Perception.


70

Perception.


Every student at some time or another will have heard the words, " What are your problems? What I am telling you and showing you is easy to comprehend." It seems that this has been said in similar situations for many years for at least six centuries before the year 1 AD. Lao Tzu spoke words very similar when he said, "My teachings are easy to understand. They are also easy to put into practice."

They have been spoken by many artists and creative people from then until this very day, and yet many still long to be able to follow in the footsteps of many artists. Many may try, a great many fail and very quickly give up.

It is so often simply that they have looked at a moving piece of art or a beautifully written poem or prose.  They have felt deeply moved, felt inspired and perceived that it looked possible to have an attempt themselves.

It is possible that perception has misled them, and they have not as learned what Lao Tzu adds to his earlier words, "My actions are based on discipline." Herein often lies the problem.

Lying behind what looks so simple are hours of disciplined learning, listening and watching. Stroke after stroke of paint that has been overpainted. Letters and words have had to be rewritten.  After much of this growth, in the discipline chosen there comes that moment when that little spark of realisation comes, and everything falls into place. All the hours fall away and indeed, "this makes my teachings even more precious."

What may indeed be easy to comprehend but to fully know does not come any easier. This then is the way of Tao.

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