Amazing 3 head snake
Dragon and Snake 'Tales' For Our Times (2012-14)
Enter The Dragon (and Snake)
The following short, true accounts illustrate the fundamental influence of the Dragon, the Snake and the 5 Elements (Wuxing) on Chinese philosophy, thought and history which continues unabated at this present time.
Serpent Surprise!
Is the Chinese Dragon a Myth a Man (or Woman) and why doesn't it have any wings? Via links to the Chinese Emperor the Dragon symbolises strength and dominance. A fortune, Wealth and Power symbol, the Eastern Dragon is considered good have around--quite unlike the horrid fire-breathing monster of ancient Western superstition. Chinese philosophy reports the Dragon as bringing good fortune, healthy 'Sheng Qi' and representing true learning and authority. The Snake, too. is considered s a fortuitous and lucky sign and symbol in China, entirely different from the wicked serpent of western biblical tradition.
Tales From The Wuxing
5 (Wu) is the Dragon's number-top of the 5 Animals (or 'Wuxing') rankings. Number 5, Dragon Year is a high point within the 12-Animal Cycle. Humble (no legs) Snake in following Year 6 the 'Lowest' of the 5 Animals represents an evolutionary journey ending, 12 months later with Lung (the Dragon's) re-appearance: Snake,Crane, Leopard, Tiger Dragon comprise the full list in ascending rank order. 'Wuxing means both 5 Animals and 5 Elements in Chinese although there are different Chinese characters for each term.
Yin and Yang
The Dragon is Yang and rules and tops the universal hierarchy of Animals. The vast, red/golden, roaring Flying Dragon (the rising Sun) in the East dominating the sky is Yang. Its Yin equivalent the Crimson Phoenix/Red Bird is the Sun at its height, in the South, at mid-day. In Chinese Culture the Dragon is the Male (he chases away the darkness) and the Phoenix is the Female (bright and full of warmth).
From Linguistics--The Chinese Character 'Lung'/Dragon
Chinese characters often incorporate graphic insights into their actual meaning.'Lung'/ Dragon depicts a human figure. Examine the Chinese Character for 'Dragon' carefully and you can see her/him and Chinese-style hat standing next to something looking suspiciously like a river plus irrigation channels, suggesting intensive cultivation.
Intensive cultivation provide supplies, stability and spare-time allowing civilisation to develop whilst encouraging intensive self-cultivation and development also. Lung, here is the human who does Kung Fu: flying (as in jumping-flying kicks) via will-power-hence we Chinese Kung Fu Dragons don't have any wings-we don't need them to fly.
'Enter The Meteor!'
Long-ago, the Chinese believe a giant meteor struck the Earth. This caused the crust to fracture into today's tectonic plates, starting the continental drift, ending the ' Day of the Dinosaurs' abruptly (as opposed to the 'gradual extinction' theory popular in the West) and causing dramatic changes ultimately bringing about human evolution. The Snake (without legs) goes back to the immediate aftermath of this huge convulsion and Humans (standing on two legs like 'Lung' the Dragon) represent the ultimate evolutionary outcome. The rest of the Chinese Zodiac represents the other Animals, in between the two. Humans' discovery of Metal enabled the fashioning of cooking utensils (early 'woks') allowing herbs and vegetables to be cooked at length. The resulting intake of nutrients brought about dramatic increases in our brain size, culminating in the eventual appearance of Modern Humanity (Homo Sapiens).
This illustrates aptly how knowledge of 5 Elements Theory (Wuxing) helps Humans to enjoy a more favourable relationship with their physical environment. Knowledge of this ' Famous Five': Earth, Metal, Water, Wood (the vegetables providing those key nutrients) and Fire according to Chinese belie, led to Man's ascent.
From Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu Maxim: 'Do not despise the humble Snake, one-day the Snake may become a strong and mighty Dragon!' is also worthy of deeper consideration.
In certain Shaolin Kung Fu styles beginners are considered 'Snakes' and required to undertake Snake-related training to acquire essential basic skills. Without limbs Snakes depend entirely in Internal Energies for movement and are therefore important symbols of the Qi-training which begins at this point. Many years of dedicated practice later, after rising through the ranks, one-day the same person might become a top 'Dragon' Grade, as some Shaolin styles term Advanced Black Sashes--a transformational journey in itself!
From History--The Legend of Madam White Snake or 'Sepently Knot!'
'Tang Dynasty Tragi-Comic Romance 'Lady White Snake,' is a true tale providing valuable insights into perceptions of the Snake in Chinese Culture. As with the Dragon, these differ considerably from our own. The graceful, enchanting Snake 'She' (pronounced 'Sher) is seen as a sign of good luck and fortune, in contrast to the wicked serpent of the West.
The Water Element figures significantly in this story and 2013-14 being a Yin Water Snake Year this account. has much contemporary relevance. The two Central Characters were, both born, in Snake Years-- but 24 years apart!. The woman, a Metal (White) Snake is 24 years the Man, a Water Snake's Senior. In 5 Elements Feng Shui metal produces Water and she is, literally, old enough to be his mother. The Water Element intrudes at key points: under bridges, carrying boats, in lakes, rivers, rainstorms and floods at vital times in the Tale most famously during a well-watered (drunken) episode during China's annual Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.
A Daoist whilst he is a Buddhist at a time of tensions between the two religions in China, she has excellent Kung Fu skills (Snake-Style of course) from Emei Shan (Mount Emei) 3rd Ranking Martial Temple after Song Shan (Shaolin) and Wu-Tai Shan (Pa Kua).
From Contemporary Chinese Cinema 'The Emperor'--Starring Jet LI
In his new film, which is a re-telling of the above tale, Jet Li plays Fa Hai Abbot of Jinshan Buddhist Temple who, opposed to their union, is determined to disrupt it! So why not improve your knowledge of Feng Shui, Astrology, Kung Fu, Chinese Literature and Cinema in one fell swoop by viewing Jet Li's new release!.
Two Year Animals and One Year Element
Yang Water is Year Element in Dragon Year (2012-13) Yin Water in Snake Year (2013-14) as the 5 Elements repeat twice in successive continuing 10-Year Cycles in first Yang then Yin modes. Water is associated with the emotions, wealth, communications and intrusiveness.
Dragon Years are noted for their volatility. Financial improvement for governments and individuals in positions of responsibility, as well as those who have experienced difficulties in the previous Dragon year are Snake Year features. Snake Years also raise awareness of environmental issues and the ways these will affect future generations. The 12 Animal Zodiac Cycle runs parallel to its 10 year Elemental 'colleague' producing 120 potential variations.
Sifu Peter Allsop M.Ed. teaches Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong in Yorkshire and Derbyshire U.K. With almost 40 years experience he is Shaolin Fists International Area Instructor for this region and Senior Student of Grandmaster Yap Leong.
Trained in the U.K. and China, Peter teaches Changquan ('Longfist') Wu Xing (5 Animals), Wu Tzu (5 Ancestors) Kung Fu and 5 Elements Qigong. Sheffield Chinese Lion Dance Team Member, he also publishes 'Red Dragon Martial Arts Ezine'
Enter The Dragon (and Snake)
The following short, true accounts illustrate the fundamental influence of the Dragon, the Snake and the 5 Elements (Wuxing) on Chinese philosophy, thought and history which continues unabated at this present time.
Serpent Surprise!
Is the Chinese Dragon a Myth a Man (or Woman) and why doesn't it have any wings? Via links to the Chinese Emperor the Dragon symbolises strength and dominance. A fortune, Wealth and Power symbol, the Eastern Dragon is considered good have around--quite unlike the horrid fire-breathing monster of ancient Western superstition. Chinese philosophy reports the Dragon as bringing good fortune, healthy 'Sheng Qi' and representing true learning and authority. The Snake, too. is considered s a fortuitous and lucky sign and symbol in China, entirely different from the wicked serpent of western biblical tradition.
Tales From The Wuxing
5 (Wu) is the Dragon's number-top of the 5 Animals (or 'Wuxing') rankings. Number 5, Dragon Year is a high point within the 12-Animal Cycle. Humble (no legs) Snake in following Year 6 the 'Lowest' of the 5 Animals represents an evolutionary journey ending, 12 months later with Lung (the Dragon's) re-appearance: Snake,Crane, Leopard, Tiger Dragon comprise the full list in ascending rank order. 'Wuxing means both 5 Animals and 5 Elements in Chinese although there are different Chinese characters for each term.
Yin and Yang
The Dragon is Yang and rules and tops the universal hierarchy of Animals. The vast, red/golden, roaring Flying Dragon (the rising Sun) in the East dominating the sky is Yang. Its Yin equivalent the Crimson Phoenix/Red Bird is the Sun at its height, in the South, at mid-day. In Chinese Culture the Dragon is the Male (he chases away the darkness) and the Phoenix is the Female (bright and full of warmth).
From Linguistics--The Chinese Character 'Lung'/Dragon
Chinese characters often incorporate graphic insights into their actual meaning.'Lung'/ Dragon depicts a human figure. Examine the Chinese Character for 'Dragon' carefully and you can see her/him and Chinese-style hat standing next to something looking suspiciously like a river plus irrigation channels, suggesting intensive cultivation.
Intensive cultivation provide supplies, stability and spare-time allowing civilisation to develop whilst encouraging intensive self-cultivation and development also. Lung, here is the human who does Kung Fu: flying (as in jumping-flying kicks) via will-power-hence we Chinese Kung Fu Dragons don't have any wings-we don't need them to fly.
'Enter The Meteor!'
Long-ago, the Chinese believe a giant meteor struck the Earth. This caused the crust to fracture into today's tectonic plates, starting the continental drift, ending the ' Day of the Dinosaurs' abruptly (as opposed to the 'gradual extinction' theory popular in the West) and causing dramatic changes ultimately bringing about human evolution. The Snake (without legs) goes back to the immediate aftermath of this huge convulsion and Humans (standing on two legs like 'Lung' the Dragon) represent the ultimate evolutionary outcome. The rest of the Chinese Zodiac represents the other Animals, in between the two. Humans' discovery of Metal enabled the fashioning of cooking utensils (early 'woks') allowing herbs and vegetables to be cooked at length. The resulting intake of nutrients brought about dramatic increases in our brain size, culminating in the eventual appearance of Modern Humanity (Homo Sapiens).
This illustrates aptly how knowledge of 5 Elements Theory (Wuxing) helps Humans to enjoy a more favourable relationship with their physical environment. Knowledge of this ' Famous Five': Earth, Metal, Water, Wood (the vegetables providing those key nutrients) and Fire according to Chinese belie, led to Man's ascent.
From Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu Maxim: 'Do not despise the humble Snake, one-day the Snake may become a strong and mighty Dragon!' is also worthy of deeper consideration.
In certain Shaolin Kung Fu styles beginners are considered 'Snakes' and required to undertake Snake-related training to acquire essential basic skills. Without limbs Snakes depend entirely in Internal Energies for movement and are therefore important symbols of the Qi-training which begins at this point. Many years of dedicated practice later, after rising through the ranks, one-day the same person might become a top 'Dragon' Grade, as some Shaolin styles term Advanced Black Sashes--a transformational journey in itself!
From History--The Legend of Madam White Snake or 'Sepently Knot!'
'Tang Dynasty Tragi-Comic Romance 'Lady White Snake,' is a true tale providing valuable insights into perceptions of the Snake in Chinese Culture. As with the Dragon, these differ considerably from our own. The graceful, enchanting Snake 'She' (pronounced 'Sher) is seen as a sign of good luck and fortune, in contrast to the wicked serpent of the West.
The Water Element figures significantly in this story and 2013-14 being a Yin Water Snake Year this account. has much contemporary relevance. The two Central Characters were, both born, in Snake Years-- but 24 years apart!. The woman, a Metal (White) Snake is 24 years the Man, a Water Snake's Senior. In 5 Elements Feng Shui metal produces Water and she is, literally, old enough to be his mother. The Water Element intrudes at key points: under bridges, carrying boats, in lakes, rivers, rainstorms and floods at vital times in the Tale most famously during a well-watered (drunken) episode during China's annual Dragon Boat Festival celebrations.
A Daoist whilst he is a Buddhist at a time of tensions between the two religions in China, she has excellent Kung Fu skills (Snake-Style of course) from Emei Shan (Mount Emei) 3rd Ranking Martial Temple after Song Shan (Shaolin) and Wu-Tai Shan (Pa Kua).
From Contemporary Chinese Cinema 'The Emperor'--Starring Jet LI
In his new film, which is a re-telling of the above tale, Jet Li plays Fa Hai Abbot of Jinshan Buddhist Temple who, opposed to their union, is determined to disrupt it! So why not improve your knowledge of Feng Shui, Astrology, Kung Fu, Chinese Literature and Cinema in one fell swoop by viewing Jet Li's new release!.
Two Year Animals and One Year Element
Yang Water is Year Element in Dragon Year (2012-13) Yin Water in Snake Year (2013-14) as the 5 Elements repeat twice in successive continuing 10-Year Cycles in first Yang then Yin modes. Water is associated with the emotions, wealth, communications and intrusiveness.
Dragon Years are noted for their volatility. Financial improvement for governments and individuals in positions of responsibility, as well as those who have experienced difficulties in the previous Dragon year are Snake Year features. Snake Years also raise awareness of environmental issues and the ways these will affect future generations. The 12 Animal Zodiac Cycle runs parallel to its 10 year Elemental 'colleague' producing 120 potential variations.
Sifu Peter Allsop M.Ed. teaches Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong in Yorkshire and Derbyshire U.K. With almost 40 years experience he is Shaolin Fists International Area Instructor for this region and Senior Student of Grandmaster Yap Leong.
Trained in the U.K. and China, Peter teaches Changquan ('Longfist') Wu Xing (5 Animals), Wu Tzu (5 Ancestors) Kung Fu and 5 Elements Qigong. Sheffield Chinese Lion Dance Team Member, he also publishes 'Red Dragon Martial Arts Ezine'
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