The rules of the Great Way

Tai Chi, on the outside, is a form of boxing, but its essence is all-encompassing. The mysteries within can only be truly comprehended through successive levels of diligent cultivation.

By constantly and repeatedly practicing Tai Chi, one can not only build up one’s physical strength but also gain insights into life through the mental techniques taught by the master, understand the methods of self-cultivation and family management, and handle various affairs in the workplace smoothly, thus not being burdened by the mind or body in the midst of busy work and household chores. What’s the reason behind this?

The master always says: The Great Way is ruthless, and the Great Way follows its rules.

The master earnestly taught us that during the process of cultivation, we should practice every movement with a reverent heart, and there should be no self-centeredness or all kinds of chaotic thoughts in it. Be selfless, let go, and be willing to give up.

If one’s own will is slightly mixed in the practice of Tai Chi, pure Tai Chi cannot be achieved. Indeed, the longer I practiced boxing, the more I came to understand the artistic conception taught by my master. When we are practicing boxing, if we rely on our own will to practice this way and that way, practicing this part and that part, then the boxing will be practiced wrongly and we will soon be unable to practice anymore. People will feel more and more tired and their hearts will feel more and more tense. The body will also have corresponding reactions, either there is pain here or stiffness there.

Only by constantly letting go, letting go and letting go again, devoting one’s entire being to this set of Tai Chi techniques, and practicing in accordance with the essence of Tai Chi with a reverent heart, a quiet body and a pure mind, can one keep moving forward.

Practicing martial arts is like this, and isn’t it the same for cultivating one’s life? Sometimes we often feel confused when dealing with family relationships and workplace relationships. Either complaining about the other’s mistakes, or demanding that the other act according to one’s own ideas, or repeatedly compromising and accommodating, in exchange for a temporary illusion of peace and comfort, while feeling very uncomfortable inside. Or they may be confused and lost in the workplace, not knowing the direction of their career development, and not knowing how to handle various complex interpersonal relationships, etc.

Don’t you know that “the great way is ruthless and follows its rules”? It is neither you, nor me, nor him, but the inherent “rules” of the universe. As long as one adheres to this “rule” in one’s conduct and actions, rather than merely acting on one’s own will or accommodating the interests of each individual or small group, there will naturally be a direction.

As the saying goes, in accordance with the Dao, the Dao can be promoted. The greatest truths are the simplest. When our hearts are pure, things will naturally become simple, and people will also become simple and relaxed. Then, conversely, this “rule” and this “way” in the universe will naturally protect and nourish us.

Practicing Tai Chi is cultivating life. Meet Tai Chi, meet the best you!

                  Zhai Xiangyun, a disciple of the master

On the seventh day of the fifth lunar month of the Gengzi year in Beijing