Jing, Qi and Shen: The Three Treasures
‘The author’s great teacher, Daoist master Sung Jin Park, described the Three Treasures by comparing them to a burning candle. Jing is like the wax and wick, which are the substantial parts of the candle. They are made of material, which is essentially condensed energy. The flame of the lit candle is likened to qi, for this is the energetic activity of the candle, which eventually results in the burning out of the candle. The radiance given off by the flaming candle is shen. The larger the candle and the better the quality of the wax and wick, the steadier will be its flame and the longer the candle will last. The steadier the flame, the steadier the light given off; and the greater the flame, the greater the light.’
To attain the Tao, and the realisation of the Immortal Self, Jing is strengthened and disciplined, which gives better Qi. Qi that is steady and impeccable nourishes Shen. And the attainment of Radiant Shen is Immortality. Well, something like that, but with a bit more effort and devotion and losing the ego-self along the way.
http://tcm.chinesecio.com/en/article/2009-08/24/content_11728.htm