We have the phrase, "Heaven and Earth," used for the two great constituents of the cosmos, owning their origin to the Tao, and also for a sort of final power, acting in harmony with the Tao, covering, protecting, nurturing, and maturing all things.
[We are constantly reminded that Heaven and Earth are a significant part of the Way. It is mentioned constantly through out the texts and is the first tome of the ken-po goku-i of Isshinryu Karate-Do. It has been and is now the "first" tome spoken, written, and characterized as a intricate part of the way, the great Tai Chi, etc.
We do not want to mistakenly believe that the ancient Chinese meant all references to Heaven to be related to our modern perceptions of "Heaven." It is not the same and it takes a bit of study to come to any non-conclusive interpretations of the texts especially when you have to consider that the spiritual background of the interpreter influences his or her interpretations. My view is that references to "heaven" have nothing to do with some religious dogma saying we all will live happily in heave at the end of our lives here on earth.
I don't wish to provide, at this time, what I feel is their intent when writing of "heaven and earth" in the ancient texts as I believe that is something each of us has to find through their own studies. This was/is the intent of Tatsuo when he presented the ken-po goku-i to his first students in the late fifties, i.e. Marines and other military folks. I believe he felt that we each have such uniqueness that to provide a "static interpretation" to us would hinder our growth and knowledge thus limiting our practice of the way of the empty hand.]
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