Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) 道德經 and gigantic qì (浩然之氣）

By: Joe Hing Kwok Chu

The classics Tao Te Ching is about cultivating qi. Qi can be understood through the following story about Mencius, a disciple of Confuciusm.

Gongsun Chou （公孫丑）asked his master Mencius (Meng Zi) （孟子）: "Dare I ask my master, what is your ability and your expertise?"

Mencius said: "I understand people. I know how to propagate and cultivate my gigantic qì."

Gongsun Chou asked: "Master, dare I ask, what is gigantic qì?"

Mencius replied: "It is difficult to explain. Qi is extremely large and extremely firm. One has to be just and honest. Then the qì can be large and firm. To cultivate this kind of qì (gigantic qi), one has to cultivate one's own morals and sense of justice. Do not do bad deeds or you will destroy it. If you cultivate it, with time, it will permeate the the universe. Being virtuous will spread virtue with no limit through educating others."

See Daoist philosophers and qi cultivation

Note:

Click here to hear the pronunciation of the word qi (氣）.  

Sound of qi is from: http://www.mandarintools.com/

Back ground information on Mencius.