returns to the central channel—also called the wisdom channel.
This channel connects heaven and earth and links all of existence. To reach a higher energetic state, the central channel must be activated, often through a method involving the kundalini or inner fire at the base of the spine. Once activated, it’s as if a spiritual white hole is opened in the body, continuously supplying energy. This sacred energy helps burn off superficial karmic residue and clears the qi channels.
When we begin spiritual cultivation, we can start by making dietary adjustments—favoring a plant-based diet with minimal meat. Excessive meat consumption tends to create dullness and lethargy during meditation.
As practice deepens and qi begins to accumulate in the body, a sense of discomfort may arise at the solar plexus area, particularly at the small hollow beneath the sternum. This feeling of fullness or even pain (not due to medical conditions) signals a blockage—a narrow energy gate that needs to be cleared.
Why is this called an energy bottleneck? Because the heart chakra connects with eight primary meridians, the throat chakra with sixteen, the crown with thirty-two, and the navel and solar plexus area with sixty-four.
The solar plexus—right at this crossroads—is where the heart’s eight meridians intersect with the lower sixty-four. These eight meridians are sometimes symbolized as an eight-petaled lotus, each petal branching into eight more channels.
Thus, the abdomen and chest region are energetically dense, and as qi fills the belly and lower obstructions begin to clear, this central gate may start to feel blocked—like a tight wire constricting the area.
At this stage, moderate fasting can assist the clearing process—perhaps reducing to two meals a day, or even one, primarily plant-based. Of course, this depends on your physical condition and capacity.
Not at all. As this energetic bottleneck at the solar plexus clears and the heart chakra opens, it may feel like the diaphragm itself is filled with open energy pores. The body becomes like a hollow conduit, and qi can flow without resistance. The stomach becomes filled with subtle energy, and the sensation of hunger significantly diminishes.
At this point, you may find that one meal a day—or even one meal every two to three days—feels natural and sufficient, depending on your meditation intensity. Observe your body closely.
The body may appear leaner—but not sickly thin. Instead, it radiates a refined and ethereal quality, nourished by spiritual energy. There’s no dizziness or fatigue—because the body is being sustained from within.
Whereas you may have needed 7–8 hours of sleep before, now you may need only 3–4 hours—or even that over two days. You feel alert during the day, don’t need naps, and if fatigue does appear, a short 15–20 minute nap quickly recharges the body, like entering a fast-charging mode.
This indicates that your qi is becoming full and vibrant. From here, your next step is to observe whether new karmic energy patterns (ye bao zhi qi, 业报之炁) arise.
As the vibration of the body continues to rise, a new system of energetic operation is activated, one that increasingly relies on spiritual energy rather than material sustenance.
At this stage, the body brings surprising transformations: freedom from pain, dependence on food or sleep, and liberation from physical limitations.
The quality of life ascends to an entirely new dimension.