The Rising Sun School of
T'ai Chi Ch'uan

Practitioners Corner

Expand Your Approach
Study Guide for Students
Improving Form Study
Why Yang Styles Differ
Insight through the I Ching

Our School Lineage
Master Lee Shiu Pak
The T'ai Chi Family
Rising Sun School Faculty
Certified Instructors

General Interest

Books and Reviews
Starting a Peer Group
Instructional Products
News and Events

Toronto T'ai Chi Classes at

The
Rising Sun School of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

We have no more than 8 students per instructor and you progress at your own rate. If you miss a class, you pick up where you left off the last time. We specialize in personal coaching!

Yang within Yin

"The teachings of T'ai Chi Ch'uan can be incorporated into one's daily life...consider the verbal attacks encountered from day to day. If a person criticizes you or makes an unfair or disparaging remark, you can react inseveral ways. If you meet resistence with resistence and attack by returning the criticism, conflict naturally develops: you become upset and nothing is settled. Alternatively, if you retreat from the persons statement, you become fearful and assume the statement must be accepted: you again become upset, frustrated and hurt. However, Taoist philosophy provides an alternative to either total attack or total retreat. The philosophy of 'Yang among Yin' teaches you how to become acutely aware of what is said, consider its meaning and act accordingly. You will dismiss the statement if it is false, and learn from it if it is true. Having this understanding, you realize you are in control of yourself and your reactions."

Introduction
The Tao of T'ai Chi Ch'uan
by Jou Tsung-hwa

Commentary

Jou Tsung-hwa is refering to the T'ai Chi symbol, which has two sides to it, a light side (Yang) and a dark side (Yin). Each side has a drop of the opposite within it, so there is 'Yang among the Yin' and 'Yin among the Yang'. This implies that in order to stay balanced within any given preponderance one needs a drop of the opposite so that the dominant Yin or Yang aspect does not go to far.

The complementary teaching to Jou Tsung-hwa's 'Yang among the Yin' example is 'Yin among the Yang'. It teaches us that no matter what activity we are involved with we should reserve some receptivity for how that activity is impacting on ourselves, others and the world around us. The drop of Yin in the Yang teaches us to pace ourselves when we work and gives us the capacity to adapt to change. Otherwise if we become so narrow in our Yang focus that there is no Yin, our work becomes obsessive and ultimately exhausting as we have lost sight of ourselves, others and the world around us. The successful fruition of our endeavor is at risk because the rationale for our actions may be dated and no longer relevant.If we practice 'Yin within Yang' we are able to dapt our plans according to the new information we receive as we work. Sometimes we need to go right back to the drawing board and the drop of Yin becomes the large Yin again and the large Yang diminishes into the drop of Yang, which guides our new planning process.

Our western culture runs a grave risk of long term imbalance when these two lessons are forgotten and the only value we have is that of the Yang. This Yang value system combined with an exclusive philosophy based on individualism makes for solely profit oriented decision making with potentially catastrophic consequences. The microcosm of our personal conciousness ripples ultimately into the macrocosm of our society as a whole and the ecology of the planet which sustains us. The lessons of the natural world, which inspired ancient Taoists, Yogis, Shamans to teach a way of life that taught one to live in balance, are far from our urban experience. When we do leave the city, it is very good for us, but ultimately it is not enough to change our thinking. People come to T'ai Chi to recover a personal measure of harmony through their own piece of the planet, their mind-body continuum. The Taoists saw personal self cultivation as at the core of what balances a human being. We are not inherently balanced unless we follow our personal developmental imperatives, which is a piece of planetary evolution. There is great hope for us and great peril. As the stakes are raised these teachings on balanced action has never been so relevant or so crucial to our collective survival.

~~~~~~~~

27

"The wise traveller has no need to retrace his steps. The effective speaker does not needs to repeat himself. The generous trader needs no scales. The self-closing door needs no bolts; for it will not open itself even though it is not forced to stay shut. Things which go together do not have to be tied; for they will not separate even without bonds. Therefore the intelligent man expresses his beneficience to other men by accepting each man's own way as best for himself. And he performs the same service for all other beings, for he willingly recognizes that, by following its own nature, each thing does the best that can be done for it."

Tao Teh King by Lao Tzu
interpreted as Nature and Intelligence by Archie J. Bahm

********

Commentary

When applying "Yang within Yin' or 'Yin within Yang' it his helpful to remember that all of life flows within an interdepedent continnum which by its very breadth and pervasiveness hones to cohesion rather than chaos. Free choice is part of natures evolution for the human species, but it does not preclude the rules of cohesion or balance. Self determination (Yang) is naturally balanced by mutual cooperation (Yin).

~~~~~~~~

Ling

"Spiritual, spirit, divine, intelligent. The top half of the word is a picture of rain falling from a cloud. In the middle are three squares, representing a crowd of people. At the bottom is a representation of two Shamans who are dancing to bring the rain.
One practices to bring the Tao into oneself as the rain falling upon the earth."

Everyday Tao
Deng Ming-dao

~~~~~~~~

If you have comments or suggestions email
Paul McCaughey at

taichitoronto@rogers.com

The Rising Sun School Book Review

(Bookstore to follow shortly)

Simplified Short Form (24 Set) in a clear and concise demonstration of movements using black and white photographs with accompanying text. There are additional chapters devoted to the techniques, their therapeutic value and general information on T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Colour photographs of specific movements and diagrammatic overviews are an added bonus. Table contents but no index. This would be good for Novice and Intermediate students.

An easily read introduction to the basics and history of T'ai Chi Ch'uan and it's health benefits. Simplified 24 Set Form. Black and white photographs with accompanying concise text in an very attractive format. Indexed and diagramatic overview included. Recommended for Novice and Intermediate students.

Reid, Howard. The Way of Harmony: A Guide to Self-Knowledge through the Arts of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Hsing Yi, Pa Kua and Chi Kung / by Howard Reid with Dorothy Conor et al. London: Gaie Books Limited, 1988.

This book is one of a series on Mind and Body and attempts to demonstrate how the internal martial arts can be a path to self-knowledge and harmony. Its clear format lends itself to disciplined or light reading. The step by step instructions and diagrams for each of the forms are further enhanced by beautiful photography. Also attends to other aspects of wellness such as 'diet, emotions, sexuality, spirituality and exercises for specific health problems. Table of Contents and index included. All levels.

The Simplified Set of 24 forms was first published in China in the 1950's and translated into English in 1980 as China Sports Series: 1. This set of 48 forms and a set with sword was written as a response for a more advanced and demanding technical standard. Based mainly on Yang style, the routine acknowledges the other styles in some movements. There are diagrams and text of sequential movements. Foreword, history of the various schools and guiding principles included. Intermediate and Advanced students. Crompton, Paul. T'ai Chi for two: The Practice of Push Hands / by Paul Crompton. Boston and Shaftesbury, England: Shambala Publications, 1989.

As the author states at p. 1, 'proficiency in the Form is one level of attainment, but proficiency in Push Hands is on a higher level.' This invaluable guide for the advanced student emphasizes the significance of Push Hands in attaining true relaxation and in the understanding the application T'ai Chi form movements and principles. Push Hands is the place in a students training where the lessons of receptivity and balanced use of power 'comes home to roost'. If a student has overcome tension and rigidity of technique and found their 'sinking qi' and the utility of shifting and turning, then they are able to yield and neutralize an opponents force without loss of qi or balance - the goals of all advanced students of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. The studies of Push Hands also is a mirror and metaphor for one's relationship with others and the skills of sensitivity, awareness and appropriate action, that translates into harmonious of disharmonious relations. Step by step instructions and photographs demonstrate the movements, plus chapters on the concept of Chi and Taoist philosophy. Table of Contents and Bibliography.

"Considered the bible of T'ai Chi by the Chinese." - back cover

Thorough introduction to classical T'ai Chi Kung practice with emphasis on the circulation of Chi through the macrocosmic and microcosmic orbits. Both sitting and 21 standing practices with thorough descriptions and classical graphic illustrations of the postures. Mind Intent, Chi mobilization, 13 Postures and Horse Stance are also covered. Indispensable to T'ai Chi students interested in a through classical rendering of Chi Kung (Qigong) practice, especially as related to T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Table of Contents. Intermediate and Advanced Levels with some Qigong background.

An excellent introduction to some powerful Qigong exercises, united with a history of Taoism and the usefulness of Acupuncture, Herbs, and Foods in maintaining wellness and recreating balance. Utilizing black and white photographs and many graphic illustrations, Da Liu manages to truly cover all the basics to Chinese health programs. Table of Contents only. All levels can find a use again and again.

A beautiful text with black and white photographs detailing the art of Qigong. Included are such topics as: the effects of Qigong as a therapeutic practice; basic principles and guidelines with a selection of exercises; specific practices for relaxation, vitalizing and prevention of illness; and therapies for curing disease. Particularly useful is the chapter on Qigong and T'ai Chi which includes step by step photo's of the Simplified Form and the proper breathing to be applied with each step. Also of interest includes an Appendix with diagrams detailing the acupuncture points. Table of Contents and Index.

This excellent book on Chinese Exercise covers T'ai Chi Ch'uan (the 24 Simplified Form in 173 illustrations), Muscle Strengthening Exercises, Eight Pieces of Brocade, Twelve Pieces of Brocade, Invigorating Exercises, fitness programs appropriate for children, the elderly, the sedentary, pregnant women, and athletes. As well it has a section on medical Qigong for specific conditions such as arthritis or hypertension, etc. He does deal with side effects of Qigong, which is often left out and can be a problem when the Qi gets blocked. Table of Contents and Index. It is excellent for all levels.

LIFETIME CONTEMPLATION

Chen, Wei-ming. T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen: Questions and Answers on T'ai Chi Ch'uan / by Chen Wei Ming, translated by Benjamin Pang Leng Lo and Robert A. Smith. Shanghai, 1929. Printed by the T'ai Chi Ch'uan research Association, republic of China, Taipei, 1967. Translation, 1985, published by North Atlantic Books, 2320 Blake St., Berkeley, California, 94704. ISBN 0-938190-67-9

Chen Wei-ming was a senior student and disciple of Yang Cheng-fu. He brought T'ai Chi Ch'uan to Shanghai where he formed the Chih Jou T'ai Chi Ch'uan Association, a highly successful T'ai Chi Ch'uan Association where he invited the great practitioners of his day o teach, such as Yang Cheng-fu and Sun Lu Tang. T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ta Wen is his record and writings regarding questions he had for and answers he had from his teacher Yang Cheng-fu. This material covers clarification of history, Form, Push Hands, San Sou (free fighting), Meditation and Qi, Study, and the Five Character Secret (Classic) of Li I-yu. Clear definition of the different kinds of Qi in T'ai Chi, like 'neutralization qi'.Table of Content. No Index. Useful to all students and of special interest because he was Master Lee's teacher.

This translation of Chen man-ch'ings' famous work, demonstrates both the philosophical principles and scientific applications of T'ai Chi Ch'uan as transmitted to Cheng Man-ch'ing by Yang Cheng Fu. Master Cheng explains: ' Those who practice (it) are able not only to neutralize hardness and speed and achieve mastery in self defense but it strengthens the weak, raises the sick, invigorates the debilitated and encourages the timid.' All levels.

Ten years after his Thirteen Chapters on T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Master Cheng wrote this book in response to the needs of his followers for a simpler introduction to his earlier work. Part 1 covers the principles and functions of T'ai Chi Ch'uan as an exercise. The second part presents the Yang form in photographs of the Master with succinct explanations of each movement. Master Cheng, eliminating repetitions and preserving the essence has reduced the Long Form of 108 movements to 37 movements. There is also an elucidation on Push hands. Table of Contents, Preface and Foreword. No Index. Beginner's through Intermediate Levels.

ISBN 0-87728-497-0. Galante includes History, T'ai Chi Classics, Philosophy, principles of practice, scientific studies, comparison to Yoga and Zen, helath benefits, pictures of the solo form, with a foreward by T.T. Liang. Good beginners to intermediate book covering a broad spectrum of study. It includes a table of contents, preface, foreward, extensive footnotes and bibliography.

Al Huang's writing reflects his approach to T'ai Chi, flowing forth with uninhibited ease, he reveals the process of where T'ai Chi emerges from each of us. His approach is deeply internal and his emphasis is on principles rather than set choreography in movement. Stepping out of the Confucian principles of preserving form, he advocates sensing one's Qi (Chi) and allowing that to reveal the movement within a loose choreography. By today's standards of practice, his approach is radical and therefore incredibly worth looking at. Never mind the Table of Content or Index, you can open it anywhere. A must read for all.

An exposition of the history, philosophy, technique, practice and application of T'ai Chi Ch'uan as expounded by Professor Huang, past President of The Academy of Chinese Culture, Inc., Los Angelas , California. This book was written as a thorough textbook for the committed student and covers all aspects, including translation of several T'ai Chi Classics including Wang Tsung-yueh, Wu Yu-hsiang, a review of the Classics by Wen Shan-huang and the Song of Thirteen Postures. Professor Huang a highly trained sociologist and anthropologist writes a disciplined academic work which provides in depth background as well as specific indications. Table of Contents, Preface by Laura Huxely and Index. Intermediate and Advanced students.

This is not a book of T'ai Chi Form instruction, but an excellent book on the essence of T'ai Chi with regards to physical, health, and the evolution of the human mind. No photographs, but receives good reviews from students.

Da Liu, a student and disciple of Chen Man-ch'ing presents a life's work in this one small volume. Here he introduces the history and philosophical development of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, the Principles which govern practice and the Yang Style Short Form of Chen Man-ch'ing. He then correlates an original relationship he between the hexagrams of the I Ching and T'ai Chi movements. There is a section on Self Defense with some Push Hands and applications. He also does his own translation of the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classics. This slim volume is rich in content and deserves to be on the shelf next to T.T. Liang's, 'T'ai Chi Ch'uan for Health and Self Defense' as a written work which covers the enormous territory of the art with attention to depth and essence, without getting lost in the details. Table of Contents, Preface, Preface to the First edition, Introduction, no Index. All levels.

Note: All though he teaches the Short Form, he advocates the Long Form also, for more advanced students and the variability of frame (larger or smaller stances and extensions) according to one's strength and progress.

A textbook for a potential T'ai Chi College envisioned by Master Jou and a complete survey of the subject and the major styles. He gives detailed background in areas of history, philosophy, T'ai Chi Classics, Qigong within T'ai Chi, techniques of practice, including intricacies of Push Hands. Diagrams, photographs, complete forms in black and white sketches. Some colour plates and Table of Contents. No index. Considered a 'must have' by most enthusiasts and usually found on their shelves. All levels.

Master Liang states, "This is not a primer to teach the beginner but it addresses itself to the philosophy behind the system of movements that are possible once one has learned the fundamentals." Master Liang who is a long time teacher of Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan, is especially anxious that students should base their study and practice upon the principles in the Classics. He considers these the indispensable foundation of the art. He translates three main classics attributed to Chan San-feng and Wang Chung-yueh. There is a Foreword, Preface, Table of Contents, no Index. All levels and especially beginners who want to read something but are best to avoid books whose pictures do not necessarily conform to their style, but would like to understand the art more thoroughly through some reading.

A translation of the T'ai Chi Classics, the literary tradition of T'ai Chi Ch'uan which presents the thoughts and wisdom of practitioners, the earliest attributes being to the legendary founder Chan San-feng, a thirteenth century monk of Wu Tang mountain. In the preface it is said that the elder masters expounded T'ai Chi Ch'uan as 'a path of development for body, mind and spirit.' The poems and prose of these writings are for study and contemplation during one's lifetime of practice. The insights are often only penetrated over time and yet their guiding light encourages success from the beginning. Preface, Introduction and Glossary. All levels.

Additional materials on a variety of topics which reinforce the image of Cheng man-ch'ing as a 'Master of the Five Excellencies'. Thirteen Chapters should be read before as many of these writings address and supplement this earlier work. The self defense applications in Part II and the Ta Lu application will be of interest to Intermediate and Advanced students.

Cheng Man-ch'ings' work should be studied carefully especially for Traditional Yang Stylists . The softness, sinking qi, vertical spine and smaller frame of Chen Man-ch'ings' work is in strong contrast to the extended, forward inclining disposition and larger frame practitioners such as Yang Zheng Duo. The 'traditional' school of thought which hails to Yang Cheng Fu's form as the defining example of Yang Family Form, even though the lack of vertical integrity espoused is at variance with the principles laid out in the T'ai Chi Classics.

An unparalleled translation of four generations of Yang Family oral (secret) transmissions which guide the correct study of every aspect of Yang Style T'ai Chi Ch'uan. Black and white photographs illustrate Yang Cheng Fu doing a form and then it's application with a partner. These photographs are a great gift to the reader who may not have seen this great progenitor of this style in form. These transmissions which command deep contemplation and practice are a tremendous legacy and it is this literacy in a martial tradition which sets T'ai Chi apart as a martial art. Table of Contents, Translator's Note. No index. Intermediate and Advanced students can benefit the most and Beginners from the guiding principles, 10 Important Points.

ISBN 0-04-299008-4

Covers Taoist mysticism, philosophy, history and practices, such as explanation of 'the uncarved block' , yin and yang, methods of attaining longevity and immortality, Taoist poems and more. Blofeld writing introduces the reader to concepts and practices which would have been familiar to the Wu Tang sect of Taoists who were the progenitors of the first T'ai Chi Forms. Preface and Tables of Contents. No Index.

This book is intended for the general reader with an interest in Eastern Mysticism who need not know anything about physics. Capra has tried to present the main concepts and theories of modern physics in a non-technical language.

Applies Taoist principles to leadership strategies and encourages being inclusive and utilizing one's common sense in determining a balanced approach that works with the reality and natural forces at hand rather than against them. This is an attractive paperback with one graphic illustration and one short piece of writing across from it. This is a good modern western application of an ancient eastern philosophy.

This is the most readily available and least expensive translation of the works of Chuang Tzu. One of three important references on Taoism, the others being 'The Tao Teh Ching" and the 'I Ching'.

There are many first rate translations from pocket books to coffee table books of this ancient pivotal work in Taoism attributed to it's legendary sage Lao Tzu. A generation of western readers have grown up on this book and adopted it's philosophy either loosely or more comprehensively. This book with the 'I Ching' and perhaps 'The Way of Chuang Tzu' are fundamental study references for the committed student of T'ai Chi Ch'uan because they address the principles, observations and contemplation's of ancient Taoists from whose oral and written transmissions the art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan has sprung. Understanding how Taoist Philosophy, one's personal reality and truth, and one's T'ai Chi Form, are all one expression, clarifies the advantage of contemplating these writings both to one's life and one's practice. "Inside, Outside, Same Thing...' - Master Lee Shiu Pak

The last work of the renowned scholar who spent most of his life writing about religious philosophies of the far East and is a good beginning for understanding Taoism. the introduction contains helpful notes on the pronunciation of Mandarin.

Wilhelm, Richard. The I Ching or Book of Changes / translated by Richard Wilhelm, and rendered to English (from German) by Cary F. Baynes. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, 1967. ISBN 0-691-09750-X

The Sixty-four Hexagrams of the I Ching or Book of Changes is an ancient repository of Chinese wisdom dedicated to mapping out, penetrating and understanding the myriad cycles of change that one can encounter in life. The consultation method utilizing multiple throws of coins or yarrow stalks ensures a completely spontaneous reading which may result in up to two hexagrams with one or more moving lines or as little as one hexagram.

The appropriateness of the readings to the questions asked has long been a marvel to it's advocates and stimulated Carl Jung to coin the word 'synchronicity' for this process, which since has become a new word in the English language. Essentially it puts forward an idea he called 'synchronicity'. He thought that the arbitrariness of the consultation method and the way in which the lines of the hexagram fall into place actually reflect a greater unity. The coinciding events of the question, questioner and intent of the throwing, all unite in the expression through the arbitrariness of a throw of coins or yarrow stalks. The pattern of counting the coins or stalks enumerates either Yin or Yang lines, which eventually form a hexagram. The wisdom expressed in the Hexagram is thought to match the forces coinciding at the time of the question. Some people report that when the Hexagram does not seem to address the question it turned their attention to what they later realized were more important issues at the time of asking. Like a wise teacher who might say, "Why are you asking about your love life when you cannot put food on the table?"

It is not necessary to consult the I Ching as an oracle to benefit from its wisdom. It is easily studied as a Taoist text which deals directly with the cycles and challenges that a person on the path of self cultivation might encounter and should be included in the long term study of all T'ai Chi students.

~~~~~~~~

On Community

It is true we are called to power.
Yet the reality is that our sense of self determination
not only becomes inaccurate and prideful but increasingly self defeating.
It is true that we are created to be individually unique.
Yet the reality is that we are inevitably social creatures
who desperately need each other
not merely for sustenance, not merely for company,
but for any meaning to our lives whatsoever.
These, then, are the paradoxical seeds from which community can grow.

The Different Drum
Community and Making Peace
M. Scott Peck, M.D.