Wealthy patrons invited Ikkyu
to a banquet.
Ikkyu arrived dressed in his beggar's robes.
The host, not recognizing him, chased him away.
Ikkyu went home, changed into his ceremonial robe of purple brocade, and
returned.
With great respect, he was received into the banquet room.
There, he put his robe on the cushion, saying, "I expect you invited the
robe since you showed me the door a little while ago," and left.
(Zen story)
Internal
Tai chi differs from
other martial arts because it hides the
substance within the movements.
Rather than demonstrate
power and skill, the preference is to conceal it.
This is part of what the word 'internal' refers to.
The
Tao Te Ching advocated this same approach in
all aspects of life.
Wealth
Showing your affluence is contrary to
taoism.
It demonstrates a need to be
recognised,
respected and envied.
This need stems from
insecurity
and insecurities seldom fade when you indulge them.
An outward show of money is vulgar.
If a person were comfortable with
who
they are and what they have, the need to show would not arise.
In a world of
poverty
and
hardship
for so many people, flaunting your wealth is tasteless.
The Tao Te Ching considers wealth to be at the expense or others,
for it shows that you have taken more than you need, thus depriving someone
else.
Obesity
Over-indulging is another sign of great prosperity.
When a person eats too much, their body stores the excess
food in the
form of fat.
Some degree of fat is natural and to be expected.
Obesity is the product of greed and low self-esteem; it shows a troubled
mind that dwells too much on the self.
Inner worth
The
value
of tai chi is to be found within the practice,
unseen and quiet.
Tai chi was designed to hide the power inside, so that rival
martial artists
could not see it.
Page created 21 February 1999