One of the difficulties one may encounter when looking at the texts presented as important for the practice is their cryptic language. It can be understood that some of the inner experiences can only be passed on in poetic form. It is also understood that early texts come from oral traditions tend to come in "songs" or texts that are easier to memorize.
For example, this text has the suggestive name of "The Song of True Meaning of Tai Chi Chuan". It certainly attracts attention also because it is reported by two important authors like Yang Jwing Ming (楊俊敏) and Jou Tsung Hwa (周宗樺). So, definetely something that the serious practicant should pay attention to.
In the other hand, beyond the evocations it brings, it is difficult to have an indication of how it should influence our practices. At least, if it is not commented by the practice with a recognized Master.
For example, this text has the suggestive name of "The Song of True Meaning of Tai Chi Chuan". It certainly attracts attention also because it is reported by two important authors like Yang Jwing Ming (楊俊敏) and Jou Tsung Hwa (周宗樺). So, definetely something that the serious practicant should pay attention to.
In the other hand, beyond the evocations it brings, it is difficult to have an indication of how it should influence our practices. At least, if it is not commented by the practice with a recognized Master.
太極拳真義訣
無形無象，全身透空。
忘物自然，西山懸磬。
虎吼猿鳴，泉清水靜。
翻江鬧海，盡性立命。
無形無象，全身透空。
忘物自然，西山懸磬。
虎吼猿鳴，泉清水靜。
翻江鬧海，盡性立命。
"No shape, no shadow.
The entire body is transparent as air.
Forget your surroundings and be natural.
Like a stone chime suspended from the West Mountain.
Tigers roaring, monkeys screeching.
Clear fountain, peaceful water.
Turbulent river, stormy ocean.
Develop your whole body and mind to their full extent."
From the book The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan" (太極拳之道), by Jou Tsung Hwa (周宗樺) and "Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan" by Yang Jwing Ming (楊俊敏) based on the translations proposed in both books.
The entire body is transparent as air.
Forget your surroundings and be natural.
Like a stone chime suspended from the West Mountain.
Tigers roaring, monkeys screeching.
Clear fountain, peaceful water.
Turbulent river, stormy ocean.
Develop your whole body and mind to their full extent."
From the book The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan" (太極拳之道), by Jou Tsung Hwa (周宗樺) and "Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan" by Yang Jwing Ming (楊俊敏) based on the translations proposed in both books.
Is there a known writer of the The Song of True Meaning of Tai Chi Chuan..or is it anonymous?
ReplyDeleteHello Gary, as far as I could get from different sources in the literature in English, Lǐ Dàozi (李道子) a taoist from the 7th or 8th century is its author. It is also pointed that he was proficient in something called "The Thirteen Postures Boxing", noted sometimes as an ancestor of Tai Chi Chuan (you can check here fore example).
DeleteAs with any ancient authorship this is very difficult to verify (both the authorship and even the existence of some of these historical figures), I take this more as a hypothesis that has been passed down by tradition than anything else.
And I think this is the point: it is a text that is in the tradition of the art. Wether it's origins are the ones mentioned or another, the contents are part of the body of knowledge being transmitted.
Cheers
Thanks!
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