Listen this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ulc51ZOGQk

This month I wish to discuss or share with you the subject on Ki/Ch’i internal energy. I understand that it’s not easy subject to give satisfactory answer since it’s pretty vague but I try my best to present at least my point of view on the issue. If you find those reflections interesting or helpful I’ll be glad to continue, and also I believe that together we will be able to approach the “unknown” with the clarity and understanding.

Last year I have received the letter from Germany; the person who wrote it pretended to be a Christian and sort of martial artist. He attacked me just from the beginning showing no respect presenting his point of view on aikido and other martial arts that used the term or teach inner energy concept as demonic and from the devil himself. He seemed to be very zealous and ambitious to tell what he believes is a truth. I responded kindly to his demands and turned him to valuable resources in order to get more information before he will start to present what he believes as ultimate truth. He become even angrier and wrote two more letters condemning me to hell. Such letters make me aware that dilatants who claim to be authority on some subjects can cause only more damage than expected blessing. The way they present the facts are twisted and always with the intention to turn (manipulate) people to their rather very narrow perspective. Later on I’ve leaned that this man wrote a book in Germany on “Christian approach to martial arts” and seems to be religious-fundamentalist’s voice on the subject.

Martial arts as Christian faith have much in common; both teach reason, compassion, respect, tolerance, open mindedness, and so on. So please stay with me and weigh the fact and search for the truth by yourself.

 

 

It is said that on the portals of Plato's academy were inscribed the words, "Let no man enter who is ignorant of geometry". Similarly, the concept of internal energy can be controversial for some, but inspirational for others.

The essence of Yeshua-Do is not only the physical training of mastering some martial techniques. This essence is to display the invisible and supernatural power placed in side of us by God Himself. This power or better the "Uncreated Energy of God", as named by Ancient Fathers, is not the same as internal [breath] or vital energy. But, let's not diminish something which is a vital part of our existence and comes from the Creator Himself.(Subject of "Uncreated Energies of God" will be presented in SOURCE OF SUPERNATURAL POWER Part.3).

Ko Hung said, "There is nothing which does not require Ch'i to remain alive". To emphasize the concept of energy is important in every creative art. Actually, there is no Martial Art (boxing and wrestling included), where the term of energy would be unknown or ignored. Warriors of old and martial artists usually talk about two kinds of energy, physical and internal. This internal or vital energy is sometimes called supernatural power; "Ki" (in Japan ), "Chi" (in China), "Ruach" (by Hebrews), "Pneuma" ( in Greece), "Spiritus" (in Latin), “Mana” (in Polynesia), or "Pranah" (in India). Some may doubt its origin, but this energy is real like electricity, you cannot see it, describe it, but definitely you cannot deny it. The realm and action of Ki/Chi is the circulation or returning cycle of energy within a human body and soul. Because energy moves in a circle, as Black Elk rightly pointed, "everything an Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round.., everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle". This concept proves the great law of metaphysics, "what goes around comes around", and thus conveys the words of the Apostle; “A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6.8).

Therefore, if we give a smile, we receive a smile, if we hate, we won't receive love. So, if you want more understanding, be more understandable to others. If you want people to listen to you, make a point of listening to them. If you want greater material abundance, focus on giving your innate gifts and abilities. Give real service and value to others, and in time, you will reap the benefits. It is energy that wants to circulate and find expression. When love is not released in the outer world, hate builds up within, generating tension, anxiety, and disease. When the energy flows properly and freely, and you have it enough, you can feel natural strength, stamina and joy. Everything seems possible for you. But, if you are sick, confused, fearful, depressed, or rejected, you know that energy left you. In such drain physical or emotional condition, there is difficult to properly think, speak, create, and even walk without being clumsy. Everything seems impossible for you.

Chuck Norris, a Christian and well known martial artist said about Ki/Chi energy; "The source of inner power, called Ki, is an invisible life force that flows throughout the universe and that, given the proper training and practice, is available to everyone on demand. Ki flows through each of us, passing through an area of the body called the "Tan-tien", or "one point" ["hara" in Aikido], which is the gravitational center of the human body and is usually about an inch and half below the navel. By being - "centered" being focused and in touch with that 'one point"- we can make use of this universal energy. We all have the source of power within us, although most of us have never used it, but it is available on demand. For example, a child is pinned beneath a car, and its mother, a frail woman, is somehow able to harness the strength to lift the car up to set her child free. Under ordinary circumstances she could never do this, but in this instance, without even being aware of it, she used Ki. The fact is that everyone has Ki, which is really little more than a technique of visualization allowing one to utilize the internal energy that we all have and letting flow through the body, as the mother did when lifting the car... In my tape library is an old film of M.Ueshiba (Founder of Aikido), taken when he was in his late 70's. In it, he is attacked by several much larger and burlier men, and he throws them around as though they are children with simple movements of his hand using Ki. Sounds impossible? It's not. It's a practiced use of Ki... Almost everyone has seen Karate demonstrations in which martial artists break boards, cinder blocks, or bricks with chops or kicks. I've done it lots of times..., it served a valid purpose by giving people a dramatic and memorable demonstration of the power of Ki ... In my daily life I use Ki to center myself mentally and physically, thus calming and preparing myself to deal with any eventuality. I "think through" the problem to find a solution".

So, Ki/Chi energy originates within man and from nature itself, and every one can in some degree develop and master it. Those who make of it something mysterious and akin to magical power miscomprehend what is essentially a common property of all human beings.

In the "Book of Ch'i", which is the classic on the subject, Paul Wildish said: "Chi/Ki is breath, it is the air that we breath and at the same moment the energy and vitality that sustain us. Everything we see, or touch or experience is composed of 'Chi' [atoms] and is merely an arrangement of this energy into recognizable form... Our whole existence is determined by [the flow] of this energy. All facets of human life, our physical health, mental alertness and emotional stability are conditioned by the levels and the relative flow of 'Chi' in and around our bodies. Summoning, conserving and using 'Chi' is therefore vital to maintaining a happy and healthy life".

As we see, the root of Ki/Chi energy lies in the physical realm and not spiritual; however, through exercises and spiritual training it provides the power beyond normal physical ability. Thus, causing supernatural skills in fighting, developing sharp intuition, resistance to pain and receiving wounds, breaking ability of bricks, etc., and even healing capacity in some individuals.

Unfortunately, misunderstanding of the Ki/Chi concept in some Christian circles, mainly spread by dilettantes causes prejudice by sowing fear or, at least doubt and scepticism. I would like to stress that Ki/Chi energy is not of demonic origin. Like nature itself, it comes from God the Creator and is good. As with music, arts, talents, and other human endeavours Ki/Chi perverted and misused, either for fame or money, is a result of irrational fears and judgmental arise in some churches about the issue. We rather tend to accept only the things which we can understand and control, whereas the things which are beyond our level of comprehension we condemn or, at least, feel discomfort.

Today, many practitioners of Martial Arts are looking for the opportunity to become a Christian and even being active in a local church. But, very often they find themselves attacked by an overzealous "deliverance minister”, who first attempts to exorcise them from the “demonic Ki power”. Sadly, they find the door of the churches locked before their faces.

Let us remember that those who want to correct others without true knowledge on the subject are quick in stirring up confusion, anger and judgment, leaving no signs of tolerance, peace and love. The truth itself will always find confirmation and confidence in the warrior's heart.

To be continued...

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 SPIRITUAL WISDOM IN THE PILL

 

Here is a word for you from the Word.

Psalm 62:1-2; 5-6

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” NIV Bible

There is one very important word that occurs four times in succession in those verses that I’ve just read. The word is “alone.”

My soul finds rest in God alone.
He alone is my rock and salvation.
My hope comes from God alone.
And He alone is my rock. 

You see, there’s a certain sense in which the only ultimate source of salvation and of hope is God Himself. The prophet Isaiah cried out, “God has become my salvation.” Salvation is not to be found in religion, even in a creed or a doctrine, or in church membership. There’s only one ultimate source of salvation and it’s very important that each one of us comes at some time in our lives to that place where we use that word “alone”; where we say, “God alone is my hope, my rock, my fortress, and the source of my salvation.” And, true enough, when we say that, it becomes true in our experience.

“The Way of the Warrior is to Stop Trouble Before it Starts”

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