The Accurate Understanding of “Eke” na “Chi”

Apr 18

Written By Oma

One of the beautiful things about Igbo spirituality is its clarity and balance, especially when you start paying attention to how duality plays out in our worldview. We don’t see the world as one-dimensional. Everything comes in a pair, not as opposites, but as complements. Feminine and masculine, stillness and motion, unconscious and conscious, visible and invisible.

This principle shows up everywhere in our thought systems: Chi na Eke, Akwu na Obi, Ako na Uche, Ofo na Ogu, Anyanwu na Agbala, Aka Nni na Aka Ekpe, Mmuo na Mmadu, Ezi na Ulo... the list goes on. Each of these reveals how reality, for us, is shaped by the interaction of two life principles, one that is visible, and one that is hidden.

Let’s zero in on Chi na Eke, sometimes expressed as Chineke. This pairing is foundational to how we understand being, creation, and consciousness in Odinani. But many of us are working with a few misconceptions, not from a lack of intelligence, but simply because of how our language and worldview have been misappropriated or watered down over time. Let’s unpack this properly.

Eke Comes Before Chi

This might surprise you: Chi actually emerges from Eke, not the other way around. But in common speech, we typically say Chi na Eke or Chineke. Why?

Because what we see, what we interact with in the world, is Chi—energy in motion. It’s the part that’s visible and active. Naturally, we call it first. But from a metaphysical standpoint, Eke, the still, formless womb of creation, is what gives rise to Chi. So, Eke na Chi would be the more accurate spiritual ordering, even though Chi na Eke has become more popular in everyday usage.

The Nature of Chi and Eke

Let’s simplify this with a breakdown:

Chi is the masculine principle; active, kinetic, expressive. It is motion, action, visibility, and creation taking form. Chi is Obi. It’s the world as you experience it, moving and reshaping itself constantly.
Eke is the feminine principle; stillness, potential, the creative void. It is Akwu, that deep, quiet, fertile space that holds everything before it is born. Nothing takes form without Eke, because it is the original source of all life forms.

When Eke is acted upon Chi as life emerges. That’s how creation happens. All things, spiritual or material, are birthed from this dance between Eke and Chi.

Clearing Up the Misconceptions

Let’s talk about two major misunderstandings people often have:

The Misuse of "Chineke": The phrase “Chineke” (Chi na Eke) became dominant over time because our world is so focused on action and form. We engage what we can see, what we can feel, and that’s Chi. So it makes sense that we lead with Chi in language. But we must remember that spiritually, it is Eke that births Chi, not the reverse. Keeping this truth in mind protects us from missing the deeper realities at play.
Thinking Chi is Spirit and Eke is Matter: This is a common trap. Many say Chi is the spirit and Eke is matter or the physical body. But this isn’t quite right. Both spirit and matter are Chi, both are energy in manifest form. Matter is just denser energy. Your body, for example, is not separate from your Chi, it’s an extension of it. That’s why how you treat your body can influence your spirit, and vice versa.
So, what then is Eke? Eke is not matter. Eke is what exists before matter and spirit, before anything takes form. It is the unknown, the unformed, the invisible potential that becomes Chi when acted upon. You can’t touch Eke, you can’t even perceive it with natural senses. But it’s always there, holding space for all things to emerge. Eke is energy that exists in an indeterminate state until it is acted upon, at which point it becomes “Chi.” Without Eke, Chi cannot exist.

Why This Matters

Getting this right might feel like a small detail, but it’s actually a major shift in consciousness.

When we truly understand Eke na Chi, we realize:

Stillness creates. Not all forms of power is loud or visible.
We are part of a cosmic balance between action and potential.
We are both physical and spiritual, yet neither defines us fully.
Respecting the unseen is just as important as managing what’s visible.

So as you continue on your path in Odinani, keep this in mind: Eke births Chi, not the other way around. Everything you can touch, feel, or sense is Chi, a life form that has emerged from Eke, the silent source. Understanding this clearly will help each of us walk our spiritual path with more clarity, balance, and reverence. Udo!

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