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The secret of outer strength lies in using qi to
unleash latent power that depends not on physical strength
but on knowledge. Gong-fu is the cultivation of qi and its
use as a fighting technique.
Taoism claims to be able to
demonstrate its superiority through movement, based on the
notion that the human body is the universe in miniature.
But the movements themselves are to be based on a
acquiescence, not confrontation, with nature.
In martial arts there are two categories of movement,
external and internal. Both forms aim to tap into the flow
of qi. Of the former, karate, concerned with bodily
skills of self-defense, is a well-known example. Internal
forms are development; among these taijiquan, or
shadowboxing, is the best known. |
| Meditation concentrates the mind so
movements made are in tune with it. Meditation in action
is considered essential by Taoists because it involves the
whole human being, body and soul. The practitioner must be
aware of his or her actions, so the weapon, whether it is
hand or sword, is directed to strike but does so almost
intuitively, having sensed in advance the movement of an
opponent. The mind is flowing, and this is qi. The
relationship between the two types of breathing, physical
and spiritual is vital. Perhaps this could be described as
“tranquil,” but the word is inadequate because it fails to
imply the level of alertness essential for success.
Taijiquan is supposed to be able to teach both the
calmness necessary in everyday life and the added
awareness needed for fighting. |
