In this second article of our series exploring the Seven Hermetic Principles, we begin with the first—and most fundamental—of them all: The Principle of Mentalism . This principle is placed first for a reason. It establishes the very ground upon which all other principles rest and defines our understanding of reality itself. Without grasping Mentalism, the deeper logic of alchemy, internal martial arts, and internal cultivation remains fragmented or mysterious. At its essence

Practitioners of meditation, qigong, and Taijiquan face a challenge that is uniquely modern. We live in a culture increasingly shaped by speed, convenience, and immediacy. Information is compressed into fragments. Attention is fragmented into seconds. The slow processes of reading, contemplation, and deep analysis have been steadily displaced by short-form videos, oversimplified explanations, and the pervasive attitude summarized by the now-common phrase “tl;dr.” The integrit

As students step onto the path of Taijiquan, Qigong, Neigong, meditation, yoga, or related internal arts, one of the greatest challenges they encounter is not physical—it is conceptual. These arts did not arise merely as systems of movement or exercise. They were born within complete worldviews: living cosmologies that describe how the universe functions, how human beings participate in that functioning, and how conscious cultivation can transform both health and spirit. In t

In the modern world, qigong and Taijiquan are most commonly understood as gentle movement practices—slow, graceful exercises performed in parks, community centers, and rehabilitation clinics. They are widely promoted for improving balance, reducing stress, and supporting relaxation, especially among elderly or injured populations. This image is not incorrect, but it is profoundly incomplete. The majority of contemporary instruction does indeed emphasize soft choreography, mi

Freedom from muscular tension is not merely a physical state; it profoundly contributes to our overall health and happiness. When we experience a release from this tension, we often find ourselves feeling more energized and capable of engaging with the world around us. Our posture, which is a reflection of how our body is aligned and positioned, has a direct and significant effect on our mental and emotional states. It can serve as a powerful indicator of our psychological we

What Is Taijiquan? Taijiquan (太極拳), often simply known as Tai Chi , is a traditional Chinese martial art that embodies the principles of...

What is Taijiquan? Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), frequently abbreviated to "Tai Chi," is a time-honored traditional Chinese martial art that...

In Taijiquan (Tai Chi), we often speak of "softness overcoming hardness," of "rooting like a tree" and "moving like clouds." But how do...

In the practice of Taijiquan and other internal martial arts, there is a word that often eludes easy definition yet sits at the heart of...

In every gentle movement, there lies a profound philosophy; in every graceful flow, there dwells a deep connection between mind, body,...

Taiji (better known in the Western world as tai chi) and qigong are ancient practices which are steadily gaining popularity in modern...

The following is a valuable article written by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang concerning the process of skill development in taijiquan. As it...

The following is a valuable article written by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang concerning the process of skill development in taijiquan. As it...

The following is a valuable article written by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang concerning the process of skill development in taijiquan. As it...

Each year on the last Saturday of April, countries around the world celebrate World Taiji and Qigong day. Typically groups of...

The following is a valuable article written by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang concerning the process of skill development in taijiquan. As it...

The following is a valuable article written by Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang concerning the process of skill development in taijiquan. As it...