David Moore

The Directions - Patrick Macdonald's Challenge 

After the 1986 Congress, Patrick Macdonald wrote that he “found it difficult to make sense out of the conflicting ideas that were presented”. Especially regarding the meaning of a free neck, a head going forward and up, a back lengthening and a back widening. “It is quite possible to agree that these words contain the essence of the AT, but if they mean different things to different people, we are no further forward in repeating them, unless agreement is reached as to their meaning.” he said.

We will ask:
1. Can we say that every understanding of the directions is correct?
2. Is one particular interpretation correct?
3. How do we know that our understanding is correct?
4. If we are uncertain regarding the directions what are ways in which we can explore and clarify their meaning?
5. Is it possible for people with different understandings to explore this with beginner’s mind?

David will briefly share his journey in attempting to unravel these questions, including his understanding of some of the differences between different schools. We will then explore different understandings of applying and teaching the directions in a manner that is open to debate.