When taught and done ... applying core principles inherent in all true spiritual paths ... Kung fu, Chi Kung, and Yoga are spiritual arts. One can walk these paths to spiritual enlightenment and continual growth in all aspects of Being.
To KNOW versus knowledge, beliefs ... techniques
Going out for more seminars or more techniques is not the answer to further growth - which many people mistake for being more advanced in an art. We are better off being able to apply what we KNOW by BEING it and moving into the depths of a teaching and one's self. Avoid skipping over this point lightly.
There is a vast difference between knowledge and Being ... so going out for more and more information and knowledge and being able to repeat it does not equate a higher level of Being or Knowing. This is equally true in the field of martial arts. One can master many techniques, forms, weaponry etc. and still be on the surface (or external) in one's training - even at peak physical ability and capacity for movement. The same can be said for Yoga ... or any art. On the surface two individuals may appear to be doing the same thing - or that one is able to do more than the other; however, there may be big differences between these individuals on other levels. Learn to distinguish this difference for your self through your own training and experience.
This is not to say that knowledge is not a part of the path ... nor that going out to learn other techniques or methods is useless. For some of us, this is an important and valuable part of our journey of coming to understand certain things (particularly the philosophies, various areas of technical specialty and discovering the interconnection between all genuine paths) ... it can also add fun and spice to our journey and is an adventure in itself. What I am stressing is that knowledge often is confused with genuine level of Being of a person.
It is interesting to note, here, that as one Works, one's level of Being genuinely changes, one begins to KNOW things without having to strive for the knowledge ... it comes as a result of experience and developing wisdom. This no one can take from you and since you KNOW, you are in a better position ... there is no need to argue over what you know for you have become it. Knowledge is different in that if we take it on without really knowing it, it is merely another belief.
How do you know what you know? Are you simply repeating what you were taught - or have you really become it and made it your own KNOWING? Do you really KNOW? Is your knowledge base and belief system your own or were you simply brought up into it and now believe the same things others before you have believed without ever embarking on the journey to discovery and true Knowing yourself? Useful questions! Ask this of all things you think you know ... of your beliefs, values, priorities, philosophy of life. Make a list of these things and ask these questions. Who taught me this? Is this something I simply believe?
If you do not KNOW (and to KNOW is a challenge to describe with words alone), then you must say ... this is what I believe according to what I was taught or read or whatever. If that is the case, then allow yourself to be open to new possibilities, because a belief is not Being or KNOWING. To have faith is a wonderful thing ... when applied; however, it is not KNOWING. Those who KNOW do not need faith because they KNOW. For those who do not KNOW, faith carries them through ... perhaps due to a belief or even a feeling they may have that something is true ... it is still not KNOWING ... which is a higher level thing. Faith and belief can contribute to miracles and other phenomenon, and in themselves are not good or bad; we are merely looking at the difference between KNOWING and belief and faith ... this is another topic entirely.
In order to truly KNOW something, one must BE it. So we embark ... engage in the journey and Work to raise our level of Being through continual, consistent and disciplined Work.
