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Origin
Tai chi is Wudang in origin.
In Chinese folklore, the internal
arts masters of the Wudang mountain
range were considered to be warrior/sages.
They were skilled in the arts of combat, yet well-versed in
ancient knowledge.
Yin/yang
This peculiar balancing of combat and
wisdom lies at the heart of the
internal arts. Finding balance between
apparent opposites and recognising harmony is a key feature of balance.
Combat/wisdom, good/bad, body/mind, strong/weak...
A student of the internal arts must find a way to reconcile the discordance of
combat and the compassion that arises from insight.
Soft martial art
The balance between combat and wisdom are explored in the internal
arts.
Through a refined understanding of physics, biomechanics and
optimal body use,
the student employs the martial skill in a unique
way.
Instead of aggression, machismo, cruelty and anger, the student is
calm,
composed and restrained.
Only the most subtle degree of effort is used.
Conflict
Conflict arises through resistance.
When one position meets with another and yielding does not take place then
conflict occurs.
Opinions and beliefs are the usual source of conflict.
From argument to brawling to wars, our world is filled with disagreement.
The student of
tai chi seeks to resolve their inner conflict and avoid outer
dispute.
To be martial requires
discipline, courage, and perseverance. It has nothing to do with killing. People
fail to look beyond this one narrow aspect of being a warrior and so overlook
all the other excellent qualities that can be gained from training. A warrior is
not a cruel murderer. A warrior is a protector of ideals, principle and honour.
A warrior is noble and heroic.
A warrior will have many opponents in a lifetime, but the ultimate opponent is
the warrior's own self. Within a fighter's personality are a wide array of
demons to be conquered: fear, laziness, ignorance, selfishness, egotism, and so
many more. To talk of overpowering other people is inconsequential. To actually
overcome one's own defects is the true nature of victory. That is why so many
religions depict warriors in their iconography. These images are not symbols for
dominating others. Rather, they are symbols of the ferocity and determination
that we need to overcome the demons within ourselves.
(Deng Meng-Dao)
Forms of violence
Not all violence is physical or overt. People are often extremely violent
without realising it.
Violence can take many forms.
Harsh, unkind words. Derisive laughter. Sarcasm. Mockery. Insults.
Emotional
hostility. Aggression.
Pushing, forcing, controlling, manipulating.
Many people use violence in a sneaky, underhand way. Through gossip, malignant
words, innuendo.
Our culture is far from being non-violent.
Violence
How do we cope with an assailant without being violent ourselves? That is a very good question.
A warrior/sage seeks to avoid confrontation and would only use
their martial art
reluctantly.
Tai chi fighting method
You do only what is necessary to escape the situation.
Although the effect of your martial skill may indeed cause
discomfort and pain, your
disposition should remain composed and compassionate.
At no point would you become angry and deliberately hurt the assailant.
Wisdom
Wisdom is not the same as
knowledge.
It reaches beyond the information to see inner qualities and relationships that
are not immediately apparent.
It is synonymous with awareness and care, with insight and consideration.
Knowledge alone is dangerous.
It must be tempered with good sense, morality and prudence.
Study
Studying Taoist, Zen and martial arts literature will open your mind to new
ideas, to possibilities you had not considered.
Authors such as Krishnamurti will significantly
challenge long-held opinions and
beliefs.
Flexible mind
Serious contemplation will lead to a more resilient, flexible mind; a mind
capable of spontaneously changing as the circumstances require.
Change is not easy for most people; they cling to what was or to their narrow
perception of what could be.
Expanded consciousness
Even a small amount of reading every day will subtly change your consciousness.
You will begin to have insights, make connections and recognise associations and
themes.
The expansion of consciousness will be notable over time.
Besides, without a comprehensive grasp of the principles of
Taoism and tai chi, how are you ever going to make
the art work?
Modern life
Like it or not, we all have our demons.
Dealing with the rigors of life (and the doubts and fears that assail us)
requires a strong heart and a resolute mind.
The fighting skills of the warrior/sage are best employed in everyday life, regardless of
your profession or daily responsibilities.
Being calm, having a clear mind and a supple, responsive body is always
beneficial.
And, a little wisdom never harmed anybody.
Page created 2 March 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023