Trying to understand is like straining to see through muddy water.
Be still, and allow the mud to settle.
(Lao Tzu)
Formless
Tai chi form begins as a robotic sequence
of movements and gradually transcends its original
form. Movements become increasingly subtle and
internally convoluted, and their power increases.
Instead of being limited by form, the practitioner merges with it to become
formless.
This
journey does not happen by itself.
Beginners spend ages locked in patterns of tension and external movement,
never realising that the form can and should progress.
How does form move from basic to advanced? Neigong.
Neigong
Neigong is ‘internal work’; a unique
process of moving the whole body as one unit.
Rather than rely on tensed muscles, neigong teaches the student to remain
physically relaxed and composed at all times, and move every body
part together.
This is not as easy as it sounds.
Everything is changed by
neigong.
Every qigong exercise, form posture and movement is altered.
The body literally re-grows from the inside out.
What is neigong?
Neigong is a
focus. It is like a
koan.
It pays attention to
how an action is performed rather than the
action itself.
Imagine throwing
a punch?
Neigong addresses what the body does in order to produce the punch.
It re-trains the framework to deliver power from the whole-unit rather than
the shoulder, waist and leg.
Each neigong is different. It has a particular emphasis.
Neigong is internal, with most of the work occurring unseen.
The body looks to undulate as you move.
Effect
What is most notable is the
effect.
Internal strength is surprisingly powerful with the effect far outweighing
the cause.
Some neigong are ‘doings’, others are not.
The more advanced a person becomes at
tai chi, the more powerful the neigong.
Each quality is built upon the preceding ones and is only possible because
of what the body can already do.
Clearly the first neigong are very simple.
Exercises
It is important not to mistake the menu for the food. An exercise or
action designed to cultivate a neigong is not the neigong.
It is only when no doing occurs and the effect is present that the neigong
can be said to exist.
A person with a neigong has the effect all the time.
It does not come and go. It is part of their everyday
movement.
This is why it is considered to be internal strength. Neigong is inherent.
It remains. It is a part of you.
Be discerning
The danger with internal strength is that beginners often think they are
using it, but are simply using
external strength instead.
The ability to throw around
body weight is no reflection of internal
skill.
Internal strength is
real and tangible. It can be tested,
explored and practiced.
But it has to be soft.
Most neigong are quite convoluted and esoteric.
They are like zen
koan; becoming more fascinating as your
understanding deepens and you are capable of seeing more.
Be patient. Be discerning. Watch your own practice carefully and address the
means, the how.
Page created 14 June 2000