Spiritual Cultivation and Movement
What can reviewing my spirit-movement recordings teach?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Watching a recording can help you notice things you missed at the time and see where you need to improve or make adjustments. Sometimes what you feel during spirit movement differs from what you see afterwards in the video.
Dao Shun originally did not really believe in qi or spirits, and did not understand how movements could fall into different categories. After happening to watch a pilgrimage recording, Dao Shun had a different feeling about the movements in it. Things that had previously been unclear became easier to understand through the video. Afterwards, Dao Shun began reviewing personal recordings to see what could still be adjusted. This was Dao Shun’s reflection after watching the footage.
In my early years, I also used DV and V8 cameras to record spirit movement. While moving, I knew I was practising punches and making movements, but I was not constantly thinking about whether they were fast, smooth or impressive. Watching the recordings later, I was surprised at how fast and fluid the movements were, like a complete martial arts form. Those were details I had not paid particular attention to in the moment.
However, spiritual practice cannot remain a continual comparison of who moves most impressively. To me, inner work such as compassion and humility is equally important. After having these experiences, we need all the more to adjust our character, rather than start comparing spiritual rank and strength wherever we go. The purpose of reviewing ourselves is still to learn and improve.