Michael wrote:I can't read or speak Chinese, know nothing directly about Sun Lu Tang's book on taiji, but considering his reputation, if the book doesn't make sense to someone who practices neijia, I think there is at least an equal chance of it being the reader and not the writer.
Michael wrote:Yes, that puts it in proper perspective and then I can rethink JAB's comment not as bashing SLT.
Doc Stier wrote:Michael wrote:Yes, that puts it in proper perspective and then I can rethink JAB's comment not as bashing SLT.
Good show, Michael!
I have been regularly humbled by the realization that my uncertainty about certain points in the writings of high level masters like Sun Lu-Tang simply reflects my comparatively lower skill level and lesser understanding of the intricacies of these arts.
And so, I remain a work in progress!
Alexander wrote:Doc,
I've also heard the "conspiracy" part of the equation, where people claim that Sun Lu Tang's book was published was for the people who had no idea what real IMA were, while he had a private journal he passed on.
Doc Stier wrote:Alexander wrote:Doc,
I've also heard the "conspiracy" part of the equation, where people claim that Sun Lu Tang's book was published was for the people who had no idea what real IMA were, while he had a private journal he passed on.
What? No way! Secret writings never posted online for public consumption? That can't be right, can it?
Doc
Alexander wrote:Doc Stier wrote:Alexander wrote:Doc,
I've also heard the "conspiracy" part of the equation, where people claim that Sun Lu Tang's book was published was for the people who had no idea what real IMA were, while he had a private journal he passed on.
What? No way! Secret writings never posted online for public consumption? That can't be right, can it?
Doc
I see what you're saying -- but what if the publicly published book was complete garbage? Wouldn't want to waste time trying to digest garbage that was thrown out for the racoons.
cerebus wrote:Back when I was training in Shaolin in the early to mid '90s (and having previously trained in Karate since around 1980) I tried reading the Tai Chi classics. It sounded like a bunch of ridiculous airy fairy nonsense and philosophical gibberish to me then. Now I read the classics and I see common sense and deep wisdom. Go figure...
Alexander wrote:....but what if the publicly published book was complete garbage? Wouldn't want to waste time trying to digest garbage that was thrown out for the racoons.
Doc Stier wrote:Alexander wrote:....but what if the publicly published book was complete garbage? Wouldn't want to waste time trying to digest garbage that was thrown out for the racoons.
I can assure you that none of Master Sun's books are garbage. Sun's writing does, however, generally assume the reader's basic level of familiarity and understanding of the core concepts. Raw beginners in the IMA's, who often lack sufficient knowledge of the subject matter, may find Sun's writing somewhat vague or difficult to comprehend.
Additionally, given Sun's extraordinary martial skill level and his deep understanding of core concepts, even intermediate and advanced level IMA practitioners may find some of his writing challenging to comprehend.
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