SU Shi's "Qi theory" (气论) and a New Interpretation of the Red Cliff Ode

SU Shi's the Red Cliff Ode presents two layers of statements to resolve the sigh of life's brevity: first, that the invariable persists amidst the changes of all things; and second, that the sounds and sights of nature are sufficient for us to appreciate. These two layers are interconnected and both stem from his "Qi theory". SU Shi's "Qi theory" combines resources from the three teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism), sometimes incorporating his own interpretation. The so-called invariable refers to "Qi", which serves as the material for all things; the so-called "Shengse" means the essence of the form of all things. The former is derived from the Outer and Miscellaneous chapters of Zhuangzi, while the latter is derived from the Buddhist concept of "Six Dusts". "Qi" is invisible; in the tangible world, the essence of form is the closest to the intangible world. Only by entering the realm of a gentleman and gradually approaching the natural state can one receive these benefits. The purpose of the Red Cliff Ode is to depict this realm.