FAQ

Frequently asked questions:

1. Q: I find it difficult to find the materials that I am interested in?
   A: Please try to use the search function or the label function in the blog.  I am planning to organize some materials into subject-based PDF files in future.
   
   
2. Q: Can you discuss more specific techniques on Taoist meditation and chi kung in general?
   A: Yes, please come back periodically for more new posts.  I have singled out a Training page with some linkages to help readers to search for specific techniques.
 
3. Q: Is this supposed to be a training site for meditation or chi kung?
   A: It was not originally planned as a training site, but with more articles on specific techniques being posted, I shall find ways to better organize the materials so that those who are interested in training can better benefit from this blog.
   
   
4. Q: What are the relevancy of materials other than training?  Can they help my training in chi-kung, meditation or other internal discipline?
   A: The benefits of internal disciplines like chi-kung or meditation can help us become a better personal, like taking better care of ourselves and people around us.  To better achieve this objective, an approach based on an appreciation of a new lifestyle based on Tao will be beneficial.  Please refer to my Lifestyle page for more information.
   
   
5. Q: You talked about Carl Jung and esoteric subjects, is it one of those website on esoteric discipline?
   A: I read Jung and believe he laid a sound psychological foundations for Eastern internal practices in particular related to deep meditation.  Some modern Jungians (as well as Taoist meditation teachers) do go into the esoteric route.  My philosophy is to demystify  rather than mystify ancient wisdom.  This blog is therefore well-grounded in science but with equal respect to psychic realities as well as metaphysical realities as experienced by different people.  In short, this is not one of those esoteric websites or blogs.
   
   
6. Q: I read some of your articles giving negative comments to some other practices or practitioners, are you advocating certain approaches or theories?
   A: My approach is fundamentally scientific in orientation, with respect to the psychic reality and metaphysical reality of different people. Different opinions are unavoidable and open discussion is the best approach for progress.  Having said that I will try my best not to create too much controversy and unnecessary debates with other practitioners of internal disciplines.  I understand I might not be able to as courteous as I like in writing comments that might be considered negative to other practitioners.  I apologize here in advance for making some people unhappy in the process.
   
   
7. Q: What do you mean by Living Practice?
   A: Classic texts on the internal arts are quite often difficult to understand. And some modern authors are seemingly carrying out this mystical "tradition" (since we are living in quite different modern societies, I believe the classic texts weren't sound that mystical to readers of those eras). 
   
   My objective is firstly to try to demystify, and secondly to try to dig out ideas and practices that are most applicable to the Modern Man (as defined by those brought by and educated in Western culture, that would include most modern Asians living in the East).
 
8. Q: I am a Christian, will it be in conflict with my religious belief if I practice Taoist meditation?
   A: I don't think so, as long as it is within the parameters of my suggested training guide.  However, going beyond that into deep Taoist meditation might create an experience so strong that it could be in conflict with your Christian faith.  Of course, each individual is different, if you are still in doubt, I suggest you to check up with your parish.  But Zhan Zhuang and Tai-chi are purely mind-body exercises, and are non-religious in nature.
   
   The World Community for Christian meditation promotes a basic form of meditative techniques for Christians, interested readers can check up their website directly: http://www.wccm.org/.
   
 
9. Q: Can I contact you?
   A: Sure, you can send me an email at: paul.chikung@gmail.com.  Since this is a sharing blog, I will appreciate a lot if you can share with me suggested ideas and useful sources that I can use to make improvement to this blog.