Tai Chi means improving and progressing toward the unlimited. According to Tai Chi theory, human abilities are capable of being developed beyond their commonly conceived potential. One reaches the unlimited level or develops in that direction by means of the balanced powers of Yin (yielding) and Yang (action). The interplay of Yin and Yang causes life to materialize and the material world to manifest.

Origin

Tai Chi "the grand ultimate" represents a balance between forceful and yielding energy . It is the way in which Chi expresses itself, which is always going to the nearest position of balance and harmony. But what is Chi itself means? Chi is a Chinese word that refers to an eternal power which gives rise to and permeates everything in the Universe. This power moves ceaselessly in a balanced manner between the positive or Yang and the negative or Yin extremes of reality.

Brief history

Tai Chi Chuan is one of the finest products of Chinese philosophy and culture, it traces back to Taoist philosophy, which dates back to the 4th Century AD.

Thousands of years ago the Chinese realize that they were not perfect, searched for the highest form of life of the human mind and body. They conceived the human mind to be an unlimited dimension but the scope of human activity needed to be moderated. On their goal, they focused on a unified philosophy and a simplification of beliefs. This was the birth of Tai Chi thought that guided the development of Chinese history for thousands of years and greatly influenced all aspects of culture including medicine, art and economics. That's not all Tai Chi ideals even ordered human relations.

But all over the history of Tai Chi, Chinese faced problems to realize its concept and apply it on different lifestyles, as even though they realized that Yin and Yang must interact and that the harmonious result could bring progress and unlimited development, they have been unable to free themselves from their own form of mental pollution. And as a result the Tai Chi principle began to be misused or ignored led to hundred years of Dark Ages. Later on, at a certain point in Chinese history the Tai Chi principle began to be applied but only in terms of political power struggles while the fulfillment of the individual through moderate, natural ways of living was ignored. Their life aim was "The ultimate person was to be the most powerful ruler, who obtained power by means of force". At this time also the religion was either ignored or abused. The spiritual philosophy of the Buddhist religion, imported from India and absorbed by the Chinese culture, was de-emphasized while its ceremonies and rites became fashionable. The emperor used the Buddhist ideal of self-control to suppress the common people and the Tai Chi philosophy was able to offer beliefs that fulfilled human needs, even though its ideals were abused by generations of the powerful and greedy.

Black ages have passed and during the brutal and corrupt political rule The Taoists, who dedicated themselves to truth, carried on the spirit of Tai Chi philosophy. Since Tai Chi formed its own system independent of political structures it enjoyed growth and freedom of development in small, isolated communities. These Tai Chi studies were respected by the rulers as a body of knowledge, a religion and finally as a highly advanced form of folk art to be passed on.

Citations

1. Jo-Ann Valentine, TAI CHI
   

2. Vincent Chu, Tai chi chuan's internal power, Gin Soon Tai Chi Chuan federation.
   

3. Dr. Keith Jeffery, Benefits of Tai Chi and 4 Minute Fitness,