Pick up the Pearl started as an homage to tai chi. Noticing that those with a passion for tai chi or other wu shu and related arts are so deeply involved in their subject, they are often so immersed in the present moment with their pursuit, that they are so passionately heeding its call, they too easily forget that those outside their own circle know very little of the richness of what it is they are experiencing, I, as a tai chi enthusiast, decided to capture a few of these moments and experiences in verse form for others to enjoy and appreciate.
You don’t have to love poetry and books to marvel at how the mystery of a character and story can be sketched in a mere one or two hundred words, in many cases to convey timeless truths and perspectives in new ways. And why, he asks, not use our language, put it to work and communicate better with those around us, not just for information purposes, but for the lovely thoughts, concepts and mindspaces. So this is a book for the lifetime wu shu-er as well as the idly curious.
I began his study of tai chi in Sydney in 1980 under the highly respected teacher, Simon Lim. With Simon’s encouragement, I completed an honours thesis ‘Tai Chi and the Best of All Possible Worlds’ at the University of Sydney in 1983. I have continued my tai chi ptactice to the present day. I also enjoy writing prose fiction as you may have seen in the front of the book.
Tai chi is a physical expression of tao philosophy, it is about connecting to the great source of all things which is our natural birthright and our natural way of being. Alas, many people disconnect from source through habits of resistance often as if it’s some sort of virtue and which they mindlessly then strive to impress on others. The fact is we only need to stop resisting, allow more, and our wondrous and divine birthright will show itself to us as having been here all the time.
Thanks to Dorothy Cui for permission to use her photo on the front cover.
Link to smashwords ebook version (set your own price) here.