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November, 1999
Message From Sifu Eric
Sbarge
An old recluse lived in a small cabin high in the mountains. One night
there was a knock at the front door. When the recluse opened the door, a
thief barged in and demanded all his money. When the recluse replied
that he had no money, the thief ordered him to give the clothes off his
back. The old man complied and watched as the thief took the clothes and
stole away into the night. Standing naked in his doorway, the old man
looked out across a nearby lake and sighed, "What a shame he could not
also take the beautiful reflection of the moon
This traditional Zen story reminds us that we all have what matters most
in life if we'll just wake up and see it. Whether we live as thieves or
altruists is an issue in our lives, but it pales in comparison with the
question of whether we are awake or asleep.
Thanks for donations to Grandmaster to help with the relocation of his school. The red envelope we sent contained over $1200 and will be very welcome help in the work to open and promote the new school. We all wish Grandmaster the best of luck!
The Peaceful Dragon will be closed Thanksgiving Day, November 25th. And
we will close the entire last week of December from 6pm Friday, December
24th through Sunday, January 2nd, to give our entire staff a much needed
rest. We will re-open on Monday, January 3rd.
Do you have genuine artistic talent or design ability?and maybe some
free time to go with it? Would you be interested in designing a poster
for The Peaceful Dragon? Please see cultural center manager Wes Adams
for details. 
Workshop for Women: This is a very special workshop designed to
teach you how to be a "hard target" that predators avoid. You'll improve
your chances of escape if you are accosted when you understand who
you're really in danger from,
and when you have mastered a few very effective techniques to stop
attacks cold. Peaceful Dragon instructor Lyn Adams teaches this workshop
from 9am - 6pm Saturday, November 13th. Just $69 for the public, $49 for
students and members. Call (704) 544-1012 for more information.Meditation: Phra Mana Viriyarampo, a Buddhist monk from Thailand and well-respected teacher of yoga and meditation, is giving an in-depth work-shop on four consecutive Saturdays, November 13th ? December 11th from 4 ? 7pm. There will be a review of some material, and also new things to learn for those who took the first workshop. There is still time to join in this exceptional opportunity. Not sure what you missed the first time? Come to the free Saturday night lecture on November 6th, then sign up, $99 for the public and just $69 for students and members. The Peaceful Dragon still needs experienced kitchen help. We will consider training highly motivated people. If you are interested or you know someone who is, please inquire at the front counter. Nelson Highley has been working on an email directory that will eventually allow students to chat with each other in our very own Peaceful Dragon Forum, as well as broadcast special announcements related to classes, cultural center events, etc. There'll be more about this exciting development later. In the meantime, thanks to Nelson for his generosity. Young Dragons: Thanks to all the kids who demonstrated at the Tai Chi and Asian Health Arts Festival, and at the Novello Festival downtown. If you weren't able to attend, don't worry: there'll be more chances to show off your skills at upcoming events around the holidays. So keep working hard in class. Folk Sayings Many countries have a rich collection of proverbs, slang expressions and quips that comprise the found wisdom of their culture: what every person in the street knows. Lots of folk sayings have evolved around chopsticks. "Fussing about how chopsticks are picked up and put down," refers to nagging about the trivial or irrelevant. "Even stumbling chopsticks are funny," means a young girl who will giggle at anything. "It can't be picked up with chopsticks or hung on a pole," is a jibe at difficult people who refuse help or advice from anyone. "He's never picked up anything heavier than chopsticks," means a person who is not only from a rich family, but one who has everything done for him as well. What Kind of Wood Is For Chopsticks? Anecdotes and superstitions about the powers of different woods abound in many cultures. Who is to say they aren?t as powerful and important as their herbal sisters? Black Persimmon is as rare as jade: chopsticks made from it are for long life. Chestnut chopsticks can lead to untold riches, or at least help one get by in the new year. Cedar such as commonly used in canes helps one accomplish goals even in hard times. Cypress, in Japanese means "tomorrow it will happen," and symbolizes hope. Zelkova when burned will keep mice away for two years. Torreya wood has the power to cure a sty when brushed across your eyes three times on August 15th. Horse chestnut fruit borne with care will guard against paralysis. Gingko can ward off colds. Pine is exalted as the bearer of good omens. Plum has the power to heal toothache. Etiquette This is a sensitive topic as there are many taboos when it comes to using chopsticks properly. Some of the important rules will help avoid offending someone; and some rules are more casual but will tell a knowledgeable person how well-mannered you are.
To contact The Peaceful Dragon: Call: (704)-544-1012
Write: The Peaceful Dragon E-mail: comments and suggestions to staff@thepeacefuldragon.com |