What is the Meaning of Drawing Silk in Yang Style Taji Quan?

Chou Si (抽絲) – Drawing Silk, was first mentioned in the classic by Wang Zongyue (王宗岳) “Taiji Quan Xing Gong Xin Jie – Explanation of the Practice of Taijiquan.” Drawing Silk has been widely used by Yang Style Taiji Quan masters while guiding their students’ practice. Thus, it is imperative to understand its true meaning so that you can apply it in your own practice.

The great master Yang Chengfu (楊澄甫) stated: “Moving Jin is like drawing a silk thread, which means that it is a continuous flow of Qi.”

In Taiji Quan, Jin (勁) – Force, and Qi (氣) – Vital Energy, are two sides of the same coin. To move Jin is to move Qi. This flow of Jin and Qi will only occur when your movements are loose, slow, smooth, and continuous, like a cloud moving in the sky. However, being loose, smooth, and continuous is not enough to ensure that Jin and Qi will flow with your movements.

Another famous master of Yang Style Taiji Quan, Tian Zhaolin (田兆麟), explained the concept of Chou Si this way: “Pulling silk means to use Jin like pulling a thread.”

It is easy to interpret the teachings from these two masters as having the same meaning, but if we study them carefully, we will notice some subtle differences.

Yang Chengfu said “Moving Jin like drawing a silk thread” and Tian Zhaolin said “Use Jin like pulling a thread.” The words moving and use clearly have different meanings and different functions. Furthermore, Yang Chengfu uses the word “drawing” and Tian Zhaolin uses the word “pulling” when they refer to a silk thread. Literally, drawing implies pulling gently and smoothly, while pulling implies a more forceful and abrupt action. However, since the use of strength in Taiji Quan is shunned, we should not view the pulling implied by Tian Zhaolin as forceful. The distinction between the two lies in the type of Jin used, and that form and function are different. Although built on the same principles, they are not the same.

Ultimately, Chou Si (抽絲) – Drawing Silk, is a metaphor which should be used to guide your practice. If we pull too hard the silk thread breaks; if you don’t use enough energy the silk thread won’t come out. Hence Chou Si Jin is a psychophysical concept which integrates intent and action.

In the future I will write a post about the different types of Jin in Taiji Quan and their function in application.