When did the one (wuji) generate a dichotomy (taiji)?
On the history of dualism and the phases of transformation
By Helmut Jäger
We are all familiar with the doctrine of yin/yang and the five phases of transformation from the Chinese world view, and most people assume that these arose in China. Helmut Jäger places these aspects in a broader context and indicates possible origins of dualistic thinking within human history. He points to connections between the Chinese phases of transformation and the teachings of Zarathustra and the Greek theory of the elements; these concepts may possibly have become known in Asia even before the Christian era, in connection with Unani or ›Greek medicine‹. Seen from this perspective, the sources of the current Chinese model may indeed originate from the Caucasus region.
Emptiness and Connection: the Lotus
A Qigong exercise in the light of Daoist and Buddhist philosophy
By Dietlind Zimmermann
Emptying the mind and simultaneously remaining connected with our surroundings, with the world – this mental goal is to be found in similar forms in both Daoism and Buddhism. Dietlind Zimmermann explains how the two aspects relate to each other and how for us they open up a connection with the totality of existence. Taking the exercise »The Life Cycle of the Lotus« as an example, she shows how these ideas can be sensed and experienced within the body.
On the Origin of Taijiquan
By Christian Unverzagt
There are various, and partly contradictory, theories about how Taijiquan first arose. In the previous issue Christian Unverzagt summarised the basic theories and names and also considered from what point onwards these historical accounts refer to Taijiquan in the contemporary sense of the term. In the second part of his article he describes precursors to Taijiquan and explains which conditions should be met in order for Taijiquan actually to be involved. Despite all the differences between various styles, what unites them under the name Taijiquan is a reference to the basic principles.
Chan Mi Gong – The Unity of Opposites
By Zuzana Sebkova-Thaller
Chan Mi Gong is an independent school in Qigong with its own highly individual approach. In the previous issue Zuzana Sebkova-Thaller presented its special aspects and the basic exercises through which the practitioner, by means of the exercises with wavelike and spiralling movements, connects with the primary forms of existence. Building on this, the more advanced exercises of the Chan Mi system further develop the power of the heart, deepen understanding of the unity of the polarities and, step by step, create an increasingly far-reaching connection with one’s environment through to the depths of the cosmos.
Breath – The Rhythm of Life
Using the healing power of breath in Taijiquan, Qigong and Zuowang
By Klemens J. P. Speer
Breathing is obviously one of the most basic functions that our body controls autonomously. Nevertheless, various influences and habits can lead to breathing patterns that are less favourable for our organism. Klemens Speer describes essential aspects of a health-promoting form of breathing, whereby modern research combines with the principles also familiar in Qigong and Taijiquan that we should breathe gently and naturally through the nose.