Why bother reading? | ||
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Steal my art
In addition to daily meditation, Sifu Waller has committed to a
daily reading regime since 1985. He considers constructive
reading to be an
essential component. Why?
Concept
Tai chi is unlike other
martial arts because it is
based on a principle/concept.
It is rooted in Taoism and utilise the
teachings of The Way and its Power, The Book of Changes,
The Way of Chuang Tzu,
The Tai Chi Classics and The Art of War.
Only by reading these books frequently
and comprehensively can we grasp the meaning of the teachings.
And the meaning will alter as we grow and change.
What your body remembers is
what is important for you at this particular stage of development.
What your mind forgets, your body is telling you it couldn't use anyhow at
this time.
(Tsuchihashi)
Try harder?
In the book The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking
the authors explain that
a common theme in conventional learning is to tackle difficulty/hardship by
trying harder. This seems reasonable.
However, the authors illustrate that it is flawed. Success is typically not
achieved through force or
determination, but by doing something different...
Eyes closed?
The authors of The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking explain how
good tennis players watch the ball intently; in fact much more
skilfully and
mindfully than an amateur.
Imagine trying to extrapolate where the ball is going to be and then seeking
to hit it with your eyes closed?
Then try again. This time watching the ball and eyes open...
In tennis terms, not watching the ball earnestly is akin to playing the game
with your eyes closed.
There is a major difference between playing tennis without watching the
ball - essentially guessing where it is going to be - and watching it fully.
Know more
5 Elements of Effective Thinking examines how knowing more about a
subject may sound like more work but will actually
make the job easier in the
long run.
This is akin to the 'mental representation'
idea discussed in the book Peak. Knowledge and experience provide
context, and
context helps things to make sense to you.
Therefore, an understanding of Taoism,
The Tai Chi Classics etc provide the
context for the practice of the
art. Rather than training with your eyes closed,
you can grasp the significance of the teaching.
Expand your
horizons
Sifu Waller reads chapters and
excerpts from 6-7 books every day:
These are always in his reading pile:
Commentaries on Living Volumes 1, 2 & 3 by Krishnamurti
The New Lao Tzu by Ray Grigg or The Tao of Being by Ray Grigg
The Way of Chuang Tzu by Thomas Merton or Chuang Tzu in a Nutshell by Robert Van De Weyer
Frequently read:
The Art of War (Penguin Classics) by Sun Tzu (Minford version)
The Art of War by Sun Tzu (Cleary version)
Back to Beginnings by Huanchu Daoren
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
The Essence of Tai Chi Chuan - The Literary Tradition by Lo et al
Every year:
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking by Edward B. Burger & Michael Starbird
Peak by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool
Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
Occasionally:
Effortless Combat Throws by Tim Cartmell
The Little Zen Companion by David Schiller
Moving Zen by C W Nicol
Sword and Brush by Dave Lowry
The Sword Polisher's Record by Adam Hsu
Tai Chi Theory & Martial Power by Yang Jwing-Ming
Wabi-Sabi: For Artists, Designers, Poets and Philosophers by Leonard Koren
Wabi-Sabi: Further Thoughts by Leonard Koren
In addition to these books, Sifu Waller's
daily reading pile
contains a wide variety of books on
meditation, Taoism, Zen,
tai chi,
qigong,
martial arts, yoga, business management, pop psychology,
motivational, self defence, martial, Asian
culture (and folklore) and anatomical subjects.
Is reading mandatory?
Nobody can make you train between classes or
commit to reading between classes. What you do is up to
you. Our point is simply that constructive
reading will enrich and
deepen your training.
The surrounding context gives meaning
to the otherwise meaningless, discrete words... If you want
to learn a subject, instead of
memorising rules and facts, concentrate on truly understanding the fundamentals
deeply. If you want to think of new ideas, don't sit and wait for inspiration.
Instead, apply strategies of transformative thinking such as making mistakes,
asking questions, and following the flow of ideas.
(Edward B. Burger & Michael Starbird)
Imagine..
Just imagine doing your tai chi form with
no idea what the movements are for
or why you are doing them
this way... This is how
most people on the
planet practice tai chi.
As if they had their eyes closed... How
likely is the training to be accurate? How
many misconceptions will exist?
Beyond theory
The world is filled with tai chi practitioners who can
quote a lot of theory but lack concrete
skill. This is true with yoga and most martial arts. Reading must be
supported by proof.
Words are not enough
Reading will not furnish you with
health, balance and
coordination,
technical skill,
emotional balance,
relaxation, ease.
It won't help you to be well-coordinated,
mobile and comfortable.
It will not teach whole-body movement
and martial sensibilities, but it will
provide you with a sense of how these things work and why they are
significant.
Biomechanics, shen, martial
applications, whole-body strength,
whole-body movement, whole-body
power,
natural-feeling body use all require
theory and practice to be in balance.
A balanced approach
Working the brain is the real key to
success in tai chi.
A strong, pliable, flexible, adaptive
brain is required for learning this
art.
Couple this with a straightforward, achievable daily
physical routine and you have a balanced tai chi workout...
Page created
18 April 1995
Last updated
16 June 2023
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