585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 111 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE

TITLE PAGE 1. Doorway to the Demonic 2. History and Origins 3. Principles Behind 4. Types of Martial Arts 5. Yoga 6. Meditation: The False and True FOREWORD Today's complex society brings many influences on people. One such influence is Martial Arts. Many who approach us for an understanding, from a Christian viewpoint, feel vaguely uneasy about Martial Arts. It became clear to us that people were not aware of the spiritual implications and origins of such practices. To satisfy a need in this area I have endeavoured, in Christian love, to present the truth. I have used as my "yardstick" the Bible. I believe that God has given us, in His Word, principles for living a fulfilled and satisfying life Jesus said, " I came that they (the people) may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10) It is easy for people to be led astray when there is a vacuum or lack of adequate information and teaching. This booklet seeks to fill that vacuum. Fred Grigg, Sydney Australia 1986.

1] DOORWAY TO THE DEMONIC Martial Arts are more than just bodily exercises' and physical skills. They involve contact with evil supernatural powers. Such contact is not altogether easy and so various techniques and exercises have to be used. This booklet describes various "ways" or "paths" in which these techniques are so subtly framed. Attainment of mastery in Martial Arts by contacting demon spirits involves hard work, discipline and training. What a wonderful difference there is for the Christian who so easily makes contact with God on the basis of the "hard work" of what Jesus Christ did in dying at Calvary and rising again as our Saviour and Friend. In Bob Larson's "Book of Cults", page 300, we read: "..The Christian practitioner of the martial arts must ask himself whether or not any involvement in such physical disciplines implies an inherent approval of the religious principles Behind them. Whether the form of martial art ...... is based on the doctrine of naturalism found in Taoism or the doctrine of illusion found in Buddhism, the philosophical basis of both explicitly deny the blood atonement of Christ.." The reader has no doubt noticed that in the natural healing therapies that are becoming more prominent in the western world, that one type of practice that has become an accepted form is . In this practice, it is said that the 'life force.' (or CHI) can be charted into its main poles, fields and meridians. It is also said, that the Shaolin monk,' well trained in knowledge of the meridians and pressure points of the body, when confronted by an attacker, could strike a blow to these points, thereby stopping the life force (or CHI) thus killing his opponent with the TOUCH OF DEATH ... Supposedly, he was able to hit certain of the pressure points on these meridians and start a haemorrhage that could kill his attacker instantly or gradually as desired. Some people would say that martial arts are harmless so why not let people enjoy themselves and be happy. In answering that question let us firstly say, that GOD IS NOT A SPOILSPORT - God wishes his people to be happy. Jesus came that we might have abundant life in enjoying His wonderful creation. (John 10:10) But we then need to understand two seemingly unrelated things:- 1. the first of the 10 Commandments "..You shall have no other gods before me.." (Exodus 20:3) 2. that humans have been created with three parts; SPIRIT, SOUL and BODY. (1 Thess 5:23, Heb 4:12) Martial Arts are not harmless, because, what we do with our bodies and our minds (meditation, etc,) affects the spiritual realm and God has forbidden us to relate to any "other gods". Many are learning martial arts with sincere intentions. They want nothing more than exercise and a knowledge of self-defence. Unfortunately because of the origins of the activity it can easily result in demonic oppression after the pattern experienced by (Western) yoga practitioners who start what they think is only a series of relaxation exercises. Barry Smith in his book 'Second Warning' says of Martial Arts on page 143: (a) “Martial arts are demonic (b) As you bow to the picture of the master, you bow to a spirit of violence, which is in that man. 585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 222 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE

(c) As you do your deep breathing exercises, you breathe in an Eastern spirit of violence. Your breath is actually reserved for the Spirit of God. (d) The continual longing for someone to attack you, comes from this proud spirit of violence that inhabits you, upon your clear invitation." The purpose of this booklet, then, is to show that: (1) Martial Arts are dangerous to Christians and non-Christians alike. (2) Christians should adopt a right concept of physical and mental fitness (i.e. God's "wholeness") and oppose counterfeits - such as martial arts - on that basis.

2] HISTORY & ORIGINS To understand why we emphatically say to people that Christians should not be involved in any form of martial arts ; it is imperative that we study the origins, or roots, of the 'arts'. It is said that in the year 470AD, Bodhidharma, the 28th Buddhist Patriarch, travelled from India to China. During his journey he was attacked frequently by bandits. He was able to overcome his assailants by learning a fighting technique which he supposedly learnt from the observation of animals. Supposedly he stayed for nine years at the famed Shaolin Monastery, a place that figures prominently in the lore of the martial arts. For a total of seven of these years he sat meditating in front of a cave wall, 'listening to the screams of ants'. During-this time he became enlightened of a new mystic type approach to fighting. The technique that he developed was based on the Ch'an Meditation concept and Yoga. The Shaolin Temple is always linked with modern day Kung-fu, but, this is only part of the Shaolin technique. There were many systems which became separate techniques and are today many and varied. These systems included 'hard' techniques., such as KARATE, and 'soft' as in . Taoism had its beginnings in 212BC, when Emperor Shi Huang Ti burnt Confucian books. He established Taoism in its place and on different occasions sent his navy to the Fairy Islands to find the herb of immortality. 200 years later in AD1 the chief Taoist in China was attempting to compound a pill that would impart immortality. Taoists in the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 died readily, believing that their bodies would not be touched by arms or bullets. . THEY DIED IN THEIR THOUSANDS!!

3] PRINCIPLES BEHIND MARTIAL ARTS The Dictionary says of the word "martial" - "suitable for and appropriate to warfare, militant, ready, eager to fight..". This of course is an attitude that is quite different to the attitude that Paul encourages Timothy to display towards those who were in opposition, " and the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness…." (2 Tim. 2:2425). They are all referred to as 'arts' because they are not just a fighting technique, but, are also an expression of the various forms of Eastern spiritual philosophy.

CHI - OR LIFE FORCE All martial art techniques were based on the concepts of CHI. CHI is the life force or breath . There are said to be many ways of developing CHI in the varied philosophies from the East. It is said that the Shaolin monks saw the need, through their breathing exercises, to not only develop their fighting prowess, but also to develop their consciousness to a higher state of mystical awareness. The physiology of breath as taught by the monks, and the full potential thereof, was known also to the ancient Yogins - for YOGA is based on the same principles. Through training the practitioner can learn to control and direct CHI to any part of his body., thereby gaining great strength and power. It is this practice that enables the practitioner to smash bricks, tiles, etc, with his bare hands and other parts of his body, without apparent injury. An article on KUNG-FU says, "..many exponents of kung-fu have gained great psychic powers akin to those of JESUS..". Tradition in the arts, has it that some Shaolin monks could walk under water through rivers without breathing, or walk on fire without being burned. These sorts of powers are still evident today in many who use the techniques mentioned. In the world today wherever people gather into occult groups one will find demonstrations of the same powers in the lives of the members. The power source for such feats, to the discerning Bible student, is none other than the devil and his agents, the demons.. (Refer: 2 Thess. 2:9-12, 1 Tim 4:7-8, 2 Tim. 4:3-4, Eph 6:12.).

YIN AND YANG CHI consists of two forms – 1] Yin Chi, and 2] Yang Chi. Yin and Yang is a Taoist teaching. Tao means the ‘way' or 'path' and man's aim should be to conform to this way. The Taoist is taught that this is done by practicing the attitude of WU WEI. This literally means “inaction”. This is achieved by avoiding all aggression and living passively and communing and harmonising with nature. These goals seem quite at odds to the 585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 333 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE fighting or aggression of the martial arts. (The student of the 'arts' is taught that he should not be the aggressor, but, rather his ability in the 'arts' is only to be used for self-defence). The concept of Yin and Yang is both philosophical and religious. All things are said to emanate from the Tao, and there are elements of this flow which are contrary to each other, such as good and evil, and life and death. In the teaching of Yin and- the Yang: the Yin is the negative side, and the Yang is the positive side. The following list illustrates:— YIN YANG Female -Male Negative Positive Evil Good Darkness Light Death Life Winter Summer Inactive Active The Taoist believes that he can lead a fulfilling and harmonious life by blending with the cycles of the universe, by achieving a proper interaction of these forces. In the cycles of nature the Chinese saw that there was a rhythm, e.g. summer/winter., light/darkness, warm/ cold. Rain and sunshine (Yang) fall on the earth (Yin), and the crops grow. The passive yields to the aggressive, but, by yielding, the passive absorbs and overcomes. It is just this very principle that Ghandi employed in his fight to expel the British from India, to achieve India’s independence from the British Commonwealth. It is this concept that is found in the martial arts. The student is taught that the Shaolin monk was to walk the 'right path' while those in opposition followed the 'wrong path'. Thus there was a continual war between the 'black' Yogins and 'the 'white' Yogins. (Possibly why the 'baddie' in the movies always wears black and the 'goodies' always wear white.) Therefore the object of the practitioner of the arts is to achieve perfect balance (or harmony of the Yin and Yang) and thus to control the life force (CHI) to achieve his objectives in overcoming his opponent. Bob Larson says on Page 300 of his book - "Larson's Book of Cults", "The religious and philosophical roots of most martial art forms presuppose a pantheistic perception of the cosmos. Even the curious student runs the risk of being conditioned by the techniques which pursue a goal of impersonal oneness with the universe. The Taoistic and Buddhist overtones represent more than an historical root. These principles are an integral part of fulfilling the ultimate spiritual aim of most (martial) art forms".

SELF PERFECTION The aim and goal of Yoga is to "change one's personal nature so that it can respond to an inner-self". The word YOGA comes from a Sanskrit root—word meaning “union”. Devotees believe that there are different levels of union. “Wherever you dip below the surface of Judo - and indeed all the martial arts - you come across Zen... Zen translates as 'meditation' in Japanese. Meditation is one method of achieving self-realisation... . and it is based on what the Buddha, who lived in India, had taught.." (from David White "Martial Arts of the Orient"). There is a union of body and mind when the forces acting on the mind and body are brought into harmony. Deeper still, is the union of body and mind with the Spirit, or the Immortal-Self. The absolute union of course is the union of the Immortal- Self with the Supreme Spirit (or Universal Spirit) which in fact is the Ruler of this world, Satan - himself. Union with the infinite is the highest goal of yoga and all the different forms of yoga are designed to lead to that 'supreme union’.. In his booklet 'Martial Arts - Are They Harmless?', Mike Taylor [on page 7], the question is asked:- Q) “Are you saying that whenever Martial Artists perform some extraordinary feat, the power involved must necessarily be from the devil?” A) Undoubtedly certain feats performed by the Martial Artists involve no occult element whatsoever. The Martial Arts training develops skills which :enable the Martial Artists to exhibit a high degree of agility, strength, and accuracy at high speed." Anyone who drives a car knows that many of the judgements he is called upon to make, rely upon an instantaneous assessment of a vast number of variable conditions. Precisely this skill is developed in Martial Arts in the context of assessing the capabilities and intentions of a possible opponent. The issues are complicated by our uncertainty as to the precise limitations of the human body. Indeed, one person's limitations may not precisely be the same as another's. One particular feat performed by person X may be naturally impossible to do quite naturally by person Y. Therefore, what person X may be able to do quite naturally, or after much training, person Y may never be capable of. If, therefore, person Y wished to perform a feat' which he could never perform naturally, there are only two avenues open to him: (a) To ask God' for the ability to do it. This may or may not be granted depending on whether God himself wants that person to perform the feat in question at that particular moment. (b) Person Y may seek for what he thinks of as 'a special reserve of latent power' through a process of 'meditation' or some other mental technique. In doing so he would be opening himself up to demonic power. 585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 444 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE

In many instances it may be impossible for another person to tell what power is actually in operation without exercising spiritual discernment; there are martial arts techniques which cannot possibly be performed by anyone without the use of demonic power . Such a technique is the directing of KI (CHI) at an opponent, or to lead the opponent to do what you want him to do, as is done in Aikido. So-called 'internal punching' is another instance. Rolf Clausnitzer was once punched from a distance of 9 inches by Wing Chun Master, Wong Shun Leong, in Hong Kong. “…despite the protection of two cushions, the memory remains of excruciating pain not unlike that of an electric shock..." Kung Fu expert Kah Wah Lee is reported to have rediscovered an ancient technique known as the 'vibrating palm'. Apparently Lee placed two pieces of half-inch" thick roof tiles under two boards, having sandwiched between them a cushion of tofu (soft bean-curd made into a custard) about 3 inches thick. He applied his right hand to the board on top. The tiles shattered. Lee claimed he converted his CHI into resonating vibrations by means of intense concentration. These were then transmitted through the Tofu to the lower board and from there to the tiles, which were shattered by the resonance. It is said that it is possible to deliver a 'delayed death-touch' to one's opponent by this means.

4] TYPES OF MARTIAL ARTS The most well-known of the Martial Arts are: Karate, Tai Chi, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, and Aikido. The various techniques of fighting in the 'arts' were developed from Indian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese origins. The Chinese styles are known as Kung-fu and Ch'uan-fa. The Korean forms are known collectively as Tai Kwon Do. The most common of the Japanese forms are known as Aikido, Judo, and Karate. There are many other forms similar in nature. Now let us examine briefly the various forms of the martial arts. KUNG-FU The word Kung-Fu is in reality a collective term which refers to over 250 . It is commonly referred to as the "mother" of the various techniques. Kung-Fu is classified as the "hard" school and is typified by its spectacular kicking, striking, and punching with strength and speed. Kung-Fu training is based on the movements of the white crane, horse, praying-mantis, and the tiger, each of which (form) influences the style. The appeal of Kung-Fu is obviously its aggressiveness and the ability one has to overcome another with its techniques. With emphasis on fitness training in recent years, the unwary are "sold" Kung-Fu. Ernest Ma, president of the Chinese Martial Art Association of NSW, said in a recent newspaper interview, that "..Kung-Fu teaches you to develop self-control and confidence, to be alert and fit and to recognise your limit, but to master its philosophy and to reach the stage where your mind can control your body can take 10-15 years…” The martial art -of Kung-Fu was popularised by American film star in the 1972 movie "KUNG-FU" which was subsequently made into a successful long running TV series. To Bruce Lee, the martial arts were more than just a physical exercise. He explored the spiritual depths until he met an untimely and mysterious death. David Carradine who starred in the TV series "KUNG-FU" said, "..when Bruce Lee died, his spirit went into me. I'm possessed.." - The original Kung-Fu philosophy dates back to 2696BC where it was rooted in occult forms of "divination" called 'I-Ching' and 'The Book of Changes' (Refer Page 295 of Bob Larson's "Book of Cults").

T'AI CHI CH'UAN The ultimate goal of this technique is to become an immortal. It is said to have come from the "soft" school of the arts. It was begun by Chang San-feng, who while meditating on the 1-Ching 'for three weeks observed crane and a snake fighting. It was the interplay of opposites of the Yin and Yang that he was interested in. It is said that the 108 movements of Tai Chi represent the movements of the whole universe because to achieve harmony with nature we must imitate it. The devotee is taught that he can reach a harmonious duality when mind, breath, and sexual energy come together. The technique is based on the Taoist philosophy that the weak can overcome the strong. Most devotees are involved only for the therapeutic value although it is said that Tai Chi contains elements that impart supernatural strength that give the exponent devastating power. AIKIDO. This form has been described as the Japanese equivalent to Tai Chi. The name means "the path" ( do ) "to a union" ( ai ) with the "universal spirit" ( Chi ). All of the movements emphasise harmony with the universe and brings the follower the power of Chi which is inhaled into the lower abdomen, a point about 3 inches below the navel, and exhaled through the hands. An instructor from Japan said, "..We create a universal harmony which ties together all of the worlds, the world we see around us, the world of the kind of spirits we cannot see, and the pure world of energy.... so we may become one, (this) is the essence and ultimate purpose of AIKIDO.” KARATE This technique was developed in Okinawa and China. Karate means "the art of the empty hand". It is perhaps the best known form of the martial arts practiced in the western world. The unwary would not realise that the bowing, breathing 585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 555 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE exercises, seated meditation, intense concentration, etc., are practices taken out of Zen. The most outstanding practice in Karate is Kata. Kata is a choreographed set of movements that must be memorised and practised individually because the blows are said to be deadly enough to KILL . They are the text book of the art and when learnt they become the reflex actions that can kill an attacker.

JUDO AND JU-JITSU These two forms are said to be just a blending of the Chinese and Japanese martial art. Judo is an international sport today which assumed its present form in 1882, although its origins have been traced back over 2000 years. Dr Jigoro Kano, a student of ju-Jitsu, formulated the rules of judo. Judo is the “soft way”, whereas Ju-jitsu is the “hard way”. To put it in another way judo is ju-jitsu without the killing aspect. Judo is basically a form of wrestling that uses balance and leverage to throw an opponent to the ground.

SUMMARY From the foregoing we can see that there are many forms of the martial arts, but they all have in their roots deep involvement with Buddhism and Taoism. A true Christian regards both these religions as being purely pagan. In 2 Cor 6:14-18 it says, ".. Do not be mismated with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God: as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate from them, says the Lord., and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty .” 2 Cor 7:1 says, ".. Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.." Obviously, there is no place for a Christian to be found in the company of those practicing martial arts.

5] YOGA The lack of true information regarding yoga, as we have said before, leads the unsuspecting to believe that yoga is just a series of physical exercises. Let us examine the roots of yoga and look briefly at the major forms being promoted in the western world. Yoga was developed with emphasis on the sayings of Patanjali, an Indian sage who lived about 300BC. His sayings (or sutras) contain the necessary steps one takes in the preparation and the practice of yoga. Patanjali stresses the control and stilling of the mind. (God created man with a will of his own, with the ability to make decisions for himself. When we empty our mind, as in yogic meditation, we in fact lower our will to such an extent, that the safeguard that God gave to protect us from evil influence, is completely removed. Thus, to control and empty one's mind is a dangerous practise which opens the door to demonic oppression.) The ultimate goal of all forms of yoga is - UNION WITH THE SUPREME SPIRIT - sometimes called SANADHI, sometimes SATORI (as in Zen Buddhism) and devotees sometimes refer to the experience as "god-consciousness". No matter what term is used, to the practitioner, it means "liberation of the individual spirit from the prison of earthly consciousness and entering into that bliss of oneness epitomised in the phrase, 'The dewdrop slips into the shining sea'. Mystical experience seems to have been more easily swallowed by Australian consumers when marketed with a sugar coating Invariably the yoga "wolf" - irrespective of its various sheepskin garbs - leads the person to subject himself or herself to a particular guru or antichrist. Of course the Christian recognises this as simply the means whereby Satan can dehumanise a person so that they cease to act and function as a responsible being created in the image of a personal God. It is the very opposite of "...being filled with the (i.e. God's) Spirit " (Eph 5:18) and is very dangerous . In case the reader thinks we exaggerate the dangers, the Theosophical Society, a non-Christian organisation, says in its pamphlet on yoga, "..Among the various systems of yoga, four are especially valuable for Western students They have FEWER INHERENT DANGERS than some of the other systems, which CAN HAVE A DAMAGING EFFECT ON THE PSYCHIC NATURE if practised in excess or if undertaken without proper guidance” It is sufficient to say that if one of the leading promoters of yoga in the western world itself warns of 'inherent dangers' then could it be recommended for Christians? The four major forms are as follows:- (a) Jnana Yoga (b) Bhakti Yoga (c) Karma Yoga (d) Raja Yoga

JNANA YOGA This style is described as, "..putting an emphasis on knowledge not just any knowledge, but insight into those eternal laws 585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 666 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE which lie beneath the surface facts of life. The student must polish his mind until it becomes a perfect mirror for the whole universe - the seen and the unseen for one who has an inclination toward science and philosophy, the yoga of wisdom through knowledge will have most appeal.." Once again… the devil catering for every type of intellect….

BHAKTI YOGA This form is known as "..the way of devotion.." Bhakti majors on love and the surrender of self to the Supreme Spirit. This supreme spirit may be an "incarnation of the god-head" such as Krishna, (or Christ whom many yogis believe are one and the same) a god-realised man, or a mental image of a personal god. This is the way for those of 'devotional nature' who they say find joy in being able to lose themselves in "adoration to the Supreme Being".. This "Supreme Being" is none other than the "Light Bearer" who is perhaps better known as Lucifer.

KARMA YOGA This is the 'path of action' and is supposedly the way for people who are "moved by a passionate sympathy for suffering and want to do something about it". The understanding given by the Theosophical Society in Sydney was that, and I quote, "Mother Theresa would be a prime example of someone giving their whole life to Karma Yoga, she would practise Bhakti Yoga in her devotional life, but primarily she would be a practitioner of Karma Yoga.." Notice how subtly and how appealing the explanation of the 'web weavers' of the devil are to the unwary!

RAJA YOGA Is known as the "royal road" and is often described as a "kingly. science". Hatha Yoga is part and parcel of Raja Yoga. This form is purported by many devotees to be the highest form of yoga, but many will dispute that theirs is the highest, e.g. Hari Krishna's say Bhakti Yoga is the ultimate way of achieving Krishna Consciousness. The disciplines and practices of Raja Yoga seek to unify the emotions and broaden the intellect, and bring all the parts of one’s being under control of the will, and to realise one is a “Divine Immortal Being”…. Much, emphasis in this form is placed on the sayings of Patanjali, who stresses that the stilling of one's mind is achieved by three steps: (1) Concentration (2) Meditation (3) Contemplation By following Patanjali's steps, one is allegedly able to identify with the life within, but, Christians would recognise that as opening one's mind and life to demonic activity. Now let us examine some of the other forms being offered.

MANTRA YOGA This is the form mainly used by the Hare Krishna and the Transcendental Meditation (TM) devotees. This form involves the chanting of sacred phrases, or words, coupled with concentrating on circular symbols known as 'Mandalas'. Attention focussed on the centre of the mandala is said to trigger deep inner responses in the mind. Although TM dresses up yoga as a secular science, the practitioner of this form must have a knowledge of secret and mystical (occult) sounds and symbolism. The aim of course is to tune the personal nature to such a degree that one can "hear the inner Divine Voice".

ZEN MEDITATION It would not be fair to leave out this form of yoga, as it is the name most commonly associated with the martial arts from Japan and South Korea. Some Buddhist monks, even today, are practicing the martial arts. In Korea at the Pomo-sa Temple near Pusan.. lives a Zen master, Chong-yi. He says that martial arts are an ideal foundation for Zen training and that Zen is the ultimate complement to producing a complete martial artist. (see chapter 6) The most popular form of yoga in the western world Is:

HATHA YOGA This system appears to major on various physical exercises, which includes breathing routines, but it is generally overlooked that it includes the practice of meditation. It is said that this system is, "..for the purpose of enabling one to become master of the body so that the body is subservient to the spiritual-Self Within.." The Theosophical Society says of Hatha Yoga, "..If only the physical disciplines are followed,, without an understanding of the essential purpose of yoga itself, there is a risk that the psychic nature of the individual will be affected adversely.." They suggest that other methods of yoga are more suitable for Westerners. Again an acknowledgement by the promoters that there are dangers in practicing yoga.

KUNDALINI YOGA In Kundalini Yoga there are seven (7) levels of consciousness that lead to SAMADHI or 'illumination'. These seven levels are known as CHAKRAS or "energy centres" of the body. The devotee of Kundalini Yoga seeks to release (by controlled breathing 585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 777 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE called Prana-yama) the dormant Kundalini (that which is coiled) in the lowest chakra (seated at the base of the spine), thereby, releasing "pure cosmic creative power" along the joining channels between each CHAKRA, thus awakening each one to the rising 'serpent power' or Kundalini energy . This state achieves so-called "transformation of consciousness”, and for that reason, the cobra serpent) when alert and erect, typifies the awakened Kundalini energy. The serpent has been a potent symbol perpetuated in daily life for the past 5000 years of human history. The Sanskrit word for serpent, or more literally WISE SERPENT, is Naga. Hinduism believes that "..the serpent has always been the symbol of the energising, creative force of the Supreme Universal Spirit or the Father in its cosmic aspect.." - which is pure blasphemy. It would be correct to say that no Christian should have anything to do with Yoga. It is said that you can't have yoga without Hinduism, and that you can't have Hinduism without yoga! The two are inseparable. For a more detailed study of yoga please read the author's booklet, "The Deception of Yoga".

6] MEDITATION: THE FALSE AND THE TRUE It obviously has become apparent to the reader that great emphasis is placed on meditation in all the martial arts. Therefore it is imperative that we discuss the subject to some extent. It would be impossible to document all the various forms of exercises and martial art forms now being promoted in our society. We have therefore looked briefly at several of the most well-known forms of yoga already in Chapter 5. The fact that many celebrities, medical, academic, media, and religious people actively endorse the supposed benefits derived from their involvement in such programs, makes our task all the more difficult, yet a most necessary one in helping the unsuspecting avoid a sinister WEB OF DECEPTION .

CHANTING - MANDALAS - INDUCEMENT OF TRANCE-LIKE STATE Chong-yi advocates two ways of meditative concentration that will produce the state of stilling the mind, or lack of thought. (Which we said before is an open invitation for the demonic). The first, he says, "..is for the eyes to watch the nose and the nose to watch the navel..". One does this until the nose disappears and the eyes become attached to the navel. (Not recommended). The other technique is to watch one's hands clasped together until they disappear (also not recommended). Zen Buddhism originated in China under the name Ch'an, the Chinese for meditation. Central to both Chinese Ch'an and Zen Buddhism is the practice of meditation. The famed Samurai warriors practiced meditation as a way of self-discipline. To sit in the well-known lotus position is known as ZAZEN. Perhaps the most peculiar method of assisting one to achieve enlightenment (SARTORI) is the riddle, or KOAN. Here are two examples of the KOAN… • "..If you meet someone in the street who has reached the truth you may neither walk past him in silence, nor speaking. How then should you meet him?..", • "..When you clap both your hands together a sound results. What is the sound of one hand clapping?.." There are reportedly over 1700 other riddles which are all essentially absurd or false statements. They are supposed to lead the mind toward truth. ZAZEN and KOAN have to be practiced under a Zen master who controls and disciplines the student. There are two branches of Zen - Rinzai and Soto. They differ as to whether SARTORI is achieved spontaneously or gradually. The Zen Spirit is evident also in the JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY, IKEBANA (art of flower arranging) LANDSCAPE PAINTING, HANDWRITING, ARCHERY and FENCING. These practices are much more than mere techniques. They have great significance spiritually. Practicing ZAZEN can take up to several hours each day. All forms of meditation call for a daily commitment. Demonic encounters and hallucinatory visions are common to Zen practitioners. Ancient man in his rebellion against God ".. exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man or birds or animals or reptiles.." (Romans 1:23). Men and women in our day are exchanging the glory of the immortal God for eastern gurus, yogis, swamis, and martial arts masters, no differently than ancient man. The heart rebellion and darkened minds are the same - the manifestations are only changed to more modern 'enlightened' forms of IDOLATRY. The dictionary says of idol, "..image of a deity used as an object of worship; false god; person, thing that is the object of excessive devotion; a false mental image or conception..", by worshipping a guru, by worshipping your own ability, or by releasing into a meditative state, is equivalent to setting up an idol other than the True and Living God. Truly an apt description of the end result of practicing meditation and its partner - MARTIAL ARTS... Paul aptly describes the mental and moral depths to which rebellious man has sunk. ".. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can, be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse; for although they knew God they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools .." (Rom 1:18-22) . 585858 DDDECEPTION OF MMMARTIAL AAARTSRTSRTS PPPAGE 888 FFFRED GGGRIGG (1986) HHH OLROYD NNNEW LLLIFE CCCHURCH RRRESOURCE

Let us not forget that as Christians that our real fight is against the "..SPIRITUAL HOSTS OF WICKEDNESS in the heavenly places". (Eph 6:12b.); 2 Thess 2:912 says, ".. The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are to perish, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion, to make them believe what is false, so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. .". Again, a warning from I Tim 4:1-3 ".. Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving …” Then vv7-8 says .".. Have nothing.to do with godless and silly MYTHS . Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.." The apostle Paul summed up what should be our attitude as Christians towards keeping our minds actively engaged in thinking deeply (NOT MEDITATION ) on spiritual things. In Philippians 2:8 & 9 he says, ".. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me do; and the God of peace will be with you ..". Notice he says nothing of the ways or counsel of the yogis…. Psalm 1:2 says of the man of Cod, " His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night ". Christian meditation is not the emptying of the mind . It is the filling of the mind with Bible principles that will bring one to an understanding of truth. True meditation will achieve an alert mind . False meditation is the smothering nihilism of Hindu theology. Martial Arts and Yoga is not recommended - it could mean your eternal life.

If you need help in this area of activity, and are finding it difficult to martial your thoughts and actions, get in touch with someone who understands this dimension of spiritual warfare. Our office can provide both further resources, and someone to assist you renounce the debilitating effects of this subtle form of spiritual oppression. Holroyd New Life Church 02-9896 2514 [email protected] www.hnlc.org.au