Seijaku in the Redwoods

What an empowering weekend reviewing the advanced form of TCC with a wonderful group of TCC teachers! Since being accredited to teach Seijaku in Justin’s first course in November 1996, I’ve attended most of the Seijaku courses as a reviewer. Each time, there has been a deepening of my practice, and a special gift to take home. This time was no exception. The gem I left with was Ed’s image of the weight shift “coasting” onto the front foot after pressing through the resistance…just like a boat coasting up to the dock with its motor off. “Absolutely soft” appears to be relative…and I continue to discover a softer “soft”…both in Seijaku and in TCC practice.

What IS Seijaku?…and is it for you?

Seijaku is a Japanese word that means “stillness…or serenity… in the midst of activity.” It’s a term Justin has used to describe that quality of inner serenity in the midst of busy daily life that is cultivated by the practice of TCC. It is also the name he gave to the advanced form of TCC.

TCC is complete in itself, and will take us as far as we want to go on the path of self-unfoldment. For those of us who want to speed up the process, or experience a stronger flow of Chi, there is Seijaku. Justin has likened going from TCC to Seijaku to going from a 60-watt light bulb to a 1000-watt one in terms of the flow of the Chi, and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration!

One of the interesting benefits of learning Seijaku is that it improves our TCC practice. It was from Seijaku that I learned to keep my back heel down low in the forward weight shift of TCC…and what “moving with softness” really means.

If you are a student who has been practicing TCC for at least a year and want to learn Seijaku, ask your instructor if they are accredited to teach Seijaku. If not, they can refer you to a teacher who is certified.

If you are a TCC teacher who has been teaching at least a year and want to learn Seijaku, I invite you to attend a Seijaku Teacher Training. You will learn the basics of the form and receive accreditation to teach it when you feel you are ready. The course fee is just $300. If you are interested, call or e-mail me When there are 15 teachers committed to doing it, a course will be scheduled.