Internal System-dark | The Ways Of Wudang

Internal System

The internal system emphasizes the 'soft' styles of training, Taiji, Qigong, and Meditation. Techniques are rooted in relaxed movements and the opening and smooth transformation of the circulations of qi. Daoist practices revolve around this core idea to cultivate oneself. To do this one must practice the three treasures of Wu Ji (无极, loosely translated as 'ultimate emptiness'): Jing (精), Qi(氣), and Shen(神).

Jing, also known as Yuan Qi, is the original essence of an individual. Jing is a form of energy that you are born with and, as time passes, you lose this 'pre-natal' energy through the process of aging and various other "wasteful" habits. Through Daoist practices, qigong, Tai Ji and living a healthier lifestyle, it is believed that we can protect this energy and preserve it. There are even some schools of thought that insist that we have the ability to restore our Jing to some degree through neigong, or internal work, practices.

Qi ("Chi" in Wades-Giles spelling) is described as the natural energy of the universe. Qi is referenced quite extensively. At times it is found in vapor, weather, blood, food, nutrients, bioelectricity, and much more. If the Jing is the fabric to our universe, Qi is that which binds it all together. Qi is the transformative energy of the universe. From large scale cosmic events to the quality of our own bodies, qi plays an essential role. Daoists work to create and maintain a positive flow of Qi through healthier lifestyles and practices like Qi Gong or Tai Ji. When a positive flow of Qi is cultivated the passage of this energy can easily move throughout the body, unblocked by barriers that otherwise can arise when Qi becomes stagnant, blocked, or otherwise deficient.

Shen, the final treasure, is the spirit of the body. Most of the work done through the Shen of an individual is unacknowledged because of it's subtle nature. It may require a lot of time and practice to be able to work with the Shen and it can be unique to each individual. The Shen encompasses the purpose to our lives, our very nature, and that which is intangible but necessary to our existence. When one is able to understand this energy, and a balance can be restored, ailments can be dispelled. Shen is also dependent on Qi and Jing. If the latter are in good order, then Shen is sated and content as well.

While each of these concepts are loosely explained throughout the Ways of Wudang, it is best to leave the terminology itself untranslated. Each term, whether Jing, Qi, or Shen, has its own connotation relevant to the context it is used in. Due to their individually and collectively broad scope, if we were to translate the words into "vital energy", "bioelectricity", or "soul", for example, we would lose much of their unique cultural and practical application.

When these three treasures, along with the concepts of yin and yang, can be cultivated and balanced together, it is possible for one to attain a stronger body, a healthier mind, and a peaceful spirit.

Internal styles such as Qigong, Tai Ji and Meditation, are the tools that have been used for centuries to attain these goals. They work as the 'soft' styles that slowly progress the body and mind into a more stable and receptive state of being. In time, the practices can open your body to correct circulation and relax your mind to balance emotion and other disturbances to the Shen.

Through the Ways of Wudang, these "soft" internal methods are used to complement our external practices and create the intention behind the system. They include basic training, Qigong, and Taiji quan. In the links below you can find information for the specific internal forms taught through the Ways of Wudang. The full system is totals 11 different forms. This is in addition to all of the basic training the goes alongside each individual practice. There is also free online study material available through Wudang Way on Youtube as well as private classes available upon inquiry here.