Is Wing Chun a Taoist art?

[gnugear]

I know legend states that WC was developed by a Budhist nun, but it seems to follow more taoist principles.

Examples:

Soft overcomes hard

Hold on to the center

Allow things to come and go

Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.

He who stands on tiptoe
doesn't stand firm.
He who rushes ahead
doesn't go far.

etc., etc.

Thoughts?

[yuanfen]

In Chinese intellectual history ideas are not always regarded as
mutually exclusive as much as in western ideologies. Taoism
and Buddhism in China have overlapped in some areas and they have inflienced each other as well- in spite of going through periods of rivalry. Also, in periods of nationalism buddhist ideas are sometimes regarded as external as opposed to Taoism being regarded as internal. These are complex questions and its easy to jump early into conclusions without making important distinctions in contexts.. Male-female, ying-yang, shakta-shakti, balancing is there in Taoism and Buddhism.Chi-prana are there in both. The notion of the way is there in both. The effortlessness of taoist wu wei
and the Buddhist unity of body-mind -spirit are there in wing chun-making it an exquisite Chinese blending of an array of different princilpes.

[reneritchie]

While not as well known, there are also stories about Ng Mui learning at Wudang (Taoist) or Emei (Taoist & Buddhist), and stories that involve no religious affiliation.

To further Joy's good comments, it is often said that the Chinese wear confuscion hats, taoist robes, and buddhist sandles - that aspects of each are inextricable parts of the culture. Thus, in WCK, you can find Taoist, Buddhist, Confuscion, and military (classics like 36 Strategies) thought.

IMHO, more a cultural product than a strictly religious one of any specific type.

Rgds,

RR

[Repulsive Monkey]

traditionally Wing Chun is not regarded as a Taoist art.

[CLOUD ONE]

Although it is not considered a Toaist art, does not mean it hasn't any of the philosophy of toaism in it.

Where do you think Yin lik comes from or yang lik?

Like in one of the threads 'nim' lik is yin!!!

Soft overcomes hard,but hard can overcome soft!!!

There is always a balance just like the Yin yang circle!

[reneritchie]

Cloud One - Which is why the matching set proclaims "Hard and Soft Combine in Use"

RR

[Repulsive Monkey]

I hear what you say but the fact remains that traditionally Wing Chun is not considered to be an art cultivated by Taoism practices evolution. By your reckoning (and quite right it was too) everyhting is part of Taoism, and of course you are right. The tao encompasses all things, which means it nemesis aswell as its allies.