The Path To Emptiness
When I embarked on my journey to film for interviews on my YouTube channel, I honestly believed I already had a solid grasp of martial arts theory. After years of dabbling in martial arts, I considered myself knowledgeable. However, I was in for a surprise, as my assumptions were proven wrong. After meeting various masters of the internal arts, I soon realized that I had merely scratched the surface. As I delved deeper into internals, I began learning directly from some of the very teachers I had interviewed, gaining profound insights into the internal arts and what they referred to as "The six levels of the internals."
My commitment to maintaining an open mind had always guided my approach to learning Kung fu. However, absorbing information of this caliber presented a unique challenge. The methods I encountered far surpassed anything I had previously known. Yap Boh Heong described these teachings as the "Ph.D. level of martial arts," a sentiment I now wholeheartedly agree with. The six levels of internals serves as a roadmap, offering practitioners a means to gauge their progress, a way to measure their ascent up the internal ladder. In essence, it's a spectrum of energy.
Before delving further into this subject, it's crucial to acknowledge that my description of the six levels is not exhaustive. I can't fully describe something I have yet to grasp or experience. Nevertheless, I've been fortunate to spend significant time with several masters who walk this path. Countless hours of conversation with these individuals have provided me a unique opportunity to compile this article and share a small snippet of this elusive knowledge with my readers.
Level One: Li (力) - Physical Strength
The first rung of the ladder is an individual's physical strength, a prerequisite for practicing martial arts. This strength can be cultivated in various ways and serves as the foundation for further development. Many practitioners dedicate their initial years to strengthening their bodies before progressing to higher levels. For most, they may spend a lifetime at this level, unaware of the higher plateaus waiting to be explored.
Level Two: Jin (勁) - Refined Force
The second stage, Jin (勁), can be best described as a specific type of force transmitted through the connective tissues of the body. Unlike muscular strength generated by muscle contractions, Jin is harnessed through the release of tension, akin to drawing a bowstring before releasing an arrow. This energy is stored within the body and then unleashed upon an opponent. The power comes from release, not contraction. Various methods exist for Fa-Jin (issuing force) in the internal arts, but they all depend on one's ability to Song (relax). Without the ability to relax, one's internal Jin cannot be expressed.
Level Three: Yi (意) - Intention
The third level, Yi (意), relates to a particular mental state best described as intention. This aspect of the mind is sharpened through specific mental development exercises that enhance clarity of intention, focus, and concentration. The result of this training can be used in various ways, including mobilizing energy (Qi) throughout the body to generate internal forces. As written in the classics, "use mind intention (Yi), not strength (Li) 用意不用力."
Level Four: Qi (氣) - Energy
Attempting to provide a comprehensive description of the term Qi (氣) used in the internal arts is a controversial endeavor, as diverse schools of thought exist and struggle to agree on this subject. However, respected internal masters have explained to me that Qi is a form of energy that can be generated, stored, and mobilized within the body through specific training methods. Having been exposed to some of these methods, I can relate to their descriptions of this elusive energy. It's crucial to note that although there are some correlations, the cultivation of Qi in internal arts differs from the Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Level Five: Shen (神) - Consciousness
Shen (神) has several definitions, but the one that resonates with me most describes the fifth level of internals as consciousness. An excellent example would be when someone enters a room, and you can instantly sense whether they should not be trifled with. In some cases, they may exude an intimidating aura, while others appear friendly and approachable. I believe these interactions occur at the level of Shen. Because consciousness is formless and can expand infinitely into space, it can significantly influence the surrounding environment.
Level Six: Kong (空虛) - Emptiness
When it comes to the final stage of internal martial arts, I'm at a loss for words. This concept is beyond my comprehension, and any attempt to describe it at this time would be futile.
Note: Each of the six levels is intricately dependent on the previous one, meaning that a practitioner should not begin training Jin without first attaining a basic level of Li. They should not progress to Yi without comprehending Jin, and so on. The path to emptiness unfolds progressively.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, my descriptions of the six levels are not exhaustive. I'm confident that my understanding of these terms will continue to evolve as I delve deeper into the practice.
"Once you have reached the peak of the mountain, there is always a taller mountain for you to climb."