Hi All,
Interesting that I stumbled across this site (at this point in my life). I thought I would just add a few pennies worth of info on this topic. Sorry if I am long winded about this.
The essence of the training through the TTCS, FLK and GPLHA was that of tempering the body and taming the heart (dual cultivation) through physical training or meditation. Physical training could be seen as 'one' path to help the relief of suffering of sentient beings.
The founder (Mr. Moy) was a monk, first, and used martial training (tai chi, lok hup) as a way to progress individuals development. Other ways of training or tempering were volunterism, meditation, Taoist/Buddhist rituals, understanding propriety, etc. He did have a profound understanding of the internals, and taught from the prospective of health and development. The organizations give an opportunity, on a broad global scale, to experience or understand this tradition. In the beginning of the organization, focus was on martial applications, but that focus receded and other directions took precedent.
Does that mean the TTCS is a one stop shop......in my humble opinion, no.
I have seen many debates about the merits of the TTCS, it's tai chi or it's chi kung, and have come to the place that the it really doesn't matter. The TTCS has a place in the world and offers many things, as do other disciplines. The problem lies in the discussion of 'who's better' or 'whats missing'. I have heard this debate in both the TTCS and on these types of forums.
Human grouping causes us to segregate, define, place value, etc......where as the training that we all do, should melt those distinctions. Where can we see the value of all things regardless.
Small tangent...........
It is impossible to know the addicts pain, until we ourselves try to let go of our own attachments.
So....It really is impossible for a non-tai chi person to 'know' what tai chi is all about unless they do it. It really is impossible to know the value of what TTCS has to offer until you are immersed in it. It is impossible to know what another discipline has to offer until you are immersed in that training.
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Having said all of that, after a certain point, there are some fundamental things that the TTCS does that places limits on progression. Some of these blocks are intentional and others are not. Some of them were pointed out in this post. If individuals are developed enough to see those blocks, and choose to circumvent them then, for the betterment of themselves, then yes, there are consequences, within the parameters of the TTCS. Just as similar to the Catholic church frowning upon a church leader practicing Buddhism. It may not be conducive to an open learning process, but is probably necessary, in those groups minds, to the survival or purity of the organization.
I trained for 13 years, in the TTCS learning as many of the disciplines and it's nuances as I could (including Lok Hup). I was immersed, passionate and open. I wholehearted supported the activities and contributed my time and energy. I progressed a lot and if I stayed, I could have probably learned more, except as I developed, I felt I needed a different perspective. In my mind, to be a better teacher, I felt I needed to learn other forms, other styles, to understand better. In the position that I was in, I would not have been afforded that option.
My point is that I personally had undergone, intense wonderful transformations and understanding through the TTCS. Many people have had these transformations through the TTCS. Unfortunately, I have seen discussion from people from other styles that play down, even cut down, these transformations. This is unfortunate. On the other side of the coin, the TTCS does exactly the same thing with it's members, in reducing or minimizing the effects of what other styles offer. This is also unfortunate.
Again, this has been an interesting and timely post for me. I am now training with another group and I am learning tons from this other style. Some complimentary, some completely different. Interestingly enough, my instructor is happily taking instruction from me on lok hup ba fa. I have longed for this type of symbiotic relationship and it seems I have found it.
Sorry again for the long winded post. Just my 2 cents.
Regards,
J
