Taoist/Daoist | ||
Following the Way/The Science of the Essence | ||
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Scholar Reclining and Watching the Rising Clouds by Ma Lin is an
excellent example of Taoist-inspired art. Much of the
painting is blank space. There are a few notable details but much is obscure.
Off to one side, harmonious with the landscape, there is a person with a staff
on the ground beside them. This is a Taoist.
Robes, ceremonies, rituals, beliefs?
Taoism does not traditionally feature any of the trappings commonly associated
with a 'spiritual' life. It is not 'religious' in the conventional sense of that
term.
There are no monks, priests, nuns, rituals, costumes, ceremonies, prayers or
deities... You are not required to believe in anything. There are some books
worth reading, but these are not considered holy.
It is not a religion in the conventional sense; although over the centuries many
people have tried to make it into one.
No one
Taoism encourages people to accept their own nature, rather than try and be
somebody or become something. Ideas try to distort reality. Trying to be
somebody is the denial of who you are.
Realising that we are weak, vulnerable and insignificant; yet an integral part
of everything that exists gives an immeasurable sense of freedom.
Happy is the man who is nothing.
(Krishnamurti)
Finding accord
There is a pattern and order to existence. Accord entails finding balance
with everything else. Harmony. By relying upon physical sensation and
intuition rather than just thought, a person can find accord.
When you can sense and move with the Tao, accord naturally occurs.
Alignment
Tai chi aligns the body in such a way that it moves with the minimum effort
to produce the maximum effect.
By feeling how the body wants to move, it is possible to operate in a
natural, comfortable manner. Accord cannot be conceived by conscious
thought.
The body should never be forced to do what feels uncomfortable.
Wu wei
Wu wei means ‘going along with’ and refers to the process of moving in
accord. Water is a good example of wu wei in nature, as it remains soft and
yielding irrespective of any obstacles encountered.
Unseen
It is common for tai chi people to dress plainly and seem completely
unremarkable; to fade into the background. By remaining anonymous, the
tai chi person does not attract attention.
This is essential in our unpredictable, uncertain and occasionally violent
culture.
High level tai chi looks like nothing special, the powerful moves are folded
within and the exponent does not attract attention; they are nobody.
Accord in combat
Finding accord during martial practice is quite demanding because it
requires a high degree of physical sensitivity.
Rather than impede incoming force, a student joins with the opponent and
sticks to them.
This stickiness is a skill in its own right, as it requires the ability to
adjust your body in response to tension and movement from the opponent. At
no point in tai chi should force meet force.
If force is imposed upon a student, they must yield.
Freedom
Imagine not having a mortgage, a job, or responsibilities of any kind?
Consider the freedom of wind and water.
Contemporary Taoism does not offer this degree of freedom, but it does
encourage students to consider their relationship with the world and put it
in perspective.
Comparison?
Students of Tao and tai chi do not compare themselves to other people.
Nobody is better or worse, because everyone is different.
Security
People seek security in an ever-changing world. Material goods like houses,
cars, mobile phones may be necessary in today’s society but these things
cannot offer security.
By embracing change and moving with things, a student becomes more at ease
with their life.
Possessions
We do not really own anything, nor can we. People invest so much time and
money buying, protecting and insuring possessions.
In our desperate drive to possess we find ourselves possessed; our passions
are turned against us. It may be necessary to own things and to have a job;
but these have only a limited purpose.
It is important to let go of things. One day we must let go of our own life,
for we cannot even keep possession of that.
The range of awareness and efficiency of the Taoist adept is
unnoticeable, imperceptible to others,
because their critical moments take place before ordinary intelligence has
mapped out a description of the situation.
One of the purposes of Taoist literature is to help to develop this special
sensitivity and responsiveness to handle living situations.
(Thomas Cleary)
Jade
Taoist often wear a
jade pendant worn with red string.
Jade is a stone; a reminder of the earth. It is not symbolic nor
representational.
This was adopted by Buddhists many centuries later
during the process of inculturating many Chinese customs and traditions.
Taoists never regarded jade as being valuable or otherwise significant.
Modern representations...
If a modern person dresses in special robes and calls themselves a Taoist,
they may well believe this. But it has little to do with the traditions of
the ancients.
Over many, many centuries, Taoism was mashed together with ancestor worship,
Confucianism, Buddhism and superstition.
It was polluted.
Authentic
Rather than embrace a watered-down misrepresentation of Taoism, it is better
to read the original books. Seek what the Ancients sought... That is Taoism.
Self-reliant
A Taoist does not want to be waited-on or served. Doing so-called 'menial
tasks' is good work; wholesome and meaningful - with a clear purpose.
Manual chores are also excellent tools for promoting a condition of
meditation.
Why would you want to have somebody else wait on you? Does it make you feel
important? Are you insecure? What do you lack?
Do it yourself
When somebody waits on you, they render you weak, like a child. A Taoist is
integrated - they do not need pampering - and loathe the idea of being
served. They live close to the earth, to the real.
Rustic
There is something earthy, natural and rustic about Taoism. It is
unpretentious, wholesome and simple.
I like reality. It tastes of bread.
(Jean Aouilh)
The Science of the Essence
A Taoist seeks to interact with life by dealing with what is. Rather
than speculate, argue or have opinions - they observe, blend, stay back and
move seamlessly.
There is less struggle, less stress, fewer
worries. Life is taken in its stride.
Page created
18 March 1996
Last updated
04 May 2023
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