An Excerpt from Chen Xinfs
gInstructions for Studying Taijiquanh
Translated and explained by Laurie Sogawa 2002.06.14
1. No disrespect: When you disrespect others, you injure your teacher and friends, and then injure your own spirit. Can Taijiquan be learned without self-discipline?
2. No coarseness: Coarseness of actions or words leads to trouble of all kinds. A person should be enveloped in graceful dignity, and behave with courtesy. If not, outer coarseness will surely damage the inner self.
3. No arrogance: Arrogance causes disturbance. It is said: gHeaven exists also beyond Heaven.h A humble person has an open heart, receptive to teachings. Wouldnft anyone find it a pleasure to teach such a person? It leads to greater good when the merits of many people accumulate.
4. Honing observations: If you do not pay meticulous attention to the movements, your understanding of the principles and the process will become vague and unconnected. Especially, pay close attention and try to fathom what the teacher is doing. Without honing and listening, the Qi and the movement of Neijin will not flow smoothly in one go, and it will be impossible to attain the state of Taihe-Yuanqi (harmony with the generative energy of the universe.)
5. Reading books: Read about Taijiquan theory. The practice comes more easily if you understand the theory.
6. Learn Yinyang Kaihe first: The study of Taijiquan is about Yinyang Kaihe. Yinyang Kaihe has a natural presence in the body. Study will neither enhance nor decrease it. Teachers should encourage students to recover their awareness of this presence naturally. Teachers should embody the principles of Taiji, and teach with moderation, so that their students come to understand this balance accordingly.
7. Taijiquan Has No Great Usage: Taijiquan has no great usage. However, during times of strife such as these, how can we maintain our existence without Taijiquan? In the least, practicing Taijiquan is one way to contribute to a peaceful society.