Gung Fu - Effort, Discipline, Dedication.
The Chinese ‘gung fu’ translates as ‘effective discipline.’ It is different from the short bursts of effort widespread in modern culture, and it is also different from the sustained, low-grade efforts exhibited by those who do not care about their work. Instead, gung fu is consistent, enthusiastic effort. Like the heat of yogic ‘tapas,’ it is the type of effort that yields results on the spiritual path. Being kindled from within, gung fu is a long-lasting enthusiasm that enables spiritual aspirants to undergo the challenging disciplines that form the stepping stones of the spiritual path.
‘Professor [Cheng Man-ch’ing] described the gung fu in Tai Chi as akin to building a stack of paper by laying down a single sheet each day. Each additional sheet seems negligible, but if you persevere over the years and decades a single sheet per day grows into an enormous stack.’
- Wolfe Lowenthal, ‘There Are No Secrets.’
‘Professor [Cheng Man-ch’ing] described the gung fu in Tai Chi as akin to building a stack of paper by laying down a single sheet each day. Each additional sheet seems negligible, but if you persevere over the years and decades a single sheet per day grows into an enormous stack.’
- Wolfe Lowenthal, ‘There Are No Secrets.’