In a previous blog, we talked very briefly about the “Six Harmonies” (aka Liu He) . This is an ancient principle comprised of three external and three internal harmonies. However, only a small number of arts use the full six-harmonies movement principles today, and as most of you are aware by now, not everyone complies with traditional principles and/or requirements.
The Six Harmonies deep “universal concepts of harmony and balance”pertain to quite a few Chinese martial arts, such as: Tai Chi, Mantis, Kung Fu, Bagua, Xingyiquan, and Shaolin. Of course, when we refer to harmony and balance, we are talking about unity of the physical and mental (aka body and mind)!
Even though the Six Harmonies are not specific to Tai Chi, it is one of the arts that use them. However, usually the term “Silk-Reeling is used to describe what was previously known as the Six Harmonies. It does appear that most, if not all, styles of internal, “traditional” Tai Chi use silk-reeling with some minor variations. Do keep in mind that the interpretations of the Six Harmonies (or silk-reeling) may be a bit different, depending not only on which art you practice, but on your purpose as well (martial, self-defense, or health).
Traditional martial artists, today and in the past, focus on achieving balance of the body and the mind. This, together with the balance of forces in nature, is considered the essence of “internal martial arts”. This is a difficult concept for practitioners, particularly new practitioners, to understand. Unfortunately, there are many students who quit before they reach this important, deeper level of understanding!
Let’s start with the “legend”: In 1750, Master Dai Long Bang, whose family is said to have developed Xingyiquan, used different classic texts, and ultimately wrote “The Six Harmonies Fists” as the “correct” way to practice martial arts. The Six Harmonies are derived from this work.
Considering that the Six Harmonies started with Xingyiquan, the focus was on how the internal connects with the external. The body moves as a unit (I repeat this in every class!) and when one part moves, all the parts move. Of course, the reverse is then true: when one part stops, all the parts stop (or still). This method of moving also can provide you with sudden and/or explosive power for which Xingyiquan is well known.
So here’s where the philosophical question arises. If one subscribes to the premise that in Tai Chi strength is a bit more refined and an “external expression of an internal state”, does the concept of Six Harmonies still fit? Or is it that in Tai Chi, the internal eventually (with practice) is in “charge of the external”? It is true that the body does move as a unit (coordinated and in harmony) but the movements are internal (from the center of the body). There is a philosophical difference when it comes to internal versus external relationships between the two arts.
Here’s another question: when we focus “on the mysteries of ‘the form’” are we ignoring or disagreeing that using the Six Harmonies for movement is what’s important? Confusing, huh? The bigger question: what is the impact (if any) when applying the Six Harmonies concepts to our practice in order to achieve harmony and balance?
Let’s look at the “Harmonies”:
External Harmonies (aka san wai he): our movements are coordinated (or harmonized, if you prefer). When we use the words: “coordinate” or “harmonize” we are talking about the body moving as a unit (or in unison) which, of course, includes smooth movement using good posture. These harmonies describe how the elements of the body are controlled by the Dantian. For example, shoulders with hips, elbows with knees, and hands with feet. Keeping the elbows (which are driven by the shoulders) directly over the knees (which are driven by the hips) optimizes your physical structure.
Let’s check our External Harmonies:
Are your feet and toes pointing in the direction where your hands and steps are traveling?
Are your hands and feet aligned so that the ground is supporting you?
Is your posture upright or collapsed?
Are you turning your torso and rotating or are you just moving your arm?
Are your elbows moving in the same direction as your knees?
Regular readers of this blog know how much I love quotes that explain the essence of Tai Chi and/or Qigong. So here’s a great Kung Fu quote:
“When the hands arrive the whole body arrives.”
And a Gongfu (martially related) quote:
“The foot and the fist arrive together”.
According to the late Joanna Zorya, head teacher of the Martial Tai Chi Association in the UK, “the biggest hurdle facing many beginners is learning to stop letting their hands and feet lead the way, dragging the body behind as an afterthought”.
Internal Harmonies (san nei he): The intent emits from our brain/central nervous system and signals us to move. In order to refine the energetic quality of our intent good posture and “intentional focus” are prerequisites. Your concentration is determined by your degree of intention.
The spirit harmonizes with with Yi (or intention). In this sense, it is not divine or ethereal. It refers to the emotional mind or heart and initiator of action. It could even be the “martial spirit” which can translate to the desire not to get hurt and to stay alive! Whereas, Yin can also translate to our “wisdom”, experience, skills, etc. Together, they focus and control the practitioner.
Your intention then harmonizes with your Qi/energy and guides it. Your Qi/energy harmonizes with your movements making sure that you are effective and don’t expend too much of your energy. Obviously, more strength equals more power!
Let’s check our Internal Harmonies:
Is your “spirit/Shen” strong?
Is your mind and intention clear and focused?
Are you using good posture and technique to move your Qi energy?
Are your heart, intention, and Qi harmonized in order to move effectively and efficiently?
The Harmonies also explain the process of healing change or transformation which also starts with intention, then moves through sensitivity plus emotions, and finally translates in physical well-being.
Do keep in mind that these “Harmonies” are often used a bit differently depending on which style you are practicing and the emphasis of your practice: health and/or martial/self defense techniques. However, being “connected” and in “harmony” is vital for any practice and life in general.
Using and learning the Six Harmonies can carry into and improve your personal, day-to-day life. Not only will you feel more balanced and have more energy, your posture and ability to relax will improve as your enjoy relief from stress. You may also find yourself more “connected” and in harmony with your environment!
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