Glossary

The three treasures (三寶, San Bao) consist of: Shen (神, Spirit) - the most immaterial, Yang aspect of a person, related to Fire and the Heart. Qi (氣, Vitality) - the capacity for change and transformation, related to the other elements and Zang organs, particularly the Spleen which governs Yi, thought or intention (the saying goes, "where Mind (Yi) goes, Qi follows"). Jing (精, Essence) - the most material, Yin aspect of a person, related to Water and the Kidneys. A common word for consciousness is Jingshen (精神) suggesting the importance of these two concept and the close relationship between body and mind in Chinese thought.

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In western alchemy they are most closely approximated to Paracelsus' concept of the three primes (Tria Prima) which he described as: Sulphur - the fiery aspect, related to spirit or soul. Mercury - the changeable aspect, often connected to mind. Salt - the unchangeable aspect, the body. Paracelsus described this using the metaphor of burning wood, the flame is the sulphurous aspect, the smoke the mercurial and the ashes left behind are the salt.