Chi – Flows, Permeates, Moves, and drives us and our universe.
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Chi, The Invisible Life Force
In eastern mysticism (Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism), there’s a belief that in all of us and all around us is an unseen, universal life force of energy called chi or qi in Chinese, also known as ki in Japanese and prana in Indian culture. This energy flows, permeates, moves and drives our whole being and remains an enigma to many. Can we unveil this mystery and tap into it?
In ancient Chinese medicine, balance is integral to health and well being. Chi exists in each part of our body, and for chi to flow correctly in all these parts, we must be in balance. “The balance between all these parts is maintained by a continuous flow of chi, or vital energy, along a system of ‘meridians’ which contain the acupuncture points.” (Capra 108)
Chi is a Mystery
Martial arts is an avenue where many have experienced chi first hand. Joe Hyams, an American columnist who rubbed elbows with stars like Steve McQueen, Marilyn Monroe, and Bruce Lee, studied a form of martial arts called Aikido, which is known as “the gentle art.” While he practiced, he wanted to know more about ki. He asked his instructor, and she explained to him that no one can really define it, “but you can experience it.” (Hyams 53)
Where there is movement, there is chi, and since we are all moving, we can experience chi. “Chi is the vital universal energy which composes, permeates and moves everything that exists. Chi may be defined as the ultimate cause, and at the same time, as the ultimate effect…Chi is the ultimate essence of the universe as well as the law of all movement.” (Ni 44-45)
The Center of Chi
Hindu’s call this vital energy prana and believe it is stored in the abdomen near the navel. They call this area the solar plexus and believe it’s, “the storage battery in the body which supplies pranic energy to the whole body.” (Vishnudevananda 67) Prana, or chi, can enter the body via the solar plexus and disperse throughout the entire body. “Think of the belly as a valve which sends water or ki through all the extremities. When the valve is open, more water (or energy) is generated through the legs and arms. (Hyams 53)
Hyams’ instructor explained to him where chi originates when he was practicing. “The center for ki is the ‘one point’ or tai-ten.” She pointed to a spot about an inch and a half below her navel. “This is about where the center of gravity for the human body is. Ki is defined as an energy or inner strength that can be directed from the ‘one point’ through visualization to places outside the body. Aikidoists, as well as martial artists and Zen practitioners, believe all of the ki, or energy, of the universe flows through them at this ‘one point’, traveling forever in all directions. No matter where you are, you are always the center of the universe. By holding your ‘one-point’ and remaining centered, you feel one with the universe and, at the same time, totally aware of your bodily relationship to the universe.” (Hyams 53)
Chi and the Mind
She went on to explain, “the mind is truly a source of power, and when mind and body are coordinated, ki manifests itself. With practice you can turn ki on at will.” He noticed something amazing when an Aikido master entered the room onto the mat. “The master seemed to flow like water into the mass.” He was amazed at how the master’s movements seemed so effortless and knew that he witnessed something indescribable, a mystery below the surface. “It was ki, the invisible life force or energy that cannot be seen but that most martial artists, especially aikidoists train to develop.” (Hyams 53)
Chi, the Breath of Life
Chi literally means ‘gas’ or ‘ether’. The ancient Chinese believe it was the vital breath and energy of all life in the universe. Traditional Chinese medicine uses the ‘pathways of chi’ in the human body with acupuncture to stimulate these pathways. It is also the foundation of the movements of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, “the Taoist dance of the warrior.” (Capra 213)
In Hinduism, prana means life and life can only exist when things are moving and breathing. “In reality, wherever there is motion and life, behind there is the storehouse of pranic energy.” (Vishnudevananda 243)
Pranayama is the control of breath in the science of yoga, and literally means, “the pause after an exhalation.” (Wilson Organ 229). It is with this control using concentration that channeling chi is possible. “In the practice of pranayama, mind plays a great part and it is important to observe consciously everything that takes place in the phenomenon of breathing.” (Vishnudevananda 246)
Mystics, saints, prophets, teachers and Yogis throughout time have used concentration and breathing to channel chi, the vital energy of life, from the infinite source. They have used this power to advance our civilization, our thinking and our evolution. Anyone, with practice and determination, can begin to tap into this vast energy source. (Vishnudevananda 243)
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-Hyams, Joe. Zen in the Martial Arts. New York: Bantam Books, 1979
-Ni, Hua-Ching. Tao: the subtle universal law of the integral way of life. Los Angeles: Tao of Wellness Press, 1979
-Visdudevananda, Swami. The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga. New York: Pocket Books, 1972
-Wilson Organ, Timothy. Hinduism, Its Historical Development. New York: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., 1974
