Yang Family 8 Words Formula
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2020 5:03 am
Greetings,
I came across this some time ago, which was titled the "Yang Family 8 Words". It was from a translation by Lee Fife, I understand. Can anyone tell me if this is actually from the Yang Family, and when/who originated it? Below is the translation attributed to Lee Fife.
中正安舒
轻灵圆活
Centered and Balanced, Peaceful and Comfortable,
Light and Agile, Rounded and Lively.
中 (zhōng): Centered
As a noun, zhōng means center or middle. As a verb, it means to hit or strike exactly, as in hit the target. The meaning of zhōng has been described as embedded in the character: 中 resembles a flag or sail attached to a central pole. The sail can change its position and orientation to accommodate the wind without perturbing the central pole.
正 (zhèng): Balanced
Zhèng means upright, balance, correct, or proper. It’s used in compounds meaning just right, just in time, correctly situated, proper, and appropriate. Here, it conveys ideas of being symmetrical, vertically aligned, and correct in position, timing, and shape. Zhōng zhèng provides a guideline for checking your own shapes and postures.
安(ān): Peaceful
Ān means peaceful, tranquil, calm, unperturbed. It’s used in examples meaning sleep peacefully, be at ease, be content, walking without any hurry.
舒 (shū ): Comfortable
Shū means to be comfortable or leisurely, to stretch out, to unfold and smooth. It’s used in phrases meaning refreshed, taking a breather, shaking off cares, being comfortable and cozy. Ān shū describes how you should feel in relation to another or to the world around you, not being perturbed, at ease, having the leisure to respond appropriately. In push hands, you should strive for comfort, remaining comfortable regardless of the situation and the other person's state. If you find yourself becoming uncomfortable, address that immediately before the other person gains advantage.
轻 (qīng): Light
Qīng means light (as in weight), easy, gentle, soft, without stresses. It’s used in phrases meaning light weight, portable, travel lightly with little luggage, move gracefully. Qīng specifically applies to the body and indicates that we should not get heavy and immovable.
灵 (líng): Agile
Líng means quick, alert, spirit, agile, clever, sharp. The old character shows sorcerers praying for rain. It’s used in phrases meaning nimble, effective, inspired (e.g. to create art or music), flexible, mobile, sensitive, and ingenious. Líng refers to the mind and awareness, instructing us to remain alert, changeable, and responsive. Together qīng líng tells us to keep our body and mind light and nimble.
圆(yuán): Rounded
Yuán means round, circular, spherical. It’s used in mathematics to indicate a circle or sphere and in phrases meaning mediate, effect a compromise, thorough, and comprehensive. Here, it basically means just the same as “rounded”.
活 (huó): Lively
Huó means lively, alive, living, vivacious. Together, yuán huó describes qualities our movement should have: always being lively and rounded, circular and full of vitality.
Take care,
Frank
I came across this some time ago, which was titled the "Yang Family 8 Words". It was from a translation by Lee Fife, I understand. Can anyone tell me if this is actually from the Yang Family, and when/who originated it? Below is the translation attributed to Lee Fife.
中正安舒
轻灵圆活
Centered and Balanced, Peaceful and Comfortable,
Light and Agile, Rounded and Lively.
中 (zhōng): Centered
As a noun, zhōng means center or middle. As a verb, it means to hit or strike exactly, as in hit the target. The meaning of zhōng has been described as embedded in the character: 中 resembles a flag or sail attached to a central pole. The sail can change its position and orientation to accommodate the wind without perturbing the central pole.
正 (zhèng): Balanced
Zhèng means upright, balance, correct, or proper. It’s used in compounds meaning just right, just in time, correctly situated, proper, and appropriate. Here, it conveys ideas of being symmetrical, vertically aligned, and correct in position, timing, and shape. Zhōng zhèng provides a guideline for checking your own shapes and postures.
安(ān): Peaceful
Ān means peaceful, tranquil, calm, unperturbed. It’s used in examples meaning sleep peacefully, be at ease, be content, walking without any hurry.
舒 (shū ): Comfortable
Shū means to be comfortable or leisurely, to stretch out, to unfold and smooth. It’s used in phrases meaning refreshed, taking a breather, shaking off cares, being comfortable and cozy. Ān shū describes how you should feel in relation to another or to the world around you, not being perturbed, at ease, having the leisure to respond appropriately. In push hands, you should strive for comfort, remaining comfortable regardless of the situation and the other person's state. If you find yourself becoming uncomfortable, address that immediately before the other person gains advantage.
轻 (qīng): Light
Qīng means light (as in weight), easy, gentle, soft, without stresses. It’s used in phrases meaning light weight, portable, travel lightly with little luggage, move gracefully. Qīng specifically applies to the body and indicates that we should not get heavy and immovable.
灵 (líng): Agile
Líng means quick, alert, spirit, agile, clever, sharp. The old character shows sorcerers praying for rain. It’s used in phrases meaning nimble, effective, inspired (e.g. to create art or music), flexible, mobile, sensitive, and ingenious. Líng refers to the mind and awareness, instructing us to remain alert, changeable, and responsive. Together qīng líng tells us to keep our body and mind light and nimble.
圆(yuán): Rounded
Yuán means round, circular, spherical. It’s used in mathematics to indicate a circle or sphere and in phrases meaning mediate, effect a compromise, thorough, and comprehensive. Here, it basically means just the same as “rounded”.
活 (huó): Lively
Huó means lively, alive, living, vivacious. Together, yuán huó describes qualities our movement should have: always being lively and rounded, circular and full of vitality.
Take care,
Frank