Let us begin by exploring four types of Qi: the simplified character “气” (air or breath), the traditional character “氣” (with the “rice” radical below, symbolizing vital energy derived from food), “真气” (True Qi), and finally “炁” (primordial energy). What is the difference among them?In modern usage, the simplified “气” often refers to air and serves as a general substitute in writing. In my earlier videos, I often used it in a broad sense without distinction. Yet, from the perspective of spiritual cultivation, these different forms of Qi actually reveal to us a path of practice:Essence → Qi → Spirit → Primordial Qi (炁) → Emptiness → Dao → ultimately, the Void.This sequence is both a map of cultivation and the reflection of how energy channels transform within the body.
The most basic meaning of “气” is the air we breathe. When inhaled, it becomes lung qi. In the Five Elements theory, the lungs belong to Metal, governing respiration and descending movement. The downward flow of lung qi supports the transformation of energy in the middle burner, replenishing kidney water—the essence of the body. This corresponds to “Metal generates Water” in the Five Elements cycle.That is why in yoga, qigong, or other spiritual practices, one often hears instructions such as “let the breath sink to the dantian” or “return the breath to the origin.” These are ways of using breath regulation to accelerate the transformation of life energy.
The traditional character “氣” vividly shows another essential source of energy: the qi of grains—life energy extracted from food. Through the work of the spleen and stomach, food is transformed into energy. Yet this process cannot occur without lung qi, which delivers oxygen and circulates the converted energy throughout the body.In this sense, the spleen and stomach (Earth) are the root of qi and blood, like the earth nurturing all beings, while the lungs (Metal) act as assistants, distributing and regulating this energy. The relationship is reciprocal: strong spleen and stomach nourish lung qi, forming a cycle of mutual support.
True Qi arises from the union of pre-heaven essence (inherited from birth, stored in the kidneys) and post-heaven qi of grains. It is the sublimated form of primordial vitality, powering blood circulation and organ function.The kidney essence is like a battery—it gradually depletes over a lifetime. When exhausted, life ends. Thus, practitioners seek to refine inner energy through breathing, inner alchemy, and meditation, replenishing and transforming this essence. True Qi is the foundation of cultivation—fuel for building the base, unblocking meridians, and consolidating the dantian. Its abundance directly determines one’s health and longevity.
“炁” refers to pre-heaven undifferentiated energy—the primal force of the cosmos, the origin of all existence. It is purer and higher-dimensional than True Qi. In Daoist thought, “Dao produces One, One produces Two, Two produce Three, Three give birth to all things.” That “One” is the Primordial Qi (炁).It is fluid, ever-changing, and also a carrier of consciousness—an infinite material of creation, or one could say, an invisible energetic web interconnecting all beings.
In Daoist internal alchemy, this path is described as:
Refine Essence into Qi → Refine Qi into Spirit → Refine Spirit to Return to Emptiness → Refine Emptiness to Merge with Dao.This represents the dynamic transformation of our inner energy channels.
Eventually, the body transitions from qi transformation to light transformation. At full completion, this leads to the phenomenon of Rainbow Body—the body dissolves entirely into light upon passing.
During the stage of the three channels merging, external trials intensify. Subtle karmic tendencies manifest, and conflicting emotions may arise simultaneously. If one remains aware, these become breakthroughs; if not, regression may occur.When the central channel is fully purified, crown pressure subsides, and the state of “Refining Emptiness to Merge with Dao” begins. The body becomes like a high-frequency transmitter, radiating powerful energy fields. One drawback: practitioners often dislike crowded places, as high-frequency energy naturally flows to lower frequencies, leading to rapid energy adjustments.
It is important to emphasize: cultivation is not linear, but dynamic and multidimensional. Our descriptions are merely an attempt to fit into human logic. In reality, practice constantly reshapes our understanding. Early strengths may later become obstacles, yet the broad direction and key landmarks remain consistent.These landmarks help practitioners recognize their stage of progress.
The process described above is only seeing the Path—catching a glimpse of reality. When the channels transform into light, one enters the Realm of Light. Yet this is only the threshold of walking the Path—the essential prerequisite for entering the Eighth Bhumi, the Stage of Immovability.Thus, “Refine Essence into Qi, Refine Qi into Spirit, Refine Spirit to Emptiness, Refine Emptiness to Merge with Dao” marks only the first half of the journey. At this stage, one must not cling to the vision of “light,” but continue onward, cutting off even the subtlest karmic tendencies. Only then can one truly step into Immovable Ground.Finally, we do not “return” to emptiness—we simply are. This is our original state. When you truly understand the meaning of “Thus-come One comes from nowhere, and goes nowhere,” then congratulations—you are home.