In martial arts it is essential to practice daily to attain familiarity,
treating them as ordinary affairs,
so the mind remains unchanged.
(Miyamoto Musashi)
Service
Lao Tzu said that rich people steal from the
poor by taking far more than they need.
The massive disparity of wealth in modern culture may create a Victorian era
renaissance.
As the rich become richer, an underclass is created.
Wealthy people want other people to wait on them, to perform 'menial' tasks
and serve them.
Weakness
When somebody performs an action for you, they have power
over you.
This is why the Japanese tradition of gift-giving is complicated.
According to
Alan Watts, the
Japanese
words for 'thank you' have a connotation of resentment.
If somebody does something for you, you owe them.
If somebody cooks your meals, washes your clothes and
cleans your house, they are looking after you much as a parent would a
child.
You are not in a position of strength.
Time
When you give somebody else
responsibility
over your wellbeing, you empower them.
Some people may argue that paying for service is time-saving.
Yet, what are you planning to do with the
time
you save?
Time spent on 'down to earth' activities is good for your mental health.
It is an investment.
Self-reliant
A
taoist
does not want to be waited-on or served.
Doing so-called 'menial tasks' is good work; wholesome and meaningful - with a clear
purpose.
Manual chores are also excellent tools for promoting a condition of
meditation.
Why would you want to have somebody else wait on you?
Does it make you feel
important?
Are you insecure?
What do you lack?
When somebody waits on you, they render you weak, like a child.
A
tai chi person is
integrated
- they do not need pampering - and loathe the idea of being served.
They
live close to the earth, to the real.
Page created 3 February 1999