The Inner Structure of Tai Chi by Mantak Chia

Author:Mantak Chia
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: Tai Chi/Martial Arts
ISBN: 9781594778421
Publisher: Inner Traditions / Bear & Company
Published: 2010-12-07T16:00:00+00:00

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

When all the points covered in the beginning level have been integrated into the Tai Chi form, you can continue the refining process at the intermediate level.

Feel the muscles separating from the bones. Experience deep relaxation in the meditation practice to the point where you feel the muscles separating from the bones. This level of relaxation allows a far more efficient flow of life force than anything previously experienced. Bring that level of relaxation into the movements of Tai Chi.

Guide the form with the mind/eye/heart and chi flow. As a continuation of moving in deep relaxation, allow the Tai Chi movements to be guided primarily by the mind and chi and less by the muscular contraction that is typically used in the beginning level.

Maintain a smooth and even tempo. Observe the rate at which the movements are done at the beginning of the set and aim at having that same flow in the last movements of the set. Since the emphasis here is on the gracefulness of your Tai Chi, the rate must be uniform throughout your practice.

Concentrate on energy discharge. Begin by separating each element of the movement and feel the energy being transferred at each stage. Practicing with slow movements, you are able to feel the exact position of the energy at each stage.

Regulate the size of the step. The best guide is marking the spot where you begin the set. If the steps are always equal, you will finish the set on the same spot at which the form began or very near to it. Even steps also place you facing the exact direction of each transition.

Regulating the measure of your step depends on the length of your legs. When the step is too short, the practitioner usually ends up with the knees extending over the edge of the toes, which puts too much weight on the knees and causes knee pain. If the step is too wide, the center of gravity is lost.

Check for leaning. The specific signs are one shoulder is higher than the other; the hands are not equal when pushing or turning; the hip bone and sacrum are tilted to one side when sinking back; you lean forward during Push and Ward Off; you lean back during sinking motions.

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