Is there a patron deity for Tai Chi?

Chuk Lam Sim Monastery, Hong Kong

Lao Tzu riding an ox

Daoism is a is many things. It is a religion and it also a philosophy. Some consider the two to be separate, but that is for yourself to decide. In my opinion, I believe both to work together in harmony. That is my opinion and you are entitled to have yours.

If you ever go to any Daoist temple, you will find many statues of deities. Some are actually borrowed from Buddhism, but that's a topic for another blog. There are deities for different settlements, activities and trades. There are some some protect and some who grants wishes. In this regard, Daoist deities are like Catholic saints. Some are actually historical figures. But is there a patron deity of Tai Chi?

Bodhidharma

Well sadly, there isn't such a thing. There may be respected figures whom we should honour. In Shaolin, there is Bodhidharma. Buddhist recognise Bodhidharma, the First Patriarch of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism in China. Bodhidharma introduced Ch'an (meditation), but he also key text like the marrow washing treatise. This was influential to Shaolin Kung Fu and the theories later spread across martial arts circles*.

In Tai Chi, the closest we have is Zhang Sanfeng, who is the spiritual founder of Taiji. Zhang Sanfeng was a Daoist priest who lived during the late Song to the early Ming period. The exact dates are disputed. Zhang Sanfeng is accepted by the vast majority of schools and lineages as the one who's responsible for the art we know. Although the followers of Chen Style dispute this.

Zhang Sanfeng

In our lineage, we honour Zhang Sanfeng and in our baishi ceremonies** we offer incense and bow to the image of Zhang Sanfeng. In our training halls or dojos, we would have an alter with the image of Zhang Sanfeng. Incense and offerings are made daily. This is not superstition, but tradition, because we honour his teachings***.

In popular Chinese culture, the name Zhang Sanfeng and Tai Chi are closely associated. Yet, you wouldn't find the name Zhang Sanfeng outside the topic of Tai Chi. Unlike Lü Dongbin, also known as Patriarch Lü****. Patriarch Lü, is a key figure in Daoism who is known in his own right, as well as a member of the Eight Immortals. As a result there are many statues and paintings of him, either on his own or as part of the Eight Immortals.

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Disclaimer 

If you like what you see, please consider subscribing or buying me a coffee. It would be highly appreciated. * Many people believe Bodhidharma invented kung fu or brought it over from India. This is not accurate and speaking louder doesn't make this true. China has had a martial tradition early on and this is fact. Chinese martial arts don't look anything like Indian martial arts. ** Baishi is an initiation ceremony, where we a officially recognised a member of a school or lineage. If you have not gone through this ceremony because you don't agree, then you can't be considered a proper member of the lineage. Traditions matter.

*** In many traditional Chinese schools, they have an alter set up to honour their founders and key figures in their lineage.

**** It is polite and respectful to call somebody with the honorific of Patriarch, as such. In academic writing, you might see their full name used, which is acceptable. E.g. Hui Neng, the Sixth Patriarch of Ch'an Buddhism is normally referred in speech as the Sixth Patriarch. Followers of the path should use the correct name where possible. Doing so is both respectful and proper.