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The Virtual Dojo
The use of and the order of the words 'The question: "What
is Taichido?"' has been asked many times, most frequently
by Webmaster Mark and myself! Of the few appraisals that
Mark's has offered, the one that I can agree with the
most is that it is "just a snappy title for a website"!
Neither one of us have ever claimed that 'Tai Chi' and
'Do' together endows us with any authority, and they were
in fact chosen specifically to avoid the addition of any
inference.
I personally have certain 'anthems' that I run over and
over throughout the pages of the site and the first of
these: "Tai Chi with nothing added and nothing taken away"
was the theme of my first article (Direct
Experience) for the site way back in '98/9. For me
this is still my best answer to the question "what is
Taichido", notwithstanding the fact that it was made before
such a thing existed.
Taichido.com has in many ways become a 'virtual dojo',
a huge site for the instruction and intellectual presentation
of tai chi - and the successful and demonstrable innovation,
nurturing, growth and world-wide participation in this
'product' of the now non-existent "Southampton City Dojo"
[the original name for the Taichido site, referring to
the physical dojo of the same name, now sadly disbanded
- ed] reinforces the axioms that "Tai Chi is where you
are, not where I am" and "There is Harmony Within Diversity".
The last of those statements comes not from myself but
the learned Reverend Professor Kemmyo Taira Sato the London
of Shogyoji Trust (Three Wheels). Whilst it is so that
his original statement does not refer directly (or at
all) to Tai Chi, the concept is the same and just a summary
of fundamentals. . Sazo, the first Zen patriarch begins
the sutra: "On
Faith in the Heart" - "The Great Way simply
avoids picking and choosing".
The results of Mark's hard work on a new look
site was launched just a day or two prior the arrival
of this the Third Newsletter. The need for this rebuild
is another just another indicator that www.taichido most
certainly has grown!
Friends in Budo
In my own mind I do like to imagine that you, the voluntary
subscribers to this newsletter are either 'friends in
Budo' (ALL 'true' Martial Art) or the Sangha/Community
of the Buddha [or simply friends, by virtue of taking
the time to read this newsletter or visit the website
- ed], however I seek no confirmation of any facts and
desire no more from you than your continued participation
in this excercise in free and open communication (Taichido.com)-
and what you call yourself is up to you! It makes no difference
to me and we (Mark, the Group [the dozen or so that physicaly
meet here once a week] and I shall continue reach out
to you - so... congratulations! You are now an honorary
member of a club that 1) chooses to not choose and 2)
is not here, but in 'cyberspace'!
Invitation
I shall conclude this first part of our 3rd newsletter
by silencing myself in stages; but first can I again invite
you 'enthusiasts' (crude 'coverall' see above) to help
make this imaginary circle more complete (how Tai Chi
can you be!?) and suggest that the next time you sat at
your screen and happen to think …taichido … don't think
again! Knock of an E-mail ' and share with me your own
anecdote or story. All correspondence will be treated
with proper respect and courtesy and all responses will
remain personal and completely confidential for as long
as necessary.
So this third stage, of this third newsletter,
during this third moon of the year enters the stage when
I at last become silent and I now pass on a contribution
that came about as result of an E-mail correspondence
with a visitor [to the website - ed] who showed a willingness
to communicate freely in the manner as suggested in this
newsletter. He left me with the precious gift of a 'good'
idea or ideal and I admire all motivation in 'that' direction:
Toward a Wisdom-Based Life By Teza
(Singapore)
Knowledge is the buzzword of the 21st century. But
I have a vision toward a Wisdom-Based Life (WBL). Knowledge
only explains know-how but the wisdom will penetrate to
the core of the situation and respond skillfully to ever-changing
situations in life.
Let me share with you, one of my favorite stories about
three bricklayers, which will illustrate the importance
of wisdom in conducting one's personal as well as economic
life.
The Story
One day under the hot sun, a man was walking along a road
and came across three bricklayers who were laying bricks
in a construction site. The man approached the first bricklayer
who looks very tired and unhappy.
"What are you doing?" he asked. He replied, 'I am laying
bricks. I have been doing this monotonous job for many
years. I do not like this job but I have to earn a living
to support my wife and children. There is nothing but
struggling in life.'
Then, the man asked the same question to the second
bricklayer who looked efficient and serious at his work.
'What are you doing?' he asked. The second bricklayer
replied, 'I am building a house. I have a duty to perform
and strive to excel in my job. I am glad that I can contribute
to society in some way'.
Finally, the man posed the same question to the third
bricklayer who looked very joyful and energetic, singing
a song while laying bricks despite working under the hot
blazing sun.
'What are you doing?' he enquired. The third bricklayer
replied with a big smile, 'I am building a beautiful palace.
I am very proud to be part of this team, building this
palace, making things happen and benefiting people. Every
time I think about my role in it, the joyful energy rises
from my heart'.
Commentary
Many inspirational authors and management consultants
have used this beautiful story to illustrate the different
aspects and approaches to life. I would like to use this
same story to highlight the importance of cultivating
and using wisdom in one's life and livelihood.
The differences in understanding, vision and attitude
toward their life result in the various level of satisfaction
derived from their work even though three persons work
under the same circumstances.
Wisdom
The wisdom lies in seeing or understanding things as they
are rather than, as they appear to be.
The situation, people and things that we encounter in
our life are neither good nor bad and they are empty of
inherent goodness and badness from their own side. When
perceived as good, they are good. Perceived as bad, they
are bad. With a clear mind, free from bias and preferences,
the skillful action or transformation is possible.
Vision
Wisdom reveals the hidden potential of all things, people
and situation. One will see what is as well as what is
possible and live one's life accordingly with no confusion,
channeling all energy toward that potential. This is the
vision that arises from wise reflection of thing as they
are.
Having this vision will help one to progress in the new
direction, to take and do things, whatever they are, in
our stride.
Attitude
Wisdom will also cut the narrow view of 'self' and point
to see and understand the bigger picture of things: the
interconnection of oneself with others, nature and universe.
The awareness of the ripple effect of one's little action
on everything around us will foster the motivation to
cultivate goodness not only for oneself but also for others
as well. One will appreciate whatever little things one
can contribute to the world and that mental state will
bring joy and meaning into one's life.
With wisdom, vision and a flexible mind and attitude,
we will be able to create a better environment and future
for all and live a meaningful and joyful life whatever
the circumstances and however things may change around
us, just like the third bricklayer in the above story.
Now, there is only one question left to ask. What
are you doing? Tell me.
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