What is Original Self 真我 in Taoism?

The "Original Self" refers to a person's inherent nature, meaning the innate and original form of oneself. The True Record of Instructions from the Immortal of Eternal Life states: "When asked again what 'I' is, the answer is: The 'I' is the Original Self, which is the nature of human beings."

Taoism holds that although the human body is subject to birth and death, the nature (xing) exists eternally without perishing. However, constrained by the physical form, immersed in the mortal world, and contaminated by various external worldly thoughts, this spark of light, which is endowed by the Dao, becomes dim. Therefore, cultivation aims to eliminate all worldly desires, reveal the essential nature, and restore the true nature to its original radiant state.