ZenView
By Mary Layton
Self-Restraint
Recently I went to visit my T’ai Chi teacher who is a 3rd Generation Grandmaster of T’ai Chi.
On the wall in his living room hangs a large Chinese calligraphy of one of the most important principles of T’ai Chi : Self-Restraint. Next to the very powerful looking character of self-restraint is a poem written by Mr. Yip. I asked my teacher what it means. He showed me an English translation of it. To make it more accessible I have changed its formal language to sound more like we talk today. Here it goes :
“It is better to yield in order to achieve peace.
Surrender your position to gain serenity.
Keep a golden silence to avoid making enemies.
Practice precious restraint in order to deserve happiness.
Give in a little and you will feel wonderfully at ease.
Spare a few words and you will be free of worry.
Restrain yourself for a moment and you will be happy as an angel.”
This sure is wonderful advice. Restraining one’s emotions, desires and inclinations can be a remedy in resolving life’s challenges and brings about peace. Even in a crisis situation one is more able to say or do the right thing. To walk away from a confrontation, to bow even when hurt or insulted takes strength. There are countless situations where this idea of self-restraint would come in handy. It’s worth a try! I will make Self-restraint my New Year’s resolution.
Have a happy and peaceful New Year!
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