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For example, the balance according to Bruce is between being vulnerable or uncomfortable with the idea of change, and
accepting that you must adapt; you must change no matter how uncomfortable you might be. Bruce presents Berton with a
statement that becomes one of his most notable quotes,“ when you pour water into a cup, it becomes the cup. When you
pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle…Water can either flow or it can crash.” In China, it reflects the logic within the
center of the
Yin Yang
and the
Tao
. The positive exists to fill the void of the negative and the negative exists to be balanced
and filled by the positive.
Tao.
The form and the way, is the lesson taught by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (6th century B.C.). It influenced
the essence of many martial arts, namely Gung Fu. Lao Tzu wrote, “Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is
Enlightenment. When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Bruce tells Berton during the interview that this
is the foundation of his belief in the formlessness of water: the ability to adapt, but not conform. When presented with
an obstacle, or restricted by the confines by society, the ability to fill, to fully inhabit the space (like water) is up to the
individual. For some it may be seeing a college degree as a goal even when it seems so far out of reach. For a doctor
it could mean being one who integrates Eastern and Western medicine to care for his or her patients. The conflict in a
person, according to Bruce, is whether to posture, or to present an outward façade of confidence, or choose to accept the
difficult task of actually gaining confidence. Bruce went on to say that “styles [martial arts in particular] tend to separate
men, because each has doctrine.” That isn’t to say a person shouldn’t learn an art form, or a skill, but to not be limited by
the lesson to define their ability.
In this way, he remains an inspiration for millions of people. Rather than hold tightly to the rigid forms of doctrine and
tradition, many people took his ideas on fluidity and embraced the kind of people they could be and become by recognizing
the true nature of the obstacles in front of them.
READING 2: NOTIONS OF WATER IN THE TAO TE CHING (LAO TZU)
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The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence
of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying,
without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men
dislike. Hence (its way) is near to (that of) the Tao.
The excellence of a residence is in (the suitability of) the place;
that of the mind is in abysmal stillness; that of associations is in
their being with the virtuous; that of government is in its securing
good order; that of (the conduct of) affairs is in its ability; and
that of (the initiation of) any movement is in its timeliness.
And when (one with the highest excellence) does not wrangle (about
his low position), no one finds fault with him.
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The skilful masters (of the Tao) in old times, with a subtle
and exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries, and were deep
(also) so as to elude men’s knowledge. As they were thus beyond men’s
knowledge, I will make an effort to describe of what sort they
appeared to be.
Shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in
winter; irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them; grave
like a guest (in awe of his host); evanescent like ice that is melting
away; unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into
anything; vacant like a valley, and dull like muddy water.
Who can (make) the muddy water (clear)? Let it be still, and it
will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest?
Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise.
“DO YOU KNOW BRUCE?”
