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The T'ai Chi Ruler is a series of exercises using a ruler such as shown to the left. The ruler is made of wood and is about 10 inches long. |
T'ai Chi Ruler is related to other Ch'i Kung practices discussed in another section of this document. The practice involves a series of circular movements with the ruler held between the hands as the body weight shifts from foot to foot. This directs and balances the flow of Ch'i or internal energy of the body. This in turns allows us to realise the Inborn Physical Endowment which we all possess at birth.
Here we give a brief history of T'ai Chi Ruler.
The earliest known Chinese medical writing is attributed to Huang Ti, the "Yellow Emperor" ca. 2600 BC. In it the principles of human health used by the T'ai Chi Ruler originated. A picture of the Yellow Emperor appears to the right. |
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According to legend, T'ai Chi Ruler was invented by the conjurer Chen Chu (907 - 959 A.D.) using the principles of Huang Ti's writings. Also known as Chan To Nam or Fu Yao Tze, Chen Chu lived in seclusion in a house he built on Mountain Wah in Shensi Province. The monastery still stands at the foot of the mountain, where a graphite statue of Chen Chu may be seen. |
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Chen Chu was befriended by Chao Kong Yan, the first emperor of the Sung Dynasty, in about 960 A.D. The emperor was taught T'ai Chi Ruler. The art was then handed down in secret from generation to generation within the Chao family. Chao Chung-tao (1844 - 1962) was a recent family member who was taught the practice. |
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Chao Chung-tao taught the T'ai Chi Ruler to Sifu T. T. Ching in 1957, and later Mr. Ching taught it to Sifu Mo, the head of our society.
This document is Copyright © 2002 Philip Mo. This page was last updated (m/d/y) 12/21/02.