Taiji School of Central Equilibrium – UK

Taijiquan and Fujian White Crane

The Understanding of the Thirteen Postures

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  1. The xin (mind/heart) motivates the qì, directs it to sink, so that it can be stored and
    concentrated into the bones.
  2. Let the qì motivate the body without hindrance, so that it will effortlessly follow your xin
    (mind/heart).
  3. If the shén (spirit) is raised, there will not be any sluggishness. This is the meaning of the
    crown of the head being suspended from above.
  4. There should be agility in the interaction of the yì (mind intention) and qì, so that it
    [the qì] will be circular and lively. This is what is meant by, ‘changing substantial and
    insubstantial’.
  5. When executing fajin (releasing the force) the body should relax and sink. Focus on the
    one direction.
  6. When the body is upright, loose and tranquil, the feet will support all eight directions.
  7. Direct the qì like threading the ‘nine bend pearls’,
    by flowing continuously it reaches everywhere unrestricted.
    [When the qì flows throughout the body] the jìn (relaxed force) is like tempered steel,
    overcoming all solid defences.
  8. Have the appearance of a falcon preying on a hare.
    Concentrate the shén (spirit) like a cat stalking a mouse.
  9. Be calm like a mountain and move like a river.
  10. Store up the jìn (relaxed force) like drawing a bow,
    discharge the jìn (relaxed force) like releasing an arrow.
  11. Seek the straight in the curve,
    first store then discharge.
  12. Force is released through the back,
    the steps change with the body.
    Tàijíquán Wúwéi — a Natural Process 97
  13. To receive is to release, if it disconnects then reconnect.
  14. In moving forwards and backwards, there should be folding.
    In advancing and retreating, there should be changes of direction.
  15. Extreme softness yields to extreme firmness and tenacity.
  16. Only with the ability to inhale and exhale, will there be agility.
  17. When qì is cultivated naturally, there is no harm.
    When the jìn (relaxed force) is stored, there will be a surplus.
  18. The xin (mind/heart) is the commander, the qì is the flag and the yao (waist) is the
    banner.
  19. First seek expansion while opening then seek contraction while closing.
    It will lead to perfect refinement.
  20. It is said; “If the other does not move, I do not move.
    If the other has the slightest movement, I move ahead”.
  21. The jìn (force) seems song (relaxed), however it is not song (relaxed),
    it is about to expand, although it has not yet expanded.
    The jìn (relaxed force) might disconnect, but the mind must not.
  22. It is also said: “First the xin (mind/heart), then the body”.
  23. When the abdomen relaxes, the qì sinks into the bones.
    When the shén (spirit) calms, the body becomes tranquil.
  24. Keep this in xin (in your heart).
    Remember; when you move, every part moves.
    When you settle, every part settles.
  25. When moving forwards and backwards,
    the qì sticks to the back and permeates into the spine.
  26. Internally be acutely aware of the shén (spirit),
    externally appear calm and relaxed.
  27. Step like a cat.
    Transmit the jìn (force) like reeling silk from a cocoon.
  28. The yì (intention) should be on the jìngshén (spirit), not on the qì,
    otherwise the qì will stagnate.
    With qì, extraordinary power will develop.
    Without qì there will only be lì (brute strength).
    Qì is like the cart wheel and the yao (waist) is like the axle.