Introduction to Harmony of the Internal and the External

A Chinese Martial Arts proverb states, “Nei Wai He Yi, Xing Shen Jian Bei,” which means that the “Internal and External Harmonize, in both Form and Spirit.”

This proverb is often associated with the Nei Jia, the Internal Chinese martial arts of Taiji Quan, Xing Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang, and Liuhe Bafa. It is also commonly found within many other Gong Fu Styles.

Nei means Internal, and Wai means External. Xing means Form, and Shen means Spirit.

It well to understand the Chinese expression 神 – Shen, as it refers to Chinese Martial Arts. Shen has both intangible and tangible qualities. Although it can refer to “Deity,” it does not do so in this context. The intangible qualities are internal and represent consciousness and vitality. These are manifested through the tangible or visible qualities of expression and liveliness. 

I will focus on the Wai aspect of the proverb first, which is shown through Xing, or Form. These are the tangible aspects of eyes, hands, posture, stances, footwork, and other physical movements.

The Nei aspect is expressed through Shen, or Spirit. These aspects, because they are internal, can be experienced but are difficult to discern outwardly, as noted above.

The goal of your practice is to achieve internal and external harmony in your skills. These qualities are difficult for the beginner to grasp and implement, and even many of the more advanced practitioners are unable to integrate them in their practice.

With the guidance of an experienced teacher, you will make headway. As your understanding and ability to implement them increases, you will discover many hidden subtleties that lead to further breakthroughs. These advances or successes will come only with perseverance in your daily practice, but they are certainly worth the effort required.