The Ordinary Mystic

A recent news article has reported yet another example of ancient wisdom that is ahead of modern science and medicine. And it shows how spiritual views of physiology and “the way things work” can have a basis in reality, even by scientific standards.

Various forms of eastern spirituality teach of a life force that flows through our bodies along definite paths. Depending on the culture, this force is known as “chi”, “ki”, or “prana”. Modern science has not incorporated this concept into its own theories. Whether or not you believe in the existence of this life force, ancient practices have utilized the idea and as a result have achieved what modern science and medicine have yet to understand.

Tai Chi is one such practice, and western studies have uncovered some amazing things about it.

Recent Research on Tai Chi

According to the news article Stanford researchers record ‘optimal force’ of tai chi master, researchers at Stanford University recently documented the movements of a martial arts master and discovered that he was able to generate 400 pounds of force.

The force was so intense and his movements so quick that the measuring devices kept flying off his body. This was well beyond anything these researchers had seen before. What enabled him to generate so much force? This master’s particular skill was in the art of Tai Chi. A quote from the article states:

“Tai chi is a martial art that begins with cultivation of the mind, learning to discard everything except the thought of moving energy within the body, to nourish it and bring it to full health and, if necessary, to defend it. Various schools of tai chi have developed their own ways of training the body, but the aim is always to keep the joints relaxed to allow a free flow of chi.”

So this ancient practice is all about harnessing chi energy and training the body to facilitate its flow. I find it fascinating that this concept of chi energy - a concept that is not recognized by western scientific thought - is the basis for a practice that has produced measureable results, even by western standards.

Perhaps science will find a way to explain the phenomenon. But for now, I found the following quote from the article interesting:

“The result of Chen’s years of training indicates something special - mysterious, even - about how his particular skills were acquired.”

The Power is a Natural Part of Each One of Us

When you think about it, there isn’t anything mysterious about it at all. The mind is capable of so much more than science is able to understand or predict. Just in the area of the body alone, there is so much power demonstrated in the mind. We see it in some of the physical accomplishments of the “gifted” - anytime you watch a concert pianist’s fingers float across the piano keys, anytime you see amazing juggling acts or gymnastic feats, and anytime you see people who have overcome physical handicaps to carry on a normal life. We also see it everyday in abilities that we take for granted - driving a car, using a computer, or playing a sports game.

Just as we can use technology without having to understand the science behind it, so too can we discover ways of controlling our bodies without requiring degrees in physics, biology, or chemistry. Sometimes it is a matter of trial and error, and then we learn either through our own efforts or through the discoveries of others - even discoveries made by ancient cultures. But with just a little guidance, success comes through the intuitive connection that we make with our bodies.

Ancient Wisdom Can Teach us Much

I’m not dismissing the validity of western science or its contribution to knowledge and understanding of our world. But we shouldn’t be so hasty to dismiss the knowledge obtained from ancient practices and study, either. Yes, western science will eventually “validate” many eastern teachings, but until then there are good reasons to embrace a practice and reap tangible benefits now.

And in the process, we can also learn a little but more about who we are.