Qi, Jing Qi, Jing Qi, Jing
Qi, Jing and and and and Shen and Shen Shen Shen Shen
It is known that energies jing, qi and shen govern alchemical energies. It is important to understand the difference between the ideas usually described in popular volumes and actual alchemical concepts.
First we have to understand to the meaning of the term jing.
Traditionally this term defines finer energy that is primarily connected with the semen (for men) or with the blood. This is a form creating energy necessary for finer existence. From this point of view jing generally represents the source of shen spirit for all living beings.
This energy always exists in the human body in an uncontrolled condition.
However, according to alchemical concepts jing represents the basis for the formation of shen energy, which is of a substantially finer quality. Although we are still referring to jing energy, the production of this energy in the whole body during the process of the alchemical work is no longer uncontrolled. It is a necessary condition for the genuine alchemical transformation process. As long as this process is related to such an important concept as rhythm, we can refer to jing energy as a flow, which changes qi, forms shen and reinforces itself.
Jing energy is also interpreted as primal jing (yuan jing). It is inherited from our parents and is formed as a result of merging both, the jing energy of mother and father. Here we notice the special significance of yuan jing as a substance in which qi and shen energies form in a specific way. Making it possible for these energies to be kept and strengthened for higher quality usage later, namely for the formation of alchemical ingredients.
The kidneys are the dwelling place of yuan jing energy, which forms yuan qi (the original energy of our existence). Yuan qi is also stored in the kidneys. Generally, however, yuan jing is also concentrated in the glands and other yin organs, ie the liver, heart, lungs and spleen. This energy is one of the most important sources of life and growth; it is distributed throughout the organism and supports its vital functions. When we consider the appropriate redistribution of yuan jing energy, we refer to its function of supporting the glands, and to some extent preserving their jing energy. Yuan jing energy stimulates the behaviour of the vital activity of these organs, and encourages an appropriate rhythmic energy flow throughout the body.
The term qi has an enormous variety of definitions. As the body’s foundational energy, qi is divided into two types: Pre-natal qi and Post-natal qi. The qi of meridians and glands is Pre-natal qi (xiantian qi), and manifests from birth. Post-natal qi (houtian qi) is formed in the process of life activities and is localised in the zang-fu organs. Pre-natal qi is known as the qi of water, or shut qi, and Post-natal qi is known as the qi of fire, or ho qi.
The alchemical task is to bring the fire of the post-natal energy to the lower abdomen, while the water of the pre-natal energy is brought up. This activity stimulates conditions for the beginning of the alchemical work of energy transformation. A balance between Pre-natal and Post-Pre-natal qi forms jing energy, which circulates, filling the eight Extraordinary Meridians.
From an alchemical viewpoint, qi is the fundamental element for the construction of the Immortal body. It is formed by jing energy, and is expanded by shen spirit. The formation of the Supreme centre, supporting the development of conditions favourable for the immortal
embryo, will sustain the production of jing energy in any part of the body to varying degrees. However, until this has been achieved, yuan qi and yuan jing energies are the prime ingredients for our alchemical development.
When we talk about qi energy from an alchemical viewpoint, we refer to an energy that offers control over the circulation of qi energy, especially in two main Extraordinary meridians – the Governing Vessel, and the Conception Vessel. It is essential to gain control over these two vessels at the beginning of alchemical practices, but this is not enough.
Firstly we will discuss developing a focused concentration on the alignment of the energy flow with the rhythm. This helps to safeguard energy that has been gathered, as well as to multiply it. It also helps to activate regulation of jing energy. We should note here that the regulation and the development of jing energy are two different processes. The development of energy is impossible without regulation.
However, the process of regulation should occur without development.
Under the concept of regulation of the energy without development, it is implied that the refined energy is lost unless it is being regulated.
If the energy is being developed without regulation it will be lost.
Together with the loss of this energy we create conditions, which have a destructive effect on the energetic body. This happens because the functions of various vessels are interrupted, some are filled with fine energies, while others are not. As a result the function of some glands increase to hyper-function, while others decrease to hypo-function.
This often leads to an imbalance of energy flow throughout the body, inhibiting the possibility of a thorough, overall energetic control.
If a woman has just started practising or does not use practice at all, jing energy in her body is connected with the liver, mammary glands and ovaries. These glands produce a jing energy which is stored in the liver. Thus the blood becomes the main distributor of jing energy which can then be nourished and reconstructed during the menstrual cycle into a more revivified state. Even when a woman is not menstruating, she still has 2-3 days a month, during which time her whole endocrine system and blood undergoes reconstructive changes.
The work with jing energy should be closely interrelated with the lunar months, otherwise it is not worthwhile to discuss jing energy formation at all. Instead, we would speak of qi energy formation. In other words, jing energy has a certain rhythm within its function, and therefore to a certain degree can be controlled. Whereas qi energy is aligned by the rhythm of the seasons for its formation, and as such is out of our control.
The female practitioner should guide the energy through the rhythm of lunar cycles. Through this practice it is said that jing energy is thus created, which is necessary for alchemical growth toward the ultimate cultivation of shen energy.
According to Taoist tradition, if the orbit has been guided through fifteen phases, then fifteen seasons are realised.