S3 E9 - The Training Discipline

In the East Asian Internal Arts, the concept of Center appears to play a particularly important role, both in the physical development of these practices and in the way they subsequently unfold on a more spiritual level. Both Mind and Body seem to require a specific relationship with concepts such as Center and Equilibrium. Nothing quite similar appears to occur in Western traditions. Let’s delve into this question and explore how the search for Center relates to our Identity—and ultimately to the quest for a shared Consciousness.

The System Historically, hundreds of martial systems have developed in China, such as Taijiquan, Xingyi, Bagua, and Wing Chun, just to name a few of the most famous and widespread ones in the West. At the same time, Qigong and meditation schools have also formed through systems. But what is a System? In this episode, we try to clear things up.

Discipline vs. Obsession: Finding True Balance in the Internal Arts In this episode, we explore the delicate balance between dedication and obsession in the practice of Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation. Starting from the relationship between body and spirituality in Eastern disciplines, the discussion examines how intensive training can shift from being a tool for growth into a mental prison. Through personal examples and observations of masters and practitioners, a key message emerges: true spiritual practice is not measured by the number of hours spent training, but by the ability to integrate discipline with rest, authentic relationships, and lived experience. It is an invitation to let go of the paranoia of “never being enough” and to rediscover that being a practitioner matters more than how much one practices. Topics covered: intensity vs. balance; the danger of the paranoid personality; the importance of emptiness and rest; martial practice vs. spiritual growth; finding one’s own personal path.

We usually practice Tai Chi, Qigong or Meditation in order to gain something: more "Qi", more martial prowess, more understanding. But everything that is a kind of "gaining", is in some way reinforcing your Self, bringing dangers and vanity. But, if we look at our Self how it is in reality, meaning a ring in a wider chain, we start to look at our practice from a different perspective, that is indeed really pivotal for a practice to be a "Spiritual" one.

Ancient masters and practitioners have produced a huge amount of texts, defined as "classics", on the practice of Taijiquan as well as other Internal Arts. We often hear that words are meaningless for practice, and books have no role in building a correct method. That's simply not true, and disregarding the classics can severely impede the chances of success. Here is why.