hsing-erh-shang in Chinese philosophy, formless or metaphysical. In part one of the I-Ching (the Book of Changes) there is a statement that what is hsing-erh-shang is called tao (the Way), and what is hsing-er-hsia (with form) is called ch’i, a concrete thing. In the Chinese way of thinking, tao and ch’i are understood to be inseparable from each other; as tao is both transcendent and immanent, it permeates things, and things must not be cut off and alienated from their metaphysical origin. See also CHINESE PHILOSOPH.
S.-h.L.