12 Taoist Misunderstandings in the Practice of Taijiquan (Tai Chi) Cover Image

12 даоски недоразумения в практиката на Тайдзицюан (тай чи)
12 Taoist Misunderstandings in the Practice of Taijiquan (Tai Chi)

Author(s): Valeri Ivanov
Subject(s): Philosophy, Fine Arts / Performing Arts
Published by: Великотърновски университет „Св. св. Кирил и Методий”
Keywords: Tao; way; Chinese philosophy; traditional practice; Tai Chi

Summary/Abstract: The teaching of the Tao permeates all attempts to reach reality in Chinese philosophy, culture, worldview, and everyday life. It would be expected that the understanding of this teaching would be particularly close to the traditional practices that have their origin close to the insights regarding the Way. The wide popularity of Tai chi /taijiquan/ today does not make its practice more authentic or truthful. Instead, it seems to be yet another reason for the “elusive and intangible”2 Tao to remain hidden and hard to grasp (Lao Dza 1990, 21). We will attempt to briefly summarize twelve conceptual incongruities that are the reason for the popular Tai chi to lose its roots.