T’ai Chi Ch’uan–
In Essence and Spirit

By Robert Teachout

T’ai chi ch’uan, or as it is more commonly referred to, simply, t’ai chi, is practiced daily by millions around the world. Known primarily in contemporary Western culture as an exercise system for health, it is also practiced widely as an equally effective form of meditation as well as self-defense.

Developed in China in the seventeenth century, t’ai chi rests under the umbrella of exercises known as qigong, or energy work. An arm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) qigong exercises are characterized by these fundamental principles: postural alignment; physical relaxation; mental calm; deep, natural breathing; and slow, steady, circular movement.

While most qigong exercises are performed in a series by repeating each exercise of the series a number of times—much as we would do a series of calisthenics—t’ai chi is distinguished from other forms of qigong by sequencing a series of movements, which have martial applications, and performing the sequence as one continuous movement. Throughout, the principles mentioned above remain intact.

The most popular lineage of t’ai chi, Yang, is, in part, a softening of the original, and more martial, Chen style. The development of the Yang style was a successful attempt to adapt t’ai chi for a larger segment of the population and focus on its health benefits. Although knowledge and practice of its martial origins remains a tool of many teachers to instill a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the art, hard, fighting approaches seem to be comparatively rare, though certainly not obsolete, in Western society.

True martial proficiency requires specific training techniques beyond the practice of the slow, relaxed execution of the forms themselves. All who practice consistently, though, gain the self-defense benefit of a calm mind that has a heightened sensitivity for detecting aggression and the ability to process “fight or flight” messages from the brain with determined alacrity. In addition, forms practice provides the physical foundation of martial defense that one needs in the event of having to protect oneself.

As a component of TCM, qigong exercises, including t’ai chi, function on the premise that most illness and dis-ease is effectively treated and prevented by controlling stress in our lives, be it of physical or mental origin. The foundational theory is that the various stresses we encounter in life impede the flow of chi, a life force or energy that sustains our animation. The fundamental principles—often called “essential” principles—of t’ai chi work in concert to lessen the stresses, restoring the free flow of chi and returning us to the state of balance and harmony that in inherently ours.

Medical studies abound with evidence of t’ai chi’s effectiveness in treating high blood pressure, symptoms from arthritis, improving balance and reducing falls in the elderly, insomnia, depression and many other conditions. (Visit www.krapu4.com/taichi/ for abstracts of some of these studies.) The physical demands of practice are slight making it accessible to most people. Virtually anyone capable of performing the exercise can improve his or her condition with the gentle stimulation of the circulatory, respiratory, and central nervous systems that t’ai chi practice provides.

As a method for calming the mind and reducing stress, t’ai chi shares this common denominator with most other forms of meditation: single point focus—the practice of placing one’s attention on a single thought, subject or object and maintaining that focus for a period of time. Whether that focus is the recitation of a mantra or the name of a deity; gazing at an object, such as a candle flame; or observing the breath moving in and out, the objective is to still the ever present inner dialogue. When the mind wanders we gently, calmly return our attention to the chosen focus point.

T’ai chi, though a “meditation on movement,” as opposed to the physical stillness of other methods, asks that we focus on the movement in the form. Calmly alert, we breathe and become absorbed in the moment and the movement.

Once one gains some proficiency with quieting the internal chatter during practice, a pleasant calm replaces it. After a period of time, a residual effect of calm reaches further and further into our daily lives. From this calm arises a clearer vision of the world and our place in it.
Noted for its remarkable depth—new levels of understanding seem endless—and a pleasure to practice, t’ai chi has a reputation for retaining the interest of those who persevere through the early stages of understanding.

A true discipline for the mind, body and spirit, t’ai chi cultivates a multi dimensional equilibrium: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. As a martial art, t’ai chi begins with the resolution of inner conflicts and contradictions (H.H. Lui) and nurtures the first tenet of self-defense: personal character and finding the win-win in not fighting—an art of peace. For our health we learn to relax, and a youthful vigor and general sense of well being replace the stress.

This article serves only as an introduction to t’ai chi ch’uan and its many benefits. Future columns will explore these topics in greater detail, as well as other matters related to the study of this wonderful art.

Robert Teachout lives and teaches meditation, qigong and t’ai chi in the Lansing area. He can be reached at Full circle T’ai Chi, (517) 272-9379, or reteachout@aol.com