Tai Chi Chuan is an excellent form of moving (动 dong) meditation, where the mind is focused completely upon the body and its continuously changing dynamics, while keeping stability and relaxation (放松 Fang Song) consistent (stillness in motion). We generate the outside Forms through the direction of the inside Functions. When we are moving, Yinyang separate. Forward / Backward, Left / Right, Up / Down, etc. It must be clear. When we are still, Yinyang unite. There is no discrimination. There are three forms of still (静 jing) practice;
Standing (Zhan Zhuang; post standing), sitting, and lying down (sleeping). As far as mediation for Shen; Spirit sitting has been the gateway for countless practitioners throughout the centuries. It is not as yin as lying down, but not as Yang as standing. The body falls away. Some of the most powerful energies can be cultivated.
Patience, presence, passivity, and persistence.
Using the mind to direct the body is Tai Chi.
Letting go of the mind is seated meditation. It is easy to learn, but difficult to practice. Simply because patience, presence, passivity, and persistence are not being cultivated regularly. We can use force to move a resistant body, but not the mind. Sitting, there is only one mind. It cannot push itself. Sitting and practicing “not thinking” can only be explained as “use non thinking”. I am not trying to be confusing. The only way to practice and come to realization of non thinking is to practice sitting. Everything we need to know about “how to sit” can be found by reading a few pages or learned in a 30 minute class. It will improve your moving practice.