Friday 30 August 2013

(3) 恆常練武《功夫篇》(3) ON "KUNG FU ETERNAL"

(3) 恆常練武《功夫篇》   (3) ON "KUNG FU                                                  ETERNAL":
                      Hone Martial Skills Regularly


養生練武詩        Poems on Healthcare and Martial Arts
三篇之 羨魚原創     Poem No. 3 of 3 
                                   -- by Frank C Yue

練武防身,              Accustomed to punches and harsh                                                    training,
體壯功强。              The attacker away, you may be                                                    turning.
苦吃辛長,              Martially proficient, you're fit and                                                    strong --
武德為尚。              Raise the Virtue banner high, correct                                                             your wrongs.
全身是勁,              Skilful power in every body location --         
處變不驚。              Undaunted in any situation.

陶冶性情,              Temper your temp'rament toward                                                    serene ways;      
惩惡安良。              Subdue the violent brutes                                                     with Harmony in sway.  
保疆護家,              Sons and daughters of China, stand                                                                on guard for your country!
衛我中華!              For the Greater Self, one'd gladly                                                     sacrifice "small me".      

以上只是一己之管見。


No. 1:「治未病,弘養生。」

《黃帝內經‧素問》〈四氣調神大論〉選著
    --香港 廣華醫院中醫診所 普通科門診部 橫額

Nip all latent "Illness buds" well before                         they germinate;
Exercise, and a healthy lifestyle always                       cultivate.


An 'Abridged' Quote from Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng‧Sù Wèn:
"The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine"

     -- as written on a plaque at the Kwong Wah Hospital
          Chinese Medicine Out-Patient Department in Hong Kong.


《黃帝內經‧素問〈四氣調神大論〉》曰:

... “ 陰陽四時者,萬物之終始也、死生之本也,逆之則災害生、從之則苛疾不起,是謂得道。道者、聖人行之,愚者佩之。從陰陽則生、逆之則死,從之則治、逆之則亂,反順為逆,是為內格。 是故、聖人不治己病、治未病,不治己亂、治未亂,此之謂也。夫病已成而後藥之,亂己成而後治之,譬猶渴而穿井、鬪而鑄兵,不亦晚乎!”

曰: 其知道者,法於陰陽合於術數,食飲有節、起居有常、不妄作勞,故能形與神俱而盡終其天年,度百歲乃去。” 

... 四季養生 “ 春夏養陽、秋冬養陰。”

「上工治未病,中工治已病」

《難經第七十七難》:
「所謂治未病者,見肝之病,則知肝當傳之與脾,故先實其脾氣,無令得受肝之邪,
故曰治未病焉。中工者,見肝之病,不曉相傳,但一心治肝,故曰治已病也。」

《金匱臟腑經絡先後病脈證第一》:
「夫治未病者,見肝之病,知肝傳脾,當先實脾,四季脾王不受邪,即勿補之;
中工不曉相傳,見肝之病,不解實脾,惟治肝也。」

《史記扁鵲倉公傳》:
"扁鵲 過齊,齊桓侯客之。入朝見,曰:「君有疾在腠理,不治將深。」桓侯曰:「寡人無疾。」扁鵲出,桓侯謂左右曰:「醫之好利也,欲以不疾者為功。」後五日,扁鵲復見,曰:「君有疾在血脈,不治恐深。」桓侯曰:「寡人無疾。」扁鵲出,桓侯不悅。後五日,扁鵲復見,曰:「君有疾在腸胃閑,不治將深。」桓侯不應。扁鵲出,桓侯不悅。後五日,扁鵲復見,望見桓侯而退走。……使人問其故。扁鵲曰:「疾之居腠理也,湯熨之所及也;在血脈,針石之所及也;其在腸胃,酒醪之所及也;其在骨髓,雖司命無柰之何。今在骨髓,臣是以無請也。」後五日,桓侯體病,使人召扁鵲,扁鵲已逃去。桓侯遂死。"  



No. 2:  

     吃得苦中苦,
     方為人上人。


《警世通言‧玉堂春落難逢夫》


The one who can always eat "Life's bitter                      of bitters"         
Shall emerge head and shoulders above                      all the others.



<只有艱苦奮鬥,付出辛勤的勞動,才能取得成功。>

< (出處)     明‧馮夢龍 輯《警世通言‧玉堂春落難逢夫》:

< ... 公子自思:「可怎麼處他?」走出門來,只見大門上掛著一聯對子:
「十年受盡窗前苦,一舉成名天下聞。」
「這是我公公作下的對聯。他中舉會試,官到侍郎。後來咱爹爹在此讀書,官到尚書。我今在此讀書,亦要攀龍附鳳,以繼前人之志。」
又見二門上有一聯對子:「不受苦中苦,難為人上人。」>

<後來成為民間俗語,改為「吃得苦中苦,方為人上人」。>



No. 3:
CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH A "THREE-LEGGED" MAN (Part 1 of 2...)
 

A Story of Hope and Perseverance: 

Dedicated to my Mentor, 
Andrew W. F. Wong 黃宏發
(Huang Hongfa)

                                                                       -- by his e-student Frank C Yue
                                                                                         (1st posted on 2012.01.07)


I have to stay in Hong Kong longer than previously plann'd --
Expensive medicine (with musk grain) by a competent man
(At the Baptist U Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic)
Has, on my dear friend's long ailment, good effects specific.

Some mornings, I do qigong in my neighbourhood park
Where older folks come and go, they seldom leave their mark.
A microcosm of the lively seniors' community --
Mostly, each on her own spot doing her thing: No self-pity.

Quite punctually, a loose small group does taiji each morning,
Trying to follow the leader's every move and turning.
These slow moving bodies, just all women, are over the hill.
But their wrinkled eyes -- inviting wines no more! -- do sparkle still!

O, How I wondered where have all the "old-man soldiers" gone?
To the grave, ALL the other old braves couldn't have just passed on!
Maybe, lonely gnawing solitude further breeds lassitude,
Low self-esteem destroys once-proud guys' positive attitude!

Xin Qizi's words light up a mind not so old,

a heart none too cold:
   

    "Do remember our days of old --
     Golden halberd on war horse bold,
     Like a fierce tiger, vanquished were the foes!"


And Alfred Tennyson's wise words too,
For us -- lions-in-Autumn -- to woo: 


   "We are not now that strength which in old days
    Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are --
    One equal temper of heroic hearts,
    Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
    To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."


Some older folks are on wheelchairs, pushed by a helper or maid.
With nursing homes so near, they're here again later in the day.
Some older women are walking with the aid of a stick;
A "junior-senior" caught m'eyes with his gait and walking-stick.

With a head full of silver hair, he's in fact older than me --
(Though 'me' is not so young as 'me' wishes to be!)
But the "younger-old man" is a mere baby
Beside the active "ninety-fiver" lady!

No, he does not walk with a limp, but in small "lotus steps".
I thought: Could this be a major-stroke survivor, perhaps?
Then, after a number of days in silent encounter,
We finally say warmly "Good morning!" to each other.

He knows I have my own walking-stick, wielding it like a toy,
Walking sideways, now backwards... with the smile 

                                                                       of a gleeful boy.
(This metal stick, I bought with twelve 

                                                     Hong Kong dollars only
From Jusco Ten Dollar Store, is the "park weapon" for me.)

We speak the same old county dialect, we're thrilled to find;
With the ice broken, I ask him one morning: Do you mind
Telling me why you walk this way?
And, maybe, help you I may.

"My calves and feet used to give me sharp pain, 

                                                                 they hurt so much.
My third and fourth vertebrae impinged on the nerves; as such,
The doctor said an operation was necessary
To quite safely remove my sufferings and misery."

"Only good news was, after surgery, the sharp pain was gone.
But somehow, both my feet were drained of strength 

                                                                     from then on!
Now, I can't stand on my feet without a 'third leg' for long.
Fearing I may fall easily, I move in tiny steps -- 

                                                  for my legs aren't strong!"

Alas! He can hardly squat down or bend his knees.
Indeed, What kind of a helpful op. was this!?
Let all ailing patients beware --
The 'knife' could be a hurtful ware!                       
                                          


                                                                (Part 2 to follow...)
No. 4:
CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH A "THREE-LEGGED" MAN (... Part 2 of 2) 

To regain some strength in both your feet, 
                                                 will you listen to me?
I can do all these simple things I'm going to 

                                                    show you, you see.
Dump ALL your negative mental, physical burdens 

                                                               in this playground.
Be most thankful you can walk, and grow stronger daily,                                                                          round after round!

I don't just talk the talk,
I also walk the walk
And do walk while I talk,
Or talk when I do walk.

Walk with confidence, stability, with a much wider gait --
Before moving one leg forward, over it empty your weight.
The other leg thus supports your body one hundred per cent.
Never drag your feet along the ground, walk 

                                                             with high spirits then.

All the toes of the supporting leg grasp the ground firmly,
As if the substantial leg digs into the ground deeply.
Time to move supporting leg: Relax and empty it at once;
With practice, smooth walking will be automatically done.

Obviously, his leg muscles and tendons badly need strengthening.
I show him the Nazi “Goose-steps”, the most vigorous parade thing!
He's then glad to kick out each empty leg ere putting it down again;
(Later, he should kick twice, thrice for each leg: 

His efforts shan't be in vain.)

     “When an antique tree's health begins to fail,
       First its firm roots will rot and become stale!
       When numbered are a senile person's days,
       Often the feeble legs will first give way.”


Knowledge is certainly power, but it's only potential power.
To realize full power, one must take strong action 

                                                                    hour after hour.
Knowing how to do it is only half of the whole story --
We ourselves must take action to attain our goals, our glory!

Vigorously working the leg muscles will grow them daily.
So, one must also train them by standing on One Leg only.
At first, just put one hand on the bench-back as 

                                                       one-leg stand is done;
Increase the time, change legs, withdraw hand: 
                                          Voila! -- the first battle's won!

I show him the progressively more
Difficult stands -- like the “Figure 4”:
Hands, leg raised either behind or fore.
Plus the Shaolin's
One-leg squattin'
Arhat Worshipping Buddha” form --
Now, he's driven to do just below the norm.

I do not see him for a couple of weeks when sightseeing north;
Afterwards, as I set sight on him a pleasant surprise springs forth.
Even at a distance, he's walking taller, with greater stride;
With his trusted cane, he now moves with some ease and great pride.
I compliment him amply on his fine work done so good;
How did you manage to keep up the hard work as one should?


“I could ill-afford a wheelchair plus helper, that'll be so blue!
And I am doing this not just for m'self, but my grand-kids, too.”

“My back's now right against the rising, raging, cruel river --
If I still refuse to exercise and forge ahead strongly,
I'll be caught, by both time and tide; end up 

                                            in 'the drink' wrongly.
I don't really fancy drowning in misery forever!”


I see him again and again, on and off, some weeks later.
Other park users say he's generally walking better.
Sometimes, his performance could be better, 

                                                           but time he's borrow'd;
Let's hope he'll persevere, walk even better for each morrow!

(At the same local park here
I might not see him next year.
For him, I have more tricks to show;
Of him, only if I'd get hold.)

Adieu, Adieu! My young “old” friend,
I'm shunning the bustling city
To return to serenity.
Take good care;
Should you dare --
We shall all walk briskly, again!


No. 5:

COME, AND SHOW YOURSELF IF YOU CAN, MR. CHAN 
 -- MY OLD 'THREE-LEGGED' FRIEND!

  
-- by Frank C Yue

         Mr. Chan, how are you now?
         O Mr. Chan, where art thou?


These days, back to the local park I go,
When the dawn's still young, for the "morning show".
Students and office workers hurry by
Before the Sun in the sky rises high.
While other pedestrians walk past in stealth,
Some home helpers chat loud among themselves.


Now, groups of old folks are exercising
As early birds in the trees are singing.
These bodies in motion are mostly women,
That makes me wonder: Gone where have all the men?
Here are only a few singleton males, including me,
Each doing his own thing on his tiny territory.


Most of the active 'Fairer-Sex' working out here
Are the same moving bodies I did meet last year.
In unison, the ladies are now doing Taiji;
Then the popular "18-Form Qigong Taiji".
Some older ones can barely keep up with the others;
But, rather than not moving at all, this is far better.


While exercising, I keep looking around,
Hoping to see "Mr. Chan" at this playground.
He's my friend: A man with a cane I met last year 
When I taught him how to walk more at ease here --
How to walk with confidence, with a wider stride;
He persevered and was walking with greater pride.


Now, these mornings will I ever meet him again?
I'll see how he's improved and what can be done then.
"My name's Chan," he said last time in the morning light;
This time around, on him I hope to set sight.
For him, I have more tricks to show;
Of him, only if I'd get hold.


 ... When, in the park, there is almost no one around
I would jump onto the bench like a drunken clown,
Turning left and right, avoiding, deflecting enemy blows,
Twisting this way and that, following different rhythm flows,
Thrusting my twin fists skywards, body extending,
Crouching down low with resting stance, body contracting...  

But -- Mr. Chan's nowhere to be found,
Though I look and I search around.
If you can read this, my old friend,
Just show up and we'll talk again.
We walked side by side together
In this park last year, remember?


O! How quickly things shall come to pass...
Happy moments are too beautiful to last,
It's useless to lament things gone by in the Past.
To the Present, with your Loved Ones, hold on fast!
Could he have moved into a home for the elderly?
Or, to the Happy Land? There's a possibility.

Come, and show yourself if you can --
Mr. Chan -- my old 'three-legged' friend!
Some day we will meet again,
The sufferings shan't be in vain --
When breaks the New Morning
In the Eternal Spring!  



No. 6: 
Some popular Chinese folk sayings on Ageing: Beware! (Tr. by F C Yue)
 
       
          老從腳起!

Old age grows from your foot! 

                  樹老根先枯,
                  人老腳先衰。


For the trees growing too old, first to rot is                       their root;
For people growing too old, first to fail is                        their foot. 



Why is this so?

Your feet (and knees too: they support your whole body weight every day!) are located farthest from the heart that pumps out oxygenated-blood carrying the essential nutrients out to (and helping eliminate the toxic wastes from) all the tissues and organs...  With the heart muscles inevitably weakening over time, the efficiency of the heart functions drops and then the extremities of the body will first suffer.

(that's why long ago i taught my grandchildren, for fun and friendly competition in the park, to "stand on one leg" the one-leg stance  forces each leg to become stronger by supporting the whole weight of the body.  it's not just training the leg muscles per se. with suitable encouragement and incentives, the young child gains eye-body co-ordination, stability, confidence and slowly learns how to persevere in one's pursuits ...

from another blog site:

<JKwok9> :

<我相信人體機能的退化是由視力及聽力衰退開始。是氣衰退的先兆。
由腳及膝頭負責支撐全身重量可能是西醫的謬誤觀念。要學習放下。只要能捨得放下,把體重放到腳底,人便能更輕鬆。用單腳站立久了,因為撐不住,累了,自自然然就會把更多的力放到腳底下。老人練習用單腳站立(扶着欄杆)是好的。步行亦是好的。每行一步,要用心去感覺腳掌與大地的接觸。>

<JKwok9> :

<[樹老根先枯,
人老腳先衰。]
人老亦可以很健康。但"腳衰"就肯定是身體退化了。>
hi, <JKwok9>,

thank you for your comments. (from my own experience, i would say...)

1. <用單腳站立久了,因為撐不住,累了,自自然然就會把更多的力放到腳底下。>
this is true only for the initial few days with the tensed leg muscles when one's first learning to stand on one leg.  one should also visualize the leg extending deeply and most firmly into the ground some 50 or 100 feet, like the immovable steel stakes of a high-rise building...

the distinctive "one-leg stance" -- like a fighting crane with both hooked hands raised high at the sides -- is just the first 'popular posture' for beginners (a la the movie "the karate kid"), to impress themselves and the spectators so that they are motivated to do the more and more advanced postures, for even better balance, greater stamina, etc.

if one persists and does the simple one-leg stance over time, then there's no effort involved at all. you just do it 'naturally' and with some ease, standing one-legged for over 20 minutes without knowing it. if you are into taiji, in a long line-up, you can stand on one leg that's not "detectable" by  others: though you are still standing on your two legs, one of them actually bears 90% of your body weight, the other, 10%.  this is the so-called "substantial" and "non-substantial" leg respectively.  (and by twisting your body, with you already "empty leg" you can instantly kick at any assailant --if any-- coming from the front, the side or the back!)

2. <老人練習用單腳站立(扶着欄杆)是好的。步行亦是好的。每行一步,要用心去感覺腳掌與大地的接觸。>
yes, but for a seasoned and highly perceptive qigong practitioner, he or she can use the soles of the feet -- the "Bubbling Spring" acupoint -- to actually absorb the fresh and invigorating qi from the grass and the Earth as well in the morning!  (and one doesn't have to be bare-footed though this is best for best results.)  one can also take in the different qi's from different flowers (with different shades of 'coolness or warmth'), trees (particularly healthy-growing pines and cedars), the lake, river, and the sun, etc.  (i'd better stop here as some readers may say this is just a v tall story.)


‘3 Shadowless Kicks’ vs ‘6 Chops’!
A 'DIY Life-Saver' at the Receiving End of a Slashing Machete.
(Version 1.1 ... to be continued, time permitting)

Simple and Effective Self-Defence Techniques by a Fool of Little Faith.


Disclaimer: 


1. The author, tho’ an experienced long-time kung fu and qigong practitioner, is not a professional MMA fighter, bouncer, past hacker (with double meat cleavers), etc.  Nor a qualified black-belt martial arts instructor/sifu. So, carry on reading at your own risk!

(On the other hand, you may be, just may be, laughing to death!)

2. The author and publisher of this brief material, which is no child's play, are not responsible in any manner whatsoever for any personal injury that may occur through reading or following any advice or technique offered herein.


3. The training activities and techniques, physical or otherwise, described in this short material may be 'over-simplified', particularly for the uninitiated, martially speaking. They may be too strenuous or even dangerous to some individuals. The reader should consult his or her doctor before attempting to engage in such practice.  


Prologue:

           In a brutal and very recent

          High-profile stabbing incident
          A righteous Hong Kong editor --
          Of the Free Press a protector --
          Was mercilessly hacked six times;
          To the ICU he was confine’ .
          He had gone to the gates of Hell;
          Thankfully, hes back doing quite well.

          With my old pen for now, away --

          Hear! Hear what I have to say,
          Freedom Fighters you all are:
          Might save your life these simple tips here!



The 'knifers' don't come for the money;
This is not funny, nor phony.
That's right! They will sever 
                                           your 'write' hand!
There, will you just stare, shake and stand?
       Away from the mouth of Hell take flight,
     At the first chance run for your dear life!

THE LEGS are your weapon longest;
Also, they’re your weapon strongest!
Stop armed assailants in-coming,
At the knee, groin, shin -- by hard kicking!
     Stall the attacker, yell and take flight,
     At the first chance run for your dear life!

Like Bruce Lee, kick quickly three times,
'Re-cock' mid-air your same leg fine.
Raise cross'd-arms with outward-facing palms,
Grab his knife-hand wrist, yell, twist 
                                                          and 'Wham'!
      Taken unawares, fight and take flight,
      At the first chance run for your dear life!

If you miss the first target there
Don't just put your raised leg down:
Keep stomping his knee in mid-air!
Trample his foot, kick him to the ground!
     Stun the attacker, yell and take flight,
     At the first chance run for your dear life!

To save yourself always rush in!

This is real close-quarters fightin':
Block or grab his 'cocked' (bent) weapon arm,
Punch his eye, chin -- he's doing you harm!
     Away from the mouth of Hell take flight,
     At the first chance run for your dear life!

When you are punching or striking

Repeat the action without stopping!
Strike 'super-fast' and hard three, five times,
Kick hard, stomp him hard with your foot fine!
     Stall the attacker, yell and take flight,
     At the first chance run for your dear life!

Smartly snap your knee or leg up --
Take this, and this, and this! You thug!
Your powerful elbow and knee
From serious harm can set you free!
     Away from the mouth of Hell take flight,
     At the first chance run for your dear life!

Of course it goes without saying,
If you're into techniques defending --
The 'leg work' helps avoid a close call
For on-the-beat Law Enforc'ment all.
     Stall the attack, kick again with might,
     Take out your weapon, fight for dear life!


「愚子」護身訣孔見  

THE FOOL'S SELF-DEFENCE GUIDELINES 

-- A Restricted Overview


「愚子」護身訣孔見 -- by Frank C Yue 
 
氣定神閒   沉肩垂肘   氣沉丹田   形態自然
目視三塔   耳聽八方   當避險境   免戰慎警
斷言解難   靜如處子   受辱不慍   處變不昏

知己知彼   動若驚雷   以圓導方   以柔制剛
酌暴制宜   窮寇莫追   强推屈指   後發先至
雙爪封喉   上下標指   捶碎鎖骨   飛踢敵膝

冲拳刺喉   左拉右推   後砸敵頸   弓步墜後
前倒貼掌   下腭連胸   彎臂滾圓   後踢還原
拳毋鎖肘   踢不過胸   近肘遠腿   順勢入虛

敵志奪命   智勇無心   義正我身   置死後生
身步相符   手足肘膝   肩胯六合   意氣力洽
連消帶打   速戰速決   順鬆準緊   尾指脅堅

剛消柔現   快準狠勁   絕不容情   虛實分明
影上打下   開隙入空   連珠銳襲   柔發剛達
發聲驚怪   緩疾莫測   敵倒我踏   走為上策

腰如車軸   手足即回   胯轉肩順   聚焦一瞬
八二攻防   切忌忍氣   口吐鼻納   收張腰立
防援突擊   負傷奮戰   招妙癲毫   一式敵耗

招招如末   洞悉先機   柔注敵睛   三尖相應
腳趾抓地   雙掌拉鋸   離力體重   氣吐力送
時間敵距   恰到好處   拳入四吋   堅催肋斷

步輕靈穩   以両撥斤   閃躍交接   矯靜灑脫
驀然回首   嚴護中軸   手轉身隨   虛步欲踩
拳不離手   勤練套路   幻鬭群英   功夫運應

頭齒眼涎   聲拳背捶   身體武道   貫背手刀
橋肘膝腳   背底踝刀   腿如彈簧   巧防跌蕩
擦膝護陰   急踢即回   提膝脆蹴   目標變奏

空手奪刃   必避來鋒   抓拆直臂   撩陰塌鼻
敵衝棒喝   飛扭曲臂   十字反手   穿心貫喉
拉彼失重   屈膝後仰   撑敵過頂   招變莫停


THE FOOL'S SELF-DEFENCE GUIDELINES 

-- A RESTRICTED OVERVIEW
-- Chinese poem & English rendition by Frank C Yue
 
              Prologue:

              The best defence is no offence --
              Win without fighting if you can.
              Failing that,
              Don't be there!
              Never find yourself in
              Any dangerous scene.



Breathe normally, be still and calm;
Loosely hang shoulders and wrists down.
         Direct Qi to two inches below your navel;
         Your expressions and postures should be natural.
Take in assailant's whole image in your vision,
With all ears to sounds from all direction.
        To shun hazardous situations, it's imperative --
        Always be alert, prepared and non-combative.
Against hostility, assertiveness apportion,
Yet be quiet as a maiden before action.
        Walk away from insults, douse any teething anger;
        Don't be bewildered when suddenly facing danger!

Of your own strengths and your enemy's, be sure;
But move like lightning when fighting is assured.
          Circles re-direct linear force;
          Compliance controls violence.
Apply minimal force to match the mug;
Ne'er blindly pursue a desperate thug.
          When shoved, just bend his little finger;
          Leave the first strike to your attacker.
When your assailant chokes you with both arms --
Block strongly with up-and-down ripping palms,
         SHUTO his collar-bone with speed,
         While kicking into his knee!

When your assailant starts a punching attack --
Side-step, deflect and spear his neck.
         Pull him in with left hand and push with your right;
         While leaning forward with might
Apply rear-arm choke plus hand lock,
And a forward bow stance adopt.
         When you're thrown, place palm inward on the ground,
         Bend your elbow, roll along forward round;
Chuck in your chin during your mid-air flight,
Push under-foot, back-kick, turn round upright.
         Never punch with locked elbow or just in jest;
         Use the leg to block, but kick no higher than the chest.
Elbows for in-fighting, kicks for longest reach;
Smoothly flow into and through openings breach!

When assailant means to kill --
Be sharp, brave and intuitive.
          On your side then rightly with Right --
          Presume you were dead: fight for Life!
With body and footwork in accord:
Your shoulders and hips should all afford
           Your hands, wrists, elbows, knees and feet
           For your will, Qi and power to meet.
Strike out at the same time you block --
Fight like lightning to beat the clock.
           Be smooth, relaxed, accurate; on connecting
           Your small finger, under-arm and fist tensing!

After impact, release tenseness: be supple;
Be fast, decisive, ruthless and forcible --
           Never hold back when fully assaulting;
           Use substantive and non-substantive footing.
Do employ many a feint --
Create openings and go in!
           Attack persistently, each time a new target;
           Relax limbs to strike but tense muscles on contact!
With each finishing strike, give out "KAI-AI" shout;
When enemy is down, don't stop the assault.
           Vary tempos of attack --
           The best plan: Run while you can!

Retrieve your legs and fists like lightning;
Turn your hips and shoulders while striking,
            And focus your ALL at the punch --
            Like a wheel, your waist should be spun!
Expense eighty percent strength in attack, the rest, defence.
Exhale through your mouth, inhale through your nose;
            To withhold your breath, howe'er, is not right.
            Your body extending or contracting: 

                                                          Keep your back upright.
From enemy helper, stealth attacks you may attract --
Though you're injured, you MUST carry on the combat!
             With perfect technique and might --
             "Knock-Out!" with a single strike!

Strike each blow as though it were your very last!
Anticipate your adversary's every move; cast
             Your eyes with soft vision round him and at his.
             When strike-kicking, align your nose with foot and fist!
In kicking, supporting toes grip the ground;
In punching, the pairing fists come around.
              Use own weight and centrifugal force to strike out;
              Exhale into your TAN-TIAN and force a hit stout!
In fine timing and distancing,
              With accuracy and no lapses,
And the four-finger spear-hand slicing
              Through four inches, soft target collapses!

Move swiftly, lightly, flexibly and unpredictably --
Shifting in-coming force with ease and harmony.
              Evade strikes, leap, deflect, intercept and pound
              Agilely like lightning but without a sound.
Turn head round to check behind,
And protect your centre-line!
          About turn with outstretched palm,
          Ready to gouge the eyes and "Wham!"
Abruptly attack vital points in chain --
Rain or shine, you should yourself train, train, train.
          Fighting at once many opponents visualize;
          Sharpening your skills further you would realize!

Our natural weapons -- the head,
Eyes, teeth, saliva, sound and spear-hand,
         The fist, URAKEN, hammer-fist and palm,
         HAITO, SHUTO and fore-arm,
The elbow, knee, ball-of-foot,
The in-step, heel and sword-foot.
         Like coiled-spring, the kicking leg thrusts fast forth,
         Do balance well to avoid a fall.
Before you are swarmed, promptly crush the gang leader,
Soften up nearest fighter, throw him at another.
         Apply flying kicks, hand thrusts and lunge punch --
         Quickly retreat when it comes to the crunch!

To over-power an edged fray,
Avoid always the cutting blade!
         Grab, straighten and break the knife-arm,
         Flatten his nose and take him down.
Attacker yells with club wielding --
Rush in and twist the arm bending,
         Block and grab weapon hand with cross-palm,
         Elbow the head and spear under-arm.
Pull enemy in off the floor:
With foot on his stomach, backward fall,
         
Throw him over your head wide --
          Changing techniques all the while!


以上最後一招:

"拉彼失重    屈膝後仰    撑敵過頂"

Judo 柔道 的 '真捨身技' Sutemi-waza (Sacrifice techniques) 之一,
名為 Ma-sutemi-waza (Stomach throw, a k a the round throw, rear sacrifice throw -- you sacrifice your own standing posture to go down to the ground with your aggressor). 

(2) 練氣養氣《氣功篇》(2) ON "YOUR OWN VITAL ENERGY"

(2) 練氣養氣《氣功篇》 (2) ON "YOUR                                  OWN VITAL ENERGY":
                                         
Train and Nourish Bio-Energy 'Qi' 

 
養生練武詩                         Poems on Healthcare and                                                                   Martial Arts
三篇之二  -- 羨魚原創              Poem No. 2 of 3 
                                                    -- by Frank C Yue

養氣以悠,                        With a calm meditative mind,
息悠心清。                        You're wholly relaxed and                                                          you'll find
心平神寧,                        Qi flows continuous and easy,
神寧息柔。                        You're care-free, thankful and                                                          happy.
形正氣順,                        With correct posture, qi flows                                                         smoothly;
氣順心靜。                        The breath's soft, the heart, in                                                                     harmony.
心靜息柔,                        When the mind and breath are                                                          serene
高壓請走!                        High blood pressure is seldom                                                         seen.
有無意間,                        Between the states "Have-" and                                                             "No-Intention",
三調環扣。                        One's Mind, Breath and                                                        Posture are in connection. 

 
'三調'                                                 兼修
 
1.  調 心 (神、意) :   「意念關」       意 (和神)

2.  調 身 (形勢子) :「鬆靜關」      身 (行氣)
 
3.  調 息 (呼吸) :        「調關」      氣 (調)
     [ 用腹式呼吸: 柔細慢勻長  悠圓深靜]


The Three Regulations:    'Gate' of:       Simultaneously Training:

1. Regulating The Mind:      Intentions              The Mind

2. Regulating The Posture:  Relaxation             The Body  

3. Regulating The Breath:   Breath         Your Vital Energy        


Caution:
Qigong is NOT for everyone to train, especially if one wants to do it on his own, without the guidance and supervision by an experienced instructor/teacher.

A beginner simply doesn't know which style/method is best for her conditions and what are the DO's and DON'Ts, the basic requirements, the beginning and ending procedures, and  potential pitfalls, etc. If you have ADHD and are often emotional and mentally unstable, or your family has a history of mental illness, for example, you should not practise (since at some stage you
would use lively visualization to aid in your training and you might well experience hallucinations, vivid daydreams, or "uncontrollable" involuntary vigorous body movements as if you were a seasoned martial artist though you never knew a thing in this regard,  etc.)  In short, if you don't feel comfortable about it, just don't do it.

(At the highest levels after a number of years of consistent practice, those weak in willpower and with less than pure thoughts might be led unconsciously towards the supernatural and the occult. You have been warned.) 


敬請垂注

1.  氣功並不適合任何人隨便自行演練!

2.  如果某君 情緒不穩定,精神恍惚、生性多疑、自閉多動、極度迷信、疑神疑鬼、至親又有精神病病歷的話,切勿試練任何形式的 靜功 (如入靜、入定、坐禪、站樁等) 動功 (如鶴翔樁。初學應視太極拳為普通柔身運動,淺嘗輒止。有云 太極「五年有小成,十年不出門。」)、或 動靜功 (如香功等)。初學者對「走火入魔」應時刻保持戒心;只問耕耘,不問收穫,順其自然,循步漸進,無欲無求,習之欣然,就不會衍生大問題。

3.  因為 ... 學練氣功前,一定要深入了解該門功法是否名門正派,源遠流長,功効顯著,口碑載道,更 掌握練法禁忌 (如慎防驚功、功後不可馬上喝冰涼飲品、作凍水淋浴); 注意場地、方向、時辰、天氣、空氣質素、衣著等問題;要跟隨經驗豐富的師父或師兄師姊學練,有疑難就不恥下問。 某個時,日復一日,習者不知不覺間會「打開」部份主要穴位經脈,打通更多指掌的微血管,氣血更為流暢,呼吸柔順深長,神態安祥,自然而然地進入「氣功態」,會自覺有輕微或强烈「氣感」、「氣流」、「氣場」等,在不同階段又有可能體驗幻覺、幻聽、幻象等,切忌盲目追求,見怪不怪,心中坦蕩蕩;更可能誘發(治病)「自發功」,或者甚至可能進入「特異功能態」... 真是無奇不有,令人不可置信。

4.  氣功與宗教並無直接的必然關係 (雖然氣功可以區分為醫、武、儒、道、釋、民間幾大類)。小心不要因為好奇,為名利,物慾引誘,去追求「超自然力量」或嘗試與「靈」(實為 邪靈! ) 打交道,自蹈「瘋人」的不歸路!

5.  以上只是一己之管見。



... (3) 恆常練武《功夫篇》   
    (3) ON "KUNG FU ETERNAL" 








No. 1:「治未病,弘養生。」


《黃帝內經‧素問》〈四氣調神大論〉選著
    --香港 廣華醫院中醫診所 普通科門診部 橫額

No. 1:

Nip all latent "Illness buds" well before                       they germinate;
Exercise, and a healthy lifestyle always                       cultivate.


An 'Abridged' Quote from Huáng Dì Nèi Jīng‧Sù Wèn:
"The Yellow Emperor's 
Classic of Internal Medicine"
     -- as written on a plaque at the Kwong Wah Hospital
          Chinese Medicine Out-Patient Department in Hong Kong.


《黃帝內經‧素問〈四氣調神大論〉》曰:

... “ 陰陽四時者,萬物之終始也、死生之本也,逆之則災害生、從之則苛疾不起,是謂得道。道者、聖人行之,愚者佩之。從陰陽則生、逆之則死,從之則治、逆之則亂,反順為逆,是為內格。 是故、聖人不治己病、治未病,不治己亂、治未亂,此之謂也。夫病已成而後藥之,亂己成而後治之,譬猶渴而穿井、鬪而鑄兵,不亦晚乎!”

曰: 其知道者,法於陰陽合於術數,食飲有節、起居有常、不妄作勞,故能形與神俱而盡終其天年,度百歲乃去。” 

... 四季養生 “ 春夏養陽、秋冬養陰。”

「上工治未病,中工治已病」

《難經第七十七難》:
「所謂治未病者,見肝之病,則知肝當傳之與脾,故先實其脾氣,無令得受肝之邪,
故曰治未病焉。中工者,見肝之病,不曉相傳,但一心治肝,故曰治已病也。」

《金匱臟腑經絡先後病脈證第一》:
「夫治未病者,見肝之病,知肝傳脾,當先實脾,四季脾王不受邪,即勿補之;
中工不曉相傳,見肝之病,不解實脾,惟治肝也。」

《史記扁鵲倉公傳》:
"扁鵲 過齊,齊桓侯客之。入朝見,曰:「君有疾在腠理,不治將深。」桓侯曰:「寡人無疾。」扁鵲出,桓侯謂左右曰:「醫之好利也,欲以不疾者為功。」後五日,扁鵲復見,曰:「君有疾在血脈,不治恐深。」桓侯曰:「寡人無疾。」扁鵲出,桓侯不悅。後五日,扁鵲復見,曰:「君有疾在腸胃閑,不治將深。」桓侯不應。扁鵲出,桓侯不悅。後五日,扁鵲復見,望見桓侯而退走。……使人問其故。扁鵲曰:「疾之居腠理也,湯熨之所及也;在血脈,針石之所及也;其在腸胃,酒醪之所及也;其在骨髓,雖司命無柰之何。今在骨髓,臣是以無請也。」後五日,桓侯體病,使人召扁鵲,扁鵲已逃去。桓侯遂死。"
 



No. 2: 調心調調息 歌

中醫簡易自行保健怯病法   -- 羨魚 (二次創作)

N0. 2:
THE "QIGONG THREE REGULATIONS" SONG:

Simple Self-help Health-care Techniques 
(based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles)  -- by Frank C Yue

前 言                Prologue

無意無念          No thoughts -- shut out monkey                                                            chatters quietly;

無懼無求          Be not afraid -- have no desire, no care.

腹式呼吸          Into the abdomen breathe naturally;

息靈輕柔          The breath should be soft, light,                                                     deep, slow and fair.

相互為用          The "Three Regulations" are inter-link'd

三調環扣          One runs into the others, like a chain.


(1)  調心 ()    (1)  REGULATING THE MIND  
                              (Consciousness/Mental State)

    心安神清      When the heart is truly at ease

    大腦入靜      Then your mind will follow in peace.

   良性意念       Fill you mind with good intentions;

   知足欣然       You'll enjoy joyful satisfaction.

   神寧息柔       With a calm meditative mind

   氣行連悠       Qi flows continuous and easy.

   愉悅自然       You'll naturally find

   性命相修       You're thankful and happy.


(2)  調身 (形)    (2)  REGULATING THE POSTURE

身體放鬆          Relax muscles, joints and the whole                                                       body;

輕柔舒          You'll feel lightness, comfort and easy.

鬆而不怠          The body is relaxed but not sloppy; 

挺而不僵          The skeletal frame's firm but not rigid. 

形正氣順          With correct posture, qi flows smoothly --

氣順神揚          The spirit's bright; qi flow isn't choppy.  

心平氣從          With a mind serene, you're completely at                                             rest;

血行脉暢         With blood and qi flowing free, you are                                blest.


(3)  調息    (3)  REGULATING THE BREATH

息勻若絲         Breathe deep, evenly, slowly and softly; 

調節呼吸         To make adjustments to your breathing. 
 
柔長慢細         Lengthening your soft breath makes                                                      you free

至踵無聲        Of stress and gives you back a                                                                 "care-free me"!

深息怡神        Breathing long and slow, you feel leisurely;

和氣平心        Smooth breath snuffs monkey chatters 
                                   quietly.

息靜神和        With soft deep breath, Harmony is won;

天人一合        Nature and Man are united as One.


'三調':                                                   兼修

1.  調 心 (神、意)    :「意念關」             意

2.  調 身 (形、勢子):「鬆靜關」            

3.  調 息 (呼吸) :        「調 關」          氣
       [ 用腹式呼吸: 柔細慢勻長  悠圓深靜]


The Three Regulations:    `Gate` of         Simultaneously Training

1. Regulating The Mind      Intentions           The Mind

2. Regulating The Posture   Relaxation          The Body

3. Regulating The Breath    Breath                Your Vital Energy

Caution:
Qigong is NOT for everyone to train, especially if one wants to do it on his own, without the guidance and supervision by an experienced instructor/teacher.

A beginner simply doesn't know which style/method is best for her conditions and what are the DO's and DON'Ts, the basic requirements, the beginning and ending procedures, and  potential pitfalls, etc. If you have ADHD and are often emotional and mentally unstable, or your family has a history of mental illness, for example, you should not practise (since at some stage you might experience hallucinations, vivid daydreams, or "uncontrollable" involuntary vigorous body movements, etc.)
In short, if you don't feel comfortable about it, just don't do it.

(At the highest levels after a number of years of consistent practice, those weak in willpower and with less than pure thoughts might be led unconsciously towards the supernatural and the occult.
You have been warned.)


No. 3:
"Good-bye, My 7-Minute Friend!"
-- A True Life Story by Frank C Yue

     Good-bye, my 7-minute Friend!
     Of yourself take care.
     You – I should dare,
     To do “Zhan Zhuang” each day, till we meet again!


At the Baptist U Chinese Medicine Clinic waiting room,
On some faces an air of Hope prevails than just Gloom.
I notice the crowd's much bigger than usual today;
They're here for moxibustion to keep their healthy way.


While waiting for my friend (who's in the ladies' room), I stand
Near the pharmacy and hold a “taiji ball” in my hands.
To stand “like a stake” behind the seated crowd I thought it's 'safe';
Still, a middle-age patient steals curious glances this way.


On an extra chair placed at the corner, the man's sitting;
From the looks on his face, I know he knows what I'm doing.
I approach him and ask, Want to learn some simple qigong?
His reply: “Why? I'm busy. Don't have the time, I don't...”


Most guys don't realize the flowing 'life-energy' in the body
Can be trained and strengthened for our good, and it's quite easy.
But one has to be persistent and do it every day!
Don't go overboard, on a healthy path you'll be on your way.


Here, just show me your hand, please.
Without touching, I put mine above his.
Your hand radiates heat, is very warm:
Your blood qi circulation's still quite strong.


Now, rub your hands vigorously, man --
Relax, let your palms face each other then.
Between your hands, in the space small,
Could you feel anything at all?


“Nooo, there's nothing. Nothing at all... No!”
Don't give up! Rub your hands more, and more,
To boost up your life-energy flow.
Right! Try it again, now, as before.


“Funny! Something's 'pulling' between my hands.”
That's your own qi,
Your vital energy!

Now, nourish your qi,
For a healthier “Me”!


With your feet shoulder-width apart (like so) – Just stand ... !
“I can feel the 'wind' coming from your hand ... !”
That's energy sent from mine, s
o more on qi you'd understand.
But ne'er do this you'self, do you comprehend?


Smiling, the man asks me to teach him “standing like a tree”.
My friend will be out, and we'll have only a few minutes more.
(We have another engagement, soon we will have to leave.)
He then remembers: “O! My Cousin once taught me this before!”


“Years ago, he was weak and suffered from some severe pain.
Someone taught him this very simple technique;
After training and months later -- it's so neat!
My Cousin's not just pain-free, but can lift weights again.”


“When I tried this years ago I used to sweat quite a lot,
And, also, my inside quickly became quite hot.”

Congratulations! These indeed are very good signs.
Your body's healing itself!! But you stopped long ago -- Why?


He just shrugs his shoulders and gives me no reply.
Having been there m'self, I know how enthusiasm died...
(My friend comes out refreshed and it's time to say Good-bye.)
Find your Cousin! Do it each day and 'Never Say Die'!


I wasn't talking here to you without a reason good;
Be accountable for your actions or non-actions, you should.
If you choose not to do anything, just rub your hands each day!
That's the least you should do to help yourself in a small way.


On my way out -- I look at my watch, 7 minutes gone;
I see the man's still standing, “wuji” style, with a broad smile.
Keep on standing... by other distractions don't be beguiled.
From here, you have a long way to go -- 
Standing, just keep on...


Be persevering, my 7-minute Friend!
You'll be better if we e'er meet again.
(From each other, as we part

I say a prayer for him in my heart.)


A word of caution:
Doing “Zhan Zhuang”, a passive, mindless form of very powerful martial arts as well as internal-energy training technique, is usually quite safe. However, beginners should be fore-warned that even at the beginner's level one might be drawn, on very rare occasions, unknowingly to the supernatural, if one is not careful and too eager to obtain extraordinary results within a short period of time.

There are basic "Do's and Don't's". Do not try to practise just on your own. You should learn the basics and start practising in a proper class or small group under the guidance and instructions of a competent and qualified teacher or sifu.

        In reality,
        Who will, who may, who can, who would,
        Who shall, who might, who should, who could
        Write such a trivial thing
        Like the above happening?
        -- O Probably, on one but me!
        (Just don't take this too seriously.)

The above short true-story, as told, does not of course cover everything that transpired in the clinic that morning. In fact --

1. The man did tell me his family name (towards the end, for he knew I know something and was there to try to help him). He is Mr. Lau; we spoke in Cantonese. He asked for mine. My reply: My name's not important. What I'm going to tell you and show you in person is.

2. Why was I so keen to grab his attention (-- transmitting in public my own precious energy to force open, time and again, his 'slumbering' palm-centre acupoints -- ) and teach him the simple but v powerful and effective "standing like a stake" qigong?  Because... he's a rather sick man. He badly needed to learn the technique to boost up his already weakened, damaged lung functions and immunity system...

3. When I walked towards Mr. Lau and breached his personal space (of about 3 feet in radius) I was at once attacked by a v strong, pungent odour and a wave of highly toxic (though invisible) tobacco smoke that surrenders him all the time! It doesn't take a Sherlock Holmes to guess that he must be a chain smoker for many years and he was coughing, too, rather badly!

4. So, my first words to him were: You should really cut down on your smokes! But I could almost see the words come out straight from his other ear. He had hardened his heart for all advice given on this particular issue.

5. My 7-minute friend had wanted to exchange phone numbers to follow-up. I told him somewhat apologetically I won't be sticking around for long; as a visitor, I'll be flying out of the city. I simply bounced the ball back to his court and his Zhan Zhuang practising Cousin.

6. I was glad the 'primer' qi I sent him resonated with his, giving him a strong motive to get himself re-acquainted with Zhan Zhuang. With perseverance, sustained efforts and regular practice, this will bring out his full potential physically and mentally and be beneficial for his health.



No. 4:
The Whispering Stranger Seated Next
to Carla on the Plane   (Part 1 of 2 …)


After a long cruise and a week in Rome,
My wife and I were glad to return home.
High in the sky, "giant roc" hurled itself forth
From Barcelona to (Toronto via) Montreal.
On a very crowded TRANSAT plane
Most of the passengers tried to sleep in vain. 

To keep at bay possible deep-vein blood clot,
With an "imagined assailant" I fought.  
It would be an eight-hour long flight, you see;
I "sparred" with the air in extreme slow motion --
Not to raise any 'fearful emotion'
From the young woman seated next to me.



Reading a book, my quiet "next-seat lady"
Surprised me somewhat as I was not ready
To answer her sudden question: "Why your hand
 Was shaking like so when you had it extend'd?" 
Training my 'internal energy' I've been --
And I was impressed by her perception keen.


O? You could boost your energy just like that?"
First, know that you can feel your own energy!
Rub your palms vigorously together -- like so --
Place them close to each other, but don't forget                           
If they touch you won’t feel your flow of energy -- 
For then the 'qi' flows inside and you won't know. 


As soon as she felt the warmth and strong tingling
In her palms, her jaws dropped down, her eyes op'ned.
Her face lit up with amazement and awe,
Her mouth assumed the shape of an oval ‘O’:
"How does this work? Can you teach me at all?"
Yes, I can but it'll take you years of training. 


Einstien 'shows' that balls of energy we all are,
With his famous E= mc2** formula... 
However, before I could say anything more, 
My Love -- who was seated in front of me
Turned her head and -- gave us a BIG "Sheee!!"

Not to disturb my wife, I could talk no more.

M'wife put on the eye-covers, tried to have a nap.
The young woman looked at me again in the eyes;
I looked back at hers and simply shook my head. 
But then something just ‘clicked’ in my mind --
O! The three English articles in my net-book
Which, from beneath my own seat, out I took.  

I opened the files on the true Hong Kong stories:
They are "Good-bye, My 7-Minute Friend!"
And "Chance Encounter with a Three-Legged Man",
Depicting man's fighting spirits and glory --
How to train and walk till one's feet are weary,
How the path to success is rather teary.
 
Without a sound, she slowly read the stories long,
Line by line, patiently, stopping here and there.
But in English comprehension she wasn’t so strong;
She'd pause and look this way with a question in her eyes.
I motioned to her: Let the vocabularies pass by 

--One could only take in so much somehow, somewhere.

                                                                                                     (... to be Continued)
 ** E= mc2:
1. This most famous formula stands for "E(negery) = M(ass) x the Speed of Light (C) squared."
2. This means that if one takes the Mass of an object and multiplies it by the Speed of Light (2.9 x 10^8 metres per second), one will then have calculated the amount of tremendous Energy released.

3. In short, Matter = Energy.



The Whispering Stranger Seated Next to
Carla on the Plane (… Part 2 of 2)


I leaned towards her and whispered in her ear:
If you want to hear, me you’ll have to move near. 
(I ne’er dreamt I would whisper in a woman’s ear
On the same plane in the presence of my wife dear!)
She obliged and ignored her personal space --
My lips were a couple of inches from her face.

“What are those hand movements you were doing?”
They are entirely two different things –
Martial arts, and health-enhancing technique.
For yourself, choose one for me to ‘teach’:
Some self-defence tricks to ease your mind night and day,       Or, some effective health-care maintenance ways.
               
With her questions, she fired away;
There couldn’t be a more eager student these days.
I answered them best as I could;
Like to learn some health-enhancing exercise, she would.
In her late twenties, she is a smart young lady.
In her mind, there was still one ‘curiosity’.

“Now, why are you so keen to teach all this to me?”
I’d promised to share these good stuffs to all who ask me.
Why are you so interested in Chinese medicine?
“My Mom once suffered from a certain ailment;
The doctors couldn’t help her but after treatment
By acupuncture her condition saw some improvement.”              

Before we started, were you reading a novel in Spanish?
“Right, I was. And I speak Spanish, French and English.
I come from Brazil, am visiting friends in Montreal.
My name is Carla. What’s yours?” 
I pointed to the name appearing in my article.
She gave me a funny face and let out a chuckle.

No, I am not kidding, Carla.
I am “him”, the “poet-author”.
I could see some doubts in her eyes.
I am not flirting with you; why should I lie?
I produced my boarding-pass stub with THE name.
Then, Carla’s attitude was not quite the same.

I showed Carla “The Ten Skilful Hands” forms just once;
She repeated the 10 movements flawlessly after I’d done!
And in the correct order, too,
In tune with the ‘qi flow’ in me and you.
(Ah! I was quite happy: I had chosen well --)
Teach your parents and friends for better health.

As a responsible “tutor” under such conditions,
I wrote -- in English -- the brief instructions
On the inside of a cut-open blank envelope,    
While Carla was napping during the session-interlude.
She opened her eyes as her destination came “on-line”;
I handed the note to her and bade her Good-bye.
                                                                                                     Carla said “Adios!” and got off the plane;                        
Probably, I would never see her again.
Go, spread the good stuffs around you --  
Truth is Beauty, and Beauty, Truth.
Let’s all make this place a better World with Love,                
The gentle rain of Compassion from Above. 



No. 5:


“O Talk not to me of Jesus or qigong!
If you do, I'd listen no more -- No, I won't.”


-- A Poem by Frank C Yue


        “O Talk not to me of Jesus or qigong!         
          If you do, I'd listen no more -- No, I won't.”

These two subjects are full of contention;
Surely, not for everyone's discussion.

It was years ago when several families
Were enjoying a square meal, then quite suddenly
A friend of mine gave me a piece of his mind...
-- Certainly, I said softly, if you were so inclined.


And quite frankly, I was rather taken aback;
From m'self-adopted 'Do-Good Missions', I was sack'd.
I was taking care of his Well-being, physical --
As well as his everlasting Life, spiritual.

This seems rather 'sarcastical';
For the fact remains as follows --
 

A high achiever from a Christian high school fine,
His Biblical knowledge is far better than mine.

Yet, he chose to harden his heart,
To shut his ears to God's calling;
Thought in anything he's not wanting.

Now muted, I had tried my part.

As regards qigong, I have more to tell --
His wife suffered decades ago
A strange disease baffling so
That no western expert could make her well.

A herbalist they consulted,
As last resort, and resulted --
 

In an incredible speedy cure.
     'Your wife's
 qi and blood need boosting;'  “O dear!”

     'When you're in bed -- it's extremely simple, I'd say! --
      Put your palms in a hollow triangle
      O'er the 'Dantian' just below your navel;
      Breathe gently through the nose in a relaxed way.'


     'As you breathe in softly, and deeply,
      The chest and belly should come up slowly.
      As you breathe out it's almost effortless,
      And with every breath you are truly bless'd.'


When her health was nursed back to norm
The wife just forgot or ignore
The advice given for self-help.
But the man's been practising that since then!


Once in the hours wee,
The guy was awakened by a sharp pain
In his left (or right?) knee;
Baffled, feeling helpless, calm he remain'd.


Remembering the good old herbalist's advice
-- His name is You Long, the "Itinerant Dragon" --
Abdominal breathing he calmly tried.

From nowhere a 'mini-electric bolt' had gone
From within to 'strike' at the painful site;
Most of the pain then was gone, this despite.
 

You 'acted' like the hero of 'Kung Fu Hustle' in real life!
Wow! I could show you some advanced techniques, if you like.

“No, thank you! -- an accomplished 'sihing' though you are!
I'm happy right now; talk qigong to me -- just don't!
And learn any more qigong, I won't...”

So, when we meet we talk of other things: like his new car,
HDTV, the grand-kids... but not Jesus, nor qigong.


Helen Keller's most inspiring words just drift into mind:
  “Once you've learned to soar, you will never consent to crawl.”
Ev'ryone ages and suffers countless ailments, you shall find.
Be best prepared for a fruitful Pilgrimage, shouldn't we all?




Helen Keller actually said:
            "One can never consent to creep
              when one feels an impulse to soar."

(I've just twisted this a little to suit my story and rime here.)

What is so amazing with this story is that the Chinese herbalist, You Long, did not prescribe any herbal medicine to that particular patient (with a rather uncommon illness). He simply sent his powerful internal energy -- qi or chi -- to the patient, without touching, for healing purposes. (Classical Chinese medical texts show that a handful of well-known Master Healers/Herbalists in different dynasties had been doing this for over a thousand years with good effects.)

I was most impressed with his extremely simple and brief instructions for the patient to do the
easiest, safest and most comfortable form of qigong there is (if the practitioner is seated or lying in
bed) :

           "When you're in bed ... -- 
             Put your palms in a hollow triangle
             O'er the 'Dantian' just below your navel;
             Breathe gently through the nose in a relaxed way."


This is a v simple Taoist/Buddhist healing qigong for better health, to be performed standing, seated or lying in bed,  or even while strolling in the park.