Golden Elixir & Stages of Collecting Jing, Qi, Shen

[Kati]

In my practice I’ve started noticing that “going inward” is not just one single experience, but seems to unfold in different stages and qualities.

• At first, it feels like embodying Jing – through for example grounding through the body

• Then comes Qi regulation and gathering –  through for example movements, orbit, guiding breath and energy.

• Deeper still, Shen returns and collects –  through for example inner smile exercise the heart quiets.

• And finally, in Nei Dan, there is the stage often described as the Golden Elixir – the inner union of Jing, Qi, and Shen.- I’ve only heard about this last stage and can only intuitively sense what it might be like: that the “inside” is no longer just inwardness, but the oneness of all treasures.
   

I’m curious:

• How do you personally distinguish these different inner stages in your own practice?

• What helps you move from a scattered inside (like fantasies or restless Shen) to a collected inside where transformation really happens?

• And if you’ve gone further: how do you relate to this Golden Elixir stage in your own tradition?

I’d love to hear from others walking the Neigong path about how you encounter and navigate these thresholds.

Edited Thursday at 11:13 PM by Kati

[forestofclarity]

I don't think most people agree on what the Golden Elixir is-- at least, as far as I've been exposed. Do you have a definition you use? 

[Forestgreen]

• They feel different. After a while, you function different. 
• A shitload of proper practice. 
• Jindan = The reversal of Water, also called the replenishing cycle. In the wuxing,  if you move backwards from water you get metal. It is an important step, but in the quest for Celestial immortality it marks the end of the intermediate level of practice. It can also be used for other purposes, leading to develop powers. 
• The way to navigate through the process is to see phenomena as signposts, and continue with the practice. Some of these signs means that the focus of practice must change, a teacher is invaluable here.  Otherwise, one might spend years on aspects that are "good enough". I have years of experience on that one.

 

[Antares]

On 03.10.2025 at 2:12 AM, Kati said:

I’m curious:

• How do you personally distinguish these different inner stages in your own practice?

• What helps you move from a scattered inside (like fantasies or restless Shen) to a collected inside where transformation really happens?

• And if you’ve gone further: how do you relate to this Golden Elixir stage in your own tradition?

Jing and Qi replenishment occurs automatically at the initial stage if you do your practice correctly while working on Ming. 

Good to begin from Wuji stance before you move. 

As for GE your teacher should explain it to you. What neigong system you practice btw?