Chen Weiming was a senior student of Yang Cheng Fu.
What this showed me personally is that the natural course of a relationship between master apprentice can meta-morph only into friendship
Close friendship so rare in these crazy times, I’ve lived alone these past three years. If I saw you again I’d think it a dream, then cheerful chat would let me forget my worries. Most don’t want to hear intelligent words, so I hold them in to keep from looking stupid, but once my pen is ready and I can write my thoughts to you, language spills over to flow like clouds and rivers. I’ve moved to Hebei with all I have, and the times have made me grey though not yet old. Though in my life in this world, time with you agreed with me.
I’ve been training in both pen and sword, daily drilling postures of dragon and tiger, hands wielding the Jingang Boxing, mind contemplating the taiji meaning: body upright as in the archery ritual, adapting in the spirit of the Book of Changes, using softness to deal with hardness, whatever is attempted will succeed. There is much barbarity when eras end [referring to the Qing Dynasty, which was formally replaced by an unstable republic just fourteen years before this was written], and defending the nation depends on sharpening its weapons [here a metaphor for strengthening its people]. That is why you are promoting our health to reduce our sickness, and I hope you succeed in your purpose.
I’m not afraid of getting old, nor should you worry about me being lonely. You and I used to be so busy in our tasks from morn till eve, then we’d analyze the problems of the times. Our chatter lengthened the day, right up until it was time to sleep. Though we’ve traveled far apart I’ve not forgotten you, and my words ache to have somewhere to go. I keep up my exercises, to maintain my energy if nothing else, but when I think beyond the horizon, I imagine the camaraderie in your school.
We oared up to a bank of the Han river, during those travels we took together. While resting on the riverside and trying to hitch a ride on a passing carriage, we made our plans for the future. Though blessed by your presence, time cannot last. River flows on, and the meetings and partings of people are but bubbles in the froth of waves. This is the way of things, even a long life too short to find what we seek. May you always feel fulfilled within yourself, and with whole heart I toast to our friendship.
Sun Naiyi, Aug 1925
Source : The Art of Taiji Boxing
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