Unforgettable memories, moving forward with the Great Way in mind (Part 2)

The master gazed into the distance at the foot of the Boya Pagoda and by the Weiming Lake

Question 10: On Friday, November 24th last year, in the afternoon, the master gave his last class at Peking University before his death. The content was rich and wonderful. Coach Wang Wei led the boxing, and the master watched while reciting the heart techniques. Then the master gave a theoretical class, particularly emphasizing the need to find the thread rather than the surface. There are the wrist, elbow and shoulder at the top, the shoulder well, waist and hip in the middle, and the hip, knee and ankle at the bottom. There are nine pairs of joints, which are strung together in one thread. Then the master took turns to push the hands with us by hand. Especially, the master accompanied me in pushing the hands by feeding the force. After that, the master asked us to match the pushing hands, correct our problems and demonstrate step by step. This class is longer than the others and lasts for more than two hours. After class, Coach Wang Wei and I sat on the sofa with our master, drinking water and chatting. Our master said that I could learn the Spring and Autumn Great Sword now and asked me to go to the martial arts school to learn it when I had time. Leaving the college dojo, I accompanied my master and Coach Wang Wei to the elevator. The old man smiled, waved his hand and praised me, saying that my boxing had improved. My master’s figure was frozen in my mind. Why did the master leave so early? Why set aside relatives and disciples?

This article consists of ten questions. For the first nine, nine is the largest number, representing countless times, that is, I have asked my master again and again. But for the last doubt, my master has never been able to clear it up. On November 30th last year, the master led the students to practice at the Capital International Customs and completed the “Oneness of Heaven and Man” ritual. After that, he passed away suddenly. The mountains and rivers suddenly lose their luster, and the same family shares the same sorrow. On the afternoon of December 3rd, we bid farewell to our master at Babaoshan. The master peacefully entered the Pure Land without leaving us a word. Our hearts felt as if they had been emptied out. We believe that our master has ascended to immortality, transformed his grief into strength, and is willing to accept hardships and adapt to changes. Brothers and sisters in the same school will carry on our master’s last wishes in various ways, promote his Taiji Inner Classic, and let the original and authentic old Tai Chi techniques and inner teachings take root, blossom and bear fruit in the world.

Mr. Gao Feng is the son of his master. He shuttles between Beijing and Singapore, personally passing on the family’s teachings. Ms. Junfeng is the daughter of the master and serves as the chief coach of the Beijing Chenjiagou Taiji Training Center. She presides over the establishment of the martial arts school in Xiange Hutong and the Jiulongbi Dojo in Beihai Park by the master. Coaches such as Xiaoming, Zhu Bo, Wei Ke, Hong Tao, Xu Hong, Zhang Wei, and Zhang Jin have provided support and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to maintaining the dojo. The various levels of students who have already started classes by the master continue to follow the master’s teaching methods, adhering to the right path. The newly opened class imparts the master’s eight methods. This year, Coach Junfeng had a tough time. Just two years after graduating from university, he encountered a series of misfortunes and faced numerous troubles. Amidst his grief, he took up the banner of his master, carried on his master’s will, and diligently practiced. His boxing skills improved significantly, demonstrating his master’s demeanor and becoming more mature. He transformed from a young girl in front of his master to a qualified head coach. The students gathered in the dojo just as they did before his master’s death, quietly practicing boxing. It’s clear evidence. All the fellow apprentices, including Li Li, Jiu Hua, Yang Yan, Hai Tao and Yang Jie, have opened martial arts schools. They teach their disciples and students the martial arts and mental techniques of their masters. Brother Wang Wei, Sister Yingying and Sister Yiling followed in their master’s footsteps, fulfilled their dreams in Dali, Yunnan, opened a martial arts school, invited friends from all directions and opened up a new world. Foreign brothers such as Daming and Qiao Yifu have been spreading the old Taiji in Europe, America and other places. Professor Zhang Xiuguo, in his seventies, has hosted many lectures on Taiji culture, expounding on his master’s inner techniques. Each time, he personally demonstrates Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Chi sword and staff, and other weapons. Before the performance, Mr. Zhang loudly introduces himself as “Master Yang Songquan”, and his respect and gratitude are evident. The master taught Tai Chi at the Law School of Peking University for thirteen years and founded the Songquan Fa Taiji Team of the Law School of Peking University. The school also set up a dojo. We spent every day with the master here and developed a deep bond. After the master left, the dojo remained as it was. It was cleaned very thoroughly every day, and the teachers practiced boxing here in their spare time. The female staff member assisted in the Peking University Fama performance, presenting a series of Chen-style Tai Chi. It was extremely wonderful and received unanimous praise from both teachers and students. In conclusion, the master will pay attention to all our efforts in another dimension.

As a disciple of my master, I am also fulfilling my responsibility. Not only do I study harder myself and practice my master’s Taiji philosophy, but I also do my best to help colleagues and students of the same school to fulfill my master’s wishes. Before my master passed away, whenever there was anything wrong with my boxing, I would ask him at any time. After my master left, I asked myself, if my boxing was off the mark, how could I correct it? How can one further improve their boxing skills? After hesitation,
I have strengthened my belief in promoting the Dao and fostering righteousness, and have done several things, providing certain answers.

The first is to study carefully the master’s posthumously written work, “Taiji is the Way”. This book is the crystallization of the master’s 68 years of practical cultivation and understanding, namely the Taiji Inner Classic. In the preface, the master said, “Tai means heaven.” “Ji” means earth. The inner self, the core within; “Jing” refers to the natural laws of heaven and earth. The ancients discovered that the two kidneys are the foundation of the innate nature, the inner core of the human body, the 炁 of the two kidneys operate in the human body, can make the human body connect with the nature of heaven and earth. This book discloses the mysteries of the human body discovered by the ancients and the methods of cultivation to the world. It is known as the Taiji Inner Classic. This book is the most precious legacy left by the master. We not only understand it from the literal meaning but also discover its true essence through our comprehension. The book is kept in my study at home, on the bedside table and on the desk in the office. I always take this book with me when I’m on business trips or traveling. I never get tired of reading it. Every time I read it, I gain new insights. If problems are found during the process of boxing, the answers can be found in this book.

The second is to sort out and digest my notes on learning boxing. During my process of learning boxing, I would take notes after each boxing class. At that time, I wrote them in a cursory way and didn’t understand some of them. Only now can I truly understand them. For instance, on October 26, 2016, my master was teaching boxing at the National Prosecutors College. I followed my master and observed it. My master gave a wonderful theoretical lesson. That night when I got home, I wrote notes. There were three pages and five points in total. The first point is: “First, Tai Chi is a sport for lazy people, so one should keep the mind under the feet and not exert force.” … ” Only by looking at these notes now can one truly understand the master’s painstaking efforts.

The third is to recall the master’s boxing postures. When I was practicing boxing alone and found that one of my moves was not in place, I recalled the figure of my master demonstrating the form for me every time he was alive. It came to my mind and I immediately corrected my boxing form as if my master were there. I felt that my boxing would not go off track.

The fourth is to communicate and seek advice from brothers and sisters of the same school. In the dojo, observe the atmosphere and rhythm of the coach’s boxing and learn from their strengths. Treat fellow boxing enthusiasts sincerely, exchange boxing skills, and while helping others, you can also improve yourself. I sought advice from Senior Sister Li Li, Senior Brother Xiao Deng and Senior Sister Yang Yan. At the same time, I also shared my experiences with them and expressed my gratitude to them.

The fifth is to study the “Huangdi Neijing”. The master said, “The Huangdi Neijing reveals the mysteries of human life.” The universe, society and the human body coexist without contradiction. Many mysteries are revealed one by one in the process of practicing Tai Chi. During this period, driven by curiosity, I studied a small part of the book and found that the master’s evaluation was concise and to the point, hitting the nail on the head. This book employs the theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, advocating the unity of human beings and nature as well as the overall coordination within the human body. It integrates the knowledge of heaven and earth, society, and the human body. During the learning process, first check the pronunciation of the original text and understand its meaning, then read it aloud, and finally copy it down. The more I read, the more interesting it becomes. I will surely keep going, absorb nourishment and it will be of great benefit to Tai Chi.

Sixth, persist in cultivation. I have been even more diligent than when my master was still in his lifetime. The tasks assigned by my master, such as finding large, medium and small circles, developing four engines, and finding points during line practice, I have been practicing without interruption, regardless of the weather, following my master’s methods. I have basically passed the tests. Before his passing, my master had me learn the Spring and Autumn Great Sword. Now that he has left, he can no longer teach me. To make up for the regret in my heart, I gathered my courage and learned from the master’s teaching videos online. I started by imitating and kept practicing. After getting familiar with the routines, I asked Senior Sister Yang Yan for advice. She told me without reservation about my master’s swordsmanship, footwork and mental techniques. During these few months, I practiced ten times every day. Now I have basically taken shape and fulfilled my wish in my heart.

Near the first anniversary of the MASTER ‘s death, I ask myself, my HEART clearly tells MYSELF, in this YEAR, MY FIST HAS IMPROVED a little, the equipment IS MORE FAMILIAR a little, 搿 hand BASICALLY MASTER a little understand the FORCE, listen the FORCE and the FORCE, the boxing method has not deviated from the course. In the moment of remembrance, with some achievements, I console the spirit of my master in heaven!

Appendix: A poem I wrote on March 12th, 2015
In memory of the master!

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of Beijing Chenjiagou Tai Chi Training Center

Zhao PI Gong planted a strong pine tree, standing tall and proud in the vast sky.

With the true teachings of the ancestors and diligent practice, one will eventually become the supreme master of the Vajra Taiji.

In Chenjiagou, a clear spring is seen, with the sun, moon and stars reflected in it.

Yin and Yang nourish all things silently, while hardness and softness, with their grace, transform immortals.

Inheriting the orthodox tradition and spreading it far and wide, traveling far and wide to teach martial arts.

It has been passed down through Europe and America, leaving behind a fine story, and then traveled to Japan in the East.

Though far from home, my heart is always with China; upon returning to the capital, I wholeheartedly spread the flowers of the country.

In the fragrant and sacred realm, a Dharma hall is set up, and numerous disciples are scattered all over the place.

In the blink of an eye, twenty years have passed. I have been promoting the Dao and cultivating the right path, but now I have wasted my time.

My respected teacher will continue his glorious dream. I wish to sing to the sky with him!

After boxing, I feel completely refreshed!

Disciple Wang Jiancheng

Written in Yanyuan Study on November 28, 2024

The training center is always open to both new and old students for sharing their insights and experiences on learning boxing, as well as memories and commemorations of Master Yang Songquan. The genre and theme are not limited. We welcome your submissions to the email:

taijisongquan@126.com

Thank you all for your active participation.

Taiji Songquan Respectfully begins

Taiji practitioner

Born of the boundless, it is the mechanism of movement and stillness, and the mother of Yin and Yang

Tai Chi is

The rhythm of music and the connotation of philosophy

The construction of beauty, the artistic conception of poetry

Taiji Songquan

Encounter Taiji, encounter the gift of life