Lecture 5:
Devotion and Flexible Adaptation
dated Dec.06, 2000
Keywords: the ki of Tao , the form of the heart, devotion (defined). devotion (function), flexible adaptation (second element of the Student State or Wisdom Heart), taking compared to receiving, personal ability
We are studying the method of Tao Shiatsu and you are trying to follow it. Often it seems to work while you're in class, but as soon as you're on your own, ki doesn't flow anymore and you cannot do it like in class. So we need to look at the reason for that. Did you ever ask yourself this about this or really seriously think about it?
The ki of the Tao is always in a Tao Shiatsu class. because the teacher receives the ki from his teacher and he received it from his teacher. That's how it works, the passing down in traditional oriental medicine.
If you use the method in class with success. it's because the Tao is given to you on a subconscious level. But usually you don't realize that the method worked because you received ki through the teacher. As soon as you succeed, you start thinking that because of the "manual" and your technique, you succeeded. Do you understand? This is how the human mind works.
But as soon as you think that success came from your ability, even for only a moment, ki stops flowing and you will be cut off from the Tao, even in class. This is because your ego is closing the door, the entrance to receiving ki through the Tao. Ego prevents you from receiving ki through the Tao.
So of course after the class, despite all your knowledge or all the hours you practiced the method, despite your experience in class, if there is no heart, " it" won't happen. You won't be able to reach bottom, because the bottom of kyo is the deepest level of existence. It can only be accessed by ki. Not by your consciousness or knowledge or hand or skill: only by ki. That's why the method alone is just an empty form. Like art that has gone through machine printing. Only the reflection of ki can go to the heart of the audience and leave an impression.
So you really need to find out: "What makes it possible to be in the Tao?" And ask yourself, "How can I use the REAL method of Tao Shiatsu?" Of course in class, but more importantly outside of class.
What tendency or form or direction of your heart cuts you off from ki, Tao, and the form of the heart? What makes it possible for you to always receive ki? And give it to others in treatment?
The 5 elements of the Wisdom Heart of the Tao Practitioner ( the Student State) are a guide.
I'll tell you once again: The method without the heart is just a physical form---it's not real Tao Shiatsu. Only with oneness of heart and method can you do Tao Shiatsu. You really need to get clear about the form of the heart, so you can receive ki. And you have to fight (I'm sorry, but it is FIGHT!) your ego. Don't mistake the teaching for your enemy. Your enemy is INSIDE of you. It's your ego. It's not outside of you.
Today I would like to focus on the second element of the Student State: FLEXIBLE ADAPTATION.
Well, let's say that on one side is the Tao, and on the other side is "you," the "you" that you know and recognize, the known part of yourself and your ego (according to different western psychologies). If you stand on the ego side, you cannot tune into the form of the heart which requires flexible adaptation moment to moment. Despite your perception of flexible adaptation as passive, true flexible adaptation can only happen when you are ACTIVELY trying to be in the Tao.