The BS of Tai Chi -- That's Right - Bull Droppings

I sometimes talk about things that other Tai Chi people don't talk about publicly. But that's my nature. :)

I love Tai Chi. I love Taoist philosophy.

But in every human endeavor, someone wants you to think they're better than you. In religion, they want you to think they're holier than thou. In martial arts -- tougher than you.

Human beings can't help it. That's their nature.

And somewhere along the line, some Tai Chi people -- often those who wouldn't know the first thing of using it as a martial art -- want you to think they are Taoist priests and are much more One with the Universe than you.

In my library is a book called The Tai Chi Journey, by John Lash. An alleged Taoist, John writes, "The Tai Chi person who has reached Oneness has no need for show. In fact, it is just the opposite. The Tai Chi person disappears as he blends into the background that is the Tao."

Hmmmm.

I wonder why John needs a website, then:

http://www.tai-chi.ch/english/e_biografie.html

In fact, if you look around, there aren't any Tai Chi masters who are apparently real Tai Chi people. They all have websites these days. And DVDs. And love being in magazines.

Yes. They love the publicity. And they love the money they make -- some of them make millions.

Tai Chi is a martial art created by a Taoist. You don't have to be a Taoist to be good at it any more than you have to be a Christian to be a good boxer. You can be a Tai Chi person and also a Baptist.

John also quotes the Tao Te Ching: "Those who talk do not know. Those who know do not talk."

His book runs 144 pages.

I'm just sayin.'

Comments

[Jim Criscimagna]

Very interesting post, Ken. I know several people that are Taoists, even a person who is a Taoist priest. Like any religion, I am not a believer or follower. Not that I don't appreciate spiritualism, I do. I just wonder about those that claim to be Taoist, yet seek to earn a living teaching Taoism, as that seems to be not in the teachings. But since I am no expert I try to not judge anyone too harshly, as everyone is entitled to make a living.

But I do have a beef when business is more important than the teachings, whether it be Taoism or Taiji. I had a CMA teacher long ago that always said, when money comes into the martial art, the art becomes less important as does the quality of the teaching, and the money is what drives the business. That is seen in styles of Karate, not just the CMA. That is bothersome for me and something I object to a lot. Just saying.

[Douglas]

Somtimes one needs to talk, and sometimes one needs to listen. Sometimes one also needs to hear.
Just sayin...
Oh yeah! Sometimes one needs to laugh.

[Ken]

You're right. To everything there is a season. There's a time to be born, a time to die. A time to listen, and a time to throw roundhouse kicks. :)

[marcas de gafas de sol]

La gente es estupenda consejos! Estoy totalmente de acuerdo con usted.

[marcas de gafas de sol]

Tienes razón.