The Dao

'ai Chi has has its roots in the Dao De Jing, an Eastern text written over 2,500 years ago by philosopher Lao Tzu. Dao, or "The Way", is an invisible force that exists across the universe in all things. (Dao De Jing is also known in Western circles as the Tao Te Ching.)

One of the major goals of Daoism is "to live forever and be forever young." To achieve this, one must follow the Dao (the Way or Path), which means harmonizing with nature and the universe. This harmonization must be both external and internal. Early Taoist monks observed movement and interchanges between animals and birds within the elements. From their observations, they developed the now famous moving exercises (T'ai Chi) that integrate nature within ourselves to achieve harmony and balance.

There are many resources for the T'ai Chi student to consult regarding the Dao De Jing and Taoism:

Tao Te Ching

The Tao Of Power

Lao Tzu's Classic Guide To Leadership, Influence, and Excellence.
Translation by R. L. Wing

The Tao of Pooh & The Te of Piglet

by Benjamin Hoff