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T'ai Chi Ch'uan

A system of ancient Chinese physical movements, designed to build up subtle energy in the body, resulting in spiritual development. For centuries it was a secret taught only to males in certain families, but by the middle of the nineteenth century it was openly taught in Peking.

The roots of T'ai Chi Ch'uan are said to go back to the breathing exercises of Taoist monks in the 2nd century B.C.E.

The purported founder of the actual Tai Chi Chuan system was a fifteenth century monk named Chang San-feng.

The yielding, supple philosophy behind T'ai Chi Ch'uan is summarized in the Tao Te Ching:

"A man is born gentle and weak, at his death hard and stiff. Green plants are tender and filled with sap, at their death they are withered and dry. Therefore the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death. The gentle and yielding is the disciple of life. Thus an army without flexibility never wins a battle. A tree that is unbending is easily broken. The hard and strong will fall. The soft and weak will overcome."

In addition to the philosophy there are 37 basic exercises and postures that are repeated with variations, culminating in some 65 or 108 exercises fusing energetic with relaxed movement. During practice, it is important to be concerned with centering the body with meditation and relaxation. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is often linked with the study of the I Ching to enhance the philosophical aspects of the system.

Although T'ai Chi Ch'uan has been facetiously referred to as "shadow boxing," it often resembles a slow-motion ballet, and has been described as "yoga in movement." Like the asanas of hatha yoga, T'ai Chi Ch'uan takes the names of its forms from animals or events occurring in nature: "White Crane Spreads Its Wings," "Meteor Runs After Moon," or "Brush Dust Against the Wind." Both hatha yoga and T'ai Chi exercises encompass focused concentration and special breathing patterns. But while the graceful, flowing movements of T'ai Chi seem to superficially contrast with the asanas, developing forms of yoga movement bring the two regimens closer together.

T'ai Chi has become popular in the United States, as Americans realize the great health benefits of the practice. Most often the elderly do these exercises to regain strength and balance, greatly decreasing their chances of injuries from falls. The slow movements of T'ai Chi make it easy for everyone to practice and still gain health benefits.