Extracted from: Tai Chi Transcendent Art, by Cheng Tin Hung
Tai Chi Chuan was derived from Taoism. The most important practice of Taoism was concerned with tranquility of mind and improvement of temperament. Since the hustle and bustle of city is unsuitable for those seeking self-discipline, the Taoists had to search for isolated spots where they could lead the life of a hermit. Such spots exist only in the mountains where one finds little or no sound, no sorrow and no movement. But in reality such hermitage is an unsuitable environment in which to dwell. The reasons for this are that the air thought fresh, is often foggy; the winds are too strong; transportation of food is difficult making nutrition a bit deficiency. Furthermore, there is a constant danger of being a victim of wild beasts. Also, many diseases when left unattended, may cause death. So, many taoists failed to reach their Destiny, the life of transcendental bliss. Therefore, the taoists developed techniques of Martial Art in order to gain good health and to protect themselves from the attacks of beasts.
In the Tong Dynasty (618 AD to 907 AD), there were some soft styles of the martial arts of which the Thirty Seven Styles of Hsu Suan Ping was the main one. At the end of the Sung Dynasty a Taoist by the name of Cheung San Fung, in order to find one suitable martial art for the Taoist, often observed the habits of long-lived animals such as turtles and cranes. After many years of study, he, at last, created Tai Chi Chuan.
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