
Bagua
Baguazhang or Bagua, is often considered the most difficult of the 3 primary Daoist Internal Arts focusing on Spiritual awakening, health, and martial arts. Bagua is often only taught after learning Xing Yi and Tai Chi. Baguazhang is translated as 8 Trigram Palm and it incorporates Daoist Medical theory, Daoist cosmological theory, and the Book of changes into it. At the core of the art are 8 gua or ‘Mother Palms.’ These 8 ‘Mother Palms’ are based on the 8 guiding principles found in the I-Ching. The guiding principles are as the following:
Qian or heaven
Kun or Earth
Li or Fire
Zheng or Lightning
Kan or Water
Xun or Wind
Dui or Lake / Valley
Geng or Mountain / Volcano.
Each of the mother palms represented much like Xing Yi a corresponding relationship with an element of nature, an internal organ, a physical motion, and a self-defence concept. For example, Qian represents the energy that comes down from heaven and so it often represents a downward movement. Qian energy is considered 'Pure Yang' and is represented by 3 solid lines stacked over each other. Performing the Qian palm helps the Large Intestine and represents the head. Kun on the other hand represents Earth and is an energy that begins in the Earth and rises up towards heaven. Earth energy is considered the most Yin as it is represented by 3 broken lines. The Kun gua also represents the Spleen, and the abdomen especially the lower Dantien energy center. Through the understanding of each of the 8 palms we begin to understand a physical, mental, and spiritual relationship with it increasing our awareness of how the universe moves within us.
Style of Bagua Taught