Page 359 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

T

Tai-ji
T
Tai-ji

The philosophic concept of tai-ji is of cardinal importance in Confucianism from the 11th
century onwards. Even before then, the term tai-ji was used to mean the Original
One, from which there developed first the duality or syzygy yin / yang, then the
five permutations or states of nature ( elements) which generate the ‘ten thousand
things’. It was Zhu Xi (1130–1200), often regarded as the greatest Chinese philosopher
after Confucius, who made tai-ji into the Absolute, the ruling principle of the
metaphysical world. Its symbol now became the empty circle partitioned into yin (dark)
and yang (bright). The line between them resembles a capital S. It is popularly believed
that a replica of this circle (tai-ji tu) can be seen on the placenta at birth.
In the 16th century, the term ‘Tai-ji dress’ referred to a sexual practice and ‘Tai-ji
bells’ (tai-ji wan) is another name for Burmese bells.
The same word is applied to a form of boxing which is now also known in the West.
Its invention is sometimes attributed to Xu Xuan-ping (Tang Dynasty) but more often to
Zhang San-feng: at all events, it has been practised since the 16th century.
The Tai-ji method seems to be a late development from the so-called Shao-lin school
of boxing. Its practitioners see themselves as members of an esoteric cult.

The tai-ji, from which yin and yang develop

Tai-shanTai-shan