The Primary Principle

[@mrb67]

Raising the crown is one of the most important things you teach us. But also the easiest to forget. And having more information to help is always good.

[@Rising_Crane]

thanks for watching.

[@mangmiketeamtaiaha7256]

Great video... enjoyed the positive energy you project to the viewers. 🙏

[@bowlofkittens]

You are so right to emphasise balance. When I 'really go for it' in raising the crown, I end up with neck tension too. I find I have to raise then allow a wave of relaxation downwards. I believe that somewhere there is a caution to raise the crown but without pressure (perhaps that's in Yang Chen Fu's ten principles?)

[@Rising_Crane]

Yang Cheng Fu said it is 'as if suspended on a wire' so that implies a gentle pressure. In Zazen, however, they speak about pressing forcefully upwards. I think that is to overcome the sleepiness or wandering mind. Certainly the idea is to have perfect balance without force, but you may need to use some force to 'correct' imbalances in the mind or body initially.