The History and Evolution of Tai Chi

998 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: History of taoism

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.

Show More
Related

  • the Tao Of Pooh Book Review

    2327 Words  | 5 Pages

    Philosophy is a complicated subject. Since the beginning of human existence, many tried to come up with theories about life, happiness, reality and knowledge. From philosophical ideas different beliefs sprung, and existence of different religions followed. Every theory raised by a philosopher attracted different followers. In today's modern society aside from major religions, there are thousands of others that suggest that their explanations to universal questions are the only accurate ones, and all of these religions seek to gain more followers to join their "way". One of these religions is the religion/philosophy of Taoism. Taoism has it roots in China, where the founder of Taoism Lao-Tse was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted his society during his lifetime. The result was his book: Tao-te-Ching. Lao-Tse described Taoism as a path or a way which one must follow in order to reach inner serenity and peace. In order to reach these inner goals one must live in harmony with nature and natural process that creates the balance in the universe.

    Read More

  • The Comparison and Contrast of Daoism and Jainism

    888 Words  | 2 Pages

    The first religion selected is Taoism (Daoism), an Eastern religion that originated from the richness of a group of healers possessing power over the elements. In China these healers are known as shamans. The shamans are acknowledged as having the ability to communicate with animals and the knowledge of various uses for plants (Seymour, nd.). During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Zhang Taoling settled on Singing Crane Mountain (Mount Heming). He began producing and circulating books advocating Tao after he claimed that he had been imparted the "Mighty Commonwealth of the Orthodox Oneness (Zhengyi Meng Wei) by Supreme Master Lao Zi. His teachings centered on the summoning of deities, magic incantation and subduing of ghosts, as well as breathing exercises (Elijame, 2011). As other religions and rituals, the knowledge,...

    Read More

  • Perfection in Ursula LeGuin's The Lathe of Heaven

    1932 Words  | 4 Pages

    "Main Concepts of Taoism: Yin and Yang." Taoism and the Taoist Arts. April 2002. http://www.taoistarts.net/main.html#yin LeGuin, Ursula K. The Lathe of Heaven. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers Inc., 2000.

    Read More

  • The Benefits of T'ai Chi

    3696 Words  | 8 Pages

    One of the most relaxing forms of martial arts, T'ai Chi, can help to overcome such problems as arthritis, rheumatism, back problems, lack of balance, high blood pressure, stress, post-traumatic stress, lack of energy, and more. T'ai Chi is a non violent form of the martial arts whose roots are derived from the Chinese and correlated with Traditional Chinese Medicinal techniques. There are many forms of T'ai Chi, including T'ai Chi Chuan and T'ai Chi Chih; all of which have been studied for thousands of years to improve the Chinese way of life. There have been many records of the origin of T'ai Chi reaching as far back as over 3500 years ago. In addition to a Chinese Martial Art, T'ai Chi has origins related to Taoism, which revolved around calmness, "tranquillity of mind," and the improvement of health and persona (wysiwg://25/http://www.spiritweb.org/Spirit/tai-chi.html). Monks employed T'ai Chi as means of be coming more in tune with their bodies and their environment. Therefore, this martial art helped them to "defend themselves against bandits and warlords through physical health and spiritual growth" (http://www.maui.net/~taichi4u/overview.html).

    Read More

  • Acupuncture And Nursing Case Study

    1532 Words  | 4 Pages

    The roots of the practice of acupuncture can be traced back to about 2000 years in Chinese medicine where it was used as a major traditional healing method (Cherry & Jacob, 2017). It is classified as an alternative medical system that involves the use of imperceptible networks/channels all through the body. Along with acupuncture, other forms of alternative medical systems include Ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine. These networks are referred to as meridians, by which energy streams through the body (Cherry & Jacob, 2017). The energy is referred to as Qi (pronounced “chee”). It is believed in traditional Chinese culture that Qi holds a dynamic life force, and when there an imbalance of this energy; illness as well as symptoms cultivates.

    Read More

  • Taoism’s Historical Origins and Leaders

    1754 Words  | 4 Pages

    Taoism is one of the oldest religions in the world and its origins are rather mysterious. Formally there is no specifically known founder or date of foundation for Taoism; however, the individual accredited with the founding of Taoism “Began […] with the revelation of […] Lao Tzu (Taoism: The Origins of Taoism), which Buddhism. Taoism is a polytheistic religion with a wide variety of deities, and so Shamanism became an important part of the religion, as shamans were individuals’ connections to the different Gods of Taoism and protection from evil spirits; so in its initial structure a solid base of religious leaders formed, which would help the spread of the religion through education and role modeling (Hundoble). As for specific leaders of the religious movement, Lao-Tzu, an early philosopher and poet, is believed to have written the original founding principles of Taoism in the sixth century B.C., and as presented by King Shu Liu “of his work we have only the Tao-Teh-king [(the first Taoist literature)] which tradition attributed to him” (Liu 377). Zhao Daoling, another prominent Taoist leader, was the first of the Celestial M...

    Read More

  • Confucianism and Taoism

    980 Words  | 2 Pages

    Lao Tsu. The Tao Te Ching. Translated by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English. Vintage Books, 1989.

    Read More

  • Borgmann’s Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life

    1609 Words  | 4 Pages

    First, Tai Chi, the old Chinese art that is a culmination of martial art and a form of exercise for both body and mind, fits into Borgmann’s definition of a focal thing. He states that focal things are “inconspicuous and humble,” “scattered and of yesterday,” and they “flourish at the margins of public attention,” (199). Tai Chi is humble, in that its chief focus is not self-defense, but a fortification of the body’s general well-being. It is inconspicuous because it is not something that people boast about, and it is not something which is as widely known of; while at the same time being something which is practiced by many, in small groups, or in privacy, or at hours during which the technological world is quiet. Thus, it is also scattered, as it is practiced by people al lover the world, and in the most mundane of times and places. Tai Chi is of yesterday, as it is an art which has its origins hundreds of years ago, and only those who have come to a maturity of thought within them see the true value in it and have the patience to do it. The practice is not glamorized by the entertainment industry, and is not a high point of controversial debate. It is not in the focus of the media, and so it is at the margins of public attention.

    Read More

  • Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism in the Film Kung Fu Panda

    523 Words  | 2 Pages

    Next, since the village is located up high in the mountains, the palace and the Kung Fu warriors training space is surrounded by nature and its beauty. Nature is a major thought in Taoism. “Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires” (Lau Tzu). The palace is in a secluded area and a plain design that is simple just as the teachings of Lau Tzu says to have in order to be a tru...

    Read More

  • Difference Between Confucianism And Taoism

    1048 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the Chinese culture there are several major religions, two of these include Confucianism and Taoism, which have dated back for thousands of years. According to. Experiencing the World 's Religions and The World’s Wisdom: Sacred Texts of the World’s Religions, both Confucianism and Taoism originated in ancient China through the religions’ teachers: Confucius and Lao Tzu. “Taoism and Confucianism grew up together, entering Chinese history around the sixth century B.C.E.; Taoism’s beginnings are linked to the legendary figure of Lao Tzu, senior to Confucius by about fifty years. Even though Taoism and many other folk religions have shaped the Chinese mind, Confucianism remains, by any historical measure, its chief mentor” (Novak 113).

    Read More

  • Acupuncture

    1499 Words  | 3 Pages

    The traditional Chinese treatment of acupuncture is an affective alternative medicine that has been around for thousands of years. Acupuncture is one of the most researched and documented alternative medicines around (Acupuncture). Although a vast majority of people believe Western medicine is the only cure to sickness, many people benefit from acupuncture everyday. Most people disregard the ancient art all together without giving it a chance because are scared of the needles it involves. Also, since no accurate scientific explanation of how and why it works has been found, people shy away from it. The healing powers of the body are taken to a whole different level with this alternative medicine.

    Read More

  • Karate versus Tae Kwon Do

    388 Words  | 1 Pages

    Karate and tae kwon do originated in two different places for different reasons. The Korean peninsula was the setting for the development of tae kwon do. It was 1,500 years ago when a group of young men called the Silla set out to begin a new way of life. The goals of the Silla were to develop the complete mind, body, and spirit. Their daily routine consisted of self-defense, religious and educational training, and physical conditioning. These "knights" laid the roots for the expansion of tae kwon do. On the other hand, karate originated 2,000 years ago in Okinawa. It was a sport taught to the entire population as self-defense against invading armies such as the Samari of Japan. Over time, karate became a way of life for almost all of China.

    Read More

  • Benefits Of Martial Arts Essay

    1004 Words  | 3 Pages

    Most people get a sense of happiness from training under a martial art that they love and enjoy. Even when it gets hard, if you love what you are doing you will not feel the pain at all. Certain styles are supposed to enhance your spirituality through fluid movements such as taichi. Taichi in general is a very flowing and stress relieving activity. Unfortunately a lot of practitioners of martial arts have evolved it into a exercise, not a fighting/ self defending. This is all and good if that’s what you are looking for but spirituality is found in hardship, and in peace times. For me it’s a fundamental part of who I am and what I do. A lot of people that I know feel the same way. Once you get into it and push yourself to go, you will fully and truly love it. It’sust an amazing feeling to be able to trust your body, mind, and spirit to make the right decision, even in stressful situations or situations of great danger. You should be proud when you can use your art,whatever that may be, in your everyday life; You will be enlightened through martial arts. And that will carry to your everyday life The enlightenment of kung fu, karate, muay thai, wing chun, tai chi, they are great and they all have a purpose. Determination is the firmness of purpose, and that is what these styles and many more give you… a purpose. A purpose to do all of the things that you need to

    Read More

  • Taoism Essay

    1171 Words  | 3 Pages

    In Asia during 6th century BCE the religion of Taoism first started. The original form of Taoism beliefs that there is no God, instead they have an ethereal being that they do not know, making them unique in the world as most religions have a deity to fall behind as a uniting factor. In modern Taoism the ideas have changed a lot since its conception. Taoism is an interesting religion because of its beliefs, and its practice now.

    Read More

  • Reflection On World Religion

    991 Words  | 2 Pages

    Lao-Tze founded Taoism around 550 BC. The goal in Taoism is achieve Inner harmony, pea...

    Read More

More about The History and Evolution of Tai Chi

Open Document