Newtonian physics allows an excellent scientific explanation
of the process of entropy upon which western science’s mechanistic view of the
universe is based. In order to explain the basis for processes which seem to
defy entropy and move in the direction of (exhibit) growth, or evolution,
additional building blocks are required. The concept of ‘Chi’, or ‘Chi Energy’,
falls into this category.
Dissipative
Structures
In 1977 Ilya Prigogine won a Nobel prize for his work on the
thermodynamics of nonequilibrium systems. His work in fluid dynamics
mathematically explains how some systems seem to evolve from simple to more
complex states. It appears that the flow of chi can be accurately described in
Western scientific terms by using this model.
A mechanistic view of the universe suggests that it is
winding down, moving from a higher to a lower state of energy. On a human
level, this implies that as the day progresses we use up our energy and get
tired. Even though this appears to be an accurate description when we look at
the big picture (with telescopes, etc.), most of the systems that we work with
on a day-to-day basis are not closed systems where these rules are applicable.
They are open, with energy coming in at one end, and going out at the other.
They are systems which dissipate energy. Some examples are our solar
system, where the sun produces energy which allows for the growth and evolution
of life on Earth, or a human being (or any other life form), which consumes
food (chemical energy) and grows from a single cell to a complex organism. At a
local level we see countless examples of growth, seemingly defying the laws of
entropy. These can be seen in chemical processes, social systems, life
processes.
Organization as
Energy
A more complex level of organization can be viewed as a
higher level of energy. According to the theory of dissipative structures, when
more energy is put into a system than it can handle, sometimes it will jump to
a new level of complexity which allows it to function more efficiently. Use
this to describe conscious growth or evolution, as in what happens when we
study T’ai Chi - a more ‘intelligent’ way of moving, exhibiting a more complex
level of integration of the separate components, and manifesting a new quality,
not evident when the parts are viewed separately, and we have the basis for an
elegant description of how Chi works. The next step is to look at the mechanics
of how this transpires in physical terms.
There are two ways of communication available to the
different body parts which allow the parts to interact in an organized fashion.
One way is through the nervous system, where a sensory motor signal is routed
from a sensory input through nerves to the brain, processed, and the results
are then used to send a signal back through nerves to activate the response in
the muscles. A much more direct path is possible through direct physical
contact between the parts, and actual physical energy transferred between them.
This direct ‘communication’ can achieve a high level of organization when
feedback loops are created by means of resonant waves (real physical waves
generated by movement of the body, not theoretical mystical mumbo jumbo). Chi
can be described in these terms as a product of standing waves which resonate
through a system (the body) when the parts and the flexible connections between
them allow for instantaneous communication between all parts.
When we understand the physical nature of the Chi energy, it
isn’t surprising that we can feel this energy and observe manifestations of its
generation through the T’ai Chi movements. How our brains choose to interpret
these sensations can vary in different individuals. Some people might feel a
warmth in their palms when the movements are done with relaxed shoulders and
the flow isn’t blocked by tension. Others might feel a vibrating sensation in
different areas, similar to if one were carrying a cell phone set on vibrate,
and received a call. Others might not feel anything consciously at all. (The
flow of the chi energy is still there and is created by the movements and has a
beneficial effect, whether you can feel it or not).
Some Spiritual
Possibilities
At one end of the spectrum we have Western science with its
basically material view of the universe, in which entropy is king. At the other
end we have a spiritual, or religious view, which suggests that the basic
components are spiritual, or conscious, in nature and also suggest a purpose –
the evolution of beings toward higher consciousness, or ‘Love’. Prigogine’s
theory explains a way in which this spiritual side works and makes sense in
hard scientific language and math. [Those interested can see his books Order
out of Chaos, Man’s new Dialogue with Nature (with Isabelle Stengers, 1984),
or the more technical treatise From Being to Becoming; Time and Complexity
in the Physical Sciences (1980)].
