Meditation for Beginners
It occurs to many people that there may be some benefit available to them in terms of their overall well-being from engaging in some form of meditative practice. After all, the benefits in physical, mental and emotional terms are well-known and virtually undeniable.
In casting about for a form and instruction in meditation techniques for beginners, however, many are put off by the most familiar concept of meditation, that is, sitting erect and inert, watching one’s breath and perhaps chanting repetitively. Especially when one is young and full of energy craving for expression, such a concept can be very off-putting. However, the practice of Tai Chi Chuan, or Tai Chi, as it’s most commonly known in the west, offers an alternative. It involves disciplined motion and focused breathing, along with a keen awareness of balance.
Many people are familiar with the concept of chi, which might be defined as life force. It’s recognized as being related to the energy of the earth, and by tapping it one has power and ability that some see as superhuman. Tai Chi practice involves becoming centered and focused in such a way and to such an extent that one is grounded in this force, and may direct it by the force of one’s will.
Tai Chi meditation for beginners bears little resemblance to the Tai Chi martial art familiar to many fans of action movies. The study of this discipline involves first mastery of the passive, or yin force according to ancient Chinese principles. The yin is a complement to the active, or yang principle. Once one has a sufficient grasp of the yin, movement to the yang force will follow naturally.
While the aspiring student may chafe at the slow and methodical movements of the yin study, at least he will be in motion, learning discipline and connectedness. Ultimately, however, and well suited to the active spirit of many young people, transition will be made to study and practice of the yang. At that time, their patience and persistence will have paid off as they find themselves grounded in the infinite and possessed of a power few can ever dream of.
Filed Under: Books • Meditation
