MIND INTENT
One of the most important principles to understand and
activate in Taijiquan is that of mind intent.
In traditional Chinese medicine the concept is stated that
the mind guides the qi and the qi leads the blood. Pointing
to the fact that the mind can bring energetic coherence
to the energy of the body so that it can be directed and
used for either martial applications or healing. At first
it brings awareness of the qi to a new student. For an intermediate
student it brings focus to their form and qigong practice
so they begin to be aware of the flow of energy throughout
the body. Mind intent opens one to the awareness of a partner's
energy as we begin to explore two person play in sensing
(push) hands.
As we move into the spiritual area of Taijiquan/Taoist training
it is mind intent or consciousness which is used to direct
the jing, qi, and shen through the various patterns leading
to spiritual growth and, possibly, enlightenment.
As the Neo-Confucian Chu Hsi said the "mind is the
ruler of the entire person". Master Jou points out
that "To the Daoists the primary generator of many
types of energy and force is the mind. Since the mind generates
consciousness, with direction and exercise consciousness
can develop and create (energy and force)". Arieh Lev
Breslow says, "If the mind is not engaged in both a
conscious and intuitive way, or at the very least, moving
in that direction, it is clear that one is doing something
other than T'ai Chi Ch'uan". So in order to bring energetic
focus to our actions, develop power (jin), and to be able
to ensure that the proper transformations occur, that is,
Jing to Qi to Shen, we must bring both parts of the mind
, "i" and "hsin" to focus on our intent.
"Hsin" is the name for the heart/mind (also means
consciousness) and the internal process that occurs when
all the forces of the mind - intuitive, emotional, and spiritual
- combine to give birth to an idea out of a meditative or
reflective state. While "I" means mind that contains
the idea and is in the process of actualizing it in the
physical world, "hsin" is often both the source
of that idea or represents the activity of the mind in the
process of internal alchemy. This is made clear in the
Wu, Yu Xiang Classic,
"It is said "First in the hsin(mind),
Then in the body."
The abdomen relaxes,
Then the ch'i sinks into the bones.
The shen (spirit) is relaxed
And the body is calm.
It is always in the hsin."
From this we see that the directing work of "hsin"
is the internal work of manipulating the qi in the body.
Despite the occasional confusion of "i" and "hsin"
what is important here is that we understand the primary
role mind plays in the art of T'ai Chi Ch'uan. This idea
must be a constant companion to one's training.
8th ANNUAL WORLD TAIJI AND QIGONG DAY: As always a wonderful
sharing with our Taijiquan brothers and sisters on this
day. The event was once again organized well by Laddie Sacharko.
Jonas Sanchez, Tony Suarez, Onassis Parungo,
and I did an interesting demo showing the development of
Taiji styles. The workshops were many and varied providing
many opportunities to expand your horizons. Plan to attend
next year on April 28th. Mark your calendars now!
EXPERIENCING THE CLASSICS: We will study "The Taijiquan
Treatise" (Taijiquan Lun) by Zhang, San Feng. This
class is open to anyone wishing to take it. It will fulfill
the Classics requirement for advancing to either Intermediate
2 or the Advanced Class. See flyer.
QIGONG CLASS: I will teach the Eight Pieces of Brocade
(Ba Duan Jin) from Master Henry Wang who adds
three postures to the traditional eight. This will be taught
as a workshop on the afternoon of June 24th. See flyer for
more information. This could fulfill the Qigong requirement
for advancement to Intermediate 2. Qigong classes are open
to anyone wishing to study this art.
SAN SHOU: San Shou, the Yang Style Sparring Form, will
be taught in August by Dr. Jay Dunbar and Kathleen Cusick.
The four day intensive will be August 17 - 20 (Thursday
through Sunday). This practice will change your awareness
of form and application. For more information see the flyer
at school or ask one of the people who practice San Shou.
It is great fun and teaches us about many of the principles
of Taijiquan.
WEI QIGONG: This wonderful treatment qigong from Master Duan, Zhi Liang
will be taught by David on Sunday August 6th. This is a
real treasure from Master Duan. Come and learn how
to draw excess energy out of your partner's head and balance
the flow throughout their body. This is open to anyone.
No experience is necessary. Just an open mind and heart.
NOTE: There will be no classes from July 22 through July
30 for my mid-year break.
BE PEACE,
