| Feature Article
Training for Life
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
A group of twenty-nine Tai Chi students and family
members joined me on a trip to Shanghai, Wudang Shan (Mountain), Xian,
Hua Shan, Luoyang, Shaolin Temple and Beijing. Everyone agreed that the
atmosphere on Wudang Shan, the birthplace of Tai Chi and the abode of
Taoism, is special. As Richard stated,
“Wudang Shan is magic. I had seen the depictions of Chinese scenery of
high, steep sided mountains with temples impossibly clinging to the top
and sides and thought of them as being caricatures, but it is all true.
Nan Yan Palace, clinging high up on the side of a mountain and
overlooking the steep slopes to the valley floor, was breathtaking. The
effort involved for the ancient Chinese to build these temples and
shrines must have been enormous.”
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| Nan Yan Palace, Mount Wudang |
Nick and Heidi commented,
“Scenically,
the highlights were the mountains, both Wudang Shan and Hua Shan. These
mountains are different from those of Europe, USA and New Zealand. They
are spectacular in their own right and even more so with the temples on
top – truly inspiring. The temples were calming, peaceful and located
in the most wonderful settings of parks or forests.”
Our hotel on the
mountain was adjacent to the Wudang Taoist Martial Arts Institute where
we trained with Head Coach, Master Yuan for three mornings. Before our
training each day, Master Yuan lectured on Taoist philosophy and Tai
Chi. He talked about the links of Tai Chi with medicine, philosophy and
Chinese culture. For Master Yuan, Tai Chi represents the highest level
of combining internal and external training. It is a pathway to health,
self defence and inner development. It is difficult for beginners to
understand and appreciate the depth of Tai Chi. It takes years of
practice and refinement to uncover its hidden treasures. The more one
practises, the less one realises one knows about Tai Chi. As we make progress
in our training, we notice that Tai Chi is affecting our attitude and
thinking. We become more aware of how we interact with the world around
us. We are also more relaxed about life in general. It seems strange
that movements and concentration can have such a positive affect on
one’s personality and the way one sees the world. When we practise good
posture and sinking our qi (energy) down, we are learning about
centring, grounding ourselves and connecting with our environment. This
process encourages clear thinking and develops patience. When we
experience calmness and connectedness with nature, we feel content. The
mind is no longer swarming with a never-ending stream of desires or
dissatisfactions. We accept who we are and happy to be in the present
moment. Abiding in this state of mind for whatever length of time truly
refreshes our being.
Calmness is very
much part of the nature of the mind. Unfortunately, like a mirror which
is clouded with grime and dirt, its nature is buried or forgotten, until
one makes an effort to polish the mirror. Once the mirror is cleaned,
it is much easier to maintain its true state with just a little
attention every day. Some students have commented that they feel
cleansed physically and mentally after their practice, as it rids the
body and mind of toxins. Daily practice is important to reveal the true
nature of the mind which is calmness. If not, it is difficult to make
progress. Whether one can maintain regular practice depends on one’s
determination. Those who are determined will achieve their goals.
Every aspect of Tai Chi is really a tool for our self development. The
more you practise, the more you will feel and understand.
The name of our
Chinese Internal Martial Arts Course is Wu Dao Gong (Natural Style Kung
Fu). “Wu” means developing knowledge and skill by following the correct
practice through awareness and inspiration. As we develop further, we
will come to see how Tai Chi relates to Chinese medicine, philosophy,
art, meditation and martial arts. Over time, our lives become
profoundly affected by the practice. It helps us to realise that
learning and developing are never-ending. There is great joy in this
endless journey. Tai Chi and Wu Dao Gong are tools to enable us to live
life in a way that engenders harmony, happiness and inner strength to
handle difficulties and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
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