“I’m a believer in the power of knowledge and the ferocity
of beauty, so from my point of view, your life is already artful-waiting, just
waiting for you to make it art.”
-Toni Morrison
November is here and we are fully indoors with our classes
and practices. I don’t know what will happen with the next season of CoViD19,
but if it doesn’t get bad again, I’m going to continue in-person classes.
Speaking of classes, my schedule for the foreseeable future is
the following:
Tuesday 6-8Pm at St Sahag http://saintsahag.org/
Wednesday 630-715PM on Zoom (email for an invite if you
haven’t been attending regular class or outside practices)
Friday 6-730PM at Christ Church http://www.christchurchluth.org/
Saturday 9-10AM at St Sahag
I am also posting lessons on my Patreon and YouTube pages.
No Classes Friday Nov 26th, but there will be
class Saturday Nov 27th.
If you find yourself locked out call either me 218-341-9894,
Fred 651-210-5401, or Julie 612-876-7915 and we’ll let you in.
My trip to Delaware for the month of October was full of
Tai-Chi, friends, hospitality, and some serious classes and events. Not to mention
some great food! I taught at both Bryan Davis’ Twin Willows Tai-Chi Studio and
Diane Cannon’s Ming Tao Tai-Chi Studio, both in Newark. In addition to
seminars, classes, and private classes, I witnessed two disciple ceremonies
conducted by Diane, and renewed Bryan’s discipleship in the full traditional ceremony.
I also filmed more for my Patreon and YouTube pages and got to visit with my
oldest son, Alex.
It was my honor and privilege to stand as witness for the initiation
of the first disciples into the 8th generation of our lineage. Simu
Diane Cannon, 7th generation disciple and lineage holder, initiated
Christopher Venaccio and Will Allen in separate ceremonies. In addition to the kow-tows,
incense, and witness, the initiates also performed a traditional tea ceremony
marking the entrance into our Tai-Chi family. I was asked to give an
introductory talk about the history and tradition of the ceremony, and we
enjoyed feasts and fellowship after both ceremonies. I was deeply moved and
could see the sincerity and appreciation of all who attended.
I also renewed Bryan Davis’ discipleship with the
traditional ceremony. Bryan was one the earliest “bestowed” disciples and he
asked for the traditional initiation. I performed the ceremony and his daughter
Rose stood in as the witness.
There will be one more disciple ceremony this year during
this month. I will give you a full report in the December newsletter.
Congratulations all disciples new and veterans!
Book suggestion= 7 Star Praying Mantis Kung-fu by Leung Ting
Thank you to Fred, Karen, and Dan who hosted pushing-hands
practices at their homes during October. I bow to the ground to you three.
Thank you again for all your patience, support, and
appreciation. I have more plans for 2022 and hope we can get back to more regular
training and practicing. I am already working on a Chinese New Year Demo and
Banquet and will give you more details after New Year.
A bow from the waist,
-Ray
A message from Simu Diane Cannon-
Reflections on Discipleship Ceremonies October 16-17, 2021
On October 16 & 17, 2021, I had the honor to welcome
into our Yang Family Lineage two very dedicated T’ai Chi students, Christopher
Venaccio and William Allen VI! It was a very exciting and emotional day, as the
realization of the magnitude of commitment I was making to these fine men
became very real. The decision to bring them into my family, for life…..it is
truly a promise and a bond that exceeds any bloodlines or contracts I have made
in the past. I felt very honored and humbled to realize that they too were all
in - ready to make that commitment to me and my family and this profound Art
and Lineage we all share.
I began the ceremony with a brief welcome and explanation of
the day, then introduced Sifu who we were so blessed to have with us! Sifu gave
a wonderful talk on the history of discipleship, I shared some thoughts and
feelings as to what was about to take place and then we began the Kow Tows,
followed by a beautifully executed traditional tea ceremony, offering of
incense to the altar, signing of the discipleship certificate, exchange of
gifts, congratulations and thank yous! It was truly a special moment in
time….you could feel the presence of the Masters before us, the sincerity in
the room, the level of trust we share, and the seriousness of what just took
place! Families United! The 8th Generation of Lineage Holders has now begun -
what an historic event!
The love and excitement in the room was tremendous! We were
all ready to celebrate the day, the new life we are embarking on with one
another, the idea that now the best is yet to come! We shared fantastic meals
and drinks with celebratory smiles, laughter, and joy! I am beyond grateful to
have these two men in my life, my family, and the lineage. It is a day that
will resonate with me forever, inspire me to become a better teacher, student,
and friend.
“Rain
Black clouds,
Fallen blossom and pale moon,
The hurried flight of birds,
The arrival of lonely autumn,
The time for us to part.
Much has been said, yet
We have not come to the end of our feeling.
I leave you this poem
Read it where the silence of the world possesses you,
Or when you’re fretted with disquiet,
Long must be this parting, and.
Remember,
That all my thoughts have always been of you.”
-Translated by Bruce Lee
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