Top 10 Music For Tai Chi | The Best To Download
The collection of top 10 music for tai chi, each lasting approximately one hour. These timeless Chinese melodies provide the perfect accompaniment to your Tai Chi practice, fostering a sense of tranquility and well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning to explore the art of Tai Chi, these soothing strains will enhance your experience and help you achieve a deeper state of relaxation and focus.
Cloud and Water Zen Heart
Musical Impression:
- The melody evokes a sense of peace and detachment, like gentle, flowing water.
- It has an ethereal quality, seeming to come from afar and touch the soul.
Immersive Experience:
- Listening to the music allows the mind to settle, leaving thoughts pure and clear.
- It’s as if the ethereal melody washes away worries and distractions.
Emotional Impact:
- The music makes daily troubles seem insignificant and trivial.
Source:
- Title: Continued Finger-Pointing Record (续指月录)
- Author: Nie Xian (乐读居士)
- Publication Date: 1680 (Kangxi 19th year)
- Contents: Biographies of eminent Zen masters from the 17th to the 38th generations
- Included in:
- Wanxuzang (万续藏), Volume 143
- Finger-Pointing Record (指月录)
Excerpt:
A seeker approached a Zen master seeking guidance on the Dharma. The master remained silent, pointing upwards first and then downwards. The seeker, unable to grasp the meaning, asked for clarification. The master replied, “Clouds in the blue sky, water in the bottle.”
Interpretation:
The Zen master’s seemingly simple response is a profound koan, a riddle-like statement designed to provoke deep contemplation and insight. The images of clouds and water represent the nature of reality, pointing to the impermanence and emptiness of all phenomena.
- Clouds in the blue sky: Like clouds drifting across the vast expanse of the sky, our thoughts and emotions are constantly changing and in flux. They are not permanent or substantial entities, but rather fleeting appearances.
- Water in the bottle: Water contained in a bottle is limited and confined, just as our minds are often restricted by our conditioning and attachments. However, like water, our minds also possess the potential for vastness and depth.
The koan challenges us to see beyond the surface of our experiences and recognize the underlying emptiness of all things. By letting go of our attachment to fixed notions and clinging, we can experience the true freedom and liberation offered by the Dharma.
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MVWEnk0TukU0pQO00RAW1LzV2AZFgeBJ/view?usp=drive_link
The Tide of the Jade Sea
This music for tai chi paints a vivid picture of a powerful and mysterious melody associated with the jade sea.
Immense Power:
- The tide’s surge shakes the heavens and earth, its retreat evokes sadness in the supernatural realm.
Origin:
- The melody is crystallized from the essence of peach blossoms growing by the jade sea.
Impact:
- The rising melody inspires bravery and dispels demonic courage.
- A flick of the finger with the music playing summons wind, and waves, and even influences celestial bodies.
Misunderstanding:
- The world admires the jade sea’s majestic tide but misses the true wonder: the melody born from it.
Hidden Meaning:
- The rising and falling tide represent the music’s performance.
- The fleeting peach blossoms symbolize the ephemeral nature of the melody.
Lingering Beauty:
- Even after the music ends, the memory of the jade sea persists.
Source
“The Tide of the Jade Sea” was initially a martial arts tune created by “Eastern Heretic” Huang Yaoshi, one of the “Five Greatest in the World” and the owner of the Peach Blossom Island, in Jin Yong’s martial arts novels.
Description
- Original Creation:
- The book did not include lyrics; later generations devised lyrics for music software.
- Huang Yaoshi, one of the “Five Greatest in the World” and owner of Peach Blossom Island, excelled in various disciplines including “qin, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, divination, astronomy, geography, military strategy, and formations.”
- Ocean Tide Song:
- Mimics the sound of ocean waves but conceals highly lethal martial arts within.
- Melodies are elusive, lingering, inducing uncontrollable reactions like dancing, scratching, confusion, and restlessness if not listened to with precautions.
- Purpose and Usage:
- Used during martial arts exchanges to simulate the vastness of the ocean.
- Begins with calmness, gradually intensifying with approaching tides and surging waves.
- Imagery includes fish leaping, whales floating, wind howling, seagulls flying, water demons, sea monsters, and drifting icebergs.
- Demonstrates extraordinary transformations like boiling seas.
- After the tide recedes, the sea appears calm but conceals swift undercurrents, representing hidden dangers.
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/133xlB-nakhNII3TVuzsmXZXRX_3XR2EL/view?usp=drive_link
Bodhi’s Tree and the Clear Mirror
This is considered one of the best music for tai chi. It uses the metaphor of “Bodhi’s Clear Mirror” to convey a message of inner peace and freedom from worry.
Emptiness and Stillness:
- The poem opens with the concept of “no tree of Bodhi and no mirror stand.” This represents a state of emptiness or nothingness, where worries cannot accumulate.
The Power of Music:
- The melody of “Bodhi’s Clear Mirror” is introduced as a way to cleanse the heart, similar to how spring rain refreshes the land.
Finding Peace:
- The passage concludes by encouraging the listener to find peace in their own way, through rest, calming music, and a gentle cup of tea.
Overall Message:
- True peace comes from finding stillness within ourselves, letting go of worries, and appreciating the simple moments of life.
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Source:
This poem, “Epiphany,” offers a contrasting perspective on enlightenment compared to the previous one, “Bodhi’s Clear Mirror.”
“Gradual Progression” vs. “Epiphany”
- Gradual Progression: This poem emphasizes self-cultivation through introspection and self-reflection. It sees the body and mind as tools for achieving enlightenment, comparing them to the Bodhi tree and mirror stand.
- Epiphany: This poem presents a more radical view. It suggests that the concepts of Bodhi tree and mirror stand (representing the body and mind) are illusory. True enlightenment comes from recognizing the inherent emptiness of these concepts.
Key Points in “Epiphany”
- Deconstructing the Metaphor:
- The poem rejects the literal existence of the Bodhi tree and mirror stand.
- It implies that the body and mind are not inherently sacred or tools for enlightenment, but rather constructs of our perception.
- Emptiness and Purity:
- The core of enlightenment lies in recognizing the inherent emptiness of these concepts.
- If the body and mind are seen as empty, there’s no “dust” (worldly concerns) to accumulate.
Contrasting Views:
- “Gradual Progression” emphasizes a gradual path to enlightenment through self-improvement.
- “Epiphany” suggests a sudden realization of the emptiness of self and external concepts.
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HI4kVgXqMSjff-UJF1tkU6YHuK5nxCEP/view?usp=drive_link
Daughter’s Love
It is another famous and suitable music for tai chi.
- Origin: Insert song from episode 16 of “Daughter’s Kingdom” of the 1988 Chinese TV series “Journey to the West”
- Popularity:
- Melodic and touching
- Sung by people for decades
- Adapted into various versions and instruments
- Considered a classic TV drama theme song
- Lyrics:
- Evoke deep emotions, especially the line “If there is a next life”
- Contrast imagery (dancing butterflies, beautiful daughters) with sadness (drunkenness, shattered hearts)
- Portray enduring love and unfulfilled dreams
Source:
This passage details the internal conflict Tang Monk faces during his journey in the classic novel “Journey to the West.”
The Queen’s Attraction:
- The queen of the Kingdom of Women falls in love with Tang Monk upon his arrival.
Tang Monk’s Struggle:
- Faced with the queen’s beauty and affection, Tang Monk experiences a moment of emotional vulnerability.
- He even contemplates the possibility of a future life with her, as evidenced by the line “if there is a next life.”
Duty Over Desire:
- Despite his internal conflict, Tang Monk’s ultimate devotion to his quest to obtain the scriptures prevails.
- He persuades the queen to let him continue his journey.
Themes:
- This episode highlights the human element of Tang Monk, who, despite his spiritual vow, is not immune to temptation.
- It showcases the strength of his commitment to his grand purpose.
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vzh8xX322n5pbPum8J7hiUFgPJh71CL6/view?usp=drive_link
The legend of the martial god
This tai chi music captures the speaker’s deep appreciation for the vibrant beauty of spring.
- Overflowing Joy: Spring’s richness brings immense happiness to the speaker.
- Blossoming Heart: The heart mirrors the colorful explosion of flowers.
- Intoxication by Beauty: The speaker is captivated by the vibrant red flowers, dancing and gazing with fondness.
- Soft Delicacy: The red and yellow petals are described as soft and pale, adding a touch of tenderness.
- Nature’s Splendor: Spring transforms the landscape with its bright colors.
- Enduring Memories: The speaker anticipates cherishing these memories even as spring fades.
- Silent Appreciation: Deep emotions well up within the speaker, who silently savors the joy of spring.
- Secluded Delight: The speaker finds a special haven amidst the flowers.
- Treasuring the Moment: The poem ends with a strong emphasis on cherishing the beauty of the present spring.
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vzh8xX322n5pbPum8J7hiUFgPJh71CL6/view?usp=drive_link
The Pipa’s Song
It is old and classic music for tai chi, you must love it.
- Timeless Allure: The music is described as a classic that never loses its appeal.
- Vivid Imagery: Each listening experience evokes powerful visual imagery.
- Haunting Melody: The melody carries the weight of ancient dreams and sorrows, transporting the listener across space and time.
- Emotional Impact: The question “Has this piece touched your heart?” invites the reader to share the emotional connection to the music.
- Vivid Metaphors: The music is compared to a “thousand-year-old town” and a “large blue calico” swaying in the wind, creating a sense of historical depth and visual beauty.
- Mesmerizing Effect: The melody is likened to a dream, drawing the listener into a realm of artistic intoxication.
Source:
Origin and Composition:
- Composed by Lin Hai
- Performed by Jiang Yan
- Featured on the album “Pipa Xiang” (released June 1, 2003)
Emotional Journey:
- The music creates a melancholic and poignant atmosphere.
- The repetitive prelude evokes a sense of unspoken emotions.
- The pipa’s “whispering” and sorrowful tones gradually draw the listener in.
- The combined instruments create a rich tapestry of emotions, culminating in a satisfying release at the end.
Musical Techniques:
- Repetition: The use of a recurring melody creates a sense of lingering emotions.
- Instrument Blending: Violin, viola, piano, and flute complement the pipa, enriching the music’s expressiveness.
- Shifting Focus: The middle section features the piano taking the lead melody, showcasing Lin Hai’s emotional connection to the instrument.
- Vocal Integration: A female vocalist adds a celestial quality, further amplifying the pipa’s emotional message.
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qimi-a8OQFfoSvIN-PCgd90wvFR5siY4/view?usp=drive_link
The poetic essence of rivers and mountains
This music for tai chi paints a vivid picture of a sense of detachment and a yearning for something beyond the here and now.
Departure and Freedom:
- The poem opens with an image of someone in white robes leaving for a distant land, suggesting a spiritual journey or a desire to escape the ordinary.
- The “clear winds above the river” symbolize freedom and release from worldly burdens.
Yearning and Uncertainty:
- The question “Where does the drifting find its home?” expresses a sense of longing and a lack of a fixed destination.
- People departing and the difficulty of staying highlight a feeling of restlessness and impermanence.
Mythical Longing:
- Even the mythical qilin, a symbol of prosperity and wisdom, is depicted as troubled, suggesting a universal yearning for something more.
Imagery of Transience:
- “Distant ridges” evoke a sense of vastness and mystery.
- “Floating duckweed” symbolizes impermanence and being carried by the current.
- These images represent the path towards the unknown edge of the world.
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IWa3eK4HMNEC8g4xv0FPkvQg2qQtyxGl/view?usp=drive_link
The mind wanders in the profound
This tai chi music paints a beautiful picture of a peaceful and introspective state inspired by the music of the qin. Here’s a breakdown of the imagery and emotions it evokes:
Sensory Details:
- Sound: The ancient qin’s music creates a sense of Zen tranquility.
- Smell: The image of incense smoke evokes a calming atmosphere.
- Sight: The vision of a meditating master shrouded in mist adds to the serenity.
Metaphorical Journey:
- Small boat: The speaker feels like they’re on a small boat on a calm lake, representing a peaceful journey within oneself.
- Yellowing leaves: The description of autumn suggests a time of reflection and letting go.
Mental State:
- Profound thoughts: The music inspires deep contemplation.
- Purity and serenity: The listener seeks inner peace and freedom from complexity.
- Sanctuary of the mind: The qin and xiao’s harmony represent a refuge from distractions.
Source:
“The Supreme Mystery” is a work written by Yang Xiong of the Western Han Dynasty, which imitates the “Book of Changes” (Zhouyi). Similar to the “Book of Changes,” “The Supreme Mystery” also contains rich dialectical thoughts, believing that yin and yang, causality and change, cold and heat, misfortune and fortune are all mutually transforming and oppositely unified.
“Meditating on the Supreme Mystery”: It means that one’s thoughts and emotions can wander freely within the philosophical ideas presented in “The Supreme Mystery.”
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1twy8n32jULxo5BsMPlUtRFFFbCX4iiC2/view?usp=drive_link
One flower, one world
This tai chi music explores the path to inner peace and the wisdom found in nature.
Embracing Serenity:
- The poem opens with an ideal state – carefree, serene, free from arrogance, impatience, and disturbance.
- Letting go of the past and its burdens is emphasized through the image of “dusty affairs” becoming a detached smile.
Seeking Clarity:
- Every thought and every leaf falling represent opportunities for enlightenment and clarity.
- The human heart is seen as inherently pure, capable of reflecting truth.
- The poem highlights the power of wise thoughts to cultivate wisdom and the harm of ignorance.
Finding Peace Through Music:
- Closing one’s eyes and listening to music allows the speaker to connect with inner restlessness and unease.
- The music facilitates relaxation and a sense of peace that overflows the entire being.
Nature’s Wisdom:
- Flowers and leaves symbolize the impermanence of life and the ever-present opportunity for enlightenment.
- Boundless wisdom leads to acceptance of the natural flow of life, with both action and stillness having their place.
Source:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour. – William Blake (Britain)
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bbCPHqtWM63G8GcFDmAA8y38ZV5f4ML1/view?usp=drive_link
Void and stillness
A Meditation on Stillness and the Qin
The tai chi music beautifully captures the calming and insightful experience of playing the qin, a Chinese instrument, in a state of tranquility.
Peaceful Setting:
- The speaker sits quietly in a gentle breeze, creating a serene atmosphere.
The Enchanting Qin:
- The melody is described as “ancient and elegant,” highlighting its timeless quality.
- The soft plucking is compared to “water droplets hitting the heart,” evoking a sense of gentle introspection.
Lingering Harmony:
- The stillness of the water reflects the lingering quality of the qin’s sound.
- The source is imagined as a “remote mountain temple,” adding to the air of serenity and detachment.
Stillness as a Path:
- Tranquility is presented as a life attitude, emphasizing its importance beyond just a temporary state.
- Eliminating distractions and achieving a clear and empty mind are seen as key steps.
Inner and Outer Vision:
- With inner peace and clarity comes a “clearer vision” to observe the world.
Self-Cultivation Through Stillness:
- Stillness is not merely passive; it allows for “elevated practice” and “approaching enlightenment” through self-reflection.
- The poem ends with the powerful statement: “Stillness encompasses all realms,” suggesting its all-encompassing nature in understanding the universe.
Source:
- “Wenzi·Ziran”: “In stillness, there is harmony; in emptiness, there is connection. Attaining utmost virtue through non-action, accommodating all things. The way of emptiness and tranquility lasts forever, encompassing the subtle presence of the divine, without dominating over things.”
- Han Dynasty, Dong Zhongshu’s “Chunqiu Fanlu·Tongguo Shen”: “To cultivate essence, one must cultivate emptiness and tranquility in one’s form; to cultivate virtue, one must humble and modest in one’s conduct.”
- “Chen Shu·Biography of Zhang Zhong”: “Zhang Zhong is profoundly calm and tranquil, with a broad understanding. People of the time regarded him as the vessel for a prime minister.”
- Tang Dynasty, Li Fuyan’s “Xu Xuangui Lu·Yang Gongzheng”: “Han asked how he cultivated himself in the past? He said: ‘How would a village woman know? But my nature is inherently calm and tranquil. When idle, I concentrate my spirit and sit quietly, without being distracted by worldly concerns.'”
- Ming Dynasty, Tang Shunzhi’s “Ming Bieluanzhong Xieyuan’s Epitaph”: “After reading Laozi’s and Zhuangzi’s works, I grasped the doctrine of emptiness, tranquility, wisdom, and serenity, which did not contradict my heart.”
- Northern Wei Dynasty, Jia Sixie’s “Qimin Yaoshu·Pula”: “When the cured meat is ready, it is placed in a quiet storage room, hung in paper bags.”
- Zhu Ziqing’s “On Realism and Likeness in Painting”: “During the Yuan Dynasty, Ni Zan’s landscape paintings often omitted human figures, supposedly to achieve a higher level of elevation, tranquility, and naturalness.”
Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATxjqZfFRTSNd1kjuB7dvuigcx2ka-OR/view?usp=drive_link