Embodied Pathway to Peace: Qi Cultivation for the Integration of Body, Emotion, Ethics, and Action

• In Event: The Influence and Relevance of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism for Education, Self, and Research

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to examine Taoist contemplative practice and in particular its attention to developing and sustaining qi (vital life energy) as a path to individual holistic knowing that is a foundation for peace. Taoist’s view the universe, world and person holistically as a living entity. This cosmology stands in sharp contrast to the western view of the universe world and persons as individual entities comprised of matter. Therefore, a secondary purpose of this paper is to explore western perspectives that bridge this gap by considering philosophical and science justification for considering Taoist contemplative practices designed to engage qi. This will be accompanied by a discussion of personal experiences in the classroom with these approaches and outcomes.

Authors

• Dr. Tom E. Culham, The University of British Columbia

• Jing Lin, University of Maryland - College Park