The Three Treasures: Essence, Qi, and Spirit (Jing, Qi, Shen) and the Process of Divine Refinement

Qigong, as a discipline that studies the energies inherent in nature, focuses on the fundamental principles of human health and longevity. Its core framework is grounded in the Three Vital Elements—known as the “Three Treasures” (San Bao): Essence (Jing), Qi, and Spirit (Shen). These three, also called the “Three Roots” (San Yuan) or “Three Foundations,” are regarded as the origin of human life and longevity.
The primary objective of Qigong practice is to preserve Essence, strengthen and smooth the circulation of Qi, and illuminate the Spirit.

1. Essence (Jing) – The Foundation of Life

Essence (Jing) is defined as the most original and refined component of any living being and is considered the fundamental root of life. Essence determines the inherent nature and characteristics of each being.

Types of Essence

Essence is divided into two major categories:

Original Essence (Yuan Jing or Original Essence):
Inherited from one’s parents, it is the seed and root of life and the individual’s fundamental vitality. Strong and healthy parents transmit strong and healthy Original Essence.
Post-Birth Essence:
Derived from food intake and breathing.

Storage and Transformation

Original Essence is believed to be stored in the kidneys—the root of Essence.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys include:

Inner Kidneys (Nèishèn)
Outer Kidneys (Wàishèn) — the testes or ovaries.

Qigong practice can enhance the quality of Essence and improve its efficiency in being transformed into Original Qi.

2. Qi – Internal Energy and the Circulation of Life

Qi is the internal energy of the human body, functioning like an electrical current that drives a machine.
In its narrower definition, Qi refers specifically to the energy circulating within the human system.
Modern interpretations often model bodily Qi as bioelectricity.

Sources and Types of Qi

Original Qi (Yuán Qi):
Generated from the transformation of Original Essence, and also known as Pre-Birth Qi (Xian Tian Qi).
This Qi is pure and of high quality; it is called “Water Qi” due to its cooling and calming nature.
Water Qi originates from and resides in the Lower Dantian.
Post-Birth Qi (Hou Tian Qi):
Produced from food and air.
This Qi is referred to as “Fire Qi”, as it stimulates the body and tends to be highly Yang.

Role and Function

Qi is the primary life force and nourishes the Spirit (Shen).
Qi is also the key determinant of Yin-Yang balance in the body, mind, and spirit.

3. Spirit (Shen) – Command and Illumination

Spirit (Shen) is the center of mind and human existence and acts as the commander that directs Qi.
When Qi is abundant, the Spirit becomes vibrant.

Residence and Power

The Spirit resides in the Upper Dantian, located at the center of the forehead (the “third eye”).
Shen arises from the mind—specifically Yi (intent).
Strengthening the Spirit through “brain Qi” enhances concentration and life-force.

Relationship with Yi and Xin

Emotional Mind (Xīn):
Connected to Fire Qi, causing agitation and emotional turbulence (Yang mind).
Wise Mind / Intent (Yì):
Connected to Water Qi, calm, steady, and wise (Yin mind).

The practitioner’s task is to strengthen Yi in order to effectively manage the emotional mind (Xin).

4. The Threefold Refinement: The Process of Lian (炼)

Transforming Jing, Qi, and Shen

The deeper stages of Qigong practice—aimed at achieving enlightenment and spiritual independence—consist of refining Essence, Qi, and Spirit (the classical “four refinements”).

1. Refining Essence into Qi (Liànjīng Huàqì — 煉精化氣)

Known as the “Hundred Days of Building the Foundation” (Bǎirì Zhújī).
The practitioner strengthens the kidneys, preserves Essence, and converts it into Qi through breathing methods such as embryonic breathing.
This transformed Essence becomes Original (Water) Qi.

2. Refining Qi into Spirit (Liànqì Huàshén — 煉氣化神)

Referred to as the “Ten-Month Spiritual Pregnancy” (Shíyuè Huáitāi).
This stage directs abundant Qi to the brain and the Upper Dantian.

Formation of the Spiritual Embryo (Shéntāi):
Fire Qi (from food/air) and Water Qi (from Essence) interact in the Huang Ting cavity (Huángtíng), symbolized by the Kǎn-Lí (Water-Fire) interaction.
This produces the Spiritual Embryo.
Nourishing the Brain:
Qi travels through the Thrusting Vessel along the spine to nourish the brain and elevate the Spirit (Huánjīng Bǔnǎo).

3. Refining Spirit to Return to Emptiness (Liànshén Fǎnxū — 煉神返虛)

After the Spiritual Embryo matures, this stage—called the “Three Years of Nursing” (Sānnián Bǔrǔ)—is essential for achieving spiritual independence.
The practitioner frees the Spirit from emotional and worldly attachments, returning it to purity or “non-being.”
At this stage, the Heaven Eye (third eye) opens, enabling direct connection between the Spirit and nature.

4. Pulverizing Emptiness (Fěnsuì Xūkōng — 粉碎虛空)

The final stage, known as “Nine Years Facing the Wall” (Jiǔnián Miànbì), leads to complete independence of the Spirit and its union with the Spirit of Nature—the unification of Heaven and Human.

Conclusion

The Three Treasures—Jing, Qi, and Shen—are the essential and interdependent components of human existence.
Achieving full health, longevity, and ultimately spiritual enlightenment requires “Dual Cultivation of Essence and Life” (Xìngmìng Shuāngxiū).
This means that refining the spiritual and mental aspects (Spirit) must occur in tandem with strengthening the physical body and energy system (Qi), in order to realize spiritual independence and lengthen life.

Compiled and Synthesized Based on a Systematic Review of Sources:

Aryanmehr

List of Sources Used

Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming.
Multiple works on Qigong, martial arts, and traditional Chinese medical concepts. These texts provide foundational theory, practical training methods, and scientific-experiential analysis of the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, Shen) and the stages of internal refinement.

Primary Publisher: YMAA Publication Center.

Note:
This collection includes material from books such as The Root of Chinese Qigong, Qigong: The Secret of Youth (covering Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic and Marrow/Brain Washing Classic), Qigong Meditation: Embryonic Breathing, Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation, and Qigong: Grand Circulation for Spiritual Enlightenment. All of these expand the theory of the Three Treasures and the transformational stages of internal alchemy.