Hard Qigong Level 2 – Part 4

This was the fourth seminar of the second level of Hard Qigong, and by this stage, we are already very familiar with the rules of training. This time, instead of running through the instructions as we’ve come to expect, Sigong began by talking about “internal” training.

We often think about our regular Qigong practice as cultivating our Qi to improve our health and making our internal body stronger. Particularly we want Qi to flow smoothly through the meridians, the acupuncture points to be open, and energy to be powerful at the three Dantians. The three Dantians, lower, middle and upper each relate to the different energies collectively known as the “Three Treasures”.

The lower Dantian is located in the lower abdomen and relates to Jing (sexual energy); this is the foundational, essential energy and related to our basic physical vitality. This is why we often begin by focussing on the lower Dantian. Jing is related to our thoughts and desires and we must preserve, control and develop it through practice.

As Jing develops, it will flow to the Middle Dantian and become Qi (vital energy). Qi is the energy that allows us take action, to do things and to deal with everyday problems. It is connected with breathing and circulation; air and blood. It is the energy we need to live an active, full, enjoyable and healthy life.

Further developing Qi, means it will rise to the upper Dantian and become Shen (spiritual energy). Whilst Jing and Qi are more physical, Shen is intangible and relates to awareness, clarity of thought, fortitude and insight. With Shen comes a calmness, presence and a perceivable aura. It is high level and difficult to attain.

All of this is development of the “internal”, body, mind and spirit; and Qigong trains this through natural breathing, whole body movement and meditation.

With Hard Qigong, we are also training the whole body together in order to develop physical strength, power, endurance and resilience. Many of the exercises involve gathering lots of Qi from the air, controlling tension and expanding or contracting movements; other exercises involve hitting or rubbing. All this training is designed to develop the tendons, bones and skin altogether at the same time; these are “external” and what distinguishes from “Soft” Qigong. Training gradually and building up from the inside out is what keeps us safe and able to go further than others.

By conserving energy and hard physical training, we further develop Jing; through coordinating movements and gathering large amounts of air with special breathing, we greatly increase Qi, and together through rigorously repeated training we develop, mental strength and Shen. So Hard Qigong is also “internal” training, but at a more intense level where we are able to generate more powerful energy than normal. Meditation, also a very important part of Hard Qigong training, finally helps settle that energy and balance the mind.

Following Sigong’s talk, a short break and warm-up, we proceeded to go through each of the exercises with names and type of energy. Sigong first demonstrated each form and answered any questions we had. This time though, instead of starting practice with bare handed movements, we went all in with the required equipment. The additional load requires more strength and is good for gradually pushing our endurance. Of course, it’s very easy to get carried away but, pacing yourself and slowing down is also very useful for making sure the movements, and coordination with breathing in particular, are done well. After Sigong’s demonstration, we would each practice some repetitions, then break out into separate rooms where we would practice and watch each other’s forms.

Finally, after running through all that we’ve learnt so far, including getting clarification on various details such as direction and timing, we learnt the next new movement involving the head. Now any exercise that involves the head is fairly unusual for most of us, and this type of “external” training can be quite challenging, but this is exactly what makes Hard Qigong training so special.

by Sam Patel