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Soapbox
Teacher or Instructor?
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It comes down to indulgence
vs. teaching correctly, I think. Much better the latter, because I too enjoy the
different style of teaching/learning compared to most western (esp. university)
style education.
Danya 8/12/08
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A teacher responds to a student's learning
needs.
An instructor instructs whether a student learns or not.
Holly
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A teacher is to an
instructor what education is to training:
One helps bring out that which is within, whilst the other imposes from the
outside.
Danya
Whom should you learn Tai Chi Chuan from?
Articles
A Paradigm Shift
Article from "Talkabout" magazine
A Paradigm Shift
What Is Martial Art?
The essence of art.
Art in itself is not inherently spiritual. It has the potential to express spiritual
desire. At best, it can be a reflection of spirituality. Which is not the same
as spirituality; in the same way that your reflection is not the same as you.
It may look like you (the better the reflective surface, the more faithful the
reflection) but no matter how authentic the reflection, it has none of the substance
of the real thing. In other words, martial art is part of the matter of the
earth, albeit on a subtler level than some things.
The first master of martial art is perhaps Shri Parashurama, who lived in India
about 8,000 years ago.
The original purpose of martial art was to purify and balance the grosser bodies
in the hope that the subtle system may become clear enough for Mother Kundalini
to connect us to the All Pervading Energy; the Grace of the Divine.
With the advent of Sahaja Yoga, that purpose has become redundant. A secondary
purpose was for man to not only connect with Nature, but to be in harmony with
Nature, to awaken Nature within us, to become Nature. The purpose of art is
to create beauty; in this case beauty in & of movement. On the gross level,
we have emotions, physical activity and mental activity. If done properly, kung
fu can help balance us on this mundane level. It can promote well being. And
ability to defend oneself, naturally, as a by-product.
What then is the essence of martial art?
| Balance |
-to be in perfect balance |
| Movement |
-the ability to move in harmony with the flow of chi |
| Energy |
-to be able to follow, tap into, lead and direct chi |
Addressing this essence is what distinguishes internal kung fu from
ordinary martial arts.
Soft internal kung fu is developed from Taoist cosmic principles. The
Mother gave birth to the universe. The Feminine Aspect rules the universe.
In practice; the theory, attitude, approach and techniques of soft kung
fu puts it on an equal footing to the hard variety. Water is softer than
earth but harnessed properly it can overwhelm even the hardest steel. In
fact, women have an innate physical & psychological advantage in the
study and practice of soft kung fu.
Art of the essence.
The truly artistic part of martial art occurs when we move in obedience
to the essence of the movement, which is beyond the shallowness of mere
form, i.e. substance shaping form not form before substance.
But what are the benefits?
An avenue for graceful expression. Expect to enjoy increased energy
levels, be less susceptible to illness and to improve your posture. Enhance
your sense of well-being; feel balanced, supple, more confident and empowered.
Just by the way, you’ll learn to defend yourself. You may feel more attractive
as a result of improved health, self-confidence and poise.
Your physical abilities will be enhanced- balance, coordination, speed,
ambidexterity, control, strength and reflexes that can spill into the emotional
& mental sides. This may become apparent in your sporting activities
or just in the way you walk.
Together with patience and harmony, you should gain a better sense of
timing, more acute perception and become more effective at “going with
the flow”.
The original paradigm for teaching and learning was the guru-student
association that started at least 8,000 years ago. It involved intensive interaction
and close supervision to ensure correct learning. It allowed for individual
attention and methods that best suited individual personalities. The justification
for personal training today remains that it is the best format for a person
to realize her physical potential.
Download "A Paradigm Shift" as PDF.
Top
Talkabout Tai Chi
A Spontaneous Way to Inner Balance
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Tai Chi is many, many wonderful things, but ultimately (and most importantly) it is the physical manifestation of the Way - the Tao. Tai Chi awakens within us spontaneously the flow of the All-Pervading Energy, the Chi. This hidden yet simple technique is based on a natural approach to the forms of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi Chuan (as founded and practised by immortal Chang San-Feng) had consciousness and spiritual evolution as its primary purpose. A secondary purpose was for man to not only connect with Nature, but to be in harmony with Nature, to awaken Nature within himself, to become Nature.
The purpose of art is to create beauty, and in the case of Tai Chi beauty in and of movement.
The health benefits of Tai Chi are many. Tai Chi:-
- promotes well being by integrating our emotions, physique and intellect;
- elevates our sense of being;
- is an avenue for graceful expression… you learn to dance!;
- improves your circulation and you breathe more deeply. You can expect to enjoy increased energy levels, be less susceptible to illness and to improve your posture. You become supple, confident and empowered;
- improves your physical abilities - balance, coordination, speed, ambidexterity, control, strength and reflexes. These benefits can spill over into your emotions and your mental wellbeing. This may become apparent in your sporting activities or simply in the way that you walk;
- and together with patience and harmony, you attain a better sense of timing, gain a more acute perception and become more effective at “going with the flow”.
Through Tai Chi, your abilities will rise beyond that possible for ordinary mortals! You will enjoy a long and happy life.
Tai Chi Master, Ric Lum, has studied several forms of martial arts for more than 30 years - boxing, karate, tae kwon do, judo, lama kung-fu, Hung fist, Hung family fist, Yuet family, wing chun, and most recently, Yang family Tai-Chi.
In his youth, he twice passed up opportunities to study under well known Tai-Chi masters, being under the illusion that speed and power were what martial arts were all about! His third chance to study and fully understand Tai Chi came through a family friend. Ng Kon-Kuan sifu graciously came out of retirement to give of his vast wisdom and knowledge.
Today, Ric’s Tai Chi is the culmination of 3 major influences: Tai-Chi Chuan, pure meditation and previous martial art experience.
Ric is always on the lookout for students who are serious about enjoying themselves and their Art (though not necessarily serious about themselves!). To find out more about how Tai Chi can benefit you, contact Ric on 0407 108 447.
Download this article as PDF.
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the-Insight.com / spirituality/metaphysical
chinese medicine?....here
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