Sacred Breath: Qi and Prana in Indian and Chinese Traditions

Qi and prāṇa, terms for vital force or breath analogous to pneuma, ruach, and spiritus, have ancient roots and are still widely practiced and theorized in almost all Asian cultures. They are foundational to Chinese medicine as well as Ayurveda. They played roles in cosmological, metaphysical, philosophical reflections, health, and spiritual practices. It may be tempting to see them as referring to the same phenomenon, but a deeper look reveals nuance and complexity. We will discuss both shared assumptions as well as differences. We will also discuss their multivalence and the diverse ways that qi and prāṇa evolved over millennia and theorized within the Chinese and Indian traditions. We also explore the potential cross-fertilization between these two cultures, how notions of prāṇa translated into China, and if and how they shaped the way qi was understood and practiced. Similarly, we hope to discuss whether the concept of qi made its way into India and whether it helped shape medical, meditative, and religio-philosophical views and practices in India.