Treaties of Tai Chi Chuan

Famous Taiji Treatises

1. The Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳論) by Wang Zongyue
   This foundational text outlines the core principles of Tai Chi, emphasizing softness overcoming hardness and the harmony of yin and yang. It is considered the cornerstone of Tai Chi philosophy and practice.
2. The Taijiquan Classic of Zhang Sanfeng (張三丰太極拳經) attributed to Zhang Sanfeng
   A legendary treatise blending Taoist philosophy with martial arts principles, often regarded as the spiritual foundation of Tai Chi. It introduces the concepts of internal energy and the unity of mind and body.
3. The Thirteen Postures Song (十三勢歌)
   An anonymous poetic work that describes the fundamental movements and their philosophical significance. It elaborates on the essential postures that form the basis of Tai Chi practice.
4. The Mental Elucidation of the Thirteen Postures (十三勢行功心解) by Wu Yuxiang
   This treatise delves into the internal aspects of Tai Chi, providing insights into the mind-body connection during practice. It emphasizes the importance of intention and internal energy over external form.
5. The Song of Pushing Hands (打手歌)
   An anonymous piece focusing on the techniques and principles of Tai Chi’s partner exercises, known as pushing hands. It teaches how to develop sensitivity, balance, and responsiveness to an opponent’s movements.
6. The Ten Essential Points (太極拳十要) by Yang Chengfu
   Yang Chengfu outlines ten crucial principles for Tai Chi practice, focusing on posture, relaxation, and mental concentration. These guidelines are vital for achieving correct form and maximizing the benefits of practice.
7. The Five Character Secret (五字訣) by Li Yiyu
   This text breaks down Tai Chi practice into five key concepts: calmness, slowness, continuity, precision, and rootedness. It serves as a concise guide to mastering the fundamental qualities of Tai Chi movements.
8. The Theory of Taijiquan (太極拳學) by Sun Lutang
   Sun Lutang, the founder of Sun-style Tai Chi Chuan, integrates concepts from Xingyiquan and Baguazhang, providing a unique perspective on Tai Chi theory and practice. His work emphasizes the unity of internal and external training.
9. Chen Family Taijiquan Illustrated and Explained (陳氏太極拳圖說) by Chen Xin
   This comprehensive work offers detailed explanations and illustrations of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan, delving into its techniques, theories, and philosophical underpinnings. It’s a cornerstone of Chen-style Tai Chi literature.
10. The Taijiquan Manual of Yang Chengfu (太極拳體用全書) by Yang Chengfu
    Yang Chengfu presents comprehensive instructions and illustrations of the Yang style. His manual is instrumental in popularizing Tai Chi globally and is essential reading for Yang-style practitioners.
11. Wu Style Taijiquan Manual (吳式太極拳譜) by Wu Jianquan
    Wu Jianquan, the founder of Wu-style Tai Chi Chuan, presents his family’s approach to the art, emphasizing smooth, flowing movements and subtle internal work. The manual is key to understanding Wu-style principles.
12. The Explanation of Taijiquan’s Theory (太極拳說明) by Wu Yuxiang
    Wu Yuxiang provides a detailed commentary on Tai Chi principles, highlighting the importance of internal energy over external strength. It deepens the theoretical understanding of Tai Chi practice.
13. The Thirteen Postures’ Practice Method (十三勢行功法) by Wu Yuxiang
    This work offers practical guidance on executing the fundamental movements with correct form and intention. It bridges the gap between theory and practice.
14. The Song of Silk Reeling (纏絲歌)
    This text focuses on the concept of silk reeling, a crucial technique for generating spiral movements and internal energy. It’s fundamental in Chen-style Tai Chi.
15. The Song of the Eight Methods (八法歌)
    An anonymous work elaborating on the eight essential techniques (Ba Fa) of Tai Chi, integrating them with philosophical concepts. It guides practitioners on applying these methods effectively.
16. The Secret Song of Four Words (四字密訣歌)
    A poetic text focusing on four key concepts in Tai Chi practice, often reserved for advanced practitioners. It encapsulates deep principles in a concise format.
17. The Song of Energy (勁訣歌)
    An anonymous poem exploring the concept of internal energy (“Jin”) in Tai Chi, guiding practitioners on cultivating and utilizing internal power.
18. The Method of Applying Taijiquan (太極拳使用法) by Yang Banhou
    Yang Banhou offers insights into the martial applications of Tai Chi movements, bridging form and function. It emphasizes practical combat techniques.
19. Chen Style Taijiquan Practical Method (陳式太極拳實用拳法) by Hong Junsheng
    This work emphasizes practical applications of Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan, detailing precise movements and combat techniques. It’s valuable for those interested in the martial aspects of Tai Chi.
20. The Song of Empty Force (空勁歌)
    Discusses the principle of using “empty force,” applying minimal physical effort while achieving maximum effect. It delves into advanced internal energy techniques.
21. The Song of the Eight Gates and Five Steps (八門五步歌)
    Explains strategic directions and steps used in Tai Chi movements, emphasizing their application in offensive and defensive techniques.
22. The Song of Adherence (粘連黏隨歌)
    Focuses on the principles of adherence in push hands practice, including sticking, following, and adhering to an opponent’s movements.
23. The Song of Softness and Strength (柔剛歌)
    Discusses the balance between softness and hardness, essential for mastering Tai Chi techniques.
24. The Song of Qi Cultivation (氣功歌)
    Outlines methods for cultivating internal energy (Qi), fundamental to advanced Tai Chi practice.
25. The Song of Yin and Yang (陰陽歌)
    Explains the dynamic interplay between yin and yang principles in Tai Chi movements and philosophy.
26. The Song of Meditation (靜坐歌)
    Focuses on meditation practices that help cultivate mental clarity, focus, and internal energy.
27. The Song of the Six Harmonies (六合歌)
    Discusses the integration of mind and body through harmonization of internal and external aspects.
28. The Song of Body Movements (身法歌)
    Provides detailed guidance on proper body movements and alignments in Tai Chi practice.
29. The Song of Taiji Principles (太極原理歌)
    An overview of fundamental Tai Chi principles, including yin-yang balance and energy flow.
30. The Song of the Five Elements (五行歌)
    Discusses how the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) apply to Tai Chi movements and philosophy.
31. The Song of Neigong Exercises (內功練習歌)
    Describes internal exercises designed to cultivate Qi and strengthen internal organs.
32. The Song of Relaxation and Tension (松緊歌)
    Explains the balance between relaxation and tension, crucial for fluid movement and power generation.
33. The Song of Grounding (地根歌)
    Focuses on grounding or connecting with the earth, essential for stability and power.
34. The Song of Breathing Techniques (呼吸法歌)
    Provides guidance on proper breathing techniques to enhance energy flow and health.
35. The Song of Stillness (寂靜歌)
    Emphasizes mental stillness and clarity, essential for effective practice.
36. The Song of Water and Fire (水火歌)
    Discusses the interplay between water-like softness and fire-like intensity in movements.
37. The Song of Mind-Body Integration (心身合一歌)
    Focuses on integrating mind and body, highlighting mental focus in physical movement.
38. The Song of Central Equilibrium (中定歌)
    Focuses on maintaining central equilibrium for stability and fluidity.
39. The Song of Yin-Yang Circle (陰陽圈歌)
    Explores the continuous cycle of yin and yang principles within Tai Chi practice.
40. The Song of Body Alignment (身法調節歌)
    Guides on proper body alignment for efficient energy flow and movement.
41. The Song of Rooting and Uprooting (扎根起根歌)
    Discusses rooting firmly into the ground while being able to move quickly as needed.
42. The Song of Circular Movements (圓轉歌)
    Emphasizes the importance of circular movements for fluidity and efficiency.
43. The Song of Five Steps (五行步法歌)
    Details the five basic steps in Tai Chi, each associated with a different element.
44. The Song of Listening Energy (聽勁歌)
    Focuses on sensing an opponent’s energy and intentions during push hands practice.
45. The Song of Softness and Flexibility (柔軟歌)
    Discusses softness and flexibility, essential for adapting to different situations.
46. The Song of Continuity (連貫歌)
    Emphasizes continuous movement without breaks, maintaining smooth flow.
47. The Song of Intent and Energy (意氣合一歌)
    Highlights integrating intent (mind) and energy (Qi) for effective movements.
48. The Song of Sensitivity (靈敏歌)
    Focuses on developing sensitivity to adapt to changes and respond effectively.
49. The Song of Water (水行歌)
    Uses water as a metaphor for fluidity and overcoming hardness with softness.
50. The Song of Fire (火勁歌)
    Emphasizes dynamic energy generated through focused intent and movement.
51. The Song of Earth (地行歌)
    Discusses stability, grounding, and rootedness in practice.
52. The Song of Heaven (天勁歌)
    Highlights connection to higher energy levels, symbolizing flexibility and expansiveness.
53. The Song of Wind (風行歌)
    Uses wind as a metaphor for subtle, powerful movement, emphasizing adaptability.
54. The Song of Balance (平衡歌)
    Discusses maintaining balance in all movements and transitions.
55. The Song of Flowing Water (流水歌)
    Emphasizes smooth, continuous movement like flowing water.
56. Chen Style Taijiquan Old Frame (陳式太極拳老架) by Chen Changxing
    Chen Changxing outlines the traditional forms of Chen-style Tai Chi, preserving the “Old Frame” routines fundamental to the style.