The Theory of 5 Elements ...

Others may speak of the way to good health, but few know the full significance. The chapter in Chuang Tzu treatise entitled "On Cultivating Life" may be called the "Classic of Health." If we summarize his main ideas, they are the bed and the table. This is no different than Confucius saying that food and drink and man and woman are all there is. However, they did not really outline the principles. Only Ch'i Po said, "The true way is to eliminate old age and preserve the body. If one preserves the spirit within, how can illness find a way to us?" Describing the highest level, he said, "The muscles and pulse should be in harmony; the bones and marrow should be strong and solid, and the chi and blood obedient." He transmitted this to the Yellow Emperor who wrote the Classic of Internal Medicine. This is the "Classic of Health." Only T'ai-chi ch'uan demonstrates itself to truly correspond to the Classic of Internal Medicine with the philosophical principles of Lao Tzu, the Yellow Emperor and Confucius: Moreover, it makes manifest the truth of both principles and practice. Were it not for the genius of the Immortal Chang San-feng, how could this have been achieved?

There are foolish people in the world who would steal these treasures and claim them for this school or that sect. They are ignorant of the proper measure, for without true inner cultivation, how could one reach the level of "muscles and pulse being in harmony and the bones and marrow being strong and solid?" This is precisely what the "T'ai-Chi Classics" call "collecting it in the bones until they achieve essential hardness and there is nothing they cannot smash." How can we expect those of ordinary intelligence to discuss this, or such concepts as "proceeding from interpreting energy to the stage of perfect clarity?" I, Man-jan, was just barely alive when I began to study this art and was able to regain my health as if born again. It has been with me for forty years now without interruption. Moreover, I have gained a bit of knowledge of its theoretical principles as well. Every word rings true and there are no omissions.

But alas, I am aware that the true Way has been little traveled for a long time. Some skeptics say that it has no practical function and cast it aside; some hold that it serves only health and they do not look beyond this. They do not understand that the principles and applications of this martial art are as inseparable as form and shadow. If one studies, but cannot put his knowledge into practice, then what he has gained from the principles will be false.

There is also a saying that in teaching others, one should hold something back, and that one may impart this knowledge to sons and not to daughters. All of this is pure selfishness. If we proceed in this way, our nation's arts will gradually disappear or even become extinct. I refuse to believe this can happen. Have you not heard the words of the Yellow Emperor who said, "To find the right student and not teach him is to lose the tao; to teach the wrong student is to waste the treasures of Heaven." I hope that these words will reach those who follow my way, that we may all be conscientious and encouraged.