With the arrival of the new Star Wars film it seems like a good time to discuss what the Chinese refer to as chi or called a chakra in India. This word and concept does not exist in the English language. No doubt some sages or shamans have understood chi throughout the ages, but this knowledge has not survived into modern Western language. In part it is probably due to the dogmatic nature of early Christian religion and the subsequent materialist attitude science adopted to rid itself from the superstitions of religion. It is obvious from the Star Wars films that George Lucas based the idea for “The Force” in his films on that of chi. Due to the widespread cultural influence these films have had, it has helped bring this concept into modern Western culture. Unfortunately the films have re-enforced certain misunderstandings on the nature of chi and as a result many people, consciously or unconsciously, recall these incorrect presuppositions when trying to understand or discuss chi. In George Lucas’s defense, most martial artists or supposed “gurus” don’t understand chi either.

Statements such as “Obi-Wan Kenobi is here. The force is with him” or “The force is strong with him” all create misunderstanding. In various martial art or Chi Kung books one will read statements such as “move or feel your chi” which are also problematic. Various self-help books describe techniques to manipulate chi. These are dangerous in that it can lead to “chi disease”, but more on that later.

Most people think of chi as some sort of energy or yet undiscovered substance. To realize the true meaning of chi, it makes sense to consult an art form that is based in the discovery and practice of chi, namely Tai Chi Chuan. To get to grips with the correct meaning we will examine the original authoritative Tai Chi Chuan texts, simply called the “Tai Chi Treatises”. However we need to properly translate and contextualize the original Chinese texts to extrapolate the correct meaning. Various translations into English have missed key points and concepts. Afterwards we will re-consider some Star Wars quotes to understand why they are misleading.

 

---

 

“As a man who has devoted his whole life to the most clear headed science, to the study of matter, I can tell you as a result of my research about atoms this much: There is no matter as such. All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force which brings the particle of an atom to vibration and holds this most minute solar system of the atom together. We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind. This Mind is the matrix of all matter.”

– Max Planck (Nobel Laureate in Physics, 1918)

 

There are three classical treatises on Tai Chi Chuan and each mentions chi in various places. Let’s consider a few of these references to chi in the practice of Tai Chi Chuan.

 

“The chi should be roused and the spirit gathered within.”

– from Tai Chi Chuan Ching

Attributed to Chang San-feng (est. 1279 – 1386)

 

The phrase, “the chi should be roused…” is very confusing in English. Modern Chinese speaking people also do not understand the original Chinese text and therefore have used incorrect words to try and translate it to Westerners. This in turn has caused even further confusion.

Chi is an interface between Consciousness (see this article to understand scale and dynamics of Consciousness) and matter. Let’s consider the original text in Chinese to understand why;

“chi yu gudòng”

The word for “rouse” in Chinese is gudòng. Gu translates as drum, and dòng/dan translates as vibration. Why vibration? To transmit to a specific target. Vibration becomes energy. For example, when you can hear sound or see light, an energy transformation has taken place. The physicist JC Maxwell (1831 – 1879) developed an equation that can measure the amount of energy transferred. With the publication of A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field in 1865, Maxwell demonstrated that electric and magnetic fields travel through space as waves moving at the speed of light. Maxwell proposed that light is an undulation in the same medium that is the cause of electric and magnetic phenomena. His discoveries helped usher in the era of modern physics, laying the foundation for such fields as special relativity and quantum mechanics.

“chi yu gudòng” translates as “chi is gudòng”. “Is” in English is a linking verb. In other words, this side = the other side. Dòng can also be translated as vibration or transmission. Chi is not just a drum but gu and dòng. i.e. Chi is drum vibration/transmission.

“Complete reality” consists of Consciousness on the one side and energy (time-space) on the other side. When our Consciousness has an idea, the drum(gu) checks our dimension and if there is consensus, the drum vibrates(dòng) so that the energy can transform. i.e. The drum acts as a kind of interdimensional passport control. To re-iterate, the chi/interface/drum-vibration transmit an idea from Consciousness to our dimension or space-time. So one can see that Max Planck’s statement could be changed to “The chi is the matrix of all matter.”

In harmonic analysis, a branch of mathematics concerned with the representation of functions or signals as the superposition of basic waves, any study begins with the hypothesis that a phenomenon or signal is composed of the sum of individual oscillatory components. i.e. All phenomena are considered a combination of different waves.

In the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, the wave function is the most complete description that can be given of a physical system. Solutions to Schrödinger’s equation describe not only molecular, atomic, and subatomic systems, but also macroscopic systems. In this interpretation of quantum physics all possible phenomena exist in the form of a wave. Only when Consciousness engages with the wave does it collapse into a particle.

Due to certain incompatibilities between quantum physics (Theories describing very small phenomena on a sub-atomic scale) and Einstein’s theory of general relativity (The description of the universe on a large scale) a new field of study in Physics has opened up called String theory. The aim is to unite these theories in order to create a Theory of Everything. In String theory the smallest building blocks of our universe are not solid particles but vibrating strings. Depending on the vibration of these tiny strings, different phenomena are formed in our dimension. A prerequisite in the mathematics describing String theory is that some of these strings fold and traverse into multiple dimensions beyond our own space-time (4 dimensions). Thus from a scientific point of view one can see there is a link or interaction between our 4 dimensional space (which we experience and interact with with our senses) and other dimensions beyond our normal direct experience.

Now let’s look at the second part of the sentence:

“and the spirit gathered within”

The use of the word “spirit” is not good and is likely to be misinterpreted. We should use the word “Mind” instead.

“and the Mind gathered within”

The meaning of this phrase is to ‘Keep in One’. The concept of “Keep in One” in Tai Chi is a topic of discussion in itself. To summarise briefly, it is when the Mind and its various functions in a person are no longer separate or disjointed but concentrated in one point.

Why must the Mind be “gathered within” you may ask? The reason for this can be understood in the following statement by famous physicist Max Planck:

“Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve.”

As one can see there is a limit to scientific experimentation because we are part of the same medium. In order to understand something or be objective, one need to have perspective, a vantage point from which one can observe all the conditions at play. If we humans use our senses, judgement or reason we also end up with the same dilemma as scientific enquiry as it intermingles us with the medium we are trying to understand. However, we all possess Mind. The Mind is incredibly powerful and is capable of getting through to the ‘other side’. There is one condition or pre-requisite though. In order to do this we have to be able to “Keep in One”. If our Mind and body scatters like a monkey, this will not be possible.

To return to the Tai Chi treatise, we could rewrite the text in the following manner;

The chi is a drum vibration and the Mind must be concentrated in one point.

And developed further;

Chi is the interface between Consciouness and energy and the Mind and body must ‘Keep in One’.

Let’s consider another Tai Chi treatise:

“By moving the chi with your mind and directing it to sink, it is able to permeate the bones. Let the chi circulate throughout your body freely and your body will be obedient to your mind.”

Expositions of Insights into the Practice of the Thirteen Postures

by Wu Yu-hsiang (Wu Yuxian) (1812 – 1880). Sometimes attributed to Wang Chung-yueh

 

The phrase “moving the chi” needs correction. The interface or chi is not limited and bound by space or time. The chi is all over and everywhere, so why do you want to move it when it is already in the place you want to move it to? (Movement requires space-time.) For example, every computer has an interface already built in, otherwise it can’t access any information. In the same way the human body possesses its own interface or chi in every cell. This is necessary so that the cells can transform. Human cells copy themselves to create new ones. Each cell has DNA information, the protein RNA receive this information during copying for the new cell. How do they to copy this information? Through this interface or chi.

“In fact, whenever energy is transmitted from one body to another in time, there must be a medium or substance in which the energy exists after it leaves one body and before it reaches the other … and if we admit this medium as an hypothesis, I think it ought to occupy a prominent place in our investigations…”

JC Maxwell.

 

“…and directing it (the chi) to sink ”

The author is concerned you will misunderstand the point of the first line of the treatise and uses the word “sink” to emphasise that you need to concentrate the Mind in one point. Just one’s Mind is capable of doing this. If you can “Keep in One” then the chi can transform the body freely without interference.

“so the chi will permeate the bone”

The concept of cells or DNA in the human body did not previously exist. The author as a result used this phrase to make the reader understand it is not just in the skin or muscle but throughout the entire body, even in the bone. i.e. The chi is not limited and can transform the entire body.

“the body will be obedient to the mind”.

The author is stating that if you can do Tai Chi as described, then the whole body is under the command of the Mind. The mind that is referred to is Mind, not mind. The mind(intellect and thought) is no longer in charge of the body but Mind (omnipotent and omniscient). i.e. We must not use our sensation or our thinking to do Tai Chi.

“by holding the head as if suspended from above”

The head must be held as if is hanging from one point. It must be as if there is just one line going direct through the head into your tan tien(center core). When the entire body can relax, it drops to the yuan chen (Kidney 1 acu point) in the foot, then to the centre of the earth. This is still just at a primary level. At an advance level this ‘hanging’ or ‘suspending’ is nowhere. This is because gravity extends not only to the centre of the earth, but also to the sun, centre of the galaxy .etc. The suspending extends everywhere, so the author used the word “above”. If you cannot realize this then you still do not fully understand the meaning of Tai Chi.

“our feeling must become superior, sensitive in ..”

When the person can suspend as described, as if just ‘hanging’, then one cannot destinguish between ‘full’ or ‘empty’, your body or air. When capable of doing Tai Chi like this the air around you will also follow your body. When ‘Keeping in One’ your body and your environment become the same. The chi with this ‘suspension’ as described can also be called “Keep in One”.

When we cultivate the function of the chi with the Mind as described above we cannot damage it, because there is no creation or annilation. However if you use sensation or imagination and try to interfere with the chi you will damage this interface in your body. Over time this leads to what is referred to as ‘chi disease’ and can be expressed as mental and/or physical illness.

“the chi adhere to the back and permeate the spine”

The author used the word spine because it describes our body. This is actually just a reference to the suspending, so the chi “adheres”.

“sink the chi to the tan tien.”

What is this “tan tien”? It is also just one point. The Tan Tien is not real in the physical sense, but it exists nevertheless. When the entire body relax and Mind and body concentrate into one point, it is called the Tan Tien. I.e. the chi must also sink or collect into one point.

---

 

From the above understanding let’s re-look some Star Wars quotes to see how they create the wrong idea. Let’s consider the line the film is famous for: “May the force be with you…”. It implies that it could not be with you, somehow absent. This is incorrect because chi is present in all things at all times. Without it whatever substance you are referring to would not be able to exist. Whether it is a rock, a chair or a person. Even the smallest particle needs chi to manifest in our reality.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi is here. The force is with him…” Given the understanding explained above, this statement amounts to saying something as ridiculous as “Obi-One Kenobi is here, and his particles are with him…”

“The force is strong with him…” This statement is probably the most problematic of all. It implies that some people are better than others due to supposedly having more chi. By somehow manipulating chi one can become “superhuman” or attain occult powers. This is however incorrect in that all humans have the same potential. No one individual is more special than another. Chi is the interface between our Consciousness and this reality or body. When the Mind is still and concentrated, Consciousness can operate freely through the functioning of chi and express itself in our reality. However we ‘break’ this equation by attaching or ‘catching’ one side (this reality or body) too tightly and as a result we are cut off from the other side. This reality (realm state) still unfolds but we are not aware of the source. If we concentrate and still the Mind we can become aware of both sides and not be ‘limited’ to just the one. When this happens the chi can operate freely/optimally and drive/transform the energy in our body properly. This will then give rise to improved health benefits or martial ability. Most people however interfere with the energy in their body. Often sensory feedback is received and the person thinks they can “feel” their chi. Continued interference with the energy eventually leads to imbalance in the body and often results in physical or mental illness. Chi is beyond sensation, so it is impossible to feel.

George Lucas, was friends, and subsequantly influenced by the ideas of Joseph Campbell, a well known author on comparitive religion. Lucas explained the Force this way, “The act of living generates a force field, an energy. That energy surrounds us; when we die that energy joins with all the other energy. There is a giant mass of energy in the universe that has a good side and a bad side. We are part of the Force because we generate the power that makes the Force live.”

As one can see Lucas thinks “the force” is a form of energy generated by living beings. This is incorrect, if indeed he was was using “the force” as a metaphor for chi. Nothing in our reality can exist without chi whether particle, dust or human. Humans cannot create chi. Lucas also asign morality to it, good and bad. Chi is not involved with morality, it is a function of Consciousness.

---

Max Planck was awarded the Nobel prize in 1918 for his contribution to physics. His dicoveries ushered in an era of quantum physics, and Plancks’ units are still in use today. I started the article with a quote by Planck and would like to end with another. One can see from the quote below that he considered matter to the be a derivative of Consciousness. Hopefully from the insights of the Tai Chi treatises we can now realize that chi is the link or interface between Consciousness and matter.

“I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.”

Max Planck