The Spirit again! As discussed in principle 3 the Shen is what gives us the ability understand our surroundings, decipher our opponent, and perceive their intentions without giving anything away. Your ability to develop your spirit, through slow and deliberate processes can give you a great advantage and open up a whole new world.
Boxers, mma figthers, etc… the great ones are able to see the micro-movements in their opponents and counter or move first off that, disrupting and ultimately overcoming their counterpart’s strategy. The greats like Li Nengran, Dong Haichaun, and Yang Luchan were able to do this on a different level; through the feeling of another’s energy and spirit. How is that possible? It’s a different level that takes dedication, years of practice and refinement, and even then only 1 in 10,000 can reach it.
To reach this goal you must develop your Qi into Shen, raise it up into your Upper Dan Tian and develop your Shen valley (part in-between your two brain lobes). You must open your upper valley to perceive all things (third-eye concept). This is where it will get weird and will require your already top-notch very knowledgeable instructor to help you! The sensations and perceptions you will experience will be nothing like you have ever had before (like a baby coming into a new world) and others will have thought you lost your mind. A instructor will have to guide you back and show you control and understanding. Last thing a person wants is to be perceived looney yet just be on that next level with no way to get it under control 😉
This concept is where you have to truly believe in the deeper levels of internal martial arts. Some people consider it laughable, that is fine and I will never begrudge a person who thinks so; the rarity and dedication to this concept seems to have escaped modern times. However like other esoteric concepts (example- an after life) what does it hurt to go after this level? Even if you don’t reach it the benefits you will reap from the prior levels will be amazing for mind, body and soul, giving you a long and hopefully happy life!