Song Of The Thirteen Postures
Translated by Ben Lo et al,
from their book "The Essence
Of T'ai Chi Chuan"
The thirteen postures should
not be taken lightly;
The source of the postures lies
in the waist.
Be mindful of the insubstantial
and substantial changes;
The qi (breath) spreads throughout
without hinderance.
Being still, when attacked by
the opponent, be tranquil and
move in stillness;
(My) changes caused by the opponent
fill him with wonder.
Study the function of each posture
carefully and with deliberation;
To achieve the goal is very
easy.
Pay attention to the waist at
all times;
Completely relax the abdomen
and the qi (breath) will raise
up.
When the coccyx is straight,
The shen (spirit) goes through
the headtop.
To make the whole body light
and agile suspend the headtop.
Carefully study.
Extension and contraction, opening
and closing, should be natural.
To enter the door and be shown
the way, you must be orally
taught.
The practice is uninterrupted,
and the technique (achieved)
by self study.
Speaking of the boduy and its
function, what is the standard?
The i (mind) and qi (breath)
are king, and the bones and
muscles are the court.
Think over carefully what the
final purpose is: to lengthen
life and maintain youth.
The Song consists of 140 characters;
each character is true and the
meaning is complete.
If you do not study in this
manner, then you will waste
your time and sigh.
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