Holding Fast, and Letting Go

Justin frequently teaches the T’ien T’ai form of meditation during his intensive workshops, and has discussed the fact that the movements of Seijaku are based on similar principles. T’ien T’ai is a meditation practice of, “holding fast, and letting go”. It requires the practitioner to “hold fast” to a single point of concentration. When thoughts come forward, the point of focus is “let go” as the origin of the thought is observed. Eventually, when the thought subsides, the attention returns to the single point of concentration. This practice allows one to encounter thoughts without fighting them, and often leads to profound meditation experiences.

In Seijaku, the practice of “holding fast, and letting go” is expressed by working through a resisting “force”, and returning to softness. During the practice, one must pay specific attention to the transitions between the hard and soft aspects of the movements. It is a common mistake to anticipate the resistance and begin pushing hard too early, thereby avoiding the opportunity to reside in softness. After multiple repetitions, a residual resistance may build up and overpower the movements.

This leads to the question” What is being “held fast” and what is being “let go” during Seijaku? Most focus on resistance, and end up being controlled by it. Focus on softness instead! Make the movements “mostly soft” and just work through the resistance at the appropriate moment. This is how Seijaku is taught — as mostly softness. This does not mean that there is not substantial resistance, but it need not become the consuming focus of the movements. When resistance is encountered, it is like a thought during T’ien T’ai meditation; it must be observed with detachment.

Remaining quiet in the still center of things, working through resistance as needed, being sensitive to the timing of it all, and returning to softness. This is the definition of Seijaku: Serenity in the midst of activity.

to be impatient
is to doubt
the timing
and impeccability
of the universe