TLDR:
The 4 spheres of the 4 Ascendant Tradition—Social, Martial, Qi, and Tao—represent distinct realities with unique rules and influences. Many people live mainly in the Social sphere, relying on language to shape their experiences. However, true fulfillment often requires engaging with the other spheres.
The 4 Spheres: Social, Martial, Qi, and Tao
The 4 spheres describe different domains of reality, each with its own rules, areas of influence, and ways of shaping human experiences.
The Social Sphere: The World Built by Language
The Social sphere refers to the reality that exists only because of language—spoken, written, or through gestures. Without language, this sphere collapses entirely.
Some believe the Social sphere represents relationships, but this is incorrect. Relationships span all four spheres. The Social sphere specifically relates to how language structures and influences our experience of reality.
The Martial Sphere: Body Action
The Martial sphere is the realm of the body, physical health, physical action and physical manipulation, often associated with force. This includes activities like hunting, martial arts, military actions, and physical fitness. At its core, this sphere encompasses both destruction and creation, reflecting how we interact with the physical world. It also governs the physical body and senses, grounding us in tangible reality.
The Qi Sphere: The World of Energy
The Qi sphere is the domain of energy. While often misunderstood in modern times, Qi plays a critical role in health, well-being, and success. It provides the energy that drives actions in both the Social and Martial spheres, even if its influence isn’t consciously recognized. Qi powers all life, and is the fabric through which much of the universe interacts.
The Tao Sphere: True Reality and Spirituality
The Tao sphere represents the direct experience of Tao and true reality. Most religions remain confined to the Social sphere, relying on language and structured belief systems. The Tao sphere, in contrast, connects you with the purity underlying all existence, offering a spiritual experience beyond words or concepts. It creates and binds by rule, the universe as we experience it. Karma is the predominant energy by which humans interact with it. Perception is the sphere’s primary gift.
The Problem of Overreliance on the Social Sphere
In today’s world, people mostly live within the Social sphere, which leads to dissatisfaction. If you feel unhappy with who you are, what you do, or how life feels, it might be because you expect the Social sphere to provide more than it can.
How to Recognize the Problem
Ask yourself:
- “Has anything I’ve said or anything that’s been said to me actually resolved my dissatisfaction?”
- “Do I still feel unhappy despite all the talking?”
If the answer is yes, your solution likely lies outside the Social sphere. Words and language won’t resolve deeper issues. To create a more fulfilling life, explore the other spheres and broaden your experiences.
Conclusion
By understanding the 4 spheres of the 4 Ascendant—Social, Martial, Qi, and Tao—you can recognize the limits of language and broaden your experience of life. True fulfillment often requires stepping beyond the familiar boundaries of the Social sphere and exploring the deeper realms of physical action, energy, and spiritual reality. By integrating all four spheres into your life, you can achieve greater balance, clarity, and a profound sense of connection to the world around you.
