a single perfected motion
is more profound
than ten thousand motions
performed well

a single well placed step
is more secure
than ten thousand steps
eagerly made

neither rushing
nor hesitating
the steady way
is sure and true

a drop of water forms
by a joining of lesser parts
and so they become one
a single flowing whole

the synergy of all events
is little different

a song is formed
by a joining of lesser parts
and so they become one
a single flowing whole

the synergy of all events
is little different

a life is formed
by a joining of lesser parts
and so they become one
a single flowing whole

the synergy of all events
is little different

now is not formed
by a joining of lesser parts
it has always been one
a still and single whole

now is not an event
it is a little different

as a wheel
as a mill stone
as a spinning rope
as a top
as a whirlpool

roll over
grind down
twist apart
bounce away
draw in

In the lore of vedic culture stance training plays key roles in the attainment of powers and gifts from the gods. In a nutshell the actor maintains a stance as long as possible.

This is much like taiji, where in some traditions holding the postures for a long duration is a vital part of training.

A combination of postures has proven very useful to me including from the 108 Karanas of Lord Shiva, various postures and positions from Capoeira, various postures and stretches of Yoga, and of course postures from taijiquan.

As for the spirit, it is not distinct from the body in regard to development and perhaps there are changes that do occur, which should not be spoken of, because to speak of something that others have not experienced does no good for anyone. Expectations should be eliminated or the spirit will not develop properly.

In this way mental posture plays a role in this training as well. A person should remain in focus and not wander with their body, or their mind. Instead they should link the two and focus on their whole being, let thought and posture be as one wordless thing.

concise set introduction

taiji set names, called the concise set:

1. Heaven and Earth unite
2. Moon and Sun sweep sky
3. Wind brings Thunder
4. River rides the Mountain
5. Heaven holds all things
   
6. A storm of out the Earth

The pattern is as such, the first four moves are based upon 8 principals, the next two use those same principals, but in new combination, an example of how the principals are put into effect. In addition to this, the concise set has application and weapons aspects and different variations to allow focus on different ways of expressing the movements and methods.

The whole thing is 6 breaths, however it is a mirror form, meaning it is not done once, but twice at least, once on each side, and it cycles so it can be done for an indefinite period of time.

Each of the 6 parts has two parts, which create 12 motions used for training the skills of the set, each of the 6 parts also has specific footwork.

The set is also done slow and fast, slow it takes as long as it takes, fast it takes a few seconds at most. The fast cannot be learned without the slow though.

The concise set is something I made for myself, to allow me to focus on the skills I want.
It does not replace or conflict with any other form or method or systematic patterning, but goes with them well and is based on effective material, so it combines well with any martial art. It is a great way for a hard stylist to get an introduction to the taiji principals and methods, largely because it is concise and easily demonstrated with clear principals.

A fool trusts skill he can see
the wise trust skill they can feel

the appearances of things is not the internal way

the crouching cat is superficial
it is external

the internal is as a cat which does not crouch
and yet pounces
..............................
It can be funny how much emphasis is placed on the superficial,
by those who claim to practice the internal.

Parable of Master & Talents (of the students)

A great martial artist went to travel the world and before he left he recorded and demonstrated all he knew for his three pupils.

As he departed he instructed his students:
"practice and study these things until my return"

And so the teacher traveled a great many years, until finally he returned.
He then summoned his students and began to test them.

His first student had not only great skill, having studied the teachings for years he had created a great many innovations upon their foundation.

His second student also had great skill, for he had innovated several subtle distinctions pertaining to the teachings.

His third student also had great skill and presented the teachings of his master perfectly.

The teacher then spoke to his students:

"My first pupil, having studied and practiced the teachings I gave you so many years ago you have taken them and built upon them, not only understanding them, but making them your own. I name you as my successor, for your skill has exceeded my own as is the hope of every good teacher for his students."

And saying this he struck at his first student,
who easily moved out of the way.

"My second pupil, having practiced and studied what I have taught you, you have mastered it well and explored many subtleties upon your own, there is no more I can teach you, I confer to you the title of master instructor. Your skill has come to match my own."

And saying this he struck at his second student,
who neutralized the attack without difficulty.

"My third pupil, though having mastered all I have shown you, not one innovation have you made, not one realization have you employed beyond my teachings."

And saying this he struck at his third student,
who then died instantly.