My Memories of Kuo Lien Ying by Jarl Forsman

I remember well the first time I saw Kuo Lien Ying. My thoughts ran something like this, "I'll have whatever he's having. I'll do whatever he's doing. I want to be whatever he's being." He was a vital, energetic force, with an expressive, youthful presence. I knew he was in his early 80's, and yet he seemed more vital and alive than 1. 1 was in my early 20's. He was an inspiration, a presence I couldn't resist, in spite of the fact that studying with him required I retire early and awaken, arise and trek to San Francisco from the East Bay before the break of dawn.

He was only available in the early morning hours in the park at Portsmouth Square, outside, rain or shine. He was worth it, even to a young woman who otherwise wanted some semblance of a normal life.

My discipline was insisted upon seven days a week. I remember the few mornings I decided to luxuriate in bed, only to be interrupted by his untimely phone calls scolding me in his unusual Chinese dialect. "OK, OK.- I would answer, and off I would go.

My early morning arrival was always met with loving attention and acknowledgment. He had an unconditional loving manner that came through even when he was scolding. An angry expression would immediately change into a smile. He expressed himself thoroughly'. Whether or not one could understand his words, his emotion was quite clear and would change as quickly as it came about. Although he spoke very little English, he was able to communicate a great deal. I think back on all the teachings I attribute to him and realize this all came through translation of his words by others and through his life as his message. I believe that the students hear what they need, or are ready to hear. It is really our interpretation or perception of what is being said that matters. (I am reminded here of the countless times students of mine will reiterate something they heard me say, which I have little or no recollection of having ever said. It came through to them, nonetheless, and was what they needed to hear.)

Perhaps, the fact that he spoke so little English opened an avenue of communication that occurred on a deeper than intellectual level. Sometimes, when we think we know something intellectually, we fail to then really grasp it in a deeper knowing way. Kuo's teachings enabled and insisted on my becoming self-referential. listening to my own inner voices and wisdom.

The language issue prevented my relying on him for all the answers. I had to listen to what the form was telling me. I had to listen to the insights and awareness occurring in the silence of my mind quieted by concentration on form. I "remember him saying" to let the form teach you. "Practice, practice every day, the form will teach you what you need to know."

Paying attention to the principles of the form while doing the Tai Chi set reveals through feeling, correct form. Taoist wisdom emerges as a result of the stillness which occurs during practice. Deepening degrees of self awareness and understanding gradually occur through the process of the quieting of habitual mind chatter and through the releasing of thought patterns and old belief systems that no longer hold relevance in our lives.

With limited use of language, through the message of his life, love and light, Kuo Lien Ying continues to be one of, if not the most inspiring, influential and healing forces in my life. I cringe to think of what my life would be like had I not met him and learned through his teachings the priceless art and tool of life, Tai Chi.

To Master Kuo Lien Ying, my beloved teacher, I extend my deepest gratitude and devoted commitment to carry on your teachings and inspiration. I love you.

-By Jarl Forsman.

(Jarl has been practicing Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi for 25 years and teaching for 16 years. She currently teaches at UC Berkeley, Jerry Brown's "We, The People" Organization in Oakland, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and Albany Memorial Park in Albany. She is Executive Vice President of the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Association.)

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