| Feature Article How
does Softness Overcome Hardness?
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Students are often fascinated and puzzled by the concept of softness overcoming hardness.
The famous Taoist philosopher, Lao Tzu, says, "the softest thing in the world can
overcome the hardest."
Chinese martial arts have been evolving for thousands of years. During this period, two
main schools have emerged. One is the Wei Jia or external style, predominately developed
through the Shaolin Buddhist School. The other is Nei Jia or internal style, which has
been greatly influenced by the Taoist masters.
The external school focuses more on strength,
speed and endurance. The practitioners of this school are usually muscular and powerful
looking.
The internal school, on the other hand, focuses on slow, relaxed, natural movements. It
emphasises the cultivation of chi, that is, building internal strength.
Practitioners of the external arts tend to develop power that is obvious to the observer.
They focus more on attack rather than defence, whereas the internal schools develop
neutralising and hidden power.
The question that most people ask when
comparing the two is: "How can
seemingly effortless, relaxed movements generate
any power at all?"
Tai Chi legend Fu Zhong Wen (1903-1994), fourth
generation of the Yang family Tai Chi, said that Tai Chi strength or jin is cultivated
through relaxation, not hard force. The development of this type of strength comes from
continuous and correct practice of the Tai Chi form. Mindfulness, slowness, smoothness and
continuity in daily practice are the keys. Fu Zhong Wen often described this power as
being "like a reed in the lake being blown by the autumn wind. Being flexible,
elastic and strong, the reed bends with the wind, without breaking. This jin, is also like
the ocean waves, one following another. Although the water is very soft, yet its force is
very powerful. Once you have experienced jin, your practice will become more refined and
spirited."
The Tai Chi classics state: "use the mind not hard force"; "four ounces can
neutralise a thousand pounds". There is a story that illustrates the above
principles, involving Yang Chien Hou (1839-1917), second generation of the Yang family.
One day, a famous master of the pole challenged Yang Chien Hou. Yang agreed, but he
insisted on arming himself only with a feather duster. Due to his ability to yield and
follow, he was able to neutralise the attacker's force. The pole master became very
frustrated; every blow struck dissolved into nothingness. He eventually bowed and admitted
defeat.
The Yang family masters were known throughout China for their skill of overcoming the hard
with the soft. It is understandable that people find this level of skill difficult to
comprehend, especially nowadays, when most people often settle for a basic understanding
of things. They fail to see that deepening their knowledge of one subject gives them
insight into many areas of life. The training of Tai Chi is not just for the physical
body, but also for the mind and spirit.
Fu Zhong Wen often said that "Tai Chi reflects life. Tai Chi is a marriage of
quietness and activity. The art of Tai Chi requires constant motion, but the source of
movement is in the deep spring of quietness. It is through the practice of experiencing
serenity within movement that one is able to maintain good health, ward off disease and
develop a happy disposition." Take heed of Fu Zhong Wen's words of wisdom and reap
the many benefits of Tai Chi!
.TOP |
