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Tai Chi Chuan

Let the symbol speak of the necessity to physically balance the two great forces of yin and yang. One of the best ways to understand Daoism is to practice the martial art of Tai Chi Chuan, which is the physical connection to the “supreme ultimate” and the way to balance the destructive and constructive yin and yang, Tai Chi also teaches the correct way to breathe the chi, the driving force of psychological, physiological, and spiritual balance and health. Because the positive and negative energies need natural ways to balance, the mediative and physical practices of Tai Chi highlight the Daoist belief in the limitation of words, judgments, and mental concepts.

Tai Chi encompasses three fundamental components that contribute to its holistic approach to physical and mental well-being: stillness/movement, balance/harmony, and empty/full.

1. Stillness/Movement: Tai Chi represents a state of acceleration, causing the center to slow down and become still while the outside remains in continuous motion. Stillness in Tai Chi emphasizes a serene and centered state amidst movement rather than immobility. Movement serves as both an expression of energy and a method for enhancing balance and flexibility.
2. Balance/Harmony: Tai Chi embodies the concept of Yin and Yang, mutually supporting distinct forces. Balance is a fundamental principle in Tai Chi, encompassing physical equilibrium and philosophical harmony of opposing forces.
3. Empty/Full: Tai Chi is a state of opposition, where separate elements build and store power while remaining connected and unified. This equilibrium between empty and full fosters dynamic motion and balance.