Classic 3: Interpretation of the Thirteen Tactics Practice

(Shi San Shi Xing Gong Xin Jie)
Use Xin (thought) to move
Qi (vital energy)
Try to let it sink in methodically,
Then it can build up and enter the bones.

Use Qi to move the body;
Try to let it circulate smoothly,
Then you can act in harmony with Xin.

If Jingshen (vigour) can be raised,
Then there's no need to worry about tilting the weight to one side.

This is what is meant by the top of the head hanging down.
Yi (intention) and Qi must be able to interact quickly
So there's a wonderful roundness and liveliness.

This is what is meant by the changes between empty and substantial.
When you attack, you must sink in and be completely relaxed,
Concentrate on one direction.

When standing, the body must be Zhong Zheng (straight/right with center) and at ease,
In order to handle attacks from all eight directions.
Move Qi as if through a pearl with nine winding paths.
It flows smoothly everywhere.
And carries Jin (trained strength) like steel a hundred times refined,

What firmness can it not break?
Appearance is like an eagle seizing a hare;
Shen (spirit) is like a cat catching a rat.

Be still like a high mountain;
Move like a mighty river.
Accumulate Jin like a bow;
Fa (unload) Jin like an arrow.
Look for the straight line among the curve;
Accumulate then unload.

Li (strength) comes from the spine;
Steps follow changes in the body.

To receive is to release,
If contact is broken, then reconnect.
When moving backwards and forwards there must be: turning and bending.

When moving forward and backward there must be: turning and changing.
The ultimate softness then becomes the hardest and strongest.

From the ability to breathe in and out properly comes the ability to be lithe and flexible.
By constantly developing Qi, evil does not exist.
By using the curve to gather Jin, there is more than enough.
Xin (thought) acts like the commander;

Qi acts like the flag;
Size acts like the banner.
First seek to expand (open), then seek to be compact (close).
That way you'll get the job done right and neat.

It also says:

First in Xin (thought) then in the body.
The abdomen is spongy; Qi is stored to penetrate the bones;
Shen (mind) is at ease and the body tranquil.
This must be deeply engraved in Xin.
Always remember, as soon as there's movement, there's nothing that doesn't move.
When you move backwards and forwards,
Qi sticks to the back,
It accumulates and enters the spine.

Internally, it strengthens Jingshen (vigour);
Externally, it shows peaceful ease.
Move like a walking cat.
Mobilize Jin as if spinning cocoon silk.
Body and Yi (intention) are entirely focused on Jingshen (vigour),
Not on Qi.

On Qi, there would be stagnation.
If there is Qi, then there is no Li (strength).
If there is no Qi, then there is great strength.
Qi is like the wagon wheel;
Size is like the axle.
This text is sometimes attributed to Wu Yu-xiang, a pupil of Yang Lu-chan.