Woodcut from Waike xinfa zhenyan zhinan (Guide to Tried and True Methods at the Heart of External Medicine), published in 1887 (13th year of the Guangxu reign period of the Qing dynasty). It shows the first posture in the practice of the Twelve Brocades of Cultivation, to be performed at the beginning of the session. One must sit cross-legged and straight-backed, without leaning against anything or slouching, with both hands closed into fists and both eyes firmly shut, let go of distracting thoughts, and allow one's mind to become calm and still.
