The flow, interaction & relationship between yin & yang is expressed through 5 basic phases of energetic behaviour. In classical Taiji terms this is often referred to as the 5 Elements.
The 5 Elements refer to more than merely the 5 physical elements
found around us, they also refer to the 5 ways Chi (or intrinsic energy)
expresses itself in the universe.
Water is the first phase. The energy of quiet, rest & concentration.
Water, if undisturbed, becomes still.
The second phase is a continuation & development from the first. If energy absolutely still & concentrated, at some stage it will burst forth into movement. This phase is that expansion, Wood. Trees in the Spring embody this after their period of rest. This burst of activity cannot last for long & stabilizes into a period of sustained energy release.
The third phase is Fire. Fire
is able to sustain a high level of energy release over a longer period of time.
As the high energetic release rate begins to decline, ash is produced…& we
move on to the next phase.
Earth is the fourth
phase. This is the basis, the root & holding element. Earth gives rise to
the fifth phase.
Metal is the fifth, a condensed, forged state of energy, which can be released or ‘mined’ from the earth. When metal is heated, it melts, becomes fluid & gives rise to the first phase again.
As Taiji students & practitioners move through their forms, studies & practice, they learn the different phases...the stillness of water, the solidity of wood (& flexibility), the passion of fire, the grounding of the earth & the clarity of metal.
Each
element relates to different internal organs & the energetic pathways in
the body, known as meridians.
