Continuing on with my haiku series around “Songs of The Eight Postures” attributed to T’an Meng-hsien and translated by Lee N. Scheele here is my second entry, Lu.

Lu is often associated with the “rollback” technique. It’s a yielding and redirecting… force. The reason I hesitate to put the word “force” is that when force (external) is applied, it’s already changed into a different energy/technique. It’s one of the most internal and in my mind, transient, of the eight.

My Version - Lu

the water wheel coils
lithely adhering, yielding
directing from center

their reach at its peak
enters an open eddy
itself finds empty

Songs of The Eight Postures - Lu

What is the meaning of Lu energy?
Entice the opponent toward you by allowing him to advance,
lightly and nimbly follow his incoming force
without disconnecting and without resisting.
When his force reaches its farthest extent,
it will naturally become empty.
The opponent can then be let go or countered at will.
Maintain your central equilibrium
and your opponent cannot gain an advantage.