Qi is the source of all world phenomena. It is the vital component of everything, the very basis of appearance. Qi flows and is contained in every level of existence - within the vast infinity of the universe, within stones, minerals, life forms, molecules, atoms, etc. It provides the stability and connectivity in all material, and non-material forms, and animates the forms of the world.
It is impossible to give a steady definition of the concept of Qi. Therefore we will let the various translations further clarify.
Qi:
“matter”, “energy”, “matter-energy”,
“vital power”, “moving power”,
“vital force”, “life force”...(1)
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(1) Maciocia, Giovanni (1989). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Nanjing: Harcourt Publishers Limited
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