East Meets West
"And what concord (harmony and accord) hath Christ with Belial (Satan, wickedness) ? or what part (share, inheritance) hath he that believeth with an infidel ?"
We see the power of eastern philosophy (religion) growing at a greater rate than ever before in America! With a Bible in almost every home and a church on every corner, even Christianity is falling under the seductive influence of this serpent from the east. Liberal theology, and contemporary worhip; church services that differ little from the sights and sounds of the world, are growing in number. There is little distinction made from the pulpit or the pew, between that which is holy and the common or unclean. Pastors are refusing to call sin by it’s right name, because they fear man more than Almighty God !
Black is now white and white is becoming gray.
And yet we see this same ideology of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism being taught not only from the pulpits, but in our school classrooms, and college campuses across the country. Through situational ethics, sex education, evolution, and “religious” studies, our children and young people are being overwhelmed with a flood of deadly poison, in print, the media and electronic gaming.
Movies, such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Narnia and The Matrix promote the belief that there is a good side and a dark side, in everything in the universe; including magic. Even older, “classic” Hollywood films such as The Wizard of Oz, teach a synergy, or mingling of good and evil.
Remember the “good” witch of the East, and the “evil” witch of the West ? This concept is absolutely absurd. They were both evil, because they were practicing witchcraft and magic, which the Word of God plainly forbids. There is no such thing as white magic vs. black magic. Its all magic . . . and both witches receive their power and abilities from the same source, the devil (Lucifer and Satan).
The Word of God
The Word of Almighty God tells us absolutely that: “God (Jehovah, Yehuwah) is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all !” I John 1:5
And of the New Jerusalm, He says:
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of GOD did lighten it, and the Lamb is the Light thereof. And the nations which are saved shall walk in the light of it . . . And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.“ Revelation 21:23-25
The I Ching –
What most martial artists fail to realize, is where the origin of this symbol finds it’s roots. The “I-Ching,” or “Book of Changes” dates back to the year 2800 BC. This ancient book is also known as the Chinese Book of Divination, and is used to foretell the future.
The Chinese art of Bagua zhang or 8 Trigram boxing is based completely upon the I-Ching. It’s complex movements and intricate forms and footwork are in themselves a unique method of channeling spirit guides and divining the future.
The very same occult principles used in Chinese black magic, and Taoist alchemy are being taught in the martial arts, through this symbol. All forms of divination are based upon the use of “astrology” and the movements of the primary 108 planetary bodies, of the Chinese Zodiac through our galaxy.
These heavenly bodies are, in the pagan and occult world symbolic of the deities, and false gods of their religions. The practice of looking to the “cosmos” or skies for “inspiration” and guidance in any field of study; is strongly condemned by theWord of the LORD (Jehovah, Yehuwah). For in so doing, the practitioner is openly inviting the influence of demonic spirits into their lives.
Inspiration = “in-spirited,” influenced, controlled or possessed by a spirit
In each style of martial art, world wide, there is a lesser of greater dependence upon the I-Ching in teaching and in practice; especially at the levels above disciple (black). Even in many “alternative” schools of healing; such as acupuncture, reiki, kinesiology and yoga; the guru or “healer” will use astrology and the patient’s birth date; in order to “map” an appropriate formula for healing.
There are many forms of “divination” in the world today; But all of them have their foundation in the occult. Some of the more commons methods are: Tarot card, Ouija boards, Dowsing or water witching, Pendulum swinging, Reflexology, Scrying, Dice rolling, and even using ordinary playing cards. Skeptics will say that these forms of divination are all based on mere chance. However, what is frightening to realize though, is that all of these arts rely upon the active participation of spirit entities in order to achieve their desired results.
What does the Word of Almighty God tell us ?
“To the Law and to the testimony of His prophets, if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them !” Isaiah 8:20
“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits,
and unto wizards that peep and mutter: Should not a people seek unto their God (Elohim) ? rather than the living unto the dead ?” Isaiah 8:19
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: for I Am the LORD (Yehuwah) thy God (Elohim – Almight One) !” Leviticus 19:31
“For thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee . . . Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame !” Isaiah 47:13-14
The Health and Healing Deception
The Health and Healing Deception –
The New Age movement has been using the field of Natural Health and medicine for the last 35+ years, to open doors into doctor’s offices, chiropractic clinics and health food stores. There is a great push toward acceptance of “Holistic Health” methods such as; Acupuncture, Reiki, Energetic Kinesiology, Medical Qi-gong, and Yoga. These alternative methods of healing use as their foundation the Eastern mystical practices and techniques of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoist magic.
Healers and Gurus in these arts teach that man is made up of 3 primary “energy centers” or chakras. The Chinese call these centers, the lower, middle, and upper dan-tien.
They claim that sickness, and disease are the result of blockages in one or more of these chakras or the meridians (pathways) that connect them with the organs of the body.
The lower dan-tian is responsible for the “energy” (spirit) that controls the muscles, the flesh, and the baser passions; such as the appetites, sexual drive, anger, violence, and lusts. The middle dan-tian houses the energy (spirit) which governs the emotions, the heart or soul of man, the feelings and memories. The upper dan-tian, or “third eye” located in the center of the forehead, is seen as the highest energy source in man. This point is also known as the “seat” or “throne” of the will.
These three energy centers are also known to the Chinese as; “houses” or “temples of the Three Treasures – Shen, Chi, and Jing. Shen is said to be the highest, and is spirit; Chi is the second in power, and is represented by breath; Jing (essence) is said to be generated and stored in the kidneys, and lower sexual organs, and is con-sidered the most valuable. It is a mixture between spirit and flesh. This “trinity” of powers can be seen even today in many Eastern, and Western symbols. And the cultivation and development of these mystical powers, is the basis of all (TCM) Traditional Chinese Medicine and “Holistic Healing” techniques.
In Yoga and many eastern healing arts, the students are taught of the existence of a “serpent power,” called Kundalini. This spirit energy is said to lay coiled and sleeping, approx. three inches below the navel. It is this power which they are called upon to awaken and allow to rise through their body, and up the spine; opening these “so-called” ancient “energetic” spiritual doorways, and allowing the free flow of a “universal energy” or “force” to heal and empower them.
The methods of releasing this serpent power from it’s slumber include: deep controlled breathing exercises, relaxation, and unnatural stretching of the joints and body, meditation and chanting mantras. All of these same techniques are also used by the new age and occultists to enter an altered state of consciousness; And thereby encouraging contact with the spirit world, and demonic entities !
Symbols
The very symbols often used by medical and holistic healers, clearly represent this serpent rising up the spine. Although many Christians claim this symbol is the one used by Moses in the wilderness; a closer examination of the Biblical account in Numbers 21:4-9, II Kings 18:15, and John 3:12-15; reveals that the bronze serpent hanging on the pole, was a symbol of Christ Jesus bearing our sins, iniquities and transgressions; dying upon the center cross of Calvary two thousnad years ago.
This symbol which Moses held up before the people of Israel was one of sacrificial death on our behalf; not that of a serpent climbing the “Tree of Knowledge of good and evil” (ref: Genesis 3:1-15) and then offering us life. This event was a foreshadow of Christ Jesus, being made sin for us, and baring all our iniquities in His own body upon the cross !
And although this symbol should have reminded the ancient Israelites of the Saviour which was Promised would one day come, to take away our gulit and shame; instead, because of the darkness of many of their hearts, the LORD had to command the symbol later to be destroyed by the righteous king, Hezekiah. For in the days of his reign, those who remained unconverted, and bound in the chains of idolatry, began to worhip this bronze symbol, rather than looking to the Living God for their healing. ref: II Kings 18:1-5
According to eastern mystical thought, new age teaching, and Gnostic beliefs; when this serpent power ascends through the central nervous system, up the spine and reaches the 3rd eye and crown; It is then that Kundalini possess’ both heart, body and mind.
Once this double-headed serpent (symbolic of the male and female “energies” of the universe) ascends to the third eye and final crown chakra, man is said to have reached “enlightenment“. This is represented by the return of the serpent’s wings; a presumed reversal of the curse place upon the snake in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:14-15). The qigong practitioner has become one with “tao,” one with the universe; one with “divinity;” and therefore “god-like in and of himself.
To the ancient Chinese, the serpent was the symbol of yin, water and earth; while the winged dragon was the symbol of yang, fire and the heavens. It was known as “he who rules over the powers of the sky and air“. These golden and crimson images crown the doorways of many martial art schools, resturants, and businesses.
To the pagan the dragon represents “wisdom,” pride, wealth, and ultimate spiritual power. He was also known to the Babylonians, Greeks, Aztecs, and Romans as Leviathan.
“In that day the LORD (Yehovah) with His sore (severe) and great (terrible) and strong sword shall punish Leviathan the piercing (fugitive) serpent, even Leviathan that crooked (tortuous) serpent; And He shall slay the dragon that is in the sea !” Isaiah 27:1, Job 41, Ephesians 6:17 & Hebrews 4:12
The Holy Scriptures speak of him thus: “Wherein in time past ye walked (lived) according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience!” Ephesians 2:2.
The true origins of this mythical creature are found in Genesis chapter 3: The Word of Almighty God tells us that it was the serpent which first deceived Eve, and it was cursed from that day forward to crawl upon it’s belly; what a great fall from it’s once exalted position of power and beauty, and aerial domain in the skies.
“Now the serpent (whisperer, to hiss, to divine, prognosticator, enchant or cast a spell) was more subtle (cunning) than any beast of the field . . . and he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God (Elohim) said . . . ?” (introducing doubt and unbelief in God’s Word).
Genesis 3:1-5
Are you really sure God meant what He said ?
“And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die ! For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened (enlightenment), and ye shall become as gods, knowing good and evil !”
“And the LORD God (Yehuwah Elohim) said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life !” Genesis 3:1-15
“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer (shining one), son of the Morning (Day Spring – ref: Luke 1:78, II Peter 1:19 & Revelation 22:16) ! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Jehovah (Yehuwah) . . . I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High !” Isaiah 14:12-14
The Tree of Knowledge
The Tree of Knowledge . . . ?
The center pole upon which the serpent climbs, is known in the occult as the “Tree of knowledge” or “enlightenment.” Little do most realize that the fruit of which they are partaking is from the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil .
Thus is being taught again the first lie of Satan (the devil) in the garden of Eden; If man will “do as he wilt,” and partake of the forbidden fruit of dark and hidden knowledge, he will become like a god. The serpent twisting as it rises, is a striking symbol of the human double helix DNA strand. All Hindu gurus and Chinese qigong masters teach their advanced students that; transformat-ion of the human genome and genetic material is possible through diligent practice, meditation and study of the arts.
Thus mankind may slowly climb the evolutionary ladder to “godhood”. The change within the practitioners of these eastern mystical arts, is accomplished through the direct influence and possession of these evil spirits; and not through any supposed latent, natural abilities or scientific knowledge. The physical techniques and mental exercises open the mind and soul to forces outside of, and stronger than mere human ingenuity or genius !
The easiest doorway and entrance for this “energy” (any evil spirit) is through the flesh. Matthew 26:41. This point is known as the lower dan-tian, and is said to be located 2 or 3 inches below the navel.
Often students are taught to focus their mind, thought, and intent on this point while breathing slowly, and the yelling “Kia !” They are told to breath in deeply, as far down in the abdomen as possible, then release all this breath in one explosive yell !
This is why all martial artists begin their training with physical “kinetic energy” and strength first. This slowly prepares the students to look inward for their source of power, rather than heavenward to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Yehushua ha Moshiac) !
The middle dan-tian offers the second door into the soul. This is known as the heart chakra; for the emotions have a very close tie to the flesh. One effects the other rapidly and imperceptibly. If we grow angry, the blood rises upward and to the surface of the body. If we are afraid, or frightened; we grow cold, as the blood retreats inward.
Instructors, knowingly or unknowingly use the emotions of their students to elicit responces and control them. Fear, anger, embarassment, and pride are employed to provoke the desired result. This “energy” center is also the doorway which most new age “healers” will attempt to gain access to first. Because most people have a great desire to be emotionally well. This method is often called “emotional cleansing” by yogis, gurus and qigong masters. But we are told in the Holy Bible to:
We walk by faith (in God’s Word), not by sight or feelings !
ref: II Corinthians 5:7
The last of the three primary energetic “gateways” is known as the 3rd eye (also known as the 6th chakra). And this is one of the most important to anyone involved in eastern mysticism, and the occult. Opening this point (door) is one of the most difficult to achieve. And is there is only one which demands greater sacrifice in order to obtain, and that is the final ‘crown’ chakra !
Remember, the serpent power is climbing from beneath, constantly upward; seeking entrance to the throne of the heart and mind. A person must, through continual yielding of his will, open this point by removing the barriers which our Creator (Jehovah God, Yehuwah Elohim) has placed in the human heart to protect him from the direct influence and control of evil spirits !
Once this point is completely “opened”, the martial artist is told he/she will experience “nirvana“, or spiritual enlightenment. And now they will be capable of extraordinary psychic abilities; such as esp, premonition, ect. At the higher levels of achievement the practitioner is said
to “know without knowing how.” They will often demonstrate these supernatural abilities by performing many martial skills while blindfolded.
Lets take a closer look at the symbol which is placed by the hindu gurus at this 6th chakra point, known as the 3rd eye –
This sixth point of the 7 chakras (energetic wheels or gateways), is known in the hindu sanskrit as (ajna), which means to command or ‘summoning.’
But what is being summoned ?
It’s symbol includes two white lotus petals on either side, which according to the ancient hindu texts, are symbolic of the hindu god shiva, and goddess shakti. It is said that when these two opposite, yet equal deities or forces (energies) or are joined, that extrasensory preception and abilities are granted by the gods. And the manifestation of the “divine child within” can finally be achieved . . .
The 2 hindu sanskrit characters written within the 6th and 7th chakra symbol are very similar in nature. And are invoked by a repetition of the mantra or sound of “Om,” or “Aum.” The latter spelling is the original in the most ancient translated texts.
According to other eastern traditions, it is this very symbolic sound (Aum), which stands for the trinity of the pagan hindu gods, the father, the mother and the divine child. Brahma is represented as being the creator, and divine son; Vishnu the preserver and divine ‘essence’ , and shiva the destroyer. And these 3, when combined, are expressed by the buddhist and taoist in their concept of the supreme deity as the Dao (Tao); the universal energy, force or god.
The Scriptures tell us clearly that this point in the forehead is where
Almighty God (El- Shaddai) seals His children by writing His Signature upon
His finished work in us ! . . . “having His Father’s name written in their foreheads !”
(Revelation 7:1-4 & 14:1-4, Exodus 31:13-17 & Ezekial 9:1-6, 20:12-20) !
This sealing is an indication that the disciple
and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ (Yehu-shua ha Moshiac) has yielded their all, without reserve to their Creator and Redeemer. They are His, heart, soul, mind and body, and even their will has been lain upon the alter and surrendered to Him. It is then that the true Christian will say,
“Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done !” Luke 22:42
. . .While those who follow the serpent/dragon are filled with the spirits of the god they have chosen to serve (worship and obey)! And from their hearts is heard echoing the whisper of that old serpent, “do as thou wilt, shall be the whole of the law !”
And we see that it is by this final deception that the great red dragon (Satan) will seek to counterfeit the sealing work of Jehovah among His children. For he also will place a mark upon those of his own ranks, who have chosen to serve and honour and obey him rather than Almighty GOD !
“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that has the mark , or the name of the beast (venomous), or the number of his name !“
Even here we see the character of the dragon, that of force, rather than service in love. So how will mankind be able to discern between the two?
“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath unde count (reckon) the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” For “the fear (reverance) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His Commandments . . . !” Revelation 13:16-18 & Psalm 111:10
Is mankind returning back to Egypt, Babylon, and the forbidden tree in the midst of the garden? Are many, even of the LORD’s children, seeking wisdom and knowledge from beneath rather than from heaven and the Word of GOD ?
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers (servants) also be transformed as ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works . . . !” II Corinthians 11:13-15
The promise of all new age healing methods are the same. However, there are warnings which the modern gurus, yogis and masters fail to reveal to their often eager and younger followers. In Yoga, as well as Chinese Qi-gong, the ancient masters strongly cautioned their novice students against practicing without a high level instructor present.
The ancient texts of Taoists, Buddhist and Hindu warn of the possibility of amnesia, insanity, schizophrenia, and even death, without the “qualified guidance” of an experienced master. Many of these renown grandmasters and gurus lived their entire lives in slavery and bondage to the demons to which they had sold their souls in exchange for the
illusion of power. And many died fearful and terrible deaths;
without Christ, and without hope in this world !
Through movies, new age books, fantasy novels, music and even video games; young and old alike are being introduced, and led into a fascination with eastern mystical practices. All of these are pre-paring mankind for a spiritual event which is soon to take the world as an overwhelming surprise !
Light vs Darkness
According to taoist teachings; Light and darkness are equal,
and both are necessary for balance. But what does the Word of Almighty God say ?
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them . . . For there is nothing secret, that shall not be made manifest, Neither is there anything which is hidden, that shall not be made known abroad . . .Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in
darkness shall be revealed in the Light; And that which has been whispered in the closet shall be proclaimed upon the housetops !”
Ephesians 5:1 & Luke 8:17-12:2
All of the Asian martial arts and eastern mystical practices offer”enlightenment” and spiritual “illumination”. But everything which they teach leads into darkness. While freedom is offered, bondage is actually what is received.
All martial styles share a common thread with the both the new age, occult, and secret esoteric societies. That thread is the system of heirarchy or ranking. In the Scriptures this was known as Nicolaitanism.
The greek word in which the new testament was written, reveals in this word a system which means, ‘to conquer, or rule over the common people’
And it is under this same system, that the martial arts are set up.
A prime example of this is the basic ranking system in most styles. Within many traditional asian arts, there is an old story that is loved to be told of how one receives a black belt:
When a new student joins himself to a master he would be given a simple belt, bearing the family name. This white belt or sash was symbolic of the “emptying” of himself of all his past knowledge, and humbling himself before the teacher; showing his willingness to learn all that the master had to teach. After his first year or two of diligent training , the belt then begins to turn green in color, symbolic for new growth, and eagerness to learn. A few more years pass and the belt grows darker brown, stained with blood, sweat and the tears of his efforts. Finally, once the belt has grown black, the student is ready to accept the honour of being called an apprentice or “disciple” of the master and his art.
Black – death, dark knowledge is received
Brown – the root grows deeper
Red – blood, Fire rises, the spirit of control
Purple – mystical thoughts arise
Blue – submission and loyalty
Green – initiation, secrets revealed
Orange – hunger begins to grow
Yellow – the dawn begins to rise
White – innocence, purity, empty vessel
All styles of the martial arts begin with a white belt. Isn’t a strange coincidence that we begin innocent, and by the time we reach “enlightenment,” we have become very dark and unclean?
Every student of the martial arts is encouraged to strive for the higher ranks, in order that they may be granted “Secret” and Hidden knowledge. this is the very same lie which the serpent told Eve in the garden 6000 years ago. This hidden knowledge is also known as the “Wisdom of the ancients,” by those initiated into the secret societies.
It is taught that this dark knowledge will lead to supernormal power and abilities, and finally to ‘divinty’ and immortality. But this entire philosophy is rooted in the pagan religions of the far east; and is contrary to the plain teachings of the Scriptures !
Light Shining in the darkness
"The Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not . . . !
For if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god (Satan) of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not; Lest the the Light of the glorious gospel of Christ, Who is the image of the Almighty God (El-Shaddai) should shine unto them . . .
For Jehovah (Yehuwah) sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Jesus (Yehushua ha Moshiac) might be delivered and saved . . . II Corinthians 4:3-4 & John 3:17
And this is the condemnation, that Light (the revealing of God’s character) is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil . . . ! John 3:19
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood . . . a peculiar
people, So that ye might show forth the praises of Him Who hath
called you out of the darkness and into His marvelous Light . . .
I Peter 2:9
To open their eyes of the blind and lost, And to turn them from darkness to Light, and from the power of Satan to Almight God! Acts 26:18
And that knowing the time, that it is high time to awake out of sleep: For now is our Salvation nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand ! Let us therefore cast off the works of
darkness, and put on the armour of Light. . .
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour
of Jehovah, that ye may be able to stand in
the evil day, and having done all, to stand !” Romans 13:11-12, Ephesians 6:13
From whom do the masters of the martial arts actually receive their powers ? and what is the “character” and spirit behind the vail . . . ?
