#BookofChanges

[ronnansink-blog]

Unveiling Liang Yi Quan

I'm introducing Jie Mei Quan (Liang Yi Quan), an internal kung-fu style blending yin-yang and the five elements. Similar to Tai Ji Quan, it's known for its swift, dominant combat style, focusing on disabling opponents adeptly.

Integrating philosophies

Liang Yi Quan merges Tai Ji and Bagua Zhang, grounded in traditional Chinese medicine and the ‘Book of Changes’. Practice includes combining slow and fast motions, emphasizing internal power, and strategic timing in combat.

Integrating Daoist realms

I’m weaving together Daoist principles to align Liang Yi Quan’s Tai Ji with the ‘Two Extremes’. This approach hones both internal and external power, fostering a balanced force.

Compiling crucial elements

Piecing together Master Duan Xiaofei's Liang Yi Quan, the text delves into Tai Yi Quan’s origins in traditional Chinese medicine, blending yin-yang and five elements, and highlighting its decisive Wushu-style combat.

Highlighting Master Duan

I’m crafting a structured essay about Master Duan Xiaofei and his Liang Yi Quan practice, incorporating elements like the Book of Changes, TCM, and Daoism.

Introduction to Liang Yi Quan and Master Duan Xiaofei

Welcome to this special introduction to Liang Yi Quan, also known as Tai Yi Quan. In this extended presentation, we will explore the origins, philosophies, and distinctive qualities of this unique internal style of kung-fu—and, more importantly, highlight the contributions of Master Duan Xiaofei, one of its dedicated practitioners and teachers. Whether you are familiar with the world of Tai Ji Quan and Bagua Zhang or simply curious about the vast realm of Chinese martial arts, you will find that Liang Yi Quan (The Two Extremes) has much to offer, both in terms of self-defense and personal cultivation.

1. Origins and Philosophical Underpinnings

Liang Yi Quan (or Tai Yi Quan) traces its roots back to ancient China, deriving its core principles from traditional Chinese medicine, Daoism, and key classical texts such as the ‘Book of Changes’. This ancient text, often referred to as the I Ching, introduces the fundamental concepts of yin (negative) and yang (positive)—energies that exist in all things—and the interplay of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

Yin and Yang: Represent the complementary forces in the universe, whose balance and interaction create all forms of movement and transformation.

The Five Elements: Symbolize dynamic cycles in nature. In Liang Yi Quan, these elements influence striking methods, postures, and strategies in combat as well as in healing and energetic practice.

The term “Two Extremes” reflects the dynamic separation of yin and yang—a notion that, according to Daoist philosophy, emerges right after the formation of Tai Ji. While Tai Ji Quan often emphasizes a continuous flow of energy, Liang Yi Quan harnesses both the soft (yin) and the hard (yang) in rapid succession, enabling practitioners to transition seamlessly between slow, meditative movements and explosive bursts of power.

2. Physical Characteristics

Liang Yi Quan has often been described as a “fast Tai Ji Quan,” reflecting its decisive, dominating, and efficient form of Wushu. On the surface, you can see echoes of Tai Ji’s smooth, circular motions and Bagua Zhang’s agile footwork. However, Liang Yi Quan distinguishes itself through:

Combined Speed and Power: The practice includes sudden changes of pace—soft and flowing transitions give way to swift, explosive strikes or throws.

Lightning Reflection and Thundering Movement: These energetic shifts allow a knowledgeable practitioner to disable an opponent quickly, leveraging timing and precise angles.

Starting Late, Reaching First: In combat, Liang Yi Quan often teaches strategies that allow you to wait for your opponent’s move and then intercept or neutralize their force, providing both defensive security and offensive capability.

3. Internal Cultivation and Energy Work

At the heart of Liang Yi Quan lies the use of internal energy or “qi,” governed by the mind’s focus and intention. Drawing upon traditional Chinese medicine theory, Liang Yi Quan practice aims to:

Regulate the Breath: Proper breathing techniques help cultivate and circulate qi throughout the meridians in the body, promoting health, vitality, and mental clarity.

Strengthen the Body’s Core: Dynamic stances and waist movement channel the force from the ground through the center, creating unified, powerful strikes.

Harmonize Mind and Movement: By focusing the mind to direct internal energy, practitioners transform mental calm into explosive external power. This aspect makes Liang Yi Quan a valuable complement for those who already practice Tai Ji, as it deepens internal control and broadens martial applications.

4. Master Duan Xiaofei’s Role and Teachings

A notable figure in the propagation of Liang Yi Quan is Master Duan Xiaofei. With years of dedicated training under renowned masters and a profound understanding of Daoist principles, he has become an influential teacher who bridges classical knowledge with modern practice. Master Duan’s approach typically emphasizes:

Authentic Transmission of Forms: Ensuring that practitioners learn the original sequences, postures, and techniques without diluting their essence.

Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Encouraging students to understand the health benefits and healing potential of correct practice.

Focus on the ‘Book of Changes’ and Philosophy: Incorporating philosophical insights that guide not just physical practice but also personal growth, discipline, and life balance.

Practical Application: Highlighting real-world combat scenarios, showing how Liang Yi Quan can be both a health-promoting art and a robust self-defense system.

By fusing ancient wisdom with accessible teachings, Master Duan Xiaofei ensures that Liang Yi Quan remains vital and relevant, especially for contemporary martial artists seeking a deeper connection between body, mind, and spirit.

5. Benefits and Conclusion

Liang Yi Quan offers a comprehensive system that suits various individuals: those seeking self-defense, internal balance, or personal development. Its blend of slow and fast, soft and hard, and fluid transitions of yin and yangcreates an exceptionally versatile martial art. Beyond the purely physical aspects, this practice can lead to:

Increased body awareness and coordination.

Enhanced energy circulation and holistic health.

Refined mental focus and stress relief.

A deeper connection to Daoist philosophy and traditional Chinese culture.

As you explore or consider training in Liang Yi Quan, keep in mind the significance of studying with a knowledgeable guide like Master Duan Xiaofei. His dedication to preserving the art’s authenticity, combined with his passion for empowering students, ensures that the essence of Liang Yi Quan remains both accessible and transformative.

[chenqing9]

NingJue Book of Changes

Wanted to present after much deliberation Wen Ning’s and Nie Mingjue’s characters from my AU fic Book of Changes. I wouldn’t normally do this but it’s such a very unusual pairing and I want readers to see what I see. I always imagine them from the Untamed live action drama since that’s what hooked me on the universe.

Wang Yizhou went and rocked this look (left) that’s in line with how I imagine his character. No ‘stache, no murderous rage (those were his drinking days.) In addition to being pretty, he’s an aging bad boy who is totally divorced from his feelings and also possibly a virgin. I’m not sure. He’s tall as in canon, 191 cm (6’3”.) He enjoys lifting weights, eating mints, and watching forest animals, especially squirrels, around his home in Qinghe.

Wen Ning looks a lot like he does after his resurrection in the Untamed. He’s an old-school Goth which helps hide the fact that he’s not 100% alive, sometimes he dresses more modern and sometimes he’s legitimately rocking the look above (right.) The main difference in his character is that he’s more capable the way he is in The Living Dead. In addition to being Wei Wuxian’s right hand, he practices Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. He enjoys tea, cemeteries, and Darkwave/Industrial clubbing. He only wears little chains because the big ones are too heavy. He’s also tall, as in canon. 183 cm (6’.)

They are somewhat-undead soulmates. Naturally.

[vrianch]

[astria-cosplay]

One of the best games made on this planet. I kept myself with all mental force not to make more than those two Kazuma Kaneko character's cosplay, but when you wish, I always ready for comission, dm. #makenshao #asiangame #makenx #dreamcast #atlusgames #megamitensei #creativecosplay #oriental #bookofchanges #cosplayexpressones #cosplayshare_life #darkbeauty @stunning_cosplay @bestofcosplay @badasscosplay @cosplay.alliance.magazine @alternatives_features @feature_my_stuff @cosplay_only @cosplayrealmmagazine @cosplaypub (at Deep in the Sadness of My Mind) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEv4g0eDRmu/?igshid=1gf7froyc90l2

[alicielalone]

#bookrecommendation I-Ching (not pronounced eye-cheeng, but eee jing or ching) is a form of divination from the Book of Changes, created over 3000 years ago. With its metaphors based on what we can learn from nature, it presents really interesting philosophies while divining potential outcomes. This book by Mark McElroy is meant for those who are interested in this form of divination, but need the interpretations provided to have more of a contemporary meaning. I did a reading with my own I Ching cards today and although I do understand the nature metaphors, I really love the modern take as well. So, I just wanted to share. I may write an article on it one day because I’ve even made spells based off of the Book of Changes. #iching #divination #oraclereading #bookofchanges #witch #witchyreads #easterndivination https://www.instagram.com/p/B1hCrHMn03T/?igshid=18zkee0i4dz8p

[plugoarts]

Yesterday we pasted the 10 Day Mark. I return to another #tigertuesday essay on the book of changes: the I Ching. Today we cover Trigram number 6 Kan ☵ it has one YANG line at the center between two YIN lines. Learn why the Protagonist of A TIGER’s TALE volume 1 was named after it - #linkinbio #atigerstale #tigertales #bagua #iching #bookofchanges #kungfu #taoism #wuxia #wuxiacomic https://www.instagram.com/p/Cka496xL5-1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[realtaoism]

Have you heard of Ba Gua Zhang. it is a physical and energrtic practice of the I - Ching, the Book of Change, it is lesser known Internally modulated Art like Tai Chi Chuan, but more aerobic. It is an art of change and it loosens the body in multiple ways that makes the body strong and yet pliable. I have a lineage in the tradition of Lui Jing Ru and my discipleship is with Frank Allen of Wutang PCA. New Yorrk City #baguazhang #energy #bookofchanges #martialarts #qigong realtaoism.com https://www.instagram.com/p/CjIXu3AIOuq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[alchemisoul]

Lo Shu Square/Nine Halls Diagram No matter how you slice it, the sum remains the same: 15. #loshu #loshusquare #ninehallsdiagram #iching #bookofchanges #thebookofchanges #eighttrigrams #fengshui #divination #china #magicsquare #mandala #art #sketch #philosophy #daoism #taoism #bagua #pakua https://www.instagram.com/p/BnqngaKBZxn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vsylp0ud7bh8

[gineenlee]

“Nourishment #27 “ . . Art inspired by the Book of Changes. Acrylic on paper. 3” x 3”. . . “The desire for this kind of inner experience and self-development arises from a psychic urge, a spiritual hunger —akin to the need of satisfying the hunger of the body—that is present in very different degrees in people. It’s an expression of the instinctive drive to self-preservation on a psychic, not a biological level. Those in whom it has been aroused are compelled to strive for the satisfaction of its demands or endure the pangs of spiritual hunger and eventual starvation.” —M.E.Harding, ~Psychic Energy . . What nourishes your inner life, your compassion for yourself and others? What feeds your spiritual growth? Have you felt growth recently? If not, have you asked for a refresh? A new source, direction? . . May you find your soul food. . . #soulfood #nourishment #spiritualnourishment #abstractartgineen #iching #ichingoracle #abstract #abstractart #instart #instaart #quote #hunger #bookofchanges #spiritualhunger #spiritualfood #igers413artists #igers413 #spiritualquote #spiritualart #spiritualartist (at Springfield, Massachusetts)

[elitemindshiphop-com]

Reposted from @ilajide Happy birthday to my brotha in rhyme! The one and only Microphone Hokage Aka @novelisscsf . Proud of you broski! 👊🏾 Enjoy yo day brody. let’s make some mo memories 🔥 . BOOK OF CHANGES DROPS THIS FRIDAY GO COP DAT👊🏾 . . . #noveliss #clearsoulforces #ilajide #doubledragon #tourlife #bookofchanges #birthdaypost https://www.instagram.com/p/CWWHo_8pZOW/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lucyding]

#park#forest#forestphotography#forestlovers#bookofchanges#parkwaydrive #travelphotographer#tour#travel#nature#mothernature#photographers#naturelover#instagram#traveling#naturephotography#tourism#travelers#goodthursday (at Park Güell) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUutTDYlIDq/?utm_medium=tumblr

[pierredechambery]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Roderick Abercrombie (@roderick_abercrombie_smith)

#iiching #bookofchanges #innocence #hexagram #gexagrams #chinese #divination #calligraphy (at Glasgow, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSUWwNRDcwv/?utm_medium=tumblr

[artistopencalls]

🟢👉 @artrabbit #ArtOpps Alert: @bagrifoundation is looking to commission three new animations by artists from Asia and the Diaspora (including Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East), inspired by the I Ching, or the Book of Changes. The selected artists will receive an honorarium of £3000 each (inclusive of taxes and expenses) for the preparation and delivery of the digital contribution.⁠ ⁠ 💁🏻For everyone new to our #ArtOpps: Every Thursday, we publish a vetted selection of international open calls and professional opportunities for artists, creative practitioners, writers and curators. We review open call submissions, newsletters, magazines and blogs to find opportunities we feel offer a clear benefit to submitting practitioners at different stages of their career.⁠ ⁠ ℹ️ To recommend an opportunity for listing, please fill in the form on our website.⁠ ⁠ #BagriFoundation #animation #change #BookOfChanges #IChing #OpenCalls #ArtTech #ArtandTech #ArtLab #opportunities #CreativeIndustries #grant #internationalartists #artwatchers #artrabbit #artistsoninstagram #contemporaryart #contemporarymaster #culture #design https://www.instagram.com/p/CKzOwcSlV3f/?igshid=5ar16uls3rdn

[scettttv]

#COVID19 #TheIChing #BookofChanges #GradualProgress #designedbymothernature @scettt.tv #amdmxusa 🙏🏽💚 (at The 3rd Dimension) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ihJrODPfj/?igshid=1jaxc9gzekg1l

[plugoarts]

Ba Gua: (八卦) the “eight changes” (– also pa kua). Along with the five elements, the eight changes form the basis of nearly all Chinese metaphysical systems: Learn more in today’s #tigertuesday post on #atigerstale #linkinbio #bagua #iching #bookofchanges #taoism https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj3CBhmryzy/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thelightclinic]

Beautiful Yi Jing~I Ching class today. Next one will be Saturday, January 25th from 9a-1p, so mark your calendars! The first pic shows Joseph displaying the yarrow sticks for “throwing” a question and getting a hexagram reading. The second pic is a handout, 3rd is delicious Chrysanthemum flower tea we had during the first part and Harmony tea (cinnamon, ginger and white peony) for the second half of class. And last is a video of Joseph explaining the importance and significance of our connection with the sacred Yi Jing text. Always a good time! #thelightclinic #yijing #iching #bookofchanges #sacredtext #sacredwisdom #divineconnection (at The Light Clinic) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5yip58AMU-/?igshid=1q2jl12qvdr8c