| Feature Article
Harnessing the Power of the Mind
–
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Wudang
Shan is a mountain of inspiration. Great masters have journeyed here
for thousands of years to seek serenity and spiritual nourishment. Its
natural beauty is captivating – clean air, crystal clear springs and
abundant qi. On its peaks are spectacular temples and ancient
dwellings. These buildings represent the pinnacle of man’s physical,
mental and spiritual achievements. The material structures are a
physical manifestation of the power of the mind when it is realised and
harnessed. Internal arts such as Tai Chi, Ba Gua and Xing Yi are all
ways to develop the mind and body to achieve its full potential.
Tai Chi
is represented by the yin yang symbol, the state of balance and
harmony. Knowing and applying the principles of Tai Chi is learning to
realise this state in everyday life. Imbalance is part of life, but it
leads to problems, ill health and sometimes, an early death. Taoists
believe that life is a blessing, a precious gift from our parents which
is not to be squandered. Knowing how to nourish our lives is achieved
through following the Tao or the Way. Although the Tao cannot be
defined, yin yang is a fundamental movement within the manifestations of
the Tao.
Finding
balance and harmony begins with taking care of ourselves. Calmness is
one of the keys. Knowing how to calm a mind that is filled with tension
and fear is the first step. In Tai Chi, and in particular, through the
practice of Hun Yuan Qigong, we begin to slow down and become aware of
our breathing and our body. Repetitions of gentle movements help the
body to become calm. Once we are in this state of calm, we are no
longer prey to thoughts which bring fear or tension. We may feel the qi
or inner energy flowing as a warm current through different parts of the
body. This gives us a sense of inner peace.
With a
calm mind, we have become aware of the incessant thinking of the mind.
There is a sense of spaciousness which enables us to choose more
positive and nurturing thoughts. For example, visualise and feel the qi
from the plants and sun flowing into our bodies, renewing our energy and
dispelling dark clouds of worry and fear. This practice brings us to a
more natural state of being which has its basis in the present moment.
We become intensely aware of being in the NOW which is vibrant and
fulfilling. The mind loses its constant desire for more. It is content
to just be. Mentally and emotionally, this state of harmony is Tai
Chi. We feel happy and content in this very moment, no matter where it
may be. This state of being also awakens our connection with nature and
enables us to see beauty in everything. Taoists have always respected
nature and live in harmony with it. Discovering this state of being
arouses a deep sense of gratitude and love for the planet and
ourselves.
The mind
is a powerful tool. It can bring us joy and peace or pain and
suffering. Harnessing the power of the mind for the enhancement of life
is a skill worth learning. “A life of only a single day spent in
meditation conjoined with wisdom is better than living a hundred years
unbalanced and confused.” (Dge-dun-chos-phel, Dhammapada : essential
teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, p.59. Tibetan Translation Series.
Berkeley, California : Dharma Publishing, 1985)
During
the recent Tai Chi and Meditation Retreat in April, Meditation Master
Lama Choedak Rinpoche likened an unruly mind to a wild elephant on the
rampage. However, if we meditate regularly and apply the right
antidotes, we can tame this elephant to serve us. The mind and body
will become pliant, giving rise to wisdom. We then know how to deal
with difficulties, how to transform difficulties and eventually realise
that there is no difficulty. The mental labelling depends very much on
our perception which is often coloured by underlying beliefs and
expectations.
When we
learn to move according to Tai Chi’s principles, we circulate our energy
harmoniously throughout the body, healing imbalances and nurturing our
lives. The ultimate state of Tai Chi is freedom – freedom from negative
thoughts, lack of vitality and ignorance of our full potential. May you
all experience the state of Tai Chi in your daily life!
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