A Brief History of Qi

Rating:
Summary: Condensing Infinity-- A Tremendous Synopsis of Qi
Review: Qi/ki/chi/c'hi-- it is at the center of so many aspects
of Chinese philosophy/religion/ethical/moral/cultural-- of
everything. I have personally been seeking the definition of Qi
from a martial arts standpoint, taken years to formulate my
own definition and understanding--and this book has done a
tremendous job of condensing an infinitely complex concept
and given it a conceptual framework.

Well and clearly written, this book explores the origins of the
term 'Qi' in Chinese history, and explores this concept
throughout a number of aspects of Chinese history and culture.
Yu Huan Zhang, the author, concisely explains the central role
of the concept of Qi in Chinese philosophy, religion, medicine,
art, martial arts, qigong, literature, science, and others.
After reading this work, one realizes that one's understanding
of qi can never be complete, and will always be dictated by
the context. Appropriately, this book both expanded my
awareness of the concept of qi, enhanced my understanding,
yet failed to provide a coherent, simplistic answer.

Before reading this book, I had come to the conclusion that
there really was no such thing as qi. I was right, and I
was wrong. But I feel significantly closer to true
understanding.

Highly recommended! My only criticism is that for such a short
book, too much time was spent on extended quotes. Yes, they
added to the text as examples, but I would also like to have
seen more in-depth exploration of major concepts. If space was
a limitation, then I would have preferred more brief quotes, and
more narrative exploration.

This is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the concept
of Qi, that has yet to find the answer, or is not sure of the
answer. Or anyone who is interested in better understanding
the root of Chinese culture and thought.

Rating:
Summary: Condensing Infinity-- A Tremendous Synopsis of Qi
Review: Qi/ki/chi/c'hi-- it is at the center of so many aspects
of Chinese philosophy/religion/ethical/moral/cultural-- of
everything. I have personally been seeking the definition of Qi
from a martial arts standpoint, taken years to formulate my
own definition and understanding--and this book has done a
tremendous job of condensing an infinitely complex concept
and given it a conceptual framework.

Well and clearly written, this book explores the origins of the
term 'Qi' in Chinese history, and explores this concept
throughout a number of aspects of Chinese history and culture.
Yu Huan Zhang, the author, concisely explains the central role
of the concept of Qi in Chinese philosophy, religion, medicine,
art, martial arts, qigong, literature, science, and others.
After reading this work, one realizes that one's understanding
of qi can never be complete, and will always be dictated by
the context. Appropriately, this book both expanded my
awareness of the concept of qi, enhanced my understanding,
yet failed to provide a coherent, simplistic answer.

Before reading this book, I had come to the conclusion that
there really was no such thing as qi. I was right, and I
was wrong. But I feel significantly closer to true
understanding.

Highly recommended! My only criticism is that for such a short
book, too much time was spent on extended quotes. Yes, they
added to the text as examples, but I would also like to have
seen more in-depth exploration of major concepts. If space was
a limitation, then I would have preferred more brief quotes, and
more narrative exploration.

This is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the concept
of Qi, that has yet to find the answer, or is not sure of the
answer. Or anyone who is interested in better understanding
the root of Chinese culture and thought.