Enter The Realm Of Taoist Martial Arts
Embark on a fascinating journey into the profound world of the Bamen Daxuan Ziranmen (八門大玄自然門) tradition alongside the esteemed master, Serge Augier. Delve into the ancient wisdom of the Old Masters and discover the transformative power of this time-honored lineage. In this article, we explore the remarkable teachings of Serge Augier, a torchbearer of Daxuan, which dates back to the mythic era of 510 AD in the mystical Kowloon Mountains.
Serge Augier, a true embodiment of resilience and mastery, brings the essence of Daxuan to life, merging its age-old practices with the demands of our modern society. With his comprehensive program spanning bachelor’s and master’s degrees and doctorate programs, Serge bridges the gap between academia and the profound teachings of the Old Masters.
Within the Daxuan tradition, Serge emphasizes the intricate interplay between body, mind, vitality, and emotions, unveiling the hidden treasures of Taoist magic. As we navigate through the depths of Daxuan, we uncover the essence of alchemy, the integration of physical and spiritual training, and the pursuit of self-improvement.
Join us on this enlightening exploration as we unravel the wisdom of the Daxuan tradition under the guidance of Serge Augier, a beacon of ancient knowledge in the modern world.
Insights from the Old Masters
Stepping into the enigmatic world of Taoist tradition is like opening the doors of an ancient, mystical library. I traversed through the echoes of old Taoism or Daoism (道教) with my latest guest, Serge Augie. “The clan Taoism,” Serge offered with a depth of gravitas, “is about developing different aspects of a human being.” Think of it like a sophisticated system to improve the human mechanism, the body, mind, vitality, and emotions. And then there’s the esoteric – that elusive Taoist magic that adds an air of mystery and intrigue.
Serge is certainly not a man of bygone eras, though. He is pushing boundaries, shaping Taoist arts into academia with a comprehensive program to be taught in France. “The best thing we can do is to help medicine, the healthy aspect of society today,” he remarked, underscoring the relevance of this ancient art to our modern, fraught world.
The program he’s meticulously curated includes a bachelor’s degree, four master’s degrees, and five different doctorate programs. This is the Daxuan tradition, reimagined for today’s world, its wisdom pulsating from university classrooms to an array of online platforms.
Serge Augier’s Personal Journey & The Relevance Of Ancient Arts
Serge’s journey into the Daxuan tradition is as intriguing as the art itself. As we dove deeper into his past, he revealed his early relationship with martial arts. In the Daxuan Taoist system, martial arts is a small aspect – a practical self-defense skill born in the Tang Dynasty to protect the practitioners from the dangers of wild animals and bandits alike, and preserve the ‘inner temple’ they built.
“It’s real work,” Serge said, underscoring the time and effort required to make progress with oneself. “You cannot let people, especially bad people, come and destroy everything.” Yet, despite the small initial role of martial arts, its practicality led to its expansion over time.
In Serge’s case, martial arts became a vital element for survival. As a child, Serge described himself as weak and sickly. A political refugee from China living with his family took him under his wing, offering to help build his health and resilience. “I don’t know what to do [for work]. But I can make your son stop being sick all the time,” the man told Serge’s parents.
And thus began Serge’s journey into martial arts, initially as a survival tool and later blossoming into a deeper exploration of the Daxuan tradition. This personal journey from frailty to strength underpins his teachings today, reflecting the profound relevance of these ancient arts in modern life. For Serge, the journey that began as a quest for health now spirals into greater spheres – spirituality and the ‘neigong (內功),’ or ‘neidan (內丹)’ aspects of Taoism. It’s a journey of transformation, resilience, and mastery.
From Frailty To Strength – Serge Augier’s Personal Journey In Ancient Arts
As we peeled back the layers of Serge’s past, he revealed a challenging childhood. He was a skinny, well-dressed kid in a rough neighborhood during the 1980s – a combination that often got him into scrapes. “I was in trouble all the time,” he admitted. It was martial arts that offered a young Serge a fighting chance, a way to navigate his tumultuous surroundings.
His initial journey wasn’t a cakewalk. He had to forgo watching TV, and his school vacations were consumed by rigorous training. “I had to train before and after school; all the summer vacation were pretty much training,” he explained, painting a picture of a demanding regimen. He endured “waigong (外功), or external training to forge my body” when he was less than thrilled about it.
Yet, through grit and perseverance, he began to see progress. He realized he could handle his troubles; his body had become stronger, and with that strength came safety. This transformation drove his commitment to the training, despite its demands. “Then he made me appreciate the training,” he confessed. And that was just the start of his expedition into the depths of the Daxuan tradition, which kicked into high gear when he was around 12 or 13. Serge’s tale is an inspiring testament to resilience, transformation, and the profound impact of martial arts.
Alchemy: Daxuan Tradition’s Approach To Personal Refinement & Integration
Serge is akin to the concept of alchemy. “You take something complex, you break it down into simpler stuff, you make all the simpler parts better… and then you put it back together [better than before, i.e. ‘purified’]” he explained. Human existence, in its multifaceted complexity, can be approached similarly.
“We have a body. The body is as important as mind and as important as breath for vitality,” he emphasized. Through a meticulous process, Daxuan practitioners dissect these complex aspects – the body, vitality [qi, or chi (氣)], and mind – into manageable elements, work on refining each, and then put them back together.
Serge explained this process in the context of physical training, which moves from external to internal. “First, you have to work the body…then you have to work your body but with more intent…external training to internal training.” The training transcends physical boundaries, moving into a realm where ‘qi,’ or energy, and the mind meld into one, forming an intricate dance.
This approach forms the bedrock of Daxuan tradition, with practices aiming to refine individual components before reintegrating them. This holistic approach – breaking down, refining, and reintegrating – encapsulates the spirit of Daxuan tradition, merging the physical and spiritual into a seamless dance of self-improvement.
The Three Core Pillars Of Daxuan Tradition: Body, Breath, & Mind
Daxuan tradition goes deeper than physical strength or martial prowess; it’s a holistic regimen for the mind, body, and spirit. Serge walked me through the three core pillars: physical, breath, and mind. “Body needs to be grounded…stronger; we cannot be as weak as society tries to make us today.” he lamented. From 64 exercises for force and flexibility to the full-throttle martial arts practice, the physical aspect is a testament to human potential.
But the journey doesn’t stop at the physical. The Daxuan system espouses breath training, underlining the importance of abundant, moving energy. “No energy is emptiness of chi… it’s a disease in Chinese medicine, actually,” Serge pointed out. Energy, he explained, must be both abundant and fluid.
The mind, he went on, is as vital as the body and breath. “If I want to be working, I will be 100% working…if I want to be talking to my loved ones, I should be 100% talking to my loved one,” he emphasized. This is the ‘Shen Gong (神功),’ the calisthenics of the mind. Through practices like ‘zuowang’ (坐忘 pinyin: zuòwàng) or sitting to forget, individuals can elevate their minds and work towards a better idea of self.
Everyday training is split equally into these three parts, eventually merging into one. In Serge’s view, it’s a comprehensive approach to developing ourselves in all aspects of our existence, from the physical to the spiritual. His words offered a peek into an ancient tradition where the physical and spiritual coexist and nurture each other, which he champions as a path to realizing human potential.
Contrasting Zen & Taoist Approaches To Mind Training
One question that intrigued me was the contrast between Zen and Taoist approaches to mind training. Serge’s response was enlightening, pointing out that “the biggest difference is that in Zen… they do not have this love of body, as we have in Taoism.” While Zen might prioritize the mind to the point of overlooking physical discomfort, Taoism considers body, breath, and mind equally important.
“In Taoism, we really believe that the body…should be one of the foundations of the mind training,” Serge clarified. The Taoist tradition goes so far as to include specific exercises to keep the body comfortable and aligned during long periods of meditation. According to Serge, respect for the body is a more substantial component in Taoist philosophy than in Zen.
Another fascinating divergence is Taoism’s recording of questions and experiences encountered by students and masters during practice. The books detailing these encounters amount to “nearly half a meter,” as Serge humorously noted. In stark contrast to the Zen method of self-discovery, the Taoist tradition offers a vast reservoir of guidance on navigating meditation experiences, effectively preventing students from feeling lost or overwhelmed.
Exploring The Esoteric Exercises In Daxuan: Unveiling The Mystical
The conversation took an intriguing turn when I asked Serge about the esoteric exercises in Daxuan. His response was as compelling as it was unique, blurring the lines between the natural and the supernatural. “When I was young, I learned magic, as real as the martial arts,” Serge revealed, nonchalantly challenging Western dismissals of the arcane.
Serge laid out a dual path for the esoteric practice, one yin, the other yang. The yin practice, he said, is about “making you a better receptor to the subtle energy…You are more sensitive, and you can feel things.” It encourages the student to be a keen observer of the universe, its energies, and, perhaps even the spirits.
The yang practice, on the other hand, is more analytical and proactive. It revolves around understanding the Yijing (易經) “changes of the world,” represented by yin and yang’s intricate layers. “And when you understand the situation, you try to make a change towards a good yin and yang situation you want,” Serge said, invoking the ancient text of the Yijing and its concept of changing lines, or gua (卦), to modify circumstances in one’s favor.
Such teachings might seem unbelievable to many, but in Serge’s eyes, they are as real and applicable as martial arts. His words paint a picture of a practice that isn’t just about physical discipline but also about perceiving and influencing the subtle energies of the universe – a glimpse into the mystic side of the Taoist tradition.
The Limitations & Realistic Nature Of Taoist Magic
Serge’s view on the limitations of Taoist magic grounded our discussion in a profound sense of realism. He contended that the biggest constraint isn’t in the practice itself but in our fantasies, our preconceived notions about magic, often informed by pop culture. “We will not be waving a wand and have any change come before us,” he said, dispelling the allure of instant magical transformations.
According to Serge, the true effectiveness of Taoist magic hinges on an individual’s genuine understanding of their current situation and a truthful desire for the new situation. “If I understand my real situation, and I really want this new situation…then the changes can be pretty strong.” It’s not a shortcut to a wish fulfillment but a process that demands introspection, truthfulness, and patience.
Serge’s frank admission that “these changes will take time” is a sober reminder that Taoist magic isn’t an easy escape or a quick fix. He conceded that individuals might feel disillusioned if they don’t see immediate results, and therein lies another limitation – managing one’s expectations and separating fantasy from reality.
Far from being a mystical cheat code, Serge’s conception of Taoist magic is a transformative journey that insists on self-awareness, time, and real effort. His perspective is both humbling and empowering.
Overcoming Fear & Self-discovery In The Modern World
In an age where technology gives us unprecedented convenience, Serge and I found common ground. We both understand that it’s created an almost dystopian paradox. “We’re the same people that existed in the last ice age… our bodies have the same need for physical activity, but today it’s possible to not even have to get out of bed,” I mused, reflecting on the stark contrast between our ancestors and the digitally-driven world we live in now.
Serge’s views on fear in today’s society hit home. “The second big thing of today’s world is that you have so much fear. People are afraid of everything… If you do something, it’s judged… everything is about outside.” He critiqued how public perception, powered by social media, shapes our realities and the constant fear of judgment it engenders.
Serge advocates for a return to self, something he believes is facilitated through martial arts, meditation, and energy cultivation. He expressed the difficulty in battling the societal shift towards ‘a circus’ that even affects good teachers who “spend too much time doing videos, showing that they are good.” This outward focus has turned self-discovery into a circus.
The conversation painted a hauntingly realistic portrait of our 21st-century existence, oscillating between technological advancement and primal needs, fear, and the journey inward. It’s a complex dichotomy that only time will resolve, and perhaps, a little Taoist magic.
Martial Arts In The Age Of Technology & The Struggle For Focus
In our conversation, Serge and I navigated the tricky terrain of technology’s impact on martial arts. The ability to connect with knowledge was a clear positive. Serge marveled, “We live in a beautiful time for this; you have access to everything.” But he also warned of a ‘choice paradox.’ “The more you have choices, the less you do,” he said, highlighting a dilemma we can all identify with.
Serge’s lament about the modern-day incapacity to focus particularly resonated with me. He described his teaching experience in Hong Kong as dealing with a “laboratory of unfocus.” Students, eager to hop onto their phones after a single attempt, were unable to immerse themselves in the exercise fully. Serge’s approach to preserving quality in the face of so much digital distraction was inspiring. “We want to keep the quality,” he emphasized. “We really need to give a possibility to people to go back and look within.”
The peril of YouTube wisdom was another pressing concern for Serge. It fuels an illusion of mastery, cheapens genuine effort, and fosters what he called a “vomit culture,” where an individual just barely tastes something before spitting it back out for the next person. This frank critique was sobering, underscoring the need for meaningful engagement in martial arts, something that can’t be found in quick online tutorials or deceptive claims of instant mastery. It was an essential reminder in our digitized age.
Taoist Dream Yoga: Exploring The Depths Of The Subconscious Through Lucid Dreaming
Navigating the esoteric corners of Daxuan, I asked Serge about the confluence of technology and the ancient arts. He admitted that modern tech, like iPads, has advantages, especially for training with Taoist talismans or fú (符).
However, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging how our attachment to screens disrupts sleep and makes practices like night-time meditation and lucid dreaming challenging.
That brought us to a captivating discussion on Taoist dream yoga, or shuigong (睡功). Serge explained, “One is the lucid dream training which is being awakened consciously in your dream, staying in your sleeping mode.” He shared how lucid dreaming could go beyond mere dreaming to a state where we have control, similar to our waking state.
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Serge spoke of a technique called ‘thickening the dream,’ which allows dreamers to sustain their awareness within the dream and engage in practices that wouldn’t be feasible in a state of waking consciousness. As we delved deeper, he touched upon the surreal idea of practicing dying in dreams—a thought-provoking concept that left me reflecting on the limitless possibilities of the mind. Toying with mortality in a dreamscape, it appears, is just another day at the ‘office’ for Serge.
Lucid Dreaming As A Transformative Journey Into The Subconscious
Curious about more specifics, I probed Serge further about the exercises one might undertake during lucid dreaming. He ventured into the metaphysical, painting a mesmerizing picture. According to Serge, our dreams are more than just figments of our imagination—they are keys to our subconscious, heritage, and understanding of self.
“One of the big exercises,” Serge began, “is really about everything we carry in our genetics, education, family, family history, and even the place where you are born.” He described a unique practice of gazing into a mirror or water in the dream realm. “When you do this,” he said, “which is very difficult when you dream to stay focused on the image…you will see an image that is very much linked to what you feel about yourself.”
In this surreal setting, one’s reflection reveals more than physical attributes—it unearths the depths of our identities, manifesting our thoughts and feelings about ourselves in cryptic imagery. The exercise goes beyond self-contemplation. Serge detailed the profound experience of saying or writing your name in a dream and how the echo or feedback can produce “some pretty freaky stuff.”
As I grappled with these mind-bending concepts, I found myself drawn deeper into the enigmatic world of Daxuan and the power of lucid dreaming. Even in this digital age, the ancient art can offer intriguing insights into our identities. A mirror within a dream can reflect our deepest selves more vividly than any real-world counterpart.
The Five Minds
During our discussion, Serge shed more light on the complexity of the human mind, unraveling the esoteric concept of the wuxin (五心), or “five minds.” He stated, “One is the actual consciousness, one is part of feeling the body and the limits in the sky in space. One is more of the spirit, and one is more of the ego. One is more of a capacity for your mind actually to go into action.” These aspects, Serge suggested, can all be explored and awakened through lucid dreaming.
With a series of 64 exercises, practitioners embark on a journey that involves opening “eight different doors” in their dream practice. These doors lead to a deep exploration of our mental capabilities, spiritual understanding, and ego state.
The Risks of Taoist Dream Yoga
However, Serge cautioned that lucid dreaming is vitality-draining and requires robust qigong (氣功) or neigong (內功) vitality exercises. “The problem of lucid dreaming is that it’s very vitality-consuming. You need to have very good Qigong, neigong, and vitality exercises. If not, you will be very tired.”
I was curious about how often this practice was undertaken and if it was part of a routine sleep process or reserved for special instances. In Serge’s lineage, he mentioned some students are dedicated to daily dream practice, while others dabble more sporadically. For some, it’s a tool to tap into during major life cycles “because you may have more information for you, your family, and the world.”
Regarding risks, Serge assured me there were none, save for fatigue, if the practice was overdone without the proper energy exercises. He said, “The only thing is that you feel tired. If you really force into it, and you don’t find the right ways, you tend to really feel tired.” Nonetheless, this exploration of our subconscious minds promises a voyage into the deepest parts of our being—a trip that seems as exhilarating as it is enlightening.
Foundational Elements & Neidan Practices In Daxuan Training
As our conversation continued, Serge painted a clearer picture of the practical beginnings of Daxuan Taoist training. The first steps, he explained, involve three sets of basic exercises. “The first one is really for everybody. The second one starts to be a little intricate. The third one is mostly with the lower part of the body.”
Alongside these physical drills, Serge’s students are introduced to fundamental neidan practices (內丹)—cultivating the internal elixir, heeding the center of their being, and honing their awareness of the dantian (丹田 pinyin:dāntián), a potent point in Daoist internal alchemy.
Sitting immobile is another basic practice. As Serge candidly put it, it’s a way of realizing, “It’s not home [yet]… you don’t know what happens in your head.” In other words, we have much to discover about our own minds.
In this modern age, however, only some have the luxury of abundant time. Serge seemed sympathetic to this reality, noting that the amount of training varies between individuals. Thanks to online options, students can access a wealth of information and training as their schedule allows. As Serge put it, “We have very clear cases where we can do a little, middle, or a lot of training… if they have time to train, let’s train.”
Serge’s emphasis on accommodating students of varying time commitments underscores his understanding of the modern student’s dilemma—balancing tradition and modernity, inner exploration, and real world demands and responsibilities. It’s a pragmatic approach to spiritual cultivation that perfectly harmonizes with our hectic, digital-age lifestyles.
Ancient Solutions For Modern Problems
The Illusion of Time Saved
As our dialogue unfolded, Serge and I delved into one of the most pressing challenges of our time—how modern technology, despite its promises of saving time, often leaves us feeling more overwhelmed and disconnected than ever before.
Drawing on mundane examples, I mentioned how appliances like dishwashers, far from saving time, merely save us calories while keeping us distant from life’s most basic tasks. The same goes for smartphones—our constant sources of distraction. “Technology has sort of sold us this lie it’s going to save us time. But really, it’s taken up all of our time compared to 100 years ago,” I mused, recalling a simpler time when the setting sun marked the end of work, leaving ample time for introspection and leisurely pursuits.
Minimum Viable Time for Training
Confronting this issue of time scarcity, I asked Serge about the minimum viable amount of time one would need to dedicate to training. Serge’s response was grounded in Taoist medical theory— nearly 30 minutes, the shortest cycle of energy circulation. “If I do energy work for less than half an hour, I will have awakened my energy, but it is nothing,” he explained. But going beyond that half-hour mark meant a total system integration of the practiced information.
For those truly committed to internal transformation—whether it’s changing the mind or transforming the tendons and fasciae—Serge recommends 90 minutes, divided into three 30 minute blocks of focused training. He noted, “This is the beginning of internal alchemy.”
Technology Is A Good Servant, But A Poor Master
Beyond prescribing minimum training time, Serge offered tangible solutions for overcoming our enslavement to technology, starting with turning off all notifications. “This is the biggest evil, the notification… completely turn off notifications!” he urged.
Serge emphasized the importance of structuring one’s day, incorporating downtime for necessary distractions but within limits. Most importantly, he urged us to reclaim our dominion over our devices. “I do not let my phone call me. I use my phone because it’s my machine. I’m not the phone’s machine,” he declared.
If followed diligently, Serge promises that these lifestyle adjustments can precipitate significant personal transformation within a month. His suggestions underscore the necessity of finding a balanced, harmonious relationship with technology in our quest for spiritual growth and self-improvement.
Discipline: The Core of the Path
As we were winding down our in-depth dialogue, I probed into a topic I feel is often neglected – discipline. “That’s really what discipline comes down to, setting limits for yourself that you stay within,” I posited, pondering that technology influences our attention spans and time management. Serge agreed, referencing centuries-old Taoist writings that glorify discipline as a transformative force available to everyone, requiring no formal training. “Discipline is available to you right now. Just do it,” he emphasized.
Learning More about Daoism
The conversation veered to Serge’s educational pursuits and how interested individuals can engage further with his work. He candidly admitted that he’d initially kept his school closed off, yet his view had evolved. Now, he recommends those interested in his teachings to visit his websites – https://sergeaugier.com/ and https://daxuan.fr – and partake in his online courses. Moreover, for those still unsure, he has developed a completely free website, https://daxuanforall.com/, offering everyone a comprehensive Taoist training program. For Serge, it’s less about business and more about benefiting those who participate.
However, he recommended following the provided links for application procedures regarding university programs. I promised to look into it myself and encourage my two sons to explore this wealth of knowledge – especially since they are interested in lucid dreaming.
Timeless Wisdom in Traditional Literature
The final piece of our conversation delved into literature. Serge surprised me by suggesting his students read classical literature instead of martial arts or meditation books. “They talk about the tradition of being a human being. Like real, old big books from the classics, because in fact, this will bring you a lot more focus and capacity for reading,” he explained.
This emphasis on classics didn’t stem from a dismissal of martial arts or meditation but from a broader perspective on personal growth. He believed these timeless works could help students transform their minds and deepen their understanding of the human experience.
Reflections and Farewells
As we neared the end, I asked Serge what he wished he’d known earlier in his journey. His answer circled back to our discussions on discipline and teaching. He admitted that he had spent much time trying to convince his students and push them along, which wasn’t effective. This realization has since allowed him to take a step back, provide guidance, and leave the onus on his students to execute, embodying the essence of the “door” metaphor central to Daoism.
After a thought-provoking exchange, we brought our dialogue to a close. Serge’s insights and teachings resonated deeply with me, and I was convinced that our readers would feel the same. His perspective on discipline, time management, personal growth, and education, all underpinned by the profound philosophy of Daoism, was compelling. As we signed off, I couldn’t help but feel that we had barely scratched the surface of the wealth of knowledge Serge held. However, I was hopeful that this initial engagement would lead our readers to delve further into his teachings.
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About the Author
Ashe Higgs, I Liq Chuan Master Instructor & L2 Nutrition Coach
Ashe is a highly skilled martial arts instructor and certified nutrition coach with over two decades of experience in the field. He holds a Master Instructor certification in I Liq Chuan under Sam FS Chin, making him one of only several individuals worldwide to hold the title. He has taught classes and workshops worldwide and is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
With a background in full-contact fighting and a Level 2 certification from Precision Nutrition in nutrition coaching, Ashe is a well-rounded expert in the fields of martial arts. In addition to his expertise, he has a wealth of experience in teaching and mentoring others. He has a natural ability to connect with his students and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Disclaimers & Conflicts of Interest
I am not a doctor, and the information provided should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.
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