Taijiquan Classics
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[edit] Taijiquan Classics
The Taijiquan Classics (T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classics) are a small set of texts dating from the mid-nineteenth century that outline the general principles of taijiquan (t'ai chi ch'uan). The core texts as handed down in the Yang family taijiquan lineage include the Discussion of Taijiquan Classic of Taijiquan, Exposition of Insights into the Thirteen Postures, Thirteen Posture Song, and Playing Hands Song. These works are supplemented occasionally by other early taijiquan writings.
There are many commentaries and translations available. In general, commentaries explain the practical and theoretical meaning of the Taijiquan Classics. Translations, of necessity, also incorporate the translator's interpretations. Davis and Wile offer scholarly examinations of the origins, transmission, authorship, and meaning of the Taijiquan Classics.
[edit] References
- Chen Weiming. Taijiquan shu (The Art of Taijiquan, 1925). Section of commentary on the Taijiquan Classics translated in Davis, below.
- Barbara Davis. The Taijiquan Classics: An Annotated Translation 2004. ISBN 1-55643-431-6.
- Jou Tsung-hwa. The Tao of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. 1980.
- Lo, Benjamin, Martin Inn, Robert Amacker, Susan Foe. The Essence of T'ai Chi Ch'uan: The Literary Translation. 1979. ISBN 0-913028-63-0.
- Wile, Douglas. Lost T'ai-chi Classics from the Late Ch'ing Dynasty. 1996. ISBN 0-7914-2654-8.
