Bagua Mind
A short discussion of the mental aspect of Pa Kua (BaGua) as an Internal Martial Art written by Mike Patterson
The BaGua (Pa Kua) MIND
The development of mind in the internal arts is a very important part of the training. We say that the specific part of the intellect we are trying to cultivate is the "Intention".
What is Intention? It is the workings of the mind which when put in to motion causes the occurrence of events in our lives. When you intend to do something, you cause it to come to pass. When you do something unintentionally, it is a reflection of an undisciplined mind. To train the Intention is to train yourself to be successful in any endeavor.
Bagua begins from an empty posture, begins the walking, and from the walking all movement may then spring forth. The mind, however, must remain still even while the body is active. The chi must be lead smoothly and continuously from one part of the body to the next with the intention while the postures transition from frame to frame. There must be a fullness of path maintained with the intention at all times throughout the practice. Both the closing and the opening energies must be experienced fully for the practice to be valuable.
The serious student, learning the form from a competent teacher, will enhance the benefits of the learning by committing the forms as a series of pictures to memory. Then using them, both as a standard for practice, and as training in inner visualization of one's movement. Using visualization in addition to practice is a very powerful tool in developing true ability.
The emphasis on inner visual training that is heralded in Bagua is being echoed in modern scientific studies on the capabilities of the human body. For example, studies have shown that an average person is capable of clear visual memory and distinction between a minimum of one quarter of a million human faces. So, the capacity is definitely there. Studies on applied visualization have yielded impressive results in increasing skills such as dart throwing or shooting basketball free-throws. It should be noted, however, that visualization by itself is not sufficient to develop true Bagua ability.
Bagua is an experiential art. First, the mind teaches the body, in that the student watches his/her teacher's movement and then tries to copy the movement as accurately as possible. With enough practice, the body begins to teach the mind. This is the first experiential stage whereby the body is beginning to "realize" things that the mind had previously missed in the first stage. After a good time of practice at this level, the final stage, which is the second and on-going, experiential stage is reached.
This is the stage of true harmony between the mind, intention, and the body. Hsin, Yi, Li, Chi, Jin (Desire, Intention, Motion, Energy, Power).
If the principles of Sung (relaxation), Yi (intention) and the manipulation of the jing (energy) pathway is not understood, the practice is empty. Without these principles, you are practicing only the shell of the form.
This DVD is an instructional video milestone and represents a departure from our normal product line. Replete with a special video section on proper posture and the dos and don'ts of body alignment in training, this beautifully produced 32 minute instructional video will become the new cutting edge standard for this type of work. Utilizing multiple camera angles at very slow speed to reveal in detailed fashion all of the intricacies of these easy to learn and highly effective exercises, we have integrated camera close ups with animation overlays to demonstrate the proper use of the muscles of the internal intercostals for each posture as well giving the most thorough instruction possible on proper performance of the postures. This video is by far one of the most educational reference materials available today anywhere. The video breaks down the Five Element Chi Kung set in easy to digest segments, with a thorough camera expose on each section. Voiceover is constantly employed with the teaching segments reminding and enlightening you with little bits of sage advice. We have even included a separate and complete “follow along†section to aid you in performing the work of the five each and every day, set to enjoyable music and utilizing picture in picture for clarity. Requiring only five minutes a day as an investment in your quality of health and well being, this complete Chi Kung set is easy to learn and can have a substantive impact on your energy and vitality if practiced regularly. We are extremely pleased with the way this video turned out and we think you will be too.
Running time = 32 minutes.
All performances on this video are of Shrmu Andrea Cheng; Co-founder of A.I.M. (applied integrative motion) Therapy; U.S.A. Chinese Kuoshu Team Leader; International Internal Martial Arts Judge; Sanctioned Chinese Kuoshu Referee.
Product Details
Format - Color, NTSC
Language - English
Region - All Regions
DVD Release Date - November 01, 2008
DVD Features -
<>Menu interfaced for easy access
<>Digitally Mastered for lossless resolution
<>Digital Slow Motion Enhancement
<>Voiceover Narration
<>Multiple Camera Angles
<>Digital Picture in Picture Enhancement
<>Digital Animation Overlay
Try some Qigong (Chi Kung) for yourself and experience the mental benefits from regular practice.
This DVD is the second release in our "ABChi" product line. Requiring only minutes a day as an investment in your quality of health and well being, this complete Chi Kung set is easy to learn and can have a substantive impact on your energy and vitality if practiced regularly. In addition, we have included guided imagery for beginning level standing meditation to further your health conscious practices. Replete with a special video section on proper posture and the dos and don'ts of body alignment in training, this beautifully produced 29 minute instructional video will once again provide an extraordinary visual aid for your learning enjoyment. Utilizing multiple camera angles at very slow speed and picture in picture technology we have presented each posture of these highly effective exercises in detailed fashion resulting in an easy to learn format. We have integrated voiceover in three separate shots for each posture; one for breathing, one for detailed instruction and one shot for where to position the mind as well, giving the most thorough instruction possible on proper performance of the postures. This video is by far one of the most educational reference materials available today anywhere. The video breaks down the Traditional Tai Chi Chi Kung set in easy to digest segments, with a thorough camera expose on each section. Voiceover is constantly employed with the teaching segments reminding and enlightening you with little bits of sage advice. We have even included a separate and complete “follow along†section to aid you in performing the work of the entire set each and every day, set to enjoyable music and utilizing picture in picture for clarity. There is also a complete Guided Imagery Standing Meditation Section discussing three classic poses for such training. We are extremely pleased with the way this video turned out and we think you will be too.
Running time = 29 minutes.
All performances on this video are of Shrmu Andrea Cheng; Co-founder of A.I.M. (applied integrative motion) Therapy; U.S.A. Chinese Kuoshu Team Leader; International Internal Martial Arts Judge; Sanctioned Chinese Kuoshu Referee.
Product Details
Format - Color, NTSC
Language - English
Region - All Regions
DVD Release Date - November 23, 2009
DVD Features -
<>Menu interfaced for easy access
<>Digitally Mastered for lossless resolution
<>Digital Slow Motion Enhancement
<>Voiceover Narration
<>Multiple Camera Angles
<>Digital Picture in Picture Enhancement
<>Digital Animation Overlay