Fanning the fire of qi: monk builds bridges between East and West, science and spirituality.(RELIGIOUS LIFE)(Bernard Seif )

Salesian Br. Bernard Seif has long spun his prayer wheels in two directions--East and West, Christian and Buddhist. His daily life includes the Western healing arts of psychology, spiritual counseling and time spent in the Liturgy of the Hours and in contemplation.

But his day also includes practicing ancient forms of Chinese breathing, movement and meditation exercises known as qigong (pronounced chee gung). The Salesian monk uses qigong with clients who seek him out for pain management, cancer recovery, digestive and other disorders, as well as emotional problems.…