Mental Elucidation of the Thirteen Postures

Wu Yu Xiang (student of Yang Lu Chan)

Use the mind/heart to move the chi. You must cause it to sink soundly, then it can gather into the bones. Use the chi to move the body. You must cause it to accord smoothly, then it can easily follow you mind/heart. If the spirit of vitality can be raised, then there will be no apprehension of dullness or heaviness. This is what is meant by suspending the crown of the head. The intent and the chi must exchange with skillful sensitivity, then you will have a sense of roundnes and liveliness. This si what is called the change of insubstantial and substantial. When issuing energy (fa jin), one must sink soundly, loosen completely, and focus in one direction. In standing, the body must be centrally aligned, calm and at ease, supporting the eight directions. Move the chi as though through a pearl carved with a zigzag path (nine-bend pearl), reaching everywhere without a hitch. Mobilise energy that is like well-tempered steel capable of breaking through any stronghold. One's form is lke a hawk seizing a rabbit. One's spirit is like a cat seizing a rat. Be still like a mountain, move like a flowing river. Store energy as though drawing a bow. Issue energy (fa jin) as though releasing an arrow. Seek the straight in the curved. Store up, then issue. The strength issues from the spine; the steps follow the body' changes. To gather in is in fact to release. To break off is to again connect. In going to and fro there must be folding; in advancing and retreating there must be turning transitions. Arriving at the extreme of yielding softness, one afterward arrives at the extreme of solid hardness. with the ability to inhale and exhale will follow the ability to be nimble and lively. When the chi is cultivated in a straightforward manner, there will be no harm. When the energy is stored up in the curves, there will be a surplus. The mind/heart is the commander, the chi is the signal flag, the waist is the directional banner. First seek to open and expand, afterwards seek to draw up and gather together, then you will approach refinement.

It is also said, if the other does not move, I do not move. If the other moves slightly, I move first. The energy seems loosened yet not loosened; about to expand, but not yet expanding. The energy breaks off, yet the intent does not. It is also said, first in the mind/heart, then in the body. The abdomen is loosened so that the chi gathers into the bones. The spirit is at ease, the body calm. Carve this, each moment, into your mind/heart; remember closely: when one part moves, there is no part that does not move. When one part is still, there is not part that is not still. Leading the movements to and fro, the chi adheres to the back, then collects into the spine. Within, consolidate the spirit of vitality. Without, express tranquility and ease. Step like a cat walking. Mobilise energy as though drawing silk. Throughout the whole body, the intent is on the spirit of vitality, not on the chi. If it is left on the chi, then there will be stagnation. One who has it on the chi will have no strength. One who does not have it on the chi will attain pure hardness. Chi is like the wheel of a cart; the waist is like the wheels axle.

Translated by Louis Swaim, in Fu Zhongwen: Mastering Yang Style Taijiquan
(North Atlantic Books, 1999) Used by permission.