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For Those on an Evolving Spiritual Path

Tonic herbalism was developed to its most profound level under the influence of Daoist and Buddhist masters. These spiritual paths took full advantage of the tonic herbs. Much of the knowledge we have gained has come to us through these traditions. The greatest herbalists in China’s history were deeply spiritual men and women. Virtually all spiritual seekers in China, Tibet, Korea and Japan used (and continue to use) tonic herbs. More information...

To build a complete three treasures program pick one product from each of the first three categories. You can then optionally add a protective formula and any number of the 'add-on' formulas. Click on a product name to get detailed product information.

Formulations for Those On An Evolving Spiritual Path

All formulations that promote the three treasures are useful to those on an evolving spiritual path. In general, however, the formulas featured in these programs are designed to promote a strong body, a calm mind, and a peaceful, lofty spirit. The spiritual seeker must be able to rise above mundane matters and see things from all sides at once. He or she must rise above the concepts of good and bad, yours and mine, high and low, up and down. You must see everything as one, even as the myriad parts move in their own path.

Supreme Protector, Shou Wu Formula, Inner Power and Inner Peace are prime examples of formulations that have been used for thousands of years by spiritual seekers in Asia.

Discussion

The Daoists in particular were the great herbal masters. Every Daoist is an expert on the tonic herbs. The Daoist philosophy was deeply naturalistic and featured as a centerpiece the concept that man is one with nature. Many Daoists were hermits and almost all lived in the mountains or countryside. They therefore spent a great deal of time collecting herbs for food and as tonics. The teacher of my teacher, Moo San Do Sha spent several hours every day collecting herbs, according to my teacher, Sung Jin Park. He and Park would trek through the mountains looking for wild herbs like Reishi, Ginseng, Asparagus root, Schizandra, and Acorus. Sung Jin Park told me many stories about how the spent days on end looking for a single special Ginseng root or Reishi mushrooms that would suit their needs. These herbs were treated with absolute reverence. They were holy substances provided by Dao.

All Daoist and Chan Buddhist masters knew secret formulas that they used themselves to cultivate certain spiritual qualities, and passed on to their disciples. The use of the tonic herbs by spiritual seekers has, in fact, been universal in China, Korea and Japan for more than two thousand years. They were considered as basic as air. Herbs like Reishi, Ginseng, Asparagus root and Schizandra were considered invaluable spiritual substances. Old spiritual text were full of descriptions of the herbs and how to use them.

Ginseng, for example, was described in an ancient Buddhist text as being capable of hastening the burning up of Karma. Asparagus root, especially the rather rare red variety, was used by the Daoists to open the heart center. It was said that whoever consumed red Asparagus root for an extended period of time would become able to fly. Stories abound among the hermits in Korea, where red Asparagus root is more common, of hermits who lived almost entirely on this nutritious and magical root who actually learned how to fly. Obviously, the metaphor relates to the ability to fly in the spiritual sense.

All of the tonic herbs described in this book fall within the category of spiritual herbs. All are used by Daoists and all can contribute to the development of those who are on a spiritual path. Those who are on such a course should contemplate very deeply the underlying principles of the art of radiant health. They hold the secrets of wisdom spiritual illumination. The spiritual seeker should be willing to start from the ground up. Start slowly, building Yin essence, Qi, blood and Shen. Over time, the focus will shift more and more to building Yang and Shen. The effort must always be made to move carefully and to maintain balance at all times. Master Park used to say, "Move slowly, carefully and steadily, and you will soon arrive."

Daoism is considered a "quick" spiritual technique. Many of you will not be particularly interested in Daoism, since you may have your own path. However, the herbs contributed to the "quickness" of the Daoist way. They speed up the process. They harmonize the body, mind, spirit and nature. They help eliminate toxins and toxic mental conditions. Almost without trying, the herbs can help you grow along the spiritual path. Don’t try too hard to master too much of the herbalism at first. You have plenty of time. Consider the herbs a spiritual tool.

Those on the spiritual path should pay special attention to their herbal program. It is essential that the three treasures be fully and properly nurtured. Yin Jing must be fully developed and Qi must be flourishing. Do what ever you need to do to build Yin Jing. It provides the power for spiritual growth. Then Shen has the potential to fully expand. There are no specific formulas for Jing or Qi for those on a spiritual path. This book is full of such formulas, all of which are of the highest order. Almost any formula provided in this book, or combination of formulas, will do so long as they suit your constitution and where you are at in your progress along the path. I do, though recommend that you seriously consider taking wild herbs as often as possible, particularly herbs like Reishi, Asparagus, Schizandra and Ginseng. Wild herbs are more expensive. But you should be able to appreciate the difference in a short time. Take a lot of Poria too. Lycium and Schizandra should be part of you daily program. In any case, always use the highest grade herbs you can find or afford. Quality makes more difference than any other factor.

Beyond all else, cultivate your heart. It is the center of Shen. By all means take Reishi every day and wild Ginseng at least once in a while. Find red Asparagus and eat a piece daily or consume it in a tea.


Shen Tonics and the Spiritual Path

There are two primary types of Shen tonics: Shen stabilizers and Shen-developing herbs. Some of the Shen tonics perform both functions, although most tend to have one function dominate over the other. Reishi is an example of an herb that does both. Dragon Bone is an example of a pure Shen stabilizer.

All consciousness, thought, emotions and passions are under the control of Shen, which resides in the heart, and which is said by the ancients to be analogous to a central government. These activities are often called unconscious activities because they cannot be directly known or controlled. In effect, they constitute the spiritual part of man which reflects in his deeds and attitudes to others. The classics say: "When a man is 100 years old, his organs are empty. Shen departs and just the body remains. Life ends."

Hearing, seeing, talking, thinking, working, exercising are all different functions of Shen. In health, these activities are performed pleasantly and with rhythm. In sickness all of these change: there is a lack of brightness and actions become insane. All these indicate Shen is being attacked in the heart. The excessive emotions damage Shen. Although Jing and Qi are ruled by Shen, if they are wasted (dissipated) Shen will suffer.

This is why moderation is regarded as the supreme way of health, longevity and true happiness. As Lao Zi said:

The Way is sacred; you cannot own it.
He who would win it would destroy it.
He who would hold it would lose it.
You will find, therefore, that sometimes things are in front and sometimes they are behind.
Sometimes there will be strength and sometimes there will be weakness.
Thus, the sage avoids extremes, indulgence and complacency.

Traditionally tonic herbs have played an important role in stabilizing and nurturing Shen. Formulas like Bupleurum and Dragon Bone and Ginseng and Zizyphus Combination have been widely used by spiritual seekers, particularly at the early stages of their spiritual work. These formulations stabilize Shen and calm the emotions, allowing Shen to awaken. Bupleurum and Dragon Bone is still widely used as a meditation formula. It calms the mind without causing drowsiness. It steadies the nerves and soothes the heart.

Super Shen Drops is an excellent Shen tonic that you can use to calm the emotions and build Shen. It’s main ingredient is the Reishi mushroom, the primary Shen tonic of Chinese tonic herbalism. It is useful for any one on a spiritual path. It is especially suitable for those who have already.