Chapter 6: Kill the Killers and Read the Books

Those who used to travel the world performing arts and are now engaged in action design for films and television all need to study performance methods. This refers to a set of routines that can be performed on stage, which includes what many people learn in schools and parks, often referred to as martial arts. Essentially, these are performance methods. If the performance routines lack a foundation in practice and one does not know how to deconstruct them using combat techniques, it is akin to a gymnastics routine that is very complex in choreography.

The old man took a flatbread, filled it with donkey meat and accompaniments, took a big bite, closed his eyes, chewed for a long time before swallowing, then took a deep breath and said in a state of ecstasy: "Little traveler, you should eat too. Dragon meat from the heavens and donkey meat from the earth, do not miss this culinary delight"

Liu Li's explanation of mental abnormalities in this manner indeed forms a unique perspective. After listening, You Fang inquired, "I understand your meaning, esteemed elder. How can I remedy the injury to my primordial spirit?"

I have no idea at all

Even outsiders understand the hardships of martial arts; how could the reason for practicing martial arts be to enjoy life? In today's world, no matter how high one's martial skills are, they cannot withstand airplanes and artillery; the era of cold weapons has long passed. However, the essence of "martial" lies not only in combat but, more importantly, in an inner cultivation. Just imagine, how do all kinds of people in the world live their lives?

Liu Li also revealed a bitter smile: "Well then, I will only say what you can understand. Please answer a question: If you can see nothing, hear nothing, touch nothing, have no thoughts, yet are neither dead nor asleep, and are very much awake, then who are you?"

Liu Li took a bite of the dish and smiled faintly, saying: "The simplest way is to kill a few people and set some fires when there's nothing else to do. After killing and killing, one might just get used to it, and perhaps it won't matter anymore."

What a terrible idea, it's just absurd! However, You Fang understands the old man's intention. Whether it is a psychologist treating autism caused by a certain strong stimulus, or a folk doctor using soul-calling techniques to treat madness, there exists a form of awakening therapy that emphasizes intensified stimulation. This method involves having the patient confront the experiences that led to their condition, repeatedly awakening those memories to help them emerge from their isolation.

Who is being so picky? You Fang chuckled wryly as he crossed the street with the old man and entered this food court. It was still a bit early for lunch, and there weren't many customers. They requested a small private room on the second floor, and the old man ordered the local specialties: ban chang, men zi, and the signature dish, da huo shao, along with a bottle of huang jiu. Only then did he sit down with great aplomb and beckon You Fang to pour him some wine

For example, when practicing the "Cross Step Big Splitting Stance," the palms move outwards in a circular motion, akin to pushing a mountain forward. One can feel the internal energy surging with spirit, flowing through the hundred meridians continuously, contained yet unexpressed. However, the application of force in combat is entirely different; the energy must be released freely like a whip. Without specialized training, one cannot master this skill proficiently

Liu Li: "Do you understand Western psychology? Are you familiar with Freud and his contemporaries' analysis of consciousness?"

If the various demonic realms disturb travelers, or if they persist for many years, one should maintain a steadfast heart and right thoughts, not hesitating to sacrifice one's life, and harboring no worries or fears. When reciting the Mahayana sutras and mantras to dispel demons, one should silently chant them while holding the Three Jewels in mind. Upon emerging from meditation, one should also recite mantras for self-protection, repent with humility, and recite the Pratimoksha. The unwholesome cannot interfere with the wholesome, and in time, they will naturally perish. There are numerous demonic matters that cannot be fully described, and one should be wise to recognize them.

Liu Li tapped the table with his finger and said: "It is not 'jing' but 'lun'. Understanding the characters is sufficient; I do not require you to elaborate in detail, nor do I expect you to become a monk. What I aim to teach you is how to read. Do you not know that both literature and martial arts have their principles and virtues, and that reading can also cultivate one's spirit and regulate one's mind?"

Youfang was exasperated by this strange old man, who clearly had been the one pestering him, having followed him all the way from Qing County to Cangzhou. Now, the old man was acting all high and mighty, as if it were Youfang who had been chasing him. With no other option, Youfang forced a smile and asked, "What kind of cuisine do you prefer, senior? I am not very familiar with this place and do not know which restaurant would be suitable."

For instance, seeing people when no one is present, hearing sounds when there is silence; as the saying goes, it is akin to seeing ghosts or encountering evil spirits. The reasoning is no different. This influence may be temporary and can be self-regulated and overcome, or it may be permanent and indelible. If the situation is severe, leading the individual to respond incorrectly to external stimuli, it results in a loss of control over behavior, indicating that the person has gone mad. If the loss of control occurs only under specific stimuli, it is classified as intermittent psychosis. If the situation is severe, leading the individual to respond incorrectly to external stimuli, it results in a loss of control over behavior, indicating that the person has gone mad. If the loss of control occurs only under specific stimuli, it is classified as intermittent psychosis.

According to Youfang, there is no other form of exercise that can achieve such effects. This state of life is an enjoyment that cannot be bought with any amount of money, which is Youfang's most personal experience. Therefore, after having "injured the primordial spirit," while it may not be a significant issue for the average person, Youfang feels a profound sense of discomfort.

Focusing solely on the techniques of combat, without the corresponding foundational training and internal cultivation methods, may superficially appear to develop strength and muscle. However, it can cause significant harm to the body. Professional combat athletes, despite employing numerous protective measures, often suffer from various injuries and health issues as they age, and their physical condition generally deteriorates in middle age. This is even more pronounced for ordinary individuals. On the other hand, an obsession with combat techniques may subtly influence a person's character, leading to tendencies toward violence, which is detrimental in both social and family life. Professional combat athletes, despite employing numerous protective measures, often suffer from various injuries and health issues as they age, and their physical condition generally deteriorates in middle age. This is even more pronounced for ordinary individuals. Furthermore, an obsession with combat techniques may subtly influence a person's character, leading to tendencies toward violence, which is detrimental in both social and family life.

The martial arts taught in school physical education classes are primarily focused on performance routines, combined with the simplest training methods. While they provide some physical exercise benefits, they lack practical applicability. There are also some martial arts schools in society that primarily teach 'kung fu' based on pure fighting techniques, promoting the slogan of 'genuine combat skills.' Little do they realize that such practices are harmful rather than beneficial, both for practitioners and others.

Liu Li: "Then you are even less aware of what it means to be pure and discerning"

You say that, of course I can read

These two outcomes are uncertain, much like the two sides of a coin, depending on the individual's qualifications and opportunities. However, regardless of which outcome it is, the traveler cannot attempt it; who would casually go about committing murder? The traveler poured a full cup of wine for the old man and said, "Old senior, this is a method of entering the demonic path; could you possibly suggest other means?"

When a practitioner becomes aware of the matters of illusion, they should immediately dispel them. There are two methods of dispelling: the first is to cultivate stillness to dispel them. Whenever one perceives any external evil illusions, one should recognize their emptiness, remain untroubled and unafraid, neither grasping nor rejecting, and cease all discriminative thoughts. By calming the mind, these illusions will naturally dissipate. The second is to cultivate insight to dispel them. If one perceives the various illusions as described above, one should not abandon stillness but instead turn the gaze back to the mind that perceives. Without focusing on the object of perception, one should inquire what there is to be disturbed by. In this manner of observation, one will soon find them dissipating.

Liu Li frowned and said: "In the world, one should be a bit accommodating and not so picky! When it comes to food, what matters are the ingredients and the culinary skills, not the year the house was built. Their family chef's surname is Yin, and he has been making roasted donkey meat for thirty years. I tasted it twenty years ago when I passed through Cangzhou."

Upon hearing this response, Liu Li was very pleased and nodded repeatedly, saying: "Not bad, not bad, this child is teachable. Your foundation is solid. Do you know that in the world of various practices, there are distinctions among the Dao, methods, and techniques? If we discuss martial arts in terms of 'methods', how many categories are there?"

You Fang blinked and said, "I can't imagine what that would be like, but it should still be me"

Therefore, those who are beginners on the path must closely associate with wise teachers, for there are many difficult matters to confront. ... It is the demon that enters the heart of a person, causing the practitioner’s mind to become chaotic, either joyful or sorrowful, which can lead to suffering and even death. ... To summarize, if one wishes to transform the unwholesome into the wholesome, one must observe the true nature of all phenomena, diligently practice meditation and contemplation, and remain free from delusion and disruption. Thus, the commentary states: apart from the true nature of all phenomena, everything else is a matter of demons. As the verse says: if one engages in discrimination and recollection, it is the net of demons. Remaining unmoved and undifferentiated is the seal of the Dharma. '' (Note: This passage is excerpted from "Essentials of Meditation and Contemplation Practice"; the original text is longer, and this is merely an excerpt.)

Liu Li chuckled and said: "The method of entering the demonic realm? Do you know what it means to enter the demonic realm? You must understand that every path of cultivation has its own risks of falling into madness at critical junctures. One cannot attain Buddhahood without going through madness; it all depends on how you navigate this challenge. However, given your foundation, you are still far from reaching this critical point. Experiencing the disturbances of the demonic realm now is not a bad thing... As for other methods, they do exist. Young traveler, can you read?"

Climbing a few flights of stairs leaves one breathless, watching a 3D movie induces dizziness and nausea, reading a few pages of a book leads to mental fatigue, and even the most exquisite delicacies in front of one fail to tantalize the taste buds. Visiting the doctor and taking medicine has become a regular occurrence. What kind of life is this? On the other hand, there are those who wander the world with a light body and a healthy spirit during their leisure time, yet feel invigorated and full of energy amidst the busyness of daily affairs, finding enthusiasm in every task and delight in every meal. What kind of life is this?

Liu Li smiled and said, "Traveling the world, observing the mountains and rivers, savoring the various delicacies of life, this is what it means to enjoy life"

The old man stroked his chin, looking quite greedy as he said: "It is and it isn't. In Baoding, it is called donkey meat huoshao, and the bread is round, while in Hejian, it is called huoshao donkey meat, and the bread is square. It is colloquially known as 'the toad swallowing honey,' a name given by Qianlong himself"

I was brought here by your esteemed self

However, this method is not quite suitable for wanderers, as they are neither reclusive nor obsessed; they are merely disturbed during meditation. Repeated killings may lead to two possible outcomes: the first is that the damage to the primordial spirit becomes increasingly severe, potentially resulting in a permanent pathological condition; the second is that through repeated tempering, one becomes unaffected by such disturbances.

I understand a bit about the soul-calling techniques of the Jianghu Tired Gate..." The itinerant speaker expressed all his chaotic thoughts from last night.

Youfang replied without hesitation: "There are three types: practice method, performance method, and combat method, among which the practice method is the foundation"

Liu Li shook his head: "The most important thing is to have a body, to have interest, and to have good fortune; it is the same wherever you are. Are you someone who is both wealthy and free? You don't seem to be very rich or noble, yet here you are sitting as well"

You Fang, puzzled, asked: "Is this a Buddhist scripture? I recognize every character, but when they are put together, I don't quite understand."

You Fang answered why he practices martial arts, as well as his understanding of training methods, fighting techniques, and performance styles. Liu Li, after listening, gently clapped his hands and said: "In fact, there are nuances in the inheritance of these three aspects, but your response is quite good, and it did not disappoint this old man."

When it comes to serious matters, Liu Li put down his wine glass and asked, "Are you familiar with the Buddhist concept of the Eight Consciousnesses?"

You Fang poured another cup of wine for the old man: "Thank you, senior. Can we discuss serious matters now?"

In a fight between true masters, determining the victor generally does not take a long time, and it is often difficult to watch and lacks aesthetic appeal. There is rarely the kind of thrilling back-and-forth action seen in martial arts films. However, this does not mean that "martial arts" lacks visual appeal; in addition to techniques and combat styles, there is also performance.

Liu Li took out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, which seemed to have been torn from a book, and handed it to You Fang, saying: "I have prepared this for you a long time ago, read the words on it. m.hetushu.com.com"

Liu Li leaped over the railing and patted You Fang on the shoulder, saying: "Is this how you seek advice from your elders? Look, the sun is almost at noon; you should at least treat me to a meal. We agreed yesterday to find a place to drink and chat today. Young man, don't be in such a hurry"

Wandering monk shook his head: "I do not understand"

Liu Li admonished in a proud tone: "How can you still claim to be a traveler? Little do you know that every time you visit a place, if you do not experience the local mountains, rivers, famous sites, customs, and products, it is as if you have not been there at all! ... ... When in Cangzhou, you must try the roasted donkey meat from Hejian Prefecture. Follow me, it is right across from the park"

The concept of the primordial spirit cannot be accurately described with language. Liu Li deconstructs it in this manner, and You Fang vaguely understands some of it. The daily thoughts of a person flow incessantly with the changes of external circumstances and inner thoughts, referred to as "cognitive spirit." When the cognitive spirit recedes, that pure state of consciousness approaches what is known as the "primordial spirit."

You Fang smoothed the pages on the table, revealing printed traditional characters arranged vertically on both sides.

You Fang picked up a steaming hot fire bun, carefully placed some donkey meat inside, and took a bite. He found the pancake crispy, the donkey meat slightly oozing with oil, tender yet not greasy, and the fragrant sensation lingered between his teeth. It immediately whetted his appetite, and he nodded repeatedly, saying, "Hmm, really good. I have had donkey meat before, but the flavor here is truly exceptional!"

This old man must be quite delicious, knowing so many tricks. Youfang thought Liu Li would take him to a hidden old restaurant in the alleys, but as soon as they left the park, the old man pointed across the street and said: "Right there, I tasted their cooking twenty years ago."

Liu Li: "It is indeed impossible to imagine; only by entering that state can one truly appreciate its subtleties. You have learned the mental techniques of internal cultivation in martial arts, which provide a foundation for stillness, but you have not yet reached the level where the primordial spirit manifests."

You Fang shook his head: "I have only heard a little about it, but I do not understand it well; I have not studied it."

"Is it donkey meat hot pot? Isn't it hot pot with donkey meat?" You Fang asked as he followed Liu Li out of Hehua Pond Park.

Liu Li glared: "What, are you still not happy? Since you have come to Cangzhou, I am guiding you to taste the most distinctive roasted donkey meat of this place; you should be thanking me instead!"

This does not mean that the realm of consciousness is a blank slate; the external sensations of the primordial spirit naturally give rise to many thoughts, which is a rather profound experience. The discerning mind changes at any moment, while the primordial spirit remains clear and pure. The term "injured primordial spirit" refers to the primordial spirit, which should be clear and pure, leaving various traces or shadows due to various reasons, and this, in turn, can affect the perceptions and judgments of the discerning mind.

The state of body and mind differs, and so does the quality of life; the pleasures one can enjoy in this world and through books are vastly different. The state of body and mind achieved through internal martial arts is not something that ordinary exercise can attain. Since mastering internal martial arts and reaching the threshold of "energy flows freely, movement is guided by the heart," one rarely feels fatigue or weariness in daily life. One consistently maintains a state of physical comfort and lightness, mental fullness and clarity, and heightened sensory awareness.

Then, could you please enlighten me on what 'Yuan Shen' means, and how is it that I have injured my Yuan Shen?

People may occasionally capture this state in a moment of inspiration, but it is difficult to maintain it consistently, and one cannot enter or exit this state at will. If one can enter and exit this state consistently, regardless of the method of cultivation employed, it can be referred to as the realm of "the emergence of the primordial spirit"

However, having deep skills does not necessarily mean one can fight. For instance, in Jin Yong's writings, the character Xiao Junbao possesses profound abilities but must learn three moves from Yang Guo before he can engage in combat. The reasoning behind this is not difficult to explain, as the methods of practice and fighting are different. To illustrate, practice can be likened to how one accumulates wealth, while fighting can be compared to how one spends money.

The practice methods in martial arts form the foundation. For instance, Youfang has already encountered the principle of "the force follows intention, and the movement is guided by the heart." The skills and mental techniques learned all belong to the practice methods. Without long-term training, one cannot attain true mastery.

You need to have both money and leisure for that to be possible

Liu Li frowned and said, "I thought that at such a young age, you could serve as a master of ceremonies, and that you must have quite a bit of knowledge. How is it that you are completely unaware when I ask you? So, what exactly do you know?"

The highest realm of Kung Fu is said to be "both form and spirit are exquisite, in harmony with the true way". However, if one practices incorrectly, it is very likely to result in a state where both form and spirit are harmed.

Across the street, there is a relatively large and modern-looking hotel, named "Hejian Huoshao Donkey Meat Gourmet City." Youyou expressed his confusion, saying: "Given the appearance and decor of this place, it probably didn't exist twenty years ago"

If the foundational skills are insufficient, even a complete routine cannot be performed. For instance, in the simplest long fist routine, a side flying kick action cannot be executed by an average person without practice. The methods of performance, practice, and application are intricately related. By observing a person's demonstration of a routine, one can gauge their foundational skills. Moreover, many techniques in application are derived from the deconstruction of routines.

The techniques of combat also involve a breakdown of strategies, encompassing both grand and imposing moves, as well as various underhanded tactics such as strikes to sensitive areas, eye pokes, throat locks, hidden elbows, knee strikes, and ankle stomps. This is because the essence of combat is not merely a friendly competition aimed at minimizing harm to the opponent; rather, the objective is to incapacitate or injure the adversary, achieving this in the shortest time possible and with the least cost.