Every morning at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, hundreds of individuals engage in tai chi, a practice both physical and philosophical, with roots going back over 300 years. The serene environment, surrounded by trees, enhances the experience, as noted by Ye Guirong, a 64-year-old participant who appreciates the fresh air.
Primarily attracting retirees in their 60s and older, practitioners either join group sessions accompanied by calming music or practice quietly alone. Ye first discovered tai chi in 2010 while walking across the city and eventually joined the group, which she now leads.
When new members join a tai chi group, the leader introduces them to the foundational movements. Progress is monitored and adjusted regularly as practitioners advance. Basic movements include “White Crane Spreads Its Wings,” characterized by raising one arm while lowering the other, and “Part the Wild Horse’s Mane,” involving fluid shifts of body weight and arm movements.
Ye’s group, Cypress Grove, consists of around 30 members and recently welcomed Zu Hong, who mastered a 24-movement sequence within a month and is preparing to learn more. Zu was drawn to tai chi for its beauty and the opportunity to exercise in the Temple of Heaven.
The Temple of Heaven, established in the 15th century by a Ming dynasty emperor, features religious structures symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. The iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests once facilitated ceremonial offerings and prayers for harvests by emperors. Today, it serves as a tourist site with open gardens.
Tai chi, also known as Taijiquan, encompasses martial art and its underlying philosophy, Taiji. A central idea is qi, a vital energy considered essential for health as it circulates through meridians connecting the body’s parts. Traditional Chinese medicine practices, such as acupuncture, aim to regulate qi flow.
James Miller, a Humanities professor at Duke Kunshan University, highlights how tai chi and qigong activate and enhance qi movement, a fundamental Daoist belief. Qi is also believed to animate nature, flowing through mountains and rivers, influencing the placement of temples in elevated, natural settings.
Tai chi’s enduring appeal includes various styles, each with its forms. Ye’s group practices Yang-style tai chi daily at 7:40 a.m., alternating through sets of 24, 42, or 48 movements, sometimes incorporating swords or fans. Regular practice improves participants’ health and mood.
Chen-style tai chi, recognized as the earliest form, originates from Chen Wangting, a 17th-century military leader who embraced spirituality later in life. His methods involved Daoist self-cultivation practices, including meditation. Personal enlightenment inspired Chen Wangting to share the transformative potential of tai chi.
Tai Chi master Chen Haitao emphasizes the cooperation between martial art and philosophy in tai chi, noting their complementary roles. Mastery of basic principles and proper alignment ensures benefits for all practitioners.
Chen believes Taijiquan suits everyone, offering health and philosophical benefits through disciplined practice.