Dao Chuan (Daoist Tai Chi)

The Tai Chi of the Universal Source
Yuanshi - Taiji

Original T'ai Chi Ch'uan

This form stems from the White Cloud Temple Monastery (Beijing) and the Sam Ching Mei Monastery. It is a precious jewel, kept secret and not to be taught to the unworthy. This form is taught by On Sing Yuen, 15th generation practitioner. Although nearly 90 years old he is still active and lively. He was taught by the Head Monk of the White Cloud and by another monk, Gao Foo Sun. He practised hard every day, discovering the essence ot T'ai Chi. To ensure that it does not die out he has decided to bring it into the open.

This original T'ai Chi form is sophisticated and rich in martial content, very practical. It contains fast and slow movements. The internal force comes from within.
It has four main principles:
1. Movement.
2. Stillness.
3. Fast.
4. Slow.

There are thirteen postures and twelve actions.
1. Flow with no tension. Co-ordinate with the in and out breath.
2. Stillness is very important.
3. Five movements are like a tiger pouncing on its prey. These movements are spirited and solid.
4. Slow - concentration on breath and flow-mind/energy will join together.

This form is hard and soft, fast and slow. Do not be rigid. Fast movements must be precise and focused. Yield and use stillness. Size up the opponent. Be aware of everything. Discover their weakness.

Of the postures 164 are to do with stillness.

Foreword

The Tai Chi of the Universal Source is a Taoist martial art, historically regarded by Taoists as a secret treasure not to be transmitted outside the tradition. Taoist master An Shengyuan of the White Cloud Temple in Beijing, a 15th generation bearer of the "Zhi" tradition of the San Qing Wei Sect, is already in his nineties. He studied with the abbot of the White Cloud Temple, then later studied with Master GaoHuchen.

Under the instruction of these two masters, 10 years of hard study and tough practice passed as a single day, until he became a true disciple of Taoist Tai Chi. Now, Master An has decided to make the Tai Chi of the Universal Source public, in order that it should not be lost to future generations.

The Tai Chi of the Universal Source (also called Primordial Beginnings), is a rich tradition comprising many forms, and a rigorous structure. It is practical, relaxing the whole body frame, with indirect properties, with the external body movements giving rise to internal energy movements. Practised up to a certain level, it can build a real basis for a unique style, enabling the practitioner to [according to second pulse Zhou heaven moving into].

The Taoist Tai Chi of the Universal Source

This form of Tai Chi is a tradition handed down by the Emperor Xuanyuan, who based it on his witnessing of a battle between a snake and a magpie. According to the records, the Emperor was walking in front of a slope one day when he saw a magpie and a snake struggling with each other, closely entangled. When the magpie attached the snake's tail, the snake's head came to the rescue; when the magpie attacked the head, the head and tail linked together.

The Emperor was most surprised when he saw this, and created a Tai Chi form as a result. It was later taken up by

the Taoist Adept Zhang Sanfeng ("Three Harvests Zhang") and other Taoist masters who augmented it in practice according to the movements of flying birds and walking beasts, cooking fighting techniques and the preservation of life and health together on the same stove. This produce a boxing form that was peculiarly Taoist, comprising dynamic, still, fast and slow sections.

Section 1 — Dynamism

This section is the dynamic section, consisting of 13 forms. It should be practised with a moving energy of intent flowing through all points of the body.

Section 2— Stillness

This section is important as regards technique.

Section 3—Speed

The fast section also has 13 forms, or a total of 12 movement sets. It requires fierceness, violence, speed and hardness.

Section 4—Slowness

This section is also called the ritual of the four directions, requiring the generation of intent via the eight trigrams of the Ba Gua. Intent becomes energy, energy becomes power, until there is a corresponding tension between intent and energy (qi). An internal harmony between intent, energy and power results occurs, and the deployment of gong (qi in the body) and of power.

1. Power - Hard and soft should be in balance. Only then is there completion. Only hardness with no soft is incomplete; only softness with no hardness is unsteady.
2. Speed - Fast and slow should be in balance. Too fast lacks freedom; too slow lacks energy. The two should combine to make flexibility. In this way one can have strength without rigidity, softness without weakness, speed without losing control, and slowness without wavering.
3. Technique - There is an emphasis on a return to emptiness, movement arising from stillness. But even more attention should be paid to the spirit behind the movements, to the positions of hands and feet, entering the forms riding on emptiness, movements coming out of the abyss.

The characteristics of meditational movement is that the energy in movements such as touch, adhesion, continuity, following, soft/continuous, rolling, turning, are as if [picking the essence of water depending on the elbows?]. The "following" movement, once it has been practised up to a certain level, will result in the transfer of external energy to internal energy, with a free circulation of energy through all the meridians and systems, setting up the generation and circulation of qi within the body and giving rise to considerable power (gong).

White Cloud Temple

The source
Yuanshi - Taiji
Bai Yun Guan, Beijing

In the 8th century, the Tian Chang Temple was built in Beijing to house a statue of Lao Tzu. Although it burned down in 1202, the statue was saved. In 1224, Genghis Khan ordered the reconstruction of the temple. It came to be known as the White Cloud Temple. Today it is one of China's oldest and largest Taoist temples, housing the office of Taoist Association of China.

In Chinese, Taoist temples are not actually called temples, but Guan. Guan means something like to look at or observe. This is a reflection of the Taoist belief that understanding the Tao comes from a direct observation of nature, rather than scholastic theological studies.

Here are some images of the Temple taken on a full moon Sunday, which is a popular time for Taoists to visit. It is especially popular with Cantonese, whose dialect and fashion stand out from local Beijing residents. The temple is one of the most entertaining I've visited with lots of activities for visitors.

The White Cloud Temple Of Beijing, China is located outside Xibianmen in Beijing. It is one of "The Three Great Ancestral Courts" of the Complete Perfection Sect of Taoism, and is titled "The First Temple under Heaven".

In the 8th century, the Tian Chang Temple was built in Beijing to house a statue of Lao Tzu. Although it burned down in 1202, the statue was saved . In 1224, Genghis Khan ordered the reconstruction of the temple. It came to be known as the White Cloud Temple. Today it is one of China's oldest and largest Taoist temples, housing the office of Taoist Association of China. In Chinese, Taoist temples are not actually called temples, but Guan. Guan means something like to look at or observe.

This is a reflection of the Taoist belief that understanding the Tao comes from a direct observation of nature, rather than scholastic theological studies. The arches at the front have detailed traditional images including two hidden monkeys. Visitors believe it is lucky to find and touch them. Just inside the entrance is a bridge crossing over nothing in particular. Under the bridge are oversized Chinese coins with bells in the middle. For a couple of dollars you can buy a bunch of fake coins to throw at the bells. It is said to be lucky if you can hit the bell with a coin throwing from either side. nside the Temple for the Immortal Qui is a detailed model of scenes from the life of this very impressive Taoist Ancient.

Born to a good family in Shan Dong in 1148, Master Qui Chang Chun, had an excellent memory and quick wit from an early age. He studied Taoism for many years and came to live in a cave in Shan Xi. He was nicknamed, Sir Palm Bark Raincoat, because of his habit of bringing a simple raincoat and bamboo hat wherever he went. ater, his wisdom attracted invitations from powerful emperors. He turned down several invitations to accept the most inconvenient and dangerous of all: an audience with Genghis Khan. After journeying for two years with 18 disciples to meet the Khan, his reasons became apparent.The two got on very well. After a while Genghis Khan asked Qui's advice on ruling well. Qui counselled him to show restraint in killing. On the issue of longevity, he recommended easing the mind and avoiding excessive desires. It is said this meeting encouraged Khan to soften his brutal ways to the benefit of his subjects. Qui's journey had been worthwhile.