T’ai Chi Chih and the Future

Patanjali has been called the “Father of Yoga” not because he originated it but because he codified it. He took parts of different age-old Yogas and worked them into Raja Yoga (the “Kingly Yoga”), a major work in India that has great importance. Anyone who claims to teach Raja Yoga must understand and have mastered (through practice) all eight steps.

Patanjali says: “Yoga is the suppression of mental modifications.” In other words, all yogas have this as their ultimate goal. These mental modifications are called vritti in Sanskrit, and when they are repeated over and over become vashanas or “habit energies.” Nothing is more important in this life and in future lives. These habit energies shape our lives. Whether by thought, intent, or action, these habit energies – most carried over from the past, it is believed in India – are responsible for our way of living. When they become overly strong they can develop into samskaras or “tendencies.” These tendencies, according to the Buddha, can last through many lives. People who do things without knowing why – such as drinking although they dislike the taste of liquor – can have their lives destroyed in this manner. And it all started with the seemingly harmless vritti, the “mental modification” that gradually turned into a habit energy.

Thus, what we think, plan, and do now will shape our lives to come. Perhaps knowing this will make us more careful. All the talk in the world with therapists, psychologists, and psychoanalysts won’t change a thing.

Are there ways to erase these vashanas? Yes; two I know about and teach. Deep Mediation that reaches the turiya level can do it and T’ai Chi Chih in many, many cases has done it. I believe that TCC changes the metabolism and, with it, erases unwanted vashanas (habits like driving a car and playing the piano are obviously not harmful and even necessary). I have observed teachers and students erase harmful habits and addictions. Thus TCC can change the future. What could be more valuable?

here

flowing

practicing

moving the Chi

we all are

beams of

light

– DD

the

end is

nearer than

you think; don’t wait

it is a

gift to

you

– CB

joy

Justin

joining all

in service to

all to grow

a new

earth

– MR

we

gather

together

to learn and feel

what is in

each of

us

– JH