holes in history and bye for now

[Guest guest]

Perhaps the greatest inspiration I had in my desire to write about CM was the

significant holes we have in the history of this practice. In his introduction

to the Nei Jing, Ilza Veith commented that to understand that classic one should

concentrate on three features: " Tao, Yin and Yang, and the theory of elements

and, closely associated with it, the imposition upon the universe as well as

upon man of a system of numbers among which the number five predominates. "

Several authorities have commented on the lack of any attempt to describe the

original inspiration for the most essential concepts found in this " first book "

on CM. Many have deduced this indicates these concepts had been around so long

and were taken for granted with no need seen to discuss their genesis. IMO our

lack of understanding of the genesis of these concepts is the heart of the many

differences of opinion found regarding CM including those discussed on this

list.

 

We have no information who, when, and under what circumstances acu-points were

identified (Unschuld confirmed this for me in a personal communication stating

it is a great mystery that will perhaps never be solved), and the same goes for

the genesis of yin/yang, or the system of numbers Veith spoke of. In Western

science we can trace the genesis of thought quite well giving due credit to

giants such as Galileo, Newton and Einstein even citing specific stories such as

Newton's apple or Galileo's Leaning Tower of Pisa experiment. We have no such

stories or giants to trace the evolution of CM/Chinese Science thought before

the Nei Jing. No wonder there is so much confusion and difference of opinion!

 

With much more naivete than sense, I decided to investigate these mysteries

something like early amateur Egyptologists did with the mysteries of the

Pyramids. My background studying folk history and spirituality with a 74th

generation Taoist Master encouraged me, as his tradition offered what I believed

to be several vital clues to address this mystery. The mistake I made on this

list and for which I now apologize, is that I made provocative statements

especially challenging Unschuld, without backing them up so that they could be

judged on their merits. I hope to one day make public much more complete

thoughts on these subjects - some supported by classics, others original

conjecture. Once I get my complete thoughts out there, I will be ready to

respond to the critics I am sure I will have. Perhaps when I finish my

manuscript, I may look to post some essays on specific topics on this list's

file section if there is an interest.

 

And, on the subject of getting my thoughts out there, I need to meet a

publisher's deadline of next February and this is looming quite large. I will

have so little spare time I regret I will not be able to continue my

participation on this very fine list. I echo the sentiments of Emmanuel on those

world class teachers on this list and I especially respect the work of the list

moderator - I hope you find the help you seek. I will stay on another day or two

in case anyone has any questions for me and encourage anyone to contact me off

list at acu.guy Thank you all for your dedication to this field we

love. - Matt Bauer