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The Great Dao is not far; it resides within the body. Phenomena are empty, but Nature (Xing) is not empty. If Nature is not empty, Spirit (Shen) and Qi will dwell there; when Qi returns to the Yuan Sea (Lower Dantian), longevity becomes infinite. To keep the Spirit within the body from escaping, do not retain a single object (distraction) in the Lingtai (Heart/Mind). Objects within the body cloud the Spirit, deplete True Essence (Zhen Jing), and damage sinews and bones. Spirit commands Qi, and Qi retains the Form; without needing miscellaneous techniques, one naturally achieves longevity. Techniques are easy to know, but the Dao is hard to encounter; few who encounter it practice with dedication. Thus, thousands learn, yet ultimately not one or two succeed. If the Spirit escapes, gather it back immediately; when the Spirit returns to the body, Qi naturally follows. Practice this morning and night, and naturally the True Fetus (Neidan/Internal Elixir) of the Red Infant (Chizi) will be born.

The Golden Lock refers to the Xuan Guan (Mysterious Pass); the Jade Key refers to Yuan Qi (Primal Qi). During quiet sitting, regulate the breath in the nose. Regulate and guard the Zhong Jiong (Central Barrier/Dantian) to attain natural stability. Spirit and breath should be continuous and subtle, allowing not a single stray thought. When breathing regulation is even, one feels no entry or exit of breath at the nose. Merely maintain presence in the central location with firm intent. Breathe using Yuan Qi, drawing breath into the Xuan Guan. Suddenly feeling a sound, the pass opens, and naturally there is a pleasure of seeing. At this stage of skill, the character "Zhong" (Middle) is thoroughly penetrated.

In the Golden Cauldron, one wishes to retain the Mercury in the Cinnabar Sand. The Golden Cauldron refers to the character "Zhong" (Middle), which is also the Cauldron and Furnace, where retention occurs in the center. The Mercury in the Cinnabar Sand refers to Yuan Jing (Primal Essence). In the Jade Pool, the Silver in the Water descends first. The Jade Pool is the Hua Chi (Splendid Pool); the Water is Shen Shui (Spirit Water). Within the Golden Cauldron, one wishes to retain the Mercury. During quiet sitting, first guard the Zhong Jiong; if the Zhong Jiong is guarded firmly, the entering and exiting breath naturally become subtle and silent. After subtlety and silence, one feels breath stabilized, and Yuan Qi naturally stores itself in internal respiration. When the body feels mixed and fused,恍惚 (huanghu) unaware of objects, self, or heaven and earth, then the water of the Hua Chi comes naturally. When the mouth is full, swallowing produces a sound; use intent to send it down to the Zhong Jiong. At the Zhong Jiong/Xuan Guan, a sudden sound occurs, like unlocking a door. At that moment, close the eyes and look inward, observing the internal realm; naturally spiritual and miraculous scenes appear, which cannot be fully described.

Q: What is called Jin Ye Huan Dan (Golden Liquid Returning Elixir)?
A: Jin Ye (Golden Liquid) is Jin Shui (Metal/Water). Metal is the mother of Water; the mother hides in the son's womb, hence the name Returning Elixir. Former sages said: Dan (Elixir) refers to the Dantian. Ye (Liquid) refers to Lung Fluid. Returning Lung fluid to the Dantian is thus called Jin Ye Huan Dan.

Q: What are Qian (Lead) and Gong (Mercury)?
A: Not ordinary black tin and quicksilver. Zhen Yi Zi said: Qian is the parent of Heaven and Earth, the root of Yin and Yang. The Sage gathers the root of Heaven and Earth's parents as the foundation of the Great Elixir, and gathers the pure essence of Yin and Yang as the substance of the Great Elixir; it is not made of common matter. Gong has a nature of flying; it结 (condenses) only when meeting Qian, because they love each other like mother and son.

Q: What is Huo (Fire)?
A: Fire is the True Qi of the Sun, which is the Yang line within Kan (Water trigram). Ziqing Zhenren said: Rising fire from Kan is so.

Q: What is Hou (Watch/Timing)?
A: Five days constitute one Hou, marking the end of a Jiazi cycle. A day has twelve Shi (two-hour periods); five days have sixty Shi, completing one Jiazi. Ziyang said: The effort of one Ke (quarter hour) contains a year's solar term; at the time of starting fire, a complete Zhou Tian (Microcosmic Orbit) circulates in an instant.

Q: How is this Hu Hou (Fire Timing)?
A: Use months within the year, days within the month, hours within the day, and Ke (quarters) within the hour.

Q: What is Zhen Yi (True One)?
A: When a person places their Tian Zhen (Natural Truth/Spirit) within the Tian Gu (Heavenly Valley/Upper Dantian), this is the Dao of guarding Zhen Yi. Jindong Zhu said: Zhen Yi lies within the Great Abyss of the North Pole.

Q: What are Dong and Jing (Movement and Stillness)?
A: Yang governs movement; Yin governs stillness. Cuixu said: Seek stillness in movement; there is action in stillness; both movement and stillness have function, passed down orally.

Q: What is Jiu Huan (Nine Returns)?
A: Metal generates four, forming the number nine. Huan means returning from above to below; nine is the number of Old Yang. Yinzhen Jun said: From Zi to Shen is Nine Returns, which is also Shun (Direct/Forward).

Q: What is Qi Fan (Seven Returns)?
A: Fire generates two, forming the number seven. Fan means returning from below to above; seven is the number of Young Yang. Yinzhen Jun said: From Yin to Shen is Seven Returns, which is Ni (Reverse).

Q: What is Lu (Furnace)?
A: In the Superior method, Spirit is the Furnace, Nature is the Medicine, Stability is the Water, and Wisdom is the Fire. In the Medium method, Spirit is the Furnace, Qi is the Medicine, Day is the Fire, and Moon is the Water. In the Inferior method, Body is the Furnace, Qi is the Medicine, Heart is the Fire, and Kidney is the Water. There is also the Yan Yue Lu (Crescent Moon Furnace).

Q: What is Ding (Cauldron)?
A: Bao Zhenren said: The Golden Cauldron is near the Niwan Palace, just as the Yellow Emperor cast nine cauldrons.

Q: What is Yao Wu (Medicine/Materials)?
A: It is this medicine; following the flow creates humans, reversing it creates the Elixir. Reversing the Five Elements yields the Seven Treasures of the Earth; following them leads to the Fire Pit of the Dharma Realm. People use it daily without knowing. Ziqing said: Gathering medicine occurs in immobility.

Q: What are Shen Shui (Spirit Water) and Hua Chi (Splendid Pool)?
A: Li Quan said: The key to the Returning Elixir lies in Shen Shui and Hua Chi. Ziyang said: Putting Qian into Gong is named Shen Shui. Putting Gong into Qian is named Hua Chi. Haichan said: Since ancient times, Shen Shui flows from a high source. Ziqing said: Hua Chi is located within the Qi Hai.

Q: What are San Guan (Three Passes)?
A: The Head is the Heavenly Pass, the Feet are the Earthly Pass, and the Hands are the Human Pass.

Q: What are Nei San Yao (Internal Three Essentials)?
A: The first essential is Da Yuan Chi; the second is Jiang Gong; the third is Di Hu (Earth Door).

Q: What are Wai San Yao (External Three Essentials)?
A: The aperture shared by Mouth and Nose is the gateway for Spirit and Qi. In practicing, regulate nasal breath, seal tongue Qi, and close Dui (Mouth).

Q: What is Dui?
A: Zhen Yi Zi said: Dui is the Mouth.

Q: Where are the Infant (Ying Er) and Maiden (Cha Nu)?
A: The Infant is in the Kidney; the Maiden is in the Heart.

Q: Kidney belongs to Water (Yin), Infant belongs to Yang; Heart belongs to Fire (Yang), Maiden belongs to Yin. Why reside here?
A: Kidney belongs to Kan, containing Yang within Yin, which is True Yang. Heart belongs to Li, containing Yin within Yang, which is True Yin.

Q: Where exactly is the Niwan Palace?
A: The head has nine palaces; the middle one is called Niwan.

Q: What is Jin Gong (Golden Duke)?
A: Adding 'Gong' to 'Jin' makes 'Qian' (Lead). Ziyang said: One must subdue and seek Jin Gong.

Q: What is Huang Po (Yellow Auntie)?
A: Huang is the color of Earth, belonging to the Kun trigram, hence the name. Ziqing said: Without Jin Gong, the Cha Nu dies; Huang Po, though not aging, still carries a fetus.

Q: How is Respiration?
A: Exhaling goes out from Heart and Lung; inhaling enters Kidney and Liver. Exhaling connects to Tian Gen (Heaven Root); inhaling connects to Di Gen (Earth Root). Exhaling brings Dragon's chant and rising clouds; inhaling brings Tiger's roar and arising wind. Respiring wind and cloud condenses into Jin Ye (Golden Liquid).

Q: What are Qiong Jiang Yu Ye (Jade Dew)?
A: All are Shen Shui (Spirit Water).

Q: What are Shen and Qi?
A: Shen is Fire, belonging to Heart; Qi is Medicine, belonging to Body. Shen and Qi are Child and Mother. Xu Jing Tianshi said: Qi is the origin of life; Shen is the master of life. Maintain fullness and command Shen; concentrate Qi and embrace Oneness. Shen dwells based on Qi; together they allow longevity. Sanmao Zhenjun said: Qi is the medicine for adding years; Heart is the god commanding Qi. Knowing the master of Qi practice is attaining the Immortal.

Q: What is Shi Er Chong Lou (Twelve-Story Tower)?
A: The human throat tube has twelve segments.

Q: What is Lian Wei (Curtains)?
A: These are the eyes. In practice, holding light in the Cloud Chamber is called closing doors and lowering curtains to peek silently.

Q: What are Zi and Wu?
A: Zi and Wu are the center of Heaven and Earth. In Heaven, they are Sun and Moon; in Humans, Heart and Kidney; in Time, Zi and Wu; in Trigrams, Kan and Li; in Direction, North and South.

Q: What does "Five Positions Match and Each Has Union" mean?
A: Heaven and Earth have 55 numbers. Qian gets 1 and 9, combining to 10. Kun gets 4 and 6, combining to 10. Xun and Dui get 2 and 8, combining to 10. Zhen and Gen get 3 and 7, combining to 10. Li gets 5, Kan gets 10; Kan and Li have no pair, so they unite themselves. Numerically, they obtain the central number of Heaven and Earth. By lines, they obtain the central line. By position, they obtain the central position. Are not Kan and Li great?

Q: What are Wu Yue (Five Sacred Mountains)?
A: *Wu Yue Zhen Xing Tu* says: In the human head. Ziqing has a verse about hiding the Five Mountains in a hat/crown.

Q: What is Xuan Pin (Mysterious Female)?
A: Above is Xuan, below is Pin. The Xuan Guan One Aperture: Left is Xuan, Right is Pin.

Q: What is the Gate of Xuan Pin?
A: Nose connecting to Heaven Qi is Xuan Men; Mouth connecting to Earth Qi is Pin Hu. Mouth and Nose are the gates of Xuan Pin.

Q: What are Three Males and Three Females?
A: Qian seeking Kun: Eldest Son is Zhen, Middle Son is Kan, Youngest Son is Gen. Kun seeking Qian: Eldest Daughter is Xun, Middle Daughter is Li, Youngest Daughter is Dui.

Q: What are Fire Dragon and Water Tiger?
A: Tiger is Western Metal. Metal generates Water, hiding its form in Water. Dragon is Eastern Wood. Wood generates Fire, suffering control by Fire. Taibai Zhenjun said: When Five Elements do not follow the normal order, the Tiger is born from Water. The art of reversing Five Elements makes the Dragon emerge from Fire; this is so.

Q: What are Fen Zhi (Equinoxes and Solstices)?
A: Zi hour symbolizes Winter Solstice, Yin extreme and Yang born; Wu hour symbolizes Summer Solstice, Yang extreme and Yin born; Mao hour symbolizes Spring Equinox, Yang containing Yin; You hour symbolizes Autumn Equinox, Yin containing Yang. The human body also has Fen Zhi. Ziyang said: Divide upper and lower phases by Body and Mind; distinguish Winter and Summer Solstices by Shen and Qi.

Q: What is Mu Yu (Bathing/Cleansing)?
A: True Qi steaming and Spirit Water irrigating is called Bathing. Taishang said: Irrigate with sweet spring, wash away filth, coming from Hua Chi, returning to Kun Hu later. Xinglin said: Bathing relies on Shen Shui.

Q: What is Chou Tian (Drawing and Adding)?
A: Having drawn Qian from behind the elbow, one must add Gong to the Zhong Huang. *Chuandao Ji* says: When drawing is possible, adding is not; this is so.

Q: What is Ban Yun (Carrying and Transporting)?
A: Carry Jing Jing (Essence of Metal) to behind the elbow; transport Yu Ye (Jade Liquid) to Niwan. The initial work technique holds the secret formula here.

Q: What are San Tian (Three Fields)?
A: Brain is Upper Field; Heart is Middle Field; Qi Hai is Lower Field. If one grasps the mechanism of the Dipper Handle, rotating causes upper and lower circulation, like the Milky Way flowing.

Q: Back Three Passes?
A: Behind the head is Yu Zhen Guan; between shoulder blades is Lu Lu Guan; at the junction of Water and Fire is Wei Lu Guan.

Q: What is Shen Shi (Spirit Chamber)?
A: The chamber where Yuan Shen resides. Langran Zi said: Before understanding the Heart Chamber, there are thousand disturbances; having understood the Heart Field, all matters are leisurely.

Q: What is San Hua Ju Ding (Three Flowers Gather at the Crown)?
A: Shen, Qi, and Jing mix into one. The Xuan Guan One Aperture is the gathering place of Shen, Qi, and Jing.

Q: Wu Qi Chao Yuan (Five Qi Face the Origin)?
A: True Qi of the Five Organs ascends to Tian Yuan.

Q: He He Si Xiang (Harmonizing Four Symbols)?
A: Eyes not looking, Hun resides in Liver; Ears not hearing, Jing resides in Kidney; Tongue not moving, Shen resides in Heart; Nose not smelling, Po resides in Lung. Jing, Shen, Hun, and Po gather in Yi (Intent/Earth).

Q: Ma Ya, Zhen Zhu Ren Shen Fu, Bai Xue?
A: All are collective names for Qian and Gong.

Q: He Che (River Cart)?
A: The Righteous Qi of the North is called He Che. Left is Ri Lun (Sun Wheel); Right is Yue Lun (Moon Wheel). Carrying Righteous Qi, transporting in Yuan Yang, following seasons and direct order, the initial work relies solely on the power of this Cart.

Q: Lao Nen (Old and Tender)?
A: When gathering medicine, examine its oldness or tenderness. Peng Helin said: Gather when tender, wither when old. Ziyang said: When Lead meets Gui generation, gather urgently; Gold facing distance is unfit for tasting; this is so.

Q: Fu Chen (Floating and Sinking)?
A: Qian floats, Yin sinks.

Q: Qing Zhuo (Clear and Turbid)?
A: Yin is turbid, Yang is clear. Clear floats up, turbid sinks down. Alchemists retain clear and discard turbid, belonging to Yin.

Q: Wu Xing Xiang Ke (Five Elements Mutual Overcoming)?
A: *Jin Bi Jing* says: Metal and Wood fight, Water and Fire overcome. Earth prosperous in Metal's home, three things perish; four seas converge to achieve peace, all due to the merit of Central Palace Earth Virtue.

Q: Wang Lai (Coming and Going)?
A: Zi goes, Wu comes. Yin Fu and Yang Huo: advancing Fu from Zi to Chen/Si, retreating Fu from Wu to Xu/Hai. Beginning and ending with Kun, all modeled by hexagrams. One waning, one waxing; one going, one coming, achieving transformation. *I Ching* says: Closing the door is Kun; opening the door is Qian. One closing, one opening is Change; endless coming and going is Penetration.

Q: Ci Xiong (Female and Male)?
A: Ci is Yin, Xiong is Yang. One Yin, one Yang is the Dao; isolated Yin and sparse Yang cannot generate themselves. *Can Tong Qi* says: Female and Male intermingle, seeking each other by kind. Commentary: Xiong is Jin Sha (Metal Sand); Ci is Huo Gong (Fire Mercury). They require union and spitting, gathering by kind to generate, becoming Divine Medicine.

Q: Fang Wei (Preventing Danger)?
A: Prevent errors in Hu Hou; beware of confusion in dreams. Cuixu said: Essence generates at specific times; when time arrives, Shen knows. Within hundred marks, strictly avoid confusion.

Q: Jiao He (Union)?
A: Magnet attracts iron, passing through obstacles secretly.

Q: You Wu (Having and Non-being)?
A: *Jin Bi Jing* says: Having and Non-being mutually restrain; Azure Dragon resides above. Two Nos revere one Yes; spiritual transformation is subtle and hard to窥 (spy).

Q: Xing De (Punishment and Virtue)?
A: Yang is Virtue; Virtue exits, ten thousand things live. Yin is Punishment; Punishment exits, ten thousand things die. Thus, in February, Yang contains Yin and elm seeds fall, symbolizing Jin Sha falling into the fetus with Yin Qi's movement, called Returning to the Root. In August, Yin contains Yang and shepherd's purse grows, symbolizing Jin Shui nourishing in the Cauldron with Yang Qi. Thus Mao and You are Punishment and Virtue opposing. Yin and Yang balanced, so Fu Huo rests.

Q: Hei Bai (Black and White)?
A: *Can Tong Qi* says: Know the White, Guard the Black, and Divine Intelligence comes naturally. White is Metal; Black is Water; using Metal and Water roots as the medicine base.

Q: Han Shu (Cold and Heat)?
A: Zhen Yi Zi said: Not responding to seasons, wind and rain are unregulated, drought and flood fight. If Yang Huo exceeds its mark or Yin Fu loses its rhythm, frozen winter becomes great heat, midsummer turns to thick frost. Hu Hou error causes Ling Gong to fly away; those managing fire, can they not be cautious?

Q: Hui Shuo (Dark Moon and New Moon)?
A: *Can Tong Qi* says: Between Dark Moon and New Moon, Fu matches and moves in the center. This is the moment Jin and Water match.

Q: Gu Ji (Solidifying and Sealing)?
A: Tai Zhen said: Solidify and seal the fetus so it does not leak; transformation happens in an instant. This means Water and Fire are already balanced, sealing the Shen Shi tightly so it cannot leak.

Q: Sheng Tai (Sacred Fetus)?
A: Substance arises from non-substance, forming the Sacred Fetus, protected diligently. Ten months like a young girl's first pregnancy, like a little dragon nurturing a pearl. Because Shen and Qi begin to condense, it is very prone to loss.

Q: Si Zheng (Four Uprights)?
A: Zi, Wu, Mao, You are the Four Uprights. The Xuan Guan One Aperture is the Palace of the Four Uprights.

Q: Where is Huang Ting exactly?
A: Above the Bladder, below the Spleen, in front of the Kidneys, left of the Liver, right of the Lungs.

Q: Jin Wu Yu Tu (Golden Crow and Jade Rabbit)?
A: Crow in the Sun compares to Heart Fluid. Rabbit in the Moon compares to Qi in the Kidney.

Q: Lian Xing (Refining Form)?
A: Refine Form to Qi, refine Qi to Shen, refine Shen to merge with Dao. Jindong Zhu said: Refine form with Jing, not ordinary sand and stone.

Q: Zhang Ziyang says Heart and Kidney are not Kan and Li, why?
A: Heart and Kidney are merely the bodies of Kan and Li; they have Body and Function.

Q: Suo You Zhe, what is it?
A: Qi is the function of Heart, belonging to Li. Form is the function of Kidney, belonging to Kan. In the time of intercourse, operation applies here.

Q: Gong Fu (Effort/Practice)?
A: Know the time to intertwine; advance Fire and prevent danger; Wild Battle when Yang generates; Bathing during Punishment and Virtue. Until warming and nourishing to form the Elixir.

Q: Ye Zhan (Wild Battle)?
A: *Long Hu Shang Jing* says: Civilize to soothe, Militate to suppress rebellion. Ziyang said: Knowing auspicious and inauspicious in defending the city and wild battle increases Ling Sha filling the Cauldron red.

Q: Wen Yang (Warming and Nourishing)?
A: Xinglin said: Warming and nourishing resembles the Zhou Star. Piling said: Keep the Golden Cauldron warm with soup; do not let the Jade Furnace become cold; this is so.

Q: Peng Lian (Cooking and Refining)?
A: Cook the Golden Cauldron, refine the Jade Furnace. Secret formula exists here.

Q: Shang Fa (Reward and Punishment)?
A: Spring Qi generating is called Reward, the Huo Hou before Si hour. Autumn Qi killing is called Punishment, the Fu Hou after Wu hour.

Q: Shou Cheng (Defending the City)?
A: Embrace Origin and Guard Oneness to condense Shen and gather Qi.

Q: Di Fang (Embankment/Defense)?
A: Drive away distracting thoughts and focus undividedly.

Q: Shen Lu Zhe, what is it?
A: The Nose. The gate for Shen and Qi entry and exit. *Huang Ting Jing* says: Repair within the Shen Lu; breathe between the Lu into the Dantian.

Q: Tai Yi Han Zhen?
A: Guard Zhen Yi in the Tian Gu; Qi enters Xuan Yuan, reaching the original state. Tian Zhen answered: True Dao nourishes Shen; if one can guard oneself at the pass of dead Qi, letting seven ancestors' dry bones reside in living Qi. Dao gives life; Shen enlivens. Guard Dao with Shen, nourish Shen with Dao; this is so.

Q: San Shi (Three Corpses)?
A: *Zhong Huang Jing* says: The first worm lives in the brain; the second in Ming Tang; the third in abdomen/stomach, named Peng Ju, Peng Zhi, Peng Jiao. They hate people advancing in Dao and love people retreating in ambition. The Upper Field is the palace of Yuan Shen, but humans cannot open this pass. Occupied by corpse worms, samsara has no end. If one can hold Yuan Shen dwelling in its original palace, corpse worms extinguish themselves, and True Breath stabilizes. So, one aperture opens and hundred apertures open; major pass connects and hundred bodies connect. Then Tian Zhen descends with spirit; the spirit that is not spirit is truly spiritual.

Q: Tai Xi (Embryonic Breathing)?
A: Being able to guard Zhen Yi means breath does not come and go, like in the mother's womb, called Great Stillness.

Q: Yu Chi (Jade Pool)?
A: The Mouth. *Huang Ting Jing* says: Jade pool clear water irrigates the Spiritual Root; this is so.

Q: Tuo Yue (Bellows)?
A: Tuo is a bottomless bag; Yue is a three-hole flute, or the bellows used by blacksmiths. *Laozi* says: Between Heaven and Earth, is it not like Tuo Yue? *Shengjiang Lun* says: If humans can emulate the use of Heaven and Earth's Tuo Yue. Opening, Qi exits; closing, Qi enters. Exiting is like Earth Qi rising; entering is like Heaven Qi descending. One rising, one descending, naturally one can last as long as Heaven and Earth.

Q: Wu Ya (Five Sprouts)?
A: True Qi of the Five Organs. *Zhong Huang Jing* says: If you can guard these, three worms abandon; see Five Sprouts and Nine True Qi.

Q: Tun Meng (Difficulty and Youthfulness)?
A: *Dao Shu* says: Kan is Water, first changing to Water-Lake Jie, second to Water-Thunder Tun, its line resides in Yin. Li is Fire, first changing to Fire-Mountain Lv, second to Fire-Wind Ding, third to Mountain-Water Meng, its line resides in Xu. Drawing and adding Water and Fire lies in Yin and Xu; Twelve Hexagram Qi lies in the application of Tun and Meng.

Q: Cai Ri Jing Yue Hua (Gathering Sun Essence and Moon Splendor)?
A: Not external Sun and Moon, but gathering True Fluid in the Heart and True Qi in the Kidney.

Q: Nei Wai Ba Gua (Internal and External Eight Trigrams)?
A: Head is Qian, Feet are Kun, Bladder is Gen, Gallbladder is Xun, Kidney is Kan, Heart is Li, Liver is Zhen, Lung is Dui.