Hints for Seijaku Practice

Ed Altman, Redmond, WA

To gain the greatest benefit from T’ai Chi Chih and Seijaku practice, you must learn to fully express the Yin and Yang aspects of the Chi with balance. This is achieved in Seijaku by focusing on the T’an T’ien, and applying a soft and hard emphasis during each movement. It is important to pay attention to the timing and to perfect exactly when and how much effort should be applied. Many students ask about this, but words cannot convey it completely.

Each movement should begin softly, and without anticipation. Use the principle of “Alignment of Strength” to determine when the shift from soft to hard is appropriate. Do not become tense in advance. As the movement transitions from soft to hard, focus all effort as if trying to slowly pass through an immovable barrier. Do not attempt to “push through” too quickly, but observe the inevitable “give” as slow progress is made. Eventually, as you move beyond the point of opposition, the motion gently returns to softness. Experience this fully. Aaahhh.

Try not to expend too much effort with the upper body during Seijaku, or your focus may become distracted. Remember, this is advanced T’ai Chi Chih: all the same principles apply. T’ai Chi Chih students learn to focus on the legs, move from the waist, and allow the upper body to move as if being blown by a breeze. This is also extremely important in the practice of Seijaku, but difficult to learn.

To emphasize the lower half of the body during Seijaku practice, you may wish to try the following visualization. Imagine you are being held from behind by a stiff rubber band wrapped around your waist. This makes it nearly impossible to shift your weight. In addition, the soles of your feet are stuck to the ground with sticky glue. Picture this clearly. As you shift your weight forward, willfully project the T’an T’ien through the rubber band while your back heel lifts very slowly. Of course, the return is effortless.

The advanced movements of Seijaku require the simultaneous expression of both hard and soft while the waist is twisting considerably. To do this properly, you must reside in the still center of the movement, and remain unattached to both Yin and Yang. This is where the depth of Seijaku’s teaching is without limit.