»Follow the principle and don’t stop training«
Interview with Jan Silberstorff about learning Taijiquan
Learning and training Taijiquan in the West always involves some tension between traditional transmission and adaptation to modern habits and approaches. Neither holding rigidly to a transmission nor sliding into a ›whatever‹ attitude does justice to this issue. In this interview with Patricia Prxybylski, Jan Silberstorff talks about the meaning of tradition in the learning of Taijiquan, that it makes sense to pursue a single line of tradition for a longer time and what signi cance the Daoist roots still have for training today. He is convinced that – in addition to perseverance in training – the basic mental attitude of the practitioner is decisive for the ultimate success.
The Five Animal Frolics in Taiwan. Nourishing health on a beautiful island
By Michael A. DeMarco
The »Five Animal Frolics« according to Hua Tuo is one of the best-known Qigong methods and can look back on a long tradition. As might be expected, various styles of practice have developed over the years. Michael A. DeMarco presents the approach that has taken shape in Taiwan since the middle of the last century, as transmitted by Zhang Jingying. This style di ers clearly from the method of practice customary in the PR China because within the form the animals occur in varying sequences. The movement radius of the body is extended through stretching, the spine and all other joints are mobilised and the circulation of qi and blood is improved. To this one can add the mental e ect through the internalisation of the qualities of tiger, bear, deer, monkey and bird.
>> Original article in English
From the Depths of Time – the Wudang Pai
Interview with Tian Liyang
The Wudang Mountains are viewed as the direct or indirect cradle of Taijiquan. They are holy to the Daoists and famous for the martial arts practiced there. Tian Liyang is a lineage holder of the Wudang Xuanwupai line, runs his own martial arts school in Wudangshan and also regularly teaches in Europe. In this interview with his closest con dant Marianne Herzog he explains the system of the Wudang school and its roots in Daoist culture, which are associated particularly with the legendary gures Zhenwu and Zhang Sanfeng. The Wudang system also includes the Yangshenggong; its basic methods can be practiced by all interested persons, while however the higher levels require one to withdraw from the life of society.
When the Qi over ows… – Completing the Small Heavenly Circuit (Part 2)
By Joachim Stuhlmacher
In the previous issue, Joachim Stuhlmacher provided an introduction to the practice of the Small Heavenly Circuit as part of Daoist inner alchemy, and gave special attention to the need to rst gather qi in the lower dantian before channelling it further. In the second part he describes the further passage of qi through the dumai and renmai, and he presents various methods of practice.
Feelings and Communication on the Path to the Dao. Their special meaning in the teaching of Taijiquan and Qigong
By Klemens J. P. Speer
Learning Taijiquan and Qigong involves a combination of the physical level, the energy-related level and training the mind. Klemens Speer stresses that, besides this, one should also devote special attention to the feelings because these can form an obstacle on the path to the Dao. In particular unconscious feelings can disrupt the hoped-for mental calm. In cases of repressed trauma it can be useful to seek therapeutic help. Another important factor in a spiritually oriented teaching approach is intensive and trust-based communication between the teacher and students, and also within the group.