263. Conservation of Energy

Do not waste your energy gratuitously. Over-exertion and over-development of muscles and organs are detrimental to your health. Rather you should seek to conserve your energy; always be moderate without going to extremes.

Let your movements in exercise be harmonious. Begin with Meditation, then a round or two of Tai Chi. Fit your movements harmoniously to your "opponent."

Learn to cultivate the art of detachment. Learn to not interfere but to follow the natural curves of things.

Let the thoughts you have and the emotions you feel when in front of an opponent pass like the reflection of a bird on still water.

Let not your feelings be sticky or blocked.

Accept yourself and go with your nature, not against it.

254. The Law of Non-Interference

The Law of Non-Interference with Nature teaches us not to resist your opponent but to defeat him by yielding to him and then using his own strength to defeat him. This is the principle on which Judo is based. When being attacked, do not resist but control the attack (by means of your decoys) and swing with it. This is what is meant by the expressions, "Don't push the river." and "Go with the flow."