Chuang Tzu

Viewing Tai Chi as a complete system which needs to incorporate the ways of thinking evident in Taoism and Zen with internal features of form and martial applications is key. Indeed, since starting with the class as well as ‘re-training’ the body to effectively transfer energy, relax, yield and the like; retraining the mind with a more ‘here and now focus’ and by not forcing the physical or the mental has been beneficial to my health. Reading text such as Merton’s and other exercises like the questionnaires compliment form, qigong and application studied in class. This has been emphasised recently by Master Waller where this aspect of the study is essential and informs internal aspects of the art.

(Dr Leigh Riby)

Chuang Tzu

Chuang Tzu was the Chinese philosopher who is credited by some people with transforming aspects of traditional Buddhism into today’s popular Zen. Much like some of the more popular text related to Zen and Taoism that I have read since beginning my Tai Chi study, Merton’s The Way of Chuang Tzu informs my Tai Chi practice. Since there is a long tradition of Taoist monks performing Tai Chi it is hardly surprising scholars such as Chuang Tzu’s writing influenced Tai Chi.

(Dr Leigh Riby)