Spiritual Cultivation and Movement
What do original spirit, primordial spirit, primal soul and primordial qi mean?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
In Sheng Zhen Men’s introduction to cultivation, original spirit, primordial spirit and primal soul mainly concern our own inherent spirituality, not three separate people living in the body. Primordial qi is a term I use for this innate energy. Understanding the terms helps identify what we cultivate; finer distinctions in names do not establish better practice.
Original spirit points back to the original self and the soul’s earliest source. Primordial spirit and primal soul are understood from that perspective too. Discussing spirit movement and divine attunement, I use primordial qi, vital qi and spiritual energy to explain how inner strength operates. These are faith explanations in practice. Hearing qi does not mean a bodily substance has been measured.
Present thoughts may sometimes differ from inner thoughts felt in practice. I understand this through accumulated lives and this lifetime’s family and upbringing, but the direction is gradual understanding and coordination so spirit and person unite. The original spirit is not another guardian deity allowing us to disclaim responsibility for every decision.
Still listen carefully to how other teachers use these words. My using them for our inner selves does not mean every use of primordial spirit, soul or guiding spirit refers to the same thing. Guiding spirits, spiritual patrons and spiritual teachers concern connected guidance relationships. The original spirit is oneself. A familiar name alone cannot merge the two.