The Nature of Principles

"The study of Wing Chun takes each student through a strait and winding path toward greater power and understanding. The strenuous exercise and repetitive drills serve as a traditional, time-proven method for instilling precious morsels of truth into the very tissues of the body and chambers of the heart. The path is often difficult, and demands great courage and perseverance. It is the Way."
...Carlos Colorado

Often times, the driving force behind a student’s commitment to Wing Chun is the fact that he recognizes that it offers much truth that he previously thirsted for. Meaning can, after all, only be found through the blessing of Principles that arrange the seemingly chaotic facts we constantly encounter, into a beautiful tapestry of coherence and form.

As I consider the students of this art, I recognize that they often show an uncommon strength of character. Most are upstanding seekers of Truth. Time and again has their virtue been apparent to all. As Confucius said, “How can a man conceal his character?” For this reason, I wish to briefly comment on the nature of Principles. Lu Hsiang-Shan said in the 10^th century: “to know exhaustively all things under heaven merely means to know Principle.” Our purpose as instructors in this class is an ambitious one: To reveal Principles to every student who sincerely seeks, inasmuch as their individual capacity permits. And to expand their capacity as they continue to study. Therefore, on the nature of principles…

Naming the principles presents a peculiar problem. It is a task that can only be done to some extent. Language is a crude and inadequate medium. It is impossible to fully capture with mere words the far-reaching impact that simple, precious truth has on us and on all that surrounds us. Lu Hsiang-Shan tells us, “Principles fill the universe. Even heaven and earth, ghosts and spirits cannot diverge from them: How much less then, can man?” It must be understood that there are three phases to each of the Principles. There are always two complementing (seemingly opposing) sides, and there is a spiritual side.

For example, a commonly misunderstood principle that often disturbs those who long for peace and virtue is that of No Compassion. Many worry that it seeks to implant cruelty in their behavior, but cruelty is not at all the application of this great principle, but a cheap counterfeit. The name cannot do it justice, for the principle of No Compassion is in fact, the principle of Compassion. The name we have chosen is the more helpful name, as Wing Chun is a martial discipline meant to prepare its pupils for combat. The emotion or vibratory sensation that one experiences while feeling compassionate is the exact same that one experiences while showing no compassion to an opponent while fighting. Viewed with sincerity, one can come to appreciate this. If one fights for righteousness, as Principle demands, then it cannot be cruelty, but justice that brings destruction upon those who oppose good and seek to tear away the liberty and agency of others. After all, inevitably, the righteous Wing Chun practitioner did not instigate the assault. I will not undertake at this time to expound upon the spiritual implications of the principles. In learning Wing Chun, then, do not be limited by words and semantics. Doing so only leads to confusion and frustration.

Given the three-faceted nature of principles, one must, therefore, not allow one’s notion of a Principle to exist as an isolated technique. But realize that all things truly are a living, breathing manifestation of the eternal dance of the Tao. The only way to learn principles is through experience, and never through intellectual or academic means. In this capacity, Wing Chun excels and exceeds virtually all other means of pursuit of Truth. The physical nature and the extremely high stakes of learning a combat art are the perfect scenario in which to absorb principles. Mencius teaches: “When it is the will alone which is active, it moves the [body]. When it is the [body] alone which is active, it moves the will. For instance now, in the case of a man falling or running, that is from the [body], and yet it moves the mind.” So when one smiles though unhappy, soon he will be happy. Likewise, if one moves in the manner dictated by Principle (and all of Wing Chun techniques and exercises are literally embodiments of Principle), then the will and the mind learn, adopt, and absorb truth. For this reason, as instructors we emphasize skill in application of Wing Chun, not because we neglect or overlook the mental exercise that students are capable of, but because when the body has absorbed principles, a miracle happens. Clarity of vision and perception sets in. One sees things as they truly are. This stage will not, and ought not be very evident to the student until he has reached a level in which he is entrusted with the teaching of others. At that point, the student, almost as an afterthought will realize that the drills and other aspects of Wing Chun do not puzzle him. That is true Understanding. The beauty of things becomes manifest as the student progresses through the different levels of the art. Line upon line. Then, upon becoming an instructor, as one is now completely responsible for the instruction of others, the clarity begins to extend to all aspects of life. Given the inexhaustible reach of Truth, one can continue to progress everlastingly by betterment of skill and imparting of skill.

In light of the details I offer on the nature of principles, I feel it vital to advise against some precarious tendencies. First, the practitioner must be careful not to become enamored with mere talk of Wing Chun and of Principles. If careless in this regard, one will soon be unable to do Wing Chun because pride will prevent one from engaging in physical application. One will sound very intelligent, but will be unable to live by what one knows. And as previously explained, without skill, there is no meaningful understanding. Second, beware of assumptions and conclusions about principles. Change is a principle, and therefore, one’s vision of Wing Chun and of truth must always remain pliable. Third, coveting principles is a damning fault that will wither the character of any who falls into such unhealthy thirst. Finally, one should keep communication open with the instructors whom one is learning from. They offer invaluable help in keeping one’s mentality pure and in order. In asking questions one must be patient with the answers. It is always better to ask for guidance in improving skill and application than for explanations, which can deaden principles and shackle the minds of those who would seek truth.

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