Martial Art as a Spiritual Practise (7)

The human chi field is manifested in the body in the form of channels or meridians (rivers) of energy in what is known as the Microcosmic Orbit,
The functional channel runs down the front of the body and is Yin, female, or cold in quality; the governor channel at the back is Yang, male, or hot. When joined, these two form the Microcosmic Orbit which links with all the vital organs of the body. By completing this route the yin and the yang mix in harmony, enabling you to increase your energy flow, and send energy, hormones, and vitality throughout the body (Chia, 1983, p. 31).

The Microcosmic Orbit begins and ends just below the navel at a point called the Tan Tien (heavenly centre), and the functional orbit extends from the palate to the perineum. There are approximately 16 energy points in the microcosmic orbit, each with their own name and role in the cycle of energy (Chia, 1983, pp. 31-33).

It is worth noting the similarities between the paths and points of energy in the Microcosmic Orbit and those described in the Kundalini Awakening experienced in the practice of Yoga (Sannella in Grof & Grof, 1989, pp. 99-108). Yoga and Kung Fu are similar in many respects; in fact Minick has said that the closest thing to Kung Fu is Yoga. He explained that the similarities are so overwhelming that if the martial aspect of Kung Fu was removed, the art could be called Chinese Yoga (Minick, 1974, pp. 1-2).

The path to awakening and controlling Chi is through using breath and movement to generate energy within the microcosmic orbit. Chi is also the Chinese word for breath and air symbolising the importance of breathing in the cultivation of energy. Inner visualisation is also an important component of this practice (Chia, 1983). During the movements of the martial arts this process is practised, an example of this is the "stream of spirit" exercise practised in Fanchento Kung Fu, in which the practitioner extends his arm and whilst breathing correctly, visualises a powerful jet of water rushing through it. I have witnessed Kung Fu practitioners demonstrate supernormal strength using this technique.

However, in order to activate Chi we must learn and correctly utilise the sources of energy that are about us, these are known as the Three Treasures - Ching - Essence/Vitality or Potential Energy, Chee - Energy, and Shen - Spirit (Reid, 1993).

Each individual receives a fixed measure of a  "prenatal" Ching (Essence) from the fusion of sperm and ovum. It is past on to the next generation and is therefore regarded as immortal and self-perpetuating (Reid, 1993, p. 3).

Chee (experienced energy) is the vital force that activates every function and drives every process. Using the analogy of a battery operated electric field; one can view Ching as the battery acid and Chee as the electric current itself. Chee is derived from two sources, firstly from the transformation of prenatal Essence through the practice of Nei-Gung (internal work) and secondly from the transformation Tien (Heaven) energy and Dee (Earth) energy. Heaven energy enters the body through the top of the head while light is assimilated through the eyes, and Earth energy is developed in the form of breathing and digesting food and water (Reid, 1993, p. 3-4).

Shen (Spirit) refers to the primordial "mind of Tao", the immortal soul, and the original light of consciousness. Using our analogy of the electric circuit, Shen is the wire that is set out before the current is turned on. Shen is developed through the practice of meditation (Reid, 1993, pp. 4-6).

It must again be noted that the Three Treasures do not operate independently from each other, they exist as a whole within Tao, and just as the electric circuit's battery cell, wire and current operate interdependently, so do Ching, Chee and Shen (Reid, 1993).

Chi can further be understood in terms of the Five Elemental Energies - wood, fire, earth, metal and water. An ancient Chinese text explains this principle as follows:

By the transformation of yang and its union with yin, the five elemental energies arise, each with its specific nature according to its share of yin and yang. These energies constantly change their sphere of activity, nurturing and counteracting one another so that there is a constancy in the transformation from emptiness to abundance and abundance to emptiness. All things contain all Five Elemental Energies in various proportions.
(Reid, 1993, pp. 49-50)

Five-element theory is in itself a massive conceptual framework that will not be further discussed in this paper due to space constraints. Other principles of Taoism such as Wu-Wei - active inaction or swimming with the current - and Te - Virtuality - the power that emerges from practising Wu-Wei - (Watts, 1975) are also important precepts of Taoist thought which for the same reason will not be further developed.

When placed in a Taoist framework Kung Fu becomes a much more understandable practice. Inside this paradigm it would not be inconceivable to live for 150 years, listen to the ants communicate or lift a car with a single finger. By opening ourselves to higher realms of human potential through the practice of the martial arts we unlock an infinite resource for a richer more fulfilling life that has always been there so close yet so far away.

Martial arts is to me the art of learning to live in, as apposed to with, Nature (Tao) in a way that is true to our elemental "biospiritual map" of the universe, it is a process of knowing attained through dissolving the illusionary conflict of Yin and Yang that moves toward the ultimate reality of wholeness in an ordinary world. But perhaps it is best described in the immortal words of the legendary Bruce Lee:

Victory is for the one,
Even before the combat,
Who has no thought of himself,
Abiding in the no-mind-ness of Great Origin.

                      _____________________________

A CAUTIONING WORD

The term true martial arts has been used extensively throughout this essay, this is because a distinction must be drawn between true martial arts as spoken about in this essay and the competitive, sport martial arts much advertised in the media today. Unfortunately due to the rather limited consciousness of the Western mind, martial arts has been corrupted to no end. To find a martial arts school is no problem, but to find a true master of the martial arts is very rare. Most schools are dedicated to either breaking teeth or winning medals in competition; these practices are against the Way and destroy the true essence of an eternal art that extends from the birth of time.

In an article entitled Preserving a Treasure, that appeared in the Spring 1994 edition of Kung Fu, Master Adam Hsu comments on the extent of this abuse.

Even the Chinese government has pushed Kung Fu in the wrong direction. During the Cultural Revolution, China' leaders suppressed and destroyed traditional Wushu (martial arts) and its masters. Instead, they promoted a newly composed modern "Wushu," which was derived from Peking Opera, Russian ballet, and Western gymnastic floor exercises...we must understand that real Kung fu is an endangered species. Each practitioner should ask, "What is the real usage of Kung Fu?" If you win a trophy, ask yourself, "Is this what Kung Fu is?”

So, the next time you watch Van Damme in the movie house, ask yourself, "Is this true martial arts?”

For Part 8 - Bibliography Click here

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