形開氣合

形開氣合

 "形開氣合" (xíng kāi qì hé) is a concept in Tai Chi Chuan that refers to the coordination of movements, breathing, and mental focus. It emphasizes the idea of maintaining a relaxed and natural posture (形), opening the body's energy channels (氣), and integrating the movements with the breath (合). This principle is central to Tai Chi practice, as it helps practitioners achieve a state of relaxed awareness and harmony between mind and body.

Tai Chi Chuan, some say, is all about opening and closing. Specifically, it refers to the opening and closing of form and energy. Mastering these movements means mastering the core of Tai Chi Chuan. Today, I will detail this concept using two movements: "White Crane Spreads Its Wings" and "Grasp the Sparrow's Tail."

"White Crane Spreads Its Wings," also known as "White Crane Displays Its Wings" or "White Goose Spreads Its Wings," depicts a crane stretching its wings, symbolizing an expansive and open movement.

As I raise my right hand towards the left side of my forehead, with the left hand dropping and separating to the side of the left hip, the gate opens wide, implying a drawing in and releasing of energy. This outward movement gives the impression of opening, hence the term "form opening" (形開). However, at the same time, all energy should be gathered into one point (some say this is gathering energy into the dantian), a natural process that cannot be seen by the naked eye, hence "energy closing" (氣合).

It's important to note that form opening and energy closing occur simultaneously, without a clear sequence, as it is a natural phenomenon.

Zheng Manqing said, "This is using energy to move the body, which is energy closing leading to form opening." The word "leading" here is crucial. This principle applies to "White Crane Spreads Its Wings," "Single Whip," "Slanting Flying," "Wild Horse Parts Its Mane," and "Separate Hands," among others.

"Grasp the Sparrow's Tail" follows "White Crane Spreads Its Wings." The former is the second half of the latter, where the first half is completely open and the second half is completely closed, forming a complete movement.

As I turn my right hand palm-up, and it drops down to my right hip as my left leg steps out, my left hand follows my right hand to my right hip. During this opening, all the gathered energy is released, which is energy opening. Energy opening and closing can only be felt internally, not seen externally. Zheng Manqing said, "Form closing leads to energy opening." This is a natural process that is almost imperceptible unless one is mindful.

Among all the movements in Tai Chi Chuan, "Grasp the Sparrow's Tail" is the most obvious example of form closing leading to energy opening, as are "Needle at Sea Bottom," "Wave Hands Like Clouds," "Cross Hands," and "Close Tai Chi."

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