Origins and Features of the Standing Post
The Standing Post Secret Method is the foundational discipline of the Six Pengzu Arts, with origins reaching back to the most ancient of times. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic records: To hold Heaven and Earth in the palm, to grasp Yin and Yang, to breathe the essential qi, and to stand alone while guarding the spirit — this is the essence of the ancient sages' wellness. Pengzu extracted its core and, through a unique still-standing posture, created the Standing Post that generates movement from stillness, and transforms movement into stillness. This method requires no martial background; it is open to all and is rightly called the gateway into the Six Pengzu Arts.
Essential Points of the Standing Post
The essence of the Standing Post lies in being relaxed yet not lax, taut yet not rigid. Specifically: the feet are parallel and shoulder-width apart; the knees are slightly bent without extending beyond the toes; the hips are gently tucked, allowing the waist to straighten naturally; the crown is gently lifted so that the shoulders release of themselves; the tongue rests against the upper palate so that the mouth closes naturally; the gaze is level so that the spirit gathers of itself. The practitioner should hold to the principle of outer stillness with inner movement: the appearance is still, but within, qi and blood are surging and the meridians gradually opening. Beginners are advised to stand for 15 to 30 minutes per session; with steady accumulation, the sensation of qi arises naturally.
Common Pitfalls and Their Correction
Beginners in the Standing Post often commit three errors. First, deliberately stiffening the waist and back actually obstructs qi and blood — true straightness lies in the empty lift of the crown, not in rigidity. Second, forcing deep breathing disturbs the natural qi mechanism — respiration should follow nature and gradually enter stillness. Third, striving for the sensation of qi gives rise to scattered thoughts — the sensation comes of its own accord and must not be forced. The Institute's courses progress from shallow to deep, with a lineage holder providing personal guidance, correcting each practitioner one by one to ensure that no detours are taken.
The Long-Term Benefits of the Standing Post
Long-term practice of the Standing Post yields the following benefits: it cultivates the root and consolidates the foundation, strengthening the core muscles; it improves posture and corrects spinal imbalance; it regulates the autonomic nervous system and relieves stress; it opens the twelve meridians and improves the circulation of qi and blood; and it lays the foundation for higher-level disciplines (Breathing Inner Alchemy and the Yin-Yang Harmony Art). Modern medical research has also confirmed that regular Standing Post practice has positive effects on the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems.
To stand alone, guarding the spirit, with the muscles as one — this is the Way of life.
The Standing Post is the gateway to the Pengzu Secret Arts, and a lifelong practice unto itself. The practitioner should persevere; with the passing of days, the fruits will manifest of themselves. The Institute's General Training Course takes the Standing Post as its first lesson and welcomes beginners to come and experience it.