TAI CHI CHUAN
Tai Chi is a moving meditation that sets into motion the
Microcosmic orbit that vertically permeates the torso, and the macrocosmic
orbit, a circuit through all four limbs. The internal energy traveling
through these circuits naturally flows into connecting meridians, and masses
potential energy into a tidal wave of force. As a healing element, this
flow Of energy increases circulation, calm3 the mind, relaxes the muscles and
heals nervous, organic and skeletal problems. As a fighting art its use
allows internal energy, not muscular force, to defeat an enemy. 3 When a
Tai Chi Master strikes an enemy, his internal energy en4ers into the enemy's
body, destroying body tissue more than a physical blow could ever do. Tai
Chi advocates relaxedness and lightness in contrast to other styles, the Tai
Chi practitioner remains relaxed and calm during a fight, not simply for
enhanced reflexes or clear thinking, but also to allow his internal energy to
flow unhindered by muscular tension. The relaxation then allows the
fighter to casually touch his opponent with enough sensitivity to detect the
force and direction of an oncoming attack. In turn his body yields no
clues to his own movements. This is the essence of the internal martial
art known as Tai Chi Chuan.
The Legend of Tai Chi
Chuan
Chang San Feng was in house meditating when he
heard a ruckus in the courtyard. Looking down from his window, Chang saw a
snake with head raised, hissing in challenge to a crane in the tree. The crane
swooped down from the tree, its sword-like beak aimed straight for the snake.
The snake turned its head aside and struck the crane's neck with its tail. As
the crane raised its right wing to protect its neck, the snake darted towards
the crane's legs. The crane raised its leg and lowered its left wing to ward off
the attack. Stabbing again and again, the bird was unable to connect a solid
blow. The twisting and bending snake was always out of reach. Darting from all
angles, neither could the snake make a strike, for the graceful crane yielded
and redirected every blow. After awhile they both tired of fighting, and the
crane flew back to its tree and the snake slithered into its hole in the tree
trunk. They rested in preparation for the next day's encounter. Chang San Feng
watched this drama unfold day after day. He observed and realized the value of
yielding in the face of strength. The great master studied the crane and the
snake, other wild animals, the clouds and the water, and the bamboo bending in
the wind. He merged these naturalistic movements into a system of exercise,
combining them with Shaolin martial movements and the practice of Taoist
meditation. | 