Prinicples of Tai Chi

Philosophy of the Authentic Old Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan

By Master Cheng Tsang Lu

L.Ac.

The practice of Tai Chi Chuan essentials

1. Tai Chi Chuan is practiced according to both abstract and concrete principles. A practitioner makes an excellent movement change according to natural tendencies. During practice, there should be no imbalance; up and down, left and right, high and low, forward and backward—each movement must incorporate certain principles. Movements of the hands, the eyes, the torso, the waist, and the steps all must be consistent. In turn, the practitioner will accumulate the spiritual power of physical power.

2. Tai Chi Chuan follows natural lines which will continually change. You should do each movement calmly, as you employ the natural tendencies of movement externally for the limbs and internally for the organs. Following the natural lines introduces eternal happiness. The heart introduces the chi, the chi moves through the body, and through an entire cycle in which it exercises the bones, the tendons, and the muscles. The hand, eye, body movements, and stances are well- tempered. Proceeding from the heart, through practice, you achieve this refinement; an endless natural energy fills the body.

3. In the practice of Tai Chi, don’t be sloppy. The internal and external are one; the breath and movement never separate. Moderate the temper—this is an accomplishment. Old people, young people, infirm people, children—anyone can practice Tai Chi. Don’t practice in an imbalanced way, for this will cause exhaustion. To avoid injury don’t practice to the point of distress.

4. To practice Tai Chi you must first be committed. Later, constancy of purpose must be used. Be sincere and investigate thoroughly with diligence. In four months, the heart gains an impression of Tai Chi. In six months, the whole body and mind comes to enlightenment. Lightness of heart develops, as well as a free and relaxed intelligent energy. The spirit comes to move in accordance with the chi, and the body is exhilarated and at ease, filled with ample strength. A thorough understanding comes upon the body from an exquisite state of being. Eventually you achieve a divine understanding.

5. Tai Chi is practiced not only to maintain the body, but also to prevent or remove invisible sickness. Where drugs may be ineffectual, Tai chi may control sickness. The body and mind together look after the health in accordance with principles of physiology and hygiene.

6. In the practice of Tai Chi, clear the mind of worldly thoughts. The spirit and heart become peaceful; the whole mind is devoted with a settled, inflexible will. Move the feet high and low, extend and bend slowly, steadily, and gently. Inhale and exhale in an even way. If the center is stable, the skill will become level and even. The movements are arranged in accordance with what is right.

7. To practice Tai Chi follow these three principles:

· Bend and move circular

· Move uniformly, with aroused, wavelike energy

· Allow elasticity to permeate the revolutions of energy

From the beginning to the end, be consistent and unchanging. Practice daily, in the morning and evening. Study and imitate a teacher’s style, contemplate his carriage. Gradually, the vitality becomes excellent, the energy doubles. This phase of the process is incomprehensible, though natural, and exquisiteness of energy is the result of the process.

8. As you practice Tai Chi, pay attention to these basic points

1) The chi sinks to the dan tian. ( the area below the stomach)

2) Pay attention to the general and particular

3) Move slowly in a circular way

4) Be relaxed, yet bright and lively

5) Upward movements accompany downward movements

6) Internal awareness and external movements correspond

7) Intention and chi are mutual

8) Moving and resting are one

9) All movements are even-paced

10) Don’t stop practicing daily; you will eventually achieve a complete understanding of the whole concept, and eventually the hidden meaning becomes apparent

9. As you practice Tai Chi exhale through the nose, inhale to fill the diaphragm. The toot of movement is in the feet. The energy is dispatched to the legs, and the waist is the controller. The energy moves through the arms and permeates the hands and fingers. Movements up and down, forward and backward, to the right and the left, internal and external a unity of body is accomplished. Every movement is a change in perfection. The energy first opens out and expands, then embraces and gathers a profound silence again and again. The effect is long-lasting; if the effort does not slacken, the self becomes satisfied with the genuine meaning of movement.

10. Do not practice Tai Chi after drinking wine; that would be of no benefit. Do not practice after having eaten to satiety; the intestine will constrict, and practice will injure the stomach and intestine. Do not practice when very hungry, for this will injure the stomach wall. When practicing Tai Chi, don’t cry, for crying opposes the chi. When practicing, don’t laugh, for laughing is uneven with the chi. Don’t practice when angry, for this will make the chi contract. Don’t practice Tai Chi if there is a feeling of melancholy in the heart, for this practice will be unsuitable. Practice is most rewarding when done in the morning. Intermittent practice is of little benefit. Excessive practice will lead to fatigue. Regard with the eyes, and remain firm when at rest.

In conclusion, rewarding practice results in strength, fitness, and excellence