I was recently asked to take over a weekly class taught by a former student of Mr. Moy Lin Shin (Master Moy), of the Taoist Tradition. The previous instructor, who had moved to another state, Had taught the students well for three and a half years, and they all were well grounded in the same principles of good T’ai Chi; balance, relaxation, all parts working together.
The practical manifestations of these principles, however, seems to require time, practice, and, most important, attention to one’s current state (meditation). This path may be considerably shortened by having someone who is further along on this path, so that the student does not have to “Re-invent the wheel”.
This experience, at the heart of things, may transcend any specific style. I am finding that insight into what is good T’ai Chi may be useful to practitioners of many different styles, regardless of its’ source.
It is a pleasure and an honor to have something of value to offer to these sincere students at many different levels, and to perhaps be able to help them to advance on their paths, regardless of the style which brought them to their current level.
Watching videos of their masters on the internet seems to further my understanding, as I become more aware of the commonalities shared by these authentic styles of T’ai Chi Chuan. I have recently enjoyed immensely some videos of Al Huang, Sophia Delza, and Mr. Moy, whose impeccable form reminds me of that of my own teachers, the Chows.
Tipping the Scales
It seems to me that moving according to the principles of any authentic style of T’ai Chi is a cumulative process, and, independent of style, may be likened to moving grains of sand from one side of a scale to the other.
As we put this more sane way of moving into our selves, its effects accumulate until, at some point, the scale tips to the other side, and we begin to externalize the effects of this in our lives.
This beneficial process grows the longer we practice, and we don’t have to practice well or perfectly, or even regularly, for it to work. Of course, what ever we put in is what comes out, and regular practice does help a lot.
Thanks and blessings to All,
Daniel
