If one wishes to enjoy underwater activities without
becoming a certified Scuba diver, which requires much work, study, and
practice, one can take a “Resort course”- a few hours in a pool with an
instructor - after which you are allowed to dive when accompanied by an
experienced diver. T’ai Chi is not as dangerous an activity as placing yourself
in an environment where you cannot breathe, and no certifications are required.
Today we have a choice – we can learn to play a few tunes, or we can learn to
really play an instrument.
As T’ai Chi and similar health oriented disciplines become
more popular, many offerings today in these fields are sometimes “Watered
down”, or “Short forms” of the original teachings. There is a need and a place
for such “Light classes", as the considerable benefits should be available to
all people, whatever their abilities or commitment level. Access to these
principles and practices should be available to those who need and want some
benefit, but who don’t have the need or desire to invest the considerable time
required to achieve mastery.
There is also a place for those who would continue a lineage
of authentic teachings passed from teacher to student, and further evolved with
each generation. Studying for a short while in such a traditional format would
accrue the same benefits as that time spent learning a “Short form”, and would
begin a more solid foundation for later studies if desired.
When someone asked
if the Chows taught a “Short form” of T’ai Chi, Mr. Chow’s response was “Why
would you want to do that?”
The thought which led me to write this article is that the
many people who have started but never completed their serious study of the
form have each achieved much in what they have learned. It is not necessary to
“Complete the course” in order to accrue benefits, or to utilize what is
offered, to whatever amount one finds useful. Indeed I wonder if one ever
“Completes the course” of what often becomes a lifetime study.
It is for each
to take what they need, and they should feel good about what they have learned,
rather than leave with the idea that they have received an “incomplete” for the
course. The purpose in our classes is, as Mr. Chow has said, “So that people
can have good health”, and if that goal is furthered, the endeavor should
always be considered successful.
Blessings to All,
Daniel
