Sublime

three treasures of life: essence (jing, 精), internal energy (qi, 氣), and spirit (shen, 神)—as well as their interrelationship. If you lack this understanding, you are missing the root of qigong training, as well as the basic idea of qigong theory. The main goals of qigong training are to learn how to retain your jing, strengthen and smooth your qi f

Alchemical Taoism introduced the idea of ch’i, or internal energy, and was responsible for giving Taoism its reputation as an art of health and longevity.

WU CH’ENG says, “The sage seeks without seeking and studies without studying. For the truth of all things lies not in acting but in doing what is natural. By not acting, the sage shares in the naturalness of all things.

pressing a vital point called ‘Confluence of Yin’, which is located midway between the anus and the scrotum.

Shen is the force that keeps you alive. It has no substance, but it gives expression and appearance to your jing. Shen is also the control tower for the qi. When your shen is strong, your qi is strong and you can lead it efficiently. The root of shen (spirit) is your mind (yi, 意) or intention. When your brain is energized and stimulated, your mind

When your kidneys are strong, the original jing is strong, and the original qi converted from this original jing will also be full and strong. This qi resides in the lower dan tian in your abdomen. Once you learn how to convert your original jing, you will be able to supply your body with all the qi it needs.