From Michael Smith, MD, DAc, Nature of Qi, 2nd edition, page 9

blue and brown yin yang illustration

The name of “shen men” is usually translated as spirit for “shen” and gate for “men.”

The Chinese character “men” is not a gate in the Western sense of the word.  Rather is is a ceremonial designation indicating the appropriate pathe to approach the spitit.  Qi lies within.

It is a “higher” power that is found inside out ancient biological development.  Qi is characteristic of simple organisms as well as ourselves.  It provides new vitality by linking us with the oldest levels of existence.  Qi is a process of natural connection, a rich vegetative realm where faith in continued esistence is easy to maintain.  Qi is a nest for the soul.”

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