T'ai Chi Chih and the Future
by Justin Stone

Patanjali has been called the “Father of Yoga,” not because he originated it but because he codified it. He took parts of different age-old Yogas and worked them into RAJA YOGA (the “Kingly Yoga”), a major work in India that has great importance. Anyone who claims to teach Raja Yoga must understand and have mastered (thru practice) all eight steps.

Patanjali says: “Yoga is the suppression of mental modifications.” In other words, all yogas have this as their ultimate goal. These mental modifications are called “Vritti” in Sanskrit, and, when they are repeated over and over, become VASHANAS or “Habit Energies.” Nothing is more important in this life and in future lives. These habit energies shape our lives. Whether by thought, intent, or action, these habit energies—most carried over from the past, it is believed in India—are responsible for our way of living. When they become overly strong they can develop into SAMSKARAS, or ”tendencies.” These tendencies, according to the Buddha, can last thru many lives. People who do things without knowing why—such as drinking, although they dislike the taste of liquor—can have their lives destroyed in this manner. And it all started with the seemingly harmless vritti, the “mental modification” that gradually turned into a habit energy.

Thus, what we think, plan, and do now will shape our lives to come. Perhaps knowing this will make us more careful. All the talk in the world with therapists, psychologists, and psychoanalysts won’t change a thing.

Are there ways to erase these Vashanas? Yes, two that I know about and teach. Deep Mediation that reaches the Turiya level can do it and T’ai Chi Chih in many, many cases has done it. I believe that T’ai Chi Chih changes the metabolism and, with it, erases unwanted Vashanas (such habits as driving a car, playing the piano, etc. are obviously not harmful and even necessary). I have observed teachers and students erase harmful habits and addictions. Thus T’ai Chi Chih can change the future. What could be more valuable?

Reprinted with permission from The Vital Force, March 2000

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