I was suddenly hit with the clarity to observe how my mental intention completely changed every physiological state in my body in a split second.
“Tai Gong’s list of errors that generals should avoid includes ‘being courageous and treating death lightly, being hasty and impatient, being benevolent but unwilling to inflict suffering, being wise but fearful, being trustworthy and liking to trust others, being wise but indecisive’. The same errors apply when using Tai Chi for self-defence, but can be overcome by training. The samurai in Old Japan practised Zen, painted and studied calligraphy as well as training in the martial arts, because they believed these activities would help them to develop the key skill of harmonious spontaneity. Practice of the more Yin aspects of Tai Chi and the unpredictable nature of free Pushing Hands training similarly help to develop that spontaneity.”
― The Complete Tai Chi Tutor: A structured course to achieve professional expertise
― The Complete Tai Chi Tutor: A structured course to achieve professional expertise
“For most of us, especially for businessmen, in whose eyes nature does not exist, unless it be in its strict utility relationship with their business interests, the fantastic reality of life becomes strangely blunted. M. G. registers it constantly; his memory and his eyes are full of it.”
― The Painter of Modern Life
― The Painter of Modern Life
“Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us.”
― Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
― Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
“A guilty system recognizes no innocents.”
― The Player of Games
― The Player of Games
David Jones’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at David Jones’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
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