Yi Jin Jing/ Tendon-Muscle Strengthening Exercises

[ChiDragon]

On 12/5/2024 at 1:55 PM, Cobie said:

Laozi’s Wu Wei in the DDJ, means ‘be yourself’

Yes, do not be a back seat driver is a good example.

[Thrice Daily]

18 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

Yes, do not be a back seat driver is a good example.

How does that apply I don’t get your logic? 
 

Also can you tell me how Wuwei May be useful when applied to Yijinjing objectively?

 

And what does it mean to you. Subjectively?

[Thrice Daily]

On 06/12/2024 at 1:46 PM, -ꦥꦏ꧀ ꦱꦠꦿꦶꦪꦺꦴ- said:

Some good videos on the topic:

 

 

 

Nice short videos on the topic.

 

I just watched whilst eating in my break after work… 

 

I especially liked the second video. I was telling folk 20 years ago that I predicted mainstream thought would eventually catch up, at the time I thought 15-30 years or so. 

 

Loved his editing, He said it very well too 👍 

[ChiDragon]

22 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

Yes, do not be a back seat driver is a good example.

 

4 hours ago, Thrice Daily said:

How does that apply I don’t get your logic? 
 

Also can you tell me how Wuwei May be useful when applied to Yijinjing objectively?

 

And what does it mean to you. Subjectively?

Subjectively, Wu Wei is "let nature take its course."
The only none Wu Wei action to try to be Wu Wei. After that, you are all Wu Wei.

If you are back sitting in the back of the car, then just be yourself and don't tell the driver what to do. Let the driver handles all the situations. Your intervention might cause an accident unintentionally!
 

This is what Wu Wei was all about!

Edited December 8 by ChiDragon

[Thrice Daily]

Whilst looking into this guy;

 

Xueting Fuyu (雪庭福裕)

• Dates: 1203–1275 CE
• Style: A Shaolin abbot who emphasized integrating martial arts with Chan Buddhism. Promoted Yi Jin Jing as part of the temple’s physical cultivation program.
• Notable Set: Strength-based applications for martial training.

 

I only really found this (so far, anyone has more please share)

 

 

Although whilst looking into him on Youtube trying to find any original Physical forms he may have practiced/created, I did find these... 

 

 

They are both Fairly Similar and I am happy to report that the set I practices does share certain similar characteristics in some moves...

 

 

Anyone have video footage of anything older than this form or different from earlier times perhaps???

 

This form possible originated from Songshan (嵩山) Mountain Region, but that is just a hunch  

[Thrice Daily]

Just now, Thrice Daily said:

Whilst looking into this guy;

 

Xueting Fuyu (雪庭福裕)

• Dates: 1203–1275 CE
• Style: A Shaolin abbot who emphasized integrating martial arts with Chan Buddhism. Promoted Yi Jin Jing as part of the temple’s physical cultivation program.
• Notable Set: Strength-based applications for martial training.

 

I only really found this (so far, anyone has more please share)

 

 

Although whilst looking into him on Youtube trying to find any original Physical forms he may have practiced/created, I did find these... 

 

 

They are both Fairly Similar and I am happy to report that the set I practice does share certain similar characteristics in some moves...

 

 

Anyone have video footage of anything older than this form or different from earlier times perhaps???

 

This form possible originated from Songshan (嵩山) Mountain Region, but that is just a hunch  

 

Just in brief in case he is the originator; 

 

Xueting Fuyu (雪庭福裕) (1203–1275 CE) was a prominent Buddhist monk and abbot of the Shaolin Temple during the Southern Song Dynasty. His life and contributions have left an enduring legacy, particularly in the integration of Chan (Zen) Buddhist teachings with martial and physical cultivation practices, including the Yi Jin Jing (易筋经).

Early Life

• Birth and Background: Born in the year 1203 in Lin’an (临安), the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (modern-day Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province). Xueting Fuyu entered the monastic life at an early age, drawn to the teachings of Chan Buddhism.
• Education: Studied Buddhist scriptures extensively and became known for his disciplined practice and profound understanding of Chan philosophy.

---

Role at Shaolin Temple

• Abbotship: Xueting Fuyu served as the abbot of the Shaolin Temple (少林寺), a position he used to revitalize the temple’s traditions.
• Integration of Martial Arts: Under his leadership, the temple’s martial practices were systematically incorporated with Chan meditation. He believed that the cultivation of the body through physical exercises like Yi Jin Jing was essential to support long hours of meditation and spiritual practice.

---

Contributions to Yi Jin Jing

• Emphasis on Physical Cultivation: Xueting Fuyu is credited with codifying and formalizing some of the Yi Jin Jing exercises practiced at Shaolin Temple, aligning them with Chan Buddhist principles. His work emphasized the role of tendon transformation in developing both physical resilience and spiritual clarity.
• Martial Arts Training: Advocated that physical cultivation was not merely for combat but also for achieving Chan enlightenment (禅悟) through the harmony of body and mind.

---

Teachings and Philosophy

• Chan Buddhism: Xueting Fuyu stressed the unity of movement and stillness, drawing parallels between dynamic martial exercises and the stillness required in meditation.
• Scriptures and Poetry: He wrote several works on Buddhist philosophy and composed poetry that reflected his understanding of the inseparability of the physical and spiritual realms.
• Legacy in Martial Arts: Credited with the preservation and promotion of Shaolin martial arts as a discipline that harmonized the body, mind, and spirit. His integration of Yi Jin Jing into monastic life set a precedent for later generations.

---

Later Life and Death

• Retirement: In his later years, Xueting Fuyu retired from active leadership but continued to teach and write. He emphasized simplicity and humility as essential virtues.
• Passing: He passed away in 1275, leaving behind a legacy deeply embedded in both Shaolin martial arts and Chan Buddhist practice.

---

Legacy

Xueting Fuyu remains a significant figure in the history of Shaolin. His work ensured that physical cultivation practices like Yi Jin Jing were not only preserved but also imbued with deep spiritual meaning, ensuring their transmission to future generations.

Chinese Characters:

• Xueting Fuyu: 雪庭福裕
• Shaolin Temple: 少林寺
• Yi Jin Jing: 易筋经
• Chan Enlightenment: 禅悟

[ChiDragon]

15 hours ago, Thrice Daily said:

Anyone have video footage of anything older than this form or different from earlier times perhaps???

Question?
Why do you spend so much time on the investigation of Yi Jin Jing.  IMHO, Taiji is much more dynamic and flexible than YJJ. Taiji has the same effect and even better for your health benefits. However, Taiji requires more discipline and effort. Is that the reason why you are not interested in Taiji so much?

Edited December 9 by ChiDragon

[Thrice Daily]

7 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

Question?
Why do you spend so much time on the investigation of Yi Jin Jing.  IMHO, Taiji is much more dynamic and flexible than JJJ. Taiji has the same effect and even better for your health benefits. However, Taiji requires more discipline and effort. Is that the reason why you are not interested in Taiji so much?

Thanks for asking, good question that.

The reason is more simple than that.  
YJJ is my current practice. 
 

I have limited time in the day to commit to qigong of any kind. YJJ currently takes an hour or so and I like to do some martial arts and a bit of Chen taichi at end (more a cool down though)… 

 

So YJJ is my main practice at the moment for 3 months at least before I cycle other trainings in with the changes of seasons.

 

So I thought , while practicing. Why not make a thread, people on here have much more experience (often) than me and more years, it’s great to get advice that is relevant to my daily practice currently , also I like the idea of making my research and  questions public, for others to enjoy who might be interested in learning about Yjj. That way it can keep me motivated to practice, learn more about what I’m specifically doing at the moment, connect with the history , while giving me a social outlet.

 

I feel a lot of support on this forum. But also want to be current with my life and qigong practice… 

 

It will likely change in January but who knows, I’m really having fun getting into the history and learning about some of the early characters who contributed to Yjj. 

blessings 🙏 

[Thrice Daily]

I’ll be back later to write more. At least try to do 30 minutes before bed researching and I’ll share what I find.

 

im beginning to realise, there are quite a few interesting ways to do detective work into the history of Yijinjing and noteworthy linkages.

 

Im on it, have a great day  

[Thrice Daily]

Another interesting Figure of Songshan is Ge Xuan, the grand uncle of one of my favourite characters so far, Ge Hong...

 

He was kicking around the mountains possibly earlier than anyone else in recorded history, apart from the legend / myth character Yin Xi.. 

 

Anyway here is a video with a bit of nice history... 

 

 

Regarding exercise Ge Xuan is said to be the originator of;

• "Five Animal Frolics" (五禽戏, Wuqinxi): A series of exercises mimicking the movements of animals. Ge Xuan is believed to have refined these exercises to focus on internal qi cultivation.
• "Nine Bends of the Yellow River" (黄河九曲): Movements symbolizing the winding flow of the Yellow River, used to enhance qi circulation and calm the mind.
• "Drawing the Bow to Shoot the Eagle" (引弓射雕): A posture designed to strengthen the back, regulate breathing, and open the chest.

I'm certain it's hard to say for sure though, it was 164–244 CE

 

Ge Xuan's methods likely included biqi (闭气), or "breath-holding," to concentrate qi in specific areas. (This is a new term for me today in Chinese although I have used the technique before and do use it is some of the Yijinjing form I'm currently practicing)

 

Just looking at breath for a moment I though to include this quick summery, although more general and not specific to YJJ, still interesting to see the history of these well known to modern readers techniques for ingesting, circulating, breath / qi...

 

Daoist Breath Circulation Practices: From the Tang to the Song Dynasty

Tang Dynasty (618–907)

During the Tang Dynasty, Daoist meditation practices underwent significant developments, incorporating Buddhist influences and the teachings of various schools. In particular, the 8th century saw the composition of important texts that shaped Daoist practices, including breath circulation methods.

Sima Chengzhen’s Fuqi Jingyi Lun (730)

Sima Chengzhen (647–735), a prominent Daoist of the Shangqing School, wrote the Fuqi Jingyi Lun (Essay on the Essential Meaning of Breath Ingestion) in 730. This text combines traditional Chinese physical techniques with Buddhist-inspired meditation (guan), focusing on purification and longevity. The text is divided into nine sections, with one of the key ideas being the practice of "ingesting breath" or fuqi. In this practice, practitioners absorb Qi (vital energy) instead of food, using techniques like visualization and internal guidance to circulate and store Qi in their body.

Initially, practitioners would abstain from eating grains and instead "ingest Qi" by visualizing the rising sun and guiding the Qi through the body’s organs. Although this process can initially weaken the body, over time it is believed to purify the practitioner and lead to greater vitality and spiritual realization, with the ultimate goal of becoming a "zhenren" or "Perfected One" after nine years of practice.

The Taiqing Xingqi Fu and Other Methods

Another important text, the Taiqing Xingqi Fu (Great Clarity Talisman for Facilitating Qi Circulation), offers detailed guidance on breath circulation. It explains two primary methods of circulating Qi:

1. Xingqi (Circulating Qi) – This method involves directing the Qi to specific areas of the body, such as the brain or areas of illness.
2. Inner Vision – By focusing inwardly, practitioners can "see" the flow of Qi through the body's organs and guide it mentally. This method distinguishes itself from ordinary imagination by emphasizing a deeper, more controlled visualization.

Further texts, such as the Yanling Xiansheng Ji Xinjiu Fuqi Jing (745), explore advanced techniques, including using the will to guide the Qi to specific areas of the body and holding it there to heal ailments.

Song Dynasty (960–1279)

Daoist breath circulation practices continued to evolve during the Song Dynasty, with new techniques and interpretations emerging.

Master Ning’s Breath Circulation Method

One notable development during this time was the Ning Xiansheng Daoyin Fa (Master Ning’s Gymnastic Method), attributed to Master Ning, a legendary figure said to have served the Yellow Emperor. His method included a series of exercises inspired by the movements and breath of various animals, such as the toad, tortoise, wild goose, and dragon. These exercises involved rhythmic breathing, breath retention, and body movements, each designed to guide and circulate Qi through the body.

For example, the "Dragon Procedure of Circulating the Breath" involved bowing the head, holding the breath, and using hand movements to massage the body. This method, like others in Ning’s system, was believed to have powerful benefits, including enhancing the practitioner’s ability to withstand extreme conditions, such as going into fire without burning.

Guiding and Refining the Breath

Later texts, such as Ceng Cao’s Taijing Daoyin Yangsheng Jing (12th century), emphasized the importance of guiding the breath (xingqi) to control internal energy and the role of physical exercises (daoyin) in managing the external body. These practices were seen as complementary, with xingqi controlling the internal Qi flow and daoyin promoting external health through physical movement.

 

@ChiDragon largely correct in most regard, but do you do much visualization? if at all?

 

 

[ChiDragon]

1 hour ago, Thrice Daily said:

....., but do you do much visualization? if at all?

Visualization seems to be a western terminology. I have no idea what it is. However, I can tell you what the picture is all about.

[Thrice Daily]

8 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

Visualization seems to be a western terminology. I have no idea what it is. However, I can tell you what the picture is all about.

You didn’t read my last post clearly enough. Please reread it slowly and get back to me , 🙏 

 

Then more pictures 🗡 

[ChiDragon]

8 hours ago, Thrice Daily said:

You didn’t read my last post clearly enough. Please reread it slowly and get back to me , 🙏 

 

Then more pictures 🗡 

Just to ease your mind! I had read the post above. I see a lots of myths and fallacies from the legendary stories. I will go into more details later. Today is Tuesday, I have go to a community service center to teach Taiji and Taiji sword with breathing method.

[ChiDragon]

21 hours ago, Thrice Daily said:

Ge Xuan's methods likely included biqi (闭气), or "breath-holding," to concentrate qi in specific areas.

Holding the breath does not concentrate qi in specific areas. It is actually bad for blood circulation. It is because it stops the provision of fresh oxygen to your body. It interrupts the function of the body cells.

Edited December 10 by ChiDragon

[ChiDragon]

21 hours ago, Thrice Daily said:

The text is divided into nine sections, with one of the key ideas being the practice of "ingesting breath" or fuqi.

I believe ingesting breath is inhalation. Fuqi, 呼气，is to exhale the breath or air. When we are talking about qi in breathing, qi is always referred as air or breath but not energy.

BTW We all breathe the same way. There is no difference between the Buddhist and Taoist breathing method.

[ChiDragon]

22 hours ago, Thrice Daily said:

In this practice, practitioners absorb Qi (vital energy) instead of food, using techniques like visualization and internal guidance to circulate and store Qi in their body.

The practitioners are actually absorbing the source of energy that is oxygen, other than vital energy.

 

Qi, energy, does not store in the body. It is Qi, oxygen(氧氣), that circulates in the body to produce the vital energy.

Edited December 10 by ChiDragon

[Cobie]

“absorb Qi (vital energy) instead of food”

These are dangerous ideas. People die when they don’t eat enough, regardless of how much intake of Qi (vital energy) they do. 

 

Edited December 10 by Cobie

[Thrice Daily]

I don’t know I think you are leaving a lot on the tables talking about chi in terms of oxygen 

 

I find it a bit ridiculous when I think about what we know about electrons now. How neurons work and the electrical and magnetic forces that are at work on the planet, in the planet, on our bodies and in our bodies… 

 

We know there are electrical

impulses firing. I know oxygen is important but you are very much missing the point that these old legends (and modern understandin) leverage as cold plain facts.

 

Visualisation for example.it’s not a modern invention… you must realise, the mind doesn’t think in words, it thinks in pictures…

 

The memory works that way, the senses give us input and lock us into our nervous system. A nervous system so incredible it cannot even distinguish reality from a visualisation (if the visualisation is absorbing enough) the nervous system will totally change … 

 

So you see it is thought and intention that has power to guide chi just as much as oxygen and food…

 

I don’t know why you want to reduce it all to breathing. It’s important but only a part of the picture. There is some much beyond the focus off breath. I’ve found the real profound experiences tend to happen when breath is actually completely forgotten about… 

 

Oxygen is great but remember it’s really the Stars (and possibly the black holes) that power the universe… 

 

plus oxygen is just one on our periodic table even here. So much more to it. I do commend your dedication to it though , I really do…

[Thrice Daily]

2 hours ago, Cobie said:

“absorb Qi (vital energy) instead of food”

These are dangerous ideas. People die when they don’t eat enough, regardless of how much intake of Qi (vital energy) they do. 

 

Not totally. It’s easier though to be more energetically sensitive with less food I’ve found.

 

I think a lot is down to simple blood flow and how much easier it circulates though to aid focus and concentration especially to the brain.

 

Fasting is great, but I think not with Yijinjing practice  

[ChiDragon]

1 hour ago, Thrice Daily said:

we know about electrons now. How neurons work and the electrical and magnetic forces that are at work on the planet

Please note the neurons are activated by electrical pulses. The electrical pulse is called action potential(AP). The AP requires oxygen to have it produced. It a voltage and there is no magnetic field in it. It is because a magnetic field requires electrical current to flow in a coil to produce it. BTW There is no coil in the human body.

Edited December 11 by ChiDragon

[ChiDragon]

1 hour ago, Thrice Daily said:

It’s easier though to be more energetically sensitive with less food I’ve found.

If you run out of the source of food that gives the source of energy for your body, then you will not have enough glucose for the oxygen to produce your energy.

[Thrice Daily]

13 hours ago, ChiDragon said:

Please note the neurons are activated by electrical pulses. The electrical pulse is called action potential(AP). The AP requires oxygen to have it produced. It a voltage and there is no magnetic field in it. It is because a magnetic field requires electrical current to flow in a coil to produce it. BTW There is no coil in the human body.

I don’t know why you express opinions as truth, it really damages your reputation on here. 
 

Magnets exist in the earth, in fact it’s quite possible the entire earths core is magnetic

 

Copper Coils only for electricity???, explain lightening
 

I get what you are saying, nothing happens in life without oxygen

i get it the universe wouldn’t function without. 
same could be said about the Color red, or cheese.

 

it’s a shame you you have to get judgey here and it doesn’t seem to matter when people put you right. 

We have to make room for other peoples opinions for equanimity harmony, sanity… very important.
 

So I’m not going to tell you about the human body creating electricity, (many it will illustrate a bigger point for you) you’ll have to find that research yourself. 
 

It’s a pity I’m a very amiable person. But you seem to prefer vexation to conversation. 

 

Also you’re the only person that seems to not want to delve into the subject of Yijinjing here. It’s a better I bet your would bring significance and have good contribution here if you helped it grow , best regards 🙏 

[-ꦥꦏ꧀ ꦱꦠꦿꦶꦪꦺꦴ-]

1 hour ago, Thrice Daily said:

I don’t know why you express opinions as truth, it really damages your reputation on here. 

Just don’t bother engaging with him, it’s a waste of time. Just downvote.

[Thrice Daily]

i don't mind to be honest, we can form mountains out of rock if we drip enough water on them.

[ChiDragon]

8 hours ago, Thrice Daily said:

Magnets exist in the earth, in fact it’s quite possible the entire earths core is magnetic

I don't think this is the case in the human body. It was not a good analogy!