Phase 3 - Conviction
There are many things that may happen during this level of
Wooden Dummy practice, some of which may be experienced directly while
others will come from the path of insight. Be warned that visions and
intense sensations may arise when the ability to concentrate develops to a
point within reach of Wooden Dummy mastery. It is at this level that you
will experience deep serenity and often, wrongfully, believe that the final
phase has been reached -but it has not, you must persevere. The final drive
on the quest for mastery lies in your efforts, on the one hand by a
painfully felt inner bondage - a frustration, a fear or both - and on the
other by the 'conviction' that through Wooden Dummy one can gain liberation
in fighting and life itself.
Finally, the 'conviction' phase must also be overcome. Grandmaster Ip Man stressed the need to practice, and practice further until Wing Chun permeates the one's whole life. In this final state of 'no'mind' stimuli enters your awareness and is received with 'non-reaction'. This 'non-reaction' does not mean mental dullness, but a brilliantly clear mind in which details of all phenomenon can be seen, without analysis or attachment. This final stage, sometimes called 'letting go of ego', is a posture of mindfulness devoid of self-consciousness.
The mental aspects of the Wooden Dummy are powerful and vital to the ability of fusing your physical skill. However, as you thread your way through the lessons of the Wooden Dummy you will quickly learn that there are still shadows that must be explored.
