When one gives undivided attention to the (vital) breath, and brings it to the utmost degree of pliancy, he can become as a (tender) babe.In many ways, this line conjures up images of Tai Chi and yoga. In both disciplines, flexibility is key to having the ability to flow from one move to the next. The person who carries himself rigidly may lose his balance and stumble while practicing the former and strain or tear muscles while attempting the latter.
~ James Legge translation, from The Sacred Books of the East, 1891 ~
Attending fully and becoming supple,
Can you be as a newborn babe?
~ Gia-fu Feng and Jane English translation, published by Vintage Books, 1989 ~
In concentrating the energy and reaching relaxation
Can one be like an infant?
~ Derek Lin translation, from Tao Te Ching: Annotated & Explained, published by SkyLight Paths, 2006 ~
Can you relax your mind and body and brace yourself for a new life?
~ Ron Hogan rendition, from Beatrice.com, 2004 ~
The person who practices these disciplines with a pliant body will find that she doesn't need to worry much about loss of balance and/or overdoing her muscles. The movements become part of her being, rather than movements she imposes ON her body.
To view the Index page for this series to see what you may have missed or would like to read again, go here.
Actually, it's practicing the diciplines of tai chi chuan, or dao yin, or bagua, that, over time, creates the flexibility and balance, the pliant body.
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