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POST 54 June2025
THACH BAN, The Marble Table
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www.vietchidaoofficial.blogspot.com POST 54 June 2025 THACH BAN: The Marble Table Master Charles
Phan Hoang |
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POST
54 THACH BAN The Marble Table In
the stillness of discipline, strength is shaped. THACH BAN, or “The
Marble Table”, is a series of six refined movements—solid,
unmoving, eternal. Like stone shaped by centuries of wind and water, these
forms cultivate resilience, calm, and unwavering presence. Rooted in the Deep and
Stillness routine, THACH BAN invites the practitioner to
embody the strength of silence. Each motion flows with intention, each pause
echoes with meaning. For the advanced disciple, these six postures
are more than form—they align with the Six Strategic Considerations,
offering a path not only through the body, but through the mind and spirit. Stand firm. Move with clarity. Return to
stillness.
Stillness
Training
Stillness
training is an internal martial arts practice that focuses on cultivating a
peaceful state of awareness. This method uses specific postures as physical
supports, encouraging stillness and mental clarity. The training routine
involves selecting one or more postures to focus on, positioning your body
correctly, and remaining still for as long as your body can comfortably
support. Breathing should be slow and deep throughout the practice.
The
power of stillness training lies in its ability to develop inner strength,
mental clarity, deep concentration, introspection, and readiness for action. In this Post, you will find six postures to practice.
Six
Strategic Considerations Strategy is a complex and expansive domain, relevant to all those involved in conflict, whether as adversaries or as allies. In Vietnamese martial arts, six key elements—Thiên, Thời, Địa, Tụ, Bình, and Quân—serve as symbolic representations of core strategic principles. These terms are not merely words but they carry deep, broader meanings that shape the foundation of strategic thought.
Thiên - Sky Sky
symbolizes vision and perspective. A strategist must cultivate a broad,
far-reaching view of the world, extending their awareness beyond the
immediate situation. This involves understanding the environment in which the
conflict is taking place, but also anticipating the long-term
consequences—what the aftermath will look like for both sides, including
potential losses and gains. The sky is also a metaphor for long-term planning
and the ultimate goal of the conflict. A skilled strategist must always look
beyond the present, considering the full scope of the struggle and its
lasting effects.
Thời - Timing Timing
is often the difference between success and failure. It is crucial to align
actions with the right moment, ensuring that moves are executed at precisely
the correct time. Effective timing involves not only executing one's own plan
at the right moment but also disrupting the opponent’s timing—forcing them
into a misstep or error in judgment. A well-timed action can tip the scales
of the conflict in one’s favor, while poor timing can lead to failure. Accuracy
in timing, therefore, is an essential element of strategy.
Địa - Earth Earth
represents the foundation and resources that support any conflict. This
includes the practical aspects of strategy: the supply lines, logistical
support, and the technical expertise needed to engage effectively. A chosen
strategy must be compatible with the available resources and capabilities;
without adequate preparation and support, even the most brilliant plan can
fall apart. Earth reminds the strategist to ensure that their approach is
grounded in reality, with the resources and training necessary to bring it to
fruition.
Tụ - Focus Focus
is the art of concentrating one’s efforts on a singular goal. A successful
strategy requires laser-like focus—mobilizing all available resources and
actions toward a common objective. This not only means directing efforts
toward the primary target but also involves rallying the support of allies.
Focus involves eliminating distractions and ensuring that every action serves
the ultimate purpose. It is about prioritizing what matters most and
committing fully to the mission.
Bình - Peace Peace
symbolizes safety, stability, and happiness. In strategic terms, this concept
suggests that the ultimate goal of conflict may not always be victory through
destruction, but rather the achievement of peace with minimal loss. A
strategist must weigh the costs and benefits of pursuing a conflict to its
end. While some may opt for a strategy aimed at achieving total victory,
others may choose a path of de-escalation, aiming for peace with fewer
casualties and risks. Throughout history, the most revered generals were
often those who excelled in avoiding war, rather than those who sought to win
at all costs.
Quân - King The
King represents power and authority. Every strategist must understand who
holds the real power on each side of the conflict. This includes identifying
key figures, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing
their limitations. A strategist must be aware of the broader power dynamics
at play, and tailor their approach accordingly. The role of the King also
symbolizes the importance of leadership and decision-making in shaping the
course of a conflict.
In
summary, these six considerations—Thiên, Thời, Địa, Tụ, Bình, and
Quân—provide a framework for understanding and developing effective
strategies. Whether in martial arts, military conflicts, or other forms of
competition, these principles offer timeless guidance for those seeking to
navigate the complexities of strategy. (Master
Charles Phan Hoang, Post 54, June 2025) |
