Excerpt from Theory of Tai Chi Quan by Wang Zongyue, translated by Yang Ye

T’ai Chi, borne out of Wu Chi, is the mother of yin and yang;

In motion it separates and in stillness it fuses.

 

Its outward expression is neither excessive nor inadequate;

Its movement is shaped by curves and follows the confines of the environment. 

 

When dealt with hardness,

Respond with softness,

Such is called yielding;

When confronted with adversity,

Find comfort in it,

Such is called sticking.

Facing with acute attacks,

Return with actions equally as quick;

Confronting with slow infringements,

Respond with movements equally as gradual;

Innumerable variations there may be,

The principles of Tai Chi never change.

 

From familiarity with the movements,

One gradually comprehends the quality of the intrinsic strength;

From the comprehension of intrinsic strength,

One obtains the infinite wisdom.

Without perseverance, however,

One cannot suddenly understand the universal rules.

 

The top of the head should have a feeling of being lifted gently.

Let the vital energy sink to Dan Tian effortlessly;

No tilting or leaning in any direction;

One’s energy appears and disappears at her volition.

 

Sensing pressure from the left,

Empty oneself on the left;

Sensing pressure from the right,

Empty oneself on the right;

Sensing energy rising up,

Extend oneself even higher;

Sensing energy cascading down,

Lower oneself even deeper;

Sensing energy advancing forward,

Make the distance infinitely longer;

Sensing energy retreating,

Follow up with a speed much quicker. 

A feather cannot be too light to my senses;

Not even a fly can land its foot on my blouses.

I am incomprehensible from outside for anyone to see;

I understand others more than they understand me . . .

 

—Excerpt  from Theory of Tai Chi Quan by Wang Zongyue, translated by Yang Ye