What is True Nature in Taoism 什么是真性
Paul PengWhat is True Nature in Taoism什么是真性
"Zhen Xing" (真性, "True Nature"), also called "constant nature" (chang xing) or "original nature" (ben lai zhi xing), is one of two distinctions made by the Longmen (Dragon Gate) lineage of Taoism regarding human nature. It stands in contrast to "Qi Nature" (qi xing), and exists in a state that is beyond the reach of the Five Elements — the state of existence before one's parents gave birth to one. It is a realm of authentic substance that transcends the Qi Nature of the Five Elements. The Longmen lineage places great importance on True Nature, holding that True Nature exists within Qi Nature — it is not a separate True Nature existing apart from Qi Nature. A practitioner of the Dao "loves in this life what has been habituated over many lives; one must completely remove it, removing it from the very deepest place; gradually, as all habits are purified and exhausted, and both mind and form are forgotten, one enters the immortal realm in a state of sudden clarity." (Beiyou Lu) That is: by removing the veiling of habitual tendencies, True Nature naturally flows forth.
Historical Context
The concepts discussed in this article are deeply rooted in centuries of Taoist wisdom and Chinese cultural heritage. These teachings have been passed down through generations, offering profound insights into human consciousness and spiritual cultivation.
Practical Application
In today's fast-paced world, these ancient Taoist teachings remain remarkably relevant. By understanding and practicing these principles, modern practitioners can achieve greater mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual fulfillment in their daily lives.
Connection to Taoist Philosophy
The exploration of these mental states aligns with the core Taoist principles of simplicity, naturalness, and harmony with the Dao. These concepts are not isolated theories but interconnected aspects of a comprehensive philosophical system.
Further Study
For those interested in deepening their understanding, we recommend exploring related topics such as Taoist meditation practices, internal alchemy, and the study of classical Taoist texts like the Dao De Jing and Zhuangzi.
What is True Nature in Taoism
