Tai Chi
The History and Evolution
By: Becky Cronk
Tai Chi is a result of the Chinese Taoists. The Taoists in their observation of nature found nothing was entirely still. If prey stayed in one place, the beasts of the forest would take advantage. They also found that this principle applied to humans as well and that if they remain stagnant, it opened the door for disease and old age. From this revelation, the Taoists began creating martial art forms, as well as using yoga introduced from India, to be active. It is believed that this is where Tai Chi has its roots.
During the 13th century and the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 CE) Cheung San Fung (Zhang Sanfeng) was a member of the Wudang sect of Taoism under the branch of the School of Neidan or Internal Alchemy. This schooling believed in the return to origin or Tao, spiritual health and being at harmony with the Tao. It has been said that Cheung observed many animals which lived long lives including the turtle and crane......
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Approximate Word Count: 998
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |