Paul Renall Taiji: Principles RSS

How should a student relate to his teacher?

Paul Renall — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:46:12 -0600

In the present day, science is very advanced, affecting all aspects of human endeavor day by day. This gives rise to stress and keen competition in business having a telling effect on the spirit. This is a common malady. This is why Taiji, an ancient art, is popular and a common practice. It has no secrets.

Some students have been learning and practicing Taiji for several years and are yet unstable. Why is this so?

Paul Renall — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:27:10 -0600

A lot of students are using wrong learning and practicing technique. Students must start with understanding the Dao of philosophy, then the principles, then using the correct method and finally putting in the effort.

How many times must we practice the set movements everyday?

Paul Renall — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:18:09 -0600

The important principle is moderation. The practicing technique must be correct in the first place. Some people say you must practice the whole set of movements ten times a day with one set lasting about 25 minutes. This only focuses on quantity and is wasting Qi and energy.

What is the true spirit of Taiji?

Paul Renall — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:13:43 -0600

Good and famous masters of Taiji teach the same stuff but students will learn differently. This is because students differ in natural endowment and physical make-up. The real acquisition of the art is not in just mastering the external forms but also in mastering the principles and philosophy.

What is the rationale for relaxing the abdomen and withdrawing the coccyx (or tailbone)?

Paul Renall — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:09:06 -0600

Qi is stored in the Dan Tien as a result of using consciousness to sink the Qi to this point. From here Qi should circulate to the whole body. If Qi just remains in the Dan Tien, then the abdomen will have the sensation of being stuffed. Only when Qi circulates throughout the body will the abdomen be relaxed and pliable.