How to Grasp the Bird's Tail

Book excerpt: A unique book for students & teachers of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), attempting neither to teach Taiji, nor treat it in a scholarly way. Instead, it celebrates the names of the Taiji movements - the Chinese names! It celebrates the visual beauty of Margaret Chang's Chinese calligraphy. It celebrates the imagery within the Chinese characters. It celebrates the mystery, the poetic ambiguity intrinsic to the Chinese language. It celebrates the possible meanings there - concrete & metaphoric. There are occasionally playful & light-hearted interpretations reflecting the author's own Taiji experience & musings. Also, occasionally, there are potentially relevant stories or paintings to enjoy. All this is offered in the hope that readers will find pleasure in discovering their own meanings in these Chinese names & in the movements of Taiji. Both Jane Schorre & Margaret Chang are devoted Taiji artists, who have practiced & taught Taiji for many years. In addition, Margaret Chang is an accomplished painter & calligrapher who counts among her foremost teachers Prince Pu Ju, brother of Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China. Order from Arts of China Seminars, 2314 Driscoll, Houston, TX 77019. 713-664-7142.