Beijing’s Temple of Heaven: Every morning in the heart of Beijing, at the Temple of Heaven, hundreds of people engage in tai chi. This physical and philosophical practice, developed over 300 years ago, remains significant in China. The lush environment, surrounded by trees, enhances the experience.
The Practice: Most tai chi practitioners are retirees aged 60 and above. They exercise either in groups with soothing music or in silence. Ye Guirong, 64, first encountered tai chi in 2010. After retiring, she took walks across the city and discovered the group she now leads. Ye guides new members through basic moves and monitors their progress until they reach new levels.
Basic Movements: Tai chi involves movements like “White Crane Spreads Its Wings,” where one arm lifts while the other lowers, and “Part the Wild Horse’s Mane,” a fluid sequence that shifts body weight forward as arms open in front of the chest. Ye explains that these movements have been transmitted from instructor to instructor.
Group Dynamics: Ye’s tai chi group, Cypress Grove, consists of approximately 30 people. Zu Hong, the latest addition to the group, mastered a 24-movement routine in a month, completing the first level.
“I thought tai chi looked very beautiful,” Zu said. “I wanted to exercise, so I came here to the Temple of Heaven.”
Historical Background: Founded in the 15th century by a Ming dynasty emperor, the Temple of Heaven symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests served as a ceremonial site where emperors acted as intermediaries, offering sacrifices and prayers for crops.
Philosophical Significance: Tai chi embodies both martial art (Taijiquan) and philosophical ideas (Taiji). Qi, or vital energy, is a concept crucial to this practice. Traditional Chinese medicine believes health hinges on qi’s circulation through pathways known as meridians, connecting the body’s components. Acupuncture and other treatments aim to regulate qi.
James Miller, a professor at Duke Kunshan University, expresses the importance of practices like tai chi in activating and regulating qi:
“Practices like tai chi and qigong are all about activating, regulating or improving the flow of qi in the body. That’s something very key to Daoism (Taoism), but it’s also part of the broader Chinese conception of the body and the world,” Miller said.
Nature’s Qi: Beyond individuals, qi is believed to exist in nature. Mountains and rivers are considered to be animated by their flow, which is why temples are traditionally built on mountains.
Styles of Tai Chi: Numerous styles of tai chi exist, each with distinct forms. Ye’s group practices Yang-style every morning at 7:40 a.m., rotating between sets of movements. Some incorporate swords or fans.
Health Benefits: Ye’s group has witnessed improved health through their practice, with enhanced spirits.
History of Chen-style: Recognized as the oldest form, Chen-style was created in the 17th century by military commander Chen Wangting. Influenced by Daoist principles, he experienced an awakening, opening meridian pathways and embracing spirituality.
Chen Haitao, a Tai Chi master, speaks of this transformation:
“He practiced Daoist methods of self-cultivation including meditation,” Chen Haitao said. “Then one day he experienced a sudden awakening: the meridians throughout his body all opened, his mind became enlightened, and wisdom suddenly emerged.”
Unified Elements: Chen Haitao emphasizes the integration of martial art and philosophy. The movements provide method, while philosophy imparts meaning.
“One of the great benefits of Taijiquan is that it is suitable for everyone,” Chen said. “As long as you learn the basic principles correctly and maintain proper alignment, whoever practices it will benefit from it.”
Conclusion: Tai chi continues to be a practice cherished for both its physical and philosophical elements. Its accessibility and profound effects make it highly beneficial to practitioners.
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