$query = resource $row = array( "a:7:{s:4:"data";s:0:"";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";s:5:"child";a:3:{s:27:"http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom";a:7:{s:2:"id";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:70:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8770777139236435869.post-8874962853303702007";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:9:"published";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:29:"2009-10-06T03:19:00.006-05:00";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"updated";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:29:"2009-10-22T01:34:24.903-05:00";s:7:"attribs";a:0:{}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:5:"title";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:42:"A Comprehensive History of T'ai Chi Ch'uan";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:4:"type";s:4:"text";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:7:"content";a:1:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:63270:"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nOW3g7bN7wg/Ssr__zhyxCI/AAAAAAAAAm8/l3t_ZxZy6e8/s1600-h/History_yinyang.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nOW3g7bN7wg/Ssr__zhyxCI/AAAAAAAAAm8/l3t_ZxZy6e8/s320/History_yinyang.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389401375731008546" border="0" /></a>The history of <a linkindex="42" class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_chi_chuan" title="Tai chi chuan" rel="wikipedia">T'ai Chi Ch'uan</a> is disputed to this day but I believe the first martial art system based on the original principles was created by the Chen Family and called the <a linkindex="43" class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chen_style_tai_chi_chuan" title="Chen style tai chi chuan" rel="wikipedia">Chen Style</a>. Indeed, it is the one style in existence today that can truly be called the ultimate martial art or "Supreme Ultimate Fist or Boxing". It is the general consensus too that the Yang Style which I practice for health came directly from the Chen Style. No matter which style you practice, if the ten underlying principles of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, "Yang's Ten Important Points", as originally stated in "<a linkindex="44" href="http://www.geocities.com/mafuyee/classics1.html">T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ching (Treatise)</a> by Chang, San-feng (est. 1279 -1386 A.D.) are adhered to properly, you will nurture your Chi and experience a powerful and blissful state of Being. I will post the ten points in new entry soon. This history is very detailed and is authored by one of the foremost authorities on T'ai Chi Ch'uan today, Harvey Kurland. It is quite long but anyone interested in this magnificent art will find it very interesting reading. This is a Path to Enlightenment if you dedicate yourself to the point of living and breathing the art - a true Path with Heart. Enjoy! <div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> Namaste' <center> </center></div> <o:p> </o:p> Benefits<o:p> </o:p> T'ai chi ch'uan was originally taught as a martial art and longevity exercise. In the early 20th century the health benefits were discovered and it took on a new persona as a preventive medicine or wellness exercise. It was later promoted by the Chinese Government to keep the citizens healthy. The martial art aspects then took a back stage to it being a health exercise in China. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Consumer Reports (CR, Feb 2000, p 45) calls t'ai-chi the "Ultimate low-impact exercise", an exercise that can be done by any one who can walk, the only caveat being people with knee problems may have problems doing it. CR claims t'ai-chi can improve cardiovascular endurance as well as improve posture, strength and balance. CR sites a 1992 Australian study that found it had the same effect as brisk walking on heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. Scientific studies have found that it can lower blood pressure, improve balance, improve circulation and make seniors feel empowered.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> According to Dr Robert Whipple, a gait and balance expert, "T'ai-chi has come up with the best possible biomechanical scenarios for keeping a person stable - to maximize your standing base by widening your stance, and to keep your head and torso as vertical as possible." (CR, Feb 2000) The methods showing the best results have the feet in a wide stance position, with the back and head held straight upwards. As the t'ai-chi classics stay the head is held, "As if suspended from above." There should be no leaning over, forward, back or to the side. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p></o:p>History of T'ai Chi Ch'uan<o:p> </o:p> ©H. Kurland 1998, 2000 <o:p> </o:p> Adapted From H Kurland, "The Web of Tai Chi Chuan" parts 1 & 2 Karate/Kung fu Illustrated, July & August 1998, <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> History of T'ai Chi Ch'uan<o:p> </o:p> T'ai-chi ch'uan (also spelled taijiquan and taiji chuan) is an ancient Chinese martial art that comes in so many variations that it's often confusing to the layman. Some styles can trace their lineage back to the founding of the art, while others date back to the early part of the 20th century. Some stress competition, while others emphasize health or self-defense. Obviously, without the proper information, choosing the one that is best for you can be a daunting task. This article will present an overview of the major styles of tai chi, and after reading it you'll be able to understand how one style begot another. And you'll be able to more easily choose one that is right for you.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Before examining the many styles and sub-styles of the art, however, it's wise to heed the advice of t'ai chi ch'uan Grandmaster Tchoung Ta-tchen. He insists that all are valid and beneficial to the student as long as the basic t'ai chi concepts are adhered to - even though many teachers proclaim that theirs is the only correct method.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> First, the Art<o:p> </o:p> T'ai-chi ch'uan is usually literally translated as "grand ultimate boxing". I see this as meaning, instead of being an immodest title, the "grand ultimate" portion of the name refers to the Chinese concept of the origin of the universe. That is the principle of <a linkindex="45" class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yin_and_yang" title="Yin and yang" rel="wikipedia">yin and yang</a>. In fact, the common yin-yang symbol is properly called the t'ai chi diagram. I see t'ai-chi ch'uan being the art of the harmony of yin and yang, in tangible form.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The history of t'ai chi is foggy at best. There are many conflicting stories from the past, and the confusion continues right up to the present. To make matters worse, there are many revisionist versions of t'ai chi's history which are expounded by those out to promote their own style as the best, or the most authentic. So it is difficult to get the full story.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The foundation concepts of t'ai chi ch'uan, which come from Taoism and Confucianism, go back to the beginning of written history in China. They come from Lao Tzu's monumental text, Tao Te Ching, from the I Ching and from various other health-promoting and breathing exercise treatises. The actual art can be traced back only 300 to 700 years, however. The founder is said to be Chang San-feng (Zhang Sanfeng), who is thought to have lived from 1279 to 1368, but no one knows if he actually existed. Some experts claim him as just being a myth, while others argue he did exist and there are monuments to him in China.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Many believed Chang San-feng was a Shaolin monk who decided to leave the monastery to become a Taoist hermit. On Wu Tang (Wudang) mountain, he gave up the hard fighting style he had learned and formulated a new art based on softness and yielding. One story tells how he had a vision between a snake and a crane (although some say it was a magpie, an eagle or a hawk). In theory, the crane should have had an easy time killing the snake, but in Chang's vision, the crane would try to attack the snake's head, and the snake would evade and hit the crane with it's tail. When the crane would try for the snake's tail, the snake would bite the crane. This resulted in the discovery of the basic t'ai chi concepts of evading, yielding and attacking.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Chang assembled a martial art that used softness and internal power to overcome brute force. He is believed to have written: "In every movement, every part of the body must be light and agile and strung together. The postures should be without breaks. Motion should be rooted in the feet, released through the legs, directed by the waist and expressed by the fingers. Substantial and insubstantial movements must be clearly differentiated."<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> This marked the beginning of t'ai-chi ch'uan, but at that time it was called chang chuan, or long boxing after the endless flow of the Changjiang (Yangtse) River. Later, Chang formulated the 13 postures of t'ai chi. While no one knows what his art looked like then, it is thought that the movements were practiced as individual techniques and/or concepts.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The next major historical figure was Wang Tsung-yueh (Wang Zongyue), who wrote the second t'ai chi classic and first referred to the art as t'ai-chi chuan. He also coined the statement, "a force of 4 ounces deflects 1,000 pounds." He is thought to have expanded the original 13 postures into a linked choreographed form. Some historians believe Wang actually founded the art, while others dispute his existence as well.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Ch'en Style<o:p> </o:p> Another candidate for the role of t'ai chi founder is Chen Wang-ting. Some believe he created the art based on his military experiences, his study of local boxing methods and his gleaning of classical texts like Ch'uan Ching (Boxing Classics), which was written by Chi Che-kwong (Qi Jiguang) (1528 - 1587) as a compellation of known methods.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Chen developed several forms, and his family passed them along only to its members. At the 14th generation, around the late 1700s and early 1800s, Chen's style spilt into the "old-frame" and the "new-frame" versions. The New frame was taught by Chen Yu-pen, and the Old frame by Chen Chang-hsing.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It was at this time that an outsider learned the art and started opening it up to the rest of the world. These days, students can learn several versions of the Chen style - including the old frame, new frame and modern forms- as well as offshoots which developed in towns located near the Chen family village. There are many variations of Chen style.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The Chen form requires the body to be straight and upright. Variations of the horse stance are emphasized. In the most popular version, which was taught by Feng Zhiqiang, the basic stance has the toes pointing outward slightly. Other forms use a parallel-foot horse stance. In all reputable versions, the knees are positioned directly above the toes. Most movements are executed with a sideways orientation - as if one's opponents are standing to the side. The two of the most famous and highest level teachers today are Chen Xiaowang and Feng Zhiqiang who teach different versions of Chen style.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> A novel part of the Chen style is the multitude of explosive movements: jumps, strikes and kicks. There is an emphasis on "silk-reeling energy", or the spiraling energy that flows from the feet to the hands. Even thought the art is performed quickly, the practitioner should remain loose and relaxed. Any tension or disjointed movements mean it is being done incorrectly. It is difficult to practice the Chen style correctly because of the ease with which excessive force and muscle tension can creep into its movements. Perhaps this is why some hard stylists can do impressive imitations of this style - but without using the correct concepts. It may also be the reason the Chen style appeals to martial arts students who need a tangible sense of speed and force.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang Style<o:p> </o:p> Yang Lu-chan (1799 - 1872) learned the old-frame style from Chen Chang-hsing. Many stories tell how this took place. A popular one holds that Yang wanted to learn the art, but the Chen family would not teach outsiders. So Yang took a job as a servant for the Chen's and learned t'ai-chi by watching through a crack in the wall. Afterward, he would practice what he learned when he alone in his room. One day he was discovered and asked to spar with the other students. He easily defeated all of them and was taken under the wing of Chen Chang-hsing, who then taught him the whole old-frame style. Yang is said to have spent the next six years studying under Chen. (Some historians say he studied for 13 years and others 18 years)<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang eventually returned to his hometown of Kuang Ping (also spelled Guang Ping) and taught the old-frame Chen style. He later traveled to Beijing and became a military martial arts teacher for the Manchu government. After he altered the sequence of the movements in his form, it later became known as the Yang style.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Some modern practitioners claim that Yang watered down the art he taught to the Manchus and reserved a different version of it for his townspeople and family. But this may be just a selling point for those who insist they teach the only "authentic" form.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It is important to remember that Yang played a pivotal role in opening the once-closed art to the outside world. Two facts are significant: He learned the old-frame Chen style, and he was never beaten in combat. Even as a beginner, he defeated all of Chen's students. For those who claim he didn't learn all the secrets of the Chen family, this action speaks louder than any speculation. Because of his victories in challenge matches, he acquired the nickname "Yang the Invincible". Nevertheless, he always avoided hurting his opponent in a match. Two of his sons carried on his art and family tradition: Yang Pan-hou (a.k.a. Yang Yu) and Yang Chien-hou (a.k.a. Yang Jian). The senior Yang also taught Wu Yu-hsiang and was friends with Tung Hai-chuan, who was the founder of pa kua chang (bagua zhang) another major "Internal Style" of kung-fu. It would be easy to speculate there was some influence of pa-kua over the Yang's t'ai-chi ch'uan and Yang's t'ai-chi ch'uan over Tung's pa-kua chang.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Old Wu Style<o:p> </o:p> Wu Yu-hsiang (Wu Yuxiang) (1812-1880) studied under Yang Lu-chan for an extended time. He then traveled to the Chen family village, and for three months he studied the new-frame style, with Chen Ching-ping. After that, Wu founded his own version of t'ai chi, which is now called the Wu style, the old Wu style or the "Orthodox Wu style". This is a different family name and style than the Wu who studied with Yang Pan-hou and formed the "New Wu" form (described later). Some people call this form Hao Style after Hao Wei-chen.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Wu is responsible for the classic text titled Expositions of Insights Into the Practice of the 13 Postures. Wu Tu-nan, a master who lived to 107 years old, studied under Wu Yu-hsing and Yang Lu-chan, then developed his own form which influenced others teachers such as Tchoung Ta-tchen. Three major offshoots stemmed from Wu Yu-hsiang: the Li, the Hao and the Sun styles.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Li Style<o:p> </o:p> Li I-yu was Wu Yu-hsiang's main disciple. He wrote several t'ai chi classics, including The Five Character Secret and Essentials of the Practice of Form and Push Hands. That text was based upon a secret manuscript, allegedly written by Wang Tsung-yueh, which the Wu family claimed to find. Li style is considered a small frame form.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Hao Style<o:p> </o:p> Li I-yu taught Hao Wei-chen (Hao Weizhen) (1849-1920), who then founded the Hao style of t'ai chi. This is another small-frame form, which means it uses tight small-circle movements and shorter stances. This is called small frame (Xiao Jia) and the Hao style name is often used for Old Wu form. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> In 1914 Hao embarked on a trip to visit a friend named Yang Chien-hou, who was Yang Lu-chan's son and a major figure in Yang style. Hao ended up contracting an illness before he could find Yang. A well-known hsing-i master named Sun Lu-tang came to his aid, and Hao repaid him by teaching him his fighting style. Sun was already renowned for his hsing-i ch'uan and pa kua chang skills, but he decided to combine the Hao style of t'ai chi with the other two arts to form a new system called the Sun style, after Sun Lu-tang.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Sun Style<o:p> </o:p> Like the Hao style, the Sun style is considered small frame. It employs many "step-ups" into its techniques, and this fact makes it somewhat similar to hsing-i. The Sun style also used short stances and straight leg kicks, but jumps have been taken out of its repertoire. It is said that the art melded pa kua chang's steps, hsing-I ch'uan's leg and waist methods, and t'ai chi's softness. This is often called the "lively paced" form (Huobu Jia). The Sun style was carried on by Sun's daughter, Sun Jian-yun who teaches in China.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Sun Lu-tang (1861-1932) is also well-known because he was highly literate and a prolific writer. This made him a rarity among martial artists of that time. He authored several books and in the late 1800's popularized the term nei chia chuan, which translates as "Internal Family Arts" or "Internal Martial Arts." The term Internal Martial Arts caught on and had a conceptual influence on other arts, which actually is different than the meaning of the term. The concept of Internal Arts referred to Arts developed within China such as T'ai chi ch'uan , Hsing-I Ch'uan, and pa-kua chang. External arts are those based on Shaolin ch'uan which came from India. This idea often confuses people as they think it means having to do with "Internal power".<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> New Wu Style<o:p> </o:p> Yang Lu-chan's two sons carried on his brand of t'ai chi ch'uan. One of them, Yang Pan-hou, taught a modified small-frame style. He is also reported to have taught a watered-down form to the Imperial family and still another form to his towns-people.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Several versions of t'ai chi are now attributed to Yang Pan-hou. The most famous is the other Wu style or "Medium Frame" form of Wu Jian-chuan (Wu Jianquan) (1870 - 1942) and another is Kuang Ping style (described later). Yang taught Wu Chuan-yu, who taught his son, Wu Jian-chuan. This style is called the "New Wu style" by some, and is distinct from the Wu style of Wu Yu-hsiang.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Some Wu stylists advocate using a pronounced lean in many of the techniques to help the student gain leverage and power. Other Wu practitioners remain upright as in the Chen style. The original form had 108 to 121 movements, but several short and modified versions of Wu style now exist.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Kuang Ping Style<o:p> </o:p> Another t'ai chi ch'uan offshoot from Yang Pan-hou is the Kuang Ping (also spelled Guang Ping) style, which Yang allegedly taught at one point in his life. It's interesting to note that there are very few similarities between the Kuang Ping style and the Wu style. The Kung Ping from is more open and linear, and it uses a more sideways-oriented stance. It also has very extended arm movements and sometimes appears to be a bridge between the Chen style and the Yang style. As in the older Yang forms, the upright stance is used.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The Kuang Ping forms use an upright stance and straight-leg heel kicks and jumping kicks. It is usually done at a faster pace, at least faster than the later Yang forms. The form also includes some fast step-up movements which are similar to those found in hsing-i ch'uan. Most of the techniques in the Kuang Ping form are different from those of the Chen, Yang, or Wu forms. Some people, such as Andrew Dale, a t'ai chi & pa-kua master in Seattle, say there is a large pa-kua chang emphasis in the form. Several versions of the style are taught today, mostly in California. Some other instructors teach the art but call it the Ch'en style.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang Pan-hou taught the Kuang Ping form to Wong Jiao-yu. His followers claimed it was a secret of the Yang family's that was never taught to the hated Manchus. Wong supposedly taught Kuo Lien-ying, who was already a master of northern Shaolin kung fu. Kuo was also a famous master of pa-kua chang. Kuo later shortened the form and taught his condensed version to thousands of students. When Mao Tse-tung seized power in China, Kuo fled to Taiwan and later to San Francisco's Chinatown, where he taught the art.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Kuo has many students who also teach versions of the Kuang Ping style; some of these are very different from what he taught. They include his wife Simone Kuo, Henry Look, Y.C. Chiang, Tom Brayne, and T.R. Chung. Kuo wrote two books, one of which was translated into English as Tai Chi Chuan in Theory and Practice, translated by T.R. Chung and has pictures of Kuo doing his form.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Old Yang Style<o:p> </o:p> Yang Chien-hou (1842-1917) taught large-, medium-, and small-frame styles of tai chi. He was easier to get along with than his brother and had more students. One story told how he once held a sparrow in his hand and used his sensitivity to prevent the bird from taking off by neutralizing its push. In another story, armed only with a brush Yang is said to have defeated a martial artist who was wielding a sword. His sons, Yang Shao-hou and Yang Cheng-fu, carried on his art. Some of Yang Cheng-fu's students originally trained under his brother, Yang Shao-hou. Consequently, they inherited the energy of that form.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Stories of Yang Shao-hou described him as being brutal and often injuring or killing his students. Consequently, he did not have many followers, but the ones he did have were good martial artists. The well-known ones include his son Yang Chen-seng, Tian Shao-lin, Hsiung Young-hou, and Chang Ching-ling, all of whom carried on his unique small-frame method.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> After Yang Shao-hou died, his students became followers of his brother, Yang Cheng-fu. Some tai chi historians claim that many of the senior students of Yang Shao-hou, believing their skill was higher than Yang Cheng-fu's, went off on their own after Shao-hou died. Thus, they were written out of the official lineage, and some practitioners do not consider their versions of the art authentic.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Some experts claim that Tian Shao-lin and Hsiung Young-hou were also students of Yang Pan-hou. Tian taught Shi Tiao-mei, who taught Tchoung Ta-tchen. Hsiung Young-ho also taught Tchoung Ta-tchen - as well as Liang Tung-tsai and several others - the san shou form. Researcher Andy Dale refers to this San Shou form as another "secret" Yang style, which Yang Shau-chung claimed was derived from the Chen Ar Lu style (pao chui, or cannon fist), as taught by Yang Lu-chan.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang Cheng-fu style<o:p> </o:p> Yang Cheng-fu (1883-1936) was one of the most important historical figures in modern t'ai chi ch'uan. He taught a "Large Frame" t'ai chi form that used slow, smooth, expansive movements. It was often said that he felt like a steel bar wrapped in cotton. Legend has it he was never defeated in combat. Chang Ching-ling an advanced student of Yang Shao-hou also practiced with him and may have helped develop Yang Cheng-fu's skill. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang taught at the Central Kuo Shu Institute in 1926. When he moved south to Shanghai, he modified the Yang form, taking out the fast kicks and the more strenuous movements. He is also credited with emphasizing the health benefits of the art and popularizing it among the educated class. Yang deserved much of the credit for the current popularity t'ai-chi ch'uan and especially of the Yang style. Some claim he taught one art to the public and another to his closest disciples. Though many experts deny this idea. His form is referred to as "Yang Family Style", as the "Family" designation is only appropriate for familial relations.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Tchoung Version Old Yang Style<o:p> </o:p> <a linkindex="46" href="http://www.dotaichi.com/tchoung.htm"> </a><a linkindex="47" href="http://www.dotaichi.com/tchoung.htm">Tchoung Ta-tchen</a> taught the "Dual form" of the Old form of the Yang style form. His is a symmetrical form in that all movements are done on the right and left sides, which is different than most standard forms which are one sided. This symmetrical movement is thought to promote greater benefits for the nervous system and for coordination, though is more difficult to learn at first. There is also an emphasis on the "Silk Reeling Energy" which is omitted from many other Yang versions. It also emphasizes pull-down, shoulder and elbow techniques as well as some fast kicks, which the more modern Yang Forms have removed. At 274 movements, this form is much longer than the standard versions; it actually takes an hour to complete. Tchoung's "annotated form" is composed of 120 movements. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Tchoung's method can be traced back to Yang Pan-hou and Yang Shao-hou, depending on which historian is believed. His students also teach his short form, pushing hands, applications, san shou, walking stick form, t'ai-chi chien, t'ai-chi tao and several other sword forms.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Tchoung also trained with <a linkindex="48" href="http://www.dotaichi.com/Articles/HsiungYang-HosSanShouForm.htm">Hsiung Young-ho</a> (1886-1984), who was a student of Yang Shao-hou. From Hsiung he learned the san shou fighting form. He trained in push hands with Cheng Man-Ching and was a friend and practice partner of Kuo Lien-ying, Wang Shu-chin, Yuan Tao and Wang Yen-nien. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Tchoung studied ch'i kung at China's O'mei Shan (Emei Shan) monastery in 1942. Tchoung also studied the "Nature School of Boxing" with Hsiung Chien-yuan of Hangchow. He was a renowned swordsman and studied many systems of sword. Teaching several methods to his followers.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Like his friend Kuo, Tchoung traveled around and tried out other martial artists. If he heard that master was supposed to be good at push hands, Tchoung would visit him. According to Laurens Lee: "He was famous in t'ai-chi ch'uan push hands in Taiwan. During that period of time, there was a statement in Taiwan's martial arts field: 'Big Tchoung cannot be moved, and Little Tchoung cannot be pushed off balance.' Big Tchoung referred to eagle-claw master Tchoung Fu-sheng, and Little Tchoung referred to Tchoung Ta-tchen." There are many students and teachers of the Tchoung system in Canada and the USA. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Fu Style<o:p> </o:p> Yang Cheng-fu taught several well-known instructors, including his son Yang Shau-chung, Tung Ying-chieh, Chen Wei-ming and Cheng Man-Ching. Each went off to teach his own version of the Yang style. Fu Zhen-song studied with Yang Cheng-fu and Sun Lu-tang, then formed his own style, which he called the Fu style. It combines t'ai-chi, hsing-i and pa kua chang.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Fu developed the form called liang-i, as well as his own version of pa kua. Fu's forms contain a lot spinning, twisting, body ripping, and backward and forward leaning. It is a very active and energetic form, which is a popular competition form. Well-known teachers include Bow Sim Mark in Boston, Massachusetts; and Victor Fu in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Tung (Dong) Style<o:p> </o:p> This is a variation of Yang Cheng-fu's form that is popular in Hawaii and Los Angeles. Tung Ying-chieh (1888-1961) is a famous teacher of the Yang style and was Yang Cheng-fu's assistant. He also helped edit Yang's book and wrote some of his own. Tung later developed his own form, which he taught his students after they learned the standard form. His son, Tung Fue-ling, taught the style in Hong Kong, Hawaii and Los Angeles.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The Tung version of the Yang style became popular in Los Angeles and Hawaii. Huang Wen-shin, a student of Tung Ying-chieh, is usually credited with popularizing t'ai-chi ch'uan in the Southern California area through his classes and his book, Fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan. Huang's students are still teaching a modified version of that form. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The Tung style is said to have descended from the Yang Cheng-fu form, and the Tung family added fast forms it developed and other forms. The style is characterized by higher elbow positions, angularity, a greater amount of hand tension and reduced usage of the waist than the Chang Ching-ling or softer derivatives. Some observers believe that the Tung form seems to place more emphasis on peng (ward-off energy) and less on yielding. It is a very straight forward form of t'ai-chi ch'uan. Tung Fue-ling's son Tung Kai-ying, teaches in Los Angeles.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Cheng Man-Ching Style<o:p> </o:p> Cheng Man-ch'ing was a well-known student of Yang Cheng-fu who wrote several books, including his famous Cheng's 13 Chapters on T'ai-Chi Ch'uan. He was famous for his pushing hands and had many students in Taiwan. Some historians have suggested that Cheng also trained with Chang Ching-ling and other students of Yang Shao-hou, but Cheng officially recognized only Yang Cheng-fu as his teacher.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Cheng at first taught the standard form but later shortened it to 37 movements. Cheng, who was well-known for his push hands and softness, also had very good kicking skills. He later moved to New York and started teaching there which lead to popularity of his form.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> There are stories which tell how Cheng was knocked unconscious twice while engaging in push hands with Yang Cheng-fu. He is also reported to not have gotten along with Kuo Lien-ying or Hsiung Yang-hou, who did not like his style. But was friends with Tchoung Ta-tchen who practice pushing hands with him. His friend Tchoung Ta-tchen moved to Canada.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Liang Tsung-tsai was his teaching assistant in Taiwan and moved to Boston where he taught his own long form version of Yang style. Liang wrote books on the art including, T'ai Chi Ch'uan for Health and Self-Defense. Several of Liang's students have published many books on their version of the art. Each teacher of Cheng form went their own way and there are now many versions and modifications of the Cheng Man-ch'ing form. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> In Taiwan he was a famous tai chi instructor. There were many skilled teachers who worked with him, some stayed in Taiwan such as Liu Se-heng, who inherited his school in Taiwan. Other famous students who moved to the United States, including Ben Lo, T. T. Liang, Abraham Liu and William Chen. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang Factionalism<o:p> </o:p> Many versions of Yang style are taught today. Some are called the "standard" or "authentic" versions and claim to be based on Yang Cheng-fu's 1930s form. In reality, t'ai-chi practitioners often shared information, sparred and worked out with practitioners of other styles, and this probably influenced everyone's technique. This was apparent before the cultural revolution in China and afterwards in Taiwan. No two masters seem to be doing the exact same form. According to Tchoung Ta-tchen this is to be expected, as no two person's energy is the same. According to Tchoung as long as the concepts are correct the small artistic differences are inconsequential. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Stagnant or Evolving?<o:p> </o:p> There are many examples of possible sharing of ideas. For example, Yang Lu-chan was a friend of Tung Hai-chuan the founder of pa kua. Do you think they did not work out together and discuss concepts? Hao Wei-chen was a friend of Yang Chien-hou and taught Sun Lu-tang. Chen Wei-ming, a well-known student of Yang Cheng-fu, was friends with Sun Lu-tang and studied pa kua chang and hsing-i chuan with him. As mentioned above, there is speculation that Cheng Man-ch'ing also worked with Chang Ching-ling and Yang Shao-hou's students. Yang Shao-hou was a friend of pa-kua chang legend Cheng Ting-hua. And Tchoung Ta-tchen was friends and training partners of Kuo lien Ying, Cheng Man-ch'ing, and Wang Shu-chin among others. It is very possible that their associates influenced their arts. One would be foolhardy to not think these men learned to adapt and allow their forms to evolve. According to Tchoung. "T'ai-chi ch'uan should adapt and evolve with current technology and knowledge," he claims it is a living, evolving art form. Otherwise it is just stagnant and against the Tao (Dao).<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang Family Discussions <o:p> </o:p> Currently there is a power struggle between the two factions of the Yang family: the Fu Zhong-wen side and the Yang Zhen-dou side. Fu began studying with his uncle, Yang Cheng-fu when he was 9. Fu became a disciple of Cheng, and his followers even say he was Yang Cheng-fu's favorite family disciple. Fu recently died, and his son, Fu Sheng-yu, carries on his art.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Yang Zhen-dou is the son of Yang Cheng-fu and is considered by many to be the fourth-generation inheritor of the Yang style, even though simple math shows that he was only 10 when his father died. But Yang and Fu had plenty of expert family members from who to learn so is very skilled. There seems to be some controversy as to whether Fu or Yang carried on the true from of Yang Cheng-fu. Basically Yang (surname) family members say only those related to the family with the Yang family name, can really claim they teach "Yang Family" t'ai chi. The say others teach "Yang Style" t'ai chi, Not "Yang Family Style", a distinction they want to make very clear. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Outwardly the patterns are the same, but there are significant differences in the way the two Yang forms are done. In the Yang Zhen-dou version, many of the movements - such as the one called "brush knee" - have a slight lean. (Interestingly, this is similar to how it's done in some versions of the "new Wu style.") But in the Fu version, the body is held upright, as is done in the Chen and Kuang Ping versions, Yang Zhen-dou argues that if you look at pictures of Yang Cheng-fu, you can see him lean. They both agree that their ways differ from other forms, as well. In reality it matters little, as to small differences in styles as long as one does the exercise, the benefits will follow. Similar arguments are found in Chen style and other forms as well.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Modern Forms<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> There are many new forms such as the "24 from "developed in 1956 by Committee on Mainland China. These were developed as calisthenics exercise methods and for competition. For example the 24 Simplified form is mainly Yang style used for exercise, but others such as the 48 and 66 Forms combine several styles methods into one form. Simplified sword forms have also been developed for exercise and competition. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Several of these new forms are designed as competition forms and lack the essence of the more traditional forms. Many schools teach the 24 Form as an introductory form to the art, while others only teach that form. Though many instructors of traditional methods have questioned the energetics of the 24 form, as it does not seem to have the same benefit as does the other more standard Yang forms. This may be due to an incorrect order of the techniques. In my opinion the equivalent to studying the 24 form would be learning the first section of the Traditional Yang, Tchoung or the Cheng form, and would give the student much better energetic results. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Conclusion <o:p> </o:p> As enlightened martial artists are fond of saying, the study of most any style will ultimately benefit the student. Therefore, the student should choose the style that most appeals to him. It is hoped that the historical and developmental information provided in parts one and two of this article will enable martial artists to better decide which style of t'ai-chi ch'uan best fits their need. Because numerous experts devoted their life to perfecting each version of the art, they all deserve to be respected.<o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Other articles can be found at <a linkindex="49" href="http://www.ctcca.org/" class="smarterwiki-linkify">www.ctcca.org</a> or <a linkindex="50" href="http://www.dotaichi.com/" class="smarterwiki-linkify">www.dotaichi.com</a> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Harvey Kurland is certified as a "Sifu", a professional teacher, of T'ai chi ch'uan by the Chinese T'ai Chi Ch'uan Association. He studied with many notable grandmasters including Kuo Lien Ying, Liang Tsung-tsai, Chen Xiaowang, and Tchoung Ta-tchen and others. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Kurland also has Professional Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and International Sports Sciences Association. Kurland has a Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology and a degree in Community Health Education. He did an internship with the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Institute in Seattle and did a preceptor ship in Sports Medicine at the University of Washington Medical School under Dr. James Garrick, where he did research into the effects of t'ai chi ch'uan. Kurland has taught exercise science, health education, and worked as a clinical exercise physiologist for many years. He was an Exercise Specialist in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation under Dr. Albert Kattus and worked with Dr. Ronald Mackenzie in Preventive Medicine. Kurland was the Director of Exercise Physiology for the National Athletic Health Institute and was in charge of testing most of the professional athletes in Southern California, including the LA Dodgers, Kings, Lakers, Rams and Lakers. He was also a consultant to LAPD Training Academy and was a member of the LAPD Medical Advisory Board. He is now a member of the LAPD Civilian Martial Art Advisory Panel. He currently teaches for University of California Riverside, Loma Linda University and Riverside Community College. Kurland has conducted several studies into the energy cost of t'ai chi ch'uan. He has published over 200 professional and lay articles on health, fitness, martial arts, and t'ai chi ch'uan. Note: Harvey Kurland's credentials are impeccable to say the least but I must question his comments about the 24 Simplified fom. I have been doing a 24 Step (Posture) Yang Style Form for over 19 years and if I generate anymore energy, I will be included in the new Green Energy Bill in Congress...lol! I have seen a couple of 24 Posture forms that just did not make sense because some of the postures interupted the flow of the form. If he is talking about this, then I can understand his analysis. This shows you the importance of finding the right teacher. Mine learned and trained with a "Family" Master in China. I have a copy of a VHS tape of her, yes "her",...performing my Form at normal and slow speed. It also contains a section with her teaching, I believe, 20 different Temple Exercises (Chi Kung) too. I plan on digitizing it when I learn how and saving it to my computer. I will then put it online for all to enjoy. I have never seen such calm focus and beautifully fluid movement in my life! <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); "><tbody><tr><td> </td></tr></tbody></table><fieldset class="zemanta-related"><legend class="zemanta-related-title">Related articles by Zemanta</legend><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://taichiblog.blogspot.com/2004/10/tai-chi-faq-what-is-tai-chi.html">Tai Chi FAQ - What is Tai Chi?</a> (taichiblog.blogspot.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.taichidepot.com/blog/2005/11/28/about-yang-zhenduo.htm">About Yang ZhenDuo.</a> (taichidepot.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.taichidepot.com/blog/2005/12/25/what-are-the-special-characteristics-in-the-competition-routines-of-the-chen-style-tai-chi-chuan.htm">What Are The Special Characteristics In The Competition Routines Of The Chen Style Tai Chi Chuan?</a> (taichidepot.com)</li></ul></fieldset><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px; "><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/e0c8e752-9c4b-4f4e-9a4a-63a33d72dc20/" title="Reblog this post [with Zemanta]"></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8770777139236435869-8874962853303702007?l=gatheringwisdom.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:1:{s:4:"type";s:4:"html";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}}s:4:"link";a:5:{i:0;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:0:"";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:4:{s:3:"rel";s:7:"replies";s:4:"type";s:20:"application/atom+xml";s:4:"href";s:78:"http://gatheringwisdom.blogspot.com/feeds/8874962853303702007/comments/default";s:5:"title";s:13:"Post Comments";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:1;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:0:"";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:4:{s:3:"rel";s:7:"replies";s:4:"type";s:9:"text/html";s:4:"href";s:101:"http://gatheringwisdom.blogspot.com/2009/10/history-of-tai-chi-chuan-is-disputed-to.html#comment-form";s:5:"title";s:10:"2 Comments";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:2;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:0:"";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:3:{s:3:"rel";s:4:"edit";s:4:"type";s:20:"application/atom+xml";s:4:"href";s:82:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8770777139236435869/posts/default/8874962853303702007";}}s:8:"xml_base";s:0:"";s:17:"xml_base_explicit";b:0;s:8:"xml_lang";s:0:"";}i:3;a:5:{s:4:"data";s:0:"";s:7:"attribs";a:1:{s:0:"";a:3:{s:3:"rel";s:4:"self";s:4:"type";s:20:"application/atom+xml";s:4:"href";s:82:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/877077" ) $data = array( "child" => array( "http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" => array() ), "type" => 512, "headers" => array( "x-frame-options" => "ALLOWALL", "content-type" => "application/atom+xml; charset=UTF-8", "expires" => "Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:58:33 GMT", "date" => "Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:58:33 GMT", "cache-control" => "public, max-age=0, proxy-revalidate, must-revalidate", "last-modified" => "Thu, 04 Feb 2010 09:21:24 GMT", "etag" => "W/D0UMRXY_fil7ImA9WxBWEko.", "x-content-type-options" => "nosniff", "x-xss-protection" => "0", "server" => "GFE/2.0", "transfer-encoding" => "chunked" ), "build" => "20090627192103" ) $items = 25 $feed = array( "data" => "", "attribs" => array(), "xml_base" => "", "xml_base_explicit" => false, "xml_lang" => "", "child" => array( "http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" => array(), "http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/" => array() ) ) $sql = "SELECT `data` FROM `items` WHERE `feed_id` = '802fc87b396607f881b728846619958dspc' ORDER BY `posted` DESC LIMIT 25"

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Gathering Wisdom

Basic Alignment and Relaxation for Tai Chi: Personal Tips from My Experience

Tai Chi is very beautiful to watch when performed by a skilled practitioner. It looks so effortless and easy. To move so effortlessly, though, requires years of daily practice. The body has to be completely retrained to correct the bad habits we learn starting in early childhood. When the Ego...

T'ai Chi Ch'uan Warm-up Exercises

When training in any physically demanding endeavor, it is very important to start each session with a good warm-up routine. This is especially true with Tai Chi because you not only need to Practice with a relaxed body but you must also have a relaxed and Centered mind. Below is...

Please Help Haiti: Compassion is at the Core of Our True Nature

All teachings of the "One Truth" by every true Sage throughout history has focused on Compassion for our fellow men without regard to who they are . Compassion to the point of Pure Empathy is at the Core of our True Nature. I heard some of the initial broadcasts from...

The Empty Space Revisited

I answered a question long ago on a Taoist Master's blog that ask, "What is the empty space?". I was relaxing just now when this question popped into my mind again. This imagery appeared to me of myself standing in the midst of our Source or God but with these...

Christmas: The Real Reason for Celebration

This is the Christmas holiday season again and my favorite time of the year. We All have so many reasons to celebrate here in the United States because most of us have something to eat, a roof over our heads, and no war raging around us. We are all truly...

The Path of Practice

I am writing these posts on T'ai Chi Ch'uan to help everyone interested in learning this incredible "tool" for mastering yourself and rediscovering the Divine within us All, our True Nature. This "Way", this Path, is at the core of the teachings of every Sage to ever walk this earth...

About.com Taoism

Palette

Pink clouds at dawn. Half-moon and the memory of migrating geese. ~ * ~ Palette originally appeared on About.com Taoism on Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 10:00:49.Permalink | Comment | Email this...

Kinesiology: Logic Meets Intuition

The basic premise of kinesiology, as summarized by Ben Calder, is that ... loss of muscle tone or weakness in the muscles has a direct relationship to weakness or loss of tone in one or several of the subtle bio-energy systems. This theory is supported by modern physics which demonstrate the...

Lingering

Moon at break of day, what memories it wakes of times when I lingered like the banked clouds that trail away in the dawn sky. ~ * ~ Ariake wa omoiide are ya yokogumo no tadayowatetsuru shinonome no sora ~ Saigyo, from Shinkokinshu (English version by Burton Watson) Lingering originally appeared on About.com Taoism on Tuesday, February...

Closing The Gap

It's just after dawn, in Boulder, Colorado, with the newly-waning moon drifting imperceptibly down, soon to disappear into the mountains. I had strange dreams last night, the result, I'm guessing - at least in part - of staying up later than I had anticipated, transfixed by Barrack Obama's Q&A session...

Connecting The Dots

"The energetic nature of consciousness that fosters all life is integrated by the Human heart-body-mind via bio-circuitry. The circuitry is the delivery system that integrates this Source Intelligence, translating this energetic electromagnetic life-force into the bio-informational matrix that is the vibratory infrastructure of the Human hologram ... This electromagnetic energy...

Stuck In 3D?

After seeing Avatar, I was reflecting on the instruction given, in certain meditation practices, to view the thoughts, feelings and images arising within our bodymind as being no more "real" than the images on a movie screen. This is an often-very-effective strategy for avoiding becoming stuck in the various story-lines,...

Pondering the Myriad Things

Week of Wellness

So I have decided to take a week off work next month for no particular reason other than that I need some time off. March and April are shaping up to be extremely busy at work, so I decided that the last week of February will be...

Things I've been doing when I'm not blogging...

So even though my energy level is at somewhat of an ebb these (many) days, I have managed to do a couple things. Today for example I finally collected seed from the snack pea and radish plants I've had drying on a laundry rack in the basement since September....

Circles

Here is it already January 6th, 2010. I've had this enso circle graphic ready to go for about a week now, thinking surely the New Year would inspire me to write something about the emptiness of the circle, and the potential it represents. How the middle part of...

As Greenpa would say...

...pick and iceberg and start pushing. Turns out Derrick Jensen (author of Endgame) says much the same thing in this excellent article.Also, Happy Solstice everyone! I know I am sure looking forward to more daylight instead of less. When we get to December 21 I know I can...

"World Class"

There has been a lot of talk around Edmonton over the past few years, and particularly the last several weeks, about what it takes to be a "world class" city. Ways to distinguish ourselves in this regard have been proposed in the form of elaborate signposts upon entry...

My Climate Change "Action Plan"

Since it is becoming increasingly obvious that there will be no binding agreement in Copenhagen next month about how to achieve necessary greenhouse gas emission reductions, I thought I would propose my own binding climate change mitigation strategy. Why not, eh? Members of the so-called "developed" world seem...

The Path of Water - 21st century Taoism

Taoism and Universal Healthcare

I'm interested in what Taoism can tell us about living in the real world and the decisions we make. In recent times the issue of some form of universal healthcare system has been proposed for the United States. As a beneficiary of and contributor to the UK National Health Service...

Season's Greetings

Whatever your beliefs I hope you have an enjoyable holiday season and a healthy and prosperous new year.In harmony with the Tao,the sky is clear and spacious,the earth is solid and full,all creatures flourish together,content with the way they are,endlessly repeating themselves,endlessly renewed.TTC Ch. 39 (12) ...

Taoism, Christmas and Ta Chiu

At Christmas time in Western countries it can be difficult for those of other or no faiths. Do you join in with the seasonal celebrations ignoring the Christian message, do you ignore it, or do you link it to celebrating a festival of your own at this time of year?While...

Taoism and blogging

I came across a really interesting blog today which I thought I'd recommend. It covers a wide range of subjects mostly from a Taoist/Buddhist perspective. IMHO it's excellent and it can be found at A Quiet Watercourse. I'll be adding it to my site's recommended blogs as well....

Taoism and dedication

I've been feeling for a while that this blog has been lacking in direction. I originally set it up as a place to explore Taoism and 21st century life but I don't feel that so far I've achieved what I set out to do. Now, it's in the nature of...

Hurrah!!!

I just received notification that somebody has suggested this site for inclusion in the Daily Reviewer top 100 Taoism blogs (are there 100 Taoism blogs?????) and that this site has been selected. Thanks very much for whoever submitted the details....

Beyond the Fields We Know

Leaf in Snow

A single faded and almost transparent leaf is highlighted against the intense blue of newly fallen crystalline snow.The essence of wabi sabi, it forms a simple, stark and delicate composition on a bitterly cold morning....

Friday Ramble - Song

In the beginning was the word, and the word was sung. According to a wealth of traditions on this island earth, existence began with a Singer and a creation song, a creation narrative sung or chanted at the dawn of time when all was a formless void. Everything in...

Thursday Poem - Mind Wanting More

Only a beige slat of sunabove the horizon, like a shade pullednot quite down. Otherwise,clouds. Sea rippled here andthere. Birds reluctant to fly.The mind wants a shaft of sun tostir the grey porridge of clouds,an osprey to stitch sea to skywith its barred wings, some dramaticmusic: a symphony,...

Wordless Wednesday - Winter Light

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Imbolc - Blessing for Hearth Keepers

This morning's photo and poem are my contributions to this year's 5th Annual Cyberspace Poetry Slam Honoring the Goddess Brigid, and many "thank yous" to my mermaid sister Joanna for reminding me.I can think of no more poetic offering for this day than the lovely and light-filled Blessing for Hearth-Keepers...

On the Eve of Brigid's Day (Imbolc)

Light is much on one's mind in January and February: pale sunlight coming through a kitchen window in early morning, moonlight and starlight in cold evening skies, firelight flickering in a fireplace or wood stove, the golden halo of a beeswax candle burning in the window.This is the eve of...

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Which Way do You Flow?

In my exploration of Hatha Yoga and more recently Taoist Qi-Gong practices, I have come across two d...

Male - Female by Lao Tse

He who is aware of the male but keeps the female becomes the ravine (the symbol of the female) of th...

We Only Know Good Because There Is Evil

The Yin Yang teaches us of duality. We can only know beauty because there is ugly. We only know lig...

My Taoist Teacher

Wu Wei is one of the principles of Taoism. It means “not forcing.” It took my kindergart...

Tao Verse 24, Limit Yourself

By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try...

Tao Te Ching-Two Versions

tao-te-ching-illustrated taote_legge...

The Taoist Biker

Last-minute cancellation

Sorry folks – Dys and I are talking about Boy and school stuff and we really need to keep on this roll, so I’m going to cancel the radio show for tonight. It didn’t seem like anyone was chomping at the bit to call in (Tiff, you probably need the...

In case you need a primer…

There’s a little football game going on this weekend, and in a chat with a coworker I was reminded of one of the best descriptions of football I ever heard. By Andy Griffith. I heard it for the first time when one of my teachers played it on a cassette to my...

Radio Show Tonight!

February might be a short month, but that doesn’t mean you get to escape. RADIO SHOW TIME! The big button above (or this link) will take you to my radio show profile page. The show will go live at 10pm Eastern time tonight. Click on the big-ass button above or click the link to...

By the way…

RADIO SHOW THURSDAY NIGHT. (For those new to the drill, here’s the last explanatory post, for January’s show. I largely cut and paste the same damned thing every month anyway.) Topics, anyone? In honor of February, should everyone have to relate a romantic story, funny or otherwise? Tell of a memorable kiss? Or...

Don’t Drive Angry

You’ve gotta check your mirrors. Just…side of your eye, side of your eye. I love that damned movie. “OK campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties ‘cuz it’s COOOOLD out there today!” “It’s COOOLD out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?” “Not hardly!” Bad news, folks. I saw my shadow today....

Crunch Time Redux

Y’all remember my last Crunch Time back in November? Well, the bad news is, I’m back at it again. The good news is, I’m back at it again for a short term…because the old Crunch Time paid off. Woohoo! Hopefully I won’t have to cut back too much this time, but if...

Diary of a Daoist Hermit

Inward Training: the Nei-Yeh

I've spent the last couple weeks diving into some of the new scholarship on Daoism. What's really exciting for me is that a body of research is being created for Daoism that is similar to what already exists for Christianity. That is to say that books are now...

Environmental Vow: Part Four

The Problem with Sacred Cows Another structural problem that undermines any significant approach to the environmental problems is that any significant attempt to deal with them can only do so by threatening two pillars of human society that are so fundamental that they are...

Making a Homunculus

One of the things that separates Daoism from other religious world-views is the way it has traditionally posited that the human body is an important part of the spiritual man. In contrast, most other religions have tended towards a form of dualism where something like a "soul" inhabits a...

Latest Instalment "Environmental Vow"

I'm still grinding away at my essay instead of working on the blog. I have lots of great ideas for blog posts, but no time. :-( Exponential Versus Linear Thinking Beyond the issue of positive feedback, there is one further element of the current crisis...

Next Post from "Environmental Vow"

This is the next part of the book I am writing. It doesn't really have much directly to do with Daoism, but it does address the issue of why I am what people usually call a "religious" instead of a "philosophical" Daoist. I'm using the provisional title of...

Intro to my Work-In-Progress

I've been a bit negligent in posting to my blog over the last few months. Primarily, this is because I have been working on writing a long essay about an issue related to Daoism, but not directly relevant. I've been on the horns of a dilemma about whether...

A Quiet Watercourse

Not just a river in Egypt

I’ve been watching the economics news over the last couple of weeks of writers’ block with a sinking feeling. Nobody mentions the Elephant in the room, the end of Oil and the limits to growth. There just seems to be a vague feeling of ‘oh, somebody must do something’, but no...

Happy Christmas

I’d just like to start by wishing everyone reading this a happy Christmas and a great New Year. Well, I’ve had another time of being distracted and quiet it seems, I’m hoping to return to a regular posting sachedule in the new year....

Codes and Prejudices

I was keeping an eye on the IT news the other day, I saw an interesting article about the way we are being forced into conformity by the corporations we work for. The author mentioned a recent case, where a person who is very passionate about climate change was...

Spirituality and Religion

Quite some time ago (in 2006 in fact), I commented on the difference between Spirituality and Religion. Over time I’ve stuck to my guns, that they are NOT the same thing, and I’ve seen a few comments around the place that have made me want to revisit this old territory...

Sitquietly Online Meditation Timer updated.

I’ve been taking notice of the feedback I’ve received on the online version of my meditation timer. I’d like to thank everyone who’s given me feedback and I’ve made a few changes to it. This is what I’ve changed: Added details to instructions to clarify what to expect when running the...

Responsibility of speech

I have a couple more things to say on the subject of speech and racism, and I’ll start with responsibility for our speech. This is a theme that I’ve covered before and I feel that the time is right to revisit it and write a little more. We all are...

Taoism News

Integrity (a3 4 ) and Gays in the Military

A friend put me on to this connection... This week the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, came out in support of repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that had maintained a bar on homosexuals serving in the US military....

What is Shinto? An Overview of Ancient Japanese Mythology

Shinto began in ancient times as a shamanistic practice of nature worship much like the early druids....

How Not to Hurry

Slow down and enjoy life. a oeNature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.a ~ Lao Tzu Post written by Leo Babauta ....

What is the Tao? Evolution of Philosophical and Religious Taoism

China is known as a place of great mysticism and lore. The Chinese culture is commonly associated with a celebration of mythical heroes, gods, and mythical creatures like the dragon....

Crazy Tao v9073 Client

Size : 612.83MB Downloads : 8 Hosted since : January 21, 2010, 4:12 pm Filename : Crazy_Tao_9073_client.zip Description: Crazy Tao is a MMOARPG, developed by TQ Digital Entertainment....

Urban Hermit Retreat

There is no mountain, lake, creek, or even grass. On a snowy, bone-chilling weekend at busy intersection of Olive Blvd, St....

Changing Places

Blooming

A person with true self-acceptance is “a person with full awareness of self in body, mind and spirit. This person’s center of consciousness (Hsing – “Heart Flower”) is in full bloom, ready to receive power from above, openly relating to and being reflected by others.” “Find the seed at the bottom...

The Way of Elegance

“Something is elegant if it is two things at once: unusually simple and surprisingly powerful. One without the other leaves you short of elegant. And sometimes the “unusual simplicity” isn’t about what’s there, it’s about what isn’t. At first glance, elegant things seem to be missing something… Elegant ideas—products, services,...

What our ash tree is becoming…..

It was a pleasure to meet you Saturday. I have been working on the first ash bowl. It’s a natural edge. The wood is still wet. It will be a few days until I can get a finish on it. When I do it would be a pleasure to give one like this...

Enchantment

Enchantment Do not shorten the days spent with Enchantment, by asking questions from a restless mind. For Heaven’s sake, abandon yourself to her authentic magic and leave earthly logic far behind. Her influence will guide you toward a mystical opportunity, offering you a chance to be reborn. As the universe extends to you a brand new energy, so that you are truly...

Seeking Clarity

Express yourself: That is meaning. Ask yourself each day, “What remains unexpressed within me?” Whatever it is, bring it out. But be judicious. The rantings of mad people do not yield greater freedom. Those who are with Tao use expression to find greater understanding of themselves and so find liberation from ignorance and...

Inadequate

“And whatever your path is at this moment, every single step is equal in substance. Every step actualizes the self. Every moment of practice is always the koan of having to agree to your condition, to bring unlimited friendliness to what you are, just as you are, right now. Even...

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