The Single Palm Change and the Eight Trigrams

The Single Palm Change
and the
Eight Trigrams
by Tom Bis io
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
Ba Gua and the Yi Jing
There is some debate about whether or not “real” Ba Gua ever had any relationship to the Yi
Jing (Book of Changes). Many people say Yi Jing philosophy was added on after the fact.
Others say that Ba Gua is a physical manifestation of the Yi Jing trigrams and hexagrams and
their related symbolism and imagery. While both viewpoints have merit, engaging in this
kind of debate misses the point. The more pertinent question is whether or not engaging
with the images of the Yi Jing is useful in learning and practicing Ba Gua.
In my own personal training, I have found making these kinds of correspondences useful. The
caveat is that fixating on the relationships between postures and movements and the Yi Jing
Gua (trigrams and hexagrams), or thinking of them as “written in stone,” will lead you down
the wrong path. There are many ways to think about the trigrams and hexagrams in
relationship to the movements or postures in Ba Gua. Different styles of Ba Gua often
employ different correspondences between postures and trigrams and at times the
various
correspondences can seem contradictory. Correspondences between Yi Jing
diagrams and postures are tools, not hard and fast rules. Changing the intention and
internal body while externally maintaining a posture or performing a particular movement
can change the internal configuration of the Qi and Jin and therefore also changes which
trigram or hexagram might best describe that configuration.
The Single Palm Change & the Eight Trigrams
At different phases in your training you might find that working with the Gua is useful. At
other times, if you find it confusing let go of the perceived relationships and just train the
external movements and sense the Jin. The Single Palm Change is one series of movements
in which one’s practice can benefit from making associations with the Eight Trigrams (Gua) of
the Yi Jing. The Single Palm Change is the core of Ba Gua Zhang’s many changes
and manifestations. All the other changes come from this Single Change and, in theory, it
contains thousands of applications. The Single Palm Change is a means of engaging with
the primal movements of wrapping, coiling, twisting, turning, piercing, drilling,
overturning, and rotating – all expressed in the continuous Rise, Drill, Fall and
Overturn sequence. Its equivalent in Xing Yi Quan is the seminal movement Pi Quan
(Splitting Fist).
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
There are many ways to perform the Single Palm Change. Every style does it differently, yet at
the same time, the core movements and energies are the same in every variation. The Yi Jing
trigrams and their symbolic associations can help us to inculcate in our bodies a
deeper understanding of the Single Palm Change by showing us eight different ways to
perform the same core movements, each with a different Jin, and a different “energetic”
signature.
Jin and Li
Li (Force or Strength) generally refers to the force produced by muscular contraction. It
is commonly referred to as Original Li (natural strength or power). Jin refers to force or
power that is produced by the whole body, in combination with regulated breath and
an organic internal contraction and expansion regulated by the Heart-Mind. Jin is the
integration of body and mind. It is based on Li and is a refined use of Li. Jin is acquired
and refined through training the body, Heart-Mind and Intention, so that they are
unified and integral. Jin can effortlessly change and transform. Jin is expressed through Qi
in the Dantian, expanding and contracting, coming and going, circulating continuously and
endlessly like flowing water, manifesting in the eight directions (everywhere), accumulating and
transforming, yielding and firm.1
Although Jin is integral and whole in nature, it can manifest in different ways, and
in a particular moment in time Jin can manifest very clearly in a particular way. Hence,
we can speak of Jin that is adhering, shaking, hidden, rotating, etc. The Eight Trigrams
represent eight different interconnected forces that are manifestations of a unified reality.
They can also be used represent eight different kinds of Jin.
Working with the Trigrams and Palm Changes
Practice these changes, work with them, enjoy them and then at some point you can let go of
them. At that point they will be in your body and then you will not need the mental imagery
to actualize them. Realize that the trigrams are nothing more than momentary configurations
that have just taken on a shape and are in the process of changing again. Thus they are
fleeting glimpses of change in action. The movements of the Single Palm Change are
the same - fleeting configurations and patterns that are constantly changing. We can, for
1
Practical Qin Na Part 1: Explanation of the Qin Na Nine Heaven Secret Text, by Zhao Da Yuan, Translated by Huang
Guo Qi and Tom Bisio, 2015, p. 267.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
example, say that one way (one body configuration) of performing the Single Palm Change
represents the Mountain trigram, but this configuration also contain the seeds of change that
lead to all the other manifestations of the Single Palm Change – it is the Mountain and it is
simultaneously something else and everything else. Similarly, we can sense a unique
and specific Jin manifesting in each of these Eight Palm Changes. We can describe and name
each of these eight Jin, but to some degree each palm change also contains the possibility or
the seed of the other seven types of Jin. So by changing the Yi (Intention), we can change
which Jin is more clearly manifesting in a moment in time.
I recommend starting on this practice only after practicing the Lao Ba Zhang (Old Eight Palms)
palm changes for six months to a year. Once you are comfortable with Lao Ba Zhang, it is
useful to go back and explore the Single Palm Changes in depth, using the trigrams as your
guide.
Start with the changes of Heaven and Earth. When they feel comfortable, proceed through
the other changes. In the beginning, work with the trigrams in pairs. Working with a
trigram and its opposite helps you to grasp their essence more quickly. It might be useful to
spend a week or more on each pair, before moving on to the next pair.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
The Eight Trigrams
Heaven
Earth
Qian Trigram
Kun Trigram
Fire
Water
Li Trigram
Kan Trigram
Thunder
Mountain
Zhen Trigram
Gen Trigram
Lake
Wind
Dui Trigram
Xun Trigram
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
1. Heaven Changing Palm (Qian-Heaven Trigram)
The three strong-Yang lines of the Qian-Heaven Trigram push outward and upward with
firmness and strength. This effortless, unceasing movement has an image of irresistible force
that moves continually forward and upward. The power of the Heaven Changing Palm moves
forward with strength, smoothly, continuously and inexorably breaking through the
opponent’s resistance.
Heaven Changing Palm Jin: Zheng (Extending) Jin
• Jin stretches outward from the Yao and Dantian.
• Jin is firm and continuous, extending endlessly outward in both
directions.
In the photos below, the right hand holds its position as the left hand moves up
from underneath to take its place. The steps and the body continuously push the hands
forward, leaving no gap.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Heaven Changing Palm
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
2. Earth Changing Palm (Kun-Earth Trigram)
Kun-Earth is associated with receptivity, repose and yielding. Its three broken-Yin-yielding
lines absorb and draw inward, embracing and holding. Earth’s movement is inward, round
and embracing, contrasting with, but also complimenting the outward and upward movement
of Heaven-Qian. The Earth Changing Palm absorbs, blends with, and nullifies the opponent’s
force.
Earth Changing Palm Jin: HiddenJin( An Jin)
• First it yielding and then it is firm. Firmness is hidden inside of yielding, without
revealing its shape.
• Outside Earth’s Jin looks weak, but with a touch it is released. Earth contains an implicit
spring-like Jin.
• Earth’s Jin is unbreakable. When pressed it will not collapse. Its power is continuous
and unbroken.
In the photos above, the body wraps and embraces as it turns and changes direction. Power
enfolds and receives inward, creating empty space in the middle, around which the body
revolves.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Earth Changing Palm
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
3. Water Changing Palm (Kan-Water Trigram)
Water adapts, flowing along the line of least resistance, and taking the shape of its container.
Water has power and strength, the ability, over time, to wear down rock. Water’s power can be
seen in a rushing mountain stream or in the surging power of ocean waves. This power is
represented by the strong-Yang line in the center of the trigram. At the same time water is
supple and changeable. The broken-Yin lines on the outside of the Kan-Water Trigram
represent this fluidity and adaptability. This formless receptivity and softness allows water to
seep into the smallest crack or flow around any resistance. The Water Changing Palm flows or
seeps around the opponent’s defenses, always seeking the line of least resistance, while
simultaneously concealing Water’s unstoppable power.
Water Changing Palm Jin: Drilling-Rolling Jin ( Zuan Gun Jin)
• Rotating the arm and turning the wrist is called rolling (Gun). Rolling and pressing the
arm through spiral rotation is drilling (Zuan).
• Water’s Jin is like twisting silk around a nail or like water in a mountain stream
spiraling and tumbling around rocks. It is yielding on the outside and firm on the
inside. It leaks into cracks and seams and flows around obstructions.
• When it touches the opponent, Water’s Jin adheres with a spiral penetrating force. Its
power is quick, fast, and rotating.
In the photos below, the shoulders are loose and relaxed and the hands wrap inward as the
body rolls over, and turns. The overall body action spirals and flows, like water tumbling
among the rocks in a mountain stream.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Water Changing Palm
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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4. Fire Changing Palm (Li-Fire Trigram)
The configuration of the Li-Fire Trigram is like a flame. Li is called “The Clinging.” The
original ideogram for Li showed a bird caught in a net. Fire changes its shape - it flickers,
moves and flows. Fire clings to its fuel and coils and curves around it, and it has the power to
burn, melt and transform things. The tenacity, flickering movement and power of Fire is
represented by it outer Yang-solid lines. Its inability to be grasped and held, its inherent
formlessness and adaptability are represented by the inner Yin-broken line. The Fire Changing
Palm attaches and clings, adhering and coiling around the opponent. It also contains the
potential to flare up and explode suddenly with great force.
Fire Changing Palm Jin: Elastic-Adhering Jin ( Dan Zhan Jin)
• Dan Zhan Jin accumulates and gathers like (coiling) a spring.
• Dan Zhan Jin sticks, and adheres, like fire clinging to and curling around a log,
borrowing power and releasing.
• Dan Jin is pliable and tenacious, steadily gathering and releasing power.
In the photos below, the arms cling, wrap and coil in coordination with the twisting, rotating
and elastic body action.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Fire Changing Palm
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
5. Thunder Changing Palm (Zhen-Thunder Trigram)
The image of Zhen-Thunder trigram is one of sudden action and movement. The Zhen
ideogram can mean to shake, shock, quake, or even to terrify. Thunder is an example of a
sudden and unexpected shocking force. Lightning is associated with Thunder, and creates a
sudden increase in pressure and temperature in the air. The air expands so rapidly that it
creates a sonic shockwave of thunder. The single Yang line in the Zhen trigram represents
sudden
movement
stirring.
The
Yang
line
has
a
clear
path
to
rapidly
move
upward, unrestrained by the Yin lines above. The Thunder Changing Palm moves from
below and its movement is sudden, exploding and vibrating upward.
Thunder Changing Palm Jin: Shaking Jin ( Dou Jin)
•
Dou Jin is quick and sudden.
•
Dou Jin occurs in and instant, like a flash of lightning, or a thunderclap
•
Once released, Dou Jin is relaxed, going out and coming back quickly.
•
Dou Jin uproots with a shocking vibrational power. This power is short and quick, like
a horse shaking off a fly.
In the photos below, as the palm drops to strike downward and returns upward, the body
naturally expresses a short, sudden shaking force (Dou Jin), that vibrates upward and
downward.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Thunder Changing Palm
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
6. Mountain Changing Palm (Gen-Mountain Trigram)
The firm Yang line that caps the top of the Gen-Mountain Trigram stops and restrains the
movement of the Yin lines below. This Yang line is like mountaintop, the highest upward
expression of the Earth. The Yin lines cannot rise further. They are restrained by the single,
solid, unyielding, Yang line. Mountain represents stability, solidity, stillness and being rooted.
The Mountain is immovable, but it is not static. It represents stillness that is about to transform
into movement. In the Mountain Changing Palm, the body is rooted, solid and stable, able to
withstand the opponent’s attack while waiting for the right moment to move.
Mountain Changing Palm Jin: Visible Jin (Ming Jin)
• Ming Jin is first firm, and then yielding. In firmness, it is still and immovable.
• Upon meeting emptiness Ming Jin changes and transforms.
• On the outside Ming Jin is firm, on the inside yielding.
In the pictures below, the body maintains its firm structure, remaining still and calm in the
exterior as it changes internally. Externally this palm exhibits firmness and stillness, internally
it yields and changes.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Mountain Changing Palm
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7. Wind Changing Palm (Xun-Wind Trigram)
Wind spreads outward in all directions, touching everything, penetrating and insinuating
itself into the smallest crack. Xun is alternately referred to as the “The Gentle” and “The
Penetrating.” The upper Yang lines of the trigram represent the power and penetration of
Wind and its association with Heaven’s effortless strength. The lower Yin line is receptive, soft
and pliant, felt but not seen. This combination of power and pliability allows Wind to
penetrate and swirl into even the smallest spaces. Wind can gust with sudden power or push
in a gentle yet inexorable way. The Wind Changing Palm swirls, gusts and changes while
penetrating into the opponent’s defenses. This trigram can also manifest as Wood. In this sense
it is like bamboo - pliable and bending, yet strong and firm at the same time.
Wind Changing Palm Jin: Transforming Jin ( Hua Jin)
• Integrated Jin in which Qi gathers, without dispersing.
• Hua Jin extends, circulates, circles, curves and transforms.
• Outside Hua Jin is yielding and restrained, receiving its power by rotating.
• Inside Hua Jin contains spiraling and turning.
• Hua Jin is like a ball floating in the air, or a leaf blowing in the wind.
In the photos below, the body turns tightly like a whirlwind and the hands and feet
interchange rapidly and smoothly.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Wind Changing Palm
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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8. Lake Changing Palm (Dui- Lake Trigram)
The Lake is pliable and soft on the surface - it can change from placid to violent in a moment
under Wind’s inexorable power. The changeable surface of the Lake is represented by the
yielding-broken-Yin line at the top of the Trigram. The strength and depth of the lake,
represented by the two Yang lines lie within, beneath the surface. The Lake’s strength, power
and mystery come from below and within, rising up through the yielding-broken Yin line on
the surface. The Lake Changing Palm’s hidden strength unexpectedly manifests from deep
inside the body.
Lake Changing Palm Jin: Rotating-Twisting Jin (Xuan Ning Jin)
•
Xuan Ning Jin is circular power, that is elastic and spiraling.
•
Xuan Ning Jin is quick, firm and steady. The body, arms and wrists are like a revolving
wheel.
•
Rotating and twisting left and right, Xuan Ning Jin is like a twisted rope turning.
In the photos below, the body and the limbs twist, rotate and spiral. These actions emanate
from deep within the body.
Copyright 2014 New York Internal Arts and Tom Bisio
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Lake Changing Palm
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