What are the San Bao?
The San
Bao (pronounced Sam Bow) - or Three Treasures are three qualities or forms of energy
- Chi, Jing and Shen - with Jing being seen as Yin, Chi seen as
neutral, and Shen seen as Yang. Jing (Essence) has an earthy quality that is closely
associated with the sexual act, while Shen (Consciousness) has the quality of spirit
and is recognised as our connection with the Tao.
Chi, Chi or Ki
When Chi is used to describe the energy flowing through the meridians it is defined
as "life force", "life energy", the driving force which makes
us "alive". When that particular quality if Chi has gone, our physical
body is deemed to be dead. Chi is the Chinese word used to describe the energy known
world-wide as Prana by the Indians, Pneuma by the ancient Greeks, Psychic energy,
etc. Chi also refers to energy in the largest sense, it is the stuff of creation,
it is both matter and energy and that which holds both together. Chi transcends
and is not bounded by time or space it; it is time and space it is the WHOLE.
Jing
Jing is the most refined form of Chi; it is life essence, sexual essence. It is
Yin in relation to other forms of energy and has a tendency to flow downward towards
the genitalia and is related closely with the fluids associated with reproduction.
Even though Jing is recognised as being Yin in relation to the other forms of Chi,
like all else it has both Yin and Yang aspects - the Yin being the reproductive
fluids and the Yang being the saliva. Jing has the qualities of growth and development
that gradually increase during childhood, usually reaching its peak between the
ages of 20 and 25.
Although the Jing cannot be raised above its original level, by practising Chi Kung
and living a balanced and healthy lifestyle can augment it, slowing down its decrease.
In Chinese Medicine it is said that the Jing creates the marrow, this includes the
grey matter of the brain "the sea of marrow"
There are three external sources of Jing: It is inherited from our parents (genetic
strength or weakness); it is influenced by our surroundings and lifestyle – “We
are what we eat” Jing being extracted from the refined qualities of our food (Grain
Chi) but also with the possibility of it being reduced by toxins (drugs, alcohol,
pollution, etc.); and it can be absorbed from one's sexual partner when practising
Taoist sexual yoga.
The Jing is stored in the kidneys, the Lower Dan Tien, and the Exceptional Vessels.
N.B. The word Jing is also used to describe, among other things, "directed
Chi" - this is when the Yi (Cognitive Mind) is used to focus or project the
Chi as in an Internal Martial Arts strike or during healing work, or used as part
of 5 Elements Theory as the name of the spirit of Willpower.
Shen
Shen is the least tangible, yet most spiritual of the Three Treasures, and is a
very subtle energy. It is Yang in nature and flows upward with a fire-like quality.
As with the other facets of the San Bao, Shen can be cultivated, this time through
meditation and the tranquil forms of Chi Kung. It is associated with the Liver and
the Heart, and when the Chi from these two sources combine harmoniously they produce
Shen. When these organs are out of balance the Shen becomes unsettled, leading to
restlessness and agitation of the Mind. All mental health illnesses are seen as
diseases or imbalances of the Shen.
"Shen is the sparkle in the eye of the wise, the substance of sentience, intuition
and wisdom." Shen is increased through meditation in any form of introspective
exercise such as meditation. However, it is lost when we spend too much time and
energy looking outside to the materialistic world and it should be noted that the
ego destroys the Shen.
The Shen is stored in the Upper Dan Tien (Yin Tang), flows through the Exceptional
Vessels, and unless stopped through meditation and introspection it is lost through
the eyes.
Pro-Holistic provides Shiatsu,
Healing Chi Kung therapy, on-site massage,
Stress Mangement courses, and
Stress Mangement workshops. We also provide tuition in
Chi Kung, Tai Chi,
Neijia, and self defence.