The structure and presentation of this book is simple, to be aimed to provide readers a happy learning experience. Each lesson opens with an introduction to the main concept of Taiji. The appearance order of these Taiji concepts is arranged based on both their importance in Daoist philosophy and their level of complexity in Chinese language. It then will be followed by a brief examination of the historical development of its pictogram. In order to help readers effectively acquire the knowledge that is introduced in each lesson, each lesson will introduce some key concepts of Daoist philosophy that underpins the development of Taiji forms, plus some personal learning experience of Taiji Yangsheng exercises. Alongside above contents, essential Taiji Yangsheng skills and the whole set of Qingcheng Taiji Six forms including both standing style and moving style which is invented by Abbot Liu Suibin, the Head of the Qingcheng Martial Arts School, will be introduced.In the last half of each lesson we will offer exercises in daily Chinese to encourage students through learning language to grasp how these ideas have influenced the development of Taijiquan .
Editor's Recommendation
This book is specially designed for those who have practiced Taiji and want to know a little more about the culture, history, philosophy and language behind the exercise, or who have interest in learning basic Chinese but don’t have sufficient time or desire to learn it through a more traditional approach of learning a language.
About Author
Zhao Yanxia: Chinese teacher at University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Liu Dongqing: Chinese language expert from Beijing Union University.
Dr Mark Langweiler: Taiji Expert from Faculty of Life Science and Education at the University of South Wales.
Tracing its current manifestation to the Chen family in Chenjiagou, Henan Province, taijiquan is a traditional fighting art that finds its foundation in Daoist philosophy. The succeeding styles, Yang, Wu, Hao and Sun all grew from this root. While each is different in movement or emphasis, they all stem from and follow similar Taiji practices. The concepts that led to Taiji were first revealed, at least in writing, by Laozi. These concepts imply achieving maximal effect with minimal effort by following the Dao (Tao) or natural way and achieving balance. Taiji is the physical manifestation of Wuji (see lesson 23) and is invested with the life force (qi, lesson 3).
The literal translation of Taiji is ‘supreme’, the ‘ultimate’ and implies a state of being in balance, or being able to achieve harmony.
If Qi is the first manifestation of the Dao, where the energy is undifferentiated and therefore in the state of Wuji, the initiation of movement out of this undifferentiated state (undifferentiated Qi) where both yin and yang are found is the beginning of Taiji. Taiji is the interaction between opposites (Yin and Yang) and the creation of a balanced, harmonious state.
