| Feature Article
The
Tao of Tai Chi
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Taoism (not to be confused with Taoist religion) is an ancient Chinese system of living in
harmony with one's nature. For more than 2,600 years, Taoists have been researching ways
to live a more fulfilled and enlightened existence. To achieve this, they practise many
forms of Taoist yoga or health arts. Their root practices are concerned with the
cultivation and conservation of chi or essential energy. They've learnt to express their
philosophies and principles in painting, gardening, martial arts, chess, music, medicine
and many other activities.
 Tai Chi is an art very much steeped in the ancient
Taoist culture. Although seen today primarily as a health art, its philosophy goes much
further - teaching people the way to harmonious living. Learning Tai Chi is understanding
what is natural. Nature is constantly changing from the heat of summer to the coldness of
winter. All is seen as part of the whole. In Tai Chi, we talk about this in terms of the
interplay of Yin and Yang. This is evident in the movements. Students also experience
highs and lows in learning the art. All these facets of experience help us to develop a
more wholistic understanding of ourselves and others. This will gradually enable us to go
with the flow, instead of creating tension by resisting change and adversity.
Quietness is another valued quality of Taoism and Tai Chi.
Learning to stay calm and centred, finding contentment within instead of giving in to the
restless chatter, is important in the cultivation of our training. Only by quieting the
raging torrent of thoughts, can we begin to experience the naturalness and intrinsic
calmness of the mind. "The recluse's heart is a placid lake, unruffled by the winds
of circumstance," an old Taoist saying.
Another important concept of Taoism is Wu Wei - one's actions being in harmony with
nature's laws. This is different from not taking any action at all. Forcing things to fit
or going against the grain is an unskilful way of getting things done. Learning to be
flexible like water instead of rigid like stone enables one to endure and negotiate life's
difficulties. A skilled surfboard rider becomes one with the wave. One who can get things
done without anxiety and fear learns to swim with the current and to act spontaneously and
appropriately. As John Blofeld in "Taoism" writes, "A modern analogy that
pleases me is that of a skilful driver; such a man never fails to do with brake and clutch
exactly what should be done, but always in response to immediate need, never with
calculation or any tendency to keep the action in mind when the need for it has
passed." (London : Unwin, 1979, p.10) To understand Wu Wei is to practise letting go
the ego and its calculated thinking.
Learning Tai Chi is to gradually become acquainted with this delightful philosophy of
life, one that reveres nature and strives to bring about harmonious interactions. While
respecting the need for right effort, it attempts to free one from anxiety and strain. It
helps one to rediscover one's spirit in everything one does, no matter how insignificant
the act.
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