The Star Wars Connection with Tien Shan Chi Kung By Steve Gray
Master Steve Gray drew fascinating parallels between Star Wars and Taoist philosophy. Particularly the practice of Tien Shan Chi Kung. He believed the Jedi’s relationship with the Force in Star Wars closely mirrored the principles of Taoist chi kung. His insights suggest that George Lucas modeled many elements of the films on Taoism. Emphasizing chi kung training, energy sensitivity, and spiritual growth.
Star Wars Connection with The Taoists
In his reflections, Master Gray noted that a mentor, a Taoist immortal, confirmed that the Jedi’s relationship with the Force was based on Taoist chi kung. This mentor was a friend of Joseph Campbell, the famous mythologist who advised Lucas. While Star Wars is a classical warrior story, its philosophical underpinnings in Taoism, and specifically chi kung, set it apart from generic adventure films.
Gray pointed out that after the original trilogy, some Taoists helped Lucas move away from Campbell’s influence. Making the later films more aligned with Taoist training methods and philosophy. In these films, the Force represents chi, and the Jedi symbolize chi kung masters and adepts. While the Jedi’s extraordinary abilities are exaggerated in the films, Master Gray suggested that advanced chi kung masters could cultivate similar powers to a lesser extent.
Chi Kung in Star Wars: Key Examples of Star Wars Connection
Master Gray highlighted several scenes in Star Wars that accurately depict Taoist chi-kung concepts:
- Healing Energy Work: In A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi finds Luke Skywalker unconscious after being struck. Obi-Wan places his hand on Luke’s forehead and determines that Luke is okay. This, Master Gray explained, is an example of energy healing. A practice in which chi kung masters use chi to promote healing.
- Pushing with Chi: During the cantina fight, Obi-Wan casually pushes an attacker, who flies back and crashes into a wall. This move is reminiscent of tai chi chuan, a Taoist martial art that emphasizes chi projection. Master Gray noted that the attacker who was pushed would likely have suffered more from the energy blast than the one who lost an arm.
- Informal Taoist Lifestyle: The Jedi’s casual interactions and lack of formal ranks mirror the Taoist way of life. In Taoist chi kung, there are no belts or formal graduations.—Students and teachers learn together, and the only measure of rank is the amount of chi power one has. This concept is reflected in Obi-Wan and Darth Vader’s discussion about their power levels before their final duel.
The Force Energy
- Listening to the Force: Obi-Wan and Yoda repeatedly tell Luke to “feel the Force.” In chi kung, the first step to mastering energy is to be soft and listen to it. One must be relaxed to feel chi. And this sensitivity is developed by “listening” to energy in oneself and the environment. Master Gray compared this to Luke’s blindfolded sword training and Obi-Wan and Darth Vader sensing each other’s presence before their duel.
- Breath Control: Darth Vader’s distinctive breathing may be exaggerated by his mask. But the long, slow, full breaths are typical of chi kung practice. Proper breath control is essential in chi kung. As slow and deliberate breathing promotes the flow of chi through the body.
- Aging with Energy: In Star Wars, characters like Obi-Wan, Yoda, and the Emperor remain strong and vital despite their age. Master Gray compared to the goal of chi kung.—To live to an advanced age while maintaining energy, strength, and health.
Advanced Chi Kung Abilities in Star Wars
Some of the more “far out” abilities portrayed in Star Wars, such as moving objects or people with the Force, are also explored in advanced Taoist chi kung. Master Gray explained that while it is rare for chi kung practitioners to move inanimate objects without touch, advanced practitioners can influence others’ movements through energy alone. This was demonstrated in scenes where Jedi or Sith used the Force to move people or objects.
One particularly powerful technique, often seen in Star Wars, is the explosive burst of life energy, or chi, that can injure or kill. Darth Vader frequently uses this technique, and Master Gray explained that while it is typically accompanied by a physical strike, the energy shock can still cause injury. Even if the recipient is unaware of the energy. However, advanced chi kung practitioners can withstand such energy bursts. Master Gray likened to Luke enduring the Emperor’s attacks without being killed.
Ethics and the Dark Side
Master Gray pointed out that Star Wars diverges from Taoist philosophy in one key aspect: In the films, people on the dark side are shown cultivating high levels of power. In Taoist chi kung, however, only those with high ethical standards can cultivate significant chi power. The reason for this, according to Master Gray, is that true chi power is aligned with personal spiritual growth and higher values. The kind of power the dark side wields in the films, Gray suggested, is more akin to political power. Not the authentic chi power cultivated by Taoist masters.
Chi Kung Training in Star Wars
Master Gray noted that the rigorous training depicted in Star Wars—like Luke balancing on one hand while levitating rocks—mirrors the challenging standing meditation postures practiced in chi kung. These exercises develop both physical strength and energy cultivation. Practitioners learn to hold strenuous postures while working with chi.
He also emphasized that many advanced chi kung masters historically had few students. Often teaching only one at a time. Much like Yoda’s relationship with Luke. In Taoist chi kung, students typically begin their training at a young age. That explains Yoda’s hesitation in training Luke, whom he deemed too old.
Synchronicity and Peaceful Living
One of the more subtle aspects of Taoist chi kung, which is hinted at in Star Wars, is the role of synchronicity. As practitioners progress spiritually and cultivate more chi, they experience greater synchronicity in their lives. This leads to peaceful living, where conflict becomes rare, as synchronicity helps them avoid fights altogether. Master Gray suggested that this is why many advanced chi kung practitioners lead quiet, peaceful lives. Using their energy for healing and spiritual growth rather than combat.
The deep connection between the Jedi’s use of the Force and the practice of Tien Shan Chi Kung
Master Steve Gray’s insights into the Taoist underpinnings of Star Wars reveal the deep connection between the Jedi’s use of the Force and the practice of Tien Shan Chi Kung. From energy healing to chi projection, breath control, and spiritual growth, the parallels between the Jedi and Taoist chi kung masters are striking.
While Star Wars is an adventure movie, many of the abilities and principles depicted in the films are grounded in Taoist chi kung practices.
These practices, according to Master Gray, can be cultivated by anyone dedicated to the Taoist Way of Energy. Offering both spiritual growth and the development of remarkable abilities along the path.