JianThe jian (Mandarin Chinese: jian4, , English approximation: dʒjɛn ) is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. The first Chinese sources that mention the jian date to the 7th century BCE, during the Spring and Autumn period; one of the earliest specimens being the Sword of Goujian. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from in length. The weight of an average sword of blade-length would be in a range of approximately 700 to 900 grams (1.5 to 2 pounds).
MawangduiMawangdui () is an archaeological site located in Changsha, China. The site consists of two saddle-shaped hills and contained the tombs of three people from the Changsha Kingdom during the western Han dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD): the Chancellor Li Cang, his wife Xin Zhui, and a male believed to have been their son. The site was excavated from 1972 to 1974. Most of the artifacts from Mawangdui are displayed at the Hunan Provincial Museum.
Hard and soft techniquesIn martial arts, the terms hard and soft technique denote how forcefully a defender martial artist counters the force of an attack in armed and unarmed combat. In the East Asian martial arts, the corresponding hard technique and soft technique terms are 硬 (Japanese: , ) and 柔 (Japanese: , ), hence Goju-ryu (hard-soft school), Shorinji Kempo principles of go-ho ("hard method") and ju-ho ("soft method"), Jujutsu ("art of softness") and Judo ("gentle way").
Tui naTui na (tui1.na2; ) is form of alternative medicine similar to shiatsu. As a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, tai chi or other Chinese internal martial arts, and qigong. Tui na is a hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese Daoist principles in an effort to bring the eight principles of traditional Chinese medicine into balance.
Three teachingsIn Chinese philosophy, the three teachings (; tam giáo, Chữ Hán: 三教) are Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism considered as a harmonious aggregate. Literary references to the "three teachings" by prominent Chinese scholars date back to the 6th century. The term may also refer to a non-religious philosophy built on that aggregation. The phrase also appears as the three teachings harmonious as one (). In common understanding, three teachings harmonious as one simply reflects the long history, mutual influence, and (at times) complementary teachings of the three belief systems.
Wuji (philosophy)In Chinese philosophy, wújí (, meaning 'without limit') originally referred to infinity but came to mean the "primordial universe" prior to the "Supreme Ultimate" state of being (Taiji, 太極) in the Neo-Confucianist cosmology of Song Dynasty China. Wuji is also a proper noun in Modern Standard Chinese usage; for instance, Wuji County in Hebei. In Chinese wuji, "limitless; infinite" is a compound of the nothingness concept of wu 無 and ji. In analogy with the figurative meanings of English , Chinese ji 極 "ridgepole" can mean "geographical pole; direction" (e.
LiuhebafaLiuhebafa quan () is an internal Chinese martial art. It has been called "xinyi liuhebafa" (心意六合八法拳) and is also referred to as "water boxing" () due to its principles. The Song Dynasty Taoist sage Chen Tuan is often credited with its origin and development. He was associated with the Taoist Monastery on Mount Hua in Shaanxi Province. The liuhebafa form zhu ji () was taught in the late 1930s in Shanghai and Nanjing by Wu Yihui (1887–1958).
Xian (Taoism)Xian () refers to a person or similar entity having a long life or being immortal. The concept of xian has different implications dependent upon the specific context: philosophical, religious, mythological, or other symbolic or cultural occurrence. The Chinese word xian is translatable into English as: (in Daoist philosophy and cosmology) spiritually immortal; transcendent human; celestial being (in Daoist religion and pantheon) physically immortal; immortal person; an immortal; saint, one who is aligned with Heaven's mandate and does not suffer earthly desires or attachments.
Taoist meditationTaoist meditation (ˈdaʊɪst, ˈtaʊ-), also spelled Daoist (ˈdaʊ-), refers to the traditional meditative practices associated with the Chinese philosophy and religion of Taoism, including concentration, mindfulness, contemplation, and visualization. The earliest Chinese references to meditation date from the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). Traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts have adapted certain Daoist meditative techniques.
