Four Paradoxes of Standing Meditation

Wang Xiangzhai practices standing meditation

In 1939, Wang Xiangzhai issued a public challenge through a Beijing

newspaper. His objective: to test and prove the new martial arts training
system of Yiquan, a system that placed standing meditation (zhan zhuang) at
its core.
Expert fighters from across China, Japan and even Europe traveled to answer
Wangs challenge. None could beat him or his senior students. His standing
meditation training produced superior results in a shorter time period, when
compared to methods used in boxing, Judo, and other styles of Kung Fu.
Considering the proven value of standing meditation, surprisingly few people
undertake the practice today. Why is this? As Wang himself noted, the
exercise is plagued by logical contradictions.Understandably, but
unfortunately, martial artists reject the exercise because it cannot possibly
work.
Sincere students, who are willing to suspend their disbelief for a few hours of
introductory practice, will encounter and resolve these four paradoxes.
Standing still is good exercise. Wang Xiangzhai explained the unique
health benefits of standing meditation in his essay, The Gain From Practicing
Martial Art:

Appropriate exercises can positively affect every cell and every

organ in the human body, improve the functioning of respiratory

and vascular systems, and also improve metabolism. In other

words, they activate the whole human organism.
In typical forms of exercise, before the body is tired, there are
already problems with breathing and the heart is overburdened.
So the exercise must be halted prematurely in order to let ones
heart rest, to catch ones breath and return to a normal state.
Chinese combat science uses the opposite method. This is
exercise of the muscular and vascular systems, exercise for all
cells of the body. The principle is to stimulate every organ at the
same time. Even if during exercise your muscles become tired,
your pulse stays in the normal range, and breathing is natural.
After the exercise, you feel that your breath is freer and more
comfortable than before.
Because there are no complex sets of movements, the nervous
system is not greatly stressed; you eliminate internal tension,
achieving mental calm. This is one of the elements that make
combat science different from typical forms of exercise.
Holding your arms up is relaxing. Many variations of standing meditation
require that the arms be held up, as if holding a ball, for fifteen minutes or
more. At first, such postures are unpleasant, and cause tension and soreness
in the shoulders. However, the posture itself is not the problem, it only
exposes the problem: an unhealthy lifestyle, so deficient in exercise that
even your own arms seem oppressively heavy.
After a few weeks of regular practice, the soreness will give way to more
pleasant sensations. You will be able to raise your arms up with no
discernable effort, and your entire body will become warm. Your joints will
feel well-lubricated; stiffness or arthritic conditions will be relieved.
Time flies when youre doing nothing. A lack of upper-body strength is
not the only obstacle to successful practice. After the soreness disappears, a
succession of images will parade through your mind. Endlessly replaying the
events of the past, and predicting those of the future, you should begin to
recognize that you are addicted to distraction.
Starving the beast will weaken it. If you can disregard these distractions from
within, do so; otherwise, remove them from your practice environment. Shut
the windows and the doors. When your mind finally stops, your perception of

time will change; instead of watching the clock, youll wish you had more
time to spend in this calm and quiet state.
Static posture training promotes fluid and coordinated
movement. The prevalence of these mental and physical discomforts
illustrates that, although everyone can stand still, few people do it well.
Only after resolving these issues within yourself, will you discover how
deeply they affect your performance. As you would expect, your balance will
improve; you may be surprised to find that standing meditation also
increases your sensitivity, explosive speed and power.
In his later years, Wang Xiangzhai nicknamed himself Old Man of
Contradictions. Martial artists today cannot hope to match his great
accomplishment, unless they are willing to stand first, and ask questions
later.
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73 thoughts on Four Paradoxes of Standing Meditation

1.

Rick Matzsays:
August 8, 2007 at 7:38 am

One of the best things Ive done for myself in recent years has been to take
up the standing practice. When Ive been practicing regularly, I find that my
mind is more clear, my body is relaxed, my reaction time is increased, I sleep
better, and I just function better in every possible way.
2.

faiksays:
August 12, 2007 at 3:37 pm

Only standing in Zhan Zhuang will not make you faster or better in
relaxation. First you have to find out whatever you are relaxed or not when
you stand in that posititon. How do you verify that?

3.

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4.

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5.
Chrissays:
August 13, 2007 at 7:07 pm

I presume you are referring to shi li, moca bu, fa li, tui shou, and other Yiquan
exercises. No doubt those are beneficial, but it would be wrong to say that
speed and relaxation cannot be cultivated without them.
We do not need to consult with others to know whether we are relaxed or
not; the answer is always the same: not quite enough. Correctness
of posture is a different matter.
6.

faiksays:
August 14, 2007 at 2:50 am

Chris says: We do not need to consult with others to know whether we are
relaxed or not; the answer is always the same: not quite enough.
Well, Chris if you are not quite enough relaxed, then you have to work on
that, or maybe you are not relaxed at all.
Each and one who talks about relaxation is saying that is very easy to learn
to relax your muscles with some postures or positions, but nobody ever
objectively explains how that relaxation should feel into your arms, legs,
shoulders or the whole body
7.

Chrissays:
August 14, 2007 at 6:58 pm

Well, Chris if you are not quite enough relaxed, then you have to
work on that, or maybe you are not relaxed at all.
Have you attained perfect relaxation? If so, then you have definitely
surpassed both Wang Xiangzhai and myself.

Nobody ever objectively explains how that relaxation should

feel into your arms, legs, shoulders or the whole body.

The Blind Men and the Elephant

by John Godfrey Saxe
It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind
The First approached the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
God bless me! but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!
The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried, Ho! what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me tis mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!
The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
I see, quoth he, the Elephant
Is very like a snake!
The Fourth reached out an eager hand,
And felt about the knee.
What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain, quoth he;
Tis clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!
The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said: Een the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can

This marvel of an Elephant

Is very like a fan!
The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Than, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
I see, quoth he, the Elephant
Is very like a rope!
And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!
So oft in theologic wars,
The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean,
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!
8.

Buddysays:
August 15, 2007 at 7:59 am

Hi Chris,
I got here from Steve Pavlinas site. I know Rick Matz from Empty Flower.
Nice post.
9.

faiksays:
August 15, 2007 at 9:29 am

Chris, Ive never said that I surpassed anyone or attained perfect relaxation.
Relaxation is matter of correct practice (which means objectively verifying
the state of relaxation). Only after that you can say that you have mastered
relaxation and can deepen it in every posture or position. But who
knows, maybe you have already found out that after correct posture
standing.

Mr. Wang Xiangzhais articles are not dogma which you must follow strictly.
You have to find your own way of thinking. If you just follow blindly without
asking the question WHY, then youll never gain anything. There is a saying
for that. Follow like a sheep.
10.

Chrissays:

August 15, 2007 at 7:12 pm

This article is focused on the question, WHY do so few people practice

standing meditation? See paragraph 3.
Have you seen the elephant? Provide your objective description and criteria
for verification.
11.

Buddysays:

August 16, 2007 at 5:14 am

When I first began learning xingyi from Kumar Frantzis, for the first year ALL
we did was santi and piquan. Each posture of piquan was held for nine
breaths. The more relaxed we got the longer our breaths becameand the
more miserable we were. Of course after twenty minutes or so it became
sublime. Hard burning but it was a fruitful fire.
12.

faiksays:

August 16, 2007 at 6:30 am

Ok Chriss. This is my objective description of relaxation. Its all written here:

http://martialartscience.blogspot.com/2007/05/mystification-of-martial-artcalled.html
13.

ginkgosays:

August 16, 2007 at 9:07 pm

Interesting article. I used to be heavily into martial arts and never heard of
that. Does that guy do other training for fighting or is that his only training?
Jet Li says that Americans do not train hard. He would have to put his leg
against the wall and keep it there for 3 hours. That was the whole lesson.
14.

Chrissays:

August 16, 2007 at 9:32 pm

ginkgo,
Standing meditation is only one part of I-Chuan training (maybe the most
important part).
faik,
Here is a common definition of objectivity: judgment based on observable
phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices. I was
surprised to see that none of the tests on your page meet this standard.
Adding a table or even a second person to the equation can be helpful, but
helpful does not equal objective.
I asked if you have seen the elephant. This is, at best, fondling the elephant.
15.

Faik Bilalovicsays:

August 17, 2007 at 4:26 am

Well, if your elephant is a standing in postures then you are quite away
from the objectivity or the properness of your method. We can take this to
another level where you could examine objectivness of boths method with
EMG in the lab. Im sure that then youll probably feel the difference.
16.

Chrissays:

August 18, 2007 at 10:08 pm

I get the distinct impression that you like to argue, and dont much care
what, how or why.
I will concede: I am not as talented as you wish I had claimed to be.
Nevertheless, the contents of this article are correct. On more personal or
unrelated topics, I have no further comment.

17.
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18.
Patricia - Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworkersays:
August 24, 2007 at 3:13 pm

Chris, thanks for sharing this standing meditation with us.

19.

Chrissays:

August 25, 2007 at 11:41 am

Featured in the Carnival of Healing.

20.

Gergsays:

September 20, 2007 at 4:11 am

Have you attained perfect relaxation? If so, then you have definitely
surpassed both Wang Xiangzhai and myself.
I think perfectly relaxed is usually called dead. So by that logic many
billions have surpassed most of us (assuming most of us are still alive).
21.

Ulisays:

December 25, 2007 at 11:29 pm

Myself practising the standing meditation or the walking meditation. Its very
good to combine it together. The results are fine, supporting or better said
complementing my taji quan practise. As it is known by wang xiang-zhai, it is
good and very intersting to experiment with energy and movement. Standing
meditation is just one more great possibility to improve the body-mind.
The discussion between you guys, chris and faik seems a bit waste of time
for me. Better you practise and enjoy to relax by experiencing it rather to ask
for the perfect relaxation.
Stay cool.
22.

Ramzasays:

January 30, 2008 at 1:47 pm

If you are having a hard time relaxing or defining what it means to be

relaxed, then you are most likely putting too much thought into it. Our
natural tendency seems to be to do something while relaxation is really
more about not doing anything. I think that knowing what it means to feel
relaxed is innate in most people; part of the trick to doing it is to not worry
about whether or not you are doing it properly.
23.

Chrissays:

January 31, 2008 at 10:19 pm

I agree that there is no use in worrying, but there is also no use in doing it
improperly!
For example, leaning backwards is sub-optimal practice from a martial arts
perspective.

24.

dr.k.conor foxxsays:

March 15, 2008 at 12:27 am

Discussion website, such as this, can be an opportunity for

exchange and learning; usually, they issue only philosophy and vanity: do it
faithfully do it as my teacher said and disfaith who could believe it.
Standing exercise, zhan zhuang, is simple, is not a meditation, and subtly
prompts intrinsic responses, development, and leads to motion and walking.
It can be a start, the middle course, and the return to begin again. In the
standing position, the body will alter itself between position and intensities, it
will rock, rotate, rise, and sink on its own. The series of other exercises
associated with it: mo ca bu, shi lican each be practiced and each can be
concocted, but each evolves naturally from the standingwithout any
objective of meditation or martial use.
This, in itself, is not profound, profound is humankinds surprise, nature is
neither profound nor has intent. Unfortunally, development with intent of
martial use is development-level limited and health-benefit limited.

25.
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26.
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(heheli.com)
27.
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28.
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29.
Sansuesays:
January 11, 2009 at 11:22 am

Yoga and spirituality go hand in hand. Hath yoga is a great exercise for both
mind and spirit. Spiritual medicine is fantastic for the soul and mind as well
as for the body. People should pay more attention to this great tool of
healing. If we have many rewards in life which can be many ferris wanli
dimensional to transients to our biology and in more agreement of our
attention to find the truth behind the metaphysical reformation of life. This is
because our attention always go towards the traditional medicine that may
or may not cure the real problem.
30.

Tannage the taijiquan dudesays:

July 6, 2009 at 10:29 pm

I think if you think you know what perfect relaxation is, youre not perfectly
relaxed.

States of relaxation are transient, constantly changing things, because all

perception is relative, states of relaxation are also relative. I might feel very
relaxed today because I was very tense yesterday, but really be very tense
compared to most people in the world.
I think whether or not you feel relaxed is a moot point. the most important
thing is just to do the standing practise, its no more complicated than that.
Pondering the feelings you get during practise is useful but the full benefit
you get from just doing it.

31.
32.

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Josh Youngsays:

July 7, 2009 at 6:47 pm

the posture itself is not the problem, it only exposes the problem: an
unhealthy lifestyle, so deficient in exercise that even your own arms seem
oppressively heavy.
Amen a thousand times.
33.

eastpawsays:

July 21, 2009 at 9:45 am

I like this article, Chris, but I rather feel you werent very fair to Faik. The
testing methods described in his blog are actually possibly objective using
your definition of the term: emotions and personal prejudices are not
necessary components.
Perhaps you feel that his experiments lack sufficient management of
extraneous variables. However, even the best set up experiment requires
human analysis. Even if we were to program a computer to conduct the
experiment, take measurements, and do analysis, our personal biases could
have directed our programming to some degree.
Objectivity can therefore never be absolutely determined, and theres a
strong element of good enough in science. After all, statistics really are all
about good enough, and there is little science without statistics.
Do I believe Faiks experiments could do with a lot more work? Certainly yes,
when I put on my science cap. But, you know, the average martial artist (or
sportsman or dancer or) is not trained or interested in experimental
design. For most people, Faiks experiments are already more controlled than

what they are used to. In other words, imperfect though they be, they could
be of some use to some people somewhere.
34.

Chrissays:

July 21, 2009 at 11:20 am

In response to implications that I am a tense and dogmatic sheep who

cannot understand objectivityI think I was rather polite.
Actually, objectivity is a difficult topic with respect to meditative disciplines
and much of what passes for conceptual simplification is actually destruction.
So people who propose a simple and scientific approach must be held to a
very high standard.
35.

eastpawsays:

July 22, 2009 at 12:31 am

Ah, I see. You werent impolite at all, Chris, IMHO, within or without the
context of the conversation.
I still think it was unfair to write off Faiks experiments like that though. On
the other hand, Faik was grossly unfair to imply those things about you
without knowing you. (If my assumptions about your relationship hold.)
I think Im gonna shut up now.
36.

Dragan Pavlovicsays:

August 9, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Guys, can you help me? I have a wonderful book by Lam Kam Chuen The
way of energy. I was training Zhan Zhuang for 5 minutes (holding the ball) 3
weeks, then 10 for another 3 week, then 15 for some short time, because I
had such a pain in my arms and shoulders and I trembled so hard, that I had
to short the sessions. But, as I made my sessions shorter, my ability to stand
was decreased. 15, 12.5, 10, 7.5, 5 minutes,, every session was harder and
harder, they pain was so intensive.
I was tried to imagine supporting balls under my elbows,, and everything
from the book, but nothing helped.
DO I NEED A TEACHER? If I dont, what is wrong in my drill?

Any help is more than welcomed, because I find this Qi Gong style the best
of all.
Dragan
37.

Wsays:

August 10, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Dragan Pavlovic,
My thought is that maybe your personal progress didnt match what was
suggested in the book. You have went ofr 15 minutes before you were ready.
I would suggest that you start over with 5 min and take your time. Youll
know when you are ready because 5 min will become very comfortable and
easy for you to do. It took me about 9 months of daily practice for me to
reach an hour. Although, I had 2 years of many meditation practices that
helped me a lot.
38.

Dragan Pavlovicsays:

August 11, 2009 at 8:37 am

W, thank you for your suggestion,

I also have a many year of various types of meditation etc., but, on the other
hand, I can say that I am very temperament and nervous person (not toward
the other people, it is rather the inner restless state), so I am more than sure
that I have tons of accumulated stress in my system.
Some people from a yahoo forum say that Id try Qi Dao system or some
other, but I see Zhan Zhuahg as the the best for me. Do you think the same
as they do, that I NEED A TEACHER or I can forget the whole thing? The book
by Lam Kam Chuen The way of energy is so clear, that I cant decide. But,
they can be right, because I could have some serious energy blockades.
Anyway, it is odd for me that when I decreased my standing from 15 to 5
minutes, it was the same. I had the first crisis after 5 minutes.
Thanks for your help
Dragan
39.

Dragan Pavlovicsays:

August 11, 2009 at 8:40 am

A minor mistake in my post. The last sentence should end up with after 3
minutes.
40.

Chrissays:

August 11, 2009 at 9:12 am

The simplest explanation would be that your shoulders are too weak. Maybe
you should persevere, or maybe you should let them rest, or maybe you
should try some different exercises to supplement zhan zhuang.
Fong Ha teaches a system of 8 postures, 5 minutes each, for a total of 40
minutes standing. Every 5 minutes the hand position changes.
41.

Fredosays:

August 11, 2009 at 3:34 pm

Paradox
Isometric exercises are static exercises. Muscles are held under contraction.
There is no movement, yet muscle strength is built and one will be able to
contract stronger and easier.
Standing like the one described in this article is like an isometric for ones
tendon, skeletal structure. But unlike muscles your are putting the tendons
and bone into a constant state of extension against gravity. When standing
you relax your muscle as much as you can, yet your tendons and bones are
activated like connected coil wires. Your fingers extends, your spine extends,
everything extends. In the beginning you unintentionally use muscle
struggling to keep your arms up, but after a while a strange force will start to
levitate them.
So I think there is a lot of confusion when one says stand relaxed. Yes your
muscles are relaxed (unenergized), but your structure is energized (not
limp). You want to be energized/extended else your bones and tendons will
not develop.
When doing tai chi you are activiating your tendons and bones as you
inhales, creating extending motions. Exhale and the tendons relax allow the
chi to move back down into the earth.
It does take time , discipline, correctness and patience, which is why not too
many people get results. All the teachers I have had, say to do it everyday
even if its just a litte bit. It wasnt until I did it at least 5 times a week did I
start getting results, and after one does it becomes easier. Its amazing
something that seems static produces fluid powerful motion.
42.

Dragan Pavlovicsays:

August 12, 2009 at 10:17 am

Hello for Chris and W,

I think that I know the reason for my failure. The book says: your thumbs
shouldnt be higher than your shoulders. Your shoulders should be SLIGHTLY
under the level of your shoulders. My elbows were a bit more lower, so I had
the lower center of gravity of my arms, and I was able to embrace the
balloon for 5 minutes without any problems, then to have the first crisis at
the 8th minute and the last two minutes (to 10) I used to endure by focusing
on my breathing.
But, when I lifted my elbows a bit higher, I wasnt able to perform the drill
even 5 minutes without big problems. As W says, it seems that I must start
over, that 5 minutes must be my target.
Chris, I couldnt find any free Fong Ha book, and I dont need an another
paper book, my bookshelf will collapse, I am full of unnecessary knowledge.
Be well, my friends
Dragan
43.

Scottsays:

August 12, 2009 at 7:51 pm

For heavens sake, get a teacher! A good teacher could tell you in 20 seconds
what you are doing wrong.
All the books have to be conservative so that they dont get sued, because
they have no way of really knowing that a reader will understand correctly.
The actual practice is one hour long, dont skimp, dont equivocate. If
nothing else, be resolute!
If you can dance for an hour, you have enough strength to do an hour of
Zhan Zhuang. If you you dont have the energy to dance for an hour, forget
standing meditation, you need to shake your booty first!
44.

eastpawsays:

August 16, 2009 at 9:13 pm

Fredo,
Great post there, man.
45.

Wsays:

August 22, 2009 at 11:44 am

Dragan Pavlovic,

Sorry for such a late reply.

In relation to needing a teacher or not:
For best results, and quickest, having a teacher is extremely useful. And of
course for any high level accomplishments a teach is a must.
Yet for now doing what your doing will be extremely useful for when you do
get a teacher. When the student is ready the teacher will appear. Your just
getting ready. My master said, I found that it was in my solo practice at
home that I made the most progress. I finding that to be true for me as well.
About your elbow:
Im glad you made that discover! Very impressive, to notice that. But were u
saying that your elbows were to high? I had a little trouble understanding
that.
If you ever want anymore help just let me know.
46.

Dragan Pavlovicsays:

August 22, 2009 at 1:37 pm

Hello W,
The elbows: my elbows were a bit lower than it is said in the book (to be
slightly under the level of the shoulders). It is easier to hold the ball when
your elbows are at the lower position, even for 3 inches. When I lifted them
in the proper position (I believe that is the proper one), I experienced a big
problem to maintain the position more than 5 minutes and I should be able
to stand even for 15, because I practice for more than 2 months. That is it.
Be well,
Dragan
47.

bewildered baguasays:

April 9, 2010 at 4:11 pm

Fredos post (#33) was great! Its what my teachers in China were trying to
say, but what the translaters couldnt

You said
Its amazing something that seems static produces fluid powerful motion

I couldnt help thinking of the tao, of the complimentary opposites, both

creating and destroying each other in equal measure. It all fits in rather
snugly with the internal arts, even when unlooked for

48.

Randy M.says:

May 26, 2010 at 7:12 am

I highly recommend reading Bruce Frantzis book, Opening the Energy Gates,
which describes the alignments and the utilization of the dissolving
meditation to help you get through energetic blockages. A workshop is also
helpful. I also have Lam Kam Chuens book, the Way of Energy, which I also
have found useful.
One of the things to do in all neigong practice is not overdo it. Do not force
yourself to stand for 15 minutes if you have not had prior training for shorter
periods. Frantzis talks of the 70% rule, dont go beyond 70% of your ability,
because over time your ability will increase naturally.
49.

dr.k.conorsays:

May 28, 2010 at 3:08 am

The original spark for this subject, that Wang Xiang-zhai issued a public
challenge is factually true; what follows is partially true, and the counter
reactions following that are misleading or completely untrue. The standing
exercise is not a meditation, it is not immobile (physilological movement is
displayed externally and internally there is a continual juxtaposition of
effects). It is unfortunate that some make reference to their personal idols.
Absent also is that Msr. Wang was in process to evolve his practice to jian
wua even more simple dancing inspired health. I will credit Msr. Wang
with this insight, but he also had experience with Ziren-men the natural
boxing and with water style boxing. An insightful teacher is useful, but the
tutoring of the exercise is to allow your self to teach you.
50.

Chrissays:

May 28, 2010 at 10:54 am

Wang Xiangzhai did not invent zhanzhuang, does not own it, and was not its
foremost practitioner. I regret implying otherwise.

Anyone can verify the points of contradiction with a few dozen hours time
provided they do not allow a narrow obsession with shadowboxing to warp
their practice.
51.

kevinsays:

June 21, 2010 at 3:28 pm

especially liked the comment about being addicted to distractions. so true.

sometimes wonder whether the pure arts are doomed to a slow death since
it seems fewer and fewer people are willing to sacrifice time and pleasure to
attain real achievement.
52.

Dragan Pavlovicsays:

June 21, 2010 at 10:10 pm

Hello my friends,
Many of you tried to help me when I was trying to do Zhan Zhuang. All my
life, I am the man of the East. But, it seems that we, westerners are orphans.
Jesus. Who? A man from a desert? Camels? Jews? Is it really our culture? The
whole Europe worshiped trees and many gods. Christianity has a lot of
pagan elements. We eat the flesh and blood of Jesus? So pagan. The
West has no religion, mysticism, we just played with alchemy.
The East. So closed. Energetic meridians? We can learn it, but we cant feel
it. It is obvious that the East wont share the knowledge. They can make a
surgery on the open heart with only 1 needle in the body.People from the
West use dozens of them. Chakra system is a bit closer to us, they reflect
glands in body. But even them cant be accepted by our archetypal mind on
some deeper level. I am a Reiki master. The founder of that system of
healing (Usui) died in 1926. We know about him and his real practice as he
died before Christ. Ive read about some Christian monks, who wanted to
make a fusion of the West and East. They failed. We see the world totally
differently. That is, we are totally materialistic and they are totally closed to
us. And, even they lost the spark of the deepest teachings. How I know it?
They are more and more complex, and the real thing is to be simple.
Maybe the only universal thing is Zen. When we hear some mondo (questionanswer stories), we can have that inner smile, all people in the world. But,
who can follow that path? I am almost expert for Hinduism, Ramana
Maharishi is in my heart, but I cant follow him. I tried yoga, and I dislocated
my knee after years of lotus position. We can feel the truth of the East, but
as we cant sit on the floor as they can, we cant live like them.
Even my admiration to martial arts is not as it used to be. I am 4 degree of
Wing Chun kung fu. Great thing. But, go to youtube.com and see systema,

the Russian martial art. Yes, it sounds funny. But it is the final word. They
made a fusion of breathing, using weapons of all kinds, simplicity, that all
Chinese styles are nothing but a big joke. Even Israel Krav Maga is ridiculous,
though FBI uses this martial art, a set of rigid and unified moves. Systema
is like a wave, like walking in the street, so alive, which can heal or kill in a
second.
Maybe in that kind of fusions we can save our souls. Yes, Tai Chi is
wonderful. Chi kung? Perfect. But who can really follow it? And why? One of
people in this blog said that two brothers stand in the snow, his daily routine
stops when the snow is melted around them, something like that. In a very
hard posture. What is the use of that?
The goal of all disciplines is to calm our mind. Maybe 90% of disciplines we
use are energetic, like Reiki, Tai Chi, and only as a side effect, we get the
calm mind. Why shouldnt we find the way to calm it right now? How? I dont
know. I know 100 kind of meditation, but, as one branch of Zen says, do you
want to be the sitting Buddha or how do you thing to reach samadhi by
practicing samadhi? We are all lost sheep. In area of religion, life,, maybe
systema is a only one exception that we, the West, can have something
really ours to be really practical, efficient and even spiritual. The West lost
his path, and the same is with the East. How many real masters we all have?
Few. I very sorry about that. Dont try to attack me, I am in your flock, but,
I cant see the point. So many systems, versions,, it is normal, we are not
the same person, but I cant see any depth in it, just the way to be famous.
An hour ago, I saw a video with some western yogi. Yes, he can lift his leg
and do many things. But his goal is to preserve his body?! We are just
playing, we are ridiculous. What is the use of that kind of yoga? This purpose
was to prolong the life, and improve health, so we can have enough time to
reach some more important things. To reach the Self. Ego-less state.
Im sorry because of so long post and my jumping from one topic to another
is not so random as you could think. Religion and way of life are related to
love and devotion to the eastern disciplines. Ive spend more than 20 years
of my life in chasing the East, and I am about to find myself when I gave up
of all tricks, rules, everything, just freedom.
Be blessed.
53.

ninjutsu trainingsays:

August 6, 2010 at 7:53 am

This is all very interesting. I tried Falun Gung and had a lot of trouble holding
my shoulders up. I looked through the posts to find suggestions to
strengthen my neck and shoulders but didnt see anything specific (sorry if I

missed any). Could you suggest 4 or 5 exercises I could do to strengthen my

neck and shoulders?
54.

kevin bryantsays:

August 6, 2010 at 9:12 am

the point of standing is not to build stronger back and neck muscles although
that me be a by-product. the main point of standing is to open the meridiens
of the macrocosmic orbit. although one will develop some degree of
muscular strength, the most important strength is meant to come from
generous chi flow through the orbit. strength therefore comes first from
relaxation and proper posture then simply letting time and attention do their
work over many years for most people. dont look for short cuts.
55.

dr.k.conorsays:

August 7, 2010 at 3:57 am

Some of the development history, principles, and goals of

Zhan Zhuang, standing post are being missed in this blog.
Wang Xiang-zhai wanted a simplified but complete exercise,
adaptable, and influencing the entire physical and mental aspects. There is
no specific attention to neck and shoulders
nor is there specific attention to concepts or TCM or chi or
jing. The whole is developed by a whole-envolvement with a
complete blending without separation. Most MA people tend
to want to adapt it to specifics: reiki, ninjitsu, yoga. This then is no longer
Wangs Zhan zhuang.
56.

Anna Houcksays:

September 14, 2010 at 10:24 am

I also want to know if Is it always necessary to close my eyes while

meditating? Thanks! (-:
57.

chrissays:

September 14, 2010 at 1:31 pm

No it is not, for zhan zhuang or otherwise. Not all meditation methods are
equalbut there is a famous story about Bodhidharma cutting off his eyelids,
so that he would never fall asleep when he was supposed to be practicing.

58.
59.

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Pentti Juvonensays:

December 9, 2010 at 11:57 pm

Yi Quan really works.I have been doing zhan zhuang 8 years. I used to
practise karate many years.They did not tell anything about qi or relaxation.
That was waste of money and time.Relaxation is way to understanding.I
stand EVERY day 2hours.
60.

Yadi Supremesays:

December 12, 2010 at 10:57 pm

I believe that no one can understand the benefits of Zhan Zhuang having not
practiced for 100 hours minimum.
The first two weeks you will think youve got it
The next day, you will find asymmetry or pain.
The next month you think youve got it
The next day you fight to hold it not knowing why.
I strongly suggest to people to physically do the work and find out for
yourself what the benefit is.
There are many.
61.

kevin bryantsays:

December 13, 2010 at 2:19 am

even one hours is but a drop in the bucket. perhaps some real inkling after
1,000 hours
62.

Yadi Supremesays:

December 14, 2010 at 12:06 am

Im not theorizing.
Do the standing and find out.
63.

Vietsays:

September 6, 2011 at 11:08 pm

Someone here said that, perfect relaxation is dead. But dead people are
still after a short perioduntil they disintegrate. So by this logic, then one
could say, perfect relaxation is rigamortis.

64.
65.

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Mind boxersays:

October 11, 2012 at 3:52 am

Important thing in Zhan Zuang is, that you do it every day. Some people only
practice every second day or twice a week. If you have difficulties to hold
position for longer times, start doing it 5 minutes for example. After four
weeks stand 10 minutes and so on. First position is called Ti Cha, then comes
Zhang Bao. Then comes Shi Li and Mocabu.
66.

carolsays:

November 2, 2012 at 12:53 pm

Is it true that the purpose of all this meditation is obtaining a calm mind? I
doubt that since my cat and dog are very calm and show no signs of being qi
masters.
Say that you were like a house cat sunning itself in the back yard, completely
free of worries and issues, humor me here, what then would be the quickest
way to acquire understanding of and mastery of qi?
67.

Alan Taylorsays:

September 15, 2013 at 3:48 am

Dragan Pavlovic. Am responding to your last comment, and dont know if this
will reach you, anyway. My reply needs to communicate a lot in the most
general of terms, and without justifications and details. You may not need
them, anyway.
Within the field of Infinity, creation-points are created, out of the stuff of
Infinity. Our Universe is one such creation-point. There really are not cut-anddry divisions between them all, but everything I say has to be put in very
simplistic terms with the space I have.
Our goal is to return to that Infinity. That Infinity is actually a field of great
pleasure, goodness, love, compassion, all good things. Beyond words.
Creation-points are created with the intent to expand and intensify that great
field, and has to be temporary. If we see that field as Infinite Consciousness,
then it is a balancing act of suppressing that Infinite Consciousness
temporarily, so that more can be created from that in the long-run. But not
going so far that it cant find its way back out.
Sometimes the consciousness within these creation-points goes too far, gets
lost, cant find there way home. We are riding that line as humans, right now.
I said that this field is like a very nice emotion, but because we are so far

from it, we have almost lost it, so that now Infinity is only perceived by us as
a field of nothingness. That is because we are seeing such a small portion
of it.
Say your computer keyboard, as a whole, is the field of Infinity. Your keyboard
has many divisions, characteristics. Now take one tiny point anywhere on
your keyboard. If it is small enough, that small space becomes homogenous.
We are within that point, and when we see the keyboard as it really is, we are
only seeing a Nothingness. All the characteristics we perceive within that
point, are vastly downgraded versions (illusions) of the keyboard as a whole.
However, if we were able to expand our field of view to encompass more of
the keyboard, the Nothingness would gradually begin turning into a
Something, like joy, or all-good-things. That is why the road to nirvana begins
very impersonally, but turns into bliss if we persist with it.
Our real goal is ascension back to that Infinity, literally. To say a human can
be free, is like saying a prisoner can be free. The more one realizes that
void, the less-dense becomes the physical part of ourselves. Until
eventually the human being literally expands, and all that concentrated
energy takes a much wider space as Infinite Energy exclusively. At the
moment, we have so many illusions/layers/dimensions/densities heaped on
top of our original Infinite Consciousness, that we truly are an absolute mess.
The only way is to realize that Nothingness, that Still-Point, that Zero-Point,
that Pure Consciousness. The body must be as still as possible. The ideal
posture may be standing. I dont think it is lotus. I am still in the early stages
of this process myself. But if it is standing, then it is standing in the most
natural and simple position, hands by the side, legs hip-width apart, doing
absolutely nothing else but realizing that still-point. That must be the only
intention. If one did that enough, one would gain immortality, and would
ascend. But one would have to work up to the stage where one was able to
stand all hours of the day. So here we are talking about something no human
has yet accomplished, and is a god-like feat. And it requires giving up all
attachments to this creation. But any amount is helpful, and creates healing
and joy.
But as I said, a human immortal is not possible. By human, I mean the
physical human.
The best posture will be the most simple one, the one that gives the best
alignment, and one that Westerners can do. Is is fated to be that way. I am
just beginning my standing practice, so just telling where my understanding
is so far. So you asked what the point of these practices are. This is very
extreme and hard for most to bear, as it involves excepting that so much of
ourselves and our world is transitory. But this is also a process that humanity
will grow into through many lives, and through time. But it is possible to go
all the way, now, if one devoted oneself exclusively to that Infinity

(Nothingness) to the exclusion of everything else. Not an easy thing, but as I

said, any amount is helpful, and we just do the best we can with where we
are presently at. One step at a time. Good Luck.
68.

Alan Taylorsays:

September 16, 2013 at 6:49 pm

Carol, that is a fair thing to say and wonder. It is said that the purpose of
meditation is a calm mind, however that is really more of a side-effect or
requirement for another purpose, where the real purpose is basically to feel
good. To feel great. Feel an intense tangible pleasure, like an orgasm that
never subsides, or the best drug that is not bad for you and lasts always. We
need a calm mind in order to experience a permanent, eternal pleasure. If
you read my previous post, you can see why meditation begins like a piece
of cardboard, and in time turns into fruit.
So with cats and dogs, they are already closer to source than we are. The
evolution of natural selection actually takes us away from the source, and
that which is less evolved, is paradoxically closer to source. We are going
down a slippery slop at present.
So cats already have a naturally calmer mind, and are thus qi masters much
more than us, without even trying. It is just a part of them. So much so, that
they dont even have to know that they are or that they are not. And a tree is
more of a master than the cat. There are other more minor complications to
this, but space is short. But this is true in the most primary way. It is not how
present society thinks and values at all, and is hard to accept for many. All
we really want and need is to feel good. The good we feel as humans is a
poor shadow of the potential. Laughable. We dont need more and more
sensory stimuli to to be able to feel good. We have to go backwards with
that. It is not like being dead, but alive. Again, mainstream society has a
madness that sees it the other way around.
69.

Rob Weingeistsays:

October 12, 2015 at 8:08 pm

This is FANTASTIC. I love this article. These things come up all the time in our
practice.
70.

Fredosays:

October 21, 2015 at 6:26 pm

I recently found a researcher name Chong Xie who clarifies stance training.
Who has a web channel called the secrets of atheletiscm. Basically its

modern footwear that makes most people (except elite athletes who typically
dont study this stuff) incapable of getting lower body benefits from even
something as simple as a squat. I successfully used his training to improve
my standing practice and hip power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=u7zBCf3zYPo
71.

Solojedisays:

April 27, 2016 at 1:40 pm

To understand the how the energy is gained first look how the earth develops
its power.. Its done through the slow flow of matter in its fluid core coupled
with a slight spark from its core generates electrical currents which in turn
set up a magnetic field..its called a dynamo..your body develops the energy
the same..through the standing meditation starting from your feet you tell it
to relax..continue up in a slow fluid manner till reaching your head..then
repeat..
The idea is this..blood follows your mind..and being directed by your mind
their is an electrical signal present..its exactly as the earth..the slow flow of
your blood with its mitochondrial generators coupled with the slightest spark
coming from your intent creates the dynamo.. Similar to a power
transformer..from a little voltage develops to a much larger voltage..
Standing and meditating alone doesnt develop this..it requires focused
intent on the internal movements..
When I first started it was just as most of you said..pain, suffering, but not
developing.. Not till you understand this principal does it truly develop.. For
when I applied it right the effects were immediate.. Soon my arms felt like
they werent even there and feeling of the magnetic field between your
hands became quite profound.. And you wont have to ask yourself, am I
doing this right?
I studied I-chuan, and bamboo forest temple southern mantis..this is where I
learned..its all about the dynamo..once developed and your subconscious
has the program then its developed into deeper higher levels of
training..noted as testing power..
72.

klienddsays:

June 3, 2016 at 8:10 am

This is amazing, thanks for posting Chris.

I also have Lam Kam Chuens book and find it hard to practice daily, being
American and full of distraction. I guess whatever is most important to us is
what we do.
73.

agumonkeysays:

August 23, 2016 at 2:45 pm

This requires a healty Cardio Vascular system. I used to do arm raising

exercises, although more in the western high frequency. My heart was
injured after an accident. Now raising arms causes bad tingling, sweating
even tiny pain like sensation somewhere around my heart, not to mention
light head. I wish I can recover soon enough to try standing meditation.