| Author |
Message |
    
Miron S.
| | Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 19:22: | |
Hi folks, can you explain to me what is the difference between tai chi and tai ji and what is the meaning of the word?
Miron. |
almost anonymous
| | Posted on Sunday, February 15, 2004 - 20:01: | |
Miron,
There is a nice introduction to the subject at the following website:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_Chi_Chuan
Regards,
A.A. |
Jeff Docherty
Username: Jeff
Registered: 11-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006 - 23:39: | |
I don't think that article really makes the point!
When spelled as Tai Chi it is basically more misleading. As this Chi (Tai Chi) does not refer to Chi as in 'breath' , 'energy' etc. that we're all familiar with.
The Chi in Tai Chi instead refers to a philosophical or metaphysical construct. The Taoists saw the origin and genesis of the universe in Wu Ji, a whole, complete unto itself, an undifferentiated state prior to any manifestation. Tai Chi is a unified state but a pivotal movement leading to the formation of Yin-Yang, which then allows for the creative expression of a relative physical universe, in temporal and spatial terms.
It is interesting to note that the expansion and eventual contraction of the physical universe, a great cycle, is echoed in the Tai Chi form by beginning and ending the form in the same place in a Wu Ji stance. Having expressed inumerable postures there is ultimately only one movement, Tai Ji. Or something like that! |
|
»
Tai chi or Ji