The term Chi is grossly misused by contemporary people, so first we have to clarify that chi or qi is a very general term for energy, and as you know there are many kinds of energy. However, most people use it to refer to the basic energy of being alive, which we know as the energy of the vital body.

Kundalini is a Sanskrit word that describes the energy of the Divine Mother that awakens when the person earns it from her. No one can work with Kundalini unless she deems the person worthy of it. For this, one has to conquer many defects, become chaste, and serve others.

The name of the Kundalini in Chinese is TAO.

"...true realization comes from the direct merger of one's being with the divine energy of the Tao [Kundalini, the Divine Mother]." —Hua Hu Jing