Solosopher & Solosophy

The Foundations of Junzi Tao Philosophy and Internal Energy Principles

Junzi Jing 2021 Edition. All copyrights reserved.

An introduction to my Junzi Tao/The Superior Way, Qi/Internal Energy/Power-Generation Philosophies, and a brief examination of the Human Condition

I would like to thank the following for their invaluable contributions to developing my Junzi Tao. Please know that when I attain immortality thanks to my cultivation techniques, I will either share them with you (provided you have managed to live that long) or remember you for the rest of Time.

My Most Noteworthy Students, also known as Those Who Survived My Training:

• Daniel-san: ‘The First Disciple’, a genius of effort whose willingness to give 100% in training provided the foundation for developing my systematic qigong. I am extremely proud of what you managed to achieve in our limited time together as teacher and student.
• Jakov: ‘The Chosen One’, for your prodigious talents and utmost commitment to the martial arts, especially in the field of internal energy. While I am not worthy to be your teacher, you were a most excellent student.
• Thomas: ‘The Intern’, who absorbed the essence of my neigong much faster than any other student; I am eager to see how you will develop your untapped potential as you continue to hone your martial arts.
• The Rest who didn’t make the cut to Top 3: perhaps if you cultivate for a further 10 years, I might consider taking you back.

My Martial Brothers: To Oscar, James, Yin Lun, Tim, and Ben, I was fortunate enough to have met you when I did. Each of you provided me with your pith understanding of the martial arts, as well as your own distinct experiences, which in turn made my cultivation more potent. I hope that this book can be of some benefit to you if you ever decide to take up internal cultivation.

Lastly, though there are many masters who I am indebted to for contributing to my understanding of energy, I wish to specifically thank Jin Yong for creating such intricate and timeless stories about internal cultivation, which captured my imagination as a child, and maintained it well into my adulthood.

Contents

Introduction/Preface                                                                                                            

History and Context: Traditional Taoism, Confucianism, The Development of Junzi Taoism                                                                                                                                  

Principles of Interpersonal Relationships                                                                         

Level 0- An Introduction to Qigong: The Nature of Qi, Inner Energy principles, and Meditation.       

Level 1- Zero to Infinity: Harnessing explosive power                                                     

Level 2- Circular Rotations: Defence and Pathways                                                        

Level 3- Spiral Energy: Increasing dimensional application, storing inner power. (Levels 1, 2 & 3 complement each other)                                                                                            

Level 4- Void of Power, Absence is Strength. Emptiness is Usefulness                           

Level 5- Love/Hate, Emotional Reinforcement/Conviction: Harsh on the body, easy to over tax one’s self at this level                                                                                         

Level 6- Stillness/Awe, to fill, not flood, the entire system with Qi: Spiritual Attunement and Insulation of Power, Balance Phase.                                                                             

Level 7- Acceptance/Humility: Reintegration of functionality, and harmonisation with environment.                                                                                                                        

Level 8- Temporal Transition/Growth: Maturation of internal energy, fine-tuning       control, and unlocking the Head’s nexus for energy processing.

Level 9- Mastery/Harmonising the 8 levels. Directing internal energy as intended. Cohesion still requires a conductor; it is a conscious effort and thus incomplete.              

Level 10- Freedom/Transcendence: Lucidity and homogenous energy streams are perfectly blended, there is no longer any need to think in such terms as one’s existence is enlightened. Nature’s symphony simply plays with no concern for an audience.                   

Conclusion/The Tea Ceremony/A Guide to Brewing Tea: Simple Instructions for Tea Lovers.                                                                                                                                  

Introduction/Preface

“I am trying to create a world not recycled from the problems of today.”

It seems almost a lifetime ago when I decided to retreat from the material world, and adopt the simple ascetic lifestyle of a spiritual cultivator. While knowledgeable in general esoterica, I was still very much a person of the material world, and since a young age was concerned with being a model student, a filial son, and a good citizen. However, growing up into my teens and my 20’s, I found myself getting lost within the spectrum of human emotions and experiences, so I decided to discard as many previous restrictions as possible, and adopt something of a hermit’s lifestyle. Working meagre jobs to develop my character, living on a simple vegetarian diet for a time, and dedicating myself to the practice of philosophy and spiritual cultivation, there was now a newfound sense of freedom: this is nothing special, however, compared with the levels of commitment by truly dedicated practitioners.

It is important to note that I did not retire from Life- I simply scaled back the amount of pressure I had always put on myself since young, and part of my goal was to reconnect with who I truly was, that person I had neglected since I was a small boy. Yet the further I delved into my research, the more I came to internalise my problems, and instead of finding my studies easier over time, they became more difficult as I attempted to reconcile the extremities of existence. At some point I decided that to lower all my defences, and truly allow the World to deal every experience upon me, often putting myself through gruelling situations or unorthodox experiments to test my world views. Eventually, after years of trial and many errors, the method of merging seemingly conflicting ideals/behaviour/instincts led to what is now my Junzi Tao, or The Superior Way. While I am still far from sage-hood, the culmination of my research has proved invaluable, and so I wanted to make it available to the public as well as for my students.

While the topics of spiritualism, morality, and even tea brewing may be of interest to you, the sections I would recommend to martial artists and spiritualists are the 10 Levels of Junzi Tao Internal Cultivation: the first half offers context about the second, which are the stages specifically. Although the 10 levels are what I have deemed to be the most correct and appropriate approach, this outlined linear progression is not dependent on having attained the previous level (though one would usually find there is an overlap with the fundamentals). I have experimented with fighters and other martial artists who independently developed portions of different respective levels from their own training, which have managed help to the practitioner despite varying levels of refinement. However, an incomplete understanding of the energy levels, and attempts to dominate that power, have almost always led to decline, stagnation, or other such detriments to their body and/or martial arts. This is less applicable with people who are only notable in a few levels yet have practiced in a safe and conducive manner, thus becoming remarkable experts of their fields. Keep in mind that progressing quickly through the levels may not equal someone who has taken the time to master one, so I advise anyone who studies neigong/internal cultivation to do so at an appropriate pace.

After many years, the name and direction I wanted to take became what is now Junzi Tao, the Superior Way: Junzi can be described as a Superior or Noble Person, and does not denote an inherent superiority over others, but refers to the individual’s commitment to holding themselves to a higher standard. If I had to describe the pith of my philosophy, it is the mutual coexistence of apparent opposites; leading from that, the main objective of Junzi Tao is to streamline the myriad of Internal Energy Cultivation ideologies, based on my own experiences, in order to actualise an individual’s true power. All things in perspective, the internal energy described here may take a lifetime to truly master, so do not fret with timeframes or schedules- simply continue to grow and cultivate a deeper appreciation of existence. That is what I have done upon returning to the secular world, and I am a better man for it: hopefully, I will continue to become a better man while developing the principles explored while I was a practicing spiritualist.

There is one issue I’d like to address, because it often comes up when I discuss spirituality, theology, and philosophy with others who do not find such topics so soporific, and that is where or who I learned from. While I have had education and been privy to the company of spiritual leaders, I had no single teacher/master who presented everything in a cohesive and palatable manner for me to digest, and I personally think no one should “seek out” such a personage. My learning comes from reading the established ideas of pandits prior and present, from discussing with my contemporaries, or even gleamed from the most random of sources: Life Experience was my teacher, Reflection my class mate, and the minutiae of everyday encounters were my tests. Each of my successes and failures granted me an opportunity to better my understanding, and even if I am misunderstood by others, I am more concerned that I do not misunderstand myself.

The nature of enlightenment is misunderstood heavily enough with people who blindly follow the teachings of particular master/sages, and religion perhaps comes to mind in such circumstances. While we can always learn from others, the idea that “salvation” is granted at the whim of another is a contradiction of all my philosophies: we are the architect of our own imprisonments, and only we can ultimately save ourselves, even if it means saving others so that they may reciprocate. Likewise, while I have students, even those close pupils who I affectionately refer to as disciples, my intention from the start is to ensure they are self-sufficient as soon as they have learned enough to know that no one holds all the answers, and can explore their own paths, aided by whatever advice I can give. Originally I had not intended to make it public, but after teaching to the general public, I wanted to encourage qigong practices in a manner that addressed a lot of misconceptions about what qigong actually is, and had hoped that by sharing my journey others could further benefit.

History and Context: Traditional Taoism, Confucianism, The Development of Junzi Taoism

“The Tao literally translate to the Way, and it is important to keep in mind that as there are many roads lead to our destination, there are equally numerous ones that do not.”

“Symbolically as well as literally, those who constantly spit at Heaven are merely spitting in their own faces.”

Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism interestingly developed around the same time period (approximately during the 5^th century BCE, specific dates vary), and eventually the systems were blended into the culture of Oriental Asia: primarily China and those countries which had a history intertwined with theirs. There is much more depth to the three’s respective philosophies than I can provide without going into great detail, but I focus more on how they interact with society as opposed to any specific goals.

Seeing as how they are compatible enough with each other to form a general daily practice, it is important to note that Taoism and Confucianism are actually fundamentally opposed, though cordial in most respects. Taoism aims to live in manner that correlates with the elements and ecosystem, a type of unconsciously integral lifestyle, while Confucianism aims to strive for a social perfection through individual diligence and maintenance. To argue either being the better outcome is futile without considering the context, for they are both philosophies that arose to address problems which inevitably arise in human societies, namely vices and impedance of harmonious relationships. Some have even argued that the two religions “play off each other”, and could be considered a form of philosophical mutualism. If I were to use a particularly scenic analogy, one seeks to live off the land without interfering with the nature of the ecosystem, while the other wishes to better organise labours via farmland and meticulous modules to regulate the ecosystem. Both lament that human thoughtlessness and selfishness distort harmony, but would approach the issues with varying levels of directness. I find that it takes a great deal of skill to be able to accomplish what Taoism seeks, which is harmony without exhausting one’s efforts, so perhaps it appeals more to older individuals who have experienced enough of Life, and have gained some idea of what Natural Harmony is.

During the Tang Dynasty there were attempts to streamline Taoist and Confucian ideology, which led to the Neo Taoism movement, and during the Song Dynasty the founder of Quanzhen Taoism, Wang Chong Yang, founded his own brand of Taoism which is still practiced today; it was notable for a fundamental shift in alchemic practices. A traditional goal of Taoists is rooted in longevity, and eventually immortality- this used to involve ingestion of self-concocted elixirs, which were by no means random substances but curious experiments of medicines and metaphysics. Unsurprisingly, people occasionally died from ingesting these substances so, when Wang Chong Yang starting focusing exclusively on internal energy and spiritual cultivation, he could be said to have contributed towards average Taoist longevity by reducing these instances of poisoning. Despite the Cultural Revolution in the latter half of the 20^th Century, Quanzhen’s lineage of Taoism is still practiced today and is one of the 2 officially recognized branches of Taoism in China. During the mid-20^th century, British philosopher Alan Watts was largely responsible for bringing Eastern spiritualisms, such as Taoism and Zen, into Western prominence due to his candid interpretations, cultured wit, and engaging delivery to audiences.

Confucian Concepts

Junzi (君子): An ideal person, Junzi used to mean the son of a nobleman, but has taken on a definition denoting chivalry, civility, and other paradigm behaviour. A true Junzi is open to education, has a strong sense of community development, and whose virtues are frequently demonstrated in their speech, mannerisms or actions. Although traditionally this meant adherence to laws, customs and traditions, the significance of such obedience is due to prior recognition of their importance: a Junzi does not blindly follow rules, but does so because they believe in the efficacy.

Junzi is considered the intermediate step towards spiritual attainment, which is sought after by those pursuing enlightenment but are unable to rid themselves of worldly investment. Spiritual engagement is deceptively time consuming, and usually requires a sacrifice of secular duties. Hence another path, or middle ground, was established to allow people to interact within society while cultivating inner peace.

Xiao-ren (小人): The opposite of a Junzi, Xiao-ren literally translates to “small person”, and has come to be associated with pettiness and vices. They are defined by an inability to see the greater perspective, are often prone to greed, arrogance or cruelty, and often put material gain above intangible assets (such as friendship, loyalty and benevolence). It is important to realise that the traits of a xiao-ren are often concealed from everyday dealings, but become apparent during difficult situations when one’s true character is revealed.

Taoist Concepts

Qi (氣): Although not used exclusively by Taoism, it is featured heavily in the lore. Qi is an Eastern concept which translates to “vital life force”, an innate energy that is ever-present, though not always harnessed. In Junzi Tao, Qi is focused to its full potency by harmonising Mind, Body and Spirit, and has many applications regarding vitality and health.

There is still much skepticism regarding Qi in Western Culture, especially as it does not fit into many contemporary scientific models. Although we discuss spirituality and humanities in this text, I grew up in a western society and have studied physical and biological sciences: an eclectic education is invaluable to draw upon when refining one’s understanding of the world. I have used the term Qi metaphysically to describe a natural phenomenon we may one day conclusively prove. While the sciences have unraveled many mysteries of Life it is far from omniscient, and in its defense, it is unfair to place all the burden of proof on a systematic method which aims to find proofs. Instead of trying to argue the existence of Qi as quantifiable, I have chosen to view it as a manifestation of natural forces; our bodies are merely a cluster of energy and forces acting in a beautifully elegant harmony that makes life possible, so even if there is no intention to make music, the sounds of nature nonetheless appear to play a symphony.

Taiji (太極): The “Supreme Ultimate”, is a representation of a metaphysical infinity, the source of all existence. Its principles are said to have inspired the martial art of Tai Chi Fist, but the term is used in a philosophical context here.

Wuji (無極): The “Grand Absence” is the metaphysical representation of absolute emptiness, a natural universal absence.

Wu Wei (無爲): The principle of accomplishing our actions via doing nothing. This is often difficult to understand until one realises that there is a natural harmony to the rhythm of Life, and at times it is better to let the flow take us to our destination than to insist on manually getting there. One also must comprehend the idea that nothing is static, everything is perpetually changing and shifting from what we perceive it to be. As it states in Laozi’s Tao de Jing,

 “All that we perceive is merely in a state of passing… the Way that can be described is not the Eternal Way.”

Yin/Yang (陰/陽): Negative and Positive, the binary juxtaposition of all composition in life.

Junzi Taoism Concepts

“People do things which are easy, and call it being smart. I choose to what is necessary, even if it is difficult, and I call it being noble. Yet I know that this is incomplete. While I witness those who glorify their limited intellectualism, I am not satisfied with simply being ‘right’. Instead I aim to comprehend limitless Transcendental Intelligence.”

Nobility often entails a degree of suffering, that is why it is not the end goal. Where there is organic Goodness, such a state is far better than requiring legislated ethics/morality. Human behavior, when forcibly controlled, has unpredictably catastrophic consequences, or become parodies of true harmonious societies. As such, we should not seek dominion over others, but rather we should focus on enhancing the self. Such a process appears simple, but is deceptively arduous and often disappointing, until we reach the point when we can conciliate the paradox of action and in-action: I daresay that the path to enlightenment is being open-minded enough to simultaneously entertain contrary/opposing thoughts.

The overall aim of Junzi Tao is to encourage the Goodness and Virtues that is within reach of the everyday individual, and while changing the world for the better is a positive ambition, cultivation starts with the Self: before it can interact with the world, improvement beings with one’s self, eventually it progresses to the transcendental, and finally returns to the Self. In such a fashion, we refine ourselves and refresh the experience that is Life.

Power: Power is literally anything that can influence the world and its inhabitants, whether that be natural forces, psychological/physiological systems, or metaphysical comprehension. There are far more abled thinkers who have discussed the idea of power, and it is the crux of all existence as it can be anything. There are a myriad of definitions, interpretations, and opinions, but the following imagery is how I visualise power in terms of Junzi Tao philosophy: a simultaneous Contained Explosion/Diffusing Implosion. Understanding the extremities of a scale is a large factor of the Superior Way, which encourages subtle and empowered cognition/behaviour. I do explore more practical applications of this power in my other work, The Shinriki Solution, which has less to do with theoretical spiritualism and serves more as a dissertation on Power.

Mind, Body and Spirit: The three major representative components of a human being, and sectors that should be nourished and addressed while pursuing self-understanding. By learning to harmonise them, we reach a state of unprecedented consciousness that allows one to tap into their full potential. In my life I have engaged in many activities, while always refraining from use of drugs, to enhance the senses, and awaken deeper consciousness through activities like asceticism, meditation, extreme stimulus experimentation, and martial arts. Like the Gautama Buddha, I found that while they did provide some clarity, the effects were temporary. Eventually, as I grew a little wiser, I came to understand that I neglected parts of myself as I attempted to nourished the others, and learned to focus in a way that respected my Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Form/Essence: There are multiple references to the difference between form (a construct) versus essence (the concept). Comprehension relies on the latter, and it is stressed that form does not supersede essence, while essence usually has more value than form in the grand scheme of things. If we were to use an analogy, we can use kindness (essence) and acts of kindness (form). While acting kind is usually not very different from being kind, the immediate distinction we can draw is all that is necessary to be wary of interchanging the terms. Perhaps the sincerity involved is a good litmus test of whether something is only about the appearances (form), or the purpose (essence). I do not automatically denounce form, for we see how useful it can be when introducing concepts. However, I wish to draw attention to the difference between truly understanding good taste and artistic sense, as opposed to being fooled by kitschy, soulless imitations.

Principles of Interpersonal Relationships

“When the Junzi encounters saintly behaviour, he adopts it. When encountering faults within, transform it. Progress in every endeavour to cross to the far shore”- I Ching.

“Of all evil I deem you capable, therefore I want good from you. Verily, I have often laughed at the weaklings who thought themselves good only because they lacked claws.”- Frederick Nietzsche.

Sparring is just a form of interpersonal communication, almost like Applied Debating. It’s more fun when everyone can express themselves: that’s what it means to have a conversation.

Heaven is a reflection of the Self. You are an expression of Life, and all that is Great and Terrible in the World. Acknowledge and embrace the simple truths, that good begets good while resentment festers. In order to share, one must have, and having positivity is shared without diminishing, as a candle gives light to others without depleting its own flame.

Reciprocity is a fundamental aspect of interpersonal relationships. Be the friend you deserve to have in order to gain the friends you deserve, treat others with respect to gain respect. There are those who do not observe this principle, yet we can still keep our own. Treat yourself with respect to be respectable, treat yourself with kindness to remain kind.

True equality is about respect, which is not sympathy or compliance, but communication and integrity. Become the change you envision, and treat everyone with dignity, even if they are not on your side. No matter what spectrum of division exists, it is not progressive to reduce anyone to a single label or trait. This is what ordinarily occurs, as without the essence of kindness and understanding, the Form of equality serves as a mask for the unenlightened to dominate anything that does not fit their world views.

Promises are valid if the conditions of the promise remain, hence we fulfil the Essence instead of merely the Form. For example, an honored promise to improve the quality of life is not about material accumulation, but a genuine shaping of one’s destiny. A promise to protect a friend is not valid if that friend seeks to take advantage of us, dishonoring the friendship. While expected to keep our word, hence preserving our integrity/value, we cannot be trapped by the past. Promises are kept because of what they meant to us before, as well as their impact on the future.

“I sit before flowers, hoping they will train me in the art of opening up.”- Shane Koyczan.

Why are we shy, and shirk interactions? Self-empowerment is accepting our intrinsic value. Often, we are withdrawn because we think we have little to offer. Our position amongst peers can be said to hold its own inherent self-worth. Before our peers, we were here, and without them, we still exist. By recognising how others do not limit our existence by mere presence, there is an implicit understanding that one’s place in the world is not by the whim of others either.

Recognise attachments, then let them go, and reconnect with them as a better version of you. Letting go of feelings, not to be alone, but to understand that the important ones stay regardless of a conscious hold on them. We are not giving up on feelings, we are releasing ourselves from the entrapment of obsessions.

It is important to recognise the blind spots of Self- just because we can do something, does not mean that others can or should follow. Just because we can not do something, does not mean it is impossible for others. By adhering to this principle, we can guide without being overbearing, we can experience our inadequacies without the need to feel inferior. One who does not know the way can thus avoid preventing others from finding it, and as a result, all peoples continue to flourish over time.

Intrinsic Human flaws prevent infallibility with even the most perfect systems we create. Yet the ability to dream and strive for the unknown is what makes it possible to one day exceed the limits of perfection.

Toxic relationships can be withstood, avoided or severed. If blocked, damage may still be received. To avoid is to parry, which addresses symptoms but generally leaves the source intact. Finally, we can supersede/counter/sever the problems. However, to do the latter is difficult and unpleasant, as it requires conviction along with clarity of mind. If not severed cleanly and completely, there are usually repercussions to the state of one’s self. Just as in letting go of attachments, the aim is not always to end contact with the relationship, but to change the dynamics of how we interact. Power is measured by the effectiveness of the decision we chose, and in this scenario is to protect one from being hurt.

When the Junzi ideals are corrupted, we need others to save us from ourselves, thus a completely isolated independence is something of a myth. Independence is not an excuse for anti-socialness, which weakens the spirit of community. When giving advice to those who are lost, be wary that you are not merely adding color to muddied waters in order to make it clear. Micromanaging ineffectively will not remove that which spoils clarity; to become clean water, dilute the impurities, but allow others to make sense on their own terms. That is how we reach the clarity of comprehension.

There is an overwhelming desire to rationalise the World, and the actions of others, when doing so is just a desire to be in control- that is the reality of the overly anxious and micromanagers. This is a fundamentally Losing position, as the concept of control in invariably linked to an understanding of Power, and those grasping at it will cause true power to dissipate instead of attracting it.

Perhaps the truest friendships are not created on mutual understanding, but exist despite lacking it, in the same way that not having a fixed mindset can allow one to experience the greatest range of experiences. Knowing a person in circumstances that can showcase their true traits allow for a more informed decision than superficial commonalities.

Truth must be seen to be believed, but the crux of honesty is sincerity. Our words from the heart may not always be proven true, but that moment of openness and vulnerability is an act that appeals to Higher Truth.

Improving lives does not hinge upon how much we know, for Understanding and Knowledge are siblings, not twins. Human nature was ignorant for so many eons regarding universal forces, our own anatomy/physiology, fine arts, mathematics, and even the simple facts we take for granted today, such as hygiene. Being educated only means that one was given tools to hone one’s potential, but does not provide the answers we seek intrinsically or automatically. No matter our circumstances and status, a truer measure of personal progress is how we embrace the journey of Life.

“I am not a particularly vindictive man, but I try not to forget debts, and may collect what is owed all at once.”  Those who take advantage of us should not simply receive a pardon because we choose to exercise forgiveness (which stems from a respect of life as opposed to weakness). If such parasitic/abusive behaviour occurs, take appropriate actions to neutralise it decisively. This is perhaps one of the most difficult principles to explain, because of the inherent bias involved: who can say that they judge everything absolutely correct, thus also acting as jury and executioner? Instantly forgiving is not always healthy, for it can mean that a lesson is disregarded, and also can ignore our own feelings in the process. Those who can do this are evolved and broadminded, but remember that forgiveness does not automatically make you so. When misunderstandings are small, it is the best time to address grievances, and thus relationships may be preserved. Uncomplicated situations are ideal, yet humans are inherently complicated, and this reflects in the Human Condition.

Conflict regarding relationships is a matter for the involved parties to address, especially if they are repeated. External problems call that the party maintains their position: if their structure is true it will endure, otherwise it will collapse under the pressure. Internal conflicts call for change, as the dynamics are no longer smooth or coherent to maintain the optimal structural integrity, and cause decay from within.

It will hurt when you are the only one who still remembers, because forgetting is like erasing the shared past; it didn’t mean enough for someone to hold on to. At the end of the day though, we are still here and we must remember- this is enough validation of what happened in the past. Forgive others their misunderstandings, so as to allow one to forgive their own.

Those who don’t care once cared too much, their spirit retains the scars. When hurt, one reveals who they truly are, that suffering is the commonality of all people. In my case, I thought about becoming a hard and ruthless semblance of a person, but when faced with the suffering of others, I am reminded why it is important to be kind. You can be cruel because you’re right, or you can be kind because it’s right. To truly demonstrate self-mastery, first I must show that the World cannot keep me down, or change me for the worse. I have to believe I am better than that to realise the ideal state.

Being able to understand, and accept the situation allows for one to change it. It’s interesting to note that a counteroffer will replace the previous one. The benefits of one adaptation may override the previous advantages. Yet this is only concerning if one is so attached to ego, a sense of self, as we are ever-evolving entities initially. How many of us are truly the same as we always were, and how many still desperately cling to that?

Lose the battle to win the war. Too often, we do not realise what kinds of victory we need the most: the outcome reflects our intentions. It is possible to win every battle yet lose the war, and those who do not win have not necessarily lost. The impact of these distinctions is what allows for the greater game of Life to be played with astonishing outcomes. Be not too depressed over one’s losses, for the overall outcome is still to be decided.

We are influenced by our environment and the people we interact with. This gives us ideas to plant and take shape. After a time, we need space to grow into something different. If we were to view our position as a jigsaw puzzle, there’s no guarantee we are compatible with our previous place. Some people don’t return, they seek a new home, while others change themselves to fit back in, and still others try to find an in-between. These transitions are natural and normal, all part of the process of self-refinement.

Make connections, and sever the unwanted ones, while preserving the ones which have value. Sometimes it feels less like you are getting to know someone, and trying to remember who they used to be. Life is impermanent, people are no exception, but that is the secret of timelessness.

The except below was adapted from “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, where Cao Cao, Prime Minister of the Eastern Han Dynasty, is compared to his chief rival at the time, Yuan Shao. An advisor stated that Cao Cao was superior to his rival in the fundamentals and thus would prevail over him on the battlefield. It should be noted that Confucian ideals are so interwoven with the story and characters that it would be strange if we did not mention it as an example of Chinese cultural standards in popular literature:

“A Hypocrite is overly concerned with formalities, while you behave naturally. He loses to you on Principle.

He attempts to achieve supremacy from an opposing position, while you use Proper Authority to command respect. He loses in Righteousness.

Societal Values declined due to a lack of discipline and law enforcement. A Hypocrite condones his followers and their ill-discipline, so he fails in administration. You uphold discipline sternly and firmly among your followers. You are superior in Management.

A Hypocrite appears to be welcoming and accepting but he is actually jealous and suspicious. He never fully trusts his followers and places faith only in his family members and close relatives. You appear simple on the outside but you are actually very discerning on the inside. You fully trust those you have placed your faith in, and you promote meritocracy. You are superior in Tolerance.

A Hypocrite likes to listen to many ideas but is indecisive and hesitates before making any move. You are decisive and you adapt to changes well. Your approach employs Superior Strategy.

A Hypocrite uses his fame to attract people to serve him and boost his name. His followers are mostly people who are able to disguise their flaws through persuasion and glib talk. You are sincere towards your followers and do not recruit them for the purpose of increasing your fame. Many loyal and truly capable people are willing to serve under you. You are superior in Virtue.

When a Hypocrite sees others suffering from hunger and cold, he will express his concern towards them. However, he will not do so if their sufferings are not obvious. This is a form of unwise care and concern. You sometimes neglect less important things but when you handle big situations, you are connected to the masses within Real Time and the rewards you give out are far greater than virtue signalling. Even though this may not be obvious, your care and concern towards others are complete. You display True Benevolence.

His followers are often bickering and politicking and they give libellous and troublesome advice. You govern your followers with the right principles, so corruption does not occur under your leadership. You demonstrate Superior Wisdom.

A Hypocrite cannot distinguish between right and wrong. You respect someone when you think he has done right and you punish someone when you feel he has done wrong. You display Superior Culture.

A Hypocrite likes to display bravado and is not aware of the crucial elements in war. You overcome an enemy superior in numbers with a smaller force, just like a god of war. The soldiers look up to you, your enemies fear you. You are his superior in Military Skill.”

Accept that all things are consequential and predetermined. This is subject to how we define terms, but regardless, our actions have consequences on the world around us, thus we should be aware of our impact, mindful but not fearful. If our consciousness is only stimuli, then all we experience is a result of second hand processing, not direct immersion, and if so, thus there can be no more than just the physical world. When something happens, we become informed, but it is too late to change it; in this sense existence is predetermined. The concept of Self should not be so limited. Our lives are forever in a state of processing information: those who only react cannot fight fate because it is the course they are following, those who understand Wu Wei are one with their destiny, hence the flow and their intentions are harmonised. Always be seeking the better actions to carry out our intent- sometimes it involves switching directions at relevant intervals. This is consistent with the module of practicality.

Each moment is precious, not to be squandered. Treating our time as disposable is akin to treating our life as a commodity. Each day lived is a day earned, contributing to a lifetime well spent. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well, remember that you are a representative of the world. Life is not just about what ends today, it’s also about what begins tomorrow.

It is from defeat that we learn how to become invincible. How can complete loss be possible if we gained important lessons? As the only true death is when we stop growing, the only true defeat is when we cannot improve ourselves afterwards.

Opportunities are constantly being wasted, but each opportunity a chance for us to do so. Thus, be less concerned with grabbing every chance, and more about being ready when the right chance comes along. Power is a defining quality, being inherently neutral: the wielder is the true influence for application.

We can work towards goals to attain success- however, these gains are arithmetic, because we have to move all that encompasses us towards that goal, and doing so can disrupt the natural harmony of Life’s rhythms. So, we need to become powerful in a way that our very essence attracts what we desire. We then gain while gaining, as opposed to gaining while exhausting.

For someone to insist on something is a sign of control- obeying can mean we lose some of our own. A temporary displacement of power can cause an upset, which will cause an actual loss of power if dwelt upon. Power does not stay static, it flows, and can be manipulated to flow towards our own reservoirs. Power resides with/ is retained by the Powerful.

Waiting for situations is not necessarily weak, but usually stems from a powerlessness when aimless. Creating opportunities is inherent to the Junzi position on Power.

‘Junzi’ is a modern interpretation of power, suitably allying control with indulgences. We are capable of enduring suffering so that we may prevent needless suffering, we are not fated to live without joy, nor is life meaningless without mirth.

Anonymity is the best friend of the sincere. Without the need to convince others of a pretext, we can accomplish our objectives more purely.

You can choose to do nothing, but you should never choose to be truly helpless. While it is not a good thing to be overly reliant on others, someone who can not cooperate for the Greater Good will not be able to accomplish the greatest things in life.

No one gets their way all the time: Heaven’s Will cannot be ignored, so follow the Natural Way to your advantage. Do not mistake this for apathy, or even passivity- it is an indirectness that has a longer lasting effect than misguided short term expenditures of time/energy.

Everything in life is part of a greater destiny. Be diligent in everyday activities, this will mark the difference between living only for a day or moments at a time, and living for a lifetime. This is not to say that we must expend efforts continuously, but that we are discerning in our endeavours and attitudes. By placing ourselves at the nexus, at the epicenter, we direct the flow to our advantage instead of needing to rent it.

Embrace dignity, beyond hypocrisy. Be self-aware enough to note discrepancies, and create positive change.

Only regular tests reveal our limitations, and not all limitations are constraints. The idea that we are static beings is a trick of consciousness, for nothing that exists is permanent and enduring, and those who attempt to control the natural forces to attain ‘immortality/permanence’ misunderstand the concept of Forever. By first developing self-awareness, in conjunction with societal awareness, and eventually transcendental awareness, you can come to understand the Way, and that you were never separate from it from the beginning.

“I will live forever”. Others eventually stagnate, stop growing after stabilising, and lose grasp of their unfulfilled destiny. For the permanently adapting, everchanging and evolving, losing that perspective is the True Death.

Wisdom is akin to recognising when the seasons come to pass. I could remain in the Springtime, but a full year involves Summer, Autumn, and Winter as well as Spring. Relating with others is about engaging in their slipstream of time. Make way for the new generation, or evolve to stave off redundancy.

Be wary of anything that brings upon intoxicated sense of being, such as intoxicating pleasure. To live is to enjoy, but abuse brings ‘sleep’ and soon dreams appear as reality. The real world is where we live, to better it should be what we strive for.

Good and Evil are just labels, while Power is the ultimate Truth: regardless of your stance, power drives the impact. Not an end unto itself, we refine it to increase potency- amassing not only quantity but also cultivating quality. Is this an invitation to always do as we please? No, that is Weakness. A fulfilled life is one that can be harnessed to its full degree, and without discipline that cannot be easily achieved.

“You would challenge me? You wish to defeat me? You may as well try to catch starlight. Even if you succeed, you’re only chasing the after-images.” Focus on overcoming the problem to defeat it, a lesser resolve results from lack of intent. Direct your energy and efforts into something that has meaning, not just for you, but for the world you live in. Invest in yourself, and experience the optimal existence.

When encountering a superior person, become the Superior Person.

While it takes time to appreciate the value of inaction, specifically in not causing complications, I value it all the more as I become older. While I can not reward every small act of kindness/goodness, amidst the daily efforts, I do wish to encourage and validate it. May my past mistakes be amended as I adjust my expectations, and give credit to those positive actions, be they Great or Small.

Have you experienced a loss of self? As a vessel of Life, it is better to repair your leaks than to require constant refilling. Distinguish between power inherent, power as a medium, a power as a master. I discourage the latter, as it is only temporarily useful to us. To stay as a vassal for too long is akin to begging, relying on that which we cannot control or is not ours. Development of the Self is to cultivate inherent power, while applying it is the medium. Become the Master, so as to attract the flow of power, naturally and unforced.

Seeing Form but not the Essence, is having knowledge but lacking wisdom. While the formless Essence is unlimited, without Form there is only potential, not reality. That is not to be mistaken for choosing not to act, for a boulder is merely thousands of tiny grains of sand acting in unison. The result of being crushed by either a single large object, or a multitude of smaller ones, has varying severity, yet the boulder is still but comprised of tiny grains of sand.

One is only truly lost when we lose our intent/purpose. Each path is potentially a way to the goal, differing in length and difficulty, but sharing the same destination. Could we not argue that this is Life’s teaching module? To constantly be met with challenges that we can overcome, and to trust that no challenge we encounter is beyond any measure of our ability to affect.

Where there is Light there must also be Dark. Openness to vulnerability is also an openness to change, which can be beneficial or detrimental. It is the same as accepting day with night, life and death, a start that has an end. However one makes those choices, no matter how you choose to appear to others, we cannot fool Destiny (which is merely the summation of your Past, Present, and Future, all factors that you had or will have a hand in). Daily living involves being alive in the truest sense, and living is not a static existence, but a dynamic one.

“You would oppress the oppressors, simply as a means to an end”. I address this to those who focus on the Form but not the Essence of justice. While open discussion does not equal condonement, to disallow the free discourse of thought is akin to ideological tyranny. It is not about forcing an ideal, but by demonstrating the Truth it contains, so that others may perceive and come to similar conclusions. Fighting something into submission takes great strength, but guiding the wayward to the right path is a sign of greater Power. Pushing the river along is far different to understanding the nature of water: shape the riverbed to suit the desired outcome. It takes far more effort to force things against the natural path, so align yourself with the proper flow to achieve optimal results.

“Love is Hate. Life is Death. Zero is Infinity”. Just as water can keep things afloat, it may also sink them. When we define everything with a black and white approach, ignoring shades of grey, we simplify to the point of close-mindedness. Love and hate are not opposites, rather they are strong attachments which influence us: the true opposite of love is Aversion, for it prevents meaningful bonding/engagements. Being strong is being able to embrace collision. Being wise is knowing how to avoid unwanted one. Forever avoiding is weakness, a perpetual retreat.

To be constantly adapting for the better is a state of Eternal Benevolent Impermanence. One will thus become what they need to be, retaining potential with each change ensures unlimited potential.

We return to our roots to be reminded of our history. Every scar a badge of honour, every fond memory a delight. To be reborn without the need to die, the next step we take is not death, but new life.

There is no wrong move with opportunity, just better ones. Having realised this, you need not fret to the point of indecision. As instinctual choices are keeping you alive, so will the unconscious direct you to what you seek to accomplish.

Sometimes we must accept that there is little to nothing we can do about a situation to truly help. But that is fine, as good things take time and are worth being done properly. It is not a mistake to move on when there is more to gain by admitting ‘defeat’. Practically, we aim to generate profit not loss, but what we are willing to sacrifice gives value to what we are fighting to preserve. Try to grab on to power like a fool, and it screams of weakness. True power is not forced or seized, it is alive and can be guided. Let go of ego, and harness the universe. You cannot be attacked if you have no fixed form, you are invincible when at peace within, without weaknesses to exploit. Unbound by rules, not in rebellion, but because you can understand their meaning; exist without the need to be governed by doctrines, coexist without having to eradicate all that do not agree.

People bound by the past miss the point of living, in a sense, for they are trying to live a different life to the one they currently experience. Accept that difference, that the old life is still accountable and hold sway as long as you allow it, but it is not the one we are currently experiencing.

Improvement should never become stagnant, even if it adopts elements of routine. Be renewed, reinvigorating and adaptive to accomplish goals, power can be refined, success is equally the result of continuous efficiency and effort.

Self-preservation is natural, but under what conditions will living become pointless? What are things worth dying for, and worth living for? Asking this question periodically, as a gauge.

Once I am aware of my power, I become a force of change, denying the supposed order and chaos. But life is sacred enough to preserve, change lives without taking them away meaninglessly, honest work may dirty the hands, but regular washing will keep them clean.

The ultimate Power is not about inspiring fearfulness, but to radiate harmony. There are those who do not understand this, and it usually demonstrated by the strong, who wish to impose their views, or the weak, who almost deliberately ignore obstacles while waiting for their problems to disappear. Be mindful, wary, steadfast, and most importantly, forgiving of these people. Do not enable such faults, but do not allow yourself to be swept by their lack of understanding. In the world of people, miscommunication is the source of many interpersonal problems, yet the more we do to minimalise this, the better our own relationships become. Practice openness and accountability, which is the crux of respect, and be able to entertain all notions (no matter how absurd), even if we do not incorporate them unto ourselves.

Without Faith, Life is a lie. Without Love, we could not Live. If we do not question, how can we get answers? We must accept the end if we wish to see new beginnings, death is the step before rebirth. Let go of your Ego, in order to master your sense of self, and become something greater than what you think you are. It is important not undermine one’s self, and it is noble to balance this with what is practical for your circumstances.

It is taxing to make a better outside world; it is sustaining to build a beautiful private world at home. Once you achieve the state that can not be overcome, you can expand your boundaries to encompass the world which you seek to shape. It is not enough to become a perfect person; we must strive to be our own kind of perfection. Organised Kindness is ultimately more efficient that Organised Cruelty, and thus should be the ideal goal for all human interaction.

Respectful eccentricity means to be yourself while having regard for others. Create your own path in this life, even if others are going the same way you intend to. Thus you contribute to the flow, instead of fading as you are pulled by their efforts. That which stands the test of time becomes a classic. Imagine this for yourself, and make it so.

Human beings are artists who cannot change without pain, for we are both the sculptor and the marble. Sincere efforts may seem futile halfway, but are always reflected in the finished product: You.

Flowers do not think of competing with other flowers, they merely bloom when they are ready. To be a better person, address the problems you have with yourself, realise that imperfections are merely parts of yourself waiting to bloom.

An education is one of the greatest gifts we can have. There are many ways to teach, yet that is only the Form- the Essence is in relating to the learning process. We feed the mind with experience/knowledge so it will grow strong, but simple tasks are not nourishing, while tasks too demanding cannot fuel comprehension. Diamonds are forged under incredible pressure, yet those unprepared will be crushed. There is no need to force learning, let it naturally occur with your intent to learn, and you will encompass all that you seek.

The Laser Beam module (analytical) refers to an analogy of students burning out mentally due to their tightly-wound focus. While I searched for a different way to encourage my potential, I unwittingly founded one, the Diffusion Method (holistic), which collects and processes education as a narrative. Both are essential to becoming a complete student of Life, and by recognising the duality of learning as both conscious and unconscious, we can raise transcendental awareness.

Negative forces are unable to harm that which is greater than them, but positive forces can overcome atrocities in time. Being whole, intact and powerful involves the following stages: Open, Understand, Accept and Continue. Dissenting forces attack structural weaknesses, a pure core can become limitless once it understands what it means to be unlimited.

In Tao De Jing, it is stated that one should not despise the conditions of their birth, but this has often been the case for those in less ideal circumstances. The desire to have more is arguably natural, and should not be sanctimoniously oppressed: aspiring towards a higher ideal is also natural, and should not be sanctimoniously pursued. If the glass is neither empty nor full, a extraordinary person with flaws is an ordinary person with virtues: thus the glass represents the people, neither completely virtuous nor irredeemable.

What is the point of living, if we must face death? That we lived at all.

Perhaps it is so you can see beyond your own suffering. It may sound anticlimactic but there is more beyond perpetual epiphanies, unless you wish to subscribe a placebo of enlightenment. Culminate that Awareness where you seem unreal, continue until you are more real than previously imagined, yet in a way that does not scream for validation. This is the first, and last, stage of the enlightenment process, our self-cultivation. Allow the Universe to express itself through you, for it IS you as much as a tree is the forest. At the end of my time, I hope I can still resonate with these words:

“In life, what point in living, if one cannot enjoy the carefree days?

In death, what point in dying, if all one had were carefree days?”

My Way is the study of juxtapositions, the harmony of extremes, and the transformation of the Self to a universally compatible mindset. There exists a point where all the numbers are common denominators, there is a point where all things meet and merge- to harness the ordinary phenomenon of everyday life is the secret of becoming Whole. Once Whole and United, True Strength collects, and True Power can be wielded as necessary.

Level 0: An Introduction to Qigong

Vital Life Energy, which is known as Qi/氣, is a Chinese concept that describes a collective energy inherent in all living things, that also exists as part of the ambient world around us. Aiming to cultivate and enhance that energy within us is a practice known as qigong.

When I use the term “qigong”, I always discover mixed responses: there are those who are sceptical/refutative, those who are overly immersed in the spiritual aspects of it, some who recognise it as a component in their martial arts practices, and those who study it but perhaps without the necessary depths afforded. Simply described, it is deep breathing, but more correctly defined, it is the control of internal pressures, primarily using breathing aligned with body mechanics. My purpose is not to convince anyone that invisible energy flows all around you, even though it is technically true: think of electromagnetic radiation, for instance, and perhaps mystical forces are not as farfetched as we are inclined to believe. Instead, I aim to focus on how to improve wellbeing and vitality, which is a combination of physiology, psychology, metaphysics, and holistic awareness.

At the most basic level, all qigong exercises stem from the tripartite foundation I have named Activation, Charge, and Flow.

Activation: Involves awareness and the rudiments of energy in the body, through controlled tension. In the martial arts as well, it is best demonstrated with hand/finger exercises.

Charge/Storage: Mainly involving the development of Dantian (the centre/abdomen where all energy/Qi converges). Involves core exercises and strengthening of the abdomen.

Flow:  Circulation, and becoming aware of the internal pathways of pressure/sensations. It is easily the most recognisable aspect of qigong, as it is what is commonly seen in the parks practiced by the elderly, and commonly takes the form of Tai Chi-esque sequences.

Without Activation, the Flowing movements are mostly just dance routine. Without Flow, activation is limited in benefits. Charge improves as the other two improve, and nourishes their development in turn.

In time, practitioners may advance to concepts as such transformation, absorption, and convergence, but the principle three basics outline above are the foundation of more advanced qigong. Please note that this book does not cover all the fundamentals required for those who are specifically interested in Qigong, particularly any beginners in the field of internal energy. Junzi Tao is an elaboration on my personal cultivation method, and I would recommend those without a martial arts background to develop their own internal proficiency, which will greatly assist their progress in the 10 levels.

Internal Energy Theory

I have been a proponent of internal energy and wellbeing for most of my life, and the main goal of neigong (internal energy practices) is promoting the flow of energy within, enhancing its ability to nourish. As time passed, I refined my techniques, reaching the systemic version presented below; this method is the basic Junzi Neigong (practice of internal energy), which can be treated as a form of existential alchemy. It is primarily the martial arts which employ such training, and while I do advocate learning a martial art in one’s lifetime, it is not absolutely essential for people seeking spiritual refinement. It is also important to understand that even without specific practice, a person’s life force can be nourished by a healthy and active daily routine; it is enhanced with proper specific practices.

The nature of internal energy systems will vary, depending on culture and time frame. Indian philosophies present the concept of chakras/prana, which is still applied in traditional yoga, while the French idea of “elan vital” (the vital life force thought to be responsible for natural causation/evolution) was strikingly similar to Qi’s transmutative principles. Orgone was a substance that could be synonymous with how internal energy propagates, while old views about Ether in speculative physics were compatible with the key components of Qi. I have even heard anecdotes of Bodybuilding techniques that are remarkably similar to Qigong principles. Different theories of how to cultivate this internal energy have led to a plethora of existing systems being practiced and taught. Although Qi can be enhanced with external methods, Quan Zhen Taoist patriarch, Wang Chong Yang, redirected focus to more purely internal alchemy, as external alchemy practices (involving the ingestion of drugs) were often dangerous. My practice was designed and tailored for martial arts practitioners of any level, which nowadays is more common than the traditional alchemical experimentations.

When discussing internal energy, a distinction is to be made between Qigong and Neigong, for the two terms can be used interchangeably in many situations. If we used electrical circuits as an analogy, I find that Qigong is more about the wiring, while Neigong is more about the battery, or power source. In my own lifestyle I incorporate both mainly via my martial arts, practicing breathing exercises along with forms/movements designed to enhance the dynamics of Qi.

There are inherent risks involved with anyone who practices the internal system incorrectly, or overtaxes the benefits; this is mainly due to emotional or mental imbalances, for a calm and undisturbed state of being is recommended when practicing inner cultivation. Over time I came to refine the process presented below, distilling it into something requiring no anatomical/physiological knowledge, complex meridians, or the acupoints of internal energy. Of course, should one choose to study those fields in whatever capacity they are able- it may assist them in advancing in their internal energy proficiency. Having a diverse theoretical/knowledge base is helpful if one were diligent with their practice, but without the efforts of cultivation it is merely style without much substance.

Before attempting the exercises, a foundation in meditation is highly recommended. Though there are plenty of different methods, I have included a Basic Meditation Guide well suited for neigong. Meditation is seen as a method of spiritual component training, but its true potential is as a harmonising process of Mind, Body and Spirit (a lot of casual meditators neglect one or more of those factors). Always breathe through the nose and out through the mouth for qigong practices; there are techniques that do breathe in through the mouth and out through the nose, but we do not specifically address any of them in this book.

Body: For beginners, settling immediately into a lotus position may not yield the best results, so prepare the body with stretches and rhythmic movements, gentle and not too arduous. Finding yourself in a comfortable position is more important: I have seen many people attempt sitting meditation, yet they are often not ideally postured for it, so it is best to be comfortable and symmetrically postured, such as lying down, when starting out. Accustom yourself to deep, full and moderately paced breathing (slower than normal, but not necessarily appearing catatonic). Close your eyes and feel the breath filling the abdomen, roughly in the area between the sol plexus and the bellybutton along the centerline of your body (this is the Dantian). Clenching the gut reveals this area.

Mind: Clearing the mind is something that will give difficulty to all but the most experienced meditators; some practitioners do not clear the mind, they only suppress thoughts, which is something to avoid getting into the habit of. Rather than trying to empty the mind, it is easier to contrast with the environment by trying to draw in the surroundings e.g. scents, sounds, and sensations. We are trying to enhance the body’s rhythm, and exertions usually have the opposite effect. Grow comfortable until you are no longer distracted by the stimuli. Take it in with each breath, and let it out of the body along with each exhalation, which should also be well paced and full.

Spirit: Once you are used to the prior stages, casually feel the visceral sensations inside, and the flow of energy travelling around your body. It may seem discomforting or ticklish in the beginning, but over time it will feel euphoric and natural, almost cleansing. Allow the energy to circulate without paying too much attention to it.

Eventually you will be able to reactivate this feeling while sitting; with my experience, I can meditate while standing, or even moving (as one does during Tai Chi or variants of qigong). There’s no need to rush, no competition to win, just a state of relaxation, discovery and completeness. In time, benefits include a better state of wellbeing, such as lower stress levels, a healthier outlook, and cognitive functions. If I were writing a journal article for academic review, this is where I would start listing articles about the research conducted on benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices, but ultimately I encourage people to experience it for themselves via practice.

Once one is proficient in meditation, advanced internal energy training can begin. Below are focus points and guidelines for the process, which is helpful when once begins to explore transmutative qigong practices. Remember to breath accordingly for the exercises you are engaged with, and to take your own pace in the beginning as you better understand how your own physiology operates.

Meditations for Reflection

(This section is aimed to help one hone their understanding of internal energy, and thus cultivate the highest grade of Qi possible)

“Gold has Value, Jade is Invaluable.

Knowledge is valuable, Wisdom is invaluable

Polished brilliant sheen represents Purity

Compactness and Hardness represent Sure Intellect

Justice in the angles that do not cut, though appearing sharp

A pure prolonged Melody produced when struck

Its Vibrant Colour akin to Loyalty

Transparency reveals Interior Flaws: Openness is Sincerity

Brightness of Heaven, Substance of Earth

Even bare adornment represents Chastity

Virtues combined lead to Universal Truth”

Jade is synonymous with a junzi’s qualities, the adage above is a parallel of the highest stage of internal energy cultivation. As with the majority of Junzi Tao Philosophy, the overall neutrality of Power-centricity is dependent on the practitioner. The better one’s comprehension, the more effective are the results of exploring one’s potential.

Harmony between the components of any network is key. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a saying about the major internal organs: “If the stomach and the spleen are over nourished, it weakens the kidneys and the bladder; if those are over nourished it weakens the lungs and the large intestine; if those are over nourished it weakens the liver and the gallbladder; in turn, these weaken the stomach and the spleen.”

Regarding the shifting nature of inner energy flow, breathe and feel the breath circulating, filling but not overfilling you inside. Rather than force the energy through, it is more like painting a target that directs the flow to each zone. Qi travels outwards to nourish daily tasks in life, it returns inwards to regenerate. The concept of creation is perpetual, all we perceive is merely in a state of flux.

Focus is harmony between Mind, Body and Spirit. By concentrating, we can briefly transcend ourselves. After attainment, let go of accomplishment, and thus we are not bound by a preconception.

Consider this Order of forces, which are Hard/Weak, Soft/Weak, Hard/Strong, and finally Soft/Strong. Come to understand what is meant by Hard and Soft: comprehending this is essential. We are aiming to transmute the body into the final stage Soft/Strong. (More detail in Level 8).

The use of harshness/hard circumstances to temper an individual is situational. Discipline is not quite like the drying of wood or the treatment of leather. Just as with removing water from a plant, removing gentleness from the soul leaves it withered and brittle. Indiscriminate hardness ultimately weakens.

When feeling the onset of emotional storms, there is no need to dam the flooding rains: let them flow. As waters that fall from heaven flows back to the ocean, rising high to clouds above before returning to the earth below, those same waters that no longer carry the taste of salt. By understanding this, you understand how natural your feelings are.

Be not desperate, but ecstatic, a surge of power flows while retaining the faculties, evolving with every breath every step, every hope, everywhere- constantly. There’s no need to maintain the feeling, simply appreciate it when it arrives, let it go when it disperses.

Self-reflection allows one to enhance the eternal ebb and flow of inner Qi. Like a filter, it purifies the nourishing force. Eventually, we can turn this into the Infinite, and become a source of power unto ourselves.

Internal energy is not about being powerful, it is about balancing potency and progress. Do not lose the greater for the lesser by seeking temporary growth over smooth progressions. Beware becoming Domineering, Cunning, Infatuated, or Indecisive: all these paths are detrimental to developing True Qi. Being Domineering forces degradation; Being Cunning invites limitation; Being Infatuated causes dilution; Being Indecisive promotes stagnation.

Body and Mind combine, Mind and Intent combine, Intent and Qi combine, Qi and Spirit combine, Spirit and Movement combine, Movement and Emptiness combine, thus Self understand Heaven and Earth. (There is a martial are that uses this principle as their foundation, but the visualisation is quite useful in Beginner’s Qigong.)

The principle of Expand and Contract is a continual practice. During our waking hours live fully, breathe deeply. As we sleep, rest soundly to replenish ourselves. Awaken refreshed to strive towards our goals.

“Do or do not, there is no need to try”: Clear intention, clear conduct, clear reflection.

“All composed things are like a dream, a phantom, a drop of dew, a flash of lightning. This is how to meditate on them, this is how to observe them.“- Diamond Sutra of Buddhism.

Taiji is the Supreme Ultimate, Wuji is the Grand Nothingness. Together this void and infinity is the source. True Qi is to be gathered within, and compressed. The more concentrated that this Qi becomes the better potency; bear in mind that the aim is not to inhibit flow i.e. making it heavy, but enhance the fibers, making it purer. Once flow is adjusted, increase the circulation without diminishing the density. A micro universe has been created within.

With regards to body temperature- it will rise, perhaps uncomfortably so, but there is a danger with using cold conditions to rush through the training stage- it can result in nausea and general light-headedness when the inner flow readjusts for different conditions. As part of my training I have meditated and practiced internal energy techniques in snow conditions, which I discovered amplify the Qi I cultivated significantly. However, as explained above, attempting to rush the process can lead to surges of unmanageable power, ultimately harmful and a waste of efforts (this is related to a condition known as fire-deviation). While there are times that Qi seems to evolve to the next level, prompting dynamic channeling, I otherwise strongly advise that practitioner to maintain steady, stable growth. Cold training IS a viable style of cultivation, and can be easily explored via the Wim Hof Method.

Water takes the shape of whatever holds it, and knowledge follows the same principle. If you try to take in more than you can hold, you will eventually burst and lose what you tried to accumulate. Do not attempt to hold everything in, for all you perceive is merely in a state of passing. Allow it to flow through you, and in time you come to understand that it is not the fluid that was so important, but the fluidity. As you learn, discard the rote memorising and make knowledge a part of you. This is how knowledge becomes wisdom, and how a copied skill becomes one’s own. Keep in mind that what we know still cannot be compared to what we do not. Our lives and the experiences we gain are thusly limited, while the unknown is boundless and infinite. Human nature has an arrogant streak which seeks to fill the void of the unknown with our relatively meagre existence, and by spreading one’s self so thinly we diminish the value of life. According to the sages, that is the root of many problems faced by civilisations.

Cultivation is not superficial: this is one of the most important points to recognise about the

whole process of self-discovery and improvement. Often the misnomer is that one erodes

away the individuality of self, to be replaced by a smooth blank slate- this is contrary to what

cultivation stands for. If one were so preoccupied with trimming stems, how then could

branches form? Should we stomp on mounds that may become mountains? Nurturing the

growth and giving direction to the shape is how it should be visualised, as flattening the

wrinkles of a sheet does not make it smooth. Repression is not the answer, but discipline has

its value. This is the recognition of refining a Superior state of being.

“Tension is who you think you should be, Relaxation is what you are.”

The above points are used to help cultivate our inner energy. If pressure builds uncomfortably, simply breath out to diffuse the Qi, move around for a little while, and resume from the most immediate stage prior. To gain full use of this energy, we now move to the realms of more focused internal energy. A simple way to accomplish this is to enter a variety of postures both upright or on the ground, and to breath according to the natural flow of the position, or simply engage in brisk movements for several minutes after the breathing exercises. If one knows martial arts, practicing some forms and techniques are ideal to kinesthetically develop this, paying close attention to the energy circulating within.

The 10 Levels of Junzi Tao Inner Energy Cultivation

Below I explore the 10 levels of my inner cultivation, which provide the foundation of my martial arts understanding, divided into three categories:

• Abstract: A general explanation of the key objectives
• Applications/Exercises: Some practical ways to hone and develop the cultivation stage principles.
• Development Journal: My personal history regarding this level, which may provide more context for any practitioners.

In addition, while there is no strict linear progression (i.e. one does not require a previous level to practice the next one), I recommend that the learning stages be grouped by Levels 1-3, then Level 4, Levels 5 and 6, Levels 7 and 8, and finally Level 9. Level 10 is an attainment of mastery/integration/cohesion, and thus does not need to be learned separately, but will be comprehensible once one is proficient enough in internal energy practices. In my entire experience with other practitioners, only one person has attempted to cultivate Level 10 specifically, and they have thus far failed to make any significant progress- perhaps this is because master chefs still require ingredients, and this person also lacked a sense of taste.

My own experience in the martial arts is nothing special, but I advocate using martial arts as a self-cultivation platform; from a young age I was involved with martial arts, which is almost too stereotypical considering my Chinese heritage. While my father’s side had a background in styles related to Tai Chi, and my maternal grandfather was a proponent of Shaolin martial arts, my current martial arts are just generic Kung Fu, with internal energy serving as my primary basis. Like most martial arts journeymen, I have, on occasion, travelled to different gyms/dojos, and been exposed to their unique cultures, but my interest has always been an academic and holistic approach to energy manipulation.

These days, style is less important than individual conditioning, especially with the rise of combat sports such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and that suits my personal approach very well. While I do not wish to get into a lengthy and ultimately futile debate about how MMA has exposed the more skeptical claims of traditional martial arts, I wish to highlight that I have no personal issue with any martial proponents, unless they lack manners: I have encountered a few martial artists of both traditional and modern mindsets who treat anything other than their own arts/approach with much disrespect. Frankly speaking: no high caliber martial artist I have encountered has ever bluntly discriminated other styles. While I have my own tailored move sets for my inner energy theory, Junzi Tao philosophy is generally compatible with most martial arts/combat sports/lifestyles, as my objective is simply to enhance one’s understanding of energy manipulation. Fighting is also not the same as internal cultivation, and I wish to highlight the transconfiguration/gestalt of studying internal cultivation for either purely martial, health, or ethical/moral reasons: those are applications, but not the true objective of Internal Cultivation (an important component of Level 10).

Level 1- Zero to Infinity: Harnessing Explosive Power

“There are only 2 points which humans reach enlightenment, and that is at Zero or Infinity (which are really one and the same). When my body relaxes to complete quell, I am able to unleash explosive amounts of energy. At the highest levels, one becomes Zero AND Infinity.”

Abstract: At the first few levels of internal cultivation, the outward resemblance is no different to standard martial arts, as the principles of biomechanics as well as inner energy activation is intrinsically intertwined with natural physiology and the physical forces. Whether it is the forms of basic power punching, kiai shouts/exhalations, or fajing energy execution, the objective is to deliver explosive impact, which have varying qualitative ‘flavours’.

To be able to streamline the body’s movements unleashes devastating impact when honed correctly. Speed comes from one’s intent, while strength comes from one’s conviction. With clear intentions and a firm faith, those who realise this can become powerful. I visualise this stage as a straight-line principle, which accelerates to maximum speed in the minimum amount of time, and unleashes the accumulated force on impact; ‘Zero to Infinity’ represents the initial relaxation to the fraction of a second when the force is released. Depending on how cleanly one can use this power, stamina is a factor, as the average person could not continue to exert their [seemingly] entire body’s power for very long.

Application Exercises: While the applications are simple and commonplace, I have met few practitioners who have truly taken this level to expert levels, though records of old-school martial artists have been intriguing to explore; one such proponent was Li Shu Wen, whose Bajiquan Kung Fu (specifically his use of fajing explosiveness) was said to “never need a second strike”. Bruce Lee’s One-Inch punch is related to this principle too. Keep in mind that under live pressure it is harder to use the technique as well as land the shot.

Beginners may practice standard Torque Punches or Boxing Straights, as these techniques have plenty of examples to draw upon. Do not be fixated on hitting hard until body streamlining is adequate, for it is important to twist the hips and master progressively smaller body rotations until the execution is not so telegraphed. Exhalation is key, specifically timing, but at advanced stages the breath is a representation of how cleanly inner energy is manipulated.

Once a student has taken the basics from outward streamlining, internal smoothness and flow should be developed, as that type of explosive force can then be applied to different types of strikes/angles, notably with the palms, and eventually the fingers (which must be treated delicately, as they are not normally ideal for blunt force trauma!). Key training components can thusly be summed into the following points:

• Streamlining the body twists/tensions to provide a streamline pathway for energy to travel.
• Internalisation of that feeling to produce effects while minimalising telegraphing.
• Instantaneous visualisation to maximise power output.
• Basic conditioning of any point of impact, but specifically knuckles, wrists, and fingers. I recommend exercises that improve grip strength, such as the tiger claw, iron wire, and progressively rapid flicking techniques. I generally dislike using wraps as they are not something that is a part of normal attire, but they should be used to prevent injury if necessary for the practitioner.
• Flicking exercises with attempt to produce a whiplash effect is a useful guide of this principle, as the fastest moves have the least amount of constant tension.

If one can use their whole body cleanly to produce an explosive release of energy from their fingers, then they can be considered to have understood this level.

Development Journal: The essence of this level is shared among all striking arts, and as a teenager this was the only true competency I grasped from my various martial arts training; in my youthful naivete I believed it was the pinnacle of martial arts accomplishment. However, in an unrefined state, I could sense how it was dependent on my physical fitness and by extension my youth. This level is always going to be energy intensive, even if mitigated, which is why it is shared amongst many beginners, but the efficacy does not improve as much when we age, unless regularly maintained, or unless an understanding of inner energy is pursued. Hence what originally could be taught as an external martial arts technique can act as the gateway for internal martial arts development. Over the years, I continued to develop my understanding of this level, and in time I may uncover even more depth to it. My first disciple never truly grasped the pith of this stage, as he was always tightly repressed on a psychological level, and his body became quite rigid. Power cannot be generated if the is a lack of comprehension regarding how it forms, and subsequently flows, but for external based martial arts it is good enough I suppose.

Level 2- Circular Rotations: Defence and Pathways

“The art of the jian (straight sword) is to deliberately expose a weakness, giving the enemy the impression that they have an opportunity. Your jian will move after the enemy, but strikes first.”

“To cease movement but not residual force, the opponent’s energy does not move you but instead moves through you. Instead of being pushed, choose to retreat, and they advance in vain.”

Abstract: The first level is represented by a straight line, and the second can similarly be represented by a circle. The question I pose to beginners is: how many straight lines does it take to make a circle? Tangential comprehension is what eventually allows for the eventual comprehension of this level, which aims to add a new dimension to one’s repertoire.

Breaking down the stiffness that I was not even aware was in my body, my awareness grew until I began to see intuited circular trajectory, and that makes this level ideal for defense; explosiveness is ideal for attacks, but by being able to engage and give way to my opponent’s attacks, I can capitalise on their efforts to create new opportunities for myself. Defense itself can be broadly categorised into these three levels, which are not restricted to this level:

• Blocking: To take the opponents force head on. At the basic level it is simply meeting force with one’s resistance, which works wonders if you are stronger/tougher than your opponent’s attack. Blocks can be used as attacks if you decide to go meet the opponent’s force with your own, but generally they are more energy efficient if you can stem the flow of another’s momentum, and use body shifting to diffuse their force.
• Parrying: To redirect and dispel another’s force, which causes them to waste their energy, and mitigate impact to ourselves. Parrying is generally better than blocking when dealing with higher power strikes, but is harder to execute cleanly, especially as experienced martial artists can retract their strikes and alter the tempo of attacks seemingly on a whim.
• Superseding: When one can engage with the incoming force, redirect it to neutralise damage, and create an advantageous opportunity, it is to supersede the attack. Many schools of joint lock manipulation train for this, to naturally gain the desired superior position, which is usually followed up by one’s own attack. Schools of striking also reach this in their own fashion with the use of counter-strikes: this is related to the expression ‘A good defense is a strong offence”.

Return more than what is given to resolve each transaction, remaining in control. We only borrow in life, and thus our payment is greater than the loan. Smoothly incorporate foreign energy streams, and guide it to your desired trajectory.

Application Exercises: In order to become proficient in this level, suppleness is the key. Practice rotating and swinging the body until one can feel the muscles burn from exertion, but do not exceed that point recklessly, or with blind determination. Cultivate suppleness, so reaction time is not negatively affected by forcing tired muscles to move: technique is more useful than force at this stage. Do not neglect clockwise and counterclockwise movements, and work on wide and small circular rotations: this applies to the hips, arms, and wrists, which are the primarily tools for circular movements.

When a person has sufficiently understood circular motions, the energy can be used for non-linear attacks, such as hooking/swinging strikes, which can be augmented by explosive impact once one has reached that level of proficiency. Examples of smooth and concentric circular motions can be viewed by Baguazhang practitioners.

If one can add their own energy to incoming attacks, and off-balance their opponent with seemingly minor flicks/twists, then they can be said to have reach a usable proficiency in Level 2 (useable refers to a live and resisting opponent instead of compliant partner drills).

Development Journal: I was always very strong, so blocking and attacking with powerful strikes were well suited to my body type. Yet using circles appealed to me, as I now was learning another colour, a different musical note, a new spatial dimension. As I interacted with other martial artist of different styles, using circular motions made more sense, especially as I was able to conserve my energy better. It is incorrect to say that I did not use circles before, as like the first level this principle is widespread, but my personal attention was now focused on refining the mechanics.

It was during my research of the second level that I actively researched inner energy theory, as well as became exposed to ground-fighting, which introduced me to a new dynamic of applying internal energy (seen in later levels). Almost all martial artists, once feeling the approach of age, will seek more efficient methods of employing force. I will advise anybody who used primarily strong and forceful moves to focus on adapting and adjusting their bodies first- do the drills and conditioning, because rushing this part can result in structural integrities which will cause major set backs later. Forcing the body to adapt too quickly or pushing through the pain seems mostly to provide only temporary benefits.

Level 3- Spiral Energy: Increasing dimensional applications, storing inner power. (Levels 1, 2 & 3 complement each other)

Abstract: When a straight line meets a circle, a spiral is formed. The spiral is a coil, and when controlled it can become an unimaginably compact force of power. Intuitively, one could simply combine elements of the previous two levels to obtain a functional grasp of spiral energy, but doing so usually neglects a critical component of the third level, which is the coiling/momentary housing of energy within the body, and how that opens a new depth to energy manipulation. Feeling/sensation is more important than ever now, as an attack (strike/throw) which can harness spiral energy is comparable to having a splitting or tearing effect on the target.

The more compact the energy, the better, as instantaneous release is optimal once the body has been appropriately primed, but this effect can have wider/elongated applications too. While many martial principles are limited to their desired execution, spiral energy is a single technique with infinite applications. Eventually, it is almost like a ball of compressed springs, and houses great potential energy.

Application Exercises: During this level, the training methods are less ornate, and seemingly duller. I advocate intense stretching and yoga-esque exercises, for flexibility is an ideal way to understand inner body tension. While it is an underrated aspect of martial arts attributes, it is the one with the best return on investment for power and longevity. Despite how logical it would be to regularly practice this element of athleticism, the average person regrettably does not find it particularly interesting. Thus, my next recommendation is to use forms that cater to this level’s cultivation, a prominent one being anything from the Tai Chi curriculum.

Lower body exercises and rooting drills are wonderfully paired with the application of spiral energy, and I would recommend a heavy focus on one’s stance and planted weight shifts.

When practicing forms, use slow and deliberate movements which begin by experiencing a heaviness/drag that eventually became comfortable and reassuring. There is a tendency to force slowness, which is awkward on the body, and impedes the flow of inner energy. Regardless of using stretching or forms to develop the inner coils, pay attention to the inner tensions of multiple positions, and especially to one’s breathing. When used in energy release, imagine the coils of power condensed, then emitted through the contact point (generally with an attack, but certain massage therapists can use similar executions). There is an exercise I use which involves closing my inner gates, accumulating my inner energy into coils, and timing the release of that power as I open the gates within, starting with small, then progressively larger volumes of force. This stage is when one can be said to be truly entering the world of more complex internal energy cultivation, as we see in the later levels.

I find that Levels 1-3 complement each other very well as the progression of ‘straight line to circle to spiral’ is very logical and easy to comprehend. Should a practitioner wish to focus on improving their combat ability sooner rather than later, they could simply focus on these three levels of cultivation, instead of going through the lengthy process of studying internal energy theory. The imagery is akin to a straight line going into a circular path, condensing into a spiral coil, and then moving in a straight line once more, before repeating itself ad infinitum.

Development Journal: This stage was when I took an interest in Tai Chi’s sublime energy principles, and worked on developing what I researched into an application. It was a chance encounter with a Tuishou expert that I was able to feel the power of spiral energy on myself, as well as appreciate the deceptively arduous training that allows for such power generation (primarily in the lower body). With that exposure, I took my time practicing different forms from various styles (such as Tai Chi, Bagua, and Baji/Pigua), further refining my inner flow of energy. At the risk of sounding infatuated, I once jokingly agreed to performing oral gratification on the physical embodiment of Tai Chi, should I ever encounter an entity, regardless of gender. I’d probably still hold myself to it, too.

I became a practicing Taoist ascetic sometime during this stage, though it would be another couple of years or so before I truly grasped the essence of the Way. For those who are somewhat interested in what that entailed (which I briefly mentioned in my Introduction) it was a wonderfully low impact time of my life, as I de-stressed and started serious internal cultivation. My sobriquet, Solomon Li, which has become a name I am evermore increasingly known by, was adopted at this time. The eventual studies and reflection are what culminated in the Junzi Tao of today, which we know will not be the Junzi Tao of tomorrow (a joke reference from Tao De Jing).

Level 4- Void of Power:

Absence is Strength, Emptiness is Usefulness

“The empty vessel is most useful because it is empty, the space that is occupied is limited because it is full.” Tao De Ching.

“Once you have learned something, discard any active retention. What you have retained is the essence you have managed to absorb; the form is stripped away to reveal the truth. Similarly, we can use deficit to combat abundance- I use attacks which are actually a defense, and vice versa.”

Abstract: While the previous levels were mostly focused on how to outwardly direct energy, Level 4 is the opposite, and focuses on simultaneously filling and emptying the reservoirs of energy inside the body. This appears to be a contradiction at first glance, for how can something become empty and full? The answer lies in the understanding of empty/full as a single dimension; the oceans are full of water yet may be void of inhabitants, an empty room is not void of substance but houses great potential. All celestial bodies are held in place by the force that fills yet does not take space: gravity. In the same way, this level’s cultivation can be represented by both “empty and filled”.

Spiral energy is the coil of potential generated and momentarily held within, and at this level we now aim to store that energy inside, accumulating then compounding the effect once proficiency is reached. Conscious and Unconscious Expansion and Contraction of the visceral occurs, as we develop an awareness of the networks within, such as fascia, and the fluids (such as lymph and blood). Accumulating the energy into the Dantian (essentially the lower abdomen), we fill ourselves with progressively higher grades of energy, and by flushing/scattering this energy to the extremities, such as the fingers, toes and top of the head, we can improve the volume of inner flow. Essentially, creating a momentary vacuum within, which is anchored, and acts either as an attractionary/syphoning force, or by reversing the vacuum, expels the force to be shaped as necessary to create repulsionary force. The word ‘emptiness’ is the focus during the beginning phase.

Once that has been inwardly accomplished without damage to the involved systems, that same principle can be applied in contact with outside objects and forces. Different to the normal idea of parrying, there is a qualitative distinction when attacking/defending with Void, as energy can now be subject to transformations.

At this Level, a previous concept resurfaces, from Level 2, regarding the nature of defensive tactics. As experience reveals, the highest defence is to supersede attacks, and with sufficient cultivation, the lowest defence (Blocking) may now be combined with transformative properties that allow one to reverse constant attacks. With an adequate understanding of softness, we can transmute attacks instead of simply redirecting or absorbing them, and turn such attacks upon their origin. Thus, instead of being reactionary, one can supplant attacks pre-emptively.

Application Exercises: To train at this level, Meditation and the Airball Exercise are advised, as well as a lot of deeply rooted, correctly postured horse stances. Beware of rushing this stage, as storing a great reservoir of energy and dissipating it allows for one’s energy potentials to increase, which is essential for the fifth level.

The Airball: To practice harmonic resonance, the airball is ideal. Once could engage in any sort of physical exercise beforehand, or simply clap the hands several times to activate inner flow to the palms. Hold the hands (flat and palms facing) a few centimeters away from each other. When breathing, exhale out into the palms from the chest, via the arms. Slowly breathe, and then move the hairs closer and farther apart, until a push/pull sensation is felt between the hands. Work to see how far one can extend the hands while maintaining a stronger connection between them.

Qi should not be allowed to stagnate. After exercises, which promote Qi flow, it is common to want to slow down immediately, but letting it run its course is preferable. First, we must understand that calm and slow are entirely different concepts, as calm can also be quick, and slow does not always equate to steady. Intermittently compress the outer shell to allow for an optimum catalytic mold, while taking care to not compress to the point of negating the circulations. This means to visualise a convergence of Mind/Body/Spirit. While the outer is still, the inner is smooth and flowing within. Periodically recharge the core, maintain compression until the Qi feels ready for another deep breath.

Eventually one could practice against sparring partners by intercepting attacks with a retractive mindset, which almost ‘collects’ the opponents force before doing what one wills of it. Take time to cultivate this stage properly, as well as accustom one’s self to these principles. I would recommend grappling as opposed to striking with sparring partners to make full use of initial training effects, which can be further developed and refined over time. It is recommended that one regularly meditates if attempting to explore this level, which is dependent on one’s internal awareness.

In my experience, stand up grappling and specifically throwing/tripping is well suited to developing this stage, as the lack of strikes allows for attention to be directed towards the transitions of both inner force and interpersonal forces involving the sparring partner. The more one becomes intimate with the concept of “Void”, the deeper the comprehension,

Development Journal: I developed this Level when I was studying what little we know of black holes; I was inspired by the idea that something so dense can create such a distortion to the Universe around it, then remembered that stupid people have always existed, and they have no lack of confidence in their ability/knowledge. My training began by experimenting with internal pressures, which aided in learning more about how I directed my inner bodily tensions. Such a vastness that is produced by a single point occupied in real space-time was a fascinating idea to play around with. A lot more study was necessary at this stage than the previous three, for now I had fewer common sources of reference to draw upon, and I researched a plethora of different subjects in hopes of advancing my comprehension of this level.

It was during a trip to a mountainous snowfield that I started to truly become adept with this stage; the coolness of the environment was welcome due to my tendency to overheat. It may be of some interest to know that I supposedly started an urban legend in the town, due to my penchant for jogging at night in shorts and a singlet. I was not totally immune to the cold, but not overheating so easily assisted me in moving greater amounts of energy within. Upon returning home, I also became more interested in grappling, as I discovered the grasping pressure of my sparring partners acted as a type of ‘gravity’ or resistance that aided internal training. In general, grappling could be extremely helpful to hasten the learning curve, but it relies on one having a solid foundation of internal mechanics. In time, I began experimenting with movements that did not meet an attack, but tried to occupy the space around attacks, with varying success.

Level 5- Love/Hate, Emotional Reinforcement/Conviction

(Harsh on the body, easy to over tax one’s self at this level)

Abstract: There are more advanced forms of Qigong that speak of heart energy, and the relationship of the heart with breath: our cardiovascular system correlates with this, and in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart and the tongue share a pairing relationship. At Level 5, one should have an understanding of body tension, and the movement of significant amounts of energy cycling through the system, primarily being stored within or expelled outside. Without an adequate understanding of internal energy, at least on the level of the previous stages, one can risk doing great damage to their bodies, stripping away at biological insulation, straining the joints, inflaming the mind and soul, and generally putting one’s health in jeopardy. It is my recommendation that the greatest caution be taken, because this level deals with the most powerful and consuming of personal emotions: Love/Hate, as well as the varying levels of pain/discomfort that accompany both. Practiced correctly, it should not pose any dangers to one’s long-term health, but it is very easy to get lost on this stage, and to burn out as a consequence.

Inner activation of one’s energy reserves means that energy undergoes another transformation; having gathered an abundance of internal energy beforehand would aid with this stage, as it gives the practitioner more to work with. The focus is no longer accumulating large amounts of energy to store within ourselves, but the activation process of unlocking the specific potential of that power, which not only results in a more potent energy, but encourages the idiosyncrasies inherent within one’s internal energy. Some could describe this as the stage when our bodies are set on fire, and we must use that as a catalyst to achieve a greater understanding of power. Controlled burns are ideal, but fires can go wild and out of control, so practice with moderation and caution.

Once the energy has been activated and refined within the body, one can practice using it to enhance static stances and power their attacks; it has a qualitative difference to previous methods of employing energy via attacks. I used to imagine it as having tendrils living in my Dantian, which extended forth and reinforced my body when I had to apply power, and it was interesting to conceptualise my energy streams this way as their transformation opened new possibilities for using internal energy. Beware of leaving the power in an uninsulated state for too long, something that is addressed by the sixth level. As a curious note, I later became acquainted with the Kundalini system of internal cultivation, which is founded more on chakras, and I discovered striking parallels to Level 5’s inner qi spiraling to the concept of the circulating serpent of Kundalini.

Application Exercises: Being placed under greater internal pressure is the way to train this level, either with internal control mechanisms, or by using external forces/weights. Essentially, placing great strain on the body and increasing the previous notion of our limits. I have known of fighters who use their rage to channel power, which is a similar concept to this level’s cultivation essence, but usually such persons are not able to refine the energy, which is subsequently lost, and they deplete their life force as a result. Better nutrition, recovery, and health-consciousness can mitigate this, as they do with most problems.

Body building exercises that place great strain on the body are very compatible with Level 5, but the focus is better directed towards gripping strength instead of body sculpting. Using fresh eggs (not boiled or rotten), place it in the palm and close the hand as evenly as possible, attempt to crush the egg. A sufficiently strong person can pinch-break the egg, but much greater difficulty is encounter when attempting to explode the egg- as the shell is a dome-structure, which displaces force evenly, thus preventing the egg from reaching the critical breaking point. Understanding the nature of energy, such as from Levels 1-4, allow for the engagement of the egg’s structural resistance to be breached when one’s own hand builds enough pressure, resulting in an exploding egg. I have heard of trending challenges which attempt to crush the egg in one’s biceps, but if it is too easy to crush an egg in the hand, then attempt to do when squeezing the hands together in a prayer position (no interlocking fingers). Be warned, it can get messy, so prepare one’s self appropriately!

Love and Hate are fundamentally the same emotion from a philosophical perspective, as they both anchor as strong attachment, and we can find citations of psychological studies that correlate this premise- channeling great devotion or great rage are the forms expressed for either Love or Hate respectively. I had a personal disciple who developed this stage by spending hours every evening stomping around his neighbourbood, which I found a little concerning until I realised that he was merely expressing his love for the martial arts with this daily tribute, and I commended his resolve. A darker example is that of a friend who trained his body to an exhaustive and consumed state (due to rage and inner turmoil following a low point in his life, not helped by the fact that he worked in hospitality). Together, we were able to preserve his condition and improve it to the point where he paid more attention to his vitality, though to my mild disappointment he never pursued more advanced internal energy cultivation after I saved his life he somewhat recovered.

During this stage, it is important to keep the emotions under scrutiny, as while they can help, they can also hurt if over used. Ironically, suppressing something only makes it stronger, and the emotions are especially prone to this principle- keep the emotions in check, so one can adjust the ‘pressure’ as necessary, and control the momentum for this level’s specific energy activation. Reinforcement of the bones, ligaments, and tendons are the direct result of practicing this level, and thus Level 5 aids in impact training, such as for the shins (leg checks) or with grip exertions (when applying chokes).

Development Journal: Fire-deviation is an old cautionary tale about how emotional turmoil is harmful to one’s spiritual progress, though in that same way a virus is good for the immune system, I accept that it is important to process such volatile stimuli. Strong emotions were my gateway to this level, as I channeled sources of Love/Hate to push myself to a new level of inner experimentation- I was also trying to catalyse vastly neglected feelings. While it may sound hypocritical of me to caution practitioners, I was very negligent during this stage, partially due to powerful emotions leading the mind to such primal states of being, and partially due to my desire to explore this newfound territory. Fortunately, despite impairments to my health, I was able to recover and reestablish my inner energy foundations, which were still intact.

What interested me the most about this stage was that now the amount of energy I used in techniques was less important that the timing and levels of energy employed, which opened new dimensions to my understanding of life force cultivation. It was also a way to clash internal force with others.

Level 6- Stillness/Awe, Fill the entire system with Qi: Spiritual Attunement and Insulation of Power, Balance Phase.

(Extreme practitioners of Level 5 are strongly encouraged to learn Level 6 and 7 sooner rather than later)

“Enlightenment as a means is incomparable to enlightenment as the end result. When the Monkey King realised he could never physically escape Buddha’s palm, he was at last able to transcend it.”

“The beauty that leaves one speechless is more magnificent than that which inspires a thousand sonnets. Wit that transcends vanity leaves the audience stunned. A strength of character which speaks volumes by enduring adversity cannot be adequately praised. For in that instance, when it manifests, it reminds us of a resounding truth about the Universe, that it is Real, and we feel awe so that we may respond accordingly within that moment, that feeling, that experience of innate recognition of Truth.”

Abstract: The inner tension that accumulates during level 5 can become dangerously unstable if left unchecked, or if overused: many fighters destroy their bodies using the rudiments of Level 5 cultivation. Hence, this level is about inner peace and insulation of the newly activated power, which is still far from its true potency. However, that activation and transformation of one’s previous internal energy can lead to feelings of euphoria and empowerment that some would use to dominate others, essentially using it to force opposition to one’s will. This is a trapping of weakness, as well as being a losing strategy due to the arrogance that open human subjugation is something that can be maintained indefinitely. So, it important to protect the power from itself, as well as a person from the rawness of their own energy by negating ego with Awe, and practicing stillness/inner calm. Imagine a forest that has been set ablaze, and now must be submerged in cooling waters before burning out completely. The eventual aim is to sublimate the vibrational effects of supercharging from Level 5, culminating in apparent stillness; in the case of stillness, one usually assumes the glass is empty, which is contrary to being charged and still at Level 6.

Level 6 is about the acknowledgement of the self, while Level 7 moves to accept the external. When we change inside, rarely do we not experience change on the outside.

Application Exercises: Meditation is especially important during this stage, more so if one was overtaxing themselves at the previous level. The only exercise employed at this stage is simply to sharply exhale, and fill oneself to the extremities with inner energy. One’s reservoirs have naturally gathered the type of energy cultivated thus far, and are washing through the entire body’ system: the breath control assists with the circulation, kickstarting the system again after the ravages of level 5. In the span of a single exhalation, feel stillness resound throughout the self, let the mind be calm, the spirit settled, and the body suspended in time. Take time to allow the body to recover, rejoice in the simple pleasures, and exist with a newfound awareness of the world around you, as well as the world within you.

Practice meditation and extend awareness/consciousness outwards, as a tree spreads its roots and disperses pollen. The energy accumulated at this stage is soft and malleable, in direct contrast the tough and solid sensations of Level 5, but used in tandem they are supplementary and cooperative. Unlike Level 4, which used the concept of being filled, Level 6 deals with dissipation via absorption, and can be used to reflect attacks upon themselves (this is similar to something known as the sensation of peng in internal martial arts).

Development Journal: It was an accident during training with a student that highlighted the usefulness of this Level in combat: as the young man, taller and very strong, moved to punch my gut, my body instinctively absorbed and reflected the impact upon his hand, which led to a dislocated finger (imagine if the finger could bend sides ways, and that was what it looked like). Apparently, the fracture was extremely clean, and while it was unfortunate for the young man (who recovered and is still very active in sports/training), it was very educational for us in general. This feat is commonplace in the martial arts, but I have investigated how masters of the past could have used it more deliberately.

I confess: I have always been an unusually talkative spiritualist, as most ascetics practice silence to help bring out awareness of the mind. However, at this stage, I truly appreciated silence as part of understanding the Way, for noise acts as filler, and to cultivate the natural way it would help to be unimpeded by distractions without and within- it was unnerving for a few of my friends to see that I became rather quiet, but eventually I resumed my usual mannerisms. Now able to laugh in a voiceless manner, and speak without the urge to shout my enthusiasms: My Way will always include verbal expressions, but now I am a musician who plays pauses as well as notes.

Level 7- Acceptance/Humility: Reintegration of functionality, and harmonisation with environment.

“I have 3 precious traits I hold fast and prize: gentleness, frugality and humilty. Be gentle and you can be bold, be frugal and you can be liberal, avoid putting yourself above others and you can be a leader amongst men”- Lao Tzu.

“I wish to build a civil relationship with everyone in the world, as I improve my understanding of what it means to maintain an honest and sincere relationship with myself. Humility will save from humiliation. Falsehoods will bring about discrepancies in our destiny. Live a true life by accepting yourself and shaping it.”

Abstract: While Level 5 activates the energy within, and Level 6 holds it in elongated moments of stasis, Level 7 is about Acceptance, which entails allowing the Natural forces of the environment to diffuse into ourselves, and collect within the Dantian. From there it circulates throughout the body, eventually cycling back out, though the bolstering effects on our energy system remains. Some practitioners may wonder if the location is significant during this part of cultivation, to which I will say that while a negative environment isn’t conducive to many activities, one does not require a typically scenic environment to practice general cultivation: it may help, but should not be the focus.

At this stage, it is as if the Mind, Body, and Spirit are taking that initial first breath as a newborn infant. A softer and gentler approach to cultivation is more suitable than any feelings of superiority or dominance, for this is a level of cultivation that reminds the practitioner how being a Superior Person means not investing into one’s superiority, and we are only ever the first amongst equals. To be able to lower one’s self is to be in a position of greater power than those who love to lord themselves above others, while humility is the truest appreciation of the self, free from superficialities and trappings. Note that it is important to distinguish between the Form of humility, which may result in sanctimony, and the Essence of humility, that speaks volumes with simple gestures.

In the Tao De Jing, there is much endorsement of soft power, which is not necessarily in contrast to traditional views on Power, yet there is a simplicity to it that is arguably unique to the Tao. False humility is quite easy to spot, and as such, this level aims for a cultivation that may inherently deter practitioners who only want a direct method of utilising such power. This is when we realise that we are the architects of our own imprisonment, and facing character deficits can be more daunting for those who prefer to cope by drowning in or drowning out their inner turmoil.

Recognising the cracks of a diamond is a part of how we shape them. I read about an experiment that involved creating diamonds at room temperature using lasers, which drew my interest as I loved using the analogy of enduring great pressure to eventually turn common coal into something as durable as diamond. Yet this was before my studies of the Tao, and when I compared my mindset with such analogies before, I recognised that I applied it in a rather forceful manner. Perhaps instead of placing so much burden on the Self, we could try concentrated focus to transform/evolve into different states. In a similar fashion, a hard life isn’t the only way to develop character, and the overcoming of intense trials can prompt the same kind of benefits.

Exploring our weaknesses is a method of overcoming that which we did not wish to understand, yet we should, if we aim to truly develop ourselves further. Lying to one’s self indefinitely can only lead to ruin for all involved, thus the emphasis on personal integrity is less about reinforcing moral convictions (as seen in Falun Gong), but instead it is concerned with self-alignment to remove cognitive dissonances (Junzi Tao).

Application Exercises: This is essentially a revision stage of inner energy cultivation, which puts into practice previous internal and external exercises: the Meditations for Reflection should be revised at this stage, if one had not been doing so consistently before. Level 6 and 7 are primarily concerned with the regulation of inner energy, and improved awareness/mindfulness. The early levels were primarily involved with Body, Level 6 can be said to be mainly in the realm of Spirit, while Level 7 is focused on the Mind.

At this point I wish to elaborate on the Mind/Body/Spirit module of Junzi Tao. One of the main pursuits is to unify those 3 seemingly separate concepts, which are explored as we discover the world, their barriers eroded by perspective, and eventually recombined when we understand how to apply transcendentalism. For any philosophers interested in this concept, it is related to Monadism (which I will not get into details about here) and being “One with the Tao”.

Imagine a Venn Diagram with 3 circles, each representing Mind, Body, and Spirit respectively. The overlap of the 3, in the center, is something that increases as one’s cultivation reaches the highest ideals and the surest depths, which align how we think/feel/behave. These days there is too much emphasis on deconstruction, analysis, and compartmentalisation, which are valuable and important in their own right, but are counter-productive for transcendental processes. There is no inherent barrier to simultaneous thought, except by the limitation of perceived structure; structure gives form and support, but also limits the properties, and while infinite potential is almost tantamount to zero practicality, undervaluing potential for immediate functions is not a long-term sustainable method. With regards to developing Mind/Body/Spirit as separate components, it is also vital to holistically integrate them, as their combined operations is greater than the sum of the parts. This is the concept I describe as transconfiguration (or gestalt), which is to recognise, by degrees, how the final form of components can have a totally different function/purpose than what the individual parts may suggest.

To supplement this level, it is helpful to reflect upon and revisit past exercises and experiences (not necessarily limited to those found here), and rediscover the processes that led you to this point.

Development Journal: This level was the stage where I felt as if I was also being directed by the internal energy within, as opposed to previously directing it in a conscious manner. Intuition and improvisation are second nature, and now they provide unassuming feedback for how to perceive reality, and how to cultivate one’s self. Level 6 and 7 were extremely helpful during my research phase, as I was always one to push things to limits, and I overdid myself during Level 5 in the interests of personal curiosity. As a result, I took years to develop the cultivation phase of this level properly, healing my Mind, Body, and Spirit before moving on to Level 8. It may not be directly involved with the cultivation process, but I was grateful to have made sincere connections with others thus far; as enlightened as one may become, having treasured companions will add an authenticity to transcendentalism, especially when feeling lonely and being alone are distinctly different. At Level 7, one moves beyond the point of Love/Hate, where we can no longer be hurt by attachment, thanks to sufficiently understanding detachment. Entertaining contrary ideas simultaneously, eventually comprehending the final concept that is neither, but born of both: this is philosophical/theological synthesis, and the process itself is almost a form of Nirvana.

Level 8- Temporal Transition/Growth: Maturation of internal energy, fine-tuning control, and unlocking the Head’s nexus for energy processing.

(Level 7 and level 8 are to increase the depth of one’s understanding, augmenting the existing levels.)

“There is a point reached when you are beyond the situation, in order to dictate the terms of that situation. This power ironically allows for one to stipulate the environment better than while being totally immersed, which can lead to a limited perspective. The ideal Junzi state of mind is to be immersed with this power without being overcome by it.”

“When you travel on a journey to meet your Future self, what path best serves your purpose?”

Abstract: When I reached this level, I suddenly viewed the entire cultivation process as the creation of a metaphysical body. Consciousness began as a spark that explored more dimensions, and exerted an impact on the world around it. Forces accumulated, and took various effects that allowed for transformation via basic energy principles, culminating in the visceral (Level 4) that took on form in the bones and muscle (Level 5). Subsequent development of a nervous system could interact with external stimuli (Level 6), furthering into the development of skin that could better shape the environment around while insulating the environment within (Level 7). Allowing it to mature into the ideal form over time is the cultivation stage of Level 8. Internal Energy is physiology and physical forces at the early levels, and while it will always have those elements, it becomes metaphysics at the higher levels.

Mysticism is a term that is often misunderstood by both the general public, especially due to the term being used in supernatural fiction as meaning “magic from the Orient”, or “people who are into really alternative and spiritual ideas”. In reality, it stems from classical definitions of the paranormal, specifically how types of magic styles are organised, and mysticism in that context refers to using ‘magical forces/power’ specifically to augment the body. A classic example are entertainers who swallow swords, sleep on pins, and generally demonstrate various ‘mind over matter’ feats. Before the need to demystify things, so as to be more rational or quantifiable, such ascetic feats were practiced fairly commonly by hard-core spiritualists or dedicated Kung Fu practitioners; it should not be confused with the superstitions of a less educated time, but the eternal pursuit of self-development which is intrinsically linked to self-cultivation.

Application Exercises: At this stage, it is important to pay attention to the qualities of the energy we cultivate within, as realistically speaking there will be a mixture of earlier grades as well as newly transmuted energy. At this stage, one should distinguish between the metaphysical nature of forces, primarily either Strong or Weak combined with Hard or Soft (not to be confused with the types of forces that are learned about in basic physical sciences, though a loose parallel can be drawn). There are 4 combinations for the Nature of Forces, and that mixture can become relative depending on the application. From least desirable to most desirable, they are:

Weak/Hard: Not able to accomplish what is desired, and too stubborn to change, very brittle. Anxiety and uncontrolled tensions contribute to this, as natural flow is impeded or obstructed outright.

Weak/Soft: Although unable to make a significant impact, the willingness to adapt and accommodate for change is the potential for future growth, and thus power.

Strong/Hard: Having the ability to leave an impact and make its point known, it is powerful but unyielding, which is usually played to its benefit. Many top fighters believe this is the acme of their might, but time is the greatest opponent to this force, which cannot be defeated in the long term.

Strong/Soft: The greatest state, an ideal that allows for adaptation yet maintains structural integrity inherently, and the most difficult to accomplish; it is easier to become hard/strong, and insufficient comprehension leads to the force becoming soft/weak instead of strong. When people transcend their need to dominate, they can overcome obstacles without requiring a massive show of force. It is not weaker than strong forces, nor as limited, able to evolve with new experiences without being overcome by them.

A seasoned martial artist can grasp the meaning of these distinctive categories even if they are not capable of wielding the higher ones yet. However, it is important to note that the classification of forces can be seen as tantamount to structural integrity (true power), which is definitely not limited to the martial arts, and another prime example is in argumentative debate, or reasoning in general. While the lack of logical fallacies is a good indication of a stronger argument, being able to reframe and add other opinions without a collapse of the argument premise is a sign of sounder and more valid reasoning ability. How often have we encountered people defending flawed arguments, while there are those whose opinions are easily swayed? Better debaters can not only present a strong case, but also respond and adapt to new information, which adamant conviction does not always easily facilitate. As with all things, that which is in a naturally sound position does not require continuous upkeep to maintain, even if it can be further developed with additional efforts. Understanding Heaven’s Will is able moving in accordance of the ways of nature, the Order of the Universe.

Strengthen the Mind, and when one can begin to understand paradox, and seemingly incoherent or incongruous ideas make sense, the development of this Level is in effect. Zen Koans are ideally suited for meditation/reflection. Continue to cultivate and discover the parameters of equilibrium.

Dantian Rotation: There are various types of Dantian Rotational exercises that shift the flow between the major nexus points of the body. As this book does not require knowledge of Qi-Anatomy, a very simple version is to imagine the sinus, the diaphragm cavity, and the Dantian (in the lower abdomen) as the three Dantian points we will use for this exercise, instead of just refering to the one in the lower abdomen.

• Deep breathing is maintained throughout the exercise, beginning with the lowest Dantian point (abdominal).
• Breathe and focus the air at the three points, moving up and down the three points.
• Do not try to force the air from each point, but also refrain from trying to syphon the air stored at each point when breathing in. Rather, as one breathes in, the pressure/air will passively flow from point to point. Continue until the movement is smooth and adjust pressure as necessary for one’s own cultivation level.
• When finishing, root one’s self (with legs if standing, with the pelvis if seated, and with the back/ankles if lying down) and lift the hands outwards with palms facing out. Breath in deeply to the abdominal Dantian, hold the internal air, and then slowly disperse out through the palms until completely deflated, as much as possible.
• End exercise by resuming normal breathing/movement.

Development Journal: Experimenting with temporal transitions has deepened my understanding of Quantum impositions, as I begin to visualise how eternity only lasts a single instance. At this stage, it is almost as if I have a ‘fast-forward’ button that rapidly develops portions of energy and their extensions. While temporal transitions are not limited to only a forward direction, chrono-specifications suggest that the particles responsible for time are oriented in a “forwards” direction (that is to say that the stream of time flows forwards more naturally than backwards). Metaphysics and Quantum Theory are remarkably compatible as they question the nature of reality; it is perfectly natural for the human mind to develop ideas that can not yet be explored with the required depth, but still manage to delve into the properties of the Universe. For instance, Buddhism’s 8-Fold Pathways concept is credited with contributing to the understanding of quantum particle directions, and Binary Code is based on I Ching (Yin and Yang relationship) thousands of years before Leibniz developed Explication de l’Arithmétique Binaire (outlining the arithmetic he already developed years ago).

I was practicing this level of cultivation while working as a quarantine inspector in the desert, which sounds very romantic, though the location was not as important as being away from society so I could develop the Tao, and focus attentions on my cultivation. It was about half a year before I made the progression from Level 7 to Level 8, and by then it all seemed rather obvious! My original intentions were to use internal energy to enhance my martial arts, and reach discrete enlightenment, but advancing through the levels made apparent that the basic truths and foundations of Life are more important than my previous notions of grandeur. Return to the simple, embrace what is Good, power grows as my sense of Self develops, and I am still able to explore the vastness of the unknown with a fresh perspective.

Level 9- Mastery/Harmonising Energy. Directing internal energy as intended. Cohesion still requires a conductor; it is a conscious effort and thus incomplete.

Abstract: The pith of Junzi Tao may well be the principle of Expansion and Contraction: if we breathe for long enough, and the principles of diffusion remain true, eventually do we not take in all of existence? Although by this process we amount to less than 1% of infinity, that foundation is enough to support an ever-evolving self. Stagnation that signifies the true end to one’s life is instead embraced, not rejected, and frozen waters will flow again. Dispersed, disseminated, yet connected, and can synthesise independently before returning to the source. At times, a chrysalis is formed as new ‘essence’ creates a new ‘form’ to represent it; growth and decay will see that the cycle continues. Ultimately, this is merely a refinement, as that perfection sought is not eternal, and equilibrium is dynamic, not static.

When circulating energy, most orthodox schools will gather energy into the Dantian, and one can also use the sanjiao (triple burning space, in the chest cavity); I will refrain from going into chakra points or the traditional energy points of Taoist alchemical physiology charts. However, when one has softened their energy streams appropriately, the head, specifically the nasal cavity, can become a site for internal energy processing. Some people who lead an extremely active will use it without realising that it can cause ‘internal energy burns’, typically represented by a reddening/darkening of the face due to dilated blood vessels and concentrations of blood pumping through the system. Thus, it is advised that one does not actively use the head for such refinements of inner energy, though it is already an important nexus point for energy cultivated from the 8^th level (unconsciously automated).

Application Exercises: Refining and circulating one’s internal energy is all that is required of this level, which is easier said than done. Full body circulations are not unheard of in any form of martial arts, as this is closely related to fitness. Subsequently, one could just do a lot of cardio/running and general exercises without trying to exhaust the body, and merely to get the blood pumping. This is why older people do seated exercises, or are only encouraged to slightly increase their circulation on a regular basis, but the younger ones will typically try to push their fitter bodies. Physical exercise without a specific internal focus will not be able to provide the best method of energy cultivation, so it is worthwhile to invest in a qigong method, eventually.

For this level I developed a personal Yi Jin Jing, or Muscle and Tendon Cleansing Exercises. There are plenty of them available these days, as a lot of these once guarded techniques are being made available online, such as on YoutTube: please note that an understanding of inner energy is what allows these exercises to deliver their full benefits. If one does not understand at least the basic 3 principles of internal energy (activation, flow, and charge), then copying qigong sequences has limited benefits.

Each component of my own Yi Jin Jing has a basic form, listed below, and a hidden ‘advanced’ form that I do not divulge to the public for traditional reasons (though my own students may be privy to them). It would be better to provide pictures or diagrams for such exercises, but I do not go into such details as this also encourages practitioners to do their own research/homework, especially if they do not have access to Junzi Tao martial arts experience. I must stress that the rote forms are meaningless by themselves, and are only useful as an initial platform for developing more advanced inner energy, which is also why I have included the literary formulae of each stage (requires advanced knowledge of internal alchemy).

Junzi Yi Jin Jing

1. Iron Wire: Focus is on the wrists and shoulder tensions. It is not in Up and Down, but In and Out, that the true power is manifested.

• Infinity Hip Rotations: Shifting weight and smooth turns. When turning an angle, it is instinct to slow down, but in the case of infinity, the circle has no beginning nor end, and thus should not be seen as angular.

• Scarecrow Twists: Rather than just flicking out to the fingertips, storing at the elbow before releasing the flow is the key. To move from the core is the crux of all outward movements.

• Iron Lotus Blooms: At the base, lift up; in the mid-section, compress inwards; at the top, bloom up and out, then return to the base. Forcibly so, one will meet resistance, while guiding the flow makes for facilitated circulated.

• Parting Waves/Splitting Earth: Shifting the immense pressure in and out while always ‘pushing down’. Yet to constantly diffuse through the legs is the key to perpetuity.

• Respect/Rest Form: Maintain the base at the legs, do not let the forehead take the weight, thus the spine is stretched, yet the form is not compromised.

• Reverse Pillar: Be careful not to place too much pressure on the neck, extend from the hips. The aim is not to be straight, but to be extended from Dantian.

• Infinite Hands of Tathagata: The feeling of tension and extension is what is important, like a bungee cord. From that understand of recycling force, one can thus snap/bloom their energy/hands.

• Silk Reeling: Feeling is more important than the form. The true reels are not in the silk, but the carpals themselves.

1. Cross Suspension: Align from the feet/heels. Hands clasped from the waist, behind, and arms pulled up high from the shoulders. An entanglement which serves to invert inner entanglement, and diagnose tensions.

1. Reverse Breathing Palms: Maintain pressure at the palms, prevent the shoulders from hunching for better flow. One aims to maintain an equilibrium of force, as the power balances off each polar end.

1. Kidney Cleanser: Anchor deep, feel the roots pull as one bends forwards and backwards. Imagine bamboo, swaying in the wind.

Development Journal: At level 9 I knew that my exploratory research was drawing to a close, so I reviewed and reconfigured myself to adjust for improvements. It is hard to believe that it took over a decade just to map the foundation of my Junzi Tao, and that my initial speculations were not even 30% of what was uncovered. While I am far from mastery of all levels, my comprehension has matured enough that I no longer feel pedantic about rushing the stages, and I am cultivating myself while moving into secular interests. There is still a stiffness, or deliberation, in my internal processes, which I am hoping to refine over time.

My Yi Jin Jing is nothing extraordinary, but I was pleased with it in the same manner as a chef who suitably recreated a famous dish. I did impart the basics to a good student who volunteered to test it, and from that experiment I was assured it was appropriate for general practitioners (who had not spent years on their internal energy development). When I practice the set, I can produce deliberate cracking sounds from my body, but for that student it is more akin to yoga/calisthenics until his internal system has reached greater maturity: he is still young, and yet to be able to explode an egg in the palm of his hands, so it is understandable. In the time between developing and explaining the methods of cultivation to him, to his attainment of reasonable proficiency (despite the advanced content), he had managed to develop a higher-than-average grade of soft, resonating, potent inner qi. A short while later, his body acclimated to the now augmented internal flow, and he [temporarily] experienced the surge that accompanies such power boost instances.

If I had trained this student using the proper Junzi foundation, I have no doubt that he would have become more powerful, yet there is no guarantee that he would have developed such a supple quality of inner energy. Thus, we see that quality matters more than quantity, and the eventual stage he reaches will be greater than if he had aimed for immediate success.

Level 10- Freedom/Transcendence

Lucidity and homogenous energy streams are perfectly blended, there is no longer any need to think in defined terms, as one’s existence becomes enlightened. Nature’s symphony simply plays with no concern for an audience.

Epitaph of the Eccentric Junzi- “I no longer rely on styles to rationalise the Universe. Words, thoughts, and intent can all become my medium. From now on, the essence of my cultivation slowly reaches the point of incorporating Everything, while appearing to do Nothing. As it is said in Tao de Jing, the sage does nothing, yet leaves nothing undone.”

At this level, there is no longer a scale of definable attainment: it is quite intrinsic to the practitioner. If Level 9 is about Consciousness, then I suppose Level 10 could be considered Conscious Unconsciousness. I have discovered, over a period of time, that as I accumulate and transform my energy to the 10^th Level, that I am almost going backwards in my temporal continuity, and am as a withered branch that blossoms new life. In relation to Junzi Jing’s stance on the stages of defense, we have covered Blocking, Parrying, and Superseding previously, but this level could be considered the acme of Superseding, in that damage is not absorbed, redirected, or avoided, but is now reversed/healed. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, yet bringing water to a burning house is better than bringing advice rooted in hindsight.

There are old stories, anecdotes, of highly attuned neigong masters being able to preserve their vitality, and then reverse the declination of age (somewhat) as they continued to live according to their practices. Some have also described the ideal state as a sort of dynamic equilibrium, which is similar to my own fledgling experiences of the 10^th Level, but only time and practice will reveal if there is more to this than I am currently aware. In my companion compendium to Junzi Jing, titled Garden of the Golden Flower (the title being a homage to a Taoist classic text called The Secret of the Golden Flower)I delve more into advanced metaphysical alchemy and esoteric neigong prose, but I do not recommend it for beginners in the same way that calculus is not prematurely recommended to students.

I am of the persuasion that the idea of meeting the Divine, or reaching Enlightenment, or becoming One with the Tao, is a misconception of true cultivation. More than likely, we have already become that which we initially sought to encounter, and there is no need to appeal to a higher power…

Conclusion/Tea Ceremony/A Guide to Brewing Tea: Simple Instructions for Tea Lovers.

The Three Vinegar Tasters

There were once three eminent masters of the human condition who tasted a vat of vinegar: Confucius, The Buddha, and Lao Tzu. The first tasted it, and was disappointed, as he thought it very bitter. The second was left with a sour expression as he considered how the taste made one suffer. The third drank it, and smiled, because it was vinegar, and tasted like vinegar.

I hold the three in such high regard that each day, in order to emulate their enlightened behaviour, I drink a cup of vinegar. (This is your cue to laugh)

Firstly, thank you for having taken the time to explore my thoughts and philosophy. Instead of offering you a cup of vinegar, I would propose we share a cup of something more palatable- tea. The true art of tea is the process of patience, refinement, and appreciation, ideal for practicing most forms of spirituality. I can think of no conclusion more appropriate for a cultivation guide.

As a young man, before I was especially knowledgeable in spiritualism, I found myself in Singapore, and my guide/friend took me to a well-established tea house. The weather was not to my taste, and hot tea was not my first choice to quench our thirst, but I did love the idea of a tea house. The moment we stepped in, I was transported to another era, and as she booked our table I forgot about the heat and my discomfort, immersing myself into the joy of sharing tea with a friend. We found a special peace in the brewing process of tea, something that applied to me even before I was aware of tea ceremonies, and the minutiae of customs which accompany it.

While it is important to become familiar with a few basic facts, that is nothing to stop a person from enjoying tea- there is no need for many ornate or specific brewing tools, and before ordering an expensive set of paper weights off the internet, one should practice with basic brewing. The tea ceremony I observed had much more depth and several stages, such as washing the utensils, and the correct ways to pour tea or empty the contents: it was a ritualistic and highly engrossing display of spiritual calm, something I hope everyone can experience at least once in their lives. After a while, I saw that the experience itself was about a moment of silent but active reflection, which is not limited to just tea, and this guide keeps that simplicity in mind.

Basics of Tea

• There are 5 main types of tea: Black/Red, Green, White, Herbal, or flower/fruit variants. Green, White and Herbal are generally not fermented, black is commonly so, and the flower/fruit variants depend on the manufacturing process.
• Green tea and White tea contain the most caffeine; green tea is regarded as good for tissue health/repair, while white tea is ideal for Qi and energy circulation possibly due to the high caffeine levels. Brew at 80*C for Green, and 85*C for White. White tea only lasts at best 2 brews, unfortunately, and is more temperamental, so take care to pay attention to
• Black/Red teas are the best for helping to wash out greasy food residue; used tea leaves also have this property. Brew at 100* Celsius.
• Flower/Fruit variants can have calming effects but are usually more prominent for their flavours, well suited for leisurely drinking. Brewing temperature varies depending on composition, so I use 90* C the first time and experiment with the temperature.
• Herbal teas have more specific effects to the body and a variety of benefits including those aforementioned; they can be considered medicinal. Brewing temperature varies depending on composition, so I use 90* C the first time and experiment with the temperature.
• Factors which influence the taste are: concentration of tea leaves, time immersed in water, the temperature of the water, and the material used to heat the water/house the tea e.g. the tea pot or cup.
• Traditionally teas should be enjoyed while still quite hot, and without milk. It is a custom for western tea drinkers to add milk, but this is considered an unhealthy practice in the Chinese method as mixing milk and tea can result in complications such as kidney stones. In reality, it wouldn’t make much difference if you’re reasonably healthy.

Human nature being what it is, there are many elaborate styles of tea ceremony derived from his original intent, many of which are beautiful, but may detract from the purpose of sharing tea, which is so that we may share ourselves with company. Below are steps for preparing tea which do not place too much emphasis on ceremony, but the bare essentials of tea brewing. I find that with good company, we do not need much else; this applies even if we are alone, for what better company could you have if you cannot spend it in your own?

1. Gather the preferred choice of tea and kitchen utensils. You will need a source of hot water (kettle, stove), a teapot to distil the tea, a teapot to serve the tea, and an appropriate number of tea cups (I prefer the smaller oriental variety, but any tea cup is fine).
2. Heat water to the appropriate temperature for your tea (see above for the types of tea).
3. Use the distilling container/teapot to house your tea leaves; while the amount of tea leaves can vary, I find that two generous spoonfuls are enough to get a potent but not overly concentrated flavour. Pour the water until the pot is approximately half full, and let the tea steam for 15 seconds. Teas are sometimes prepared with chemical preservatives, so this helps clean the tea, literally washing the tea leaves.
4. Pour the draft brew into your tea pot, and dispense from pot to cups. As outlined before, temperature plays a large part in the end result, so we are heating the housing utensils. After 20 seconds discard the tea from cup/s and teapot. Now would be an ideal time to take in the scent from the cups. Please note that while the tea leaves should not be ingested, it can be used to clean fats/grease from your cooking pan or used for garden plants.
5. Refill the distilling pot and let the tea brew for 30 seconds. Patience is key here, and a serene attitude will heighten the experience.
6. Deposit tea into the serving pot. Tea leaves can be used approximately 2-3 times before losing too much of their potency. When brewing again, add 10 seconds to the wait time. Different teas have their own rebrewing limits, so pay attention to the flavor, and ensure that you are serving tea, not hot leaf juice!
7. Enjoy drinking the tea.