The T'ai Chi Chih Tune-up

So the thing to do when working on a motorcycle, as in any other task, is to cultivate the peace of mind which does not separate one's self from one's surroundings. When that is done successfully, then everything else follows naturally. Peace of mind produces right values, right values produce right thoughts. Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for others to see of the serenity at the center of it all.
                    Robert M. Pirsig
                    From: The Little Zen Companion, p. 304

It's my guess that the above quote is exerpted from Pirsig's book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. His description of how to work on a motorcycle is akin to the way in which one engages in a regular T'ai Chi Chih practice.

Surely one of the major reasons TCC practitioners continue with their practices--at least this is what my students tell me--is because they feel so good afterwards. That good feeling comes out of their ability to become one with their surroundings and consequently flow into a relaxed and peaceful state of mind. To carry that outcome further and realize, as Pirsig proposes, that peace of mind leads to right values, right thoughts, and right actions provides an even greater motivation to continue to practice, practice, practice.

Today has dripped from dawn to dusk; on-again, off-again rain throughout. Funny. Everyone, cat and dog included, seems to want to stay inside. I practiced with the TCC teachers on Justin's DVD again this afternoon. It's helpful to be able to examine the subtle do's and don'ts of TCC practice while watching 4-in-1 (four teachers in one practice session).

It's  incredibly easy to unintentionally modify the form when you're engaged in your own private practice. Without realizing it you may start devising short-cuts or running movements and Resting Positions together. I appreciate Justin's instructional DVD along with regular retreats, trainings, and the annual teachers' conference for the opportunities they provide to refine, revise, reiterate, and renew my TCC practice.

Call it a tune-up, if you will. Human beings--like motorcycles--need regular maintenance to keep the Chi flowing....