It is like pouring a handful of sand onto a flat surface;
each grain settles
of its own accord.
This is how you relax into your true nature,
letting all
thoughts and emotions naturally subside
and dissolve into the state of the
nature of mind.
(Sogyal Rinpoche)
Distraction
By arranging furniture or dressing in
certain colours or styles, a person can manipulate the attention of their
audience.
Favourable features can be highlighted and other features disguised, hidden
or veiled.
Taoist paintings use contrast as a means of focussing the
attention; a white page is broken by a single stalk of bamboo.
With nothing else to look at, there is nowhere else to look.
Leading the eye
Consider Irish dancing...
The traditional costume is quite florid, with elaborate patterns and bright
colours.
For the stage show 'Riverdance', the costumes were changed.
The new costumes were graceful and smooth - long sleek legs replacing
knobbly knees, veins and pasty skin.
More akin to ballet outfits, the new costumes show the human form in a
flattering manner.
They are modern, simple and sexy.
Attention is drawn to the legs, and legs
are the focus of Irish dancing.
The way in which the legs are moved is the essence of the dance and nothing
else is permitted to distract the audience.
The producers of Riverdance
have the audience looking exactly where they want them to look.
Accentuate
If we continue the theme mentioned above, and consider pantyhose/tights...
Pantyhose make legs, buttocks and hips look flawless, sleek, smooth, shapely and unblemished.
Pantyhose combine pants/underwear and stockings to offer a one-piece
garment, that were designed to be worn without underwear.
Pantyhose/tights are an example of feng shui.
Why? They hide the bad and reveal the good. They flatter and they accentuate.
The single garment accomplishes this in a simple, understated way.
Misconceptions
Popular misconception does not mean that the false
is now true or the incorrect is now correct.
It means that a lot of people are mistaken.
Opinion does not change
essence - the intrinsic nature
endures and cannot be changed:
(i) Tai chi
If you consider tai chi, misconceptions are rife.
Many would-be students are amazed to hear that tai chi is a martial art. Some
will even argue vehemently about this subject.
The original nature and purpose of tai chi cannot be changed by opinion or
belief.
It is what it is.
Times and people may change, but tai chi is still tai chi.
(ii) Feng shui
Feng shui is often perceived as being a weird, hippie superstitious art.
Yet, at its heart there is simplicity and clarity.
Misconceptions are common. The purpose and meaning of feng shui is easily lost.
Change
If you recognise a misconception as being false,
what then?
Do you continue with your misunderstanding or do you change?
Intelligence demands change.
You must adapt, change and improvise constantly.
Stagnation and stubbornness cannot lead to growth and understanding.
Page created 5 October 2000