Most Buddhist based meditation are performed in sitting posture and stationary Most Taoist based meditation are in standing posture and moving. Tai Chi ( Taoist based) is often described as moving meditation Shaolin is heavily influenced by Buddhist practices, whereas Wudang ( Tai Chi, Bagua , HsingI ) is Taoist based Budddhist - Yoga meditation focusses on driving the Chi ( prana) from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Taoist meditation focusses on circulating the Chi along the " microcosmic orbit "
You can practise meditation in a variety of postures not just by doing internal martial arts. Meditation applies to all aspects in life as Taoism proclaims. The two primary guidelines in Taoist meditation are jing ('quiet, stillness, calm') and ding ('concentration, focus'). The purpose of stillness, both mental and physical, is to turn attention inwards and cut off external sensory input, thereby muzzling the "Five Thieves". Meditate either sitting down cross-legged, sitting on a chair or stool, or by lying down on the floor. Gerard.
The biggest difference between (most) Buddhist styles of meditation and Taoist styles is that the buddhist method works specifically on dealing with the mind, whereas taoists work on the body in order to approach the mind. For instance, depending on which school a Buddhist belongs to, he or she may focus on a mantra, visualize a mandala, or simply remain completely mindful while sitting in meditation. A Taoist will tend to focus on clearing the blockages in the body, whilst focusing on the breath. Without opening up the whole qi debate, the Taoists believe that if the body, the qi, and the shen become unblocked, they will be able to pursue enlightenment. This circuitously leads to the mind much to the same end as in Buddhism, just via a different path.
so which 1 would you say was the best for long term, and which one if u was to use it as part of your fighting?
I personally chose the taoist path because of its focus on the body, and health. The 3 major Taoist fighting arts (tai chi, hsing i, and bagua) are highly respected. Ultimately, you need to do the same thing in both, however, so don't be discouraged from trying both.
Let me finish the sentence Hwardo: because health leads to longevity and therefore more time to cultivate shen and reach enlightenment (which is in turn a long time process, maybe a lifetime if the adept is successful). However if you read Tao Teh Ching there is a second and frequently ignored path for the Taoist adept (not so for Buddhists): Love all sentient beings as you love yourself. Just look at Jesus's message. I really admire him and what he did: physical death in order to open the eyes of humans, mortals. "The Tao is hidden deeply in all things. It is the treasure of the good And the refuge of the not-so-good. With skillful words you can be successful. With honorable actions you can be included. People may not be so good, but how can you deny them?" (Tao Teh Ching 62) Gerard.
The Neijia(Internal family) does not mean only Daoist influences.While the big 3 are the most recognized in the west there are countless other Nei Jia styles. Historically Xing Yi Quan doesn't have direct links to Daoism,TJQ is largely only related through myth.BGZ is perhaps the only one directly connected through a mediative lineage. This is not to say practioners have not been influenced/conected to/ by Daoism just that they are not specifically derivatives of Daoist practise. Chinese IMA is largely effected by culture philosophies and linguistics of China.All 3 aspects are many and varied.Any practitioner will eventually turn to these aspects as a natural progression.
Kat, but the core of neijia as neigong works is still and it has always been Taoist. Read this link to clarify any doubts: http://qi-journal.com/Taiji.asp?-token.SearchID=NeijiaFAQ Gerard.
Its not so much doubts as exposure to information and other perceptions.That article in particular is quite simplistic overview and makes many contentious claims re: orgin (which isn't uncommon when dealing with IMA history) I think that is influenced largely by the lineage and focus of your teacher/style.Particularly that most Neijia focus on bringing out individual responses.Daoism(and its sects) Buddism(and its sects)Confucism all played major parts in the development of Health practises in China.The big 3 that you refer to experienced refinement in Northern China,Other parts of China had differing interpretations of Health and medative practices. Neijia and Neigong are generalised terms that cover a large umbrella of styles/fromats.
