robert wrote:windwalker wrote:Interesting choice for examples
There are many possible examples. The video of CB spells it out and CZL points to the three sections as well. It can be seen in any correct taiji.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meS5ZvKZhz4
suckinlhbf wrote:尚派形意拳械抉微
There was an interesting explanation and argument on "the root drives it, the middle follows, and it appears at the tip" and "it starts at the tip, the middle follows, and the root drives it" in this book. It was an xingyi book written by 李文彬 who is the son in law of 尚雲祥. The father in law taught "it starts at the tip" and the son in law argued it should be driven by the root. 尚雲祥 was one of the best in Xingyi at his time. It is a good xingyi book if you can read Chinese.
Unfortunately, I don't read Chinese and translation is a slow process for me
Graculus wrote:I noticed the alternate translation you gave, too. From what I have been taught, the first version (it starts in the tip) is perfectly correct, although somewhat counter-intuitive.
suckinlhbf wrote:催 means to urge, to push, to expedite. It is a movement after a motion. "To drive" does not mean " 催".
suckinlhbf wrote:@Robert The key to that sentence is whether to start the motion from the tip or the root. There is a 180 degree difference.
Graculus wrote:I agree that interpretation is key here, and any translator will naturally tend to interpret the meaning of what they are translating in a way that matches their experience. Personally, I like footnotes that can explain things in more detail without breaking the flow of the translation if the translator is not sure or sees equally valid but different interpretations.
This is a good example, because despite it sounding illogical, I understand ‘it starts at the tip’ – as I noted before, it was how I was taught and makes perfect sense. I would have been disappointed to see it the other way round. I am assuming suckinlhbf is in agreement (apologies if not), but I am not saying this as a criticism of Robert’s choice, but in appreciation of the discussion that has ensued to elucidate both possible interpretations.
It also highlights the possibility that translations can misinform us (again no criticism intended) and that people tend to interpret them in a way that agrees with their preconceived ideas (yes, I am guilty of this).
Best,
Graculus
Https://ichijoji.blogspot.com
What does ‘start at the tip’ mean to you?
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