Qi as energy and nuclear reactions within

Quite often when a simple question on semantics or metaphors is put to a Daoist forum, there can be multiple answers provided. Probably it is a great way to differentiate the classes of scholars learning the Tao; and such questions allow both the students and masters to reflect on how much or little we know about our own practices. That is if we take the opportunity to contemplate self.

The question on why Qi has been translated as energy by Western translators and bandied around in the forum was raised by a witty and discerning poster which elicited more than fifty replies with some quoting the TTC, Zhuangzi and Wenzi, before someone wiser posted a meaning of Qi from a Chinese dictionary. Quoting ancient texts to answer simple question(s) is akin to ‘using a butcher’s chopper to kill a chicken’ when the use of a knife suffices.

Translating Qi as energy by Western scholars captures the essence or intrinsic nature of that word especially for practices that work with or acquire Qi for health, martial arts and longevity purposes. Qi can also be translated as breath but the translation can be considered vague or confusing in regards to meditative practices. Energy is therefore a better translation of Qi.

A simple example is that of the inhalation and exhalation of breath which requires energy. Ancient or Neo Daoist texts on neidan practices describe the process of breath circulation within the body limbs and head and where heat and light are generated during the flow of energy (Qi). The ancients did not require modern science to explain how the sun emits heat and light energy through nuclear reactions or fusion within its core. Using essence (jing), energy (qi) and spirit (shen), the adepts practised the fusion between the sun (fire) and moon (water) within self.

It is amazing to note that not too long ago scientists eventually found that nuclear fusion using heat and pressure converts two hydrogen atoms to a helium atom with a residue of energy. For during a nuclear reaction within a star, hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium atoms releasing heat and light. The recent scientific findings clearly supports what ancients already knew and practised in neidan (inner alchemy) meditation a few thousand years ago.

Internal circulation of Qi using heat and pressure causes hydrogen atoms present in the air and water within to fuse, releasing heat and the light, emulating the sun. It also explains why during meditation, small explosions and bubbles can be heard within. When the hydrogen and helium gases are collected in sufficient quantities within the body, it enables the neidan adept to float up during meditation. If readers still remain unconvinced or mystified, they can examine why ancients point to the mixing and melting of Kan (Moon / water) and Li (Sun / fire); the so called medicines of neidan practice and perhaps come to a meaningful understanding of ancient thoughts.

Just like the binary system in computers and DNA code of humans arguably depicted in the Yi, probably the ancients did know about the mechanics of nuclear fusion a few thousand years ago describing the reactions with metaphors. Therefore how wise the ancients really were is anyone’s guess.