Formosa Neijia

The following is a great story told by xingyiquan and kettlebell expert Steve Cotter over at his blog. It’s one of the clearest explanations of the roles of external exercise, qigong, and meditation in training that I’ve seen.

Master Kao began to expound on the proper relationship between external exercise, qi gong and meditation. On this occasion he used the analogy of an automobile.

In his fashion he described the results of external exercise to body of a car. When you are driving a new, clean and shiny car, you feel good. People notice you, and this makes you feel good also. However, he made the point that this was only true if you could actually drive the car. If the shiny car did not work and could only sit in the driveway it was of little value. Again he analogized this to when you put on a quality suit that fits well. You look good and you feel good. You are confidant, relaxed and thus you perform well.

All cars are clean and shiny when new, just like a baby. However, without proper maintenance the shiny new car will soon wear down. Even the best car, if abused and not maintained will eventually break down and no longer be suitable for transportation. Even if it still looks new, clean and shiny.

Master Kao spoke of how the practice of qi gong was the same as performing the under the hood maintenance on our car. Toxins are expunged when we change oil. Brake fluids are flushed. Coolants are replaced. Fuel injectors are cleaned. Filters cleaned or replaced.

Generally we make repairs to the drive train, fluid lines and electrical wiring when through use or trauma they have been damaged. Some people have the knowledge and tools to perform this routine and corrective maintenance themselves. Others however, must take their car to a mechanic for maintenance and repairs because they don’t have the wisdom or time to take corrective action themselves. This basic maintenance is the regular practice of qi gong. The outside of the body may look good but if the inside of the motor is eaten up with rust it is foolish to invest time polishing the paint and not repairing the defective part.

As a mode of transportation the car must run properly and should look good as well.

Master Kao then turned the discussion to the driver of the car. They should be alert, competent and know the route to the destination. He discussed how even if the car ran well, even if the body was clean, strong and shiny without a competent driver it could be dangerous thing.

This was the role of meditation and mental exercise. The mind of the body is the driver of our car. The examples are obvious. Regardless of the condition of the car, a competent and focused driver is preferred to one inexperienced and impaired by toxins.