What's the difference between Shu and Fa?

[MasterKiller]

As in "method" or "technique"?

If I wanted to say 18 methods or 18 skills, would it be shi ba shu (朮 )or shi ba fa (法)?

[mantis108]

Shu simply is skills.

Fa is a tricky one. Method is a simple translation that doesn't quite carry the weight of the original meaning. Fa in many ways is closer to the meaning of Dharma (natural law). Quan Fa really means Natural Law of Boxing and it does reflect the Dharma. So it is important to have the context in place before translating it.

Just a thought

Mantis108

[SPJ]

good points.

Shu means skills, techniques etc.

Fa means methods, theories, science, tactics, strategy, general or specific rules, laws, etc etc.

practice of a long spear to get skills and techniques;

Qiang Shu.

the methods, study of the use of a long spear, how, why, what, when etc.

Qiang Fa.

:)