There are different styles of Tai Chi, and each one is distinguished from the others by a series of characteristics. Despite this, all schools have a common goal: the preservation of vital energy. In addition, all also share the precepts of Tai Chi, which are as follows .
The 10 precepts of Tai Chi
1.- The energy of the upper part of the head must be preserved
We must always keep the head upright and without tilting, with a straight but relaxed neck. In this way we will reach our highest point. The posture should be soft and natural.
2.- Lower the chest and raise the back
Another of the positions to perform in Tai Chi is this. In this way the chest must be gently relaxed, allowing the Qi to descend to the Dan Tian . What is sought is to achieve relaxation of the chest to project the force from the spinal axis.
3.- Relax the waist
It is also essential to know how to relax the waist, since it is necessary to take into account that it is the central point of the body . Only if we keep a relaxed waist will we have strong legs and maintain a stable posture.
4.- Know how to distinguish between full “Shi” and empty “Xú”
Knowing how to distinguish between full and empty is the first principle of Tai Chi Chuan . At this point we see how the Yin-Yang theory appears once again . For example, this is clear when we drop all our weight on one leg. Then, that leg will be full, and the other empty, giving the error of double weight. You have to know how to distinguish this to avoid that the steps are heavy and the positions uncomfortable and unstable.
5.- Lower your shoulders and drop your elbows
Tai Chi seeks to relax the shoulders and joints of the arms, dropping them naturally on both sides of the trunk. This will prevent the body from running out of strength. We must flee from certain precepts such as the use of muscular strength from the shoulders.
6.- Use energy and not force
We must learn to use energy and not force, something that depends on the mind-intention "Yi", and not on physical force . When practicing Tai Chi, the entire body must be relaxed to unlock the nerves, tendons, blood vessels, and bones. All this will result in a much greater freedom of movement.
7.- Unit
The Tai Chi ensures that from the feet to the legs and to the waist the “Qi” must circulate continuously, thus achieving a unit of the lower part and the upper part of the body.
8.- Get the internal and external to be all one
Tai Chi Chuan seeks to train and also exercise the "Shen" spirit . For this discipline, when the internal and external are unified into a single "Qi", there is no interruption of any kind anywhere, and both the body and the mind are completely unified.
9.- Continuity without interruption
In Tai Chi Chuan, from the beginning to the end there are no interruptions and the movements are linked with each other naturally.
10.- Look for stillness
Tai Chi Chuan seeks calm in response to the movement . For this discipline, even when in motion, you must remain calm. The objective is to make the postures by stringing them as slowly as possible, so that breathing is achieved is more leisurely, long and natural.
In turn, these ten precepts are classified into three categories, the body structure focused on working the trunk and limbs, the coordination of movements, and the harmonization of the mind. Share now the precepts of Tai Chi and improve your life.
By Pedro, editor of the Great White Brotherhood
