Illustrated Explanation of the I Ching's Marrow Washing and Body Movement

This "Illustrated Explanation of Yijin Xisui Yunshen" is excerpted from the "Illustrated Explanation of Enhancing Yijin Xisui Neigong" by Zhou Shuguan of the Qing Dynasty (passed down from Master Jing Yikong of the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song). It is divided into ten major postures: upright posture illustration, side posture illustration, half-body posture illustration, bent posture illustration, folded posture illustration, buttoned posture illustration, inverted posture illustration, turned posture illustration, walking posture illustration and sitting posture illustration. These ten postures each have a focus on movement under the general principle of "relaxing the tendons and washing the marrow", which actually provides an effective way for the weak and the sick to target their symptoms. The comprehensive practice of the ten major forms has remarkable benefits for unblocking all the meridians throughout the body, promoting the circulation of qi and blood, strengthening the muscles and bones, treating and preventing diseases, keeping fit and healthy, prolonging life, and even bringing out the inner strength and courage in skills. If practitioners can practice both the dynamic exercises and the static exercises for internal cultivation and nourishment at the same time, it will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the cultivation of their lives and nature, and the remarkable effects are self-evident. The two sutras, "Yi Jin" and "Xi Su", are said to have been passed down by Bodhidharma, the patriarch of Buddhism. Whether this is true or not in history remains unverified. In simple terms, "Yi Jin" refers to the training of life skills, and "Xi Su" refers to the training of nature skills. Combined, it is the cultivation of both life and nature. This was originally a form in which the Taoist and Buddhist schools imparted the supreme way. In this sense, the dual cultivation methods of life and nature in Taoism can also be called "Yi Jin" and "Xi Su". Just as the theories of the "Yijin" and "Xisui" classics repeatedly emphasize, one should not teach in a muddled way and should not be obsessed with the appearance of words. Of course, one should not be obsessed with the appearance of language or the appearance of cultivation methods. The art of self-cultivation and nurturing one's nature mainly lies in grasping the essence and truth. If one can find the life and nature exercises that suit them and learn them simultaneously, cultivating each other, any kind of exercise can be called "changing the tendons", and any method can be regarded as "washing the marrow". This ten postures of the Body Movement diagram are indeed the initial correct methods of "changing the tendons and washing the marrow", but when you understand the truth of cultivation and can observe the way of the three talents and practice the actions of the three talents, you will know that all phenomena are subject to spiritual transformation. Therefore, those who wish to learn this skill should first understand the principle from the skill and then obtain the method from the principle. This is the true shortcut. Mr. Kong De was originally a scholar specializing in Taoism and was also a practitioner of the Taoist Neidan health preservation technique (also known as immortal health preservation). In his research and practice, he naturally also touched upon the theories and doctrines of Buddhism and Confucianism as well as the principles of life and nature. He believes that in the Taoist elixic health preservation circle, since the Tang Dynasty, generations of great cultivators like Lu Dongbin, Chen Guan, Zhang Sanfeng, Huang Yuanji, Wu Chongxu and Liu Huayang have always held the view of the "integration of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism". This not only has its reason but also reflects their broad-mindedness that is not bound by sectarian views. In 1995, the master provided annotations for the ancient book "Illustrated Explanation of the Internal Practice of Yijin Xisui" and published it as "Comprehensive Annotations of Yijin Xisui". He believed that the theories and the dual cultivation methods of life and nature in Buddhism share many similarities with Taoism. And in the research, it was found that throughout history, both Taoism and Buddhism have had many exemplary figures who learned from each other and exchanged ideas. Especially on Wudang Mountain, throughout the dynasties since the Han Dynasty, Taoism and Buddhism have coexisted. Some people can't even be rigidly classified into either of the two. The gentleman's research also holds that, in terms of the "internal" and "external" aspects of traditional martial arts, the essential distinction lies in whether a certain type of martial arts conforms to the philosophy of the great way of "harmony between man and nature" and whether it can go hand in hand with health preservation. Those who are capable are called "internal experts", while those who are not are called "external experts". Therefore, throughout history, both Taoism and Buddhism have had "internal" martial arts as well as "external" martial arts. The "Yi Jin Yun Shen Tu Shuo" of Shaolin Buddhism is truly an "inner school". These viewpoints are very clearly expounded in the gentleman's book "A Secret Account of the Wudang Neijia School" (published by People's Sports Press in 1998). After the publication and distribution of Mr. Kong De's book "Comprehensive Commentary on Yi Jin Xi Su", it was widely welcomed by readers. However, due to the fact that the "Yi Jin" body movement diagrams left by predecessors are brief and the explanatory text is not easy to understand, many people who self-study and practice by following the diagrams have various questions. However, due to the limitation of energy, the gentleman is unable to answer each question one by one. Therefore, the gentleman has long had the desire to provide reference and learning materials for readers and the majority of health preservation enthusiasts through video materials. But because the right opportunity had not yet come, my wish had never been fulfilled. Since I, the website of "China Wudang", established a connection with Mr. Kongde, I have been willing to fully cooperate with him to fulfill his great wish. After many preparations and deliberations, my wish has finally come true. Mr. Kongde said of himself, "I am neither a great virtue in Buddhism, nor a master in Taoism, nor a master in the martial arts world. I am merely a scholar engaged in related academic research and practice." His research and organization of the "Yijin Xisui Jing" are confident that they will not mislead others. But he emphasized that this speech only serves as an introductory guide. If one wants to further their studies, it still requires each learner to persistently practice and strive.