T’ai Chi Chih
A mindful, moving meditationMove towards better health and more happiness.
“Nothing is more important than knowing how to circulate and balance the Intrinsic Energy, the Vital Force of the body, known as Chi in Chinese. The rewards in good health, wisdom, serenity, and longevity are great for the one who learns the ancient principles and applies them in a modern way.”
–T’ai Chi Chih® founder Justin Stone, who lived to be 95 years old.
Why is it necessary to keep the concentration in the soles of the feet while doing T’ai Chi Chih? First, having a point of concentration keeps the mind from wandering…. Second, the tan t’ien, the spot two inches below the navel, is the all-important place Chi is stored. It is the seed of intuition and the most important spot from the Chinese standpoint…. The Tu Mu meridian channel that comes down the front, goes through the tan t’ien and reaches the soles of the feet, is called the Chu or bubbling spring. By concentrating in the soles of the feet, we serve the same purpose: Bringing the Chi down to the tan t’ien…. Third and most important from a health standpoint, we want to bring the heart fire, that is the Yang of the heart, down instead of letting the Yin of the kidneys rise.
"A Chinese monk once said, ‘When the mind is transparent and pure as if reflected on the mirror-like surface of the water there is nothing in the world you would dislike. When it is serene as the light breeze in the sunshine there will be no one whom you would like to forget.’ Such serenity is rare in these hectic days. Nevertheless, it is possible." -- Justin Stone
"It is much easier and more suitable for our way of life to work from the other side, to directly cultivate the Chi itself, to free it so it circulates easily. And to balance the negative and positive aspects of this Vital Force, the Yin and Yang Chi. Looking from the other end, we will find that such practice automatically influences the mind and brings about the desired results." -- Justin Stone
"The Japanese speak of Seijaku, serenity in the midst of activity. Not escaping from the world to some mountain top … but finding the real meaning, fulfillment, energy and wisdom in the midst of everyday hustle and bustle. Building a silent and imperturbable center, while active in the disappointments and triumphs of our busy lives, is real fulfillment. Words will not do it, no matter how reassuring or clever. Passive listening as in hearing well-meaning sermons is a waste of time no matter how good the speaker makes you feel …. It takes actual practice. You must do it yourself." -- Justin Stone
