Startling Rainbow Sword Art (Jīng Hóng Jiàn shù, 驚虹劍術) by Yin Qianhe (尹千合) Trans: Scott M. Rodell

練習舞劍，余分為六個階段，
一、練形：即各式形態姿勢，
二、練敏：即動作敏捷靈活，
三、練力：即氣勢力量，
四、練神：即全神貫注，
五、練意：即劍術效力使用，
六、練化：即融會貫通，
也就是把形、敏、力、神、意、化六字融化為一體，
練至精純，不獨可隨意表演，而且應用裕如。
Liànxí wǔ jiàn, yúfēn wéi liù gè jiēduàn,
yī, liàn xíng: Jí gè shì xíngtài zīshì,
èr, liàn mǐn: Jí dòngzuò mǐnjié línghuó,
sān, liàn lì: Jí qìshì lìliàng,
sì, liàn shén: Jí quánshénguànzhù,
wǔ, liàn yì: Jí jiànshù xiàolì shǐyòng,
liù, liàn huà: Jí rónghuìguàntōng, yě jiùshì bǎ xíng, mǐn, lì, shén, yì, huà liù zì rónghuà wéi yītǐ, liàn zhì jīng chún, bùdú kě suíyì biǎoyǎn, érqiě yìngyòng yùrú.
The practice of wielding a sword is divided into six stages-
One, practice form, each posture with the correct bearing, attitude and power,
Two, practice agility, movements quick and versatile,
Three, practice power, with a formidable presence and strength,
Four, practice spirit, concentrate, sending it through (the body),
Five, practice mind intent, effectively employing the sword art,
Six, practice transformation, fusing together (the movements) linked continuously,
this means that, form, agility, power, spirit, mind intent, and transformation, these six are fused into one.
Practice to perfection, then one will not only be able to exhibit it as one wishes, but also apply it effortlessly. 

Quoted from Startling Rainbow Sword Art (Jīng Hóng Jiàn shù, 驚虹劍術)
by Yin Qianhe (尹千合) Trans: Scott M. Rodell

Commentary and notes:
As many authors of this period and earlier periods, Yin’s writing follows a classic theme, in this case a common theme in daoist cultivation. That theme involves form, qi, shen and transformation.
The first line uses the term wǔ jiàn (舞劍). Wǔ can mean dance, but also means to wield or brandish. If it were jiàn wǔ, that would be a sword dance where the sword was a being used as part of the dance, not as a weapon.

For stage two, the author explains one’s movement should have the quality of Línghuó (靈活). This compound is often translated as nimble or flexible. And certainly it has that mean here. Línghuó, however means more than simply being limber. Línghuó also means that the jianke is able to adapt quickly in a lively fashion. So in this context is it translated as versatile.
Concerning power the author uses a compound that is difficult to translate, qìshì (氣勢). Qìshì has the literal meaning of an imposing manner. The problem with that translation in this context is that the jianke trains to exhibit a calm exterior that is devoid of any indication of his or her intent. In plain language, you don’t want the duifang to know what you got. Adopting an “imposing manner” would be quite in conflict with that spirit. The author is however addressing a phase in the swordsman’s training, not the quality of mind in actual free swordplay. When learning how to generate power, how to cut with authority, it might very well be useful for practitioners developing their skills to adopt a powerful presence.
Again, as many times in the past, Poney Chang’s input was invaluable. The image of the swordsman is of Dōngfāng Màn Qiàn (東方曼倩) a poet of the Western Han.

Startling Rainbow Sword Art (Jīng Hóng Jiànshù, 驚虹劍術)
by Yin Qianhe (尹千合) Trans: Scott M. Rodell

Found HERE