In Master Ren Gang’s article, he talks a lot about “shen qi”, and using the shen qi to move the physical body.
I translated the shen qi as a spiritual and energetic manifestation of the spirit and energy that fills and surrounds us.
Rather like a kind of field of energy that is part of us or like our spirit and, which is present around us, a bit like personal space in some ways.
When somebody is too close, we feel that our space is violated or compromised and we may feel physically uncomfortable. Often drawing back or inwards to escape from their presence.
This is our shen qi collapsing inwards, as we allow another person to make our spirit go small. Thus our energy is compromised and weakened and our potential power is also weakened.
The concept of using this outer manifestation of energy to drive the body, rather than the physical structure to move itself, is quite a difficult concept or feeling to master, or even experience.
When I’m pushing hands with Master Ren, I really can feel that he is using this shen qi, not muscular force or just his physical structure.
Have you met other teachers who can demonstrate this phenomenan or feel like they are using shen qi in their form/push hands?
If so, please let everyone know, it would be great to play push hands with teachers of that ability.
Any comments about shen qi?
Reply by Eric: