The History and Evolution of Tai Chi

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The History and Evolution of Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a result of the Chinese Taoists. The Taoists in their observation of nature found nothing was entirely still. If prey stayed in one place, the beasts of the forest would take advantage. They also found that this principle applied to humans as well and that if they remain stagnant, it opened the door for disease and old age. From this revelation, the Taoists began creating martial art forms, as well as using yoga introduced from India, to be active. It is believed that this is where Tai Chi has its roots.

During the 13th century and the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 CE) Cheung San Fung (Zhang Sanfeng) was a member of the Wudang sect of Taoism under the branch of the School of Neidan or Internal Alchemy. This schooling believed in the return to origin or Tao, spiritual health and being at harmony with the Tao. It has been said that Cheung observed many animals which lived long lives including the turtle and crane and that he used these observations in conjunction with the principles of the Tao Te Ching and I Ching to derive the movements of Tai Chi.

There is some controversy over who started Tai Chi because the written record was not perfect. However most of the places which I have researched and the information received from my instructor follow what I have mentioned.

But what is Tai Chi? Tai Chi actually has 3 functions: Health; Meditation and Protection.

Tai Chi is a series of movements which are slow, controlled and methodically placed.

Tai Chi for health is based on the chi of a person. Chi literally translated stands for "breath", yet it is more commonly referred to as life force or energy. It is believed that the chi flows through a person freely and...

... middle of paper ...

...hat people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis who practiced Tai Chi had a better quality of living.

In closing, Tai Chi was originally designed as a method for a person to meditate and work on their own harmony of yin and yang for the ultimate purpose of joining with the Origin or Tao. Now 700 years later it evolved with time and has become a gentle exercise used by people all over the world.

Sources

"History of Tai Chi Chuan." University of Utah. October 5, 2007.

"Tai Chi Chuan." Middle Tennessee State University; J. Purcell. October 11, 2007.

"Tai Chi." Tai Chi Academy. October 13, 2007.

"Taijiquan and its Taoist Lineage." International Taoist Tai Chi Society. October 10 2007.

Horstman, Judith. "Tai Chi". Arthritis Today. October 10, 2007.

Leporati, James L., "Taoism and Tai Chi Chuan". Patience T'ai Chi Associtation. October 10, 2007.

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