13
QUESTION AND ANSWERS by Master
Huang Sheng- Shyan
1
Q: Are there different schools or sects of Tai Ji ?
Answer:
Tai Ji embodies a comprehensive set of knowledge,developed and handed down by
our learned predecessor with mystifying principles and profound philosophical
learnings. The Tai Ji movements are scientific as the principles are based on
scientific fundamentals.Our predecessors developed the art for improving human
health,warding off sickness,slowing down the ageing process,achieving longevity
and defending oneself. All this benefits mankind and society. Good character
formation is promoted. An adherent imbibed with the Dao(or philosophy as a way
of life)of Tai Ji would contribute towards proper governance of the country and
universal peace.tai Ji is not a martial art meant for bragging and antagonistic
purpuses. A Tai Ji exponent wouldneed to understand the principles and
philosophy of Tai Ji.No one should deviate from these principles and philosohpy.
The
movements can be developedand modified but the principles are eternal. The
external forms may differ from person to person but the principles are standart
and unvarying. Because of this,there is no basis for differentiation by
schools.Instead a spirit of a single family should prevail. Common interest of
the art should take precedence over personal interest. An open attitude should
emerge,bearing in mind the spirit of the founder and predecessors to propagate
the philosophy of Tai Ji thoughout the world so as to improve the health of
mankind.
2
Q:How should we practice Tai Ji in order to reach accuracy?
Answer:
The gap between accurate and non-accurate achievement is wide. Remember the words
of the old master,Wang Tsung Yueh that the body must be naturally and vertically
balanced bearing in mind the principles of being relaxed,rounded and awareness
of the various parts of the body. During practice of the set movements,one must
be careful,concious or alert,observant and must feel where one is moving.
Otherwise there is form without substance and deception to people.To
achieve accuracy,the principles of Tai Ji must be followed in addition to
correct methods of practising. A good master is necessary coupled with one's own
constant research. The art must be learned progressively having to be on firm
ground first before advancing to the next step. Personal requirements are also
important.One must be determant,confident,persevering and motivated. A secure
means of livelihood and having normal environment coupled with single-mindedness,constant
learning and practice and clear understanding of the principles throroughly -
all this will lead to achievment of accuracy. This is in contrast to those who
want to learn fast,who concern themselves with the external forms and who learn
to practise sporadically.These hope to learn first and be corrected later not
realising that it is worse than having a new person learning from scratch.
Others
take the principles of Tai Ji lightly or superficially and liken the art to a
common exercise,drill or dance. All this has form but no substance.One's body
must be likened to a perfect machine where a wrong spare part will affect the
operation of the machine. The founder of Tai Ji has said,"Achieving the Dao
is important,acquiring the skill in the art is secondary; not learning my Dao,he
is not my student." Therefore also important would be honesty and
righteousness or a good moral character.
3
Q: There are different forms of Tai Ji?Are the principles different?
Answer:
The founder created the art. But through the years,the forms of Tai Ji have
differed: some have 24 basic movements while others have 37; some have 64 set
movements and some have 72 while others have 108 movements or even 124. There are
long sets and short sets. Movements have been large and expansive and have been
small and compact.Some emphasised high postures; others opt for low ones. Some
practise slowly;others practise at a faster pace.All this divergence is writter
by men. What is important is that the principles remain the same. Different
masters with different temperaments have been following the basic principles
through the ages. They have engaged in continous research and training.They have
reviewed and improved the art until the ultimate pbjective is achieved where
form becomes formless,limbs are no more important, brute force becomes
nonexistent and stiffness has given way to being fully relaxed. Character
formation has advanced to the stage of "non-self" and of
non-resistance so that the whole body is used and hands are no more used as
hands. Youthfulness and longevity are attained. It is easy to master correct forms
as the Qi and the principles of the art are internally harmonised. Harmonisation
is also to be achieved between the upper,middle and lower parts and between the
left and the right body. Even though difficult it is relatively easier to master
correct forms compared to aquiring skill in the art.This is so as in training or
practising there are a number of normally undetectable parts of the body that
are difficult to keep under control from the aspects of speed,timing,rhythm and
balance. Because of this,skill in the art is difficult to acquire.But then as the
founder says,"Understanding one portion of the art would mean being
enlightened on all portions or parts.Then all schools and sects become
one."
4
Q: Is it better to practise Tai Ji more frequently or less frequently?
Answer:
There are no extremes in Tai JI. The essence is in the training method. If the
method is not correct,it is no different from ordinary drills with a lot of time
spent but relatively little achievement. So it is not a question of practising
more or less frequently but practising correctly. That is,the central equilibrium
must be vertically maintained. Every movement must be disciplined such that the
posture is vertically balanced. The principles remain unchanged:there is
straightness in a curve and vice versa. There must be constant learning and
practice,understanding the principles and the less obvious points.Mastery of
this will produce skill naturally. There is no question,therefore of practising
too much or too little but rather of practising correctly.
5
Q: Is it correct to practise the art fast or to practise it slow?
Answer:
The earth rotates at a constant and specific rate. Similary,Tai Ji should not be
practised too slowly or too fast but should be practised comfortably. The human
body must be moved naturally otherwise there would be weaknesses. If the
practice is too fast,breathing is affected resulting in uneven respiration,breathlessnessand
the heart pulsating too fast. If the practice is too slow,the limbs and the
joints become stiff. Qi is blocked and is locally stagnant: intent or
consciousness is employed but the Qi is not flowing.Internal force and Qi must
be synchronised.Internally,there is the harmony of the libido,energy,Qi and
spirit while externally,the mind,consciousness(or intent)and body are also
harmonised and in turn both the internal and external harmonies are
synchronised.Muscles must be relaxed and all parts of the body are naturally
without tension. It is not possible therefore to saypractising fast is correct or
practising slow is correct as this has to be based on the standard or level of
achievement of the student. One must practise until the whole body is relaxed and
comfortably balanced. Once there is internal and external synchronisation,then
the question of slow and fast in practice is unimportant. At this stage,one gets
the feeling that the upper portion of the body is like the drifting of clouds
and the lower portion is like the flowing of water. Consciousness is continuous
and is harmonised with movement. All parts of the body are natural and are
unified. There is then no question of being fast or slow.
6
Q: Is it correct to have either high or low postures in the set movements of Tai
Ji?
Answer:
The art of Tai Ji does not distinguish high and low postures,but is rather based
on the idea of four "balances" or equilibriums: 1 balance in the
magnitude of the posture or movement such as both sides of the body must have
"balanced" amount of spatial displacement when moving; 2 accuracy or
precision achieved simultaneously by all parts of the body; 3 bodily balance
when moving or turning; 4 steadiness particularly when moving.
External and internal balance or harmony must be cultivated where there is no
slanting of the central axis of the body.when hind force is invoked,the hind
knee being bend will move up or straighten slightly though the height of the
body remains unchanged.This is so as consciousness(or intend) and Qi would"close"centrally
instead of coming up while the bent knee is used to adjust accordingly.
Consciousness is used to lead the muscles in relaxing. Joints,muscles
and ligaments must then be loosened,relaxed and "thrown"open but still
linked. The body is then erect and comfortable.consciosness is also used to
"move"Tai Ji principles to parts of the body. Having achieved"four
balances and eight steadiness,"the question of high and low postures is
then answered individually.
7 Q
: How can substantiality and insubstantiality be distinguished between left and
right or between top and bottom parts of the body?
Answer:
The muscles,the skeleton and the nerves are parts of the body system. when
practising the movements,the use of consciousness to sink and relax the body is
most important. The centre of gravity is moved while perserving the uprightness
of the central axis of the body.It is important to focus on steadiness,tranquillity,relaxation
and rootedness. The movements propel the external movements in a continuous or
uninterrupted fashion.Internal force is gernerated with turning movements. After
a long time,the whole body is in balance. When left and right is distinguished,one
is substantial and the other insubstantial along the pattern of "cross
alignment". For instance,together with the distinction between top and
bottom parts of the body,when the left upper part of the body is substantial,the
left lower part is insubstantial and similarywhen the right upper part of the
body is substantial,the right lower part is insubstantial. This pattern of cross
alignment is used in shifts of the centre of gravity from one leg to the other.
This is similar to the "cross-roads"of the nervous system.When
moving Qi,therefore,one must separate substantial from insubstantial,move the
step without moving the body or moving the body and not the hand. If in moving a
step,the body also moves,then it is not separating substantial from
insubstantial.If in moving the body,the hand also moves, then the shoulder and
the hands are not relaxed.It is important to follow the principles of using
consciousness to propel movement. The top and bottom,left and right portions of
the body must be coordinated.a rounded grinding stone may move but the centre is
not moving. All parts of the body become one system characterised by lightness
and agility,roundness and smoothness,even respiration,alternate opening and
closing like that of the sea where with movement from one part of the sea,all
parts are also moved. The movements are guided by consciousness and are properly
regulated like the regular movements of the waves in the sea.
8
Q: How could the movements be practised in order that they can be usefully
applied?
Answer:
Take the five loosening(or relaxing) exercises as an illustration.These
exercises are based on Tai JI principles. During practice there must be full
concentration since any distraction will nullify any effects. Bear in mind the
three points of non-mobility:the head which must be locked on to the body,the
hands which must not move of its own volition and the soles of the feet which
must be still and rooted to the ground. Consciousness(or intend)will lead the Qi
along. Steps are made without affecting or moving the body. Turning movements
start from the waist and hips with hands propelled from the waist and hips in
accordance with the principle that all movements originate from the waist.
Principles must be understood and no movements are separated from the principles.
Once you make it internally you are also "through" externally. Once you are fully relaxed,you can change according to circumstances
and can therefore,neutralise an oncoming force.You would have reached that
position of "non-self" where the whole body is the weapon and the
hands are no more used as hands. If you are not able to usefully apply your
movements then you still have not understood the basics of the five relaxing
exercises. If you have not mastered the essentials,then there is no point of
talking about application of the movements.
9 Q
: What is the rationale for relaxing the abdomen and withdrawing the coccyx(or
tailbone)?
Answer:
Qi is stored in the Dan Tien as a result of using consciousness to sink the Qi
to this point. From here Qi should circulate to the whole body. If Qi just remains
in the Dan Tien,then the abdomon will have the sensation of being styffed. Only
when Qi circulates throughout the body will the abdomen be relaxed and pliable.
After
a time,the abdomen will acquire some "bouncy" or"springy"
effect and Qi would have been circulating to the whole body. Qi can be occluded
or absorbed into the backbone. the Song of the Thirteen Postures says,"If
the abdomen is thoroughly relaxed,then the Qi will rise." So do not just
store the Qi in the abdomen otherwise it will simply bloat.Having coccyx
withdrawn means there is no protrusion of the buttocks while making sure at the
same ime that the hip joints are not"sliding"forward. This must be
combined with relaxing the abdomen and both requirements must be met at the same
time.Otherwise,there is no rootness while the waist is stiff resulting in
vertical imbalance or disequilibrium. It is important to maintain the uprightness
of the central axis of the body in order to achieve central equilibrium. A test
can be made as follows to see whether all this has been done correctly all along:use
one thump to press the abdomen and release the thumb suddenly. There should be a
bouncing or springy effect of the abdomen. At the same time,the seat of the
buttocks behind should be very soft to the touch.
10
Q : What is true spirit of Tai Ji?
Answer:
Good and famous masters of Tai Ji teach the same stuff but students will learn
differently.This is because students differ in natural endowment and physical
make-up.The real acquisition of the art is not in just mastering the external
forms but also in mastering the principles and philosophy.The learner must be a
man of reason having learnt,practised and understood the art successfully.He
applies those principles and philosophy to his daily life. He will not take
unfair advantage or be selfish.He is wholeheartedly devoted to Tai Ji.He shares
the founder's spirit of striving for mankind to be physically and mentally
healthy.This would be the true Tai Ji spirit.
11Q:
How many times must we practice the set movements everyday?
Answer:
The important principle is moderation. The practising technique must be correct
in the first place.Some people say you must practise the whole set of movements
ten times a day with one set lasting about 25 minutes. This only focuses on
quantity and is wasting Qi and energy. It is contrary to the basic principles of
Tai Ji succeeding in only making you sweat and reducing weight. It is not
beneficial to the development of the internal force,internal organs or gererally
the body internally. Grandmaster Cheng Man Ching has said,"I practise the
mobilisation of the internal force and Qi using the 37 basic movements every
day. One set of movements lasts only 7 minutes." Practising too much or too
little is subject to whether it is practised correctly or not. Utilising my
experience and following my practising technique,students are encouraged to
practise every morning and evening using about 5 minutes to practise a
particular movement or posture(dividing each of them into 2 parts)over and over
again.Those studens who do so are likely to succeed.
12
Q: Some students have been learning and practising Tai Ji for several years and
are yet unstable.Why is this so?
Answer:
A lot of students are using wrong learning and practising technique. Students
must start with understanding the Dao of philosophy,then the principles,then
using the correct method and finally putting in the effort. He must understand
the relationship of man and his surroundings or the universe and use the method
of Qi to practice.He must be humble and persistent in his practice. Slowly,rootedness
will result and the method of practising be understood. Understand the principles
and be aware of the less obvious and unnoticeable aspects in slowing acquiring
skill. Being rooted and having internal force can never be observed
externally.They can be accomplished through correct method.In practising the
movement and developing the internal force,the joints of the body must be
loosened and yet linked. The whole body is relaxed and is not easily pushed over
by an opponent.Substantiality is distinguished from insubstantiality.Aim to be
flexible and pliable like a snake whose tail will come in to help if you attack
the head,or vice versa or whose tail and head will assist when the centre is
attacked.Be responsive to consciousness(or intent),then tranquillity and
pliability can be achieved.It is easier to lift off a 200 katies iron rod than
to lift up a 100 katies iron chain.This illustrates the principles of
throroughly relaxed joints.Students must also understand the application of yin
and yang in the movements and push hand exercises. Yin and yang principles are in
Tai Ji which encompasses the universe:all movements whether divided according to
upper and lower body,right and left,front and back,internal and external must
not deviate from the principles of substantiality and insubstantiality. Moving
and stillness alternate continously:Yin does not depart from Yang and vice
versa. When Yang moves,Yin also moves and vice versa. This principle must be
understood when practising the set movements. The body and the character is
trained together as is the acquisition of the Dao and the art.Dao is likened to
yin while the art or skill is the yang. Yang is evolved from yin at yin's
completion.Being relaxed,stillness and being rooted become yin
comonents.Neutralisation of force forms the basic foundation where no strength
is used.Stillness is like that of the mountain.No change is seen but it is
capable of a lot of changes. The founder has said,"Dao is the basis,art is
the consequential". One must therefore acquire Dao by learning not to resist,for
only then will the body learn to be obedient. In attacking and defending,one must
understand the method,then acquire insubstantiality and quietude. Only then will
the defence be solid.Attacking will also be successful as one is naturally
comfortable. In pushing hands exercise,one must learn to achieve non-resistance
and stickiness. Having achieved stickiness,then one can achieve the ability to
neutralise force.With adequate reserves,the neutrasising ability is applied with
an involuntary exertion of internal force.
13
Q: How should a student relate to his teacher?
Answer:
In the present day,science is very advanced affecting all aspects of human
endeavour day by day. This gives rise to stress and keen competition in business
having a telling effect on the spirit. This is a common malady.This is why Tai Ji
an ancient art,is popular and a common practice. It has no secrets.It is
equitable to all as it discriminates against no student. But students often
commit errors in practising the art.Students should bear in mind the following
pointers:
1
Respect the teacher and accept the philosophy or Dao of the art;
2 Be honest and do not take unfair advantage;
3 Be conscientious and serious,think,observe and feel or being aware during
practice;
4 Progress step by step;
5 Be humble and practice constantly;
and 6 follow all the principles mentioned earlier when practising by themselves.