T'ai Chi Ch'uan

This is a Chinese system of exercises or movement schemas in which the accuracy, perfection and balance of the forms of physical movement and the inner meditative experiences or mental "motions" by which the physical actions are controlled are equally important. Movements thus controlled are essentially natural and are the basis of an ancient martial art, fighting with the fists, which bears the same name. In fact, the name T'ai Chi Ch'uan has been translated as "Grand terminus fist". A person learns to move with a focus on the subtleties of his energy flows, particularly equilibrium and harmony.

Five qualities are developed: slowness (with the inherent poise and patience); lightness (allowing continual, almost effortless, motion); clarity (so that the mind controls action which is accurate and pure); balance (leading to action without strain); and calm (providing the concentration to sustain the complete movement from one phase to the next).

The essence is continuity of action, where each movement evolves from and grows out of the preceding movement, and links onto and activates the succeeding movement. This leads to physical and mental coordination, the power to control the self, and immunity from destructive external forces and poor health. With the technique of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, true energy can be controlled. Strength, balance and vitality are increased by exercising the body in such a way as not to strain the muscles nor to over-activate the heart, and not to exert the body excessively. The basic philosophy is that in order to prolong the life of the body, to stabilize the life of the emotions, and to intensify the life of the mind, conscious cooperation of the mind with activity is a fundamental necessity.