While diving into various translations of the Tao te Ching recently and simultaneously journaling on surrender, I dipped into a contemplative state at one point. In this state, a method was revealed and transcribed that appears to be very pure and potent. It invokes a strong sense of presence for me, and I share it here with you, my audience, for what it may be worth. The practice is very reminiscent of the behavior of water, and so it has the distinct flavor of the Tao. I titled it “The Voice of the Tao.” But what topic is addressed? And where does it fit among the methods and practices of this site? It’s not really a meditation, as there is no focus or intent associated with the practice as we normally understand it. I thought of Qi Gong, which means “energy work.” The Chinese word for spirit is shen, so Shen Gong, meaning “spirit work,” seemed a possibility. But upon further reflection, it is not work as we typically understand it at all. There is no effort involved. In fact, it is the antithesis of work or effort, a practice of relaxation and emptying, following natural processes. The Chinese word for relaxation is “Sōng chí.”

And so we arrive at the name of the practice: Shen sōng chí – “Spirit relaxation.” Let me know what your impressions of the usefulness of this method are.