Truth | ||
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The texture of reality
Taoism and Zen encourage us
to experience reality in its most direct form.
They aim to transcend education, philosophy and
thought. How?
The senses are given precedence. We feel
rather than think.
Tai chi works in much the same
way.
Feel it
Thought impedes our ability to experience.
Instead of seeing what is actually there, we look for the things that
please us or interest us and avoid
unpleasant stimuli.
This is a form of blindness, and it must be left behind
if we want to interact with existence without barriers.
Perception
Society believes that truth varies according to the individual.
This is perception, not truth.
The world in mind
Tao and Zen may advocate a more
sensory experience of the world, but is this actually possible?
We do not experience the world through our senses, but via our
mind.
Can you understand the difference?
And the implications?
Raw reality
It is important for us to experience things
first-hand, not through somebody
else. Yet, if everything is biased by mind, what can we trust?
Our minds have been shaped,
educated and
moulded since birth.
Do we see things for ourselves?
Can we see without bias?
Are we always prey to the past?
Does first-hand exist?
Truth is not a
matter of argumentation and conviction; it is not the outcome of opinion.
(Krishnamurti)
Self-directed
We see the world as we are, not as it is.
This may seem odd, but is very much the case.
Everyone has their own standpoint to some extent and they channel reality
through their minds.
Nothing is experienced without interpretation. Meaning, values and judgements impede our ability
to really see.
We are hampered by the accretion of education, opinion,
preconceptions and desires.
Only by losing the ever-present self and allowing the
mind to become quiet
can we hope to open our eyes.
Empirical
Zen is grounded in empirical truth. It is not
theoretical. It does not embrace symbolism.
It is fact-based, as real as a slap.
Our syllabus works on the same basis.
The tai chi is a practical experience that can be proved through experiment.
Students are encouraged to learn about
tai chi principles for themselves.
Proof
The exercises, drills and
scenarios in our
syllabus call upon the individual to explore the validity of the
principles and put them into
practice.
Your understanding and
skill are pressure-tested so that you can see the
truth for yourself.
Truth
Reality is often referred to as 'truth' because it is not subject to any
form of interpretation.
Existence or reality just is.
Interpretation, opinion, perspective have no
bearing on reality because reality is too immense
and complex to be contained by thought.
Realising that we cannot apprehend reality is the beginning of
understanding.
Reality
This 'truth' is not something to be sought,
nor is it the opposite of lies and illusions.
It is just a word applied to the raw immediacy of the moment you are
experiencing.
Every nuance that is happening right now around
you and within you is 'the truth'; the humming of the computer, the
flickering of the monitor, the feel of the clothing you wear, your thoughts,
the bird in your garden, the dirt on your shoes...
Every miniscule detail that is happening simultaneously every minute of
every day represents the truth.
It has no beginning and no ending.
Telling the truth
In court, when somebody asks a person to tell the truth, they are not really
asking for the truth.
The truth is everything, all at once, and cannot be verbalised.
What is being asked for is a limited segment of events, a degree of truth,
relevant to their specific interests.
In court, a 'version' is required.
Subjective. Biased. Incomplete.
Objective?
There is no such thing as objectivity.
We process our experience of reality in our minds.
Everything is filtered and interpreted by our memories, experiences and
personalities.
We are entirely incapable of being objective.
The quest for answers
The 'external' personality seeks
answers outside of themselves.
They go to exotic lengths in search of their idea of truth; visiting remote
monasteries, undergoing retreats or travelling to far away lands.
Yet, the Tao Te Ching says that you can
find the truth without even leaving your room.
This is 'internal'.
Find the answers within.
Perhaps you may even discover that their are no
answers.
Questions are projections of the self and seeing
the truth requires the individual to be rid of self.
Cord: Who are you?
Blind man: Whoever you think I am or want me to be, I am.
(The Silent Flute)
Page created
18 March 1997
Last updated
04 May 2023
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