![]() This book is therefore intended only to serve as a source of reference for the beginner and as a guide in the understanding and practice of the art for the advanced student. Further, due to the limits of space, specialties such as T'ai Chi Sword, Knife, and Staff could not be included in this volume these will have to be dealt with at a later time. A complete discussion of any one form or special technique described in these pages would generate an entire book. This is an introductory text rather than a complete training manual. The terminology used is both technical and practical, in order to be of use to students on many levels. The historical data included in this book is not given in terms of genealogical tables or chronological events, but rather as an outline of the development of a specific philosophy within an entire culture. Recent developments in Western medicine, such as the application of Chinese acupuncture techniques to modern anesthesia, have already tended to support these theories. It is possible, however, that in the future, as has happened many times before, these ancient theories will prove sound. Some of the information presented here may even seem to be paradoxical or to contradict modern science. The theories and hypotheses advanced generally have little empirical backing, as scientific research has not yet been successful in proving, or disproving, their validity. The material presented in this book is based on ideas that have been handed down in the legends and folk arts of the Chinese culture for thousands of years. In putting this book together I have stayed as close to the traditional style as possible, in order that the text might serve as a continuous reminder to the student of the cultural wealth that is such an integral part of this art. T'ai Chi has a heritage that spans more than four thousand years. The T'ai Chi Meditative Movement is described in detail in chapter 7. Also included are fresh translations of the three T'ai Chi Classics, with commentary on each aphorism, as wellĪs translations of four short works from collections by unknown masters: "The Sixteen Steps of Transferring Power," "The Four Secret Procedures for Transferring Power" (both at the end of chapter 3), "The Five Virtues of T'ai Chi," and "The Eight Truth s of T'ai Chi" (at the beginning of chapter 7). In this way, it is hoped that the student will develop a deeper, more complete understanding of both the philosophy of T'ai Chi and its application to the art. The present book, rather than merely presenting yet another literal translation of the T'ai Chi Classics, has included in its pages precise explanations of such basic T'ai Chi principles as ch'i, jing, and internal energy cultivation. These texts, which were written in a type of martial arts code, are known as the T'ai Chi Classics I, II, and III and are also commonly referred to as the T'ai Chi Bible.īecause of the T'ai Chi Classics' archaic language, complicated concepts, and use of certain technical terms and forms of sentence structure, the many attempts to translate them into modern English or Chinese have given rise to a great deal of controversy. ![]() Lastly, the tendency of T'ai Chi practitioners to monopolize instructional materials further reduced the availability of written texts.Īs a result of these factors, there exist today only several brief pages of early manuscripts that stand as the authentic source for the correct study and practice of the art of T'ai Chi. In addition, the language was often cryptic, and the use of one word for multiple meanings was common. As this method was costly and time-consuming, articles to be published tended to be as condensed as possible. The few attempts that were made to commit T'ai Chi principles to writing were hampered by the limitations of a primitive printing process, which depended on the use of carved wooden blocks and presses. ![]() T'ai Chi was thus passed down verbally from generation to generation, more in the style of a folk art than as a structured system. The principles were transmitted mainly by word of mouth, rather than through the more permanent method of the written record. Traditionally, T'ai Chi instruction was carried out either in a temple or in the master's home, and training was conducted on a personal basis. ![]() Further, more often than not, the most famous instructors are not necessarily the most qualified, and a qualified master may not be in a position to teach his skills to others. There is only a limited selection of T'ai Chi books available, whether in English or in Chinese. ![]()
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