Non-action (wu wei), and its opposite, action (wei), are the most important concepts after Tao and Te in the Tao Te Ching. Since modern culture encourages action —doing stuff, getting stuff done, being on the go ad infinitum— it is very easy to take non-action to mean doing nothing, and hence as something bad. Since [...]
Displaying posts written by
Thomas Kiefer
who has written 5 posts for KaiMen.
Feb
24
2012
24
2012
Jan
18
2012
18
2012
Key Concepts from the Tao Te Ching, Part 1
The Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu (circa 500 BCE), is not only a foundational text of both Taoism and Chinese culture, but also key to the theories and ideas behind many Chinese martial arts. Unfortunately the text is very inscrutable, regardless as to whether one knows Chinese. This inscrutability is due to its antiquity [...]
Jun
9
2011
9
2011
A Martial Secret Hidden in Plain Sight?
Many, if not all, of the styles of Chinese martial arts have legends of secret knowledge divulged only to trusted, “indoor” students. Speculation by those on the “outside” as to what these secrets are often borders on the fantastic, like being able to walk on the tips of reeds or killing someone with one’s mind.
Mar
26
2011
26
2011
Keeping Your Art Fresh
Admit it: sometimes you get bored with your art.
Aug
10
2010
10
2010
My Tai Chi Stinks
A couple of years ago I had a dream (really) where a Chinese martial arts sifu was walking towards me…
