Jingang Gong 金刚功

The Jingang 金刚 is the thunderbolt wielded by deities such as Indra and Vajrapani. It symbolizes power and the active and dynamic approach to spiritual cultivation that uses skillful means to cut through ignorance on the path towards enlightenment. It can also be translated as "diamond," symbolizing the indestructible and unchanging nature of primordial reality.

Jingang Gong then might be translated as the skill in becoming indestructible. This dynamic practice (动功) was said to have been created by legendary Daoist Zhang Ziyang, and was kept secret within Quanzhen Daoist lineages for 1,500 years. More recently, the well-known Daoist hermit Zhang Zhishun (张至顺) made this practice public to benefit the world before his recent passing at the age of 104. Watch here as he leads you through each movement.

For detailed instructions from Zhang Zhishun himself, see the following video which I have now added English subtitles to:
   • Jingang Gong 金刚功 Qigong - With Instru...  

Practice notes and timestamps:
0:00
0:09 - 1:
(benefits the triple warmer)
In all the movements of the Vajra Kungfu, pay attention to the five fingers being intertwined, especially the thumb, which should also befolded on the index finger.
The palm-turning movement is crisp and sharp, and the mind is directed outward.
Be careful not to shake your arms, only the hand is moving.
The backs of your hands are as close as possible,
and the palms are facing outward.
Push upwards to the sky
The movement should be fast.

1:02 - 2:
(strengthens the kidneys and waist)
Move your hands at a 45-degree angle
Make sure your hands and arms are level with your shoulders
Lean your body forward, with your head, shoulders, body, and back legs almost in a straight line.
Pay special attention to not lowering your head or hunching your back.
Place your palms against your waist
Smoothly massage hands down the back gently without force.

2:47 - 3:
(regulates the spleen and skin)
The Vajra Gong uses a square fist, with the thumb covering the nails of the other four fingers.
The fingertips of the raised hand are facing backwards.
Side lunge, one leg bent and the other straight.
During the movement, the body is on the side of the raised hand, not in the center
Lower yourself down gently without force.

3:58 - 4:
(benefits liver and lung)
When drawing a circle with both arms, keep both arms as parallel as possible.
Stretch your arms straight and draw a circle from bottom to top
Sideways, palm facing outward, 45 degrees
When shooting an arrow, the palm has a hooking motion, then rushes forward and shoots.

6:09 - 5:
(benefits cardiovascular system)
The front hand is at eye level, and moves downward,
as if pushing the exhaled air
to the farthest point.
The front arm is tilted forward at 45 degrees, and the fingertips of the back arm are pointing to the back heel.
After the body is stretched apart, the back palm faces inward
and points to the back heel along the trouser leg.
After turning the palm back, the palm faces forward.

7:35 - 6:
(good for becoming less injury-prone)
Put your hands at eyebrow level and press down.
Keep your arms close to your body, and do the same when turning.
Keep your legs still, ankles, knees, hips, waist, chest, and neck all rotate.

9:16 - 7:
(strengthens of the whole body)
Open your legs as wide as possible.
When your arms are spread forward and backward, try to keep them in a straight line.
The movements are neither hurried nor unstable. After each nod with your forearms, you should return to the position and stand up straight.
After the third nod, the two hands meet at the bottom of the shoe, then stand up straight and turn in a circle.

11:48 - 8:
"Eat and drink with your feet"
After raising your arms, turn your fists into palms and cross them in front of your navel.
Clench your teeth, keep your arms close to your body, and be careful not to lower your head.
Let your heels tap ground, five times in a set, 1-2-3-4-5.

12:30 - Closing