In answer to a question regarding the difference between Ji and Peng energy:
Concerning “Ji” or “press”.
In Chinese, as I’m sure you know, many Chinese characters can have several different meanings, depending on the context that we use them in, which obviously leads to confusion when we want to translate them, especially for Taiji.
“Ji” can mean press, which in the Taiji sense has this idea that starting from the root and then emanating through the entire body to the point of contact with the opponent and then continuing on through them, like the idea of the tree growing out in this three-dimensional way and pressing them away.
“Ji” in Chinese language can also mean squeeze” when we talk about squeezing toothpaste out of the tube etc, but this kind of power is not the power we are thinking about in terms of Taiji, as it’s not really big enough to affect the opponent.
The concept of the growing tree is to make you realize the idea that the energy cannot be stuck in one place only, and must continue through your body, through the point of contact and through the opponent, this means he cannot resist the power and find a place to push back against you.
This sense of “expansion” tries to help you maintain a growing, continuous energy (like a strong tree growing not an air like expansion) and not be like a withered branch that meets the opponent and then stops, as this causes you to then have to try some other more muscular/physical force to hold your own balance or shove at him etc.
“Peng” expansion is not like a tree growing expansion, as this would then cause your arm/body to become too stiff and rigid, which would give the opponent a chance to find a tense place to take advantage of.
Master Ren Gang says the “Peng” energy uses the fire element, so you need just this kind of “power” or energy to feel the opponent. Fire is not a solid force, but light like air as well as having a feeling of power coming from within to the outside, ie the heat from the fire within is expressed to the outer surfaces of the flames. The inner part of the space within the inner circle of the arms is where the power stems from, not the outer surface of the arms pushes out strongly against the opponent – as this would make your arms stiff and easily controlled.
Secondly, with regards to how to feel at one with the other person, and let your energy reach out, whilst still remaining empty.
In Devon at the 2006 Double Dragon Alliance UK seminar tour, because of the shortness of time together, we unfortunately didn’t have a chance to go over the concepts of, “Xin – heart and mind”, “Yi – intention” and “Shi – conscious thought”.
This really helps people get a better sensation and understanding of this idea of the energy and becoming one with the opponent/the universe etc.
Although, we did do some exercises on the first night (1st May) on developing an awareness of “Hao Ran Zhi Qi” or Heart energy/a sense of the natural energy space around us.
There are 2 energies that we are utilizing in our movements.
The sense of the energy around us and including the energy that makes us become one with the opponent, this is our “Hao Ran Zhi Qi” or we can say Heart energy. This is a sensation we can foster by sitting/standing calmly, sensing ourselves being one with the environment/air around us.
Whatever happens, ie. somebody walks into our personal space etc, this sense of calmness and connection to the energy space around us mustn’t change or be affected by this interference, ie. collapse or become concentrated in one direction only.
This way we are at one with whatever is in our space, and as time develops our sense of this energy space will grow naturally larger and larger, as we become more relaxed and peaceful in our hearts with whatever happens around us.
Thus, if someone comes to push us, we don’t either shrink away or try to drive forwards to push him away, which would collapse/affect our energy and connection with our universe.
If we don’t “try” to push him away or “want too much to do” something to him, then we remain “empty”, that is we keep our original relaxed and calm state, as if we were still standing alone in our own posture, just feeling the connection with all that’s around us.
You will often hear teachers say that when we practice Taiji form, we should imagine that there is an imaginary opponent there with us, who we are “fighting” with, but when we push hands, we should feel that we are alone, there is no one there.
This idea is to help you realize the above state of staying calm and empty when the opponent pushes/contacts you, so he doesn’t make you collapse/lose your original “wuji” state.
I would recommend that at first you practice the feeling of developing “Hao Ran Zhi Qi” or this sense of energy in standing postures, (like the ones we did at the workshop) or in seated meditation, to get a sense of this energy around you and feel a part and at one with the air first, then sometimes gently let somebody touch you, but try to maintain your initial connection and sensation of calmness with your own energy space.
DDA currently has a DVD with these postures in the 26 basic foundation exercises, so if you’re interested, check out our training DVDs on our Merchandise Page..