As a Chinese martial art, Tai Chi Chuan can be tied to the Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist philosophies. Of these, Taoism has had the strongest influence. The philosophical principles of Taoism are based on the harmony between the forces in the universe. Tai Chi is named after Tai Chi, the Taoist symbol for harmony-also known as yin/yang.
Tai
Chi, the Taoist symbol for harmony
The interlocking black(yin) and white(yang) pieces represent the duality in all things: male/female, active/ passive, dark/ light, and external/ internal. The practice of Tai Chi Chuan therefore, is to achieve this supreme oneness. Students are taught to harmonize on all levels-their internal power and external flexibility, as well as with the forces around them.
This is believed to be achieved primarily through the cultivation of "Chi," the body's vital energy. For this reason, many of the movements in Tai Chi are directed at circulating the breath throughout the body so that the Chi can flow. Tai Chi practice is also aimed at creating a calm and tranquil mind, so that the student can focus on the precise execution of the exercises, thus coordinating his thoughts with his movements. This in turn enhances awareness of self and connection to the rhythm and flow of nature.
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