Library

Question: What is "Shijie" (Corpse Liberation)? Answer: Shijie (Corpse Liberation, a Daoist concept of immortality where the adept leaves behind a shell) has five types: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. There are also those who ascend to heaven in broad daylight through accumulating merit and practicing virtue. The end of Emperor Huizong's *Zun Dao Pian* (Respect for the Dao Chapter) states: From ancient times to the present, over a thousand people have ascended, and more than eighty families have taken their entire households with them (from *Zhen Gao*, True Records).

Question: Is the Way of Golden Elixir not difficult? Answer: It is not difficult. For the enlightened, it is simple and easy; for the deluded, it becomes increasingly complex and difficult. Xinglin said: Words of simplicity contain no more than half a sentence; the efficacy of verification occurs in but a moment. Cuixu said: The medicine is not far away, and gathering it is not difficult. Piling said: The Great Way is not complicated; people themselves are obscure. Ziqing said: With just one phrase, ten thousand volumes of immortal scriptures are贯通 (penetrated); with only a moment's effort, infinite joy is attained. The Master said: The initial work of practice is easy, but maintaining a firm heart and adhering to the Dao is difficult.

To chant "Xuan" (Mystery/Profoundness) is to chant about the profound mysteries within Xuan. Seeking principles in the dim and obscure, seeking truth in the indistinct and hazy. Gathering the essence of all wonders, collecting the key points of various scriptures. Speech is direct and meaning upright, entering the realm of Double Mystery (Chongxuan, a Daoist philosophical concept); intent seems distant but meaning is clear, preserving the style of the ancestral masters. Guiding Dragon and Tiger to return together, eliminating competitive restlessness, revealing the subtle mystery of the Mysterious Female (Xuannv, referring to the source of life) cutting off profit. Directly pointing out the destination, instantly achieving wondrous utility. Correctly expounding the theories of opening and closing, clearly distinguishing the origin of departure and staying. Profoundly encompassing, rising and sinking vast and boundless. Thus causing the lower scholar to clap hands in wonder, and the upper scholar to practice diligently. Successfully achieving the completeness of Spirit and Qi (Shenqi), hoping to extinguish the delusive illumination of Roots and Dust (Genchen, sensory organs and objects). Indeed knowing how heavy pearls and jade are, and how light life and nature (Xingming) are. How can one not exhaustively understand the mystery of separating breath and movement, yet indulge in the passing of flowing light and wandering soul? Truly pitiable! This poem on Chanting Xuan is actually the essential method for longevity and saving the world from death. As for the spiritual seals of Emperor Xuanyuan, they are often kept secret in the pillow; the divine prescriptions of King Huainan are secretly hidden in the elbow sleeve. These are the supreme words respected and followed by the highest sages. When learners encounter them, they must keep them secret and cautious, cherishing them deeply.

Two Qi (Vital Energies) complement each other, and the Dao begins to generate.
When the physical form takes shape, there is no case of obtaining life by relying on a single Qi alone. Only when Ying (Nutritive Qi) and Wei (Defensive Qi) are harmonious can one survive. Thus it is said that two Qi complement each other. That which begins generation is the Dao. The Dao is generation. Thus Laozi said: The Dao cannot be seen; it is clarified through generation; Generation cannot be permanent; it is preserved through the use of the Dao.

Blending and fusing, moving from a single source.
The blending and fusing of two Qi is called Harmonious Qi (Heqi). Moving from a single source because they generate life continuously.

Yin and Yang interact gratefully, requiring each other.
Receiving two Qi to form physical substance, abandoning two Qi prevents completion of generation. All this is due to the mutual interaction of Yin and Yang, nourishing life and nature.

If not gentle and soft, then war ensues.
If the two Qi contend and do not blend gently, the Five Viscera (Wuzang) will be disturbed and diseases will arise. Thus the scripture says: When Yin suspects Yang, battle inevitably occurs. From this we know there is no man of pure Yang or woman of pure Yin. Heaven is pure Yang but bears Yin dew; Earth is pure Yin but embraces Yang essence. Roughly speaking, Heaven and Earth rely on Yin and Yang to transform and generate all things. The *I Ching* (Book of Changes) says: Qian (Heaven) is male, Kun (Earth) is female. Thus human relations are also complete, modeling Heaven and Earth.