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Change
Truth is relationship
with the opponent,
constantly moving, never static.
(Bruce Lee)
Book of changes
The
13 postures of tai chi incorporate the 8 trigram (from the Book of Changes) and the
5 elements.
The 8 palm changes of baguazhang involve a more complex exploration of change.
In the Book of Changes (I Ching) a person learns how to change and adapt to the immediate
circumstances facing them.
This is essential in self defence and in life.
An attitude of fluidity and change enable a person to move without pause, to
feel rather than think, and to find the path of least resistance.
Many of the
topics on this website are drawn from the 64
hexagrams (8 x 8 trigram) of the I Ching.
The easy route
Finding the easiest route relies upon
intuition and sensitivity rather than thought.
Tai chi and baguazhang always seeks to avoid conflict and resistance, so it is important to
master this skill.
When your way is blocked, change - and be prepared to change and change again.
Become like water, moving instinctively around obstacles.
Change
The only constant in life is change.
Nothing remains the same, not even the universe itself.
We must let go of certainty and fixity, and embrace change.
In self defence, we do not formulate plans or anticipate the opponent.
We wait.
What will happen will happen.
If we are open and receptive, we can move with the events as they occur.
Can you grip water with your hand?
You cannot change others
Anthony De Mello illustrates the nature of change beautifully.
He demonstrates how people seek to change the world to
suit their own desires, rather than change themselves.
In
our tai chi we must learn to change
ourselves.
Move your body
Fundamental to the tai chi system is
the idea that you must move your body around the opponent rather than
seek to move them.
This ties-in with using only 4 ounces of pressure
and not resisting force.
Rather than resist, you move. Rather than struggle, you change.
Page created 9 March 2000