Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice, is far more than a set of physical exercises – it is a journey of self-cultivation, energy alignment, and deep transformation. While many focus on perfecting techniques, true mastery begins with something less visible but far more essential: a strong foundation.
A true Qigong master teaches not just movements but principles that shape the way we connect with our energy, our bodies, and the world around us. These teachings go beyond form and guide us toward inner balance, heightened awareness, and a profound sense of well-being. Yet, the foundation they emphasise is often overlooked in pursuit of methods, techniques and external progress. Without it, even the most graceful movements remain hollow.
In this article, we explore ten fundamental teachings from a Qigong master – principles that serve as stepping stones on the path to true mastery. Whether you are new to Qigong or a seasoned practitioner, these insights will deepen your understanding and enrich your practice.
1.“Foundation is the highest requirement. We can easily start from any method or exercise but it’s not easy to start the foundation. People find it easy to start the practice without the foundation. It is the high-level requirement. When we practice, we must know that foundation is much more important than any method or practice. Another point is that practice methods you learned, you know the movement or exercise but not what it is. We can easily copy the movement without knowing the meaning.” Xie Chuan
Building a solid foundation is crucial. While it’s simple to begin with any method or exercise, establishing a strong foundation is challenging. Many people start practising without focusing on their foundation, but it’s the most important aspect. When practising, it’s essential to recognise that the foundation holds more significance than any particular method or exercise. Additionally, when you learn practice techniques, you might know the movements or exercises but not understand their purpose. It’s easy to mimic the actions without grasping their true meaning.
2. “Qigong means you are an active mind inside. Then we notice where is our inside. The basic level is, it is inside our body, internal organs, emotions, mind, perception, feeling and awareness.” Xie Chuan
The foundation is the cornerstone of Qigong practice. It is not simply about physical exercises but about developing a deep awareness of one’s internal state. Many begin practising without truly laying this groundwork, which limits their potential. To achieve mastery, one must recognise that foundation is not just an entry point but an ongoing process that shapes all aspects of practice.
3.“We say: Closed to shell is the ocean. And than we got a perception that our energy is not strong enough. We have no idea how much qi there is in the Universe but our mind is telling us there is not enough of it in our body. But in the Universe it is the strongest energy created, including our bodies. So Universe is full of qi but we became a closed shell.” Xie Chuan
Whether we realise it or not, we might feel disconnected from the vast ocean of qi. As a result, we sense that our energy is lacking. Although we can’t comprehend the immense amount of qi in the Universe, our mind convinces us that we don’t have enough. Yet, qi is the most powerful energy in the Universe, and it resides within us too. The Universe is brimming with qi, yet we’ve become like a sealed shell. The mind often operates from a perspective of scarcity, believing there is not enough Qi within the body. Yet, the Universe is an abundant source of Qi, the fundamental energy that creates and sustains all life. The challenge is not a lack of energy but our own closed perception. Opening oneself to the vast ocean of Qi allows for a deeper connection and greater energy flow.
4. “In general any form has it’s own speed. When we are in a form mind state you have to follow this speed. But only with the awareness of consciousness to be slow you can go beyond this kind of speed. “ Xie Chuan
Every form has its own pace. When your mind is in a specific form state, you must adhere to this pace. However, it is only through conscious awareness and slowing down that you can surpass conforming to the dictates of form.
5. “No expectations means you can hold your energy, your awareness, your inside and of course also holding your trust. In general that means we don’t let any thoughts or intention becoming form expectations.” Xie Chuan
Having no expectations allows you to maintain your energy, awareness, inner self, and trust. Essentially, this means that we avoid letting any thoughts or intentions develop into expectations. Expectations create internal blockages. True practice involves holding one’s energy, awareness, and trust without letting thoughts or intentions become rigid expectations. Letting go of fixed outcomes fosters a more profound and fluid experience of Qi.
6. “The basic foundation about perception about the qi field: Qi field controls, influences and guides at least half of the domino effect. It means how effective and how good is the quality of practice comes from the qi field.” Xie Chuan
The Qi field plays a significant role in practice. It controls, influences, and guides much of the process, creating a domino effect that determines the effectiveness of one’s training. A strong Qi field enhances the quality of practice and deepens the connection with universal energy.
7. Qigong means you know and experience. Not only to know how to do. But knowledge and practice together. Qi is energy, gong means power(ability) and time. So power and time effective. Simple example is: you have logical mind practice or qi mind practice. Qi mind means you have this kind of qi quality, nature, essence practice. It’s a different quality, essence and nature from logical mind practice. When you start the practice you see everything as form. You must change that perception, life state and than start the practice. Xie Chuan
Qigong involves both understanding and experiencing, not just knowing the technique. It combines knowledge with practice. “Qi” refers to energy, while “gong” signifies power (ability) and time, making it effective in both aspects. For instance, one can practice with a logical mind or with a qi-focused mind. Practising with a qi mind means engaging with the quality, nature, and essence of qi, which differs from the logical mind’s nature. When you begin practising, you initially see everything as form. You must shift this perception and state of living before starting the practice.
8. “What does it mean that everything is qi? You are blocked in advance when you look at the cup and it takes effort to think of it as qi. All transformations start from you being active, from your master state. What does master mean? It means you are major, dominant, chairman and it is doing. When you really experience you are the master, you can notice that transformation has started. You find your powerful energy expanding.” Xie Chuan
Transforming perception is essential. Seeing everything-including inanimate objects like a cup as Qi requires an active, masterful state of being. Becoming the master of one’s practice means taking charge, experiencing the expansion of energy, and embracing transformation. Qigong involves both understanding and experiencing, not just knowing the technique.
9. “You have to trust yourself. Basic requirement for practice is you are the master. And than you start. Your mind is the strongest, it is the master. Practice is based on this. It is not about practicing to look for a master. Where is my strongest mind. You are. And than start. That’s foundation and it is more difficult than any methods. The only thing you have to do is stop disturbing your foundation. Stop disturbing yourself, or casting shadow or pressure on your foundation. Luckily this foundation is something that human beings have. “ Xie Chuan
The foundation of practice lies in trusting oneself. Searching for a master outside oneself is a distraction. Awareness is the key, and recognising this is the first step toward mastery. The key is to stop disturbing this foundation with doubt or external pressures. Trust yourself. It’s essential for practice to be your own master. Begin with this understanding. Your mind is powerful; it leads the way. The practice revolves around this concept. It’s not about seeking a master externally. Ask yourself, where is my master? The answer is within you. Start from there. This is the foundation, and it’s more challenging than any technique. The key is to avoid unsettling your foundation. Don’t disturb or overshadow it with doubt or pressure. Fortunately, this foundation is innate to human beings.
10. “We all have a diamond inside. You can let it shine on the outside or hide it in the mud. Diamond is always there but it is about where you put this diamond. In the mud, hiding or letting it shining out.” Xie Chuan
Seeking advanced practice externally is a common mistake. Even if a great master teaches you, true learning happens when the teacher guides you inward. The highest level of practice is found within, not outside. each of us possesses an inner diamond. You have the choice to let it radiate or bury it in the dirt. The diamond remains within you, but it’s up to you whether you conceal it in the mud or allow it to shine brightly.
Upcoming workshops with Xie Chuan:
Hemel Hempstead, Herts: 27th – 31st March + 3rd April
London India YMCA W1: 4th – 7th April
Online: 30 May – 2 nd June
Contact: sara@heartsqi.com