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The real world
Modern people are quite content to spectate.
They watch other people do things rather than participate
themselves.
In Taoist terms this is akin to watching somebody else eat food and
thinking that you
understand what it tastes like. To live, we must interact, relate, engage and do
things.
Switch off
Once you switch off your technology it
becomes far easier to have a hands-on relationship with your own
life.
Technology gets in the way.
It makes you feel as though you are living but in fact you are wasting
time. (Time = life).
Inertia
Consider: you watch an exciting movie in which the hero employs skilful
combat moves...
This excites you. Now what?
You go to bed. You get up. You carry on doing
whatever you were doing before you watched that movie. Nothing has changed.
A real human
In Taoism, a real human lives.
They speak with people face-to-face. They touch. They laugh.
They have tangible real world, real life interaction.
They think things
through. They feel.
A real human is deeply, intimately involved in their own life.
Mass media
People speak authoritatively about
wars overseas, political issues,
social matters and
current affairs.
They quote pressing concerns and important
matters... They boast and brag and show off.
But somehow it is all a little phoney.
They don't really care at all.
Safe distance
The 'well-informed' person climbs into their 4 x 4 car, drives to their heated
house, eats a sumptuous meal and does
whatever they like,
untouched by the outside world.
This is not the behaviour of a person who cares
deeply about other people.
These are the actions of somebody who is merely
entertained.
Krishnamurti
Krishnamurti suggests that we
should start by getting ourselves sorted first.
Our own lives, our demons, our
relationships, our thoughts, our
emotions, our bodies...
Getting involved in the lives of other people is
all very well, but what about our own?
Still inert
Taking an interest in celebrities, gossip, politics
and the news is a very effective method for ignoring the significant
problems in our own lives.
No action at all is required.
We can be passive observers, critics and commentators.
Your body
A lot of modern people are being physically transformed by the way
in which they live.
Instead of possessing a lithe, nimble, agile,
graceful body that responds readily to the dictates of
the mind, they lumber around in a carcass of flesh.
Modern humans
There are so many people who shuffle out of their enormous
vehicle, stooping, clutching an expensive
phone and looking anxious.
Their legs are spindly and weak.
Their bodies are flabby or gaunt.
Other people hammer themselves at the
gym; and leave with
hunched shoulders, residual muscle tension and bad
posture.
Training
The trained body is unlike the kind of body you are
used to.
It is strong,
mobile, supple and
fit, well coordinated,
flexible, balanced, dexterous, fast and
responsive.
Many disciplines can produce a trained body if the exponent is
sincere enough: ballet,
yoga, Pilates, Alexander Technique, along with various
martial arts.
Tai chi is
different
Tai chi offers something quite
different to most forms of
physical training.
The internal martial arts teach the person
how to employ their body in
everyday life and in actual combat.
The skeleton is aligned, the body is
relaxed and sensitive,
awareness is high and the mind is
clear. Strength is amplified
and movement is fluid.
Rejuvenation
The wide variety of training methods
employed in tai chi work all the joints
and muscles in a safe,
comfortable, healthy manner.
Upper and lower body coordinate,
left and right side.
Students become functionally ambidextrous.
A newfound confidence emerges as the
body becomes
energised and purposeful.
The power of your mind
In addition to a very enjoyable
physical transformation, the earnest
student of tai chi will also experience an
incredible expansion of
consciousness.
The mind will change
continuously and productively as the art
unfolds.
There is no stagnancy.
Fighting back
As an individual you have the opportunity
to fight against the growing trend of laziness and apathy sweeping our society.
You can start with your self.
Train. Practice. Develop.
Grow. Share.
Enthuse.
A warrior
Asian martial artists have always
regarded the ego as being our worst enemy.
The human mind can be weak and flaccid, easily seduced by
distractions and diversions.
You do not need any of the things we are
encouraged to desire, chase and get in debt for: technology, belongings,
fancy cars, exotic holidays, jewellery... You are more than a 'consumer'.
Steal my art
Living requires you to ignite a flame within and become as
cunning as a thief.
Burn inwardly; let each moment in your life have
significance and purpose. What if you die
tomorrow?
Don't waste opportunities by being
half-hearted,
indifferent, bored. Don't give in to
nicotine, alcohol, stimulants or
sugar.
Find ways to grow, to develop, to progress. Be
strong. Alert. Fresh. Vital.
Alive.
Live fully and completely.
Worth reading
•
Ability
•
Grace
• A life less ordinary
•
Real human
•
Self-awareness
•
Strong mental attitude
• Technical skills
•
Using the mind instead of force
Page created
18 September 2009
Last updated
16 June 2023
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