Love is not sentimental, or emotional, it has
nothing whatsoever to do with devotion, or loyalty.
(Krishnamurti)
Definition
The word 'lesson' has two common definitions:
A structured period of time where learning occurs
A moral or message
Class
Tai chi lessons should not be comparable to learning Spanish cookery at night
school or line dancing.
They should combine both meanings of the word 'lesson'.
Students should learn new physiological
skills and also gain an increasing perception
of the underlying
significance involved.
Learning movements is not enough; there must be a
deeper level to the tuition.
Moral
Within every lesson surrounding the tai chi practice there is a
taoist
insight that pertains to how we interact with the world around us.
The insight may concern
physics, biology, philosophy or human
relationship.
There is never just a surface meaning.
A skilful student
intuits what is really being taught.
Learning
Learning is not a passive process.
It requires an intelligent mind that is
aware and interested.
Tai chi cannot be learned by the dull or the
inattentive.
This has nothing to do with academic prowess or the contemporary
perception of IQ.
Being 'intelligent' could be defined as alert, attentive, exploratory,
curious...
Do not follow
When you are in class and something is being explored, do not
be passive.
Think it through, understand it.
Find the strengths and weaknesses; figure it out for yourself.
Following another is pointless; it will simply lead to ignorance and
dependency, neither of which is desirable.
Page created 2 December 2004