Description

Nonviolence and Interrelational Engagement

Saturday, April 27, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Every moment of our lives we are in relationship. Tai Chi is the study of yin and yang, the primordial relationship. We need not know it, we need not pay it any mind. We may not be awake to it, in fact, we need not even be awake at all to be in relationship. We are always in both fleeting and lasting connection to our bodies, our neighbors, and our surroundings. Let us recommit to enter each relationship with the intention to do no harm and share what truth we can. This special engagement touches on insights gleaned from the Vedas, Taoist, and Buddhist understandings and is presented with an understanding of the physical body borne of a long-standing immersion in the gentle waters of Tai Chi.

The Finger and the Moon

Sunday, April 28, 1:00–4:00 p.m. 

A famous Taoist story tells of a shaman showing the villagers the beautiful full moon by pointing to it with his finger. Unfortunately, the villagers only gaze at the pointing finger and thereby miss the moon.

This intermediate Tai Chi workshop is based on the necessity of both the finger and the moon. The canon of Eastern thought is but the finger, and as such, can only point the way. Students will be taught ways to ground and expand the practice of Tai Chi through the use of ancient knowledge and the purposeful engagement of one’s own being as a compass rose for course-charting deep knowing. 

Stephen Watson has immersed himself in Eastern philosophy for over 20 years. Stephen's martial arts training (the how) began in concert with his interest in philosophy (the why). His motto is: When you have enough “Whys,” you have “Wise.” He is regularly featured in Inside Kung-Fu magazine for both his jovial personality and world-class skill. An international, U.S., and now, world champion in Tai Chi push hands, he operates a small martial arts school in Connecticut where he hosts masters and students.

 Register for either or both days.

Saturday only—$40 guest  $30 member

Sunday only—$40 guest  $30 member

Saturday and Sunday—$70 guest  $50 member

Preregister for workshops by phone 630-668-1571, ext. 315 or by mail.