"The sword is practiced with a meditative attitude of mind. As in the short and long forms, two methods are commonly used. One way is the concentration on the lower tan t'ien, which is held there during the entire form. This method is practiced, for example, in the Cheng Man-Ching tradition. The other way relies on exercising the utmost attention and is comparable to Shikantaza in Zen Buddhist meditation. This technique is used, among others, by the Yang family and their followers, including master Fun Zhong-Wen. Both methods lead to the state of non-thinking (empty mind). Naturally, it takes many years of practicing to become accomplished in each of these methods. Understandably, a meditative state of mind is difficult to achieve in the beginning. Frequently, thoughts will arise in the first years of practicing the forms, as they do in sitting meditation. With growing relaxation and the ability to sink the energy, the state of non-thinking increases and prevails. This is an indication that the student has advanced on his or her way."
- Petra and Toyo Kobayashi, Classical T'ai Chi Sword, (Tuttle, 2003), p. 20.
Orthodox 32 Movement Taijiquan Swordplay Form: Bibliography, Links, Instructions, Lists, Illustrations, Resources, Notes. By Mike Garofalo. 90Kb. October, 2007.
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