This special state of balanced, neutral, receptive, still alignment is nothing new; it has existed implicitly in internal martial arts for centuries. It is often referred to as "Stillness". What I offer here is a formalization and codification of this principle — which I personally call the "Zero Point" — articulating it clearly for modern practice and understanding. While the principle of stillness is applicable everywhere, the Zero Point focuses on the contact point with our opponent; but it can be extrapolated.

The Zero Point provides the foundation for all Taiji movements: it is the center from which force arises, dissipates, and is harmoniously transmitted. Mastery of this state allows the practitioner to move with stability, sensitivity, and effortless control.

The Principle of Unification

The Zero Point (Líng Diǎn, 零点) represents the pinnacle of structural, energetic, and strategic realization in the internal martial arts. It is the state of perfect dynamic equilibrium achieved at the moment of contact—where stillness and readiness coexist, and awareness becomes pure but uncommitted.

In classical terminology, Líng Diǎn is the apex of neutrality—the infinitesimal threshold between stillness (Jìng 静) and motion (Dòng 动), before the arising of intention (Yì 意).
It is the living manifestation of Tàijí (太极, Supreme Polarity) in motion—where balance, harmony, and unification reach total expression.

At this level, Taiji (太极) and Aiki (合氣) become functionally identical:
two languages describing one universal principle—the art of blending, equalizing, and harmonizing all interaction.

The Continuum of Harmony: From Wuji to Aiki

• Before Taiji, there is Wuji (无极)—the infinite stillness, undifferentiated and whole. From Wuji arises Taiji, the emergence of polarity; Yin and Yang are born and begin their eternal interplay.
  Through their mutual transformation, the point of perfect balance appears: the Zero Point (Líng Diǎn 零点), the living seam between Yin and Yang.

• At this moment of absolute equilibrium, the duality of forces dissolves into unity—Aiki (合氣), the harmonization of intent and motion.
  When harmony becomes complete, movement resolves again into stillness, and Taiji returns to Wuji.

• Wuji → Taiji → Yin–Yang → Zero Point → Aiki → Wuji
  The eternal cycle of stillness and motion, separation and return.

• Thus, the Zero Point stands as the living heart of this continuum:
  the threshold between form and formlessness, between polarity and unity—
  the point where Taiji and Aiki become one, and all movement is born from stillness.