In Zen and martial arts we use the term KIAI (気合) to refer to the harmonization of KI (CHI in Chinese) energy with physical action, often vocalized as a shout in martial arts practice.
As humans, we carry energy in our bodies. The First Law of Thermodynamics, a fundamental principle in physics, states that energy can transform between various forms but remains constant in the universe; it cannot be created or destroyed. This energy within us permeates our actions, manifesting in diverse forms. Some spiritual traditions conceive of this energy as our souls or spirits, intangible aspects of ourselves that can be imparted to other entities outside our physical bodies.
Whether one views it through scientific or spiritual points of view, the truth remains immutable: when we engage in activities like calligraphy, we impart a part of ourselves onto it. As we dip a brush into black sumi ink and glide it across a pristine sheet of rice paper, we transfer something inherent from our beings onto it. Whether interpreted as our spirits, emotions, or feelings, these elements become permanently imprinted, reflecting our human condition for all to perceive. The same can be said for many activities such as cooking, artistic endeavors, or manual labor.
Through rigorous training in Zen, we can realize that life itself is practice and that all of the activities we partake in are opportunities for the true self to emerge.