The Catch 22 of Tai Chi Chuan
The great and infamous Master of Duhism, Bob Tzu, never ceases to amaze me with his incredible insights and how they apply to tai chi. Recently Master Tzu shared this profound tid bit.
This is the same thing - sort of - that Master Cui says to us as students when it comes to releasing energy, or fali. Master Cui teaches us to feel the energy and allow it to flow, but without really focusing on it. The act of focusing on our own chi (qi) tends to block its flow. Once you get to the point of really being able to feel the energy, you can simply “allow” it to flow and the flow increases with your attention. Trying to make it flow however does the opposite.
Your thoughts?
John
P.S. When you’re figured out why it works this way would you drop me a note and let me know? For the time being I’m just enjoying the flow. 
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Nov 22, 2009 - 05:11:42Hi John,
It’s been a while but i always come back for a chat.
Is fali the same as fajing?
If so how can we not focus on it, isn’t the act of initiating the release require some focus? from the spark to the transmission it needs to be built up, channeled, and directed to the target. Please correct me if I am wrong.
But yes from what I have noticed so far in my limited understanding of Chi, if you turn your mind to it, it escapes.
Best,
Sheld
Sheldon,
Yes Fali is the same as fajing. I’ve been taught not to focus on it directly, but instead to watch it and direct it somewhat indirectly. I haven’t master this but think of it like a water hose. If you try to make if flow you end up kinking the hose and cutting off the flow. We should allow it to flow and direct it where we want it just as you would with a hose sprayer. Your intention should then control the flow, not make it flow. That’s why I’m calling a catch 22. Hope that helps.
John
Cheers John, yes that helps allot.
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