Self-cultivation involves one’s active participation in changing the microcosm. Achieving stillness is not something that one falls into spontaneously; it is a prize to be attained through diligent application. Taoism teaches that the wonders of stillness are inexhaustible; its source is emptiness and its cultivation is necessary to attain the Way (realization or enlightenment) within oneself (Kaiguo & Shunchao). “The way to get into quiet stillness is to gradually eliminate random thoughts of personal desires, sweeping away the obstacles to the growth of primal spirit and energy, making the pathway even.”

Ann Coyle

Sat Hon, the English Transmitter of the Dragon Gate Complete Reality School Taoist Alchemy, describes “stillness as the way to get in touch with the inner stream, the inner life force, the deep nature of self.” He warns however, that “when you get in touch with stillness it’s not still,” illustrating his point by making a comparison: “When water runs very fast, it looks utterly still… when you see churning water, that’s not fast water.” (Cochran citation)  The paradox of stillness is that it can provide access to a deep reservoir of activity within. In addition to activating forgotten memories and contents from the collective unconscious, stillness also activates dormant or latent powers and abilities. (Kaigo & Shunchao)

Ann Coyle

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