What is the Qingjing 清净？

What is the Qingjing 清净？

Paul Peng
Qingjing (清净), a method of practice and an attitude toward life in Taoist doctrines. Taoism holds that qingjing is the foundation of Dao; when all things are in a state of qingjing, "Dao will naturally come to reside [within them]." Laozi also emphasizes qingjing, stating that "Qingjing is the rectitude of the world" and "I value stillness, and the people will naturally become upright."

The concept of qingjing in Taoism refers to "sincerely focusing one's thoughts on pursuing Dao." One should learn to understand qingjing and model oneself after heaven and earth. In Taoism, "qingjing" and "wuwei (无为，non-action)" are similar concepts, both meaning "having a pure heart with few desires, practicing non-action, and maintaining tranquility."

"Qingjing" is the opposite of "zhuodong (浊动，turbidity and movement)." Yunji Qiqian·Tai Shang Lao Jun Qing Jing Xin Jing (《云笈七签・太上老君清净心经》) states: "Dao is both pure and turbid, both still and moving; qingjing is the root, while turbidity and movement are the branches." This idea is further extended to society, holding that if people can attain qingjing, "the six desires will not arise, and the three poisons will be eliminated."
74 Articles

Part of the Series

This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.

View Full Guide → ✦ Explore All Topics

More in This Series

Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

About the Author

Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

Read his full story →
Back to blog
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
What is "fuqi" in Taoism?

What is "fuqi" in Taoism?

Read More ←
No Next Article

Leave a comment

Beginner's Package

View all

Taoist Talismans

View all

Collections

View all
1 4
View all

Popular Items

Year 2026 FAN TAISUI Talisman Personal Protection TAISUI FU 太岁符

Year 2026 FAN TAISUI Talisman Personal Protection TA...

 The Mountain Ghost Thunder Lord Blessing Coin Pendant

The Mountain Ghost Thunder Lord Blessing Coin Pendant

 Consecrated Taoist I Ching Bagua Guardian Bracelet 已开光道教易经八卦护佑手串

Consecrated Taoist I Ching Bagua Guardian Bracelet 已...

 Consecrated Lightning Jujube Wood Gourd for Fortune & Harmony 玉化雷击枣木平安护身符已开光

Consecrated Lightning Jujube Wood Gourd for Fortune ...

Hot Articles

What is The Taoism? What is the Tao in Taoism? About the Dao De Jing What is taoist feng shui? What is Taoist inner alchemy? What is offending taisui or fan taisui?

Latest Articles

Ku Hai: The Bitter Sea of Suffering in Taoism 苦海 Kong Chang: Celestial Soul and Terrestrial Spirit 空常 Jing Ming: Pure Brightness in Taoist Cosmology 净明 Fa Yu: Sacred Discourse in Taoist Liturgy 法语