太極拳與書法的交會融通──以「用筆」、「識勢」為核心之理解

The Convergence of Taijiquan and Calligraphy

本文探討太極拳與書法交會融通的梳理經驗， 從文獻典章出發，輔之以修煉體驗，嘗試尋覓其間交會的可能。經過初步的分析討論，發現太極拳和書法都是展示著時間和空間的作品，書法是點畫的空間形式在時間流動中形成的軌跡，而太極拳則是點畫的時間流動在空間的放映。學書法（作書點畫）最重要的事，莫過於「用筆」和「識勢」，此二者又與太極拳的關係密切。書法之妙，在於運筆的掌握，不受臨帖範本的拘束，可自主隨機應變，而太極拳與之相應的經驗是「勢不可執，以神意為機變，無須以成架為局焉」。「筆墨相生之道，全在於勢，勢也者，往來順逆而已，而往來順逆之間，即開合之所寓也。」作書點畫講究「一點成一字之規，一字乃終篇之準」，而太極拳則講究動作必須契合拳架規法的要求，動作自然圓活，虛實轉換隨勢變化。太極拳與書法二者透過點畫縱橫，取勢有常，打個比方來說，書法是在紙上（二維空間）打太極拳，而太極拳則是在三維空間作書點畫。

This paper aims to examine the relationship between Taijiquan and calligraphy. Starting from literature review and aided by practicing experience, it attempts to explore the possible convergence of these two arts. After preliminary analysis, it was found that Taijiquan and calligraphy are both ways of demonstrating time and space: calligraphy records the spatial form of dots and strokes formed in the flow of time while Taijiquan exhibits the temporal flow of dots and strokes through movements practiced in a space. The key elements in learning calligraphy are “brush operating” and “seeing shi (force, the tendency of things, the dynamic configuration of a work),” both of which are closely related to Taijiquan. The beauty and ingenuity of calligraphy wholly lies in the mastery of brush operating, which allows one to capture the spirit rather than restricted by the model book. Similarly, Taijiquan emphasizes that the dynamic of movements is achieved not by doing the form movements but through shen (spirit and mind). “The art of brush and ink lies in shi, which results from the back and forth of strokes. Within these strokes, a dynamic and harmonious balance is hence formed. When writing calligraphy, brush tip needs to be always moving in-between dots and strokes since “the first dot determines the character, and the first character settles the whole work.” Taijiquan, which emphasizes the fluency and synchronization of body movements, also shares similar philosophy. Each body movement must follow the regulated forms so that hand gestures agree with footwork, and the mind coordinates with the body. When qi travels through the body, all movements appear natural and smooth, and the changing of postures follows the shi.” Calligraphy is like practicing Taijiquan on paper in two-dimensional space, while Taijiquan embodies calligraphy in three-dimensional space.