Translated by Joshua Hehr
Volume Four: Sincere Cultivation 第四卷: 诚修篇 dì sì juǎn: chéng xiū piān
This volume elaborates on the content and specific methods of the top-level stage of Taiji training. The top-level stage is the sublimation of Taiji, with combat techniques as its core. It discusses the combat characteristics of Taiji from the perspective of traditional martial arts, and researches the principles and methods of form, push hands, and combat techniques at a higher level. Training in combat techniques is a key focus.
The corresponding equipment training for top-level training is spear technique. The spear is the king of traditional weapons, the most powerful and difficult to master. The advanced theories and training methods in this area are the essence of traditional martial arts. Taiji spear demonstrates spear technique through the principle of Taiji's yin and yang, reaching a higher level. The combination of fist and spear in the top-level stage is one of the important steps in achieving mastery.
Another theme in this volume is addressing the questions in training and application after the advanced stage, including understanding Taiji, specific techniques, forms, push hands, and common questions about combat techniques, as well as reflections on the current state and future of Taiji.
The core of this section is to provide answers and explanations based on personal experience and examples, explaining the key points of technique and the real feelings during practice. It is a summary of the essence and classics of Taiji theory and practice. Taiji training is a learning process, and after learning, it becomes a process of sincere study and cultivation. From training to cultivation, the pursuit of art has no end and requires continuous self-improvement.
The characteristics of this book can be summarized as follows: First, comprehensive. This book covers almost all aspects of traditional Taiji theory and practice, with rich content. Second, clear. The overall structure and language description of this book are clear and direct, making it easy for readers to understand. Especially for many ambiguous concepts and methods in traditional lineages, clear and explicit explanations are provided. Third, in-depth. This book provides detailed analysis of Taiji theory and techniques, enabling readers to have a deeper understanding and grasp of Taiji. Fourth, unique. This book offers descriptions of Taiji theory and technical problems from a new perspective, providing original insights. Fifth, practical. One of the purposes of this book is to provide a practical reference for traditional Taiji practitioners, addressing the problems encountered in learning and training with the focus on "what, why, and how". This book is both a theoretical work on Taiji and a practical manual for Taiji practice.
The target readers of this book are primarily Taiji practitioners with a certain foundation, and it will be helpful to practitioners at different levels to varying degrees. Due to the problems and shortcomings in traditional teaching, many new issues have emerged in contemporary times, resulting in many people practicing Taiji for many years without significant progress, or even feeling lost, and some have already gone astray. This book has strong guiding value for these issues, hoping to bring about a clarifying and enlightening effect, and also to help those who have already reached a considerable level to further advance. It is hoped that this book can contribute greatly to the inheritance and development of traditional Taiji.