Shaolin Qi Gong - Arhat Eighteen Hands

FORM & PRACTICE

Shaolin Qi Gong, Luohan Shiba Shou focusses on building up our Qi (internal energy) and moving the Qi around our body. The movements used in this form are designed to direct our internal Qi through fluid, continuous movements, generating a strengthening flow of energy; within the form and our body.

The transition from movement to movement and it’s continuity within the form is essential to keep our internal Qi flowing.

The main purpose of practising this form is for us to learn how to cultivate, utilise and direct that internal energy throughout the whole body.

Regular practice of Qi Gong, and Luohan Shiba Shou as one of its forms, helps to improve and increase our energy levels in daily life, sharpen our focus, calm our mind and to build our internal strength, developing a healthy and strong body, mind and heart.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY - LUOHAN QUAN 罗汉拳 & THE ARHATS

Luohan Shiba Shou is part of Luo Han style Kung Fu, which is one of the oldest and representative styles of Shaolin Kung Fu. The roots of this style date back to the early eras of Shaolin.

When this style and form was created, it functioned as part of the Shaolin monk’s movement practice to build up strength and energy, to support their meditation practice, which would consist of sitting for long hours each day.

Over the centuries many Luohan style sand forms have developed and are summarised the the term Luohan Quan, 罗汉拳, which translates as 'Arhat Fist' and is an overall name for all the Chinese martial art styles, that are named after the arhats, the holy Buddhist figures.

Luohan is the Chinese name for the Sanskrit (religious and classical literary language of India) word Arhat, or Arahant (Pali) in Buddhism. An Arhat is one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has gained spiritual enlightenment through the guidance of a teacher.

In early Buddhism an Arhat was the highest ideal of a disciple of the Buddha. Therefore the ‘Luohans’ or ‘Arhats’ stand for the ultimate goal in a monk’s journey, reaching the level of becoming a Luohan, in daily life as well as in the martial art.

This is how the Arhats are described in the Dhammapada (very small part of the Buddhist canon of scripture): 

" There is no more worldly existence for the wise one who, like the earth, resent nothing, who is firm as a high pillar and as pure as deep pool free from mud. Calm is his thought, calm his speech, and calm his deed, who, truly knowing, is wholly freed, perfectly tranquil and wise. "

 [ Verses 95 and 96; Acharya Buddharakkhita translation.]

These words give an idea of the spirit that is embodied by the movements of this Qi Gong form.

Many versions of the ‘Luohan 18 Hands’ Form have developed over time, but most Shaolin lineages have mainly kept one form. It is considered as one of the fundamental forms in Shaolin Kung Fu.