The Cosmic Consciousness Pose

The “Cosmic Consciousness Pose” is a standing meditation posture that can be used with benefit in conjunction with T’ai Chi Chih. This pose can be held prior to T’ai Chi Chih practice, though most prefer to follow their movement session with the pose, usually after performing the “Six Taoist Healing Sounds”. “There should be no thinking while this meditative pose is held. If the pose is taken after all practice (of TCC) is finished, it should be held at least 5 minutes, or more.” (Justin Stone, TCC-Joy Thru Movement, p. 119)

While maintaining this pose we should feel balanced and stable in alignment, resting lightly with a sense of openness and ease throughout the body, particularly within the spine. “When the spine is erect, the spirit goes through to the head-top. Suspending the head-top, the whole body becomes light.” (From the Song of the 13 Postures, old Chinese) The Cosmic Consciousness Pose encourages Life-Force to be directed upward through the spinal channel, to the center of consciousness in the cerebrum and above, where it is said that enlightenment or illumination of awareness occurs. When we perform Justin’s “Light at the Top of the Head” movement, we are relating primarily with this same center, sometimes referred to as the “abode of the soul”.

The title, “T’ai Chi Chih” represents the ultimate ideal of the practice: to know the Supreme Ultimate, or to directly realize cosmic consciousness. Though cosmic consciousness cannot be conceptually conveyed or understood, it can be referred to as the condition of unbridled awareness and absolute fulfillment that is superior to usual (human) perception and perspective. “In cosmic consciousness we discover our true Self to be infinite.” (Sri Kriyananda, The Path, p. 425) The deepest purpose of T’ai Chi Chih practice is to awaken from the sense of all (self-imposed) limitation and restriction of awareness and function, to know our innate wholeness (Reality) – to consciously realize our relationship with the Supreme Ultimate.

Though I know of none who have awakened to the cosmic conscious state while assuming the Cosmic Consciousness Pose, many have reported surges of joy in the deep spine, a heightened sense of alertness and peaceful well-being, as well as feeling dynamically energized. Perhaps by learning to endure longer periods in this pose, to allow for deeper experiences, ultimate success will unfold. I sometimes tease new students by asserting that we will hold the Cosmic Consciousness Pose until liberation is realized! Of course this evokes laughter and helps disperse tension so that we are more able to relax into the pose. Relaxation is all important, because we want to allow Life-Force to circulate as freely as possible while maintaining the Cosmic Consciousness Pose.

I have found that it is useful to adopt an attitude of being supported in this still posture; much like the emphasis that is applied while performing the movements of T’ai Chi Chih, so that we feel as though we are suspended from above, rather than fighting gravity. It is helpful to take a couple of deep breaths while beginning the pose to contribute to deeper relaxation. Another important aspect of this pose is the internal focusing of the mind. By directing full attention to the “upper tan t’ien”, the interior space between the eyebrows, the elevation of Life-Force will be assisted, thereby quickening the influence of the Cosmic Consciousness Pose.

I have found that after holding the pose for a suitable duration (5-15 minutes) it helps to compliment it with a grounding posture, such as the regular “resting pose” with palms facing down at the waist, heels together and full concentration (of feeling) in the soles of the feet, or “lower tan t’ien”. This complimentary grounding posture makes it easier to reintegrate ourselves and to relate stably with the environment, after the release we experience through the Cosmic Consciousness Pose.

“It is good if, after a period of movement, we do a short meditation, such as the Cosmic Consciousness Pose, in order to be quiet and centered while the great yin and yang forces, which we have separated and circulated with our movements, come together again.

“The quiet meditation we enjoy immediately after T’ai Chi Chih practice is a way to retrace our steps to this One that is the Source.” (Justin Stone, TCC-Joy Thru Movement, p. 127)

Justin has included the Cosmic Consciousness Pose in T’ai Chi Chih for good reason, and it will serve us well if we will persist in our involvement with it.

– Steve Ridley
Denver, CO

Used with permission.