太极拳的棚劲是啥感觉
When it comes to Tai Chi Chuan one of its most unique characteristics is the sensation of Peng Jin (ward off energy) a type of internal force that enables the practitioner to repel external forces without using physical strength But what does it feel like to have Peng Jin?
First and foremost Peng Jin feels like a strong but relaxed expansion in the body especially in the arms and the upper torso When you perform the Peng technique you should feel as if your arms are gently stretching outwards without any tension while your back expands and your chest opens up Its like inflating a balloon that expands in all directions at once This sensation is key to developing the power and efficiency of Tai Chis movements as it allows the practitioner to use the whole body as a unified structure rather than relying on isolated muscles
Another notable feature of Peng Jin is its elasticity and softness Although it may seem paradoxical Peng Jin requires both firmness and flexibility like a spring that can absorb and release energy When you encounter an opponents force you should not resist it directly but rather let it flow through your body and bounce back This is known as sticking and adhering (zhan nian in Chinese) By sticking to your opponents energy and following its direction you can redirect it back to its source with minimal effort This is the essence of Tai Chis softness overcoming hardness principle
However Peng Jin is not just a physical sensation but also a mental and emotional state To achieve Peng Jin the practitioner needs to cultivate a relaxed but alert mind free from distracting thoughts or emotions Ideally your mind should be like a clear mirror that reflects the movements of your opponent without judgement or fear This state of mind is called wu wei (non-doing) in Chinese philosophy which means acting spontaneously and effortlessly without ego or self-consciousness With practice Tai Chi practitioners can attain a state of flow (chuan tong in Chinese) where their movements become natural and harmonious guided by Peng Jin and the principles of Yin and Yang
In conclusion the sensation of Peng Jin in Tai Chi Chuan is a complex and fascinating phenomenon that combines physical mental and emotional aspects It requires the practitioner to develop a deep understanding of the principles of Tai Chi and to practice diligently with patience and perseverance Through Peng Jin we can learn to use our body and mind in a more efficient and effective way not only in martial arts but also in daily life As the Tai Chi master Chen Xiaowang once said “When you understand Peng Jin you understand Tai Chi; when you understand Tai Chi you understand life”
