The Philosophy of Tai Chi Chuan by Freya Boedicker

Author:Freya Boedicker [Boedicker, Freya and Martin ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-58394-439-4
Publisher: North Atlantic Books
Published: 2011-07-26T04:00:00+00:00

(FROM CHAPTER 30)

Wuzi

6

Wuzi

THE STRATEGIST WUZI (CA. 440–381 BC) is generally recognized as the first great general of China. He fought often against overwhelming odds, but was never defeated. The book Wuzi was probably written by him, but it was published by his students as a summary of his strategic philosophy. In his book, Wuzi deals with how one can form a stable and durable state. He is of the opinion that civilian and military aspects of the government are of equivalent importance. Only if both are sufficiently considered can a state prosper. Furthermore, he explains how the military is to be led. He considers practical aspects, from war preparations to specific tactics in battle.

If one says of Sunzi that his thinking has Daoist roots, then, in contrast, Wuzi is the Confucian among the strategists. He says this also of himself. In the Records of the Historian (Shiji), it is written about the two that whenever military affairs were discussed, both names, Sunzi and Wuzi, were mentioned together.

Those who learn Tai Chi Chuan practice an old Chinese martial art. Nevertheless, most students of Tai Chi Chuan view the use of violence skeptically. This skepticism can also be found in the texts of the strategists of old China. Although they were responsible for warfare, they warn time and again that violence may be only the last of all means. Wuzi presents a good example of this.

Wuzi says,

The way (dao) is the means

by which one turns back to the roots

and returns to the original one.

Righteousness is the means

by which one acts correctly and earns achievements.

Planning is the means

by which one keeps harm distant and gains profit.

Having a foundation is the means

by which one protects the achieved and preserves existence.

If the actions are not in accord with the way (dao)

and the behavior is not in accord with righteousness,

then one may be high-ranking and noble,

but misfortune will strike one nevertheless.

Therefore, the sage pacifies the people with the way (dao),

regulates them with righteousness,

moves them with the ritual,

and pacifies them by humanity (ren).

If these four inner powers (de) are cultivated, one flourishes.

If they are ignored, decline follows.

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