Taiji Songquan· Promote the Dao and cultivate righteousness
Once a guest returns from heaven and earth, a true person of the eternal path
Time flies and the sun and moon never rest. In the blink of an eye, another year has passed.
Flowers bloom and fade, autumn turns to winter, the cold wind blows fiercely, willows wither and lotus leaves wither.
Only the pine and cypress stand tall in the North Sea, full of vitality, with no difference between winter and spring.
During a year, many things happened, yet it seemed as if nothing had happened.
However, in my heart, sometimes it is as calm as water, and sometimes thoughts are surging. The figure of the master would occasionally come to mind: or preaching and imparting martial arts in Beihai. Or have tea and discuss the Tao in a small courtyard; Or the boxing moves as smoothly as flowing water; Or have a drink and chat at a dumpling restaurant.
Sometimes, I have to tell myself: Master has left, indeed left. As a rational person, I must accept it. However, I clearly feel that my master has not left. He is right beside me, right before my eyes. He has not left. As a person with emotions, his emotions will always be connected with mine.
I became acquainted with my master in July 2007. It has been seventeen and a half years since then.
At that time, due to certain opportunities, I decided to learn Tai Chi and did a little research: I found that there are five major schools of Taiji: Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and Wu.
Which school to study? Where else can I make a connection with the teacher?
Since I’m going to study and need to spend time and energy, I will definitely learn from an authentic teacher. Even if I don’t acquire any profound skills, I will surely gain something to some extent. Even if I take a step back and think about it, I won’t waste my time or energy.
So I looked up the historical origins of each school: the Yang, Wu, Sun and Wu schools all took the Chen family as their main branch, and the origin of the Chen family was in Chenjiagou.
Chenjiagou is far away in Wen County, Henan Province. It’s not realistic to go to Henan to learn boxing. So I tried to search on Baidu and surprisingly found “Beijing Chenjiagou Tai Chi Training Center”. The website introduced the head coach: Master Yang Songquan, who is the grandson of Chen Gongzhao PI.
I have long known the story of Zhao PI Gong’s competition in Beijing. I am well aware of his family’s profound academic background.
Now he felt more confident. Grandpa was teaching his grandson, and he surely hoped to win with the young and the blue. According to the phone consultation on the website, it was a middle-aged man with a Henan accent who answered the call and addressed some of the questions I was concerned about, such as the promoting effect on health preservation and physical and mental harmony, the teaching location and time schedule, etc.
Finally, I asked, “Are you Master Yang Songquan?” A clear reply was received.
No more hesitation. The first class on the evening of July 5th, 2007.
The first class was about the concept of Taiji. The master said that Taiji is the communication between the hundred societies and the heaven, and the communication between the spring and the earth. It is the unity of heaven and man to develop the innate foundation of human beings, the two kidneys.
This sounds a little mysterious. But I believe it.
Because according to a true story I found online: During the Republic of China era, there was a prominent figure named Zhang Zhijiang who suffered from tuberculosis that persisted until the advanced stage and was in great danger. Finally, I resorted to the last resort: learning and practicing Tai Chi. Surprisingly, I recovered after several years. Since then, he has left the military and political circles and devoted himself to the dissemination and development of traditional martial arts. During the Republic of China period, he was one of the organizers and initiators of the National Martial Arts competition held in Hangzhou. Zhang Zhijiang left a significant mark in modern Chinese history. During the heyday of Feng Yuxiang’s Northwest Army, he served as the assistant commander of Feng Yuxiang’s 400,000-strong troops. Later, after Feng Yuxiang’s defeat in the Central Plains Campaign and his resignation, Zhang Zhijiang temporarily took over the position of commander of the Northwest Army.
There is no doubt that at that time, he could afford Western medicine, and if he could, he could also afford a famous traditional Chinese doctor. Problems that neither Chinese nor Western doctors could solve were eventually cured by practicing Tai Chi. This shows the wonderful nature of Taiji in terms of both body and application. Taiji can cure incurable diseases. Therefore, for ordinary people, practicing Tai Chi will surely benefit both their physical and mental health.
However, Zhang Zhijiang is Zhang Zhijiang. He is a big shot. Can the good fortune similar to his come true for me? Can he learn it and can I learn it too? What benefits can Taiji bring to me?
My master taught me in person and I learned “Vajra Pounding the Mortar”. He said it was a key to Chen-style Taiji. Once I mastered this movement, I could learn all the seventy-six movements of the entire set of boxing. Now that I think about it, when it comes to a master leading you in, the first thing he says is to open your heart and remove your own obstacles. After a few classes, I basically learned a few movements. My master set up the frame for me: leading the Baihui, looking straight ahead, neither being servile nor overyielding, lowering the coccyx, straightening the knees, and slightly drawing in the chin. My heart returned to the spring, and the water and fire were in harmony. A primordial 炁 sensation surges within, as if the tide opens up a ditch to irrigate and nourish the vitality within, but many obstructions, true 炁 keeps surging, so repeatedly. My limbs were trembling slightly, sweat was pouring down like rain, and I was on the verge of collapse. My master supported my lower back with his thigh, and at the same time, he kept encouraging me in my ears: Hold on a little longer, hold on a little longer.
This is the first time I have experienced the function of my master’s Taoist magic, and I have truly felt that the concept of “the unity of heaven and man” in Chinese philosophy is indeed true and without deception.
It was a summer. The pond in front of the lotus market was full of lotus flowers. I often recall Zhou Dunyi’s “Ode to the Lotus”. Later, I learned that “Zhouzi”, as the top of the “Five Sages of the Northern Song Dynasty”, was quite accomplished in the “principle and qi” of Taiji. In Beihai Park, the master first passed on martial arts in the Western Heaven’s Sacred Realm and later moved to the Nine Dragon Wall. Such a place of practice was in perfect harmony with the master’s cultivation level.
I feel the far-reaching fragrance of the lotus, the auspicious dragon soaring into the abyss on the Nine-Dragon Wall, and my master’s pure and simple nature. All of these, are they all following the natural way?
The way of heaven has no kinship; it always favors the virtuous. The value of life varies from person to person, but Taoism emphasizes “equalization of all things”, as the saying goes, “Heaven and earth coexist with me, and all things are one with me.” But I think the master came with a mission. As Chinese people, almost no one hasn’t read “Journey to the West”, but how many people have truly understood it? How many people would understand Tang Seng as the master did? Almost all of us have read “Yu Gong Moves a Mountain” in primary school. But how many of us believe that “Yu Gong” could move a mountain?
Zhuangzi wrote in his chapter “The World” : “I communicate with the spirit of heaven and earth alone, without being influenced by all things.” When I read this sentence, I often think of my master’s figure. He is so simple and unremarkable, just like Laozi’s “Tao Te Ching” says, “A mediocre person like jade is not as good as a lustrous one like a stone.” I didn’t understand this sentence at first, but clearly when it comes to my master, I know that he is “as smooth as a stone” and also that he is “as ordinary as jade”.
The Grand Historian once said: All men are bound to die, but some deaths are heavier than Mount Tai, while others are lighter than a feather. I have no intention and no desire to deify my master, and the Taoist view of “equalization of all things” does not make any distinction. However, as an individual, does life have meaning? If so, what is the meaning?
My master once told us about the old trees in Beihai. Actually, I can’t recall exactly what he said. However, when I saw the old trees in Beihai, I recalled my master. What my master wanted to interpret was a kind of spirit, a spirit that is vigorous in the severe cold, a spirit that remains humble and unyielding in the height of summer, just like Tang Seng’s unwavering determination to seek Buddhist scriptures and Yu Gong’s firm resolve to move mountains.
Master, let me see a kind of spirit. This spirit is a simple and innocent heart of the Chinese people, and this spirit can be elevated to the spirit of our nation.
Since the May Fourth Movement, the two banners of democracy and science have been fluttering vigorously, broadening the horizons of the Chinese people and promoting social development. However, unfortunately, traditional culture has been ruthlessly criticized and even completely denied. However, there are always some people who, no matter whether they are in the officialdom or the world, remain as innocent as children and hold fast to their spiritual homeland.
For example, 1958yearsThe programmatic article of modern Neo-Confucianism publishedA Declaration to the World on Chinese CultureThis article was drafted by Mr. Tang Junyi and jointly signed and published by Mr. Mou Zongsan, Mr. Xu Fuguan and Mr. Zhang Junmai, solemnly declaring to the world: Chinese culture will thrive forever. If this article declares the spiritual front of “Confucianism” of The Times. Also among the common people, in the unknown rural areas and lakes, there are also some individuals who are holding fast to the spiritual home of “Taoism”.Chen Gongfa Ke, Chen Gongzhao PI, and even the master are the guardians of this spiritual home. “Carrying on the lost learning of the sages of the past” is their mission and also the interpretation of their life values.
Today in Beihai, all the splendor has faded, withered leaves are falling, and the world is in a desolate state. The coldest weather of the year is drawing nearer and nearer. In a few days, it will be the anniversary of my master’s passing. I still remember the day when my master passed away. It was the coldest time of last year. My heart was filled with sorrow and the weather was cold. At such a time, how could one word “pain” describe it?
However, deep in the sorrow, we clearly feel the vitality of the earth. The transformation of Yin and Yang is so mysterious. Just as the master, while transforming his ordinary body, left behind something extraordinary for an ordinary person: to communicate with the spirit of heaven and earth alone.
When a guest returns from heaven and earth,
Immortal Immortal of the Eternal Dao
When leaves fall, vitality remains.
Every year makes the most of spring.
This article is dedicated to commemorating the first anniversary of my master’s ascension.
Disciple Wang Wenqing is in Beijing
Attached: Five Poems by Master Huai
Qingming Huaishi
The sky is overcast during the Qingming Festival
Be cautious at the end, remember the past and cherish the kindness of our teachers
The sound and appearance of Xiange Hutong remain
The Dharma in front of the Nine Dragons Wall is true
April 4, 2024
Note:“True” is a pun.First, it means “true” or “pure truth”. Second, it means “precious” or “precious transmission”.
In Hokkaido, I remember my master
Willows in the spring breeze, turning the vast land green.
The family learning of the clan has a solid foundation and deep roots, standing out prominently.
The pine and cypress trees stand tall and proud, remaining lush and green throughout spring and winter.
Springs have their sources and converge into major rivers and streams.
The apprenticeship is orderly, and the Taiji ensures the circulation of Yin and Yang.
With the father leading and the son carrying on, the future of Beihai is promising.
Through the ages, the true transmission of the essence and application of the heart method remains unchanged.
From ancient times to the present, the years have shone brightly.
May 17, 2024
In traditional Chinese culture, the character “子” (zi) has no gender distinction. Both sons and daughters are regarded as the “sons” of their parents. For details, please refer to the “Xinhua Dictionary” published by the Commercial Press.
Miss the master
The Tao sees Yin and Yang twice in one life
Here, “见” is a pun, meaning “to see” or “to see”. Ii. Sound Manifestation and Presentation
A person acquires the three treasures of essence, energy and spirit
The sky is vigorous and the four seasons are smooth
The terrain conceals the five elements’ fortune
The six Arts of rites, music, archery and chariotsmen
My heart yearns for the Seven stars, cherishing my teacher
Taishan is not reluctant to leave the eight directions of land
In traditional culture, “Taishan” refers to Mount Tai.
The supreme radiance of the Nine provinces
September 10, 2024
On the Mid-Autumn Festival, I remember my teacher
On the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Year of the Horse, I miss my master on this night when the sun and moon are full.
The autumn sun shines brightly in autumn
Autumn flowers and fruits are full of the fragrance of autumn
Tonight, the moon is full and people look at each other together
Or there may be worries lingering in the heart
Yesterday’s voice and appearance are always on my mind
Have you ever forgotten your earnest teachings?
Where is the moon not full tonight?
Only remembrance adds to melancholy!
That night was dark and the bright moon was nowhere to be seen.
September 17, 2024
I deeply miss my teacher
I was moved by the master’s teaching of boxing practice through two stories, “Tang Seng’s Journey to the Buddhist Scriptures” and “Yu Gong Moves a Mountain”.
Pass on the ultimate skills of the sages of the past
Preach Fadze
Shape the spirit of the Chinese nation
Interact with heaven and earth
October 28, 2024
Disciple Wang Wenqing expressed his respect.
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
