There are three aspects of Shaolin kung Fu or any martial art that requires in depth understanding and application of the theory with regular practice throughout not just training, but within daily living and even play. The three aspects are:
- The Form (The visible, physical body)
- The Formless (Mind, void)
- The Breath
The form is the visible body the physical aspect of the person that is in balance which requires complete and regular use of various patterns and techniques to hone, develop and master the physical part of the training that the martial artist undergoes through their day to day life. The physical aspect is necessary to be controlled and also strengthened that is part of the force applied with the various exercises and building power through stances and also improving accuracy and speed with repetitive techniques that allow the use of combat in the discipline of self-defense. The form is closely linked to the heart as it is entirely dependent on the will power of the individual that is enjoying the process which is why it is important to have heart and put some soul into your efforts for if you do not enjoy the process the training the heart will not be able to be consistent and continue in the mastery over the form. The form is also part of the aspect that it has to fight against those negative and certain feelings that try to prevent the practioner from following through and continuing especially when they don’t want to due to thoughts, whispers of the self that doubt and create uncertainty within the heart with the continuation of the training that not only brings benefit to the user but also creates much well-being, strong tough body that is determined by undergoing stressful pressurised methods that build overall endurance, stamina and power.
The form is also determined how it will be developed with the formless aspect which is the mind. The mind is governed by the heart and also at times this continuous struggle of the thoughts and desires and consciousness of different states of awareness that allow the close link between the form and the formless the body and the mind to work in balance and generate harmonious synchronicity that it brings the use of philosophical and spiritual aspects through meditation, reflection, prayer and the use of the power of words that incorporate the comprehension and meaning into the heart and mind that the body listens to and follows with regard to practicing the various parts of training that has to be undertaken on a daily basis excepting a rest day in which the third aspect which controls, links, balances and brings the form and formless into unity and harmony particularly the use of how the heart and mind govern the entire body through inspiration that is divinely willed and can only be willed by the individual when they are in submission to the cosmic power that any soul can tap into and be part of the divine will that determines all existence. This understanding of how the mind and body and the form and formless requires control of the use of breath, the soft gentle deep breathing that Qi gong and internal aspects of martial arts and also the use of controlling breath even when practicing hard external aspects of force and developing the form through the various sets, patterns and techniques. The breath requires the use of conscious styles of training how to master the entire form with deep breathing, the softer and more gentle the breath, the more effect, power and influence the life force or energy that a person can tap into will create many different states of awareness, vitality, emotional and mental freshness and physical control with spiritual depth that unravels mysteries of the existence of creation, the knowledge of the self, others, parts of what we know of not just the world at large but the depth of the heart that governs the entire being within the life of martial art practice, daily living and time spent in play as all of this requires discipline and enjoyment of the journey through its ups and downs and the greatest blessing in all of this is patience, practice, consistency, with the most important aspect belief and faith, for without these convictions and having heart the journey will end up difficult, aimless and miserable and the outcome will be that with the time passing by the person will be in loss without the foundations and basis of belief, heart, faith, truthfulness and patience. Encouraging the practioner to remind them that the purpose is to seek the knowledge for personal growth and compassion and forgiveness particularly with the ability to be an effective fighter that requires excellent health through the practice and use of breath, control over the form and formless that are all linked and require the use of an individuals free will to reach and let their fate that is written remain upon truth and belief with a sound heart.
Martial arts will help you understand yourself, strengthen and empower you to understand why having a sound heart is key to fulfilling your destiny and fate through the use of your free will that has to have a foundation of key virtues and understanding of the nature of this temporary existence in this world and the final outcome which will be realised by everyone upon the certainty of death. Finally I would like to say that martial arts will not only unravel and unlock mysteries within yourself but will make the soul inspired heart to bring you to a natural conclusive and beneficial way of living that will be enjoyed by you and your family.