Taking the First Step

(“Letter to Teachers” Reprinted from VFJ, Summer 1984.)

The emergence at the Summer Solstice 1984 of the T’ai Chi Chih Journal is an important event, for it will tend to bind the TCC teachers more closely together and encourage those who need further encouragement. It is nice to spread something as beneficial as TCC, and you who are the “early” teachers (remember, this Discipline is only ten years old at this writing) are to be congratulated. Those who come later will profit by your pioneer work…

I have tried to keep TCC as pure as possible, even at the expense of my earning a living. It is important that we prevent deviations in the Teaching and the Practicing. You all know how Churches and Spiritual Organizations often degenerate into self-seeking political centers, with the benefits of the Practice involved almost completely forgotten. We must never forget that, as we receive rewards ourselves, it is our Way to serve. Each time one of you makes a Presentation, you are, in effect, promoting TCC as well as yourself. When we are grateful for what we receive, we offer it to others. This is natural to those who feel the great CHI force flowing thru them. Not only is this CHI the PRANA (Energy), it is the PRAJNA (Wisdom) as well. I know that I frequently have had precognitive experiences that have benefited me greatly, and others feel the growth of intuition in other ways. Make no mistake: T’ai Chi Chih practice will change you. It is a Sadhana (Spiritual Practice), but a pleasant and immediately rewarding one.

Do not do T’ai Chi Chih carelessly. Have enough respect to remember that. Knowing the high caliber of those who have become teachers, I have no concern for your sincere endeavor.

Lastly, I hope this Journal (and other steps contemplated) will contribute to the growth of T’ai Chi Chih. My congratulations to Corinn and Teen–they have taken the First Step.