How to square that circle? With taiji a seminal source is the Tao De Jing:
Chapter 5
"Heaven and Earth are not kind
The ten thousand things are like straw dogs to them.
The sages are not kind
People are like straw dogs to them.
Yet heaven and earth and all the spaces inbetween
Are like bellows, empty yet inexhaustable
Always producing more."
(transl by Addiss. 1993)
These ideas were later refined by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba:
Art of Peace # 22
"The penetrating brilliance of swords
Wielded by followers of the Way
Strikes at the evil enemy
Lurking deep within
Their own souls and bodies"
(excerpted by W. McLuskie from The Art of Peace a collection of quotes by M. Ueshiba transl. by J. Stevens)
To be guided by the Tao, the Heart must be calm. To calm the Heart, the emotions must be still. To still the emotions, the body must be relaxed.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
5 Animal Play: About the Tiger
The Five Animals Qigong (wuqinxi) is based on the Five Phase theory which is also a foundational theory for Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The Five Phases describe the cyclical tranformations of Yin and Yang using the icons of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The Tiger corresponds to the Wood phase which is maybe best summarized by it's association with Spring.
In the Spring plants like bamboo emerge from the ground. Described as delicate, their growth is rapid and insistent. In a similar manner the movements of the Tiger are soft but with strength.
The Wood Phase is also associated in TCM with the Liver Organ Network, which is in charge of ensuring a smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. To anchor this network, one of its meridians connects to the deepest levels of the body. This anchor counterbalances the rising nature of the Wood Phase. This network 'opens to the eyes governs the tendons and manifests in the nails'.
So the movements of the Tiger reflect these qualities of smooth, uninhibited movements that rise out of a solid root, travel through the tendons and extend to the nails and eyes.
The movement of Qi internally also generates emotions. Frustration is experienced when the Qi is blocked while anger shows up when stagnant Qi overheats and rushes upwards. On the other hand a lack of Qi in this network will show up as timidity. But when acting in a balanced manner, assertiveness and motivation are expressed in a positive and constructive manner.
So the movements of the Tiger reflects all of these qualities. And when practiced, support and harmonize all of the physical and mental aspects connected with the Wood Phase.
The Five Phases describe the cyclical tranformations of Yin and Yang using the icons of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The Tiger corresponds to the Wood phase which is maybe best summarized by it's association with Spring.
In the Spring plants like bamboo emerge from the ground. Described as delicate, their growth is rapid and insistent. In a similar manner the movements of the Tiger are soft but with strength.
The Wood Phase is also associated in TCM with the Liver Organ Network, which is in charge of ensuring a smooth flow of Qi throughout the body. To anchor this network, one of its meridians connects to the deepest levels of the body. This anchor counterbalances the rising nature of the Wood Phase. This network 'opens to the eyes governs the tendons and manifests in the nails'.
So the movements of the Tiger reflect these qualities of smooth, uninhibited movements that rise out of a solid root, travel through the tendons and extend to the nails and eyes.
The movement of Qi internally also generates emotions. Frustration is experienced when the Qi is blocked while anger shows up when stagnant Qi overheats and rushes upwards. On the other hand a lack of Qi in this network will show up as timidity. But when acting in a balanced manner, assertiveness and motivation are expressed in a positive and constructive manner.
So the movements of the Tiger reflects all of these qualities. And when practiced, support and harmonize all of the physical and mental aspects connected with the Wood Phase.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
History and the New Year
North American culture is based on erasing history. From colonization of the continent to the modern methods of building suburbs, we try to clear away what was there. This mindset colours everything.
Chinese culture has a different relationship with history and traditions. So to practice qigong or taiji is understood to tap into something that extends beyond any one individual. So the new year is not a blank slate any more than the start of a qigong practice is.
Both are the continuation of a conversation that is ongoing.
Chinese culture has a different relationship with history and traditions. So to practice qigong or taiji is understood to tap into something that extends beyond any one individual. So the new year is not a blank slate any more than the start of a qigong practice is.
Both are the continuation of a conversation that is ongoing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
