Written by The Three Treasures
To use our energized Shen is to govern the emotional part of our personality, and end human emotional nature.
The Concept of the Three Treasures
Passed down from generation to generation, the term “Three Treasures” is a concept used commonly by Qigong practitioners.
This term defines Jing, Qi, and Shen as those three treasures.
These treasures will be a prominent fixture for us as we navigate through Attilius Mindset. To understand their real meaning will help you strengthen your grasp when it comes to your practice.
An Overview of Jing, Qi, Shen
Jing (essence), Qi (internal energy), and Shen (spirit). These are the root of not only our lives, but also the root of our practice of Qigong.
It is important for us to know that each of these elements has their own roots. To discover and know their roots will benefit us in strengthening and protecting our own treasures.
The goal with our training is for us to learn how to “firm our Jing,” converting it into Qi. Then, taking our converted Qi and learning how we lead it to our head. Once our Qi resides in our head, we then learn how we convert it into nourishment for our Shen.
Then finally, we learn how to use our energized Shen to govern the emotional part of our personality.
To refine the Shen to end human emotional nature.
For us, learning and practicing these conversions and processes are what will help enable us to gain health and longevity.
The belief in Qigong is that if we keep these elements strong and healthy, we will live a long and healthy life. If we abuse or neglect them, we will become sick frequently, and our aging process will be sped up.
Footnotes
Footnote: Jing
Using this word can mean a number of things depending on where, when, and how it is used. For our purposes we’re using it as a noun for an object. Thus, for us Jing means “the essence.” For our energy side it would mean “spirit” or “ghost.” It is considered to be the primal or original source from which a thing is made. And exhibits the true nature of that thing. An essential source of life and growth. Jing exists in everything.
Footnote: Qi
Our general definition of Qi is defined as the energy or natural force which fills the universe. Within this concept’s definition, there exists Heaven Qi, Earth Qi, and Human Qi. We most associate Qi with energy that circulates in our body. Yet, it has a much wider definition than we think. For our purposes we can look at our body being composed of two major parts: Our PHYSICAL BODY and our ENERGY SUPPLY that our body needs to function. This Qi supply becomes affected by our inhaled air quality, type of food digested, lifestyle, and emotional make-up and personality.
Footnote: Shen
Our context of the word Shen, again, depends on our use. It can be translated as spirit, god, immortal, soul, mind, divine, and supernatural. For us in Qigong, when we are alive the spirit is directed by our mind. And when our mind becomes not steady, it means our emotional mind and spirit not being peaceful. It is believed that when we reach a higher and stronger state of Shen, that we sense and feel more sharply. Also, our mind becomes more clever and inspired.
