《太上道德大天尊說道元一氣經》

The Scripture of the Primordial Qi of the Dao Expounded by the Supreme Great Lord of Virtue describes how the Dao gives birth to all things through the "Primordial Qi" (the most fundamental energy):

The Dao originates from the One, yet manifests the myriad things through the Three (referring to "the Dao begets the One, the One begets the Two, the Two beget the Three"). All physical forms unite with Qi (energy), sharing the same origin as heaven and earth. By abiding in this fundamental Dao, one can give rise to true nature.

Though Qi itself has no fixed form, it can manifest as tangible matter. Through Qi, one circulates Shen (spirit), allowing spirit and form to merge. In truth, physical forms have no inherent reality—both form and spirit are ultimately manifestations of Qi. Though the world displays countless transformations of form, the fundamental Qi and Shen remain unified.

Human nature becomes distorted due to the arising of acquired desires that obscure original nature, causing Qi to become turbid and consciousness clouded. This is not a flaw in Qi itself, but rather the human heart's deviation from the Dao. A heart that turns from the Dao is like a thief that diminishes its power.

Those who attain true awakening perceive the state where original mind and true nature unite. When nature and Qi merge, one returns to the source of the Dao. Such nature:

• Does not harm physical forms, thus embodying nobility
• Does not suppress natural emotions, thus embodying harmony
• Does not cling to external things, thus embodying purity
• Does not resist transformation, thus embodying clarity
• Does not rigidly adhere to rules, thus embodying simplicity
• Does not stubbornly cling to emptiness, thus embodying authenticity
• Does not indulge in nihilism, thus embodying permanence

The method of returning to original nature takes the Dao as its foundation. From the Three one returns to the One, then merges the One with the Five Phases (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). When the True Qi (the purest energy) as mother of all things begins to operate, one can realize the true meaning of Dao-De in a state of serene emptiness.

Cultivation is like form relying on Qi—how could Qi ever leave form? By preserving this fundamental "Primordial Qi," it can manifest as the Three Pure Ones (the Jade Pure, Upper Pure, and Great Pure Celestial Worthy). Though appearing as three, their essence remains the One. All people inherently possess these three—those who have not yet realized the true origin must begin by preserving the Three to return to the One.

Faith in this profound truth is the primary essential of practice. Through transforming the Three back to the One, then returning from the One to the wondrous function of the Three, ultimately all myriad transformations return to the mysterious source.