Tao Te Ching is a simplified version of Tai chi also known as Laozi. This semester I took a class in tai chi with Professor Schulman and the short style of tai chi taught by his master Chung. During the semester we learn many techniques used in the form like Push Hands, Repelling Left and Right, and so many other that I have a hard time remembering. Initially I saw tai chi as a meditational art that was later used for martial arts, as are many rituals in Asian religions such as Buddhism. What was interesting was that I found myself feeling some changes as I was practicing these forms. For one my walking felt different due to the fact that in tai chi you feel where you step before you put your weight as opposed to how we walk where we put our weight first and let the legs catch up so my walk seemed easier and I felt less tired when I exercised.
Watch this video of the Great Master Cheng Man Ching, grandfather of master Chuan who is the master of the Professor who taught the Tai Chi class:
Now the funny thing is that my friend Tatiana Rodriguez wrote a piece on this subject with more about the religion. This one is more me trying to get more students to take this course. I also took Asian Religions so I understand the daoist way of thinking and how they see the world which is why this course would be great for a student especially when finals come and they can de stress and see things a little differently. For me as a musician, this is helping me with my discipline and done wonders for my stress and stamina when playing. Great class, great form, great style, take the class
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