Yi shou yan nian bu alo chun
One gains longevity and prolongs the spring of life in old age."
- C.P. Ong, Taijiquan: Cultivating Inner Strength, p. 156
Taijiquan: Cultivating Inner Strength
By C. P. Ong. Bagua Press, 2013. 366 pages. ISBN:
978-0615874074. VSCL. "This book diverges from traditional
exposition on Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) as it engages rather than shuns the role
of muscles in elucidating the cryptic practice dictum of “using yi (mind) and
not li (muscle force).” It centers on the core principle of Taiji balance—the
balance of yin and yang, but presents the metaphysics of balance the way the
body comprehends it, developmentally, through practice in the musculo-skeletal
framework. In the process, the fog of mystique lifts, and the many abstruse
concepts of Taijiquan become clear. Taijiquan training is physical at the
initial phase, but the slow-motion exercise nurtures a meditative discipline of
the mind. As it progresses, the soft methodology grows into one of building
qi-energy, and then the practice becomes more internalized. The process
fortifies the body with qi and cultivates a holistic balance of the organ
systems. The book explains how the training methodology, in pursuing Taiji
balance, leads to the development of a highly refined strength called neijin
(inner strength). By incorporating the training of “silk-reeling energy” in
Taiji balance, the practitioner develops the coiling power (chanrao jin) that
underlies the magic of Taijiquan kungfu." Dr. Ong has a Ph.D. in
mathematics from U.C. Berkeley. C.P. Ong is a 20th generation Chen Family
Taijiquan disciple of both Chen Xiaowang and Chen Zhenglei. He has traveled with
them, as well as with Zhu Tiancai, for a few years in their U.S. workshop tours.
By C. P. Ong. Bagua Press, 2013. 366 pages. ISBN:
978-0615874074. VSCL. "This book diverges from traditional
exposition on Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) as it engages rather than shuns the role
of muscles in elucidating the cryptic practice dictum of “using yi (mind) and
not li (muscle force).” It centers on the core principle of Taiji balance—the
balance of yin and yang, but presents the metaphysics of balance the way the
body comprehends it, developmentally, through practice in the musculo-skeletal
framework. In the process, the fog of mystique lifts, and the many abstruse
concepts of Taijiquan become clear. Taijiquan training is physical at the
initial phase, but the slow-motion exercise nurtures a meditative discipline of
the mind. As it progresses, the soft methodology grows into one of building
qi-energy, and then the practice becomes more internalized. The process
fortifies the body with qi and cultivates a holistic balance of the organ
systems. The book explains how the training methodology, in pursuing Taiji
balance, leads to the development of a highly refined strength called neijin
(inner strength). By incorporating the training of “silk-reeling energy” in
Taiji balance, the practitioner develops the coiling power (chanrao jin) that
underlies the magic of Taijiquan kungfu." Dr. Ong has a Ph.D. in
mathematics from U.C. Berkeley. C.P. Ong is a 20th generation Chen Family
Taijiquan disciple of both Chen Xiaowang and Chen Zhenglei. He has traveled with
them, as well as with Zhu Tiancai, for a few years in their U.S. workshop tours."Think over carefully what the final purpose is: to lengthen life and maintain youth."
- Song of 13 Postures, translated by Benjamin Lo
Thirteen Postures of Taijiquan
Cloud Hands Taijiquan
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart, and Sharp Mind
.
By Peter M. Wayne, Ph.D., and Mark L. Fuerst. Shambhala Press, 2013.
240 pages. A Harvard Health Publication.
.
By Peter M. Wayne, Ph.D., and Mark L. Fuerst. Shambhala Press, 2013.
240 pages. A Harvard Health Publication. 
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