The Inner Path of Tai Chi
A Spiritual Journey
by Caroline Demoise
Taijiquan, the martial art known as "tai chi" in the western world, is an enjoyable fitness exercise with a multitude of health benefits. Learning tai chi begins the unfolding of a transformational process in your life that becomes a living meditation. The physical movements are a pathway to connect with your essence and the ineffable "Tao". Learning the external movements, martial art applications, technique, and theory are the primary emphasis of most classes and books written about tai chi. However, the essence of the art is spiritual connection. Achieving depth in tai chi requires that you become aware of yourself as spirit. This exploration on the feeling level opens the pathway to harmonizing with Tao.
Most books on tai chi focus on the martial art aspect and the learning of specific movements within one of the major styles - Chen, Yang, Wu or Sun. Many traditional books feature numerous pictures with detailed descriptions of each movement, along with technique, theory and lineage history. The focus of The Inner Path of Tai Chi is on leading you to spiritual awakening and the power of transformation available through the process of learning and practicing this ancient Chinese art.
Tai Chi transcends the duality of the inner and outer worlds. You learn about the outer world through your senses. The inner world teaches you through direct experience and awareness. Tai Chi bridges the inner and outer worlds. Tai chi movement is the outer world manifestation. Connection with spirit is the essence of tai chi and resides in the inner world. The tai chi symbol represents a bridging of inner and outer aspects. Form is the yang aspect of tai chi expression. Harmonizing with Tao and connecting with essence is the spiritual or yin aspect of tai chi. Physical alignment positions the body in the outer world to connect and unite with the inner experience.
If you are interested in how to obtain The Inner Path of Tai Chi - A Spiritual Journey, e-mail me at .