Much reference is made to ‘sinking’, ‘relaxing’, ‘letting go’, ‘concentrate’ during the ‘learning’ of T’ai Ch’i.
We listen and become confused with the words and explanations. What is the teacher trying to say? Language and words can be so confusing, limiting and contradictory!
So, looking at the above explanations from the dictionary, the words which are regularly used in the practice of T’ai Ch’i are not as simple as they appear. In the translation from Chinese (Mandarin) to English they lose much of their meaning. Language is so limiting and this makes it essential that each individual practitioner search for their personal understanding of the concepts and principles. The above selection does not indicate the ‘tonal’ positioning as language is not the purpose of this dissertation.
Even the use of a dictionary is difficult as there are many dictionaries which are compiled by the various authors to explain what they understand apart from the newer editions being ‘slanted’ towards the modernization / simplification and ‘standardization’ of the Chinese language / script.
We must bear in mind that Chinese calligraphy is based on ‘pictograms’ dating back many, many thousands of years. Over the ages these ‘symbols’ have been ‘modified’ progressively and, at present, the central government of China is busy encouraging the usage of the new script which has been ‘edited’, simplified and modified to become more standardized and universal. Each ‘symbol’ when connected to another can have a variety of meanings. If you were to make a study of the ‘symbols’, [it would be a mammoth task as there are nearly 1500 everyday, and over 7000 classical ‘symbols’], you would need to go back to the root – a single brush stroke which is the source of the ‘idea’. From this ‘idea’ or root each ‘symbol’ grows to the final product. The meaning only really becomes clear when the sentence is complete – in Chinese.
In this dissertation the words aware and conscious(ness) have divergent meanings. When reading articles on this website this must be kept in mind.
Awareness - means to observe, see, feel, experience a particular phenomenon.
Consciousness - means to be “attached” to the sensation and has a more physical and egoistical connotation.
‘Consciousness’ leads to “self-consciousness” which is a product of the ego whereas ‘awareness’ is compared to being an observer, detached from the situation and the physical self.
Now you may understand why you are struggling to understand, for the translation of an idea that originated in thought, into English, is extremely difficult, especially when we desire that everybody has the same understanding. We, amongst the English speaking nations, cannot even agree on what is meant by “beautiful” !
By considering the variations on the various words given above I hope that you may get a better understanding of the idea of “sinking”, “Emptiness”, and “relaxing” in the Tai Chi Concept and an insight into the limitations of words and language in the field of Tai Ch’i.
There are many and varied manners of representing Tai Ch’i in the English language or script. Do not consider this in your readings. There is no attempt at presenting this collection of thoughts in “correct” Anglicisation of the Chinese characters, only in expounding ideas and thoughts accumulated from the writings of so many others. If it sounds right – that is good enough.
The basic principles of Tai Qi are found in all ‘styles / forms’ and are:-
