The Three Treasures are a fundamental concept of Taoism and are essentially the three types of energy that practitioners of Taoist yoga cultivate. Chi, Jing and Shen are an important part of qigong and Inner Alchemy.
According to Stuart Alve Olson, the Three Treasures, “represent the primal and accumulated energies of the body (ching), breath (qi), and mind (shen).”
What is Chi or Qi?
According to Eric Yudelove in Taoist Yoga and Sexual Energy, chi or qi is “both breath and our life force energy.” It is Chi that allows movement and flow of energy through the body and ensures functioning of the organ systems.
Chi derives from various liquids, hormones, and fluids that are produced in the body. Do read What is Chi or Qi for more on this Taoist concept.
What is Jing?
Jing or ching is the most densely concentrated energy of all the three. Jing, according to Eric Yudelove, translates into “Essence.” The bodily fluids and liquids that provide the chi or life force energy make up the Jing.
Stuart Alve Olson describes Jing as sexual energy and secretions, blood, food and saliva. People lose Jing through stress, exertion, worry and can restore or replenish it by following a healthy diet and practicing qigong.
What is Shen?
Shen is translated into “Spirit” and according to Stuart Alve Olson, “manifests itself through intent.” Just as Qi and Jing can be expressed externally, Shen too can be displayed in many ways. Shen is the inner brilliance, kindness and goodness that can be seen and reflected. Acccording to Olson, this external expression is called, “spirit illumination” or “shen ming”.
Jing, Chi and Shen are an important part of Taoist practice and as Olson puts it, “the very heart of the practice is to create a spiritual embryo in which the ching and qi can be thought of as the egg and the sperm…” and Shen is the Child. It is vital that all three aspects be kept in harmony for the body to function wholly and fully. Depletion or loss of any one of The Three Treasures can bring about discomfort and problems for the body as a whole.
Related Articles on Taoism and Buddhism
Readers of this article may also like to read A Brief Introduction to Taoism History and Introduction to Buddhism and Buddhist Teachings.
Sources:
Yudelove, Eric Steven. Taoist Yoga and Sexual Energy: Transforming Your Body, Mind and Spirit. MN, St. Paul: Llewellyn Publications, 2000.
Olson, Stuart Alve. Qigong Teachings of a Taoist Immortal: The Eight Essential Exercises of Master Li Ching- Yun. VT, Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 2002.
Prerna Malik - Prerna Malik is a professional freelance writer, business blogger, social media expert and obsessive organizer.
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