Taijiquan, often referred to as Tai Chi, is more than just a martial art; it is a way of life that emphasizes balance, harmony, and respect. Rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, Taijiquan is not only about physical movements but also about cultivating moral character and inner peace. In this blog post, we will explore the essential rules and prohibitions that guide practitioners of Taijiquan, particularly those from the Chenjiagou tradition.
The Twelve Principles of Respect
- Dignity: Be upright and dignified.
- Respect: Show respect and reverence.
- Fairness: Be just and fair.
- Integrity: Be honest and upright.
- Benevolence: Be kind and compassionate.
- Righteousness: Uphold justice and morality.
- Courage: Possess a broad and courageous spirit.
- Bravery: Act bravely in the face of righteousness.
- Loyalty: Be loyal and trustworthy.
- Faith: Have faith and devotion.
- Sincerity: Be sincere and genuine.
- Virtue: Cultivate moral character and ethics.
The Twenty Rules of Conduct
- Do not abuse power to bully others.
- Do not fear the strong and oppress the weak.
- Do not fear danger when rescuing those in peril.
- Do not engage in wrongdoing or evil deeds.
- Do not use skills to take advantage of others.
- Do not act arrogantly due to influence or power.
- Do not perform in the streets for money.
- Do not form cliques or gangs in villages.
- Do not indulge in luxury or wander aimlessly.
- Do not be arrogant or self-satisfied.
- Do not compete with reckless individuals.
- Do not argue with the ignorant.
- Do not boast about wealth or poverty.
- Do not covet ill-gotten gains.
- Do not indulge in excessive drinking or lust.
- Do not let personal feelings interfere with public duties.
- Do not harm public interests for personal gain.
- Do not seek high positions or wealth for show.
- Do not betray your country.
- Do not waste time in practicing martial arts.
The Twelve Prohibitions
- Fraud and Deception: Avoid deceit and trickery.
- Madness and Arrogance: Do not act recklessly or with arrogance.
- Low Quality and Degradation: Avoid low-quality behavior and degradation.
- Cunning, Hypocrisy, Betrayal, and Vulgarity: Do not engage in cunning, hypocritical, treacherous, or vulgar actions.
- Dishonesty: Do not be dishonest.
- Extreme Willfulness, Arrogance, and Self-importance: Avoid extreme willfulness, arrogance, and self-importance.
- Malice, Cruelty, and Extremely Bad Behavior: Do not act with malice, cruelty, or engage in extremely bad behavior.
Guidelines for Learning Taijiquan
- Respect: Learning Taijiquan requires respect. Without respect, you will disrespect your teachers and peers, neglect your body, and lack the desire to learn.
- Humility: Do not be arrogant. Arrogance leads to trouble. Your actions and words should reflect modesty and elegance.
- Modesty: Do not be complacent. Complacency leads to loss. As the saying goes, “There is always a higher sky.” Being humble allows you to learn and grow.
- Diligence: Practice diligently and pay attention to details. Each movement should be carefully studied to understand its essence and connection to the next.
- Study: Before practicing Taijiquan, study the theory. Understanding the principles will make learning the art easier.
Conclusion
Taijiquan is not just about physical prowess; it is about cultivating a balanced and harmonious life. The rules and prohibitions outlined above serve as a moral compass for practitioners, guiding them to live with integrity, respect, and humility. By adhering to these principles, one can truly embody the spirit of Taijiquan and achieve both physical and spiritual well-being.
Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, these guidelines can help you deepen your understanding and appreciation of Taijiquan. Remember, the journey of Taijiquan is a lifelong pursuit of balance, harmony, and self-improvement.