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Within the rich tapestry of tai chi, Professor Cheng Man-ch’ing’s teachings shine brightly as guiding principles for both physical practice and spiritual growth. In Professor Cheng’s memorial hall in Taiwan, there hangs a photograph of him overlaid with his “zuo you ming” (i.e., motto or “words to live by”). The poem offers profound guidance on the core principles of tai chi and how to approach life with grace, humility, and poise.
In his article, “Zheng Manqing: The Memorial Hall and Legacy of the Master of Five Excellences in Taiwan,” published in Cheng Man-ch’ing and T’ai Chi: Echoes in the Hall of Happiness, Russ Mason translates the poem as follows1:
Allow the hands to be led lightly and humbly;
Allow the feet to be heavy, stepping with dignity.
Hang straight; hang straight! Be poised and upright.
Speak sparingly, directly, and with great care;
Be forgiving and generous; out of a centered heart, give back.
Be loyal, tolerant, and patient in your dealings;
Let your attitude toward others be temperate.
Repent, and correct your errors with silent contemplation.
Let’s explore the depth and significance of the first three lines of the poem.
- Allow the hands to be led lightly and humbly.
Professor Cheng’s instruction to allow the hands to be led lightly and humbly speaks to the first principle of tai chi, namely, all movements are initiated and directed by the dantian. The phrasing is very important. We are not instructed to “move our hands” with thought control. Instead, we “allow” our hands to be led by our dantian. The dantian, often understood as the body’s center of gravity, serves as the pivot point from which movement originates. By relinquishing thought control and ego and allowing our hands (and indeed our entire body) to be guided lightly and humbly by the dantian, we tap into the body’s innate wisdom, moving with effortless grace and precision. The reference to being “led lightly and humbly” speaks to the principle of cultivating receptivity and sensitivity, allowing the flow of energy to guide our movements rather than imposing force.
Moreover, this guidance extends beyond physical movement to encompass the journey of life itself. Just as our hands are led by the dantian, so too can we allow our actions to be guided by our deeper sense of intuition and wisdom, humbly acknowledging our connection to the greater flow of existence.
- Allow the feet to be heavy, stepping with dignity.
Professor Cheng’s instruction to allow our feet to be heavy and to step with dignity reminds us of the importance of groundedness and stability. In tai chi, each step is an opportunity to embody rootedness, nobility, and grace. Rootedness is essential for maintaining balance and power in movement. It is achieved through proper body alignment, relaxation, and allowing all weight (i.e., your own weight, the weight of your partner and the weight of any weapon or other object you are holding) to pass through you into the ground. By rooting our feet firmly into the ground, we anchor ourselves in the present moment, establishing a strong foundation from which to move with poise and confidence.
Furthermore, stepping with dignity reflects a mindful attitude of reverence towards life’s journey. Each step becomes a deliberate act of self-expression, honoring our inherent self-worth and the respect we have for other human beings, and reflecting a deep awareness of our path in life. Stepping with dignity implies a sense of purpose and self-respect. Through dignified stepping, we honor our journey and the precious gift of each and every moment of our lives.
- Hang straight; hang straight! Be poised and upright.
The third prescription, to hang straight, with our head suspended from above, encapsulates the essence of tai chi posture and alignment. Maintaining a straight spine and upright posture is not only essential for physical health, but also for mental and spiritual well-being. By allowing the head to float effortlessly atop the spine, we cultivate a sense of lightness and buoyancy in our movements. This intangible and lively energy, lifting the crown of the head, connects us to the limitless expanse of the heavens above (i.e., rooting up).
In tai chi philosophy, the spine is considered the axis of the body, connecting heaven and earth. By hanging straight, we align ourselves with the natural flow of energy, fostering harmony and balance within. Being poised and upright signifies inner strength and integrity, qualities that are cultivated through diligent practice, self-observation, and self-awareness.
Moreover, hanging straight with the head suspended from above signifies alignment with the natural order of the universe. It reminds us to remain open and receptive to the guidance of higher wisdom, allowing us to be uplifted by the unseen forces shaping our lives.
Professor Cheng’s “zuo you ming” alludes to the Chinese cosmology and Taoist concept of the Three Treasures (san cai): heaven (tian), human beings (ren), and earth (di). The dantian represents the center of our being and source of movement. Rooting our feet signifies our connection to the earth. Suspending the head connects us to heaven. By integrating these key tai chi principles, Professor Cheng offers profound advice for pursuing harmony and balance as we navigate our journey through life.
You can learn more about Professor Cheng’s teachings by exploring the diverse offerings of the Tai Chi Foundation (TCF). TCF provides live online courses, allowing you to participate in guided sessions from the comfort of your home. These virtual classes offer unique opportunities to connect with experienced instructors, ensuring that you receive personalized guidance and feedback. Additionally, the Tai Chi Foundation offers Teachable on-demand classes, providing a flexible and accessible way to learn at your own pace. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, these online resources offer a wealth of knowledge to enrich your tai chi journey. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, check out the regular course offerings of TCF’s affiliated local schools.
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By Oliver Herzfeld
1 Russ Mason’s photograph of Professor Cheng overlaid with his “zuo you ming” and Russ Mason’s translation are both used by permission.
© Tai Chi Foundation 2024
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