To
see beyond all boundaries to the subtle heart of things, dispense with
names, with concepts, with expectations and ambitions and differences.
(Lao
Tzu)
No concepts
Lao Tzu's initial words in Tao Te Ching tell you that
words/names/ideas/concepts
cannot extend to
reality.
Unfortunately, he has to use words because there is no other way to communicate
with you.
Lao
Tzu realised the contradiction.
Beyond words
Although words are being used in
Tao Te Ching, this is for the purpose of communication.
It
would be perfectly plausible to understand taoism and tai chi without words
and without concepts. How?
By observing. By feeling. By being.
Tao and tai chi can be taught without
words.
All of the apparent concepts in
tai chi are the long road to a destination
that has no path and requires no name.
And no words.
Words get in the way of things. This is what Lao Tzu is saying.
Words
The dangers of words are too readily apparent.
This is why we try and use
physicality in class rather than talk. It it so much more immediate and
real. That in itself is taoist.
Only words
Words are not real so we do not ever take them too seriously.
Furthermore,
meaning
is not real either, so we are not bothered by the intention behind the words.
People are entitled to think or say what they like. Doing so does not make the
words real.
Image
Images are dangerous, for they
hide the truth. Sometimes even from
ourselves.
What is 'taoism'?
It is quite simple: nature has a certain
way/nature/how/quality/character/sense
to it.
We aim to
accord ourselves with this way because in
doing so, we find that life runs a whole lot
smoother.
This way is referred to as 'tao'.
The process of according yourself with
the
nature of things could be called 'taoism', but any
name
would do.
Not a philosophy
Taoism is not a religion or a
philosophy.
There is nothing to believe in and consequently nothing to argue for or
against.
There are no
principles to defend or positions to argue.
Taoism has no concepts at all. That is the whole point of
it.
Page created 19 May 2007