Four key terms – Understanding the History and Structure of the System

In the Taoist tradition, there are actually 4 aspects to the system: Nei-gong, Qigong, Tai Chi and Kung fu. 

(i) Nei-gong

Nei-gong refers to techniques that engage the mind and breath – this is regarded as opening the deep power within and behind the system. Nei-gong practices are foundational, focusing on internal energy cultivation and mental discipline. By aligning breath with intention, practitioners tap into the subtle energy flows within the body, harmonising their internal states and preparing for more advanced practices.

(ii) Qigong

Qigong refers to techniques that utilise the mind & breath (nei-gong) and movement of the hands. The integration of physical movement with mental focus and breath control in Qigong helps to manifest internal energy into the physical realm. This practice not only enhances physical health but also amplifies the mind-power cultivated in Nei-gong, allowing energy to be directed and accumulated as physical force.

(iii) Tai Chi

Tai chi refers to techniques that utilise the mind & breath (Nei-gong), hands (Qigong) as well as movement of the feet. As the feet move, this practice incorporates the element of traversing through space. By integrating movement through space, Tai Chi transforms from a series of exercises into a comprehensive way of living. The term Tai Chi means “the grand ultimate,” indicating that this practice aims to align the practitioner’s life with the ultimate harmony of all existence. Through Tai Chi, one seeks to achieve a state of balance and unity with the natural world. The ultimate goal is to flow with the Grand Harmony of all life; knowing when to act, and when to be silent, knowing when to move and when to be still, in all of life’s situations  – so that you are the best version of yourself at all times. When that occurs, your presence is a gift to your community. We radiate a sense of peace, stability, and compassion that positively influences those around us. Our actions become more intentional and our interactions more meaningful. In this state, we contribute to the wellbeing of our community, fostering a collective sense of harmony and balance. This is the true meaning of the word “Tai Chi” – all of the choreographed moves of that discipline are just to teach the practitioner how to sense and move with universal energy at all times. The ‘disciple’ is simply one who puts aside time to cultivate the sensitivity.

The “Grand Harmony” is the sum of every other vibration. A whole that is ‘more than the sum of its parts’. It represents the interconnectedness of all aspects of life; it is the hum of the universe.

It is actually a tone, a massive universal chord that is playing at all times, and sensitive creatures can hear it, and can hear when it is a bit out. Indeed, it has a scent too. Once, in a meditation, I came across the great timeline of this age, it was stained with greed, and it really did “stink to High Heaven”. Even within this discord, we can make a better music, by being in the flow with the Grand Harmony, which is always seeking to return to its natural state of euphoria/contentment. A tone that all beings love to hear.

(iv) Kung Fu

Kung Fu, literally meaning “daily cultivation,” involves consistent, dedicated practice aimed at refining and elevating one’s abilities within the system. In Kung Fu, the disciple learns to move with the energy of the cosmos and redirect its force when necessary. While Kung Fu is often associated with martial arts, its true essence encompasses much more. Practitioners develop skills in healing and channelling energy for various purposes, demonstrating the holistic nature of this aspect of the system.

Public vs Secret Forms

There is a story within the history of this system that explains why many people are unaware of the deeper, more profound aspects of these practices.

According to legend, during the Qing Dynasty, when the Manchurian Emperor invaded China, he sought to consolidate his power by controlling all aspects of Chinese culture and martial arts. He had heard of the great power and influence of Tai Chi masters, particularly their ability to cultivate inner strength and energy. Wishing to learn this revered art, the emperor ordered his soldiers to capture the most renowned Tai Chi master of the time, Yang Lu-chang (1799-1872), founder of the Yang style or Yang family system. The emperor gave Master Yang an ultimatum – to teach him Tai chi or to have his family slaughtered. Master Yang faced a conundrum – he didn’t want to reveal the secrets of Tai chi to an invading army, but he also did not want to refuse and suffer the consequences. Master Yang solved this problem by dividing the practice into the inner and outer forms, and decided to teach only the outer form to the foreigners. The Manchurian King was delighted – he got to learn the choreography of the Tai Chi dance, but never suspected that the true power of the system – the nei-gung aspect of it – was not revealed to him. This ‘public form’ of Tai Chi soon became the fad of the leisure class throughout China, and it remained so until the end of the Qing dynasty. When the revolution of 1900-1910 overthrew the Qing dynasty rulers, the noble class was scattered throughout China and took the public form with them.

During this period, Yang Lu-chang and his trusted disciples continued to practice and refine their art in secret, passing on the deeper knowledge of nei-gong and advanced qigong techniques to a select few who demonstrated unwavering dedication and moral integrity. Over time, the practices that required the most discipline and understanding, like nei-gong, became less known to the broader population. Instead, the more observable and physically oriented practices, such as Kung Fu as a martial art, gained prominence.

As a result, while the external forms of Tai Chi and Kung Fu became widely practiced and appreciated for their health benefits and martial prowess, the profound internal practices of nei-gong and advanced qigong remained hidden. These internal practices, which involve cultivating the mind, breath, and subtle energy, were preserved by a lineage of dedicated practitioners who understood their true power and significance. This selective transmission ensured that the deep power and wisdom within the system were preserved and cultivated by those truly devoted to the path, while still allowing the broader population to benefit from its more accessible elements.

This state of affairs remained up until the 1970’s, when a feeling developed among adepts that the time had come to share the deeper aspects of the system with the world at large. Teachers like Mantak Chia began to share the deep mysteries of the system to westerners. At first, when he began to share these teachings, he received a lot of criticism from practitioners within the system – even death threats! But he continued, guided by a permission that he had received from his own master that the time had come to share the knowledge widely.

As a result of teachers like Mantak Chia, those who seek a deeper understanding and are willing to dedicate themselves to daily cultivation can still uncover the full spectrum of the Taoist energy arts, reconnecting with the ancient wisdom that harmonises the mind, body, and spirit with the grand harmony of all life.

This Course provides a guide to these exercises and techniques, offering practical steps to cleanse and fortify your energy body. By committing to these practices, you can unlock your full potential, experiencing heightened energy levels, improved wellbeing, and a deeper connection to the life force that sustains you.