The way of the subtle body

This episode of Ki to the City features a conversation with Simon Cox, Kung Fu teacher and Research Fellow at Esalen Institute, exploring (what else?) the intersection of Western esoteric traditions and Eastern mystic martial arts. Simon trained for six years at a Taoist monastery in Wudang, China, studying Qigong, Kung Fu, Neidan, and Taoist alchemy. (He’s also performed with Jackie Chan and Jet Li!) After his immersive training, he went on to earn a PhD in religion at Rice University. His dissertation, titled "A Genealogy of the Subtle Body," (which we discuss at length) provides a historical examination of this concept of the soul’s vehicle within the Western intellectual tradition. He continues his research into this (literally) engrossing topic at the Esalen Center for Theory and Research. For more about Simon, including a link to his brilliant book, check out his website here: Simon's website And for further info on his work at Esalen, click this little link: Subtle body initiativeWe delved deep into the relationship between physical disciplines, mystical traditions, and spiritual practices. Simon's academic work on the Subtle Body provides a comparative framework for understanding non-physical energetic aspects in martial arts, drawing from Western traditions like Neoplatonism and Eastern traditions like Taoist alchemy and Neidan.Our conversation explores how Taoist alchemy, mountain mysticism, and Neoplatonism relate to physical and spiritual practice. (Of course I fit in my “Aikido as theurgy” mantra, and briefly detail O Sensei's involvement with Omoto and Chinkon Kishin.) Simon provides valuable insight into the Japanese reception of Taoism and mountain mysticism, offering a context for O Sensei's practices and influences, such as Shugendo and Shingon Buddhism.Simon also eloquently describes the concept of Qi/Ki and its relation to the subtle body, comparing terms like Prana and Pneuma. We also address how physical disciplines such as martial arts can satisfy similar urges as the intellectual contemplation of mystical concepts and the relationship between academic study and lived experience.Enjoy!Oh, and here’s some “bonus content”… AKA I edit on GarageBand and I couldn’t fit the whole conversation into one file… Get full access to Ki to the City at kitothecity.substack.com/subscribe