Perception | ||
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Use mind not force
Perception is the process of
acquiring, interpreting, selecting and organising sensory information.
Our ability to use tai chi rests considerably upon our capacity to
accurately perceive and
respond to reality.
Meditation is the condition of awareness in which 'self'
is lost in being.
The barrier between self and other fades.
When self is lost, reality is found, and we begin to
see what is - rather than what we want to
see.
I Ching
The Book of Changes influenced the
development of tai chi and resulted in 8 of the
13 methods: the centre of tai chi.
As a tool, it was designed to encourage a greater
consideration of the moment, of the 'here
and now'.
The following points are relevant to most situations:
Variables
Possibilities
Opportunities
Choice
Consequence
The
I Ching asks the individual to allow for
these and to act or not act with increased awareness
and responsibility.
The Book of Changes has influenced how our tai chi class approaches
combat and the way in which the practitioner
approaches life.
Why do think it has to want
something?
(Solaris)
Variables
Every given moment contains a wide range of possible options.
How we perceive these choices and how we respond
will determine the outcome.
Some options will seem favourable now but may later prove problematic.
Not every variable can be accounted for and considered - accept this and
do not worry.
As your perception improves, you find yourself acting without
doubt or confusion.
Possibilities
A punch is only a punch if it hits you.
Before that time, it is latent - it has yet to become manifest.
Your actions may be instrumental in determining whether or not the latent
punch actually becomes a blow.
When you learn to deal with things as they are
developing - sooner rather than later - you cope better.
Failing to see the possibility may render you
reactionary rather than responsive; and to counter this you must let-go and 'roll with the punch'.
Certain situations require pre-emptive action, but this is not anticipatory
- you respond to the earliest semblance of difficulty - rather than
initiate.
Opportunities
Any situation offers a variety of opportunities for action or
non-action.
You may not see the opportunities at first.
This will change as you slow down and your mind becomes
quiet.
Within every situation there are subtle latent moments of opportunity where
action or non-action may be to your advantage.
In combat, rhythm and timing provide
opportunities, and develop the ability to respond.
Choice
Encumbered by variables,
possibilities and opportunities, your mind becomes confused and stuck.
You must learn to empty the mind and trust your intuition.
When you let-go and feel, you develop 'choiceless
awareness'.
This is a condition of oneness with the situation - where things just happen
without thought.
It should feel as though your tai chi just does itself.
Consequences
For every action you take, there is a consequence.
You cannot act without adverse consequences occurring at some point; life
would be unbalanced.
Accept it.
What you can do is adapt, change, move and respond without getting stuck or
caught in the wish
of what might be.
Stay rooted in the 'here and now' and deal with what is happening.
Consequences are inevitable, just as death
is inevitable.
What matters is how you live.
Cord: Who are you?
Blind shepherd: Whoever you think I am or want me to be, I am.
(The Silent Flute)
Combat
Our approach to combat is designed to
reduce the variables, decrease your opponents options and increase your
own.
Exercises such as yielding, san sau and
melee are all designed to challenge you to use your
body more creatively relative to somebody else.
It is imperative to realise that your responses will naturally create new
variables and you must let-go of your desire to control
the other person.
Planning and control are illusions that will cripple you in reality.
Allow your opponent to do whatever they desire, then re-direct their
force. Adapt and change to the situation as it is
happening.
Acuity
Speed lies in the brain, not
the hand; it is the
brain that processes sensory input.
If you only train the body and not the
mind, your progress will
be limited - for you are exercising
partially and neglecting the source.
Sifu Waller improves your ability to perceive; honing and sharpening
your sensory acuity.
Page created 2 March 1995
Last updated
10 November 2023
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