Japanese garden
The Japanese word for garden is 'niwa', but it also means 'a pure place'.
(Dan Simmons)
Syllabus
Tai chi is not Western in conception or application, so it seemed
appropriate to design a
syllabus that adhered to an Eastern aesthetic.
The zen qualities found in Japanese garden design suited tai chi
tuition
particularly well.
This may be confusing to
new starters
but there are some things that cannot be approached in a
logical, linear fashion.
Zen
in the Art of Archery by
Eugen Herrigel captures the experience of learning a
martial art
in this way.
The path (roji)
The path is constructed of irregular stones intended to
make you watch your footing instead of taking the journey for granted.
When you walk at a slower pace, you begin to
notice
things.
There are often places which encourage you to
pause, to
look, to consider.
Simplicity (kanso)
The
elimination of the ornate.
Things expressing simplicity are by their nature
truthful
and
reserved.
Fresh and neat, direct and never over-embellished.
Never florid,
decorative
or unnecessary.
Essentials (koko)
Visual
elements are reduced to their
bare
bones, without sensuous aspects.
It involves things which seem
basic, stern, ascetic and
forbidding
in appearance.
Depth (meigakure)
Each
feature of the garden appears from partial concealment, creating a profound
sense of
mystery
and encouraging visitors to continue their journey.
Naturalness (shizen)
Without
pretence, things are true to their
own nature.
The
essence
is apparent.
Composure
(seijaku)
The quietude
encourages thoughts to become calm and ultimately
silent.
Composed
and alert, you become
aware.
More...
Page created 16 July 1998