About Taoism
About Taoism
What is Taoism?
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion... My religion is very simple, my religion is kindness"
The Dalai Lama
Taoism is usually translated as "the way" or "the way of nature" and is an ancient Chinese philosophy. Tai Chi and Chi Kung, as well as both Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture were all born out of ancient Taoist beliefs and principles. Understanding certain principles of Taoism in my opinion is crucial to a complete understanding of Tai Chi.
Taoists do not pray as Christians or Muslims do. It is not a religion as we think of it in the West, more of a philosophy for life. There are no rules to be followed, no God to be worshipped and no divine punishments for bad behaviour. Taoism celebrates the individuality of all things and the power of nature. Such phrases as a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step" and "the soft will overcome the strong" are both from Taoism.
The early Taoists were ancient scientists. They carefully observed the nature of the things around them and realised that to flow with the rules of the universe will make for an easier, more peaceful, fulfilling existence.
Taoism is an extremely complicated subject and there is far too much information to be covered in depth here. Tai Chi students are encouraged to research the subject further. A few of the most important points and principles that I feel are most relevant for beginning students are however listed below.
'Chi' or 'Universal Biological Energy'
Taoists believe in a universal life energy known in English as "Chi" which flows through all living things. This is a similar concept to what the Japanese call 'Ki' and what Yoga students called 'Prana'. Prana translates as 'breath' in Sanskrit and in Chinese thought breath and universal energy are also linked. Chi plays a major role in other related practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. This ancient belief is now being confirmed by modern science. Biological, electrical energy has now been shown to exist in the human body.
Understanding about energy is a key principle in Tai Chi. Chi energy is said to flow through the human body in channels called meridians. Each Tai Chi and Chi Kung posture is designed to open and stretch these different channels, manipulating the energy flowing through you and benefiting your health.
The Tai Chi symbol (Yin and Yang)
An understanding of the 'Yin' and 'Yang' theory is also crucial to a deep understanding of Tai Chi. The Tai Chi symbol symbol consists of 'Yin' or feminine, negative energy (the black parts) and Yang (the white parts) which represent masculine or positive energy. Taoists recognise that adifferent combination of these opposite forces makes up everything in the universe. They understand that without a "down" there can be no concept of "up". The two terms mean nothing unless the other exists, as it's opposite. Without light how can we understand darkness? Without day how could night exist?
The Tai Chi symbol also shows a tiny dot of Yang in the centre of the Yin part and a tiny dot of Yin in the Yang part. This represents that nothing can be entirely Yin or entirely Yang. If a cloud is 'up' and we fly above them then surely they are 'down' also? In the blackest of night there is a hint of moon and starlight and in the hottest day there is still always shadows and darkness.
The other thing to realise about the Tai Chi symbol is that it is constantly revolving. If you trace a finger around the outside you can see that Yin is slowly turning into Yang and then when it is at it's fullest it will then return back to Yin. Everything in the universe is constantly changing between these two forces. The usual analogy for this is to take the example of water. Water at extreme high temperatures, as we all know is hot and will cause a burning sensation. When water is extremely cold it turns to ice and when you touch ice you will also feel a burning sensation.
With this principle in mind you can come to realise that no one person or thing can ever be entirely masculine, boring, jealous, evil, clever, kind or angry. You are limiting yourself by thinking of people in terms of 'always' being this or 'never' being that. Learn to understand that in any given moment we are all capable of being any and all of these things. Realise also that these things are just a tiny part of who and what we are and that they are gone in a fleeting moment.
You can also remember to ask yourself the question "compared to who or what?" when you are describing things in this way. Terms such as tall, stupid, angry, poor, ill or tired are always relative. If for example you feel that you are a slow learner, rest assured that there will always be someone slower who will think you pick things up quickly (and of course some people will probably think of you as slow!).
This Yin/Yang theory is again backed up by modern scientific evidence. Everything in the known universe is made up of atoms and inside every atom there are Electrons (negative energy) and Protons (positive energy).
In the Tai Chi form you first create a Yin posture (closing, yielding or moving inwards or backwards) and then you flow into a yang movement (opening, pushing or moving forwards or outwards). Understand that in practice a so called 'Yang' posture such as 'Push' must still always have a Yin quality. An experienced student will push but also remain sensitive and receptive to what theiropponent is doing.
Constant Change and Flexibility
Taoists also recognise that change is the only constant in the universe. Everything in nature is temporary; everything has a beginning and everything must have an end. All living things live, grow, change and eventually die. Other things around us such as mountains are slowly crumbling into dust and our sun will one day burn itself out and cease to exist. Trying to cling on to the past or to anything in life is futile, time moves on and nothing can or will ever stay the same. This theory not only applies to physical things but to everything in life. Seasons of the year, relationships, emotions and even pain all change and pass in time.
Being willing to change and adapt is crucial to good Tai Chi. The usual analogy is that of a willow tree which is young and flexible bending in a strong wind while a huge, strong oak falls over. Being supple is a part of remaining young and healthy. The word 'stiff' is even a slang term for a dead body. This flexibility is not only a physical thing but also applies to whatever life throws at us. Becoming stubborn and set in your ways is just another way of becoming stiff. When we practice the two-person Tai Chi exercise of 'pushing hands', our aim is to allow our opponent to move in whichever way they choose. If we can stick to them and be willing to change and follow their movements we will always be successful. We only get pushed over when we fail in our attempt to follow and stick or when we have tried to initiate a movement of our own.
Respecting Individuality
Taoists also recognise the individuality of everything in our universe. In nature no two things are ever identical no matter how alike. Leaves on a tree, snowflakes, even identical twins are just similar. Learn to remember that no two days, situations or relationships are ever exactly the same either.
Through Taoism you learn that everyone has his or her own individual destiny. If you practice making your mind quiet, you can listen to your inner voice and realise your own individual path. Generally you will know what you are 'supposed' to be doing or what choices to make. Remember that what is important to you will not necessarily be important to others. A Taoist learns to never enforce their ways upon others or to offer advice to others as if the problem were theirs.
Circles and Spirals
Recognising the circular nature of things is another crucial principle of Taoism. There are no straight lines in nature only curves, waves, circles and spirals. Life cycles, DNA spirals, sound and light waves to name but a few.
The Tai Chi form is also full of circles, rotations, waves and spirals, emulating the nature of all things. Understanding that there are no straight lines anywhere in the Tai Chi form will greatly improve any student's practice and an understanding of spiralling through your limbs and body is also crucial to good practice.
Counting Your Blessings
Everyone has heard the phrase "counting your blessings" but what does it actually mean? What would happen if you really did think about and count all the amazing things in your life? Maybe the answer to your problems is as simple as to stop once in a while and to remember to be grateful for what you have already and to not stress yourself with what you do not have. If you continuallyjudge things and set high standards and expectations for how you think people and the world 'should be', won't life always disappoint you?
Remembering to take moments from your busy life to stop, smile gently and to count your blessings daily is crucial to your health and happiness. Feeling grateful for your healthy mind and body, for your loved ones, for all the amazing experiences you have had and will continue to have. Remember to be grateful for the food and water that you have to sustain you and for the roof over your head that keeps you warm, safe and dry.
This daily reflection is usually known as "meditation" or by some as prayer and this is perhaps the most important purpose for practicing Tai Chi. The ancient Samurai warriors of Japan were known to meditate daily on all the gory ways they could die. This sounds morbid but it is in fact a useful way of remembering just how much worse things could actually be.
Believing that everything in life is a blessing is another core principal. Taoists believe that everything in life happens for a good reason and that there is always something positive to learn from all of life's experiences.
If you feel pain in your ankle is this not a good thing? Does it not remind you to be gentle and prevent any further damage occurring? Pain teaches you about moving mindfully and can help you turn your attention inwards and gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of your ankle. Maybe it was time for you to slow down a bit and to learn how to use your ankle in a more relaxed and careful way all of the time.
You can also see "people who push your buttons" as a chance to learn more about your psyche. Why do you allow people to "make you" feel a certain way? Above all you can learn to look for the positive lessons to be gained from any situation and to learn and grow from every experience. Looking for the positive spin and accepting that there are wise lessons to be learnt from everything is very useful in Tai Chi practice and is also crucial to your happiness.
A Journey of a Thousand Miles Starts with Just One Step
Being patient is perhaps one of the most important things in life to learn and is another key principle of Taoism. Through meditation you learn to live more fully in the present, to appreciate each and every moment in life and to truly live life to the full. Always rushing towards the next thing will always end up being disappointing and wishing away the hours at a boring job is certainly not going to make you happy. Instead learn to stop and look for the positive things that you can achieve with your time. Practice your relaxation techniques, your 'Inner Smile Mediation' or your deep breathing whilst waiting, sitting, driving or even whilst listening to someone. (They will probably not even realise.)
Through focusing on the present you also learn how to leave the past behind. Everything that has happened to you has made you the person that you are today. Maybe your parents being 'too hard' on you is what made you so strong and independent. Maybe being 'poor' has made you appreciate being rich. Maybe everything that happens to you happens for a reason; perhaps because it puts you in the just the right place to discover what is important for you and your life.
Mea Culpa (Latin for 'it is my fault')
Through the study of Taoism you learn to take full responsibility for all that happens to you in life and you also learn that you are fully in control of your own destiny.
Taoism recognises that you cannot really control anything except for what is in your own mind and body. Any attempt to try to control anything will usually end in failure and frustration. Through Tai Chi you learn that the only thing you can change is how you choose to feel about things.
A problem is only a problem if you choose to perceive it that way. Learn to take responsibility not just for how you think but also for how you feel.
If for example when you meet someone and you do not warm to him or her you normally do not give that person your full attention. You will not have an open, welcoming attitude towards him or her either. People are generally more sensitive than you realise and on some level everyone notices this kind of behaviour. If that person later describes you as arrogant, disinterested or rude, who is responsible for this? As the saying goes 'the truth always hurts'. Taking full responsibility means accepting that you were all of those things.
By learning how to be more patient and pay more attention when you listen to people, you will find that not only does it make the person talking happy to be listened to, but also that you feel better about yourself for listening well. If you find a conversation is boring you, then it is your responsibility to steer the conversation around to something you are both interested in. Everyone has interesting stories to tell you and it is your responsibility to learn to ask the right questions. As my mum often told me, "only boring people are bored".
Through Taoism you also learn to avoid blaming other people and things for how you feel or for that which happens to you. It is easy to blame the morning for making you feel tired or the lack of coffee but is it not your fault for going to bed late? Did the bus make you late or was it your fault for not catching the earlier bus? Was that joke a bit in poor taste or did you lose your sense of humour?
Your Inner Voice
Although there are no rules in Taoism, students are encouraged to listen to their inner voice to tell them right from wrong. Students begin to realise that decisions based on fear 'feel' like the wrong decision. Taoism believes that all negative behaviour is born from fear and that people are compassionate by nature.
They also believe that most (if not all) actions start from a positive intention. Often other people will misinterpret these actions. Was that person really being spiteful to you or were they just trying to be funny so others would like them more? Through Taoism you learn to look for the true positive intentions in other people's actions.
Through Tai Chi practice you learn to recognise that everyone has moments of fear and that these will often lead to subsequent bad behaviour. Feelings such as boredom, depression, anger and jealousy are all related to fear in some way when you break them down, and all can lead to negative behaviour patterns both in you and in others.
Behaving kindly towards others not only encourages others to behave kindly to you but also makes you feel proud of yourself. By always striving to be courageous and virtuous in your life, by always speaking out against wrongs you will discover that these things benefit the way you feel about yourself and are in fact crucial to your own health and happiness.
In the simplest terms when you smile you change your whole world.