'Forget Self' : the supreme principle

When we think to relax there is a sense that we observe the process of relaxation from some place within ourselves. From this place of observation there seems to be a controller of the relaxation. The relaxation seems to take place somewhere else. It is as if there are two aspects to the action. Yet the 'controller' is not involved in the relaxation. In this way our relaxation could be limited because it is easy for the 'controller' or 'self' to be a source of holding and tension.

When Dr. Chi advised me to 'forget self' it had many applications and implications for practice and daily life. If we can forget self the experience of relaxation, for example, is total. There are no parts of our being that are left out. We are 'taken over' by the feeling of relaxation - it is all embracing.

If we forget self we can become one with our experience or with others. To complete the quote from Dr. Chi : 'forget self, become one with the tao.'
Bristol 7.03.09