Tai Chi seeks to help the student establish himself in his Tan Tien, or Chi center. It is at this point that we are one with the universe and can draw upon all of the energy and love of the Tao. This is the unending source of love that allows the Tai Chi person continuously to give of his love and compassion.
They do not believe in humility, but always try to be first. This is certain death
In any form of competition, only one person can be the first. All the others who strive and compete must be losers. This is a terrible waste of resources and energy. And it is certain death' because conflict and competition are a sign of separation from others and from one's own nature. If everyone co-operated and harmonized their efforts and talents, all would be winners. Humility is the renunciation of the desire to be first.
Mercy brings victory in battle and strength in defense
If you are having an argument with someone who feels deep love towards you, it is not easy to remain angry with them. My wife always wins arguments with me because I can always see the love in her eyes. Thus, mercy (compassionate love) brings her victory. And, in defense, love gives strength. A person will find the strength to sacrifice, even his life, in order to protect those whom he loves.
It is the means by which heaven saves and guards
This deeply felt love for all things that lies at the center of us all is the means by which the Tao guides us upon our journey to Oneness. It is the essence of the Tai Chi person's life and his only way of helping the world. v67
A good soldier is not violent
It is the soldier who must pay for the conflict between peoples. To be violent only increases the chances that conflict will develop. Thus the Tai Chi person, trained in self-defense, does all that he can to avoid conflict by sustaining within him the qualities of non-violence and non-aggression.
A good fighter is not angry
When all the ways to avoid conflict have been exhausted and the Tai Chi person must defend himself, he must maintain his tranquility and compassion during the struggle. Once control of the emotions is lost, it will be impossible to concentrate and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances will vanish. The Tai Chi person only does the bare minimum in order to protect himself and his health. Since he does not lust after victory or fame, self-preservation is all that is required. But to become angry is to lose this restraint.
A good winner is not vengeful
Winning causes resentment and bitterness in the loser. To be vengeful in victory only increases this resentment which, in turn, increases the chances that the conflict will be renewed at a later time.
A good employer is humble
To use power, whether financial or physical (or political), to force others to your will, or to lord it over them, causes a feeling of separation and arouses resistance. Power used with humility and for the benefit of all brings forth feelings of love and respect.
This is known as the virtue of not striving
Non-competition is essential if one wishes to be one with others and to avoid conflict in life. v68
Must first expand.
That which fails
Must first be strong.
That which is cast down
Must first be raised.
Opposites cannot be separated. There cannot be high without low, good without evil, rich without poor. Tai Chi teaches the student to avoid extremes in life; not to go too far and get the opposite of what he seeks. By not raising himself up on his toes, the student cannot be cast down. By not being strong and forceful, he cannot become tired and spent. By not being held high in the opinions of others, he need not worry about being cast down. The Tai Chi person seeks the middle point between opposites. In this middle point, neither of the opposites dominates the other. It is a place without high or low, good or bad, success or failure. In other words, it is a place of harmony. v36
He who can hold to his center passes through trouble untouched and unharmed. v34
He who knows he has enough is rich. v33
Be an example to the world.
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