Tai-Chi Chuan Its Effects and Practical Applications

Tai-chi, or the Grand Terminus, is a subtle system of Chinese philosophy. It is impossible to discuss its contents in a short chapter like the present one, which aims only at giving an outline of its outstanding features.

From the Negative Terminus to the Grand Terminus are comprehended the theories of all created things in the universe, and the principles of the formation of Yin and Yang ( 阴 and 阳 , Darkness and Light). When the Grand Terminus acts, it forms Yang. When activity reaches the extreme point, it becomes inactivity, and inactivity forms Yin. Extreme inactivity returns to become activity. Activity is the cause of inactivity and vice versa .

The Yang elements of the Grand Terminus are firmness and kindness, known as the beginnings of creation. The Yin elements of the Grand Terminus are softness and righteousness, known as the completions of creation. The Yang elements are active, and the Yin elements inactive. As activity and inactivity, firmness and softness, are thus distinguished, insubstantiality and substantiality are formed.