16. A Movable Meditation

The groin and the hip joints are two of the secret tools of tai chi. They are
essential elements, and in this lecture we will explore how to hold the
lower body to develop maximum power. To accomplish that, we’ll look at
two new moves: turn and pat the foot, and ride the tiger. We’ll close with a
look at how practicing tai chi and help you find tranquility in chaos.
Zhuǎnshēn pāijiǎo (“Turn and Pat the Foot”)
● In this lecture, the first movement we’re going to learn is called
zhuǎnshēn pāijiǎo, which in English means “turn and pat the foot.”
● From the last position of snake sticks out its tongue, turn the waist
to the left and sweep the left arm in an arc downward and outward.
Turn the waist back to the right, rotate the right forearm outward
so that the palm turns up, and sweep the left arm upward and
rightward until the two wrists cross, with the left wrist on top.
● Raise the right knee and quickly extend the leg, pointing the toe.
Pat the right foot with the right palm while extending the left arm
out to the south at 90 degrees.
Zuǒ yòu dǎ hǔ shì (“Ride the Tiger”)
● The next movement we’re going to learn is called Zuǒ yòu dǎ hǔ
shì, which means “strike the tiger (left and right),” or more simply,
“ride the tiger.
● Withdraw the right foot to the floor and lift the left foot. Meanwhile,
both hands reach horizontally to the right, palms down. Look at the
right hand.
● Turn the waist to the left and step the left foot into the southeast
corner at a 45-degree angle. Straighten the leg to form a left bow
step. At the same time, bring your palms downward past the belly
to the left in an arc while the fingers clench into fists.
● Bend the left elbow to bring the fist to the left side of the forehead,
while the right arm bends across the chest, with the back of both
hands facing obliquely inward. Look to the right.
● Next, sit back, turn the waist slightly to the right, and turn the left
toes inward slightly. Shift back to the left foot, pick up the right foot,
and step the right foot to the west to form a bow step. At this point
you will be back on the regular east-west line. Be sure to leave a
channel between the feet.
● As you shift to the left foot, push both hands outward toward the
left (south). As you shift your weight into the bow step, turn the
waist to the right. Bring both palms downward past the belly to the
right in an arc, forming two loose fists as you go.
● Bend the right elbow to bring the fist to the right side of the
forehead, while the left arm bends across the chest, with the back
of both hands facing obliquely inward. Look to the left.
Tranquility in Chaos
● The philosophy of tai chi says that you don’t have to have give
yourself tranquility because it’s already there. It’s already inside
you. It’s an inherent human property.
● In fact, the philosophy says that everything that you’ll ever need
in life is already inside you. Your authentic nature gives you
everything that you actually need.
● Flow is an example. The continuous, harmonious connection of
the body, mind, and spirit is inside you. It’s an inherent human
property. Happiness and joy are also inherent.
● You don’t need to go any place else to find these properties, but
you do have to practice looking for them and finding tranquility
inside of chaos. Then, once you’ve found your tranquility, find the
movement of your spirit inside that place.