In war, do not wage war. In fighting, do not wage fighting. Instead, wage harmonization. (Excerpt from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Ó Copyright 1986)
Carelessness Is Rust
Carelessness is rust. (Excerpt from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Ó Copyright 1986) I think the word and action of carelessness speaks on its own behalf. It’s clear that if our basic behavior in managing our daily lives is careless what the result will be. It’s not that we…
A Rock Thrown . . .
A rock thrown into a pond will be noticed instantly. Keep the mind calm… like a pond. (Excerpt from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Ó Copyright 1986)
A Calm Mind . . .
“A calm mind can be taught.” (Excerpt from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Ó Copyright 1986)
Surrender – Agree – Redirect
[Editor’s Note: This post was written by Master Jonathan Bowerman, who has been a student at the American School of Martial Arts in Burbank for over 21 years.] According to Wikipedia, the theory and practice of Tai Chi Chuan “evolved in agreement with many of the principles of Chinese philosophy including both Taoism and Confucianism.” …
You Become What You Think
“You become what you think. In training, you become what you practice … techniques without a face … simply exposing themselves through you – a human expression.” (Excerpt from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Copyright 1986) All of the techniques are before us. We can’t see them: but, they…
The Six Necessary Coordinations . . .
“The six necessary coordinations are: feet and hands upper and lower body footwork and technique eyes and mind experience and knowledge knowledge and function.” (Excerpt from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Ó Copyright 1986) Ponder these a bit. Let the meanings come to you on their own. And, keep…
Suspend The Head From Above
“Suspend the head from above. Let the body hang from the head, dangling completely aligned.” (Excerpt from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Copyright 1986) We have to reach a place in our movement where the body becomes light and nimble yet remains powerful. If we “ground” too much our…
Slowness
“In learning, follow slowness to understanding to comfort to usability.” It’s very important to train slowly. Do not rush and do not try too hard. Just relax. As you become more familiar with the moves, they will become more comfortable. Anything that is truly comfortable is usable – you will do well at any speed. …
The Way of Kung Fu
“The way of Kung Fu is taught by teachers but the essence must be comprehended by students.” (from Seeds of a Hermit, by Don Baird: All Rights Reserved – Ó Copyright 1986) Very often, the student puts the responsibility of his/her learning on the teacher’s shoulders. To a certain degree that’s how it should be. …