The Essence of T’ai Chi Chih (February 2009)

To sink into the Essence of T’ai Chi Chih is much like experiencing Enlightenment (Satori) in Zen Training. Conduct and a naturally well-balanced outlook bring a wonderful and unforced outlook to the one who has felt the joy of flowing Chi. Any desire to argue or dispute has naturally flown away and, when one practices with a group, there is a well-balanced feeling. Without getting religious about it, we know what the wise ones of old took for granted. The feeling that TCC is flowing naturally and, that the Practice itself is doing itself, becomes quite natural. We become grateful for what we receive.

People who watch a TCC performance usually feel the power of it, but they do not know what they feel. Watching it often results in the longing to study TCC and pass along the joy of flowing Chi. The desire to become a teacher is often a natural result.

The softness and flowing come quite naturally to those who begin study TCC. We experience the “flow and effort of no-effort” – which is characteristic of the practice itself.

Some teachers have their students read and digest certain books, such as Climb the Joyous Mountain, where they can study that which comes naturally. Each teacher has his or her method, and TCC eventually communicates itself. Am I making too much of what could be called the spirituality of TCC? Such is not my intent. I’ll simply repeat what I have said about TCC doing TCC and having the satisfaction of learning to live with the flowing Chi. Just let it happen.