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Three's the Charm

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Three's the Charm TheMONTHLY Way INTERACTIVE of LESSONS Martial TO HELP IMPROVE Arts YOUR DAILY LIFE BY MASTER ERIC SBARGE Lesson 32 Three’s the Charm Three is a popular number, trailing only one and two in popularity. Threesomes, triplets, triumvirates and trinities abound in every culture -- but no country seems to have selected the number three to define important groupings as much as China has. In this lesson I will present several of the more common and essential trinities that you should be aware of as a stu- dent of Chinese health arts and martial arts. They’re not in any particular order. The importance of each to you will likely depend on your goals and level of interest and under- standing in the many aspects of your training. The term San Bao translates as “three treasures”, and I’ve heard the term being used to describe more than one of the trinities listed below. I’ll leave it to you to determine which should rightfully be called “treasures.” SETS OF THREE Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism – These are the three major philosophies/religions of China, each of which has had a profound influence not just on martial and health arts, but on every facet of Chinese culture. Our Shaolin practice is rooted in Buddhist principles, the ethics and wu-de that we follow are steeped in Confucian values, and the internal arts that we practice are based on Taoist principles Ying/Yang, Wu-Hsing, Pa Kua – These are the three natural laws that describe the cosmos and universe from the traditional Chinese perspective. Yin and yang are the dual forces of nature, the wu-hsing (five elements) describe the relationships between the various physical properties within nature, and pa kua (eight trigrams) describes the characteristics of the ever- changing components within nature. Tai Chi, Hsing-I, Pakua – This trinity describes the three most common internal martial arts practiced in China (and at The Peaceful Dragon.) Tai Chi is of coursed based on the theory of yin and yang, hsing-i is based on the five-element theory, and pakua as the name conveys is based on the per- mutations of the eight trigrams. Upper Dantien, Middle Dantien, Lower Dantien -- These energetic points of the body are key for chi kung, meditation and healing purposes. The upper dantien, sometimes referred to as the third eye, is between the eyebrows. The middle dantien is at the center of the chest, and the lower dantien is centered below the navel. The upper connects us spiritually with the heavens, the middle controls our emotions and “heart mind,” and the lower is our central reservoir of energy that connects to and fuels the whole body. Jing, Chi, Shen -- In the traditional Chinese model of the human being, the jing (sexual essence) gives rise to the chi (energy), which in turn con- verts to shen (spirit). The ultimate quest is to continually move from the coarseness of jing to the refinement of shen. These are often referred to as the Three Internal Harmonies. Hands/feet, elbows/knees, shoulders/hips – This refers to the Three External Harmonies. When coordinating movement for chi kung or com- bat, in each pairing the lower and upper extremity must be synchronized. Yi, Chi, Li – Yi (mind intent) directs and guides the chi (energy) which results in li (physical manifestation). For example, to help cure an injury you can think of sending your energy to the injured area, resulting in faster healing. Or in combat you have the intention to parry a kick coming at -2- you, which sends energy to your arm and results in the physical move- ment of your arm to deflect the kick. Head, Tongue, Hui Yin Point – This refers to the Three Liftings. When doing internal practice, we lift the head as if from a string above, lift the tongue to the roof of the mouth, and lift the hui yin point (perineum) to round off the chi circulation. Chin, Elbows, Chi – This refers to the Three Sinkings. Slightly tuck the chin, drop the elbows, and sink the chi to the dan tien during your inter- nal practice. Heaven, Man, Earth -- This trinity places us between the earth and heaven, and philosophically reminds us that we must be balanced between the practical elements of the earth, and the energy of the heavens (atmos- phere). Raise, Center, Sink – Based on the above trinity, these three are some- times referred to as the Three Powers for Tai Chi: Raise your spirit and awareness, Center your focus at the dan tien, and Sink your weight to root to the earth. Lower, Middle, Upper Basin – This refers to level of your stance when practicing chi kung movements, such as circle walking or stance training. Lower, Middle, Upper Gate – Refers to the legs, torso or head as target areas to pay attention to in combat, or as energetic sections of the body to focus on in chi kung. Speed, Power, Technique – The three external variables that play a vital role in determining your level of kung fu combat excellence. Mind, Breath, Posture – The three categories we develop in any practice of chi kung. -3- Religious, Martial, Medical – The three primary types of chi kung tradi- tionally practiced in China. Hand, Torso, Mind – These refer to the three methods we employ when performing our kung fu. At a low level, our power is derived from the extremities only; at the intermediate level we integrate the entire body; and at the advanced level we defeat the opponent with the mind. Hand, Waist, Foot – When executing an attack or a defense, we must inte- grate the stepping, turning of the waist, and functioning body weapon (often the hand). Coarse Strength, Forced Breath, Extended Chest – This refers to the Three Harms in internal martial arts. The not only harm your combat skill, but will diminish your chi and shorten your life as well. By no means is this above sampling exhaustive, but it is a good start to familiarize you with many of the trinities that can aid your understanding of the arts you are practicing. Perhaps you’ll be more alert and attuned to others as your read, study and train more in the future. EXERCISE ONE Having read the above list of trinities, pick three (I chose this number for obvious reasons) that you either weren’t aware of or haven’t paid much attention to in your training. Make them the focus of your analysis and contemplation as your practice this month. ASSIGNMENT Explain whether the examples of trinities I’ve presented in this lesson are contradictory towards each other, or complementary towards each other. Send your thoughts to me at [email protected]. Please put “Lesson 32” in the subject line. -4- RECOMMENDED READING The Power of Internal Martial Arts By Bruce Frantzis This book explores through interesting anecdotes and analysis the trinity of the Internal martial arts of Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Pakua. The author is one of the more experienced internal martial arts stylists in America who trained with several top Chinese and Japanese masters. Not only will you better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of the three styles, but you’ll get some good explanations of many of the “trinities” encom- passed within the styles, some of which I outlined in this lesson. SSSS Every month a book or article will be suggested by Master Sbarge. Reading about topics related to the arts you are training in will help you get the most out of your practice. Just remember that reading can never replace your practice! Each month’s recommended reading is purely optional, though Master Sbarge may on rare occasion ask that you do read a particu- lar book. For additional reading suggestions by Master Sbarge, go to http://www.thepeacefuldragon.com/books.shtml. For any book or other item you purchase through The Peaceful Dragon website’s link to Amazon.com, a percentage is automatically sent to The Peaceful Dragon. We appreciate your support of our school. Note: All Peaceful Dragon students are urged to complete monthly assignments because they are important for you to fully benefit from your training. -5-.
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