Photo: Barbara Richter, 1976
Some anecdotes/quotes from Dr Chi. If any of you can remember any others please add them to the comments.
JK: What should I practice when I return to London?
DrC: I suggest you practice spirit.
JK: What is the highest level of Tai Chi?
DrC: Nothing.
DrC: Back way bad way.
Dr Chi to a nervous student who had just shown the great man his Form "Have you ever heard of the principles of Tai Chi?"
Similarly "Your way 10 years, 20 years, 50 years - no progress"
JK: Did any one like Master Cheng (Man-Ching)?
DrC: I think maybe Mrs Cheng.
After watching JK doing his Form excruciatingly slowly Dr Chi commented "Like elephant!"
In relation to seated meditation: "Waste of golden time".
back way bad way ? did he mean easy way ? or trying to achieve something in a hurry? short cut ?
ReplyDeleteRetreating is incorrect.
ReplyDeleteGoing back (whilst yielding), even when accompanied by a waist turn, is still running away.
You must always advance.
Of course you must advance whilst turning so as to be subtle & soft about it.
This is a fundamental principle of heartwork - always forwards, into the fray.