Qigong, in ancient times known as “Xiu Zhen” (Cultivating Truth) — cultivating the heart and nourishing the nature, aligning with the Dao to attain truth. By following a certain procedure, practitioners can perceive the continuous changes in both the material and spiritual aspects within their bodies, experiencing different levels of energy effects or internal landscapes. Our understanding and realization of these subtle changes in material and spiritual energy effects allow us to gradually comprehend the mysteries of the human body and the universe.
As the ancients said: “Humanity is the way of heaven; the source of heaven is the source of the heart.” It is also said: “Man is a microcosm, the universe is a macrocosm; humanity and the universe share the same source of information and energy, resonating in rhythm. Through the understanding of the human microcosm, one can glimpse the secrets of the macrocosm, thus uncovering the heavenly mysteries and comprehending the ultimate truth of the universe.
This has been the lifelong ideal of practitioners from ancient to modern times.
The “Qi” in Qigong undergoes changes in energy levels and states at each stage and level of practice, with significant qualitative differences in the energy effects of “Qi” between stages and levels. According to ancient practices, it can be roughly divided into five stages or levels of energy matter: Jing (精), Qi (气), Shen (神), Xu (虚), and Dao (道). Each has increasingly higher energy effects, becoming more profound and powerful. As practitioners enter each level, the flow of life information energy and material flow manifests in specific forms (such as white mist, cold light, etc.) and functions; with each elevation of a level, the state also changes. Practitioners are fully aware of this, and others can also see and sense it. Based on exchanges and discussions with fellow practitioners, as well as my own limited experiences, I have conducted a preliminary exploration of these five major levels of energy effects. I humbly present this in writing for the guidance of fellow practitioners and Qigong enthusiasts.
1. Jing Level Gathering Essence to Generate Jing or Refining Essence into Jing — Postnatal Essence or Derived Original Essence
Currently, various medical static Qigong practices, the foundational work of Neidan (Internal Alchemy), various dynamic Qigong practices guided by consciousness, the initial stages of spontaneous Qigong, and various methods of using the mind to control the body and intention to control the nerves all belong to this category. The practice of these methods can activate muscles and bones, lubricate joints, smooth the meridians, and nourish the Yuan Qi (元气) (the postnatal Qi of Daoism, the Qi of medicine and acupuncture, and derived Yuan Qi; the practical Qi of Buddhist Tantric Qigong), balancing Yin and Yang. This coordinates the functions of the organs, achieving the effects of disease prevention and health enhancement, and laying a solid foundation.
The energy changes in the body at this stage belong to chemical energy effects.
The hallmark of completing this stage of Qigong practice is feeling full of Jing, abundant Qi, and vibrant Shen, with strong teeth, a loud voice, and bright eyes. This is known as being full of Jing without desire, abundant Qi without hunger, and vibrant Shen without sleep. Each time one enters the state of practice, the sensation of Qi (energy effect) is evident, with saliva filling the mouth — gathering essence to generate Jing or refining essence into Jing has been achieved.
Practitioners at this level of Qigong should not emit external Qi to diagnose or treat diseases. The energy of postnatal Qi is limited and can only maintain a low-level (ordinary person) health status; some practitioners may still carry their own pathological information, which could lead to “cross-infection” when applied to others, being harmful rather than beneficial!
2. Qi Level Refining Jing into Qi (Daoist Pre-natal Qi; Tantric Root Qi) — The “Qi” of Qigong
Continuous practice of postnatal Qi inevitably leads to the transformation into (activation of) pre-natal true Qi — the “Qi” of Qigong, thus entering the stage of refining Jing into Qi, which is the true starting point of Qigong practice.
The energy effects of postnatal Qi belong to chemical energy, while the energy effects of pre-natal Qi are “nuclear energy”; hence, some compare Qi and Jing to E and M in Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence formula E=MC².
In Daoist practices, the lower Dantian (丹田), in Buddhist Tantric practices, the Huiyin (海底轮), and in Chinese Zen Tantric practices, the center of the lower abdomen, there exists an invisible, intangible, yet real (virtual existence) “nuclear reactor”. Daoists call it the “Dan Furnace”, while Tantrics refer to it as the dormant life serpent “Kundalini”, the energy reservoir of Zen practices. Refining Jing into Qi is to activate this “nuclear reactor” based on the completion of refining essence into Jing (with all body parts intact and the information-energy channels — meridian system basically unobstructed). The “nuclear energy” will circulate throughout the body, thus when pre-natal true Qi is activated, all meridians open, the root of life is firmly established, and the indestructible diamond body is within reach!
The hallmark of reaching this level of practice is that in Daoist practices, “the fire below the navel ignites, and the Dantian warms in spring”, leading to the recognition of the spirit retreating, the original spirit revealing, the original Qi being born, and the original essence being produced. Energy surges, warming the kidney Yang, the lower abdomen feels hot, the two kidneys boil, not following the Governing Vessel, exiting the tailbone, passing through the spine, ascending to the Jade Pass… achieving the small circulation. This is similar to the reaction of “Neidan” (Internal Alchemy) where pre-natal true Qi is sublimated into pre-natal Qi.
Similarly, in Tantric practices, refining to the ignition of the crude fire, the spiritual serpent opens its eyes, the root Qi circulates, and the spiritual flow rises along the central channel, with energy effects akin to refining Jing into Qi.
Practitioners reaching this level often exhibit a sudden decrease in appetite, reduced sleep, a dislike for greasy foods, and those with strong cravings for tobacco, alcohol, and tea will abstain and self-regulate, feeling light and healthy, with abundant energy, and some may even display latent abilities.
At this time, applying the method to others, treating diseases, and assisting in practice can yield miraculous results. However, one should still treasure the Qi, allowing it to progress and elevate, without being greedy for the current “small benefits”, which could affect future “great virtues”. Those who do not value their Qi and protect it will stagnate, which is truly regrettable!
3. Shen Level Refining Qi into Shen — Shen is “Light”
The Qi at the early stage of refining Jing into Qi appears as a high-energy substance resembling colored mist in internal vision, while in the later stage, it manifests as bright-colored light mist. After qualitative change, it ascends to the light in the “Three Manifestations of Sunlight” or the light in “Seeing the Nature of Light is Skill” or the foundational energy of “Buddha Light Illuminating All”. This is also the energy foundation for practitioners of high-level Qigong with various supernatural abilities. Those who have not attained this genuine fruit in Qigong practice, regardless of how many abilities they possess, can at most be strong among ordinary people, but cannot transcend to the sacred.
At this stage of practice, one has completely entered the state of recognizing the spirit retreating, with the original spirit in charge, practicing without fixed methods, and achieving an automated state of practice where one does nothing yet accomplishes everything. Their bodies may appear lean, yet their energy is exceptionally abundant; they generally avoid greasy foods, can eat or not eat, or eat very lightly; they may hardly sleep or sleep very little; and they may exhibit certain advanced functions.
At this level, enhancing practice further allows one to establish foundational systems for those with affinity, guiding them towards the Dao.
4. Xu Level Refining Shen Back to Xu — A Material Form with Super Energy
In Daoist practices, the internal alchemy matures, then moves the fetus from below to above, breaking through the heavenly gate, “the Yang Spirit emerges from the shell”, refining Shen back to Xu.
In Tantric practices, refining reaches the appearance of bright points, smoothing the central channel, opening the Brahma cavity, with external bright points and internal time points resonating in sync, fully absorbing cosmic spiritual energy to make the bright points even brighter.
In Zen Tantric practices, refining reaches the opening of the “Five Hearts” (wisdom heart, crown heart, palm heart, foot heart, and secret place), with the spiritual pearl exiting the body, merging the self with the universe, achieving unity between humanity and heaven.
Despite the differences in cultivation methods among these three schools, they can all reach the high-level realm of refining Shen back to Xu and achieving unity between humanity and heaven.
Next, I will share a bit of my initial experiences in entering this realm for the benefit of fellow practitioners.
At this time, when practicing dynamic Qigong, relaxing into stillness, the internal energy naturally operates, and under the mutual induction with the magnetic field of heaven and earth, one enters an automated state of practice without fixed methods, effortlessly forming a series of hand seals and automatically emitting a series of “bright mantras” and “dark mantras”. At this moment, one feels surrounded by an endless, formless medium with infinite elasticity and magnetism, where every movement requires overcoming a tremendous gravitational force (possibly due to the strong energy effects between the celestial magnetic field and the human biological magnetic field). After a while, in a state of trance, the sense of self gradually blurs and retreats, leaving only the consciousness clearly present. Later, I walked in a rotating manner to the bed (sometimes on the floor), lying in a specific “body posture”. Finally, even consciousness slowly ceased to exist, entering a deep meditative state.
In deep meditation, even if neighbors are fighting, thunder is rumbling above, or the ground is being dug and blasted, I remain undisturbed, only vaguely aware of some sounds.
Upon exiting meditation, cosmic energy is “shot” back into the body through the “Five Hearts”, central channel, and skin pores from all directions.
Those who reach this high-level realm no longer need to sleep, or if they do, they are still practicing. “Walking, standing, sitting, and lying down, they are never apart from this.” The deep cells of the brain and the essence of consciousness have been fully activated, various supernatural abilities are comprehensively developed and utilized, achieving a state of “non-practice while practicing” and “gaining without seeking”.
At this point, the recognition of the spirit is no longer a matter of recognition and coexistence, and the conditions for performing great kindness and accumulating great virtue are established, using the internal energy to mobilize the cosmic spiritual energy to work, with mental energy instantly transforming into material effects, benefiting both people and things, bringing forth spring; healing others and guiding them towards the Dao becomes effortless.
Refining Shen back to Xu, achieving unity between humanity and heaven. This is the highest realm that practitioners of Qigong can realistically attain, with content and levels that are very rich and infinitely profound. Practicing to this stage, mobilizing the cosmic spiritual energy to work, performing great kindness and accumulating great virtue becomes as easy as turning over a hand!
5. Dao Level Refining Xu to Unite with Dao
After refining Shen back to Xu and achieving unity between humanity and heaven, continuous practice allows one to gradually comprehend the operation of the Dao body, being able to merge with all things in the universe at any time and place, and to listen to their “joys, angers, sorrows, and delights” through “thought sensing”. Those who refine Xu into Dao can merge with trees, flowers, birds, beasts, mountains, rivers, and minerals, sharing mutual concerns, accurately predicting earthquakes and other natural disasters, and understanding the laws of celestial bodies and planetary movements through the unity of humanity and the sun.
I am aware of my insufficient skills and shallow virtue, and have not yet reached such a high level, but I firmly believe that high-level Qigong practitioners can achieve this.
The Qi at the early stage of refining Jing into Qi appears as a high-energy substance resembling colored mist in internal vision, while in the later stage, it manifests as bright-colored light mist. After qualitative change, it ascends to the light in the “Three Manifestations of Sunlight” or the light in “Seeing the Nature of Light is Skill” or the foundational energy of “Buddha Light Illuminating All”.
Every movement requires overcoming a tremendous gravitational force (possibly due to the strong energy effects between the celestial magnetic field and the human biological magnetic field).
Contemporary Qigong in Beidaihe
