| Feature Article
The Essentials of Hun Yuan Tai Chi
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Grandmaster Feng Zhi Qiang (1928- ), founder of
the Hun Yuan system, is one of the world’s leading exponents in the art
of Tai Chi. Students who have met Grandmaster Feng on our trips to
China are impressed by his power and gentleness. He truly embodies the
principles of Tai Chi; a perfect example of strength in relaxation.
Grandmaster Feng talks about the importance of connecting
our intention with nature when practising. The Hun Yuan system
emphasises the wholistic relationship that involves earth, human and
sky. This connection is vital in order to achieve the higher levels of
practice. The close and open principle that is present throughout the
Tai Chi form is one of the keys. Our qi or vital energy sinks to the
earth and expands to the sky. Our mind, body and spirit unite and
experience the joy of harmony and flow.
To help us
feel this connection, Grandmaster Feng
highlights these essentials that we should observe in our practice:
Calmness in Mind, Heart and Spirit
When you are standing in readiness to commence the form,
calm your mind, quiet your heart and maintain a peaceful spirit. In
traditional Chinese culture, the term “Wu Wei” or “Nothingness” is used
to describe the perfect state before any external movement. When we
practise this way on a regular basis, we begin to feel our qi. The more
we practise, the more our qi is strengthened, the stronger the
sensation.
In daily life, calmness of mind and a quiet heart allow
us to know things and ourselves more deeply. Inspiration and
insights are born out of calmness and peacefulness. Abiding in
such a
state gives our minds space and our bodies a time to relax and heal.
Relaxing
When we practise Tai Chi, we learn to relax and be
joyous. It is like floating effortlessly
in a swimming pool. There is no need to tense up. We just
relax and float. A relaxed attitude is not the same as being
slack. We in fact become more attentive but not anxious. We
allow each experience to unfold naturally without trying to control.
We are present but not intense. We pay attention with our whole
being, not just our minds.
When you relax, you begin to feel the weight of your
body. When Grandmaster Feng placed his relaxed arm on us, we found it
very difficult to move. Somehow, the weight of his whole body is
transferred through his arm.
Equilibrium
Physical equilibrium means good posture without tension.
Correct alignment from the crown of the head to the coccyx (the
tailbone) – without leaning – is very important in Tai Chi. Equilibrium
also refers to the mind, that is, maintaining our centre, not being
easily thrown off balance. When we are unsure of ourselves, we are
easily influenced by whatever is happening around us.
In our training, the stronger our internal, the less we
are affected by negativities. Correct training will enable you to clean
your organs of toxins more efficiently, so that you become less
irritable and less prone to mood swings.
Good practice is pleasurable. It releases tensions and
leaves you feeling happy and peaceful. It is unlikely that one will
feel the need to turn to drugs, excessive alcohol or any other addictive
behaviours.
Tai Chi training is like climbing a mountain. Your
practice is your daily journey up the mountain path. The higher you go,
the more challenges you meet and the more rewards you gain. Enjoy your
journey. It gives your life greater meaning and potential.
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