The concept of “sheji”舍己 (letting go of oneself), “congdi”从地 (following the ground), and “jieli”借力 (borrowing strength) are not mere technical requirements but explain the important core principles in the practice of Taijiquan. Letting go of oneself is for the purpose of following the ground, and following the ground is for the purpose of borrowing strength.
Letting go of oneself (sheji) is to relinquish one’s subjective bias and views and to resist from acting on one’s own impulses; to let go of the reliance on physical strength and completely release the body and mind from unnecessary tension.
Following the ground (congdi) involves consciously sensing and complying with the force of the ground and avoid fighting against it. Sink downwards naturally by following the pull of gravity (relying on your own body weight). Rise by borrowing the ground’s reactive force (leveraging your sense of lightness).
Avoid shifting along a straight line. This ignores the existence of gravity. Avoid shifting your centre of gravity along an “upward arc”. This manifests in errors such as over-reaching, falling short, resisting and strong-holding during applications. Instead, shift the centre of gravity in a “downward arc”, to maximise relaxation and achieve harmonious integration with the ground force - to achieve the state of “sheji congdi jieli” - touch, connect, adhere and follow the ground force .
Letting go of oneself, following the ground, and borrowing strength require “fangsong” 放松 (releasing tension) that is both a method and a goal. Only through fangsong can one develop sensitivity and accurately perceive both gravity and the ground’s reactive force (heaviness and lightness) in order to achieve overall harmony and smoothly follow the ground force like water flows.
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