• Reveals the close relationship between the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi and the hexagrams of the I Ching.

• As handed down in the teachings of the Yellow Emperor and Chang San-Feng.

• Explains the physical and spiritual benefits that result from the practice of the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form.

• An essential reference book for any serious student of T'ai Chi and the I Ching.

T'ai Chi is a physical expression of Taoist thought--a philosophy in motion. The relationship between the I Ching, Taoist philosophy, and T'ai Chi is well established in many of the classical texts and teachings handed down by the Yellow Emperor and Chang San-Feng, yet it has essentially remained a mystery in the West. Stuart Alve Olson, a longtime student of renowned T'ai Chi Ch'uan Master T. T. Liang, shows how the hexagrams of the I Ching relate to the eight basic postures of T'ai Chi, and how together they comprise the orderly sequence of the postures in the Before Heaven T'ai Chi form. The practice of this form initiates a process of internal alchemy that allows for the stimulation and accumulation of chi through the major energy systems of the body. Physically, this process restores youthful flexibility. Spiritually, it frees the mind to roam the sublime Tao.

Because the Before Heaven sequence of postures is the foundation of all T'ai Chi forms, this book provides valuable advice for all practitioners, regardless of the style they practice or the depth of their experience. An essential reference book for any serious student of Taoism, T'ai Chi According to the I Ching is an invaluable guide to how even the most esoteric aspects of Chinese philosophy are firmly rooted in a physical practice.

Stuart Alve Olson has been a practicing Taoist for over 30 years and has studied with the famous Taoist master T. T. Liang (1900-2002). He lectures throughout the world and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part I: The Undercurrents of I Ching T'ai Chi
1. T'ai Chi

2. The Eight Diagrams and the I Ching

3. Huang Ti: Teachings Attributed to the Yellow Emperor

4. Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching: The Classic on the Way and Virtue

5. T'ai Chi Ch'uan Ching: The Treatises on T'ai Chi Ch'uan

6. Historical Origins of T'ai Chi: Chang San-feng and Chen Wang-ting

Part II: The Framework of I Ching T'ai Chi
7. The Tai Chi Symbol (T'ai Chi T'u)
Treatise on the Symbolism of the Supreme Ultimate
The T'ai Chi Circle

8. Fu His's Before Heaven Arrangement of King Wen
Treatise on the Eight Diagrams

9. The After Heaven Arrangement of King Wen

10. The Philosophy of Before and After Heaven
Treatise on the Secrets of the Eight Postures

11. The Eight Gates Diagram
Relating the Eight Gates to T'ai Chi

12. Developments of Wu Chi

13. The Five Activities (Wu Hsing)
The Meaning of the Wu Hsing
Treatise on the Verses of the Five Methods

14. The Three Powers (San Tsai)

15. The 16-Posture I Ching T'ai Chi Form Arrangement
The Ten T'ai Chi Stances
The Eight Hands
The Before Heaven 16-Posture Form Arrangement Charts (circular, square, and linear)

The Before Heaven 16-Posture I Ching T'ai Chi Form
Overview of the Posture Instructional Information

Wu Chi Position
1 Beginning T'ai Chi
2 Warding-Off (L & R)
3 Rolling-Back
4 Pressing
5 Pushing
6 Single Whip
7 Lifting Hands
8 Shouldering
9 White Crane Spreads Wings
10 Brush Knee and Twist Step
11 Playing the Lute
12 Chop with Fist
13 Deflect, Parry, and Punch
14 Follow to Seal, Carry to Close
15 Crossing Hands
16 Conclusion of T'ai Chi
Wu Chi Position

Before Heaven Form Posture Movements Summary

PART IV The After Heaven Form
16. Arranging the Images of the Sixty-Four Postures
The After Heaven 64-Posture I Ching T'ai Chi Form