BY PURVI RADIA | NT NETWORK
So far whichever forms of martial art we have come across, most are aimed to train ourselves for defence. However, Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial art, practiced to distress oneself, attain peace of mind and brings us out from unhealthy feelings.
Just practicing for few minutes this form each day can be you passport for better health. Taoists and Buddhists believe the universe is a dance of energy that allows the free flow of energy throughout our body removing all psychological tension which blocks energy flow.
Tai chi involves gentle movements. There is no feeling of aggressiveness in this particular art. The core energy in this art lies in the naval centre received from the universal powers. By following Tai Chi, illnesses and stress are taken care of by the flow of energy in the entire body.
To bring this form of martial art to a larger audience in Goa, black belt martial art practitioner in Tai Chi, Satyakam Gupta will expound more about the martial art by way of practical demonstrations and will also teach the art of remaining calm and refreshed to those participating in this workshop that will be held at Sunapranta.
When we have a conflict in our life, there is depletion in our energy levels. Mr Gupta believes, “Tai Chi is not to fight with life but instead flow with the life. This aids in slowly realising one to be part of the universal powers.” Through the basic philosophies, Mr Gupta describes the lifestyle of Tai Chi to be like that of flowing water, ready to take any shape.
Tai Chi can in some measure contribute to a better stability of mind, diffuse stress at any given moment, increase longevity, vitality and enhance concentration, informs Gupta.
One advantage of Tai Chi over other forms of martial arts, says Gupta, is that it can be practiced anywhere without the requirement of definite space.
Often, people worry about their future, but here with precise execution of these exercises, people learn how to start living in their present, says Gupta. He adds that many smokers and drinkers have even given up this addiction habits by practicing the principles of this art.
In Tai Chi there lies the concept of ‘chi’ (energy) that connects the mind, body and soul expressed through graceful movements. There are two forms, the short and the long form. Gupta will teach the 24 short forms to the participants at the workshop. This consists of the rhythmic forward and backward form, upward and downward movement of energy flow. The slow dance-like movements of this exercise is calming and relaxing in itself, says Gupta.
(Classes for ‘Tai Chi, the moving form of energy in harmony with Universe’ will be held for two months every Tuesday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sunaparanta, centre for Arts, Altinho.)
