An essential element of wabi sabi is innovation and originality and bringing
new challenges for the mind to explore.
(Andrew
Juniper)
Problems
Zen and taoism are not overly concerned with fixing things. They tend to
advocate leaving things alone.
The problem with solutions is that they are contingent upon our
perception of the problem.
We usually do not see
all sides.
We cannot necessarily foresee the unexpected side-effects that may arise from
our solution.
Fixing one problem may well create another.
Zen does not aim to fix things. It looks for the underlying principle/essence
and seeks to follow that.
Concentration
Concentration is a major folly addressed by
zen. If you concentrate on one thing, you exclude other concerns.
Zen aims to encourage an inclusive approach to life.
Instead of focussing upon a single item, you become expansive and see the
interconnectedness of all things.
Narrowing your standpoint and shutting out other considerations is naive.
Who determines what is important? Why discard some things and accept others? On
what basis do you choose?
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you personally value.
Provisional
A solution is typically a fix, an answer. An answer is a response to a
specific question.
What if a different question had been asked?
Life presents us with many problems, dilemma and situations.
There is no generic solution.
There are many different
possibilities, choices and options. It all depends on
what you are seeking as an outcome.
Every answer is provisional. It must be a work-in-progress. It is subject to
change. Life is not fixed.
Pre-conceived solutions
In tai chi self defence we do not teach
techniques.
A technique is a solution to a perceived problem. It aims to apply a
step-by-step method to fix a predictable, defined situation.
Yet, self defence is anything but predictable.
We cannot afford to make assumptions or apply a preconceived solution.
Students in our school learn how to re-perceive the nature of the problem.
Quite often, they
realise that there is no problem.
Instead of seeing a problem, they see an opportunity.
Rather than apply a set response to each attack, the student is taught how to
explore possibilities.
They begin to see every situation as
unique, and respond to the needs of the
moment.
Their aim is not to fix anything or achieve a solution.
Instead, they simply respond appropriately.
The attacker may change tactic and counter. Our student simply moves with this
and adapts.
Solutions
Not everything requires a fix. Not all fixes are worth having.
Our culture is obsessed with replacing the old, and embracing the new. Many new
'solutions' simply create new problems.
Consider computers.
Did they really create the paperless office environment?
Have they made working life easier for anyone?
What about the side effects of using computers?
They use up power, emit radiation, strain the eyes, damage posture, cause
repetitive strain injury and waste a colossal amount of time and money.
People use computers to steal things, commit identity theft and fraud.
Page created 25 March 2003