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Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 2: Qi Cultivation Exercises and Standing Meditation

Embedded within the martial art Ba Gua Zhang is a complete system of internal exercises that promote self-healing and longevity and transform consciousness. Ba Gua Nei Gong consists of nine powerful and profound methods of internal exercise and self-cultivation.

This book is the second in a series of manuals on Ba Gua Nei Gong. It can be used in conjunction with actual instruction in Ba Gua Zhang, or employed as a stand-alone instruction manual.

Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 2 focuses on two connected practices, Standing Meditation, known as Zhan Zhuang and the Six Qi Cultivation Nei Gong Exercises. These two Nei Gong Methods aid the practitioner in sensing the internal movement of qi, and developing the internal connections and internal sensitivity necessary for both Daoist meditation practices and the martial techniques of Ba Gua Zhang and Xing Yi Quan.

Standing Meditation - standing like a tree, rooted in the earth and yet relaxed and pliable, is one of the key foundational practices in the internal styles of martial arts (neijia). Standing is the corollary to the moving practices. Standing still while sensing internally, allows one to perceive and connect with the subtle, natural and spontaneous movements occurring inside the body, while moving and sensing allows one to connect to the still center around which external movement revolves. Holding Standing Meditation postures for extended periods of time is a crucial step in integrating the body and mind, and connecting the qi and breath so that the body moves harmoniously with grace and power.

Qi Cultivation Nei Gong consists of four fundamental and two advanced exercises which allow us to perceive the movements of the Zhenqi ("Correct" or "True" Qi). These exercises compliment Standing Meditation practice by introducing slow movements that engage with the natural vertical, horizontal and circular spiraling actions of the body's internal structure. Initiating slow external movements, allows one to perceive the subtle complimentary actions that take place internally. The unfolding of natural, spontaneous, internal movement releases tension in the soft tissue, promotes smooth and unobstructed circulation and calms the nervous system. Engaging with these natural, movements also allows the practitioner to actualize the instinctive hair-trigger reactions of the human body in direct powerful movements that have great applicability in the martial arts.

The books in the Ba Gua Nei Gong Series are:
Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 1: Yin Yang Patting and Dao Yin Exercises
Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 2: Qi Cultivation Exercises and Standing Meditation
Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 3: Twelve Posture Standing
Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 4: Foundational Body Training
Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 5: Tian Gan Heavenly Stem Nei Gong
Ba Gua Nei Gong Vol. 6: Marrow Washing Nei Gong