Taoism & Tai Chi

“Yield and Overcome; Bend and be straight. And who stands of tiptoe is not steady. He who strides cannot maintain the pace.”

-What do you think this means?

Language Transliteration Practice

T’ai = TTao = DCh’ing = ChChou = J(oe)

T’ai Ch’i Ch’uangTao Te ChingLao Tse (Tsu, Tzu, Tzi)

Who was Lao Tzu?

Sifu: The Old MasterFounder of Tao? Is he real? Tao Te Ching (read/ practiced in a half

hour or a life time)Chaung Tzu spread the philosophy 300

years laterTao is central to Chinese thinking

What is TAO? The meaning of Tao: The Way The Tao or the way: A simple guide to a practical life The driving power of all nature The mystery of all mysteries When Tao acquires all the power, existence begins spontaneously

from which everything flows (being from non-being) There is a boundless tide of Tao The Eternal that cannot be named: The unknowable source of all

being: The origin of the universe is nothingness (non-being) Mother of all things that can be named (manifestation of the

limitless Tao or being that continues and continues) ABSTRACT! I KNOW! Maybe think of it as the nothingness of the universe where a big

bang happens and everything then comes from that nothingness

The Taoists sought to understand reality and how we are a part of it and exist under its natural laws.

The Taoists explained that before the universe came into existence, everything (nothing?) was in a state of “wu chi.”

“Wu chi” 無極 means “no polarity.” In essence, it is the nameless, incomprehensible state of void or nothingness.

If there is nothing, then no differentiation can exist. It’s somewhat the non-existence of nothingness… space… void…

When there was a “change” in the state of wu chi, then there was a differentiation – the original wu chi part, and, the changing part.

That state of differentiation is a phase called “tai chi.”

It literally means “great polarity.” The opposite poles of this polarity are referred to as yin and yang.

Just like plus and minus, each complementary exists because of the existence of the other.

The Taoists say that the yin and yang (born from the state of tai chi) give rise to all things and processes in the universe.

Taoist Principles Focus on nature (everything in accordance with nature) Yin yang-The dynamics by which nature works (more on this later) Interconnectedness/Inter-consuming supporting relationship of all things

as seen in nature All phenomena are not isolated, developing and changing and you cannot

know one thing without knowing its interdependence of its opposition Example: Space/Cup/Door or Ceiling/walls and room Tao is Tzu Jan-left alone it can reproduce Tao is Self So Tao operates of itself…just is Nature is an example of the Tao for nothing is standing over it making it

work: Like our bodies in nature: Heart, Breath, Thinking, Winking, SELF SO  Wu Wei-No Striving-No plan-DO WITHOUT DOING! Nature does without doing/ Do nothingness/Do without doing Non obstructive/Ending Illusions/Ending conflict/conscious mind must

relax/no emotion wasted Taking advantage of the empty spaces and moving through them Water/Wind are great metaphores Water takes any shape, penetrates and moulds: what is tough may not be

strong/ what is soft is strong: Grass stronger than wind? Land or water stronger?

Act without strain, persuades without argument, without coercion

History of T’ai Chi

Founder of T’ai Chi was the monk of the Wu Tang Monastery Chang San-feng (date 14th century)

Creator of the fundamental postures for T’ai Chi in accordance with the theories of Lao Tzu

Meaning of Chi Natural energy of the universeNatural=Spiritual/supernatural but not a

belief systemRestoration of equilibrium or Yin and

Yang: Complimentary and not opposite!One with nature (Movements come from

watching animals and other natural things)

NOTE: Chi has many meanings, including “the breath of God”, vital breath, viability, life energy…

“Tai chi chuan” – referred to as “tai chi” – is a deep, meditative, internal Chinese practice.

“Tai chi” is a term from Taoist philosophy. Taoism is the ancient spiritual, nature-based philosophy native to China.

At its original core, it is a martial art, but is nowadays commonly practiced and taught in a manner that strengthens and promotes the mind/body health of dedicated practitioners.

Several millions practice it daily around the globe

What is Tai Chi?

Forms of T’ai Chi

There are 3 main types of T’ai Chi Yang, Wu & Chen (different families)They use slow and still movements that

are accompanied by easy breathingThere are many more (12 more styles

and hybrids)Martial arts derive from T’ai Chi

The 13 principles of T’ai Chi1. Sinking of shoulders and dropping of elbows (not muscles

but bones)-creating a slow moving torque through your body

2. Relaxing of chest and rounding of back3. Sinking chi down to Dan Tien-sea of chi…floating and

long-lasting4. Lightly pointing up the head: stay upright5. Relaxation of waist and hip: keep pelvic bowl balanced6. Differentiate between empty and full: yin and yang7. Coordination of upper and lower parts of the body8. Using the mind instead of force9. Harmony between internal and external10. Connecting the mind and the chi energy11. Find stillness within movement12. Movement and stillness present at once13. Continuity and Evenness throughout the form

Preparation for T’ai Chi Relaxation-Relax every part of your body-inside and out Breathing-Breathe smoothly and regularly Posture- Keep your torso upright but relaxed and look

straight ahead. Don't lean to one side, bend forward or back, or look down. It is also important not to over extend your limbs or clench your hands into tight fists. Tai Chi is a natural art that requires no excessive force. Keep in mind that this exercise is slow and calm. You do not need to forcefully push, punch, or kick.

Pace- Slow and relaxed movements

= Stress Relief and Self Discipline!

Doing Tai Chi OutsideEveryone must participate!Walk outside in a completely silent

respectable manner, single file lineKeep body loose and breatheAfter being outside follow Sifu (Master

Jacobs)Make 5 EVEN rows of 5-8 peopleNo talking pleaseListen with intent to Sifu instructionsDo not rush…one form at a timeWalk inside in a completely silent

respectable manner

THE END