wrote:
> Peter L:
> >
> >>Actualy, Li Mu Bi is a reasonable example of a mystic in action.
> >
> >
> > I wouldn't see Li Mu Bai as a full-on mystic. Rather, he is a
> >martial artist who uses some system of theism, sorcery, whatever
for
> >his kung fu. He also has some mystic understanding, but I don't
think
> >he's gotten any magic (or kung fu) from it.
>
> I agree, with the addition that he might be considered a
> martial artist who has retired from action in order to
> start on the real mystic path, but who is forced to return
> to active life by te theft of the magic sword.
I would see him as a lay practitioner of a mystic path who at the
start of the film was seeking to put his affairs in order so that he
could become a dedicated practitioner.
Subsequent events derailed his plans and then presented him with
alternatives (settling down with the woman he loves, teaching an
exceptionally gifted student) either one of which might have tempted
him away from his original intent had he survived.
--
Nic