The Zero Point is not merely a mental or energetic construct; it is first and foremost a physical–structural achievement.
The architecture that enables the instantaneous realization of Líng Diǎn (零点) is Péng (掤)—often mistranslated as “ward-off.” In truth, Péng is not a single technique, but the fundamental, three-dimensional elastic sphere of neutral power that defines the system’s integrity.
Through Péng, the Zero Point becomes embodied, making the theoretical unity of Taiji and Aiki a living, tactile reality.

Péng (掤) — The Elastic Sphere of Neutral Power

Péng is the condition in which the entire body—from the rooted base (Gēn 根) through the skeletal structure, connective tissues (fascial web 筋膜 Jīn Mó), and into the contact point—is unified as a single, resilient continuum.
Every part supports every other part; no segment moves in isolation. This structural coherence ensures that any external force is not resisted but instantly accommodated.

Containment, Not Resistance

Proper Péng creates containment—an omnidirectional elasticity that prevents the center from being penetrated or displaced.
Incoming force is transmitted through bone alignment and released to the ground via Sōng (鬆)—relaxed yet structurally alive tissue. Péng does not push, brace, or oppose; it equalizes pressure from all directions, maintaining coherent tension without rigidity.

The Zero Point’s Field

Péng is the living field of the Zero Point.
Its spherical geometry means it possesses infinite vectors in all directions. When force enters, Péng instantly reshapes its curvature to align, absorb, and harmonize the vector—enveloping the pressure instead of confronting it.
This transforms the Yin–Yang duality of contact into a single, continuous dynamic unity: the mechanical embodiment of Taiji evolving toward Aiki, expressed through structural intelligence.

Péng is the geometry of Taiji made flesh —
the bridge through which Yin and Yang unite as one continuum.

Constant Pressure and Stillness in Motion (动中取静 Dòng Zhōng Qǔ Jìng)

The challenge of mastery lies in maintaining Péng’s elastic integrity while in motion.
The stillness of the Zero Point is not static but living—preserved through constant, micro-adjusted harmonization around the vertical axis of Zhōng Dìng (中定), rooted in the Lower Dāntián (下丹田).

The Goldilocks Condition

At the moment of contact, Péng must find the perfect equilibrium of elastic pressure—neither pushing (Dǐng 顶) nor withdrawing (Diū 丢).
Pushing destroys neutrality; withdrawing forfeits control.
Maintaining this constant, self-balancing pressure is the tactile expression of the Zero Point: a sensation of being both responsive and immovable, receptive yet assertive, empty yet full.

Perpetual Self-Return

Dòng Zhōng Qǔ Jìng is the art of perpetual return to center.
Every turn, weight shift, or redirection is a rebalancing around the axis of stillness.
This is not mechanical correction but organic recalibration—a living rhythm that mirrors the cosmic cycle:
Wuji (无极) gives birth to Taiji (太极);
Taiji differentiates into Yin and Yang;
through harmonization, they return to Aiki (合氣);
and in perfect equilibrium, Taiji dissolves again into Wuji.

This rhythm breathes within Péng. It is the pulse of creation and return, expressed through human movement.
Thus, every instant of contact becomes a microcosm of the universe’s balance—
a seamless continuum of stillness within motion, of neutrality becoming form and form returning to void.

Through Péng, the body becomes the living vessel of Taiji:
sustaining Aiki at the contact point and dissolving back into Wuji with every breath.