T’ai Chi Chih Versus TCC

These three words, T’ai Chi Chih, are meaningful, powerful, and very specific. The three letters TCC are pieces, abbreviations, and could mean many things. T’ai Chi Chih translates to “knowledge of the supreme ultimate.” Through the practice of T’ai Chi Chih we are discovering the connection we have with the ultimate life force. We are acquiring knowledge about who and what we are. Think of the power in those three words: T’ai Chi Chih. What comes to mind when you as a practitioner hear those words? Do they evoke a particular physical response? Does a past experience you had while doing the practice cross your mind? Does a name or face of a fellow practitioner flash through your thoughts?

There is something to be said for the power of words. In words we see the essence of their meaning. Consider how words make you feel, what images come to mind: pine forest… chocolate… Vietnam… smiling… eagle… swimming. When we teach we say the same thing three or four different ways to allow for students to connect with the phrase that has clarity for them. Consider how much more is expressed when we say “soften the knees” rather than “bend the knees.” There is a “feel” component to the phrase. “Allow the heel to rise” has more meaning than “the heel comes up” or “lift the heel.” There is effortlessness implied. The correctness of words is important when teaching in order to convey to the student exactly what we mean.

And so it is with the name of our form. We do not do T’ai Chi; we do T’ai Chi Chih. T’ai Chi can mean many things. When we write and say T’ai Chi Chih we know exactly what is meant. During the spring intensive in New Jersey, Sr. Antonia complimented the group on how everyone consistently used the full name of the form. But during the reading of an article, I was completely taken aback when the written three letters “TCC” were actually spoken as three letters TCC. Since it was written that way I understand that someone might read it that way but it did not feel right. This shortcut felt like T’ai Chi Chih was not worth writing out or speaking it completely. It became clear how strongly I felt about this. Why take the power away from what T’ai Chi Chih represents with a short cut. There is a time to abbreviate, such as note taking, or in emails, but not in writing articles or materials for teaching or advertising, and especially not in speaking the name of the form. If an article is printed and disbursed to the general public, into a non T’ai Chi Chih environment, and it is continually referred to as TCC we are undermining efforts to get “T’ai Chi Chih” known in the world. Will it more commonly be known as TCC rather than T’ai Chi Chih in 20 or 30 years from now? Let us not diminish what has been created. Honor the form, honor the originator, and let the power of the words be felt.