Is Tai Chi forbidden?

[Gem]

I would think not. If you use it to relieve stress and calm the mind then no it is not since it can only do good.

The ends do not necessarily justify the means.

However if you use it as an alternative thought or with the chance that it could change your faith then yes it can potentially be sinful and/or lead to sin. So thats why I urge you to be strong in your faith when confronted with such things or at least the potential to be.

That’s right. People don’t often jump into error or outright evil. But the wrong path can start out subtlely. Temptations look “good”.

But participating and exploring it out of mere curiosity or to try for a new experience is not sinful at all in my opinion. It is only when you start using it as a religion or if it lowers your faith that it becomes a sin.

That’s true. Your will and intention are important.

Yes it may have roots in eastern philosophy or religion which is why I urge you to be grounded in christian faith and philosophy before you open yourself up to other’s. This could take years as it took me about 5 years after confimation to read and research enough for me to feel comfortable confronting the most intelligent and most logical of athiests, protestants, muslims, and others in a peaceful state with no worry of conversion.

Good advice.

I also don’t see how the concept of “chi” is anti-christian. If used or thought of as a mystical power then yes it is. But if you use it merely for your own good or calming of the body then no it can only do good. But again it follows with the concept of not using it as an alternative but only as a method. Science has proven the effects too to be medically helpful. I have read a lot and personally expereineced some of it.

Again, the ends do not justify the means. A power is either from God, or not. And people who have powers from God (healing, etc.) acknowledge God as its source and pray constantly to Him. Chi is taught as a manipulatable energy that can be mastered by anyone through study. One cannot harness, control, direct or manipulate the will of God.

I merely think Chi in a sense is just another word for “God”. God is all things, in all, and omnipressent. God IS the life force of all things and the truth of all things.

This sounds like pantheism to me. God created the world. Creation is not God. Yes, God is omnipresent, but that’s not the same thing as saying he is “in the tree” and his “life force” courses through it. Rather, living things have souls (eternal or material) and we exist by God’s will. Yes, all truth points to God, but God has revealed Himself to us in a clear way - through the prophets and via Himself. None of that revelation over thousands of years involved manipulating a universal energy. And even if you say God is the source of that energy, it doesn’t seem to behave in the same way as our relationship with God does. We ask for and cooperate with God’s grace, and He bestows it as He sees fit. We don’t direct it and mold it with our will.

 

[chaz0426]

However if you use it as an alternative thought or with the chance that it could change your faith then yes it can potentially be sinful and/or lead to sin. So thats why I urge you to be strong in your faith when confronted with such things or at least the potential to be.

That’s right. People don’t often jump into error or outright evil. But the wrong path can start out subtlely. Temptations look “good”.

But participating and exploring it out of mere curiosity or to try for a new experience is not sinful at all in my opinion. It is only when you start using it as a religion or if it lowers your faith that it becomes a sin.

That’s true. Your will and intention are important.

Yes it may have roots in eastern philosophy or religion which is why I urge you to be grounded in christian faith and philosophy before you open yourself up to other’s. This could take years as it took me about 5 years after confimation to read and research enough for me to feel comfortable confronting the most intelligent and most logical of athiests, protestants, muslims, and others in a peaceful state with no worry of conversion.

Good advice.

I also don’t see how the concept of “chi” is anti-christian. If used or thought of as a mystical power then yes it is. But if you use it merely for your own good or calming of the body then no it can only do good. But again it follows with the concept of not using it as an alternative but only as a method. Science has proven the effects too to be medically helpful. I have read a lot and personally expereineced some of it.

Again, the ends do not justify the means. A power is either from God, or not. And people who have powers from God (healing, etc.) acknowledge God as its source and pray constantly to Him. Chi is taught as a manipulatable energy that can be mastered by anyone through study. One cannot harness, control, direct or manipulate the will of God.

I merely think Chi in a sense is just another word for “God”. God is all things, in all, and omnipressent. God IS the life force of all things and the truth of all things.

This sounds like pantheism to me. God created the world. Creation is not God. Yes, God is omnipresent, but that’s not the same thing as saying he is “in the tree” and his “life force” courses through it. Rather, living things have souls (eternal or material) and we exist by God’s will. Yes, all truth points to God, but God has revealed Himself to us in a clear way - through the prophets and via Himself. None of that revelation over thousands of years involved manipulating a universal energy. And even if you say God is the source of that energy, it doesn’t seem to behave in the same way as our relationship with God does. We ask for and cooperate with God’s grace, and He bestows it as He sees fit. We don’t direct it and mold it with our will.

Well if it is proven to exist then what else could it be? If it could be used to heal people or do good when possible how is that evil and anti Christian?

I am pretty strong in my catholic faith but I am often cursed by people on here for having an open mind which is something I’ve always had even when reading about other faiths before I chose Catholicism to be my one true faith. Nevertheless I don’t shut my mind off to the world around me.

I just see too many people involved in Christianity or any religion shutting themselves off and rejecting anything unless it supports their own religion without any thought into their rejections. I’m not saying to be supportive but to at least ponder it and even research and know the facts before making a justified rejection. Thats all I do.

As to the matter at hand, I have seen plenty of proof of Chi not as a power but as a healing energy of some type. All it could ever do is do good by healing. Its not like you can make people sick. I think it is one of God’s gifts or wonder’s of nature if it is scientifically proven to exist.

I don’t get the controversy except the fact that it is foreign to the Church or originated from a different culture. It’s a shame how closed minded many people can be and I came on here to debate and share knowlege to expand my mind and other’s and to strengthen people’s faith in Catholicism. Even if they are not Catholic I try to strengthen their faith of whatever faith they are in if they truley feel right in that faith.

Many times they just mis-interpret Catholicism so I correct them on that too.

I take the notion of “helping a catholic to be a better catholic, helping a muslim to be a better muslim, helping a hindu be a better hindu ect.”

Taking the notion that everything and anything outside of the church is wrong is the exact frame of mind the chief priests and the scribes took when encountering Jesus.

That being said I do my best to educate people in Christs teaching and footsteps (Catholic teachig) but I can not shun people because of their religion and religions they were born into.

If I am going to hell or a mortal sinner for saying that then so be it but I love people for who they are and what I know of them and I do not judge them or things people do if it is not intrinsically evil because they are not in the church

 

[thomfra]

Thank you all for the advice and insight. So, is there anything you can recommend for a middle aged woman who is not the most athletic that I can do, other than walking (boring) and biking (can’t stand it)? I want to feel good, energetic, regain some flexibility, etc.,

Try yoga. It’s FANTASTIC.

 

[dianaballein]

Try yoga. It’s FANTASTIC.

Everyone here is telling me not to…this is so confusing.

 

[Caesar517]

Everyone here is telling me not to…this is so confusing.

I’ve heard some bad things about yoga… I’d stay away from all the eastern rituals if I were you. If you’re looking for exercise, go running or swimming.

As a side note, I don’t believe thomfra is Catholic.

 

[thomfra]

I’ve heard some bad things about yoga… I’d stay away from all the eastern rituals if I were you. If you’re looking for exercise, go running or swimming.

As a side note, I don’t believe thomfra is Catholic.

Caesar517. It is not up to you to tell other members of CAF what my religion is. You don’t actually know me. It might pay to read through all of my postings to ascertain my religious beliefs if it is so important to label.

To the OP. There is a thread about yoga on this forum where you will find many other CAF members who are active yoga goers! The important thing is that you don’t overcomplicate things. It’s just stretching and relaxation excercises at the end of the day. I just go to physical yoga classes. They are great, I haven’t been this flexible for about 20 years!!! I’ll see if I can find it for you.

If I remember rightly there is even a priest who has written a book about yoga for christians.

 

[westboro]

I have discovered the VERY CATHOLIC activity of praying the rosary ‘often’ during the day not only relieves stress but brings about great peace. Why turn to ‘other’ practices when we have such a wonderful remedy in our own religion? Try it, you might like it!

 

[The_Otaku]

Everyone here is telling me not to…this is so confusing.

Yeah, dissenting voices will do that to you. Look at it this way: You shouldn’t be getting into something inherently pagan if you’re trying to be catholic or do the truly christian thing. In regards to your spiritual health, it’s an unwise investment and gamble.

Find something else and exhaust your christian options first. Someone just suggested the rosary. I think that’s a wonderful idea.

I’ll say it again: yoga postures mimick the hindu gods the positions are based on. It pays tribute and offerings to them. This is a fact that you can easily research yourself. Even if you don’t think you’re doing something spiritual, and you’re trying to avoid it, there is no avoiding it because the postures themselves are forms of worship. You cannot deny the pagan element and do the exercises, since they’re one in the same and cannot be seperated. Be especially wary of the “christian yoga” counterfeits as well or anything that’s sold as a “christian version” or alternative, as these are particularly deceptive as there’s the attempt to ‘christianize’ inherently pagan things. The two don’t go together, and when compromises of conscience are made in this way, you render yourself susceptible to the paganism while dishonoring christianity .

 

[Caesar517]

Caesar517. It is not up to you to tell other members of CAF what my religion is. You don’t actually know me. It might pay to read through all of my postings to ascertain my religious beliefs if it is so important to label.

I didn’t say what your religion is (I wouldn’t even if I had of known). I said what I think your religion isn’t after looking at your profile, that’s all. It’s important to know who we are getting advice from.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I’ll say it again: yoga postures mimick the hindu gods the positions are based on. It pays tribute and offerings to them. This is a fact that you can easily research yourself. Even if you don’t think you’re doing something spiritual, and you’re trying to avoid it, there is no avoiding it because the postures themselves are forms of worship. You cannot deny the pagan element and do the exercises, since they’re one in the same and cannot be seperated.

Yoga looks more like an Indian version of contortionism to me.

Personally when it comes to martial arts, I’m more into the combat aspect. I don’t see how it’s really spiritual if you’re only applying the concept in fighting. Though I heard Tai Chi is more of a ‘soft’ (meaning it’s not agressive like karate or kung fu), I’ve seen how it can be applied offensively.

 

[dianaballein]

I have discovered the VERY CATHOLIC activity of praying the rosary ‘often’ during the day not only relieves stress but brings about great peace. Why turn to ‘other’ practices when we have such a wonderful remedy in our own religion? Try it, you might like it!

Praying won’t make my love handles leave me

 

[thomfra]

I didn’t say what your religion is (I wouldn’t even if I had of known). I said what I think your religion isn’t after looking at your profile, that’s all. It’s important to know who we are getting advice from.

Well did it ever occur to you that I might be catholic but didn’t fill in the profile?

No we don’t know who we are getting advice from. This is the internet you see…

For all I know you could be a 57 yr old female polish taxi driver.

 

[Caesar517]

Well did it ever occur to you that I might be catholic but didn’t fill in the profile?

No we don’t know who we are getting advice from. This is the internet you see…

For all I know you could be a 57 yr old female polish taxi driver.

The absence of specification combined with some of your other posts her have led me to believe that you are not Catholic.

You seem to be mad at me. I don’t understand, did I do something to offend you?

 

[dianaballein]

Maybe everyone should find a means of destressing and relaxing. This was an inquisitive post. I’m not sure how it turned confrontational other than a difference of opinions. Gratefully, I am wise enough to pull what I need and leave what I don’t, so I am thankful to ALL who responded to me.

 

[westboro]

Well did it ever occur to you that I might be catholic but didn’t fill in the profile?

No we don’t know who we are getting advice from. This is the internet you see…

For all I know you could be a 57 yr old female polish taxi driver.

The answer you gave (approving of Yoga) goes against Catholic Teaching. I assume that is why your profile was checked. I think it is wise to be suspicious of anyone who speaks against Catholic teaching…on a ‘Catholic Answers’ website! By the way, why not fill in your religion? Just curious.

 

[StarPaintedBlue]

I’m glad to see this thread, because I’ve considered Tai Chi recently. I want to take an adult ed class this fall offered by our local school system, and I would like to try something that gets me up and moving a little more. I will cross Yoga and Tai Chi off the list now, lol.

Personally, I’ve never been able to meditate, despite people trying to push it on me for years to help deal with my “stress” issues. I find the best stress relievers for me is taking time every day to pray the Rosary and just concentrate on pouring my heart out to God. As for love handles…I have five dogs to help with those! lol

 

[chaz0426]

I was talking to a friend, stating that I was considering taking up Tai Chi as a way to relax and get some exercise and de-stress. The response I received was, “Cool, as long as it doesn’t replace religion”. Can anyone tell me why this would be suggested? Tai Chi, as I understand it, is a centuries old form of exercise and is used medicinally in the Orient to calm and center a person. Perhaps I am not as educated as I thought…if anyone knows more about this art and can share with me why it would be a negative, please share that.

Honestly I’d just say do what you want. It’s not up to any of us to decide that for you. I personally see no harm in it whatsoever. At the end of the day, it is just relaxing and meditation. It is not active worship!!! You have a brain and a conscience that God gave you. Just decide. What does your heart and mind say? I know for sure it is most certainly not a sin. If you are unsure do ask a priest. Ask several even to get different opinions. Good luck!

 

[thomfra]

The answer you gave (approving of Yoga) goes against Catholic Teaching

Does it though? How so?

 

[westboro]

Does it though? How so?

If you answer my question…I will answer yours.

 

[The_Otaku]

Honestly I’d just say do what you want. It’s not up to any of us to decide that for you. I personally see no harm in it whatsoever. At the end of the day, it is just relaxing and meditation. It is not active worship!!! You have a brain and a conscience that God gave you. Just decide. What does your heart and mind say? I know for sure it is most certainly not a sin. If you are unsure do ask a priest. Ask several even to get different opinions. Good luck!

Active worship or not doesn’t matter. It is what it is and it is idol worship. You’re mimicking the postures of the hindu gods, and these postures are acts of worship. They are not just mere workout techniques ( though that’s what they’ve been rehashed and served as in america so fitness people gobble it up), they are ritualistic worship and thinking of them as just mere exercises doesn’t change what they are. If they were and it did, this wouldn’t be an issue and she probably wouldn’t have asked any questions. It bothers her for a reason, reason enough to ask. You cannot seperate what you are doing physically from the spiritual element. Whether your conscious mind is engaging in the idol worship or not is irrelevant, your body is entertaining it. It would be like flipping me off, knowing your flipping me off and then telling me you didn’t mean to flip me off and that you were just exercising your middle finger. The fact is, you flipped me off and you chose to do so, for whatever benefit it might have had to your finger.

The point is, where your mind is doesn’t matter. Your actions are speaking louder, and in the case of yoga, they’re not just mindless body movements that have no purpose other than to exercise you. These movements and postures have an expressed purpose and design of worshiping the deities they belong to. It’s why yoga exists in the first place- to commune with the hindu gods and seek oneness with them. Yoga is prayer taken a step further. Unfortunately, it’s pagan and we’re not pagans here (at least the persons this issue concerns anyways). It’s contradictory to think you can do yoga and not be engaging in idol worship just because you don’t acknowledge it as such. That would be like praying a rosary and sinning at the same time thinking that by focusing on the rosary the sin doesn’t matter as much or at all. It’s self-deception and it just doesn’t work.