Category: Classic
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The Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan (太極拳論)
太極拳論 by 王宗岳 太極者,無極而生,陰陽之母也。動之則分,靜之則合。無過不及,隨曲就伸。人剛我柔謂之走,我順人背謂之黏。動急則急應,動緩則緩隨。雖變化萬端,而理為一貫。由著熟而漸悟懂勁,由懂勁而階及神明,然非用力之久,不能豁然貫通焉。虛領頂勁,氣沉丹田,不偏不倚,忽隱忽現。左重則左虛,右重則右杳,仰之則彌高,俯之則彌深,進之則愈長,退之則愈促。一羽不能加,蠅蟲不能落,人不知我,我獨知人。英雄所向無敵,蓋皆由此而及也。斯技旁門甚多,豈虛學哉!有旋轉之法,得心應手,惟口傳心授,方能得之。 The Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan by Wang Zongyue “Tai Chi is born from Wu Chi (the state of undifferentiated and limitless potential), and it is the mother of Yin and Yang. When there is motion, it divides; when there is stillness, it unites. Do not exceed or fall short; follow the…
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Treaties of Tai Chi Chuan
Famous Taiji Treatises The classical literature of Taijiquan is a fairly bounded canon of texts written between the 18th and early 20th centuries, supplemented by works attributed to earlier, sometimes legendary figures. The list below collects the principal treatises and songs that practitioners and scholars actually draw on, organised into foundational treatises, classical songs (歌訣),…
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Dong Zhong Qiu Jing (动中求静)
Dong Zhong Qiu Jing (动中求静) i.e. “Seek stillness within movement” is a fundamental principle in Tai Chi Chuan. The phrase encapsulates the harmonious integration of movement and stillness. Harmony of Movement and Stillness: The importance of maintaining an inner sense of calm and tranquility even while the body is in motion. In Tai Chi, physical…
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Ju Shou Tou Zu (举手投足)
The Tai Chi Chuan phrase “Ju Shou Tou Zu (举手投足)” translates roughly to “raising the hand and moving the foot,”. This phrase embodies the principle that even the simplest actions carry profound energetic intent and unity. Each movement, no matter how minor, is deeply integrated with the body’s inner Qi (vital energy) flow, driven by…
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Shou Xin Ru Yi (手心如意)
The Taiji phrase “Shou Xin Ru Yi (手心如意)” translates to “Hands and heart as one” or more commonly, “Heart’s desire fulfilled.” This phrase emphasizes the harmony between intention and physical movement in Tai Chi practice. Explanation: Shou (手): Hands. Xin (心): Heart or mind/intention. Ru Yi (如意): As desired or as one wishes. In the…
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唐豪論王宗岳 — Tang Hao’s Analysis of Wang Zongyue
– ??????? / ??????? AN ANALYSIS OF WANG ZONGYUE’S TAIJI BOXING CLASSICS AND CONCEAL & REVEAL SPEAR MANUAL ?? by Tang Hao [published May 1, 1936] [translation by Paul Brennan, Nov, 2023] – ???? [PART ONE] A LOOK AT WANG ZONGYUE HIMSELF – ?????? CONTENTS FOR PART ONE ?????? [Chapter One] His Name ???????? [Chapter…
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太極拳 — Taiji Boxing According to Wu Tunan
– ????????? A MORE SCIENTIFIC MARTIAL ART: TAIJI BOXING ??? by Wu Tunan [published by ????? The Commercial Press, LTD, Oct, 1931] [translation by Paul Brennan, Feb, 2017] – ????????? A More Scientific Martial Art: Taiji Boxing ???? – calligraphy by Chu Minyi – ???? by Wu Tunan: ????????? A More Scientific Martial Art: Taiji…
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Wang Peisheng creative interpretation of some Taiji principles
Master Wang’s Creative Interpretation and Application of Some Taijiquan Principles in Self-defence Master Wang makes it a point of emphasis and has set an example to his students of how one should use one’s mind and learn from experience of success and failure after having studied carefully the theories set in the Taijiquan classics, listened…
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Walking the Circle
The body is like the movements of a swimming dragon, a wild goose ascending the emptiness, a tiger crashing, a turtle diving, or a snake slithering, turning the circle at will in connected and united postures, angled or crossing, advancing or retreating while talking and laughing. Dong Haichuan (The founder of Bagua on walking the…
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Song of the Real Meaning
真意歌 No shape, no shadow. Entire body transparent and empty. Forget your surroundings and be natural. Like a stone chime suspended from West Mountain. Tigers roaring, monkeys screeching. Clear fountain, peaceful water. Turbulent river, stormy ocean. With your whole being, develop your life. 無形無象，全體透空， 應物自然，西山懸磬， 虎吼猿鳴，水清河靜， 翻江攪海，盡性立命。 When practicing taijiquan you must let go of…
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The Dantian of Xingyi
THE ELIXIR FIELD The elixir field is the source of the active aspect, the mansion of energy and power. If you want to be proficient in the art, you must first strengthen your elixir field, and if you want to strengthen your elixir field, you must first practice the art. The back-and-forth of the two…
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太極法說 — Explaining Taiji Principles
– 太極法說 EXPLAINING TAIJI PRINCIPLES 楊班侯 attributed to Yang Banhou [circa 1875] [translation by Paul Brennan, Sep, 2013] – [On the front cover, there are two titles for the manuscript and five personal stamps:] 太極法說〔吳愛仁堂〕 Explaining Taiji Principles (below which is placed a Wu Airen “property of” stamp) 吳鑑泉〔吳鑑泉章〕 Wu Jianquan [signature] (with his stamp)…
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On Constant Purity and Tranquility
The Wonderful Scripture on the Constant Purity and Tranquility, Spoken by the Ultra Supreme Elder Lord The Elder Lord said: The Great Tao, being formless, creates heavens and earths; The Great Tao, being emotionless, runs the sun and the moon; The Great Tao, being nameless, eternally nurtures all beings. I do not know its name,…
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Ancient Life Cultivation Methods
15 Advisable Actions It is advisable to comb your hair often. It is advisable to rub your face often. It is advisable to move your eyeballs often. It is advisable to rap on your ears(occiput) often. It is advisable to click your teeth often. It is advisable to swallow your saliva often. It is advisable…
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Secret records of understanding the Way
TRUE AND FALSE The Old Man of Clear Serenity said: There is nothing in the world that does not have both true and false versions. Practice of the Way may also be true or false, so students should first distinguish the difference clearly. True practice is total sincerity. It is not a matter of avoiding…
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