Taiji Songquan· Promote the Dao and cultivate righteousness
What does Taiji practice cultivate
– Answer the master’s questions on the anniversary
The universe is vast, and parents and teachers are respected. On the occasion of the first anniversary of my respected teacher Songquan, I would like to briefly express my grace and offer incense as a sacrifice.
Looking back on my journey of Taiji, I have been through many ups and downs. It was not until I met my master that I finally found a smooth path. Subsequently, under the guidance of the master, one moves towards a higher realm. Looking back suddenly, when practicing Taiji, whether it is the broad path or the narrow path, smooth or perilous, only by truly setting out can one truly understand that the path of Taiji is both right before one’s eyes and in the distance. It is both real and tangible, yet illusory and intangible.
The master once asked the same question in various classes from the beginner level to the postgraduate level: “What is Taiji?” Recalling the bits and pieces that the master spoke of, the echoes still linger. Through continuous and meticulous contemplation, I always feel that it is fresh and new with each recitation, and my understanding of the essence of Taiji has gradually become clear.
1.The practice of Taiji is a process.
The master once said that the practice of Taiji is divided into three major levels and nine minor stages, namely the initial, middle and high stages. Each stage is further subdivided into three minor stages, totaling nine sections. From the beginner level to the advanced level, each stage is a different process, and each stage is also a kind of experience. Each stage is like a step. Each step is both a difficulty to overcome and a starting point to reach. Only by walking through this long path can one reach a higher realm. So, how do we cross these numerous steps?
The master taught: “Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles, and practice one set of boxing (practice boxing ten thousand times).” Every time you practice boxing, it is a fresh experience. Practicing boxing ten thousand times is like reading ten thousand books or traveling ten thousand miles. “Practice boxing ten thousand times, and the divine will will reveal itself.” Hard work pays off. Through repeated meditation and cultivation, we often reach new heights without even realizing it.
The White Pagoda in Beihai Park is always shrouded in a veil of mystery
Ii.Taiji practice is a state.
I remember once after the great competition at the Nine Dragon Wall in Beihai, my master said to me on the way back to the martial arts school, “Raise the leader up. Remember, no matter when, you should always raise the leader up.” This is not merely a requirement when practicing boxing. Hardly had the words been spoken when my body trembled and I immediately attempted to lead my entire body with a hundred skills. The master continued, “Why practice boxing?” Practicing boxing is a form of spiritual cultivation. Cultivating the Tao involves self-cultivation, mental cultivation and character cultivation, with self-cultivation being the foundation. When the body is upright, the mind is at peace; when the mind is at peace, all evil can be avoided. This is what is called “one upright being able to avoid all evil”. So, at all times, one should always lead the way and keep the body and mind in a state of righteousness.
My master’s words enlightened me as if I had been suddenly enlightened. From that moment on, I understood that Taiji does not merely exist during practice, but in every moment of life. Life is Taiji, and Taiji is life.
In front of the Nine-Dragon Wall, my master carefully helped me shape the frame
Iii.Taiji practice is a realm.
The master said that Taiji is the way. Since ancient times, those who seek the Tao have been as numerous as fish crossing a river, while those who achieve it are as rare as morning stars, all because of the word “seek”. Cultivating the Tao is different from seeking it. Just as doing good without expecting anything in return, one only needs to focus on what should be done and let everything take its natural course. The principle of letting go is the same. “The greater the sacrifice, the greater the gain; the smaller the sacrifice, the smaller the gain; and the reluctance to let go.” The great way is ruthless, but the greatest way is simple.
The master also said, “To practice Taiji, one only needs to focus on the methods and achieve enlightenment without any intention.” This is a state of going with the flow. On the path of Taiji cultivation, we are all practitioners. Only by practicing quietly and doing things steadily can we go further. The master entered the Dao through martial arts, teaching by both personal example and words, perfectly interpreting the principle of “the Dao follows nature”. His boxing style, between movement and stillness, connects the pulse of his body with that of nature. In the interaction between human beings and nature, each person is both the master of the body and a speck of dust in the universe. Taiji is the universe, cultivated in the place where an ox lies. The Dao originates from the gate of life, and light shines between heaven and earth. This is the master’s maxim.
The cognitive influence of the brain on the progress of Taiji practice is limited; instead, the practice of boxing techniques can inspire the mind. Taiji emphasizes practical cultivation and understanding. The master often warns, “Practicing Tai Chi is like rowing against the current; if you don’t move forward, you will fall behind.” Once the bow is drawn, there is no arrow to turn back. No matter how far the road is, if you keep walking, you will eventually reach your destination. Standing on the path of Taiji, looking back, the starting point has long been blurred. Looking up, the master’s figure had transformed into countless rays of light, spreading towards the end of the road. At this moment, it seemed as if one could hear the master’s exhortation: “Keep moving forward.”
Immediately following, there was a unanimous response from everyone: “We’re here. We’re on the way!”
Come on, dear teachers and fellow practitioners. Let’s follow the team and keep moving forward!
The path of Taiji is both within reach and far away. When you truly set foot on it, that pure truth, goodness and beauty will always surround and guide us, making us reluctant to stop. May this life be without regrets and always be on the way.
In 2017, my wife and I took a photo with my master at the Xitian Fanjing in Beihai Park
Disciple Xu Hongtao Kowtow
November 28, 2024
Thoughts on the Anniversary of My Respected Teacher
The Yang family is respected by all.
There is an evergreen pine at home.
Future generations enjoy the sweet spring water.
During this period, there was Duke Zhao PI.
Human beings perceive sound from a distance.
Just dreaming and longing to face.
The timeless legacy is passed down through generations.
“Xing Shi Zhu Jin Ming.”
The morning of November 30, 2024In a corner of the capital
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
Encounter Taiji, encounter the gift of life
