Archive for Classic
T’AI CHI CH’UAN CHING
Attributed to Chang San-feng (est. 1279 -1386) In motion the whole body should be light and agile, with all parts of the body linked as if threaded together. The ch’i [vital life energy] should be excited, The shen [spirit of vitality] should be internally gathered.
THE TREATISE ON T’AI CHI CH’UAN
Attributed to Wang Tsung-yueh [Wang Zongyue] (18th Century) T’ai Chi [Supreme Ultimate] comes from Wu Chi [Formless Void] and is the mother of yin and yang. In motion T’ai Chi separates; in stillness yin and yang fuse and return to Wu Chi.
EXPOSITIONS OF INSIGHTS INTO THE PRACTICE OF THE THIRTEEN POSTURES
by Wu Yu-hsiang (Wu Yuxian) (1812 – 1880) sometimes attributed to Wang Chung-yueh The hsin [mind-and-heart] mobilizes the ch’i [vital life energy]. Make the ch’i sink calmly; then the ch’i gathers and permeates the bones.
SONG OF THE THIRTEEN POSTURES
by Unknown Author The Thirteen Postures should not be taken lightly; the source of the postures is in the waist. Be mindful of the interchange between insubstantial and substantial; The ch’i circulates throughout the body without hindrance.
SONGS OF THE EIGHT POSTURES
Attributed to T’an Meng-hsien The Song of Peng What is the meaning of Peng energy? It is like the water supporting a moving boat. First sink the ch’i to the tan-t’ien, then hold the head as if suspended from above. The entire body is filled with springlike energy, opening and closing in a very quick [...]
SONG OF PUSH HANDS
by Unknown Author Be conscientious in Peng, Lu, Chi, and An. Upper and lower coordinate, and the opponent finds it difficult to penetrate. Let the opponent attack with great force; use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds. Attract to emptiness and discharge; Chan, Lien, T’ieh, Sui, attach without losing the attachment.
FIVE CHARACTER SECRET
by Li I-yu CALM The hsin [mind-and-heart] should be calm. If the hsin is not calm, one cannot concentrate, and when the arm is raised, whether forward or back, left or right, it is completely without certain direction. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a calm mind. The entire mind must also experience and comprehend [...]
ESSENTIALS OF THE PRACTICE OF THE FORM AND PUSH-HANDS
by Li I-yu Formerly people said: being able to attract to emptiness, you can use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds, Not being able to attract to emptiness, you cannot deflect a thousand pounds. The words are simple, but the meaning is complete. The beginner cannot understand it. Here I add some words to [...]
YANG’S TEN IMPORTANT POINTS
1.) Head upright to let the shen [spirit of vitality] rise to the top of the head. Don’t use li [external strength], or the neck will be stiff and the ch’i [vital life energy] and blood cannot flow through. It is necessary to have a natural and lively feeling. If the spirit cannot reach the [...]
The TaijiQuan 13 Postures
The Eight Gates (å…«é–€ bÄ mén): P’eng (掤, pinyin- péng) – An upward circular movement, forward or backward, yielding or offsetting usually with the arms to disrupt the opponent’s centre of gravity, often translated as “Ward Off.” Peng is also described more subtly as an energetic quality that should be present in every taiji movement as [...]
