The Quest for KI

 

The Quest for Ki

Ki is one word that very few people can really explain properly. Many have their own interpretations; some deny its existence and others even believe that they have discovered the complete meaning of Ki. Students of martial arts, always coming across the word Ki and its implications in the world of Budo. Different martial ways will give a different concept to their students but never the complete answer, leaving the student even more baffled.

In the hard styles such as Karate, Ki is emphasized in a very positive manner indicating a power that can create destruction, whereas, in the soft arts such as Aikido, Ki can take on a totally opposite meaning. Some believe that Ki is a method of breathing, finding it hard to comprehend the deeper meaning. Yet others feel that Ki is a word "dreamed up" to give martial arts an air of mystery.

What is this mystical force or energy that we hear so much about? Very few can give a full explanation let alone understand it. However, I have chosen to give my interpretation of Ki, and share the limited knowledge I have, fully aware that the reader, may choose to disregard my views, yet hoping a few will be able to relate to it.

Ki, to me, is the very essence of life. It manifests in everything that exists; the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the Universe, we live in. All matter is made up of molecules of different densities and properties which are in perpetual vibration or motion. Therefore, the whole Universe is linked by this movement, and if this link were to ever break then the Universe, as we know it will cease to exist. There are things beyond mankind's comprehension but as more of these mysteries of the Universe are unfolded the more the balance of existence is threatened. It is because of mankind's impatience that nature and the flow of Ki is no longer in balance. If humanity can slow its pace and realize that the secrets that it searches for from beyond the stars also lie within the realms of the Universe of each individual person.

Ki is about who and what we are and how we relate to our humanity. Removing ourselves from the environment we have been conditioned to accept, overcoming our fear of ourselves, and allowing our minds to become more receptive. Ki is embodied in our emotions, feelings, thoughts, and minds. Because we have a will, we also can exercise some sort of control over our Ki. However, there are times when others can influence or affect the way we feel. Some circumstances relate to us personally that will also affect the balance of our KI. When we feel low, our energy level is low - we can say our Ki is weak. Yet, when something affects us and makes us happy, we want to share our joy - we can describe this Ki as strong.

When we meet someone, who is, happy and responsive to those around them, it is because their Ki is good. at the other extreme, we find individuals who are sullen, moody or perhaps walk with an air of arrogance, we can call their Ki bad. Whether one has good or bad Ki, one can generate a presence that people around can detect. The classic example is when you enter a room full of people, one is immediately drawn towards certain individuals, yet you steer clear of others. We react to these "vibes" we pick up and respond to them. This is Ki working in harmony. There will be many times, in our lives when we have to make judgments based on our inner feelings. As long as we trust our feelings and act with a pure heart, whatever decision we make, will never be wrong, no matter the outcome.

People with good Ki have a different outlook on life. They are forever looking ahead with a perceptive but inquisitive mind. They have faith in themselves and their fellow human beings. They fully appreciate their limitations but set aims and goals that are realistic and within the scope of their imaginations. Their level of understanding is not restricted by the materialistic and selfish values that seem to dictate the lifestyles of so many. Their thirst for knowledge goes beyond the academic and into the "realms of the spiritual". Once an understanding of spiritual awareness is reached then it becomes difficult to dismiss the existence of Ki and how it relates to life.

Ki is defined as the spirit in the West. Although this may contain an element of truth, it can be misleading because the Eastern concept of spirit is quite different and hard to comprehend. Having spirit doesn't necessarily mean courage, there is a much deeper meaning that can only be realized by understanding the fundamental principles of Eastern philosophy. Ki can be the very soul of human beings and has the power to generate courage, and inner strength, giving us that extra something in moments of stress. It can create the adrenaline that can manifest itself physically and give rise to feats of strength and endurance beyond the expected level of human capabilities.

The Eastern belief in Ki is such that they even incorporate it in their traditional medicines such as acupuncture and shiatsu. Skilled practitioners can detect and diagnose health-related problems by sensing an imbalance of energy in a patient. They can then successfully treat the patients by controlling this flow of energy or Ki. This is sometimes referred to as "faith-healing" in the Western culture. They can only do this when their energy is good and strong because they have to give so much. Attempting to administer Shiatsu for example, when one is feeling low or having an off day will serve no purpose and can leave both physically and emotionally drained. Again, studying Eastern philosophy and beliefs will assist the reader in understanding this aspect of Ki.

It is only in recent years that the West is slowly becoming familiar with arts such as Shiatsu. In some ways perhaps instinctively use Ki to ease pain or comfort loved ones. For, example, from the gentle stroking of an infant who is distressed to the nervous fidgeting of one's hands when we are subjected to stress. We perform these distinctive actions without a second thought and yet they are so profound as far as Ki is concerned. It is a good exercise to observe, people in different situations and note their reaction to what is happening around them - basically being aware of body language.

Because martial artists are normally introduced to the word "Ki" they tend to believe that Ki is restricted by the boundaries that dictate their discipline. It is only the dedicated Budoka that will be driven to look further. Most martial artists have their first practical introduction to Ki in breathing exercises. They will be encouraged to practice abdominal breathing so that the "Hara" can be developed to become the storage of our Ki and the "Tanden" the central point of this Universal energy. Traditionalist who uses Ki in their lives will regularly use a variety of exercises to prepare themselves as a matter of discipline and commitment which includes breathing 

Iki means physical breath that we naturally perform to sustain life but Kokyo ho is the breathing that unifies the physical and the spiritual breath. Practice "Kokyo ho" so that it then becomes a state of mind - a method of achieving oneness. Once we are one with ourselves, we can be one with our partners, the dojo, and eventually the Universe. A true warrior doesn't take life indiscriminately, it is his respect for life that makes him "fight" with courage, valor, and purpose. If he understands Ki he will know his "enemy" and become one with him., therefore having the ability to preserve and respect life. Training in a modern dojo can never create an authentic purpose of Budo but merely copy the superficial values it expresses. We must never forget that Budo is not about war, destruction, and killing. It is about peace, preserving life, and constructing a better world. We must treat the physical application of synthetic war and competitive art as a method or step ladder to fulfill a better understanding of life and develop our minds.

Evolution has made us complacent about who we are. We deny using our minds to their full potential because it is a lot easier to wallow in the superficial pleasure that is created by Western decadence. The "mind" is infinite and as infinite as the Universe. Each individual has within them their own Universe of which they are masters. Accepting this theory makes it easier to understand the concept of Ki.

Aikido has a holistic approach to Ki and allows the individual to develop an understanding of Ki. Ai, translated means love, unity, harmony, and Do means our chosen path. The Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, created the word Aikido because it best expresses the fundamental principles and philosophy that is the essence of his art. Ai and Ki are synonymous in a very profound manner but it is easy to misconstrue its meaning.

Aikido, although physically demanding allows the student an insight into the mental and spiritual requirements of the art. By the very virtue of its name, Aikido is unique amongst the multitude of martial arts. Even though Aikido is categorized as a soft art it is a catalyst that marries the two extremes of Budo, thereby giving birth to a better understanding of Ki. Other arts introduce the student to Ki but in my experience none so profoundly as Aikido.

The techniques of Aikido can be used for self-defense and most of them have derived from the traditional fighting arts, especially the sword. However, within, these techniques, certain principles need to be experienced, to understand Ki. We must persevere in our Kokyo ho and basics and apply these principles. Techniques then become methods of understanding these principles and developing our Ki. When practicing with our partners, we are not just coordinating our movements, but blending with their Ki. Training is not a pseudo battle with each other but a genuine sense of sharing and caring.

Everybody has Ki because to have no Ki is denying our very existence. Ki is about "being" and the more we experience it the more we will understand.

Please refer to the previous article The Origin of Ki for further information....

Also, refer to the related article on Breathing sounds.