Author: Tao Jianyun
Baguazhang is one of the youngest traditiona martial arts of China; yet its principles are based on one of the oldest philosophical works, the I Ching. It belongs to the school known as Nei Jia Quan (Internal Family Boxing) along with its sister arts of Taijiquan and Xingyiquan. All of these arts, but particularly Baguazhang, are deeply rooted in Taoist meditative and Qi cultivation practices.
Baguazhang is believed to have been created by Dong Haichuan. Before developing Baguazhang, Dong was a practicing Taoist belonging to the “Chuan Chen” (Complete Truth] tradition of Taoism, in the branch known as the Lung (Dragon Gate) school.
For many generations, before the development of the eight palm fighting set of Baguazhang, the ‘Tung Men” Taoists practiced Bagua Circle Walking as a meditative Qigong art, combined with Mantra Recitation (chanting). Little is known about the circle walking practiced by Lung Men Taoists, and my own research into this area has been met with many dead ends. However, it s believed that when these Taoists were walking in a clockwise direction, the mantra recited was designed to awaken the mind to generate a clear understanding of reality.
This involved refining the (vitality Qi (energy) and 5hen (spirit) to develop a realization of emptiness (Tao). After walking the circle a minimum of three rotations and sometimes as many as 108 rotations; the practitioner would then cross though the center of the circle in an “S” shape; replicating the Taiji diagram. This would send the practitioner in an anti-clockwise direction. At this pointy the mantra would change and the focus became associated with the purification of past negative karma. Again; the circle was walked from 3 to 108 rotations.
This article will be discussing Baguazhang’s circle walking on a meditative and Qi cultivation level; so little reference will be made to its fighting applications. This focus has been chosen as it is my understanding and belief that Taoist martial arts are not primari ly concerned with fighting. Taoists being concerned with spiritual refinement and the pursuit of immortality (enlightenment); became recluses and retreated away to some of the most inaccessible mountains in China. Other than the occasional encounter with dangerous wildlife; most of them rarely had to deal with combat situations. However; they continued to practice martial arts with a devotion and discipline that is rarely seen by martial artists of this day.
Taoists saw the value of martial arts as a means of internal cultivation. Many Taoists believe that “stillness meditation;” including Jing Gong (passive Qigong methods); will not produce sufficient amounts of Qi to achieve the highest states of physical and spiritual development. Likewise; my belief is that in the initial stages of internal cultivation,'”If: active Qigong; especially internal martial arts; are most beneficial to the awakening and refinement of Qi.
Baguazhang’s circle walking is an effective means of cultivating Qi for health and the overall well being of mind and body. The physical characteristics of the circle walking align the body in a way that opens and encourages the flow of Qi in the body’s meridians (energy pathways); thereby improving the other circulatory systems ;blood; nervous and lymphatic) in the body. When practiced correctly, Bagua circle walking generates, strengthens and/ most importantly, importantly balances Qi. This is not to say however/ that simply walking around in circles produces high levels of Qi. Many people walk around in circles their entire lives and don’t become Qigong masters! Seriously however, Bagua’s circle walking requires not only correct alignment of body, but correct physical co-ordination and timing/ combined with proper breathing techniques and mental focus to the level of single pointed concentration.
Calming the Fire
As with all internal martial arts when practicing Bagua’s circle walking relaxation is the key to successful progress. Therefore before walking the circle one should spend some time doing either simple Jing Gong Qigong exercises or meditation such as Taijiquan’s Zhan Zhuang (pylon standing). It is important to make relaxation the central focus to this exercise keeping the practice simple rather than making it too physically or mentally complex. Use simple visualization to sink the Qi to the Dantian (elixir field] located in the lower abdomen approximately 5 cm below the navel. Spend some time to relax the muscles and internal organs. Unnecessary tension in the body, that is the use of any muscles not required for a specific movement must be released if one is to generate a smooth flow of Qi.
As well as releasing tension on a physical level it is essential to release all mental tension in this practice as the Chinese Taoists believe that Qi is governed by the yi (intention). The everyday mind is an active place however controlling it is essential in any meditative Qigong internal martial art practice. Chinese categorize the temporal mind into two parts Xin (feeling) and Yi (intention). In internal martial arts the Y’ controls the Xin to reduce mental chatter. The Yin focuses upon the Qi to bring it into alignment with the body and breath. Relaxation of the mind promotes the smooth flow of Qi as well as having a direct effect on releasing deeper internal physical tension. To quote Robert Smith from his book Pa Kua”The more you relax in the first phase the more strength you will have in the second.
