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Spiritual aspects of Kung-Fu & Tai Chi Chuan

By: Sifu David West

When someone hears the words Kung-Fu or Tai Chi Chuan they often begin to think of some sort of mystical or spiritual idea that goes along with a meditative physical movement. They may also think of magical healing powers, etc. This being the case, I would like to explain some of my thoughts on the spiritual aspects of Kung-Fu.

Let me start off by saying that there is nothing under the sun or even beyond the sun that does not have spiritual significance. Therefore anything we do, not just the martial arts, should be done within our spiritual guidelines. Defining these spiritual guidelines is where I would probably differ with many of the mainstream martial arts practitioners.

Many martial arts enthusiasts tend to gravitate towards Taoist (pronounced daoist) concepts, as I did in the past. Although the concepts of Taoism/Buddhism/Confucianism, etc. have many wise thoughts and ideas, these religions do not begin to address the Creator. I believe someone may be able to improve areas of their lives by following some of the concepts of these religions, however; the truth of the matter is that no one will ever experience the Tao, Enlightenment or Ultimate Truth by any form of physical, mental or even spiritual works.

We know that nothing can precede the One who created the universe and everything in it. Taoist theory offers no explanation of the creation of the universe and its complex design. The forces of Yin and Yang would have to come from somewhere. Taoist theories of Yin and Yang have often been used for many things, such as acupuncture and martial arts; just as we can use other theories for electronics and western medicine.. however to make them the source of creation without an intelligent designer is going beyond reason. Just because we theorize about protons, electrons and neutrons, does not mean we would consider them the source of all creation, yet the light turns on when we flip the switch.

In saying this I don't wish to offend anyone that may enjoy the concepts of these Asian religions. In my opinion they are quite interesting and fascinating. I do however feel that it would be a great shame to see someone miss out on the very relationship with the Creator that would lead them to the true Tao (Way).

As a Christian it is sometimes difficult to address the spiritual aspects of Kung-Fu and Tai Chi Chuan because most people feel that you are trying to proselytize. However, of all the true Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus I know, none of them would be offended to learn anything about Christian concepts. They rather have a strong curiosity.

It is typically those who are only interested in taking a surface look at Buddhism, Taoism or other religions that get offended when you mention Jesus Christ or God. Jesus himself said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Light". I would think that would at least spark a slight interest from someone who is supposed to be searching for the Way (Tao). The Bible refers to Christians numerous times as "The people or followers of the Way".

The Christian message is simple. God created the universe and everything in it. He loves us and wants us to acknowledge him as our Creator and to rely on Him at all times for our own good. He gave us free will to remain in fellowship with Him or to seek our own path of knowledge and wisdom. We chose (and often still choose) to follow our own ways and break fellowship with God. Through His love for us, He provided a person (Jesus), being the fullness of God in the form of a man, to defeat the effect of our self seeking ways. To be humble and thankful for this provision is the wisdom that restores fellowship with our very Creator.

Jesus Christ has come to save all mankind. There are no exclusions. One must only accept his precious gift of eternal life. Many Buddhists, Taoists and Hindus have come to know this saving grace.

There is nothing we can do to add to or subtract from what God has done for us. We can only accept his Way and rely on Him to guide us each day. This is the true Tao.

Copyright © 2006 David West

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