The white cockatoo departs from a branch with confidence, its yellow-tinged feathers visible as it spreads its wings in flight. Often, the bird appears unconcerned with its destination while airborne, yet it must quickly gather strong intention to avoid branches and land successfully. Upon arrival, it raises its crest and nods its head. The cockatoo’s journey is a flight through nothingness.
In Taiji and Wuji philosophy, “nothingness” symbolizes the formless, limitless potential that precedes the manifestation of Yin and Yang, the fundamental forces that give rise to all things. Just as the empty space in a rigatoni, donut, or lotus root takes on the flavor of its surroundings, “nothingness” in Wuji can transform into “something” when it interacts with its environment.
When we practice Taiji, our focused mind reflects the potential for transformation inherent in Wuji. By recognizing the potential within “nothingness,” one can create something meaningful and valuable. The emptiness or “nothingness” serves as a catalyst for creativity, growth, and realization, guiding the body through the mind’s intentions.
By tapping into your inner potential and embracing the interconnectedness of all things, you can create something out of nothing. Concentration and focus enable you to harness the transformative power of Taiji, fostering positive change and growth in your life.
This synthesis of Wuji philosophy and the metaphor of empty spaces illustrates the importance of recognising the potential within seemingly empty or formless aspects of our lives. Like the sulphur-crested cockatoo, undeterred by external challenges, like wind and rain, we can embrace the unity and interconnectedness of all things. By doing so, we create something meaningful and valuable from the “nothingness” that surrounds us, ultimately arriving at our intended destination.
