Tai Chi And The Daoist Spirit

The chapters in this anthology present an encompassing perspective of how some Chinese martial art styles—and most significantly taijiquan—developed and evolved along with deep rooted traditions of spirituality and the quest for health and longevity. Much in this volume deals with Daoist theories and practices, particularly its influences ranging from human energetics (qigong) and other physical exercises (daoyin), to practical combative arts.

The chapters in this anthology present an encompassing perspective of how some Chinese martial art styles-and most significantly taijiquan-developed and evolved along with deep rooted traditions of spirituality and the quest for health and longevity. Much in this volume deals with Daoist theories and practices, particularly its influences ranging from human energetics and other physical exercises, to practical combative arts. Holcombe, Willmont, and Breslow's well-researched chapters dive deeply into the philosophical, spiritual, and physical traditions associated with Daoism. The search for immortality is shown to be of prime importance since it gave impetus to the belief that human beings can live healthier, longer, and happier lives. My own chapter presents a way of directly discovering taijiquan's philosophical principles through experiential involvement in the art itself. Henning's chapter gives an example in this tradition in the life of Ge Hong (284-363 CE). Known for his Daoist alchemical pursuits, Ge was also a military officer who provides valuable insights into Chinese martial arts practices. Dr. Wile explores the ways in which martial arts have been exposed to cultural construction and deconstruction. A Daoist connection has figured in political ideology, national identity, and commercial interest during the past 400 years of Chinese history. The text focuses on taichiquan as an important site of constructing Chinese-ness. From the early 20th century, the Chinese government often looked at Daoism as a form of superstition, and allowed temples to fall into disrepair. In the 21st century, as Hawthorne shows, there is a quest to rescue historic Daoist sites and study the tradition. In the final chapter, Greg Brodsky applies a five-element yoga model to the practice of taijiquan as a "quality assurance test." It offers opportunities for deepening, enriching, and enjoying taiga practice. In all, the chapters here offer insights for understanding how Chinese martial traditions...particularly taijiquan...developed and evolved within the framework of culture. The word taiji takes on different meanings according to time and place. This also resolves the ongoing arguments regarding taijiquan as a practical combat art verses a health regimen. As a proverb points out: "From the standpoint of the sun, day and night have no meaning."

Many styles of Tai Chi are available today, but most of them only emphasize one aspect of its original purpose. The focus tends to be on either the martial arts or the health perspective, while the spiritual aspect has been lost. This book presents Tai Chi as a powerful tool for cultivating the spirit, as well as the mind and body. This book intends to introduce Tai Chi as it was originally envisioned and practiced thousands of years ago by the Masters of Tao as a tool for self-cultivation of the integration of mind, body, and spirit. Readers will also be able to learn from the clear and concise photos and illustrations in the book to become proficient in the 18-Step Short Form and 28-Step Intermediate Form of Harmony Tai Chi.

The essence of Tai Chi Chuan lies in the rich philosophy of ancient China. While most Tai Chi practitioners are aware of the value that studying Chinese philosophy can bring to their practice, it is often difficult to pick out those texts that are most relevant to Tai Chi and connected to its development. The Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan presents, for the first time, a concise overview of the Chinese martial and spiritual philosophies that drive this ancient tradition.Authors Freya and Martin Boedicker, who teach Tai Chi throughout Europe and South Africa, present freshly translated excerpts from such popular and widely studied works as the Tao Te Ching, the I Ching, and The Art of War, as well as writings by philosophers and strategists such as Zhuangzi and Wuzi. Each chapter of this concise volume focuses on a single work or philosopher, and includes a short history of each one as well as a description of their relevance to Tai Chi. An extensive glossary of important Chinese terms rounds out the book. The Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan offers readers a direct connection with the concepts that form the foundation of Tai Chi, inspiring a deeper understanding of the art and its applications.

Find harmony in your life by using Tai Chi to journey into the Tao--the oneness of the universe. Tai Chi is far more than a form of exercise; it is a complete philosophy and way of living based on ancient Chinese wisdom. Through an examination of selected verses from the classic text the Tao Te Ching, this concise volume reveals the traditions, philosophy, and essence of Tai Chi. See how to practice Tai Chi every second of the day. Understand how Tai Chi movements help a student achieve inner balance. Find out what transformation must take place in order to realize the discipline's true benefits. Since the exercises in Tai Chi are the physical manifestation of its philosophy, the movements are just one of the ways for achieving the desired fusion of mind, body, and spirit. Essential reading for all students of Tai Chi!

We all have a common denominator. We all would like something easy to follow that could make a difference in the quality of our lives. This book does just that. Mr. Robinson takes us on a journey back in time where we explore the minds of the wisest in ancient times. Although written for the Tai Chi student, Mr. Robinson makes it clear the Tao Te Ching can be a guide for everyone. This is one of those books you can't put down and will find yourself referring to it for years to come.

Little understood in the West, Tai Chi is a complete spiritual, meditational, and healing program which takes the person from the ordinary world, through the psychic, to the spiritual and beyond. It is so perfect that it even contains safe-guards to protect the person along their spiritual journey. If there was ever a spiritual discipline given to Humankind - it is Tai Chi. This book, Tai Chi The Spiritual Way, is unique in that it explains in plain English the spiritual, healing, and meditational aspects of Tai Chi. It is therefore an ideal book for those people new to Tai Chi, and those who have had more experience. Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation, healing exercise, and spiritual discipline, and this book therefore also appeals to a wide range of New Age and Alternative Therapy enquirers.

Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient practice of aligning body, mind and spirit within this natural world. Shamanism is the ancient art of healing with Soul and Spirit. This book is the authors vision of walking ones physical journey while awakening to the inner wisdom that life is a sacred gift, love is its essence, and spirit is its divine manifestation. Tai Chi and Shamanism- A Spiritual union illuminates potent connections, vital for spiritual inquiry and essential for the movement arts. Margit Galanter, Movement Educator and Founder, Physical Intelligence Life Arts