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Ancient Taoist Arts of Chi Kung (Qigong) and Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan)
Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan), translated as "Grand Ultimate Fist" is considered the ultimate martial art. It was created to develop superior strength in monks who defended the Taoist lifestyle against other martial warriors. Today, Tai Chi is practiced for its self-cultivation principles. The most popular forms are from the Yang-style... which appear to be a meditation-in-motion.
Mental perception broadens as relaxation and oxygen intake increase. Calmness replaces anxiety and a cultivated understanding emerges, leading to rich and enjoyable personal relationships. Spiritual awareness awakens as the Qi (or internal energy) comes into balance, increasing the production of endorphins and creating an enhanced state of well-being. |
Predecessor to Chi Kung were shamanistic practices originating in Siberia. As these
practices migrated, they emerged in China as Chi Kung (actually a
post-revolutionary term) and moved into India, emerging in Yoga
practices. Sometimes called Taoist Yoga (associated with the Tao
“oneness” or Taoism “the study of oneness”), Chi Kung
Meditation was developed by Taoist monks to counteract the loss of
body strength after hours of seated meditation. But practice
proved it to be of even greater benefit by developing a conscious
state of awareness. Composed of simple postures, slow movements
and visualizations, Chi Kung diminishes the debilitating effects
of disease, prevents disease states from manifesting, and improves
the overall quality of life.