The words "T'ai Chi" are sometimes defined as "supreme ultimate", and the word "Ch'uan" may be translated as "fist", "boxing" or "method of exercise". Therefore, if we were to draw a definition from these two words, we would probably end up with something like - "The supreme ultimate way of the fist (boxing)", or perhaps, "The supreme ultimate method of harmonizing ourselves with nature, through the use of an exercise system".

There are, however, many different interpretations to the words "T'ai Chi Ch'uan", depending on how the practitioner or teacher uses the method. Some people study this 'soft' art as a form of callisthenics, while some will use it as a means to regain their health, perhaps after an illness. Others may see it as a meditative system, and there are those who will study its martial arts or self-defence aspects. T'ai Chi Ch'uan is all these things and a good deal more besides.

In Chinese Taoist cosmology, the ultimate state of consciousness is that of non-being (Wu Shi); a state, and period of restful non-existence before life re-commences. Deep from within this universal Nirvanic state, the one 'supreme ultimate' life-principle (T'ai Chi) intrinsically dual in nature (Yin/Yang), emerges to a new 'day of existence', and contains within itself 'all-potentiality' or 'the Ten Thousand Things' described by Lao Tzu in the 'Tao Te Ching'.

The T'ai Chi symbol itself - that of a black and white double-fish circle, suggests this idea of an underlying universal polarity, which is established throughout the infinitudes of the one-life at the very instant of re-awakening. This duality is evidenced everywhere - in life and death, activity and rest, internal and external forces and states of consciousness, night and day, male and female etc. etc.

The idea of the interconnectedness of all existence is also hinted at by the black eye of the white fish and the white eye of the black fish. This shows that there is nothing completely Yin and nothing completely Yang; every aspect is related to each and every other aspect.

The symbol also suggests rhythm and cyclic flux and re-flux as 'the way' (Tao) of things; and the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Form itself, if performed well, should demonstrate this universal concept of Rhythmic Change, in the smooth, continuous transition from one posture to another without interruption.

Return to Tai Chi Chuan Home Page