We have been practicing Ba Duan Jin, the Eight Brocades, as taught by various teachers. Some variations of the forms are subtle, some are more obvious. All forms offer an aesthetic as they also encourage a particular connection and sensation. Forms connect us with our bodies, our breath, and our surroundings.
Today we practiced the forms as taught by the Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Temple.
Watching someone practice the Shaolin forms may be perplexing. Until you practice along. The intention seems different.
Intention, Yi, is a delicate balance of directing energy toward a goal while maintaining a state of "allowing," or, as commonly put, being "true to oneself" while flowing with the natural rhythm of life.
"Yi dao, qi dao’ translates roughly as: "where the intention goes, the qi flows." If we slow down movement, or even stop it altogether, and focus our mind on a direction, a spiral, a reach, where our eyes focus, or even a punch, we will enjoy attentive awareness.
Let's look at the Chinese character for "yi."
Yi is a combination of two radicals. On the bottom is an open bowl, symbolizing the heart, Xin. Above the heart is the radical for sound, a musical note, a chant, a poem. We connect inspiration and intention; insight and fulfillment the hearts desire. We sing.
Since it has been my intention to encourage my friends to "make it your own," I am not going to direct their attention to feeling this or that. I have included a video of a Shaolin monk practice and also of Mimi Kuo Deemer. I first learned the Eight Brocades by watching this video every day for almost a year. Practice and notice. What resonates with you?
After studying forms by many teachers, I have created a set which I enjoy. For today. Tomorrow could be different.
I wish for you peace, health, and endless inspiration
Brian
