Tim,

I have a couple of questions about the Chinese terms associated with Internal arts and the Pinyin method of romanization:

1) From the Xing Yi Nei Gong book's Basic Concepts section of Chapter 3 (pp. 63-67) - 'Use the MIND (yi) and Not Brute Strength' and 'MIND (xin)/Body Unity.' Would you explain the significance of the Chinese characters YI vs. XIN, both translated as 'mind?'

2) You told me the original Ba Gua school described the body use method as Yin Rou Jing, is that correct? I understand the concept of 'jing,' and 'rou' is the same character as 'ju' in Judo. But I am not sure about what is implied by the character 'yin' = shady, dark, negative, etc.

3) Is there a standard convention in the Pinyin system of combining characters into one word? Ba Gua Zhang, Bagua Zhang, or Baguazhang? Also, how about personal names, Gao Yi Sheng or Gao Yisheng?

Thanks,
Steven

"Xin" is the literal word for 'heart.' In the context above, it is translated as "conscious thought" in the sense of "desire to take action."
'Yi' is literally translated as "conscious intent." It refers to the mind actually taking specific action.

The usual breakdown of the sequence of movement with mind/body unity is: Xin-Yi-Qi-Li (heart, desire to action; Yi, focused intent to make the specific action; Qi, the actual physical reactions (nervous/chemical) that cause the body to move; Li, contraction of muscle causing movement and physical force).

Proper, given names are usually combined. The surname is first, then the (usually) two given names. In spoken Chinese, all three characters are pronounced separately.

Tim,

So, is it possible to move from Xin, the deepest level, without being aware of any particular intent? Is that what is implied by the concept of Wu Wei?

Also, how about the significance of 'yin' in Yin Rou Jing, as it relates to the Ba Gua body method?

Steven

Tim,

How does understanding the sequence of movement with mind/body unity that is broken down into xin-yi-qi-li help me to become a better fighter? Why not just practice BJJ and boxing and leave the metaphysics well enough alone?

Steven,
I don't know. Wu Wei is actually a fairly involved concept of philosophical Daoism that involves achieving control without direct contention, and was first formulated as a method of government aimed at stopping the constant fighting in the Warring States Period of China. My discussion above was more about how to unite your mental and physical energy so you can hit someone harder.

'Yin Rou Jing' refers to yielding and flexible power, as opposed to the use of resistance and force against force.


Jeff,
An understanding of motivation, focus of intent and efficient control of movement will certainly help make you a better fighter (that's why it's also emphasized in boxing and BJJ).

PS I never discuss metaphysics on this site.

Tim,

Thanks for your response. It was very helpful, as always. I have one more language question for you. Would you please write the Chinese names in Pinyin for Rise, Drill, Fall, and Overturn?

Jeff,

I realize that your post was not directed at me, but I wanted to share my perspective. I am in the process of learning the Gao style from Tim. It is the most difficult thing that I have ever tried to do. The practices are very subtle and require a great deal of mental attention, as well as physical effort. Also, making progress is a very gradual process. If I was only interested in fighting, I would not even attempt to learn the Gao style. I would probably follow the advice of Sun Lu Tang and just carry a gun.

Anyway, my goal is to serve as a link in the chain that goes back to Dong Hai Chuan. I want to help preserve this unique aspect of Chinese culture (Ba Gua). It cannot be preserved in a museum. It requires living, breathing people to participate in the tradition. There have been many great Ba Gua fighters, over the years, and fighting skill is the most endangered aspect of the art. However, the Chinese terminology asscoiated with the art is also an important part of the tradition, and, therefore, a legitimate topic of discussion for this board, whether it actually helps someone fight better, or not.

Steven