The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity Movement

The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World 三尼醫世說 is a product of the Three Teachings Unity 三教合一 movement during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This doctrine is believed to have been directly transmitted by Confucius (Ch. Zhong Ni 仲尼), Shakyamuni (Ch. Mu Ni 牟尼), and Laozi (Ch. Qing Ni 青尼), which is why...

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Main Author: Yuhao Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Religions
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/6/663
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author Yuhao Wu
author_facet Yuhao Wu
author_sort Yuhao Wu
collection DOAJ
description The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World 三尼醫世說 is a product of the Three Teachings Unity 三教合一 movement during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This doctrine is believed to have been directly transmitted by Confucius (Ch. Zhong Ni 仲尼), Shakyamuni (Ch. Mu Ni 牟尼), and Laozi (Ch. Qing Ni 青尼), which is why it is referred to as the “Three Ni”. After being extensively refined by the Qing dynasty Daoist Min Yide, the doctrine evolved into a complete theoretical system for healing the world. It advocates for the connection between humans and the world through “<i>qi</i>” 氣. By properly regulating the <i>qi</i> within the individual, one can influence the <i>qi</i> of the world, thereby achieving governance of the world through personal inner alchemical cultivation. The doctrine addresses the challenge of reconciling personal cultivation with the salvation of all beings after Daoism’s decline in political influence. It marks a significant breakthrough in the traditional Chinese ideal of “Inner Sage, Outer King” 內聖外王. Furthermore, Min integrated the Three Ni Doctrine with the Celestial Immortality teachings of Jing’ai Mountain Daoism, creating a systematic Daoist orthodoxy known as the “Heart Lineage of the Most High” (Ch. Taishang Xinzong 太上心宗). This initiative highlights the courage of Qing dynasty Daoist elites in reforming themselves to preserve Daoism’s status within the broader context of the Three Teachings Unity movement.
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spelling doaj-art-a756daf2268b4a07b273e17c4c8016ef2025-08-20T03:29:40ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442025-05-0116666310.3390/rel16060663The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity MovementYuhao Wu0College of Marxism, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, ChinaThe Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World 三尼醫世說 is a product of the Three Teachings Unity 三教合一 movement during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This doctrine is believed to have been directly transmitted by Confucius (Ch. Zhong Ni 仲尼), Shakyamuni (Ch. Mu Ni 牟尼), and Laozi (Ch. Qing Ni 青尼), which is why it is referred to as the “Three Ni”. After being extensively refined by the Qing dynasty Daoist Min Yide, the doctrine evolved into a complete theoretical system for healing the world. It advocates for the connection between humans and the world through “<i>qi</i>” 氣. By properly regulating the <i>qi</i> within the individual, one can influence the <i>qi</i> of the world, thereby achieving governance of the world through personal inner alchemical cultivation. The doctrine addresses the challenge of reconciling personal cultivation with the salvation of all beings after Daoism’s decline in political influence. It marks a significant breakthrough in the traditional Chinese ideal of “Inner Sage, Outer King” 內聖外王. Furthermore, Min integrated the Three Ni Doctrine with the Celestial Immortality teachings of Jing’ai Mountain Daoism, creating a systematic Daoist orthodoxy known as the “Heart Lineage of the Most High” (Ch. Taishang Xinzong 太上心宗). This initiative highlights the courage of Qing dynasty Daoist elites in reforming themselves to preserve Daoism’s status within the broader context of the Three Teachings Unity movement.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/6/663Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the Worldinner sageouter kingMin YideThree Teachings UnityHeart Lineage of the Most High
spellingShingle Yuhao Wu
The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity Movement
Religions
Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World
inner sage
outer king
Min Yide
Three Teachings Unity
Heart Lineage of the Most High
title The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity Movement
title_full The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity Movement
title_fullStr The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity Movement
title_full_unstemmed The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity Movement
title_short The Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World: A New Breakthrough in Qing Dynasty Daoism’s Interpretation of the “Inner Sage, Outer King” Ideal Within the Three Teachings Unity Movement
title_sort three ni doctrine of healing the world a new breakthrough in qing dynasty daoism s interpretation of the inner sage outer king ideal within the three teachings unity movement
topic Three Ni Doctrine of Healing the World
inner sage
outer king
Min Yide
Three Teachings Unity
Heart Lineage of the Most High
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/6/663
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