Issue date: 10/27/09 Section: A&E

Media Credit: Rosie Githiji/Alestle Taoist priest Zhong Xu demonstrates Taiji movements Saturday at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability.

Tim Bruewer grew up with a mother who was a southern Baptist, but he now goes by the name of Zhong Xu and is training to be a Taoist priest. He came to SIUE to share his experiences with students.

The Center for Spirituality and Sustainability hosted its seventh annual Celebration of World Faiths with a presentation by Bruewer titled "Taoism: An Ancient Way for Modern Times" on Oct. 24.

Bruewer is from St. Louis, but spends a lot of his time in China learning more about Taoism.

"I have been doing martial arts and learning about Chinese culture since I was five years old," Bruewer said. "I began studying Taoism when I was 10. I knew when I was a little kid I wanted to do this."

Bruewer is part of Wudang San Feng Sect, which has been around for 15 generations and a disciple of the Wudang Longmen Sect, practicing for 26 generations. He said destiny or "yuan fen," which means common affinity, lead him to become a Taoist priest.

Bruewer began his presentation with a ceremony that he said was a blessing for the endeavors of the CSS and asked for good energy for life for the audience members. He also defined Taoism.

"It's part of a magical wisdom," Bruewer said. "We live on heaven and earth at the same time."

Taoism is an indigenous religion of China, according to Bruewer. Laozi is the founding philosopher of the religion, and Confucianism is combined with Taoism, according to Bruewer. Chi is the internal life force Taoist followers believe help them through the day.

Bruewer said Taoist believers follow many practices. He meditates in the morning and in the evening, as well as fasting and chanting, among other practices. He also practices Taiji (tai chi), a form of Kung Fu to help keep his body and mind healthy.

Bruewer also taught the audience how to do some simple exercises such as the Qigong motion, which he said starts the spirit and cleans it by moving energy from the body.

Greg Fields is a professor of philosophy as well as a member of the Friends of the Center for Spirituality & Sustainability. He said there have been presentations such as this one since 2003. The center has tried different formats, but likes to focus on a single tradition for the presentations.

When the center was constructed in 1971, the main religion was Christianity, according to Fields. The center wanted to reach out to all paths and cultures and wanted the people on the SIUE campus to learn more about world religions.

"It's more real to see this kind of thing with people involved in it," Fields said. "It's wonderful for students not just to read it, but to see some of the practices and see how traditions provide strengths and guidance for a healthy life."

Sophomore psychology major Jennifer Gerlach of Troy said she heard about the presentation in one of her classes. She said she learned a lot from Bruewer and is interested in the religion.

"I just thought the presentation was interesting," Gerlach said. "I liked the point of view and the perspective. It's not something you hear a lot."

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