A Difficult Meditation Pose

Lin Hai carefully recalled everything he knew about Blade Zen.

In his memory, the practitioner sat cross-legged with a blade laid across both knees. The right hand rested loosely on the guard, symbolizing mastery of technique and strength, while the relaxed grip represented restraint.

The left hand rested palm-up beneath the pommel, gently supporting it as though it were something precious. This symbolized acceptance, tolerance and support, reflecting the practitioner's humility.

Next, the practitioner had to enter a deep meditative state through absolute focus, bringing his thoughts, breathing and even the pulse of his soul into resonance with the blade in his hands.

After recalling all this, Lin Hai could hardly wait to try it. He sprang up from the sofa, took the Little Plum Blossom Spear in hand and hurried up the stairs to his bedroom on the second floor.

As he passed the second-floor balcony, Lin Hai briefly greeted Gwen, who was looking his way, then went into his room.

He closed the door, took off his shoes and sat cross-legged on his bed in the posture he usually used to practice Tai Chi Internal Skill.

Meditation was an important part of the stillness training in Tai Chi Internal Skill. Through a specific posture, deep breathing and precise guidance of the mind, it cultivated, gathered and circulated the inner energy known as qi, bringing body and spirit into harmony, clearing the meridians and nourishing vitality.

The posture required both legs to be crossed, each foot resting at the base of the opposite thigh with the soles facing upward. The spine stayed naturally straight, the head and neck upright, and the chin slightly tucked. The whole body looked as steady as a mountain.

Lin Hai adjusted his posture with practiced ease, and his breathing gradually grew soft and slow.