|
|
||
| Solutions | ||
classes qigong tai chi kung fu about us reviews a-z
.JPG)
Fixing
Zen and Taoism are not overly
concerned with fixing things.
They tend to advocate leaving things alone.
All points of view?
The problem with solutions is that they are contingent upon our
perception of the problem.
We usually do not see all sides.
We cannot necessarily foresee the unexpected
side-effects that may arise from our solution.
Fixing one problem may well create another.
Zen does not aim to fix things. It looks for the
underlying principle/essence
and seeks to follow that.
Concentration
Concentration is a major folly addressed by
Zen. If you concentrate on one thing, you exclude other concerns.
Zen aims to encourage an inclusive approach to life.
Instead of focussing upon a single item, you become
expansive and see the interconnectedness
of all things.
Narrowing your standpoint and shutting out other considerations is naive.
Who determines what is important? Why discard some things and accept others?
On what basis do you choose? Ultimately, it all comes down to what you personally value.
Provisional
A solution is typically a fix, an answer. An answer is a response to a
specific question. What if a different question had
been asked?
Life presents us with many problems, dilemma and situations. There is no generic
solution.
There are many different possibilities, choices and options.
It all depends on
what you are seeking as an outcome.
Every answer is provisional.
It must be a work-in-progress. It is subject to change. Life is not fixed.
Pre-conceived solutions
In tai chi combat we do not favour
techniques.
A technique is a solution to a perceived problem. It aims to apply a
step-by-step method to fix a predictable, defined
situation.
Yet, fighting is anything but predictable.
We cannot afford to make assumptions or
apply a preconceived solution.
Students with Sifu Waller learn how to re-perceive
the nature of the problem.
Quite often, they realise that there is no problem. Instead of seeing a problem,
they see an opportunity.
Adapt
Rather than apply a set response to each attack,
the student is taught how to explore possibilities.
They begin to see every situation as unique, and respond to the needs of the
moment.
Their aim is not to fix anything or achieve a solution.
Instead, they simply respond appropriately.
The attacker may change tactic and
counter. Our student simply moves with this and adapts.
Solutions
Not everything requires a fix. Not all fixes are worth having.
Our culture is obsessed with replacing the old, and
embracing the new. Many new 'solutions' simply create new problems.
Consider computers.
Did they really create the paperless office environment?
Have they made working life easier for anyone?
What about the side effects of using computers?
Do people now work fewer hours?
Computers use up power, emit radiation, strain the eyes, damage posture, cause
repetitive strain injury and waste a colossal
amount of time and money.
People use computers to steal things, commit identity theft and fraud.
Page created
18 March 1997
Last updated
16 June 2023
▲