The Body, Self-Cultivation, and Ki-Energy

by Yasuo Yuasa, Shigenori Nagatomo (Translator), Monte S. Hull (Translator)

This book is an inquiry into ki-energy, its role within Eastern mind-body theory, and its implications for our contemporary Western understanding of the body. Yuasa examines the concept of ki-energy as it has been used in such areas as acupuncture, Buddhist and Taoist meditation, and the martial arts. To explain the achievement of mind-body oneness in these traditions he offers an innovative schematization of the lived body. His approach is interdisciplinary and cross-cultural, offering insights into Western philosophy, religion, medical science, depth psychology, parapsychology, theater, and physical education. To substantiate the relationship that ki-energy forms between the human body and its environment, Yuasa introduces contemporary scientific research on ki-energy in China and Japan, as well as evidence from acupuncture medicine and from the experience of meditators and martial arts practitioners. This evidence requires not only a rethinking of the living human body and of the mind-body and mind-matter relation, but also calls into question the adequacy of the existing scientific paradigm. Yuasa calls for an epistemological critique of modern science and explores the issue of the relation of teleology to science.

229 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1993

Reviews

[Tom Booker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is certainly original, in the way it uses ki to explain philosophical/scientific problems like the mind-body duality and paranormal activity. However, as the author himself notes in the afterword, the book is more of an anthology and therefore feels somewhat disjointed. It feels like more of a stocktake than giving final conclusions, but it is intriguing regardless.

[Jerad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yasuo is prolific.

I found in reading on the masters of body, practice, and energy that I am not one of their crowed. I enjoyed Overcoming Modernity more.