In many places in the form, as a foot is retreated, a hand/arm is extended forward. This acts as a counterbalance, preserving the body’s balance in the gravity field.This phenomenon occurs in several different parts of the form, but looking at it in any one part will suffice to demonstrate what may be applied in other parts of the form and also may be a useful analogy in many life situations.
Balancing the Extremes
We begin here with the above example from the Round Hand. Later we might contemplate this correlation of disparate elements as it manifests in the balance between one’s overt spiritual aspirations, and the passions which may engender power to them by means of our Jungian shadow, feelings arising from deep within.
One sometimes lives with many internal contradictions. By this mechanism of balancing one’s personal passions with one’s selfless spirituality, for instance, one can sometimes imbue the spiritual quest with the power of our personal passion.
We bring our human qualities into the mix and thus empower our humanity. This can be both cosmic and also walk the fine line that is the razor’s edge.
Mr. Chow sometimes gave the appearance of being a ladies man, and yet he was always a gentleman. It is the Nexus of our personal desires and our transcendent nature, both moving in opposite directions, yet creating balance, out of which the laser bolt of creation, the conscious evolution of all may be manifested.
Nothing is wasted. The power of our Jungian shadow’s passions is applied thusly to engender the forward movement of the larger self.
This may not be the easiest path. As Trungpa Rinpoche has said, “A student of the Tantra may sometimes be in a constant state of panic“. But here, where the illusory nature of permanence may become evident, lies the short path to enlightenment.
Back to Earth: This balance which we create within ourselves may extend beyond our selves, and further the evolution of spirit beyond our personal sphere.
If much of this extension of the form into the metaphysical seems somewhat obtuse, please feel free to apply the concept of balancing opposites to examples from your own lives.
Finding a state of balance may be useful in resolving many situations for optimal conclusions, in many areas of our lives.
For example, we may use this concept to transcend polarization by encompassing both extremes within our solutions in working with those who think differently from us politically.
This does not require acceptance, but only recognition, and allows communication and perhaps progress in working with those whose views differ from us.
Nothing is wasted, we use everything, and include everyone.
Even if this sometimes doesn’t work, It may allow us to move forward.
