Notes from Cheng Tzu's Thirteen Treatises on T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Cheng Man Ch'ing (1902-1975) was given the nickname "whiskers" because of his impressive facial hair.

At the age of 20 he was head of the traditional painting department of the Fine Arts Academy in Shanghai and also a professor of literature.  Teaching at several universities for a decade he became stricken with tuberculosis.  As he began to practice Tai Chi with his teacher Yang Cheng-fu, who had been introduced to him by friends, his lung disease subsided.  Treatise 10 in the book is an examination of methods between Traditional Chinese and Western interpretations of disease.  He believes that while Tai Chi may or may not be a cure for anything, it can certainly help with many conditions.

"T'ai Chi Ch'uan exercise first mobilizes, then leads to movement.  One uses the hsin (mind) to mobilize the ch'i and then uses ch'i to move the body.  This movement extends from the inside outward to the external" (72).

Quoting from The Classics:

"Use the mind to mobilize the chi, use the chi to mobilize the body."

"Relax the inner abdomen, then the whole body is light and agile."

"Use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds."

On the subject of sinking chi to the tan tien, it is recommended to not force it but to not forget it completely either.

"This [sinking to tan tien] is the cornerstone of cultivating the ch'i.  The tan t'ien is located in the abdomen 1.3 inches below the navel, closer to the navel than to the spine.  The requisite principle of sinking the ch'i is that the breathing must be fine, long, quiet, and slow.  Gradually inhale into the tan t'ien.  The Ch'i stays with the mind, and, day after day and month after month, it accumulates.  This must happen naturally and not be forced" (77). 

"In physiology it [the tan tien] is referred to as the center of gravity in the body and it located in the middle of the waistline ... T'ai Chi Ch'uan could be called an exercise that emphasizes the center of gravity of the body.  The Classics say, "Stand like a balance;" "The upright body must be stable and comfortable to be able to support (force from) the eight directions" (96).

In forming a fist, Cheng Man Ch'ing recommends:

"The outside appears tight but actually is not.  The inside is relaxed.  The wrist should be straight and not bent" (112).

In forming an open hand:

"Traditionally this is called the beautiful lady's hand.  The blod vessels and tendons on the back of the hand should not stand out.  In every posture, the wrist should be straight" (113).

In breaking down distinct "levels" of Tai Chi:

1)  Human Level

- Relax the tendons from shoulders to fingers:

  First relax the wrist, then the elbows and shoulders.  Do not use any force.

-  From hip joint to heel.  Differentiate between the substantial and the insubstantial (empty vs solid space).

-  From From the sacrum to the head top.  Keep the sacrum upright and head as if suspended by a string.

2)  Earth Level

- Sink chi to the tan tien.

- Chi reaches arms and legs.  Chi commanded by mind and led from tan tien to hip joint, then to the heel.  Also shoulders, elbows and wrists.

- Chi moves from sacrum to top of head.

3)  Heaven Level

- Ting Chin - listening or feeling "strength."

  "Chin comes from the ligaments and li from the bones" (79). * the difference between li (strength) and Chin.

- Comprehension of Chin

"Deep and shallow, fine and rough.  If my opponent moves even slightly, I can hear and comprehend him.  When I comprehend his chin, then I can move first.  Having the correct timing and position depends on me and not on him.  This progression is from the shallow to the deep.  But the dichotemy of fine and rough is more difficult to explain."

What is meant here is being able to anticipate the movement of your oppoenent before they move.

- Omnipotence level

Described as being difficult to describe;  when chi reaches the highest level and becomes mental energy.  "The power without physical force."