Reflections on Power

We are told in The T’ai Chi Ch’uan Classics: “From skillful practice one gradually comprehends the internal force; from the comprehension of the internal force, the steps extend to wisdom. Certainly, do not use the strength for some time. You cannot suddenly understand it.” These words bring to mind what tends to happen when one has practiced T’ai Chi Chih for some time–a realization of coming into one’s own power, an understanding that we all have within us the capacity to comfort, to truly empathize with others’ suffering, to heal (ourselves, others, and, in a larger sense, the entire Planet). It is possible when one is naturally sought out as being able to provide such needed services, to sense that that Power is outward, something that we have brought about ourselves, instead of viewing it as it really is– a Power that is channeled THROUGH us and made available to ourselves and to others around us who may need it.

True power is soft, as pliable as the bamboo, flexible like a string of pearls, not hard and dominating in the ways we might ordinarily think of it. One who relates to others by intimidating and instilling fear in them only thinks he or she has power. Others cannot be controlled for an indefinite length of time, for such control will be overthrown. Real power comes from within, from the “internal force” that has been developed through such practice. The stimulation and circulation of that internal force leads to insight in knowing how to use the strength that comes as a result, to use it in positive, constructive ways.

We are all familiar with misuse of power. We see it around us in the form of greed, control, the grasping of responsibility from those who should have it, the desire for one person to aggrandize him or herself at the expense of others; in short, ego-involvement carried to ridiculous degrees. True power does not look like this. As T’ai Chi Chih teachers, whose main focus is always that of integrity, we need to be especially mindful that we don’t jump into the fray of false power and use the gift that T’ai Chi Chih daily gives to us in ways that are unethical or irresponsible. Power must always be used for the good of others (and ourselves)–to comfort, to empathize, to heal. Without this ethical base, our “power” is nothing; it is meaningless and dangerous.

I find it useful to consider these thoughts about power from time to time. They are, of course, not new. Justin, Steve, and others have continually emphasized the importance of integrity in T’ai Chi Chih, especially when we consider the wide and varied influence many T’ai Chi Chih teachers have. I know that power has come to me as a result of a great deal of T’ai Chi Chih practice and it needs to be seen in its proper perspective. I need to gently remind myself that it is not MY power but rather the strength of the universal energy which is transmitted THROUGH me. It helps me from getting too “big-headed” about my so-called accomplishments and keeps me humble. It provides a balance for what others may notice on the outside with what is really coming from the inside.