形如搏兔之鶻。神如捕鼠之貓
The shape is like a falcon capturing a rabbit. The spirit is like a cat pouncing on a mouse.
【解】鶻者。鷹類也。冬獵用之。此言與人對敵。我形式如鷹鶻。見物擒來。眼要注視敵人。一搭手就可將敵擒到。如鶻搏兔之狀。貓形肖虎。其捕鼠也。伏身坐後腿以待。全神貫注鼠洞。鼠出則突縱捕之。太極有涵胸拔背之勢。如貓捕鼠之神態。蓄機而發也。
A falcon is a bird of prey, used as part of winter hunts. When facing an opponent, let your bearing be like a bird of prey, which upon seeing an animal, grabs it. Your gaze should attentively be on the opponent. Once you cross hands, you can capture the opponent in the manner of a falcon seizing a rabbit.
When catching mice, a cat resembles a tiger. Crouching down and lying into its hind legs, it waits for the mouse. Its entire spirit is concentrated on the mouse’s hole. If the mouse comes out, the cat suddenly leaps and the mouse is caught. This describes the energy in Taiji of containing your chest and pulling up your back. It is the attitude of a cat pouncing on a mouse. Wait for opportunity, then issue.
Excerpt from the translation by Paul Brennan, to be found in the Brennan Translation blog.
When catching mice, a cat resembles a tiger. Crouching down and lying into its hind legs, it waits for the mouse. Its entire spirit is concentrated on the mouse’s hole. If the mouse comes out, the cat suddenly leaps and the mouse is caught. This describes the energy in Taiji of containing your chest and pulling up your back. It is the attitude of a cat pouncing on a mouse. Wait for opportunity, then issue.
Excerpt from the translation by Paul Brennan, to be found in the Brennan Translation blog.
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