09/20/2024
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江湖秘术
THE SECRET ARTS OF LAKES AND RIVERS
FIRST PART
The “Under World” in Chinese can be called “Jiang Hu” (江湖), which translates as “rivers and lakes” and is interpreted as “wandering from the rivers to the lakes.” The members of the underworld were mostly people who had to frequently flee and hide, changing their identity and address. Due to the misdeeds he committed or the secret nature of his activities. Within Chinese society, the underworld was, is and will be a dangerous place where great power is hidden. The Chinese underworld has its own folklore, rituals and beliefs. The "Jiang Hu" (江湖) is intrinsically linked to martial arts and witchcraft. In fact, to this day there are martial arts schools that specialize in transmitting fighting methods that have been called "Jiang Hu" (江湖). As there are also witchcraft schools such as “Mao Shan” (茅山派) which also operate in the “Jiang Hu” (江湖). In fact two of the classic figures in the films about Jiang Hu" (江湖) are the wandering swordsman and the Taoist magician. An important part of the beliefs of Jiang Hu" (江湖) is that various mystical and magical practices improved martial skills or provided individuals with supernatural powers. Below are some aspects related to magical abilities in ancient Jiang Hu" (江湖):
Qi (气) and Neigong (内功): Fundamental to many martial arts and magical beliefs in ancient China was the concept of "qi", which can be understood as life force or energy. Practitioners aimed to cultivate and manipulate their qi through neigong (internal cultivation) techniques. This was believed to improve physical strength, stamina and even grant supernatural abilities.
Qigong (气功): Qigong refers to a set of practices involving coordinated body movements, breath control, and meditation. It was believed that mastering qigong could lead to greater spiritual awareness, longevity, and even the development of supernatural abilities. There were different schools and styles of qigong, each with its own emphasis on specific results.
Mystical Martial Arts Techniques: In martial arts novels and folklore, practitioners were often depicted employing magical martial arts techniques. These techniques could include flight, invisibility, and control over the elements. These fantastic abilities were often attributed to mastery of specific styles of martial arts or possession of rare and powerful martial arts manuals.
Taoist and Buddhist influences: Magical practices were often intertwined with Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. Taoist alchemy, for example, aimed to achieve immortality and harness supernatural powers. Buddhist monks were also associated with supernatural abilities obtained through meditation and spiritual practices.
Mystical Weapons and Artifacts: The jianghu was filled with legendary weapons and artifacts believed to possess magical properties. Swords, staffs, and other weapons were often imbued with mystical energy, and their use required not only physical skill but also spiritual attunement.
Divination and talismans: Jianghu practitioners often relied on divination techniques, such as reading the I Ching or using other methods to foresee the future. Talismans and amulets, featuring sacred symbols and characters, were believed to offer protection, enhance abilities, or ward off evil spirits.
It is important to note that these beliefs and practices were deeply rooted in folklore, literature, and traditional Chinese medicine. While they played an important role in shaping the cultural imagination, they were not universally accepted or practiced in the same way in different regions and communities. The description of magical abilities in novels and martial arts stories further fueled the mystique of the jianghu. Although popular imagination distorts the reality of these practices. And today they are the plot of Chinese movies and novels, it is no less true that they existed, exist and will probably continue to exist in the future.