The Tao of Kung Fu #18 - "Disregard how others see you."

More about this video and Taoism here......................

This short video is from the 1970's TV series "Kung Fu". "Kung Fu" tells the adventures of a fictional Shaolin priest named Kwai Chang Caine, played by David Carradine. Caine wanders the American "Wild West" in the 1880's, with nothing more than compassion, moderation, humility and a little Shaolin magic.

The teachings of the Shaolin were meticulously researched for the "Kung Fu" series, making it one of the most authentic interpretations of the Taoist philosophy in popular culture. I recently decided to post selected scenes from "Kung Fu", to illustrate this extremely insightful ancient Chinese philosophy.

In this clip from "The Soldier" episode, Caine is testing his agility and courage in front of an audience of students. However, Master Kan (Philip Ahn) sees Caine's activities as nothing but reckless egotism.

I guess we are all guilty of playing to the gallery from time to time. It may seem pointless to be skilful or knowledgeable if it doesn't result in recognition. But why is the admiration of others so essential? Why do we feel worthless unless we have the praise of others?

Yet, most of us avoid people that we suspect have a narcissistic disposition. These people are often boasting of their achievements and importance in an effort to obtain admiration. They may also become emotionally volatile if the approval they seek isn't forthcoming. Their ego is effectively enslaved by the opinions of others. Consequently their sense of self-worth varies wildly, often making any interactions with them very unpleasant.

The ancient Taoist master Lao Tzu, deliberated on egotism in the 'Tao Te Ching'. From chapter 24 of this Taoist sacred text: (Tolbert McCarroll translation)

"Those who look only at themselves see little.
Those who justify themselves are not distinguished.
Those who brag have no merit.
The work of prideful people will not endure.

From the standpoint of the Tao, these things are
excessive food and tumours of the body.
As they bring sickness, followers of the Tao do not linger around them."

From this verse we can see that a rampant ego distances us from the Tao and the people around us. Therefore a follower of the Tao pursues skill and wisdom, but remains unpretentious. She knows contentment can only come from within. Furthermore, living without either the desire for approval or the fear of rejection, she is truly free.

If you have any comments about this description or have a different interpretation of this video; please post a comment. I would particularly like to hear from you if you are also a keen student of the Eastern philosophies or have detailed knowledge of the Shaolin.

To learn more about the Tao Te Ching and Taoist philosophy, please visit my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/TaoFAQ

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Tao
• Te
• Ching
• Lao
• Tzu
• Taoism
• Dao
• Ego
• DavidCarradine
• MasterKan
• PhilipAhn
• Kung-Fu
• Shaolin

[UnitedPebbles]

Then you are also disregard how you see yourself, no? and possibly disregarding the other's right of opinions?

[yinyangnature]

@UnitedPebbles Indeed.

[doctorw2]

this is so true other people cant see how you really are because their view is coloured with biases and prejudices like socrates said to thine ownself be true.

[Dovelike]

It is but we live in an external orientated world where we need things to make us happy. We are driven by desire. That leads to unhappiness.If we can supress our desires peace is possible.

[Calimantalkin]

This show was my first exposure to martial arts as a teenager, loved it at the time, these days all I can think is what a shame that Bruce got screwed out of the part.

[Dovelike]

@mickystoned to accept without the desire to suppress.

[DaveTheSamurai]

@Dovelike When one has been overfilled then they can understand emptiness.

[mickystoned]

@Dovelike to suppress or to accept without the desire to suppress?

[Dovelike]

@Tao33316 How does one achieve emptiness?

[Tao33316]

@Dovelike

Suppressing desire does not lead to peace. It leads to frustration. What leads to peace is emptiness, neither shunning nor grasping.

[InfoWarsTV2]

;)

[Enigma415]

Tao morals + A Good God (Like YAHWAH) = everlasting. And peace. And an answer to all questions.