Thoughts About 'The Way'

The Tao Te Ching, which speaks of the Tao (the way), it says: "He who devotes himself to learning seeks from day to day to increase his knowledge; he who devotes himself to the Tao seeks from day to day to diminish his doing… till he arrives at doing nothing… at this point of non-action, there is nothing which he does not do." On the other hand, a common Chinese saying goes: "It is better to walk 100 steps than to read 1000 books." So, we might ask, which is the right way to go? What is the right path to take and what should we take from it?

During one of my lessons, while teaching a certain move, a student asked me what exactly it's supposed to work on, and what is its theoretical background - an important question, which I of course replied to. However, on my home I thought about it, and considered that perhaps we are missing the point. Will the execution of the move genuinely be of better quality if we know more of its influence and background? Maybe, maybe not. Undoubtedly, hearing about a topic, or reading about it, is no replacement to actually doing it, feeling it and performing it in real practice.

When the bible said "to know a woman" it didn't mean to hear, speak or even be acquainted, but to connect in the physical, practical level. To know in our minds, bodies, emotions and all our senses – that is the meaning. Sometimes we can understand more if we ask less and do more. Thoughts, spirit and energy are supposed to materialize in matter, in the physical performance which makes intention – application. Then, we have come a full circle.

I think of how to walk the way? Perhaps with joy and regulation, which suit our life's circumstances and personal character. We shouldn't chase improvements nor endlessly work and strain in order to achieve more. We should just be. Just listen to what is happening and knowing how to react in a silent match which isn't trying too hard, and yet creates change which advances us.

I also think it is important to look at the 'glass half full', the positive in you and the situation you're in. From that point of view, you can expand your actions into something greater. Instead of observing failures, I find myself preferring to observe the accomplishments, small as they may be. Then, I will know which way to go in order to develop my stronger sides, in joy and belief that I can succeed.

We are all on 'the way', everyone is constantly learning, and it is important that we open our senses to the people around us, their messages and life's circumstances. If we know how to have fun, be happy, accept ourselves with love and look on the bright side, we can also learn and advance while making a lot more of the learning – while doing it on 'the way'.