What is True Self in Taoism 什么是真我
Paul PengWhat is True Self in Taoism什么是真我
"Zhen Wo" (真我, "True Self") is a term used by The Quanzhen Dao practitioners to refer to the nature — meaning the original face present before birth. The Changsheng Zhenren Zhizhen Yulu records: "Asked further: what is the 'self'? The answer: the self is the True Self — it is the nature of a person." The self is the original, authentic self, an alternative name for one's nature.
The Xianle Ji states: "Suddenly awakening to the luminous True Self, the celestial cycle descends with the fire. Smelted, the golden body is seen; the Dao is realized in the fruit of non-action." Although the human body is subject to birth and death, the nature endures without perishing — the True Nature admits no cultivation or realization. Yet because it is confined within a physical form and cast into the mundane world, it is contaminated by the various worldly thoughts of the outer realm, causing this spark of spiritual radiance — endowed from the body of the Taoism — to grow dim and obscured. Cultivation thus means completely eliminating the worldly mind, revealing the nature-substance, and restoring the True Nature to its original spiritual radiance. The concept of the True Self reflects the early Quanzhen Dao's theoretical character: while inheriting Wang Chongyang's theory of dual cultivation of nature and life, it places special emphasis on the cultivation of nature, grounded in the refinement of Qi and the restoration of the original luminous self.
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 Self in Taoism
