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| The beauty of tai chi | ||
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Aesthetic
The aesthetic beauty of tai chi lies in the way in which it emulates
nature. It is soft, fragile, flowing and gentle. There is no discord or
disharmony.
Elegance can be seen in the grace of the movements, the flow of the rhythm.
Tai chi is best compared to water. For there is stillness, smoothness and
power.
The undulations are natural, effortless and comfortable.
Simplicity
There is a Zen-like simplicity to tai chi when it reaches
the higher levels. The movements are incredibly
subtle. They look to happen by themselves and lack any semblance of flamboyance.
The more obvious movements of the beginner are now folded within and the art is
almost formless in character. Tai chi is quiet and calm. The practitioner is
composed at all times.
Each seamless movement is an expression of unity and wholeness. The student is
in accord with themselves and with the world surrounding us.
Character
Tai chi has the potential to transform the individual. It blunts the sharp edges
and softens the ego. Only the most stubborn and egotistical student is left
unchanged by the practice.
Humility is inevitable. Yielding is unavoidable. Composure is certain.
Tao
Behind tai chi there is Taoism. Taoism embraces all and rejects nothing. Even
the most unfeeling, insensitive student finds their defences softening and their
fear diminishing.
The art is broad enough to accept all students and narrow enough to ensure that
only those who understand the Tao will ever truly possess its secrets.
Grace
Tai chi is unlike other martial arts. It possesses a strange kind of serenity,
a detachment from the event. This is accomplished conversely by being utterly
immersed in the moment, in the happening.
An attack is launched and the student is one with that movement - joining and
neutralising, flowing and countering. There is no effort. No resistance or
struggle.
Conventional strength is unnecessary, for we
do not challenge strength or allow no strength to be exerted upon us.
Tai chi fighting method
Every movement and every nuance is a whole-body action. No part leads and no
part is left behind. Even the smallest step is integrated and soft, agile and
alive.
The student is
alert and sensitive to everything.
Two methods enable us to rectify our hearts:
The
first is study,
enriching our mind through practice and discipline;
training, studying until an inner light begins to grow within.
This seed of consciousness, the sages teach, should be nourished and kept in
silence.
The
second is the cultivation of virtue.
A sincere student discovers the working of Tao by overcoming all manner of
temptation.
Hordes of riches are outweighed in merit by a single word, virtue.
(Loy Ching-Yuen)
Formlessness
All art aspires to formlessness.
The skilled artist transcends the structures of their discipline and attains
their freedom.
Every person in human history who has become one with their art has reached a
state of formlessness.
The art and the individual are one. Seamless. Egoless. Selfless. It is the
ultimate expression.
The final neigong is freeform.
The student no longer needs to think about form, drill, qigong, neigong,
application or combat.
Every movement of every day contains tai chi.
Page created 2 March 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023
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