Qi Gong Graphic A Basic History of the Taiji Ruler System
Si-Fu Richard Mooney


The creation of the Taiji Ruler System goes back to the Sung Dynasty (960 a.d.), when the Emperor, Chao Kang Yan, invited his boyhood friend, the Taoist Chen Hsi-I, over for a visit. The Emperor was looking for someone to fill a government post. He thought his friend the Taoist, would be a fine choice for the job. The Taoist however, politley declined the job, stating that it was the responsibility of the Emperor to lead and govern his people. The Emperor then reminded his friend that he could make him stay at the Palace, if he so desired. But, since they were long standing friends, he told the Taoist, if you can beat me in a few games of chess, I will grant you some land, and you will be free to do as you like. The Taoist soundly defeated the Emperor at every match of chess. He was then given some lands close to the Emperors residence. Chen came back some years later and told the Emperor that he had devised a set of exercises, that when trained, would allow the Emperor to know himself, through the practice of the exercises. The exercises were to teach the practitioner how to govern their mind, breath, posture and qi, and if he knew himself, he would truly know how to govern others.

Chen is also credited with creating the internal set called Liu Ho Ba Fa (six Combinations/eight Methods ).

This system was held as a Chao family secret until the 1950's. The latter day descendant of Emperor Chao, Chao Chung Dao (1844-1962) decided to teach out his method to the general public. One of those he taught was a man named Ta Tsai Ching. Ta Tsai Ching taught many people, including my teacher, Si-Fu Ma Teh Feng.

The practice of Taiji Ruler comes in 7 stages, with 6 months in each stage being the minimum.

The First stage is the sitting set.
This set is done while either sitting on the floor, or if you have a weak back, you may sit in a chair. This practice allows the energy paths of the practitioner to open up, remove any restrictions, and enhance and stimulate and promote a greater flow of QI along the various meridians and channels of the body. The key focal point of the practice is the Ruler, which is a piece of wood, cut to a length of about 10.5 inches. The shape of the ruler reminds one of the shape of ancient chinese sword handles. The calm focus is directed to the center of the ruler at all times.

The Second stage is the Standing Set.
In the standing set, you learn to move with the energy that has been built up and accumulated as a result of the sitting set . The postures include both dynamic (moving), and static (stationary) methods. This set will build up endurance and stamina, as well as flexability and the ability to move with root.

The Third stage is the Ball Set.
The ball Set of Taiji Ruler uses a wooden ball, made of poplar wood, or any wood of that density. The ball is representative of your internal qi, and you train to fill the ball with the Qi, and manipulate the energy whiloe going through the exercises of the set. The ball training also builds up strength in the back and the arms, as well as the legs.

The Fourth stage is called Shen Kung.
Shen Kung is the 4th stage of Ruler training, and it dispenses with the external implements of practice, and focuses on the development of the Shen, and also the superconcious aspect of the mind. The higher functions of intellect and reasoning. This set also helps to fortify the Yi of the practitioner, because a strong Yi is required for the correct expression of Jing.

The Fifth stage of Ruler is 2 person Ruler.
Two person Ruler uses a ruler that is 1 meter long. The goal of this training is to gain adhering, sticking and listening jing forces. The ruler is manipulated between the two practitioners, with the focus of getting sensitive to the energy field of each other.

The Sixth Stage of Ruler is called Kao Ban.
Kao Ban, or leaning on board is a training method wherein a plank of pliable wood is buried in the ground. The practitioner, in various stances, uses his fingers to press on the board and cause it to flex slightly. the goal is to focus on the fingers and fill them with abudant qi. the uses for the training include both martial arts aspects, as in striking the blood, and the qi, as well as being used for healing and massage applications (waiqi liao fa, an mo, tui na, etc..)

The final stage of taiji ruler is the Taiji Ruler Kong Jing practice.
The taiji ruler kong jing practice only uses 2 standing (zhan Zhuang) postures, and 2 auxilliary exercises. This training allows the practitioner to express his jing over a distance, and allows him to use that skill for healing and for martial arts usage. A weapon used by a practitioner of this method becomes an extension of the practitioners energy body.


This sums up the practice of the taiji ruler system of qigong. If any are interested in find out more about this method please feel free to contact me at qimaster@hotmail.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Si-Fu Richard Mooney is a senior student of Master Paul Dong, noted author and qigong teacher. Si-Fu Mooney has been active in chinese martial arts since 1970, in Japanese arts since 1977, and has been into Qigong since 1987. He is also a Reiki Master of the Usui lineage. He has helped over 550 people recover from wide variety of pains and afflictions


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