FAQ about Tai-Chi

What is Tai-Chi? Tai-Chi is the All-Pervading Ultimate; the Brahman… “In the beginning, God IS.” What is Tai Chi Chuan? Tai Chi Chuan is literally the All-Pervading Ultimate Fist. It is the martial art founded by immortal Chang San-Feng, a Taoist priest revered for this achievement. It strives to mimic the form of movement of the All-Pervading Energy {Paramachaitanya} and embody the Way {Tao} as taught by the sage Lao-Tze. When did he live? He is reputed to have lived from the late Sung period through the Yuan to the Ming dynasty, between the 13th to the 15th centuries AD. He is said to have lived between 180-250 years. What is “Chi”? In general, Chi is the energy that pervades the Cosmos. More specifically; ‘Yang Chi’ is energy on the electro-magnetic spectrum which is felt as heat on the nerves. Whereas “Shen Chi” is The All-Pervading Energy of the Divine, which enlightens as a cool breeze. How is Tai Chi Chuan different from other martial arts? It contains the potential for ‘chi’ to awaken spontaneously in the student and thereafter to flow spontaneously. Is Tai Chi Chuan better for health than ordinary exercise? Martial art originated in India from the same cradle that produced Hatha and Raja Yoga. Tai Chi Chuan is the Martial Art of the Ultimate. It is one of the Yogas; intended in those days to cleanse the grosser bodies so that spiritual progress may occur. The way to do so is to fill the body with Prana or Chi, the metaphysical energy of the universe. This is the reason why Tai Chi Chuan is better for health than ordinary exercise.

Top Historical Perspective of Tai Chi Chuan Tai Chi Chuan as founded and practised by immortal Chang San-Feng had consciousness and spiritual evolution as its primary purpose. When it left the lofty domain of the Taoist priests, it descended into the secular realm of martial arts and combat. When Yang Cheng-Fu sifu popularised Tai Chi Chuan amongst the masses early in the 20th century, it took another turn to become a vehicle for attaining great health. The Way of Tai Chi Chuan, when practised without ambition under the guidance of an authorized teacher, eventually brings in its wake together all these 3 strands. Top

Teaching Style and Approach Yuan-Chi Tai Chi Chuan is evolved from Yang family style. The philosophy that Tai Chi Chuan embodies is styled on the I CHING (treatise on changes) and underpinned by the teachings of the great sage Lao-Tze (Old Master) in TAO TE CHING (scripture on the Way). The founder of Tai Chi Chuan; Chang San-Feng (Chang of the 3 attributes*), by one account, was taught the Way of Tai-Chi in his dreams, by God. Chang San-Feng was a Taoist priest (seeker of the Way) whose primary interest was his spiritual ascent. Similarly, I hope that Yuan-Chi Tai Chi Chuan conforms to the precepts of the Tao of Lao-Tze. It is meant to be Tao-in-motion. *For those interested in the subtle system as taught in true meditation, he was accorded this name as one who had attained the Triguna; Desire, Action and Evolution.

Back

© 2000-2010 Ric Lum