The philosophy of Tai Chi, and by extension, Equestrian Tai Chi®, comes from Taoism.

Taoism is the ancient, mystical, spiritual philosophy of China. Its emphasis is on living in balance and harmony with the natural world.

The Tao means The Way, to follow The Tao, means to follow the natural course of life. (It is pronounced Dao, rhymes with now)

Taoism has three major classical literary works which form the foundation for it’s teachings:-

1. The I Ching (Classic Book of Changes).
2. The Taodeching (The Way and it’s Virtue) written by Lao Tzu.
3. The Book of Chuang Tzu, written by Chuang Tzu.

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Being Spontaneous in the Taoist sense is different to the meaning we give it in English.

Spontaneity is one of the main concepts in Chuang Tzu. Chuang Tzu and the Taodejing are the two major foundation works of Taoist philosophy. Chuang Tzu is attributed to Chuang Tzu (born circa 369 B.C) and his work  simply bears his name. 

Spontaneity is regarded in Taoism being as important as love and compassion.

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Early Taoists promoted simplicity, in working with the intrinsic nature of a thing.

They believed in the equality of mankind and all the creatures of The Earth and that we could all live together as a harmonious whole. They also believed that when we mankind, tried to impose our will on others, without consideration for what is inherently best, we could cause damage at core level.

Chuang Tzu, along with the Taodejing, is one the two major foundation works of Taoist philosophy.

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When we’re connected to our centre and our energy is balanced our horses see us as someone attractive to spend time with.

The more we develop a sense of self, the more we are unrocked by events that happen us in the world.

Then we can become a support to others, and our presence is one that our horse is drawn to want to connect with.

If our energy is in balance and in harmony, it is more like the natural energy of the horse and therefore the energy is easier for him to mix with.  [Read more…]

 

Promise me,
promise me this day,
promise me now,
while the sun is overhead
exactly at the zenith,
promise me:
Even as they strike you down
with a mountain of hatred and violence;
even as they step on you and crush you like a worm,
even as they dismember and disembowel you,
remember, brother, remember:
man is not your enemy.

The only thing worthy of you is compassion –
invincible, limitless, unconditional.

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