The beauty of tai chi
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)
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 postures and stances 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.
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 tao will ever truly possess its secrets.
Grace
Tai chi self defence 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.
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.
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 self defence.
Every movement of every day is tai chi.
Page created 30 May 2006