The distinction between internal (內家 nèijiā) and external (外家 wàijiā) martial arts—or, more broadly, between internal and external approaches to any practice—lies not in superficial techniques but in the function of the mind. As explored in various sources, the key factor separating the two is whether one operates from the ego-driven mind or transcends it to access pure energy and awareness.
1) The Root of the Divide: Ego-Mind vs. No-Mind
External systems originate from the ego-mind (xiǎowǒ xīnzhì, 小我心智). When one begins from this mindset—striving, competing, or forcing—the practice remains external, regardless of skill level. Even if one performs intricate forms, if the mind is engaged in struggle (whether in martial arts or spiritual pursuits), the approach remains superficial.
In contrast, internal arts embody a state of no-conflict, no-force, no-mind (無爭、無力、無心). Here, movement arises not from conscious effort but from spontaneous energy flow, where external actions become extensions of inner freedom.
2) The Mind’s Function—and Its Limitations
The mind is merely one expression of energy. It operates within the boundaries of perception: it cannot comprehend what lies beyond its conditioned framework. Crucially, **one cannot use the mind to transcend the mind.
When the ego-mind dominates, several problems arise:
- Muscular tension (resulting from fear or aggression) blocks energy flow, reducing movement to brute force.
- Separation from inner harmony occurs, making one a victim of “animated mental energy” (活躍的心理能量) driven by fear and ignorance.
- Suffering persists Because struggle reinforces duality—measuring, comparing, and resisting.
3) The Path Beyond: Dissolving the Mind
Internal practices (such as Taiji) emphasize relaxation not just physically but mentally—termed “deflaming the mind” (去心智化 qù xīnzhì huà). This process involves:
- Releasing physical tension, to prepare for mental stillness.
- Letting go of ego-driven intent, allowing action to arise from primordial awareness (元氣) rather than personal will.
- Awakening inner perception. Once the mind quiets, the body’s innate intelligence guides movement.
This shift is likened to an inner revolution—breaking free from the “fortress of the mind” to return to natural harmony.
4) The Misconception of “Dantian” (丹田) and Energy Cultivation
Many martial artists misunderstand dantian as a physical center to “strengthen.” However:
- It is a metaphor from Daoist alchemy, representing the gateway to life-energy.
- The mind cannot locate dantian—trying to do so only fuels mental agitation, stiffening the body.
- True internal practice does not “accumulate” energy but realizes that one already is energy—by releasing mental and physical blockages.
5) Conclusion: Internal as a State of Being
The difference between internal and external is not about techniques but consciousness.
External methods reinforce the ego-mind’s illusions, while internal arts dissolve them, revealing effortless power and unity with existence.
As one source states:
Once you release the mind, ‘intent’ is no longer your intention—it is the intention of conscious existence itself.
Thus, the journey inward is a holy war (jihād al-akbar in Sufi terms)—not against others, but against the tyranny of the ego-mind, leading to liberation in stillness.
