Bagua as Symbol

‘If one accepts the symbol, it is as if a door opens leading into a new room whose existence one previously did not know.

But if one does not accept the symbol, it is as if one carelessly went past this door; and since this was the only door leading to the inner chambers, one must pass outside into the streets again, exposed to everything external.

But the soul suffers great need, since outer freedom is of no use to it. Salvation is a long road that leads through many gates.

These gates are symbols.

Each new gate is at first invisible; indeed it seems at first that it must be created, for it exists only if one has dug up the spring’s root, the symbol.

Carl Jung, ‘The Red Book’

The Jung quote floated in through my kitchen window this morning and it reminded me of my current “Bagua Qigong” practice which is one simple flowing movement in 8 symbolic directions. Ba means 8 and Gua are universal patterns, manifestations or shapes. Bagua Qigong then is a yogic practice of "Symbolic Movement.” Qigong is powerful because it is 80% imaginal or symbolic in nature. This is how we relate to it. The movements and breath integrate body and mind in a very clear and conscious way and because they are tied to symbolism. “The door opens leading into a new room whose existence one previously did not know.” In this practice we move through the 8 directions and take in the “energy” of each direction. Body and psyche relax and open creating a highly resonant state of consciousness where we participate with the powers of Nature. We live in a Participatory Cosmos. As we practice the Bagua Qigong we begin to perceive new types of energy that are less dense and more subtle in nature. Perhaps it is the energy of the Cosmos or that which lies beyond the Cosmos as in the Dao. Please contact me if you would like to learn how to do these exercises. They are very rewarding.