Within the human heart, there exists a force we call the “Oni” 
(unawakened energy). It manifests as sudden surges of rage,
uncontrollable jealousy, or a relentless inner voice of self-criticism.
In these moments, our internal state resembles a Hannya mask
— an expression where anger and sorrow are inextricably tangled.

Why is this “Oni” born?
When we trace the emotional sediment accumulated in our depths,
we almost always find a trembling “sorrow” at the root.

“I wanted to be seen.”
“I wanted to be accepted for who I am.”
“I wanted to be loved…”

When these pure longings go unheard, they transform into
a “hard shell” for self-protection.
That shell is the true identity of the Oni.

In Eastern thought, the soul is composed of two elements: 
Kon and Paku.

• Kon魂 (Ethereal Spirit): The light, spiritual aspect.
• Haku魄 (Corporeal Soul): The powerful energy residing
  in the body that governs survival instincts
  — desire, attachment, and the will to live.

When Paku is neglected, it becomes “sediment” in the heart,
manifesting as the nature of the Oni.
While general “cleansing” discards sediment, Inner Alchemy
(Neidan) uses the “emotional sediment”(anger, anxiety,
and self-denial) as fuel to recreate it into something of supreme
value.

Common spiritual practices often focus on “cleansing” — washing away or discarding negative emotions as “bad.” But in Neidan (Inner Alchemy), we do not discard the sediment of the heart.

—Because that sediment is a “Source of Power”:
It is “the richness within the mud, harboring immense,
raw energy.

The Oni remains within us because it is that undigested emotion.
In the view of Inner Alchemy, when the life energy (Qi)
that should flow smoothly becomes stagnant due to past wounds
or fear, an Oni is born at that very point of stagnation.
What began as pain or anger meant to protect us becomes solidified.
When it is never released or processed, it eventually turns into
an “Oni” that causes us suffering.

Furthermore, there is a part of us — our ego — that is terrified of
change. Even when we strive for the profound stillness that
Inner Alchemy leads us to, this inner protector instinctively resists,
shouting:

“Don’t let go! If I change, who will I be?”

This frantic attempt to cling to our old self is precisely
what breathes life into the Oni.
It is not an enemy, but a frantic protector that hasn’t yet learned
how to trust the silence of the infinite source.

Most people spend their lives fleeing from what lies beneath.
But we cannot master what we refuse to face.
By integrating the wisdom of Inner Alchemy into your breath,
you are not just surviving — you are reclaiming the throne of your
own consciousness.

Are you ready to begin your journey of Inner Alchemy?

In my upcoming posts, I will dive deeper into the specific breathing techniques and the hidden maps of the soul.
Follow me to stay tuned for the next phase of your awakening.

— Yuki, Qigong Practitioner at Empower Labo Zen Japan