Recently I read the following quote from "The T'ai Chi
Journey" by John Lash:
"Knowledge of life and how it works is the foundation
upon which T'ai Chi is based. As the student learns to know
himself and becomes ever more sensitive to what is happening
within, the principles that guide all life are revealed and
the intuitive knowledge that lies within us is allowed to
surface. It is only when this intuitive understanding is fully
developed that the student can really practice T'ai Chi (Ch'uan).
T'ai Chi can not be done with the rational mind and thus,
cannot be taught. The teacher can only guide the student through
the moves until the student reaches the point where he/she
intuitively understands what T'ai Chi the Tao) is.
It struck me as a good reminder of a number of things about
T'ai Chi Ch'uan. First, T'ai Chi is not any one thing - martial
art, health exercise or spiritual path - but rather all three
intertwined. Without spiritual growth health and martial power
are only marginally achieved. Don't bother, learn to flow.
And trying too hard only gets in the way so letting go is
one of the first things we have to learn to do. How hard that
is after all our training to control everything within our
sphere of influence. It's like trying to stop a snow storm
by wishing it away.
Second, without some knowledge of how to apply T'ai Chi Ch'uan
as a martial art we are also incomplete. Particularly should
the need ever arise to protect someone unable to protect themselves
or ourselves. AND it is through this part of the training
that we learn to sense our own energy and it's relationship
to that of our partner/opponent. This, in turn, helps our
awareness in our spiritual practice.
Third, all of this, together with qigong practice, results
in improved health, rejuvenation, and a long and healthy life.
You may not achieve that of Li, Qing-Yun (documented at 250
years when he died) but you can significantly improve the
quality of your life. Improving your physical health both
now and in your later years.
But the path is not easy. It requires discipline and regular
practice to bring this art to fruition in our lives. How true
it is that T'ai chi cannot really be taught. As a matter of
fact all elements of our art must be learned by the student
through practice. The teacher can only lead you to the door
- You have to step through it.
Follow Master Jou's Rules for the Practice of the Internal
Arts:
Know Yourself (Achieve self realization)
Do Your Best (Always do your very best)
But Don't Overdo (Doing too much is as bad as too little)
Make A Little Progress each Day (You will if you practice!)
David
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