Taijiquan is an ancient martial art, and also a simple symbol. Today, people interpret this age-old term—Taiji—through their bodies, through art, and through the soul. It offers a hidden path to inner peace for hearts adrift in the pursuit of material desires and lost in the restless world.
Humanities Documentary "Taiji Wudang"
Wudang Mountain invited the renowned German architect Gottfried Böhm to design a Taiji Cultural Center, reigniting the creative passion of the master who had nearly retired. Meanwhile, global interest in Chinese philosophy and culture is flourishing, with Daoist philosophy being one of the most intriguing aspects for scholars and enthusiasts worldwide. To design the Taiji Center, Gottfried Böhm sent his son, Paul Böhm, to explore the mystical Wudang Mountain, the heart of Chinese harmonious thought, and to experience the most authentic Daoist culture.
Zhuangzi said: "On the distant Mount Guye, there dwells a divine being. Her skin is like ice and snow, and her bearing is graceful like that of a maiden. She rides upon the clouds, drives a flying dragon, and roams freely between Heaven and Earth. It is a perfect world, where the troubles and sorrows of human life no longer exist—only endless, unbroken beauty remains."
On special occasions, the Taoist priests of Wudang would ascend the highest peak to observe the celestial phenomena. Since the Ming dynasty, this place has served as an imperial Taoist sanctuary. The priests were even able to deduce the rise and fall of the royal family and the fortune or misfortune of the monarch from changes in the stars, which is why emperors regarded astrology as a highly classified matter.
Facing the upcoming international Taiji boxing competition, Wudang’s head Taoist, Master Zhong, aims to select a suitable disciple to represent Wudang in the contest. His method of selection is remarkably unique, centered entirely around "water." Water, when dispersed, becomes vapor; when gathered, it forms ice. In its softest state, it is like mist, barely perceptible. In its hardest state, it is as sharp as solid ice. Similarly, Taiji boxing, when gentle, flows like water, continuous and unbroken. When forceful, it erupts like a torrent, unstoppable and invincible. When the art of the fist merges with the essence of water, Taiji permeates every part of the body, with every movement and stillness in perfect harmony.
Daoists believe that human life is closely connected to nature. Any changes in nature require the human body to adjust and adapt. How should one align with the changes of nature throughout the year? Spring brings birth, summer fosters growth, autumn yields harvest, and winter stores energy. What insights can the year-long lifestyle of Wudang’s Taoist Master Yang offer to people today?
