Showing off
Showing off is the fool's idea of glory.
(Bruce Lee)
Exhibition
Tai chi attracts the occasional exhibitionist who loves to show off.
This desire to show off has got absolutely nothing to do with tai chi and
everything to do with the individual person's need for attention.
The quest for approval suggests insecurity and indicates that you have strayed
from the tao.
You do not need recognition. You do not need to be famous. Or to have prestige.
These are shadows. Cheap illusions for the shallow-minded.
Taoism abhors the show off.
It advocates a life of anonymity and quietude. The last thing you want is to
'make a name' for yourself.
Egotism has no place in tai chi.
In your face
Not everybody wants to watch you do tai chi.
If somebody wanted to see a tai chi exhibition, then they would attend a
demonstration.
Most people simply do not care about tai chi. Why should they? It does not
interest them at all.
Watching you perform is probably not going to be the highlight of their day.
They may even find it irritating. Especially if you look smug and conceited.
They just want to walk the dog or look at the sea.
Be careful not to force yourself on others.
Train in quiet places, where you can mind your own business and not attract
attention.
Taoist examples
There are two examples from Chuang Tzu that beautifully illustrate the folly of
showing off and/or competing.
The first is Monkey Mountain and the second is The Need To Win.
In both cases, the exhibitionist is hampered by their ego and self
consciousness. It proves to be their downfall.
Counterpoising these examples is The Stink Tree in which the value of being
insignificant is praised.
What is it about?
The desire to be noticed is not a healthy one. It speaks of an inner gulf. Of a
sense of worthlessness.
Why would you want fuss and attention?
A martial artist has no craving for such nonsense. They just want to train. To
get on with the practice.
One of the dangers with competition and exhibitions is that people have
different values.
Although the tai chi classics have clearly defined parameters, many exponents
choose to disregard them.
When you set aside taoism and the fundamental precepts of tai chi, you distort
the art to suit your own ends.
Competition forms are pretty external sequences, that may be
aesthetically-pleasing but are internally bereft.
Partner work competitions rapidly degenerate into a brutal match of strength.
What motivates you? Are you wanting to be 'the next big thing'? Your face on a
magazine cover? Why?
Can't you simply be?
Treat this as a koan and ask yourself what all your ambition is really about.
Bad teacher
Beware of exciting demonstrations.
Is this what your are going to be taught in the immediate future or is it a
preview of advanced-level material?
If your teacher is a show off, then you are in for some problems. They have sold
out.
You are not a student. You are the audience.
Decline the role and find somebody who is unselfconscious. You need a teacher
who puts your progress before their own ego.
Page created 8 January 2002