The Art of Taiji Sung (Taiji Song)
On the banks of a tranquil lake, I encountered a group of Taiji practitioners engaged in the practice of Taiji Sung – the art of relaxed strength. As I observed their movements with keen interest, the master explained the profound significance of this essential principle.
“In Taiji,” he said, “we seek to cultivate a state of relaxed alertness – a harmonious balance between tension and ease, effort and surrender. Taiji Sung allows us to develop a deep sense of rootedness and stability, while remaining flexible and adaptable to change.”
With each gentle movement, I felt a profound sense of release – a letting go of tension and resistance that allowed me to sink deeper into the earth and rise higher into the sky. In the art of Taiji Sung, I discovered the power of surrender – a surrender to the natural flow of life, and a trust in the wisdom of the universe.
Sung 松 in Tai Chi is more than relaxation
The concept of “sung” (also spelled “song”) 松 in Taijiquan (Tai Chi) is often translated as “relaxation”, but it encompasses a much deeper meaning than pure physical relaxation. Sung represents a state of integrated mind-body loosening and release of tension on multiple levels – physical, mental, and emotional.
On a physical level, Sung involves allowing the joints to open freely and move without stiffness or resistance, while still maintaining an upright posture and structural integrity. As one master describes it, the body should be like “a solid piece of rubber” – relaxed yet not completely limp.[1][4] All the major joints – shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, etc. – are gently stretched open from the inside.[1] This loosening enables the smooth flow of qi (energy) through the body, as tension and stiffness restrict this flow.[2]
However, Sung goes beyond just the physical aspect. It also requires releasing mental tensions and cultivating a state of focused presence and awareness.[1][4] Taoist philosophy views Sung as letting go of tensions “on a mental, emotional, and physical level.”[1] When the mind is free of distracting thoughts and the body is truly relaxed, one experiences a sense of being “truly right” and harmoniously aligned.[1]
Achieving this integrated mind-body state of Sung is one of the foundational skills in Taijiquan practice.[1][4] It allows the body to move in an effortless, coordinated way according to Taiji principles. As one master states, “Unless a joint can rotate freely, skill in taijiquan will suffer.”[1] Simply being physically relaxed is not enough – there must be a conscious cultivation of the Sung state through proper training and mindfulness.[1][2]
In essence, Sung represents a profound level of relaxation that permeates the entire being – physical, mental, and emotional. It is this harmonious integration of a relaxed body and calm mind that enables the smooth flow of qi and the effortless, natural movements characteristic of true Taijiquan mastery.[2][4]
Bruce Frantzis
Energy Arts
Classically, learning what is called Sung in Tai Chi is learned through a basic 4 part process, each one of which builds upon and is dependent upon the previous stages being stable. In all 4 stages, you must consciously put your mind inside your body until you can recognize what your mind is contacting, and by mental command alone, you can cause your body to obey.”
– Master Bruce Frantzis
Citations:
[1] https://balancedlifetaichi.com/blog/what-does-song-mean-in-tai-chi
[2] https://newlifekungfu.com/what-is-song-or-sung-in-tai-chi/
[3] http://discuss.yangfamilytaichi.com/viewtopic.php?start=75&t=394
[4] https://balancedlifetaichi.com/blog/what-does-song-mean-in-tai-chi
[5] http://discuss.yangfamilytaichi.com/viewtopic.php?start=75&t=394
[6] https://revealedpresence.com/blog/speaking/tai-chi-sung/
[7] http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/sung.htm
[8] https://www.energyarts.com/event/sung-in-tai-chi/