Exploring the Concepts of Change and Life Energy in Ancient Chinese Philosophy and Medicine

The Chinese concept of Qi has been a fundamental aspect of Chinese philosophy and medicine for centuries. It is widely believed to be the fundamental force of life that flows through all living beings. This conversation aims to explore the relationship between the ancient Chinese book of divination, the I-Ching, and the concept of Qi. We will also delve into how Qi is applied in Sun Tzu’s Art of War and the game of Go.

1. Introduction

The I-Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is a text of divination and philosophy that has been used in China for over 3,000 years. It is believed to contain the wisdom of the ancient sages and offers insights into the nature of change and the universe. The concept of Qi (氣) is also an essential component of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, and it is closely related to the principles of the I-Ching. Apart of Qi, there is a concept of Wuxing (五行), a concept in traditional Chinese philosophy and culture that describes the five basic elements: wood (木, mù), fire (火, huǒ), earth (土, tǔ), metal (金, jīn), and water (水, shuǐ), that make up the universe. This conversation will explore the relationship between these two concepts and how they relate to Sun Tzu’s Art of War and the game of Go.

Sun Tzu’s Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise that has influenced military strategy around the world. The book is based on the principle of using strategic thinking and intelligence to overcome an opponent, rather than brute force. The concept of Qi is also mentioned in the book, where it is referred to as the “spirit” or “energy” of an army. We will examine how the idea of Qi is applied in the Art of War and how it relates to the principles of the I-Ching and traditional Chinese medicine.

2. Sun Tzu and the Concept of Change and Qi

When one observes Sun Tzu’s Art of War, the best strategy is to win the war without waging war written in chapter 3, “to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.” (夫戰勝而不力者，天下之至將也；不戰而屈人之兵，天下之至強也。) Nevertheless, the Yinqueshan Han version was written: “Therefore, the expert in using the military subdues the enemy’s forces Without going to battle, takes the enemy’s walled cities without launching an attack, and crushes the enemy’s state without a protracted war. He must use the principle of keeping himself intact to compete in the world. Thus, his weapons will not be blunted and he can keep his edge intact. This then is the art of planning the attack.” In the following passage, the Yingqueshan Han version states, “Therefore, the best military policy is to attack strategies; the next to attack alliances; the next to attack soldiers; and the worst to assault walled .. Cities.” While the commentary by Cao Cao seems to say only if the enemy has a set plan, it can be attacked.

However, this overlooks the hidden message in Chapter 2, which outlines the massive expenses required to raise and maintain an army of 100,000 soldiers. War is costly, and engaging in battle requires 10 times the logistics and staff to manage provisions. Therefore, the Art of War is not any magician’s unnatural thing, but a scientific treatise regarding the science of war. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the costs, logistics, and strategy required to win a war, rather than relying solely on brute force.

Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” is widely regarded as one of the most influential military treatises in history. It is said that Sun Tzu’s concepts of warfare are rooted in the ancient Chinese divination text, the “I-Ching” or “Book of Changes.” In “Art of War,” Sun Tzu uses the concept of change, which he derives from the I-Ching, to discuss strategies for winning battles.

Since the key idea of I-Ching is to observe the change, but one must “first grasp the situation at hand with an open and unbiased mind, which requires tireless practice. This is achieved not through using the I-Ching as a fortune-telling tool since it’s dangerous by oversimplifying the complex nature of the book and reducing it to a binary ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, but through one’s own capability of self-assessment and assessment of the surrounding environment. This approach can lead to misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the guidance that the I-Ching is trying to provide. Only by seeing things as they truly are, without the distortions of personal bias or preconceptions, can we hope to navigate the complexities of life with clarity and insight.” Therefore, a key theme in Sun Tzu’s Art of War is the importance of intelligence, both in terms of gathering information about the enemy and using deception to mislead and confuse them. Thinking about his famous quote: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles” (知己知彼，百战不殆。) Sun Tzu emphasizes that warfare is not just about physical strength and tactics, but also about psychological warfare and understanding the enemy’s mindset.

Sun Tzu also stresses the importance of counterintelligence and protecting one’s own information and plans from being discovered by the enemy. In Chapter 13 of the Art of War, titled “The Use of Spies,” Sun Tzu writes that “Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity” (间谍不可不慧眼识素质), compared to the Yinqueshan Han version, “Only the most sagacious ruler is able to employ spies; only the most humane and just commander is able to put them into service; only the most sensitive and alert person can get the truth out of spies.” Thus, it suggests that successful intelligence operations require not only skilled spies, but also commanders who possess the intuition and wisdom necessary to interpret and act on the information they receive.

In modern military terms, the principles of intelligence and counterintelligence are still considered crucial for success on the battlefield. Gathering information about the enemy’s capabilities, intentions, and vulnerabilities can help military commanders to make informed decisions about strategy and tactics. At the same time, protecting one’s own information and communications from being intercepted and exploited by the enemy is essential to maintaining operational security and avoiding surprises.

However, Sun Tzu also mentions the concept of Qi, which is a fundamental concept in Chinese medicine and martial arts, and is also applied in the game of Go.

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu makes reference to Qi in several passages. For example, in Chapter 7, passage 17, he writes “Let your rapidity be that of the wind, your gentleness that of the forest (故其疾如風，其徐如林),” which refers to maintaining the flow of Qi or life energy. In Chapter 7, passage 18, he writes “In raiding and plundering be like fire, be immovable like a mountain (侵掠如火，不動如山),” which again refers to maintaining Qi to free flow. Similarly, in the game of Go, players seek to maintain their Qi or “shi” while disrupting their opponent’s Qi.

While the concept of Qi can be explained in the context of the I-Ching, it is not explicitly mentioned in the text. This suggests that Qi was already a well-established concept in ancient China, and its association with the I-Ching was a later development. Nonetheless, the I-Ching is often used to interpret and understand the flow of Qi, as both concepts are grounded in the principles of change and balance.

3. Exploring the History of I-Ching

I-Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text that dates back to the Western Zhou period (1046–771 BCE). The text is composed of 64 hexagrams, which represent various states of change and transformation. The hexagrams are made up of six lines, either broken or unbroken, which are used to create a complex system of divination.

The original version of I-Ching is called Zhou Yi, which translates to “Changes of Zhou,” referring to the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE) during which the text was likely first compiled. The Zhou Yi was initially used as a divination tool, where individuals would ask questions and then use the hexagrams to determine the answer.

Over time, the text evolved into a philosophical and spiritual text, with various interpretations and commentaries written by scholars throughout the centuries. The most famous commentary is the Ten Wings, which was added to the Zhou Yi during the Han dynasty (206 BCE — 220 CE).

While the Zhou Yi does mention the concept of Qi, it is not explicit. The hexagrams represent different states of change and transformation, but the concept of life force is not specifically addressed. Therefore, to fully understand the concept of Qi, we must explore other areas of ancient Chinese culture.

However, there are several ancient Chinese texts that its importance can be peer within content and philosophy to the Zhouyi/I-Ching. Some of these include:

1. The Book of Rites (Li Ji): This is a collection of texts on ritual, social forms, and music from the Warring States period (475–221 BCE) that were compiled during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). It includes discussions of the principles of Yin and Yang, as well as cosmological and philosophical concepts.
2. The Book of Documents (Shu Jing): This is a collection of documents and speeches from the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) that were compiled during the Han Dynasty. It includes discussions of historical events, political and social institutions, and philosophical concepts.
3. The Analects of Confucius (Lun Yu): This is a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to Confucius (551–479 BCE) and his disciples that were compiled during the Warring States period. It includes discussions of moral and ethical principles, social and political institutions, and philosophical concepts.
4. The Tao Te Ching: This is a text attributed to the legendary Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, who is thought to have lived during the 6th century BCE. It includes discussions of the principles of Yin and Yang, the Tao (or Way), and the nature of reality and existence.

4. Observation of Qi in Ancient Chinese Medicine

To further understand the concept of Qi, we can observe its applications in ancient Chinese medicine. In Chinese medicine, Qi is the fundamental life force that flows throughout the body, enabling all bodily functions and activities. It is believed that when Qi flows freely and smoothly, a person is healthy, but when the flow is blocked or weakened, it can result in illness. The oldest Chinese medicine treatise is considered to be the Huangdi Neijing (also known as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine). It is a collection of writings on medicine, health, and the human body that dates back to the Han dynasty, and is believed to have been written by the legendary Yellow Emperor Huangdi, while the oldest known Chinese pharmacology treatise is the Shennong Bencao Jing (神農本草經), also known as the Classic of Herbal Medicine or the Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica. It is said to have been written by the legendary Chinese emperor Shennong around 2700 BCE, although some scholars believe it was compiled much later, around the 1st century BCE.

There are many different types of Qi in Chinese medicine, each with their own unique functions and properties. For example, Yuan Qi is the Qi that a person is born with, while Wei Qi is the Qi that circulates around the surface of the body and acts as a protective barrier against external pathogens.

In Chinese medicine, the diagnosis and treatment of illness involves assessing and regulating the flow of Qi in the body. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Qi Gong exercises, which are designed to restore the balance and flow of Qi.

The application of Qi in Chinese medicine provides a more concrete understanding of the concept, as it is directly related to the body’s physiological functions and health. It also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy flow of Qi in order to maintain overall well-being.

It is worth noting that while the concept of Qi is deeply ingrained in traditional Chinese medicine, it is still debated and questioned by Western medicine and science. However, many Western practitioners have begun to explore and incorporate the principles of Qi into their practices, highlighting its potential benefits for overall health and wellness.

Overall, the concept of Qi is a fundamental aspect of ancient Chinese philosophy and medicine, and its applications can be seen throughout many different areas of Chinese culture. Its incorporation into the science of change, as seen in the I-Ching and art of war, highlights the importance of understanding and working with the fundamental forces that govern the world and our lives.

To further illustrate the concept of Qi and its applications in Chinese medicine, here are some specific examples of how Qi is used in various techniques:

• Acupuncture: In acupuncture, needles are inserted into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and restore balance. According to Chinese medicine, each point corresponds to a different organ or system in the body, and the manipulation of these points can regulate the flow of Qi to promote healing.
• Herbal medicine: Herbal medicine uses natural substances, such as roots, leaves, and flowers, to treat various health conditions. In Chinese medicine, different herbs are used to target specific imbalances in the body’s Qi, such as excess or deficiency.
• Qi Gong: Qi Gong is a form of exercise that combines movement, breath, and visualization to cultivate and balance Qi in the body. It is often used to promote overall health and well-being, as well as to treat specific health conditions.

Furthermore, the concept of Qi has evolved over time, reflecting changes in Chinese culture and society. For example, in ancient times, Qi was primarily associated with the physical body and its functions, but over time, it came to encompass a broader range of phenomena, including emotions, thoughts, and spiritual energy.

In addition, the relationship between Qi and the I-Ching has also evolved over time. Originally, the I-Ching was primarily concerned with divination and predicting the future, but later interpretations began to emphasize the role of Qi in shaping human destiny and the course of events.

Overall, a deeper understanding of the concept of Qi and its applications in Chinese medicine can provide valuable insights into traditional Chinese culture and philosophy. By exploring the principles of Qi and incorporating them into modern practices, we can potentially unlock new avenues for health and wellness.

5. The Science of Change and the Science of Life

Based on our previous discussion, we can conclude that there are at least two major branches in Chinese philosophy: the science of change and the science of life. The science of change is represented by the I-Ching and the science of life is represented by ancient Chinese medicine, where the concept of Qi is central.

Ancient Chinese medicine sees Qi as the fundamental force that sustains life. It flows through the body in channels called meridians, nourishing and vitalizing every organ and tissue. When Qi is flowing freely and in balance, the body is healthy, and when it is obstructed or imbalanced, illness and disease can occur. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other therapies are used to restore balance and harmony to the flow of Qi in the body.

In ancient Chinese culture, the study of both the science of change and the science of life was considered essential to understanding the natural world and achieving harmony with it. The philosophy was that the world is made up of dynamic and interdependent forces, constantly in a state of flux and transformation, and that by understanding these forces, we can adapt to change and maintain balance and harmony in our lives.

This holistic view of the world is reflected in the way that ancient Chinese medicine and the I-Ching approach health and well-being. They recognize that the mind and body are interconnected and that health and balance depend on nurturing both.

The late sage Sun Tzu was a master of both the science of change and the science of life, and his Art of War reflects this integration of both approaches. In the Art of War, Sun Tzu applies the concepts of change and adaptation to the art of war, recognizing that military success depends on the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to understand the dynamic interplay of forces on the battlefield.

At the same time, he also recognizes the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of soldiers, emphasizing the need to provide proper nourishment and rest, and to avoid exposing them to unnecessary risks.

Overall, the integration of the science of change and the science of life is a key aspect of traditional Chinese philosophy and is still relevant today. By understanding the dynamic and interdependent forces that shape our lives and health, we can adapt to change and maintain balance and harmony in all aspects of our lives.

6. Conclusion

The I-Ching or Book of Changes, also known as Zhou Yi, is one of the oldest and most influential works in Chinese philosophy that focuses on the science of change. Sun Tzu’s Art of War is another classic work that applies the concept of change in the context of military strategy, and it also mentions the concept of Qi, which is closely related to the fundamental force of life.

Although the concept of Qi is not explicitly mentioned in I-Ching or Zhou Yi, it can be traced back to the root word of breath or life force, and it has been thoroughly observed and discussed in ancient Chinese medicine. Qi is considered to be the fundamental force that regulates the functions of the body and mind, and it is believed that maintaining the balance and flow of Qi is essential for health and wellbeing.

Therefore, it can be said that there are at least two major branches in ancient Chinese philosophy, one that focuses on the science of change and another that focuses on the science of life. These two branches have been merged together in various fields, including martial arts, medicine, and strategy. The late sage like Sun Tzu applied the concepts of change and Qi in the context of military strategy, and his work continues to be studied and applied today.

In conclusion, the concepts of Qi and the science of change are deeply rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and continue to be relevant and influential today. Understanding these concepts can provide insights into various fields, including martial arts, medicine, and strategy, and can help us to achieve balance and harmony in our lives.