Wu nien
As the roof was leaking,
a zen master told two monks to bring something to catch the water.
One brought a bucket, the other a sieve.
The first was severely reprimanded,
The second highly praised.
(Koan)
Dithering
Hesitation can be
caused by thinking rather than acting.
In Yang Cheng Fu style tai chi we train the student to move without thinking.
This improves timing and
produces a spontaneous response to any situation.
Dithering indicates that your attention is upon yourself, not on what is
happening.
'Wu nien' is a condition of choiceless action, where body and mind unite without
any conscious thought.
It is a state of just 'being'.
Blockages
Physical
tension can block the ability to move.
If you need to relax the muscles and joints before moving, you have already
hesitated.
In tai chi, the body needs to be agile and mobile at all times.
Anticipation is another form of blockage.
Getting-ready for the action involves planning and planning is thought.
Alan Watts described wu nien:
When the hands are clapped, the sound issues without hesitation. When flint is struck with steel, the spark comes out at once.
Just act
Wu nien
literally involves instantaneous action.
The success of the action is relative to its appropriateness; was it the right
thing to do under those circumstances?
In tai chi, we act and see what happens.
Appropriateness is
relative to awareness;
the more immersed in the moment you are, the more likely it is that your
response will suit the situation.
Not rushing
Rushing is
actually a form of dithering; it reflects
discord
within.
Tai chi practice emulates the qualities of water; and a river does not hesitate,
stop or rush.
You must find a smooth, flowing action - not something abrupt and erratic.
Page created 5 August 1999