Question:
I have to admit, I have difficulty accepting your explanations regarding Tai Chi and "Chi" in general.
My understanding, based on reading, discussions with various people, and some experience of Tai Chi in the past, is that "Chi" is a generic term that refers to "energy", which could be Kinetic, Electrical, Electromagnetic etc. The "Internal Energy", referred to in Tai Chi, is a combination of nervous energy (i.e. bio-electrical, chemical/cellular and Kinetic (as produced by the muscles acting on the various joints of the body). The "flow of energy" is merely a fine-tuning of the transference of Kinetic energy from the legs, through the waist and out to the arms etc., as a result of much practice (for example, a professional Tennis player can transfer a much larger amount of Kinetic energy, into a tennis ball, than can an unpracticed novice).
The technique is quite subtle and sophisticated but I can't see why it is anything other than physical in origin. The traditional explanations of all this, are historically couched in unscientific [or pre-scientific] language, but that is because they were trying to explain phenomena for which they did not have the technical language.
For example, the "Chi" that can be absorbed from breathing exercises, is merely Oxygen - a component of chemical "Internal Energy". There is no need for people to use the old Chinese explanations anymore, seeing as scientific explanations, for the various energies, now exist.
I can't help thinking that it is a "knee-jerk" reaction, to assume that the actual practise and effects of Tai Chi have to be spiritual in nature; to me, it seems entirely physical. Even theories such as Yin/Yang are merely explanations of various qualities that exist in the natural world (e.g. Black (yin) absorbs the sun's heat whereas White (yang) reflects it). It is quite an ingenious pre-scientific observation of natural phenomena, really. Please would you be kind enough to explain why I am completely wrong on this?
Dear Neville:
Nice try, but no cigar. Many people have tried to scientific-ize the "energy" phenomena. Bottomline is that there is no such thing as flows of energy through invisible meridians.
There is no "knee jerk" here. First off, the spiritual elements are part and parcial to this. Sercond, the Church tells us to avoid this nonsense as it is not within the Christian worldview. All of this is in the Chinese worldview, which is false.
Also, I use to teach energy-healing. I did and taught acupressure, reflexology, and worked with a Chinese native on Tai Chi.
There are no scientific explanations or evidence for this energy flow. While there can be certain scientifically observed effects, such as pain control with acupuncture, the explanation is not the energy flow, but a release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killer. The rest of the claims for acupuncture are false.
Our library contains some articles related to "new age" or eastern techniques:
To Yoga or not to Yoga by Patti Maguire Armstrong. “Yoga is not my sport. But my aversion to it is not a matter of disdain for the lean and limber who stretch into unnatural poses. Stretching is legitimately good for the body. Yoga, however, is more complicated than physical fitness.”
Reiki and Yoga: Former Hindu guru Rabi Maharaj, “No part of Yoga can be separated from the philosophy behind it.” by Marie Anne Jacques. A summary of non-Christian practices that are dangerous.
Guidelines for Evaluating Reiki as an Alternative Therapy, Committee on Doctrine, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
In addition, on the subject of meditation, which relates to Tai Chi, the Church has ruled:
On Some Aspects of Christian Meditation, Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, October 15, 1989
Jesus Christ The Bearer of the Water of Life: A Christian Reflection on the “New Age”, Pontifical Council for Culture / Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
See the entire library
As it is with yoga, no part of Tai Chi can be separated from the philosophy behind it. The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used "science" in constructing his "Transcendental Meditation" to seduce the western world into Hindu mediation (his university is only 25 miles from where I live). The yogis of Indian laugh at him. He can put lipstick and a dress on a pig, but underneath it is still a pig.
Do not be seduced by pseudo-scientific explanations and language and making correlations. The most basic rule of science is the correlations does not equal causation. A pig is still a pig.
In addition, we have had clients who have ended up demonized by participation in these sorts practices, especially Reiki and Yoga. Not everyone has such an effect, but one can stand in a barrel of gasoline and light a 100 matches with no effect. Then on the 101 try.. poof..
Christians have no business delving into these eastern techniques. Whatever benefits one thinks they get from this sort of thing can be had with normal methods that have been part of our western culture long before the eastern culture became popular.
Beware of what you are doing.
We will be in prayer for you.
God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary
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