What are the Three Qi in Taoism? 什么是三气
Paul PengWhat are the Three Qi in Taoism?
Refers to Mysterious Qi, Primordial Qi, and Original Qi.
Zhengyi Fawen Tianshi Jiaojie Ke Jing (The Orthodox One Canon: Precepts and Codes of the Celestial Master Daoism):
“The Dao imparts subtle Qi, which appears in three colors:
Mysterious Qi, Primordial Qi, and Original Qi.
Mysterious blue forms Heaven;
Original yellow forms Earth;
Primordial white belongs to the Dao.
What are the Three Qi in Taoism?
Mysterious Qi, Primordial Qi, and Original Qi.
Within the Three Qi, they govern above and below,
acting as the father and mother of all things;
thus they are the most honored and divine.
From Heaven and Earth downward,
nothing comes into being without receiving these Qi.”
Yunji Qiqian (Seven Tablets from the Cloud Bookcase), Chapter 2:
“The upper Qi is called Original;
the middle Qi is called Primordial;
the lower Qi is called Mysterious.
Mysterious Qi arises from Emptiness;
Primordial Qi arises from the Cavern;
Original Qi arises from Non‑being.
Thus One produces Two;
Two produces Three;
the Three transform and generate,
reaching the Nine Mysteries.
Returning from Nine to One,
one enters the true Dao.
Pure Qi condenses to form Heaven;
its dregs settle to form Earth;
the middle Qi brings harmony,
forming humanity.
When the Three Qi separate and distinguish,
all transformations receive life.”
