Greetings Louis,
Thanks so much for providing your interpretations and explanations.
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The illustration you submit of Needle at Sea Bottom really demonstrated the "to and fro" connotations I was seeking to comprehend.
The "dynamic" is more apparent to me now.
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I inquired about the text describing the "chong kai" techniques...
You conveyed,
<"The left hand simultaneously lifts to in front of the chest, bursting forth (chong kai) with the palm. A continuous energy thrusts forth toward the opponent's flank." This rather vivid language describes the trajectory of the left palm towards the ribcage of the opponent...Here(chong kai) is just a description of the manner in which the palm strikes forth "chong1" having overtones of "flowing", "flooding", "flushing" or like a dam bursting.> Louis
The clarity of your description is undeniable. I can grasp the concept with my mind, but only partially.
As you stated,
<I'm afraid until one has some experience in some of these techniques, it will be difficult to grasp what is going on.> Louis
In this case I concede completely to that fact. Until I have experienced this dynamic energy interaction, exchange first hand with an opponent, I will be unable to truly grasp the essence of the meaning behind the words in full.
The preview, however, has provided valuable mental insight and foresight. Thank-you.
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You also supplied an explanation for"one continuos strength".
You wrote,
< "The continuous energy" (zhi li) means strength that is both "direct, straightforward" and "continuous, uninterupted". That is it is a continuous movement throughout the whole body (opening out through the spine), not just the arm itself.> Louis
Are you referring to the threading methods?
The "threading"(zhi)....."process"(xing)...zhixing???
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Lastly, you interpreted,
< "to and fro" (wangfu, comings and goings)...What does it mean that the to and fro exchange becomes "one strength" (yi zhi li, one continuous strength)?
If I were to strenuously resist the opponent at any point in this scenario, or use my strength forcefully against his movements, I would be adding force to a situation where there is already force. There would, so to speak, be "two strengths". > Louis
What you say of two strengths is very interesting. I was previously unaware of that particular perception.
My own was related to the silk reeling theories...
Do you think silk reeling or the "reeling the silk of a cocoon" metaphor is also an appropriate interpretation in this context?
Is there perhaps a double entente within this statement, for "one continuous strength"?
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It has been a great pleasure discussing Taiji wangfu with you.
Good'ay,
Best regards,
Psalchemist.