A lecture on Authentic Wing Chun, Part 4: Wing Chun Neigong

This lecture series explores authentic Wing Chun, focusing on Neigong, which is grounded in historical and scientific evidence. The discussion introduces the fundamental concepts of Jing, Chi, and Shen, posing initial questions about these often mysterious terms before clarifying their practical definitions for modern practitioners.

The concepts are defined simply: Jing is essence, Chi is energy, and Shen is spirit. Ultimately, these terms describe the systematic refinement of three interconnected aspects of human existence: the physical body, the process of breathing, and the activity of the mind. These are inherent qualities possessed by all humans.

Well, actually, it's very simple. is just the refinement, of body, breathing and mind.

The hierarchy of refinement establishes that the body is the most coarse element, while the mind is the most subtle and difficult to manage. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial when studying Neigong, as the goal is to learn the specific methods and techniques required to refine these three aspects systematically.

The central issue is whether the practitioner possesses the correct techniques to refine the body, breathing, and mind simultaneously. Without proper methodology, efforts remain superficial, and the practitioner fails to achieve the intended results of Neigong, regardless of external appearances or claims of lineage.

Possession of authentic teaching materials, such as historical texts, presents a choice: treating them as a source of pride and rigid hierarchy leads to spiritual imprisonment, or viewing them as pointers toward liberation. The speaker emphasizes that the goal is understanding the content, not claiming superiority based on holding the knowledge.

This can be prison, can be hell. H E L L prisons, or can be rebrations. The path to rebrations.

The path to true understanding involves a journey of seeking knowledge beyond immediate lineage, including studying with masters connected to Zen Buddhism, such as Venerable Shen, who carried the transmission of mind verification through generations. This pursuit is driven by determination to know what lies within, rather than seeking status.

Wing Chun's Neigong foundation stems from ancient Chinese traditions, evolving from teachings brought by Bodhidharma, including Chan Buddhism and mindful breathing meditation (Anapana). This evolution demonstrates that martial arts are not fixed but constantly changing, with change itself being the ultimate principle, influencing Daoist and Confucian practices for over 1,400 years.

A new era of studying Neigong inevitably requires integrating modern science and scientific tracking to enhance understanding and achieve better results. This approach supports recovery by focusing on achieving an effortless mindfulness state, which correlates with measurable physiological improvements like better oxygen/carbon dioxide balance and improved heart rate variability.

Understanding ancient teachings requires knowing the differences between natural pace practice and standalone methods. Natural pace practice involves refining the body, breathing, and mind via organic movement, whereas standalone practices, like counting breaths with fixed timing, do not account for the body's unique rhythm and can lead to brute-force exertion.

If the body has not developed a sense of its entire rhythm through natural pace practice, attempting deep breathing exercises risks improper diaphragm handling, potentially leading to suffocation sensations instead of relaxation. True Chong requires this foundational refinement before advanced techniques can be safely introduced.

Calming practice involves three levels: recalling the mind back, achieving the effortless mindful focus state, and reaching the advanced quiet silent mindful state, where breathing can drop to one repetition per minute. The first two levels are attainable by most practitioners with dedicated effort.

The daily lifestyle of the practitioner must support the quality of the practice; consistent high excitement prevents entry into deep states. For example, engaging in intense activities for 22 hours negates the benefits gained from two hours of focused meditation, as the body's circadian clock and emotional state must align with the practice.

A specific, bonus teaching unique to Wing Chun for calling the mind back is shared, which does not rely solely on breathing techniques. This method emphasizes synchronizing specific visual and internal awarenesses, a secret passed down from the art's ancestors.

Eyes must track hand. Hand must track, heart or mind. Hand issue from heart. This is the secret of calling yourself, back, your conscious back. This is wing chun.

The state of calling the mind back is achieved when two consciousnesses work together. The first is the 'driving consciousness,' where the hand movement links with and issues from the heart (mind). The second is the 'environmental consciousness,' where the eyes track the hand's movement relative to the surroundings. Missing either component results in a scattered mind.

This dual awareness must be maintained constantly, whether practicing forms like Yima, driving a car, or eating. When these two streams of awareness—the internal feedback loop and the external environmental observation—are merged, the practitioner achieves mindfulness and control over their body and actions.