Desires do not hurt
the mind as much as opinions do.
The senses do not hinder enlightenment as much as the intellect does.
(Huanchu Daoren)
Conditioning
Taoism is concerned with seeing the world
as it really is; not through a screen of opinions and ideas.
This is much more difficult than it sounds.
We are all conditioned in some way.
Our conditioning is so complete that people seldom question the way in which
life is lived; despite a deep pervading sense of dissatisfaction.
Television,
media and business have ensnared the human
mind - we live in a world of war, poverty, fashion, greed and commerce.
Seeing is important.
Enlightenment
Zen speaks of 'enlightenment'; a condition of
presence so complete that all barriers between the self and
everything else are removed.
Taoism, zen and
Krishnamurti advocate the shedding of
attachments.
Thoughts, opinions, beliefs, assumptions and 'truths' are all put aside and
even the veracity of memory is called into question.
Seeing
When the mind calms, you begin to see.
The news no longer interests you.
Gossip and politics seem irrelevant.
Petty conflicts and rivalries become trivial.
You begin to think about how you are living your life.
You think about how you are treating the world around you.
Your conscience awakens.
Compassion and consideration become more important than money or
success.
Suffering
Buddhism teaches that suffering is part of living; and it is worth
considering whether or not your actions cause others to suffer.
The Christian expression: Do onto others as you would have them do unto
you is the perfect moral yardstick.
Do people suffer because of you?
Do
animals?
Does the
environment?
Consideration
What about the dangers of teaching a potentially deadly system to people?
The answer is simple: it takes years to learn the skills of tai chi.
During those years the body and mind soften; you learn how to move in
relationship with others,
yield and
avoid conflict.
The
emotions become calmer and
humour replaces anger.
By the time a student has gained 'advanced' tai chi skills they will have become
peaceful and considerate.
Page created 14 August 2001