CHI AND MEDITATION

A reader, John Fam, commented:

Dr. Lim Poh Ann, this is certainly good spiritual advice to lead a healthy life. Meditation. As a medical doctor, I do not know whether it is unchristian to talk about "chi"? This is the divine energy that practitioners claim is the force that exists in everyone of us. Central to most proper meditation is all that you have advised above but one important aspect that you have left out.

Reply: Chi' or qi mentioned by you is a life force which is poorly understood by the West. Meditation has many different branches/schools. Some include this chi thing; others open up themselves to other spirits (yoga, Silva).

I do not want to comment on what other people do with regards to meditation, which is beyond the scope of my knowledge and experience.

The Christian meditates on God's word, believing that he or she is filled with the Holy Spirit. And meditation has its rewards, including the power to overcome sin and the blessing of prosperity.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful (Joshua 1:8).