John’s Tai-Blog @ Camp Tai ChiTai Chi and anything I can relate to Tai Chi … like life

If War is Not The Answer. “The Answer Is…”

War is a terrible thing.  The one who is called “looser” not only looses their life or their freedom, but also the opportunity to tell their side of the story in the history books.  The so called “winner” gains that privilege.  The innocent who were in the way, suffer worst from the inevitable destruction of the war machines.  If they’re lucky the “winner” helps them get back on their feet again.

Too often we see people warring against wars.  Sometimes they rightfully march in a peaceful manner while voicing their opinions loudly so everyone can hear. When people protest against war while remaining peaceful in their intent they have the ability to affect at least some change.

Other times people will resort to violence, thereby using some of the very tactics they are rallying against. They don’t seem to realize that fighting accomplishes exactly the opposite result.  Whenever someone is attacked they will defend themselves, whether right or wrong. This is human nature.

If we are to defeat war we have to stop fighting it.  What is wanted is peace and that’s where the focus needs to be, no matter how bleak the outlook.  If you feel the need to defend yourself you are at war. Although possible, peace within war is a paradox.

The mindset of tai chi is one of always maintaining peace within.  If you must defend yourself from an attack you need options to be effective.  Sifu Waller on his blog Dynamic Balancing Tai Chi put this very well in his post simply called Peace?.  “In terms of the martial arts, peace resides in your desire to avoid conflict, to yield, to incapacitate with restraint and consideration, rather than be sadistic or brutal.”

Bye for now,

John

P.S. Visit Sifu Waller’s blog at http://dynamicbalancingtaichi.blogspot.com/2008/11/peace.html