Thousands of thoughts run through our minds every day. Many of them are
regurgitated. We are also bombarded with hundreds of advertisements and
external stimuli. No wonder it is so difficult to calm the mind. How
we react to these thoughts can create all sorts of problems. We may
feel overwhelmed, angry, jealous, happy, sad, etc. It seems our
thoughts can take us anywhere we let them.
Meditation masters realised that our mind can be our ally or our enemy.
In meditation, by observing our thoughts without judgement, we become
aware of the rising of these thoughts which are often disordered and
incoherent. Gradually, we realise that it is not necessary to take
these thoughts so seriously, as if each demands our urgent attention.
In the
Shaolin Temple, many tools are used to train the mind. There are static
and moving forms of concentration. Monks train their minds under all
conditions. By learning to endure hardships and practising challenging
methods of training, monks develop the ability to remain calm under
pressure or pain.
This
skill is first trained through focusing the mind and eventually reaching
a state of deep calm. This occurs when the thoughts have slowed
down and we begin to perceive a space between thoughts.
Eventually, a huge gap opens up and we become totally absorbed in a
state of spaciousness. This natural state frees the mind of its
limitations which are born out of unchallenged conditioning and beliefs.
When the mind stops trying to control events, we get a glimpse of our
illuminating spirit hidden behind all our thoughts.
In Tai
Chi, you are first introduced to relaxation. As you progress, you
are taught how to concentrate. Following this stage, you then experience
the meditative state of absorption. The training is designed to
quiet the mind and eventually improve its ability to perform.
In our
Wu Dao Gong martial arts training, San Ti (a standing meditation with
most weight mainly in one leg) is used to change the body and sharpen
the mind. It teaches you to relax under physical pressure and
eventually leads to a state of meditative absorption. San Ti is also
practised by some of our advanced Tai Chi students.
Whether
it be through the Tai Chi form or through the more physically demanding
Wu Dao Gong martial art, we cultivate our minds so that we may abide in
the state of meditative absorption. In this state, the body, mind and
spirit are fully engaged in the practice, that is, in the present
moment. This ability to go deep beyond just appearing to perform well
is a feature of the Chinese internal arts.
Masters
of a high level of concentration are able to see the tiniest changes in
an opponent’s body. This allows them to know exactly when he is about
to breathe in, making him vulnerable to a strike. Some practise using a
bamboo rod to tap a snake on the mouth every time it is about to
attack.
Improving the power of concentration allows us to see things more
clearly and calmly. Ultimately, it will improve everything we do,
enhancing the quality of our lives.
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