Revealing the Deeper Mysteries of China’s Ancient Art for Health and Harmony
Over the centuries, the ancient martial art of Tai Chi Chuan, better known as Tai Chi, has exerted an almost magnetic influence for millions of seekers, attracted to its promise of physical resilience, emotional well being and spiritual illumination.
Emblematic of China’s greatest traditions in philosophical and religious enquiry, there is a grand, elusive mystique to Tai Chi that seems to transcend its apparent emphasis on self-defense and good health.
What, really, is the basis for this enduring appeal? Why has Tai Chi become so popular in the West? And what benefits can we really expect from its practice?
In Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life, Graham Horwood brilliantly explores these and many other questions. Horwood demonstrates how Tai Chi links not only to the I Ching, to Taoism and to Chinese alchemy, but also to the greatest traditions of both Western alchemy and modern science.
A portrait emerges of Tai Chi as a dynamic blueprint for the true functioning of the universe. To practice Tai Chi correctly is to directly embody the great universal truths as they naturally unfold in our daily lives.
But what is correct Tai Chi practice? Moving beyond the theory, Horwood’s Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life reveals deeply practical techniques, drawn from the Yang Family’s formerly secret teachings, on how to optimize one’s energetic and spiritual development. Without this kind of specialized knowledge, Tai Chi is unlikely to reward you with its most powerful benefits.
A treasure for novice and seasoned practitioner alike, Tai Chi Chuan and the Code of Life makes a welcome and far-ranging contribution to our understanding and practice of this mysterious discipline.
Introduction
Jung, Wilhelm, and the I Ching…The I Ching and Life in Harmony…Feng Shui and the Balance of Nature…Science, DNA, and Tai Chi…The Role of Change in the Universal Life Force…The Dark and Light Sides of Tai Chi Chuan.
Chapter One
The Philosophy of Taoism, from a Western Perspective…Chinese Thought and History…Alchemy and Opposition…The Number and Name of Creation…Tending the Waters of the Unconscious.
Chapter Two
The History of Tai Chi Chuan…The Four Styles of Tai Chi Chuan…An Ancient Way of War…The Tai Chi Hermit…The Spiral Dance of Chen Wang Ting…Tai Chi Goes Underground…Yang the Shadow Boxer…The Yang Family Style…What the History of Tai Chi Tells Us.
Chapter Three
The Eight Pa Qua Trigrams…Chinese Archetype: Chien—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid…Chinese Archetype: Kun—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid…Chinese Archetype: Kan—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid …Chinese Archetype: Li—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid …Chinese Archetype: Tui—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid …Chinese Archetype: Chen—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid
…Chinese Archetype: Ken—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid…Chinese Archetype: Sun—Western Equivalent, Relationship to Martial Posture, TCM Organ/Meridian and to Amino Acid …Conclusion of the Pa Qua and Their Relationships.
Chapter Four
The Five Elements—Wu Hsing: The Relationship with the Tai Chi Form, Movement, and Internal Organ Balance…The Psychology of the Wu Hsing…The Four Elements in Greek Thought…From Paracelsus to Quantum Physics…Applications in Tai Chi…Fire Element—Tai Chi Attribute, Direction, Emotions, Sounds and Organs…Earth Element—
Tai Chi Attribute, Direction, Emotions, Sounds and Organs…Metal Element—Tai Chi Attribute, Direction, Emotions, Sounds and Organs…Water Elem
Graham Horwood first started martial arts in 1963 with Judo and Wado Ryu Karate, under the auspices of Tatsui Suzuki. In 1969 he studied Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan, then Hung Gar, achieving teacher and black belt grades (UK Martial Arts Commission registered by the Ministry of Sport).
In 1977 Graham began his relationship with Master Chu King Hung, 3rd adopted son of Yang Shou Cheung. Yang Shou Cheung was the eldest son of Yang Cheng Fu. Master Chu is considered to be the world's leading authority on Family Yang Style Tai Chi. Graham spent 10 years practicing and teaching with Master Chu, who informed him that he was the first of his students to understand the internal principles of Tai Chi. He also learnt Hsing I and Pa Qua with Master Chu and Grand Master Hon Sing Wun.
Graham has studied and practiced herbal, complementary and Traditional Chinese Medicine since 1969. He presently teaches Tai Chi Chuan in London and the Home Counties for exclusive groups in such venues as Credit Suisse First Boston in the City, where he runs a Health Clinic.
He is also a Jungian analyst (London & Zurich) focusing on health and individuation.
Graham holds regular seminars and workshops in England and, as a freelance journalist, writes for various martial and health publications.
He is an ardent environmentalist promoting renewable energy consumption such as solar technology as well as natural sustainable food production.
Graham is founder and Chief Instructor of the Taoist Group, which he set up in 1976 in order to promote Tai Chi, Chi Kung & the Health Arts. The Taoist Group is setting up a network of clubs in the UK and Europe in order to widen the scope of the Group.
