The state of mind
should remain the same as normal...
let there be no change at all - with the mind open and direct,
neither tense nor relax,
centering the mind so that there is no imbalance,
calmly relax your mind,
and savour this moment of ease thoroughly,
so that the relaxation does not stop its relaxation for even an instant.
(Miyamoto Musashi)
Caught up
In situations involving emotions, there is a tendency for people
to get
caught up in the
event.
Rash decisions are made, words are chosen
badly and adverse consequences ensue.
This is not the
way.
We must be
composed at all times.
Our composure is not the product of some
conceit. Being phoney is simply a mask
covering the emotions.
It is important to be
genuinely detached and unbothered.
Touch
When a family member
places their hand on your shoulder, there
is no adverse reaction on your part.
You do not flinch or become upset.
When a stranger performs the exact same action, you flinch and your
emotional state alters.
Typically, you
tense your muscles and feel the need to
object.
What is the difference between these two scenarios?
The physical action itself is the same. It is our response that differs. It
is our perception that differs.
We are bothered by a stranger touching us.
In self defence, it is necessary to move past a point where you care whether
somebody touches you or not.
Contact provokes no adverse reaction.
You feel the touch, you
listen (with your body), gauge the
pressure, direction, positioning and you wait.
Heat of the moment
For a
tai chi student
there can be no heat of the moment.
A person who is clumsy,
competitive, emotionally unstable,
aggressive or malicious is not fit to be entrusted with the martial arsenal
of the tai chi system.
You must
temper your
emotions and
calm the mind. Refining the
character matters more than technique.
Sun Tzu writes a whole section in The Art of War about how
you should goad and bait a
person who lacks centre.
He is teaching you to see how vulnerable you become when emotions are
permitted to run astray.
Losing our centre is very dangerous in
self defence.
Central equilibrium must be maintained at all times. Physically. Mentally.
Emotionally.
Read Chuang Tzu's
Fighting Cock story.
Neutral state
Instead of getting ready, you remain neutral.
You wait and see what will happen, and
flow with the moment of the event.
Instead of resisting, you
yield. Instead of holding, you
let go. Instead of worrying, you
relax.
This is how you can put
I Ching into practice in your tai chi;
responding to the needs of each situation, working through the moment by
being adaptive, responsive and appropriate.
You never react.
Conduct
In our tai chi class you must be
responsible for your own conduct and for
the wellbeing of others.
Do not fall into the modern game of pretending that you are blameless.
People make things happen. With their actions and their reactions. Do not
shirk responsibility.
If you are careless and awkward in our class, you make it difficult for
people to train with you.
Nobody wants to be injured by clumsy movements and inconsiderate behaviour.
Melee situations test your capacity to remain composed under pressure.
Your emotions need to be cool, your thoughts calm, your body relaxed and
your breathing steady.
The heat of combat surrounds you but you are not upset or anxious.
You do not tense up or become aggressive. You are
one
with the
moment and at peace.
Page created 29 June 2001