Universal Bagua Nomenclature: Cloud
Nomenclature is fun word. I don’t get to use it often. You probably know what it means, but just in case…
Nomenclature is
- a set or system of names or terms, as those used in a particular science or art, by an individual or community.
- the names or terms comprising a set or system.
Number and Words
Some Baguazhang systems use numbers for palms. You can do that, and you can still work through some of the tasks and training devices at UBagua.com.
In the beginning, I strip out the numbers because, for me, words and associated images offer clearer connections to the Elements. For example, an Earth Palm makes more sense (and feeling) for me than #2 Palm.
(We’ll put numbers back in later… to understand binary concepts and to link the King sequence of Palm Changes.)
For now, it will be easier to work through Universal Baguazhang using Word connections because words offer clearer images.
How Your 8 Diagrams Are Arranged
Before we dig in to dual palm arrangements, consider 2 different Bagua arrangements:
- Primal
- Temporal
The idea goes something like this:
The Primal Diagram
When you’re born, your elements are arranged in a Primal Fashion:
Yeah, so…
- Sky and Earth (top and bottom) are opposite one another.
- Fire’s opposite Water (left and right)…
- Clouds oppose Mountains (top left corner – bottom right)…
- Wind winds with Thunder (top right vs. bottom left).
That’s Awesome! And Natural.
Primal Bagua Diagram
Before digging down into the study of Palm Changes, it helps to know the 8 Trigrams of Baguazhang. The static Qigong Postures and flowing Palm Changes of Baguazhang build upon the trigrams. Let’s examine one simple arrangement:
From Yang to Yin, in the Primal Arrangement, the trigrams flow as follows…
This profound arrangement is based on this diagram (yep, this same diagram is in the background of UBagua.com):
I know, I know: this is a bit abstract. But bear with me…
Look closely at the Primal Bagua Arrangement. In the long run, for your Baguazhang studies, knowing this diagram will be useful.
I’ll help you get it down.
When you can nail down the Primal Diagram (and a couple of other diagrams), then the Baguazhang Palm Changes will make more sense. You’ll get the flow, and you’ll see deeper into them.
Take a look.
Inspirational Bagua Theme
For a little bit of inspiration… I built a new theme to make writing slicker and more fun.
My other website, RealTaiji.com, shows a similar theme, and I describe some intentions more fully over at minimalist taiji theme.
The differences between this bagua theme and that taiji theme are subtle. Here a UBagua.com the theme uses 3 columns, but its goals are the same:
- No more ad clutter
- Clean typography
- Ease view images and H.D. Videos classes
The main gift I give to both of us, Dear Reader: writing here will be less intimidating. Here’s why:
Earth Palms in Baguazhang
Digging In: Earth Soles
Before we see how Earth Palms work…let’s feel Earthy Soles.
It’s best if you can go barefoot and find some good, grip-worthy soil. Sand will do; maybe you can find a garden or a good lawn.
Otherwise, if your ground is frozen or your feet are fragile, then push your imagination through your carpeting, through your house foundations, and then: into the Earth.
- Coil your feet. Grip the ground, like you’re clawing at it, but gently.
Grip the ground, just a little more. Grasp the Earth with your feet enough so that you must sink into your heels—some weight remains on the outside edges of your feet and in the tips of your toes—center your weight in your hefty heel.
- Sink from head to heel.
Let your weight drop, flow, fall through your heels into the Earth.
Sky Palms in Baguazhang
Sky Palms
Try this…
- See the Sky: notice its colors; see the sun or stars or moon.
- Hold your palms up. Notice the weight (even in your room) of Sky.
- Soften your focus and imagine: holding it. It—pressing down. Feel it.
- Resist the weight of the Sky. Hold it up…really.
- Lighten up. Relax, and let its weight sink through you.
- Enjoy your Sky.
Why Sky, Not Heaven?
Baguazhang Systems typically revolve around Eight Palms: Heaven, Earth, Fire, Thunder, Wind, Water, Mountain, and Cloud (some prefer Lake or River instead of Cloud). Following my eyes, I see Sky not Heaven.
Why? I can watch Sky from here. Right now.
Heaven requires believing. Heaven conjures mental images. Heaven provokes, for some, imaginary ideals. In my practice and teachings of Baguazhang, I avoid integrating belief systems. I prefer tapping the shoulder of perception. See what I mean?
Big Changes
I stopped publishing for a bit. You may have read the last article, published in February, right after the great Dreaming Workshop. I continued to teach, but moving was inevitable.
I sought to provide my son, who’s 2 now, with fresh air. So my family and I moved to Montana. We live in Hamilton right now…downtown. A quiet town of a little more than 4,000 folks, Hamilton is just right. What amazing and dramatic Changes!
Publishing continues now.
I’ve been filming at Blodgett Campground, west of our little town. And as I grow closer to the forest, so I grow closer to Baguazhang. Keep your eyes on this site please.
Plus…
- If you’re local, get over here and play with me.
- If you’re into Baguazhang, consider publishing here.
- If you’ve studied with me, please write something for this site.
- If you’re a blogger, let’s trade links.
- If you’re reading this, please leave a comment.
I’ll tell you about Sky tomorrow.
Teaching Abstractions
Thank you: all those who attended the First Baguazhang Dreaming Workshop. I appreciate your support and the powerful roles each of you played in capturing your dreams. Let me tell you a few things.
I typically prefer teaching specific and peculiar details about form or about partner drills or about proper anatomical movements. I can tell when people get it and understand it. I cannot tell what you dream.
Dreams defy specific teachings. And teaching people to unite with their dreams in their own, personal way is beyond the scope (so far) of being me.
So the latest workshop was a challenge….