The basic stance, "_kuda_" or "horse" posture, is the same in each jurus. The angle at which your foot moves forward etc. can vary from jurus to jurus. What's important is that the posture itself is always steady, that you don't over-reach to a point where you are no longer in a position of firm balance. Don't fall off from the back of your horse, ride it steady across each movement.

It is not that we can simply harvest the good things just like that. The real world is full of obstacles and blockages. Just like the sunshine is often shrouded by clouds, so too the universe is veiled in shadows. In order to access and harness the essence beyond, we have to severe the veil first. Therefore, tearing apart at the top before the arms descend and harness the energy that's now available.

The other arm has an important supporting function that contributes to the power of the impact. If done with one arm only, the "giant weapon" we wield would both lack direction and fall out of balance. In our Tenaga Dalam movements, as in all things, balance and interaction should be taken into account and, further, seen as vitally important to the whole.

The arrow is the linear forward thrust, the sword is the cutting motion in the end. You can visualize an arrow and a sword if you find it helpful. However, it is better still to reflect and understand how your arms and hands, and the energy they contain, are the arrow and the sword in themselves. While we may initially work with externalized suggestions and visualizations, ultimately these are to be _discovered within as our innate faculties_, not as external realities that we depend upon. This is the actual cultivation of _Inner Power_.

Yes, this jurus is certainly soft and non-confrontational. It is after all for cultivating "compassionate, triumphant and upright nature". This movement increases our sensitivity and subtle faculties. In addition, the upright posture contributes to our ability to oversee the environment from a self-confident position. As with all jurus, the priority is on self-cultivation and improvement, not for combat application.

In this jurus, in the arching motion we make, we are simultaneously slashing and collecting energy, both internal and external. This energy is finally concentrated, contained and stored as our palms come together at the end of the movement, with the help of our regulated breath. Then, we are both utilizing and generating power in cycles in this jurus, therefore _"ever-living and regenerating power"_.

Tenaga Dalam evolved in the context of martial arts and the training of warriors. As such, yes indeed it is an elbow strike to the chin as well. However, since we are not on a physical battle-field, it is better to think in terms of principles that are more universal. Our battles are with inner and outer obstacles on the journey of our self-improvement. Some of them need to be elbowed out of the way!

Indeed we have no reason to split the earth just for the sake of it. In this jurus, we concentrate, cast down, and severe the obstacles and blockages that stand in our path. Think in terms of _"what is it that can be cut, that I should cut with this movement"_. Then you can better integrate this movement as a part of your own process of progress and evolution.