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Li Lou, in *Guai Zheng Fang* (Strange Disease Formulas), stated: There was a person with a growth inside the ear resembling a date pit in size, causing severe pain that made movement impossible. By dripping hot wine into the ear and keeping the head supine for a moment, then removing it with forceps to eliminate the root, this condition is named "Ear Hemorrhoid" (Er Zhi).

*Qi Bing Fang* (Formulas for Strange Diseases) recorded: A person experienced intense itching in the ear. Scratching with wood splinters was insufficient to relieve the itch; one had to pierce the bottom of the ear with an iron knife to feel relief, otherwise the itching was unbearable, nearly causing death. This was caused by fire from the Kidney and Liver forming a hard lesion in the ear, which decoctions could not cure. The prescription used Long Gu (Dragon Bone, 1 qian), Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsia Spine, 1 strip), both calcined to retain their properties (Shao Cun Xing), Bing Pian (Borneol, 3 fen), and one male rat gallbladder. First, powder the former medicines, then mix with rat gallbladder juice, and further blend with human milk to form a thick paste. Apply this mixture entirely into the ear canal. It will inevitably cause intense itching; someone must hold the patient's hands until the itching subsides, after which it will heal naturally. After recovery, one should regularly take Liu Wei Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) to prevent recurrence.

*Lei Bian* recorded: You Kui, a friend of my clan, suffered from itching in both ears during his youth, occurring once daily. When severe, it was intolerable; he tried beating, scraping, picking, and other methods without success, and the ailment persisted. He often used a hard bamboo stick about three cun long, cut into five or six pieces, finely shaved like a brush, and forcefully inserted it into the ear until the skin broke and blood flowed, sometimes filling a clam shell before stopping. This happened repeatedly the next day. Due to excessive blood loss, he became exhausted and emaciated. Fortunately, Zhou Mindao, a physician from Hebei, arrived in the village, so You Kui visited him. Zhou said: This is Kidney Wind Deficiency, causing floating toxicity to attack upward. It is not easy to treat with conventional methods. One should take Tou Bing Dan (Ice-Penetrating Pill) and abstain from alcohol, wheat products, and eggs. Adhering to this for a month would be ideal. You Kui followed the advice, and the itching stopped after a few days. However, he could not maintain the dietary restrictions for long, and the symptoms returned. He then strictly adhered to the prohibitions, and after several decades, the ear itching ceased.

Hua Tuo said: I treated a person whose ear suddenly grew a strip of flesh, too painful to touch, red with a purple hue. I said: This is due to Kidney Fire blazing in the ear. Use Peng Sha (Borax, 1 fen) and Bing Pian (Borneol, 1 fen) applied to the area, which instantly dissolved the growth. Later, have him drink large doses of Liu Wei Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia); two doses resulted in a complete cure.

*Qing Xiang Ji* recorded: Sun Zhao Diancheng, during the Zhiping era, encountered a high-ranking official serving as the Prefect of a capital prefecture. One day, while presiding over court affairs with clerks standing around, the Prefect suddenly heard sounds of wind, rain, drums, and horns. Looking around, he asked: Which prefecture is this? The clerks replied: The Heavenly Prefecture (the capital). The Prefect said: If so, then my ears are diseased. He urgently summoned Master Sun. Sun diagnosed the condition and prescribed medicine. The next day, the Prefect recovered. The Prefect summoned Sun and asked: The medicine I took seems similar to Si Wu Yin (Four Substances Drink). Sun said: Yes. The Prefect asked: If I feared a major disaster, why does taking this medicine lead to immediate recovery? Sun explained: The Heart pulse is excessively strong, preventing the Kidney pulse from returning to the ear. By using medicine to cool the Heart meridian, the Kidney pulse can return to its proper place.

Yang Hong, in *Yi Fang Jiang Yao* (Essentials of Medical Formulas), stated: A person suffered sudden, severe pain in the ear, as if insects were running inside, or bleeding fluid flowed out, or dry pain was unbearable. Calcinate Snake Skin (She Tui) to retain its properties, grind into powder, and blow it into the ear with a goose feather. It heals immediately. This is an empirically verified secret formula.

[Source Note] This condition belongs to Liver Wind Deficiency, with floating fire attacking upward, moving unpredictably, leading to varied symptoms. Snakes belong to the Xun trigram; their nature calms the Liver and dispels wind, hence blowing the powder brings immediate relief.

Yang Qi, in *Jian Bian Fang* (Simple and Convenient Formulas), stated: A seven-year-old child fainted upon hearing thunder, losing consciousness. This was due to deficient Qi. Use Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) each at 2 liang, and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry) at 5 qian. Decoct in 1 dou of water to obtain 5 sheng of liquid. Add another 1 dou of water to the dregs, decoct to obtain 2 sheng. Boil down to a paste. Take 3 large spoons each time, dissolved in warm water. After consuming 1 jin of the paste, the child no longer reacted to thunder.

*Tai Ping Guang Ji* recorded: The wife of Canzheng Meng Geng suffered from a strange illness. Whenever she perceived anything, her whole body trembled violently, nearly dying. She could not even see her mother or younger brother. She also detested the sound of striking silver or iron. Once, a maid who had served for a long time accidentally mentioned the family business, saying: Striking silver. Upon hearing this, her illness flared up. The maid was dismissed, and physicians were unable to apply any treatment.

[Source Note] The previous symptoms were indeed caused by constrained Liver Qi. Prolonged constraint leads to stagnation of Qi in all five Zang organs. When Qi does not flow freely, Clear Yang cannot ascend, and Heart Qi cannot舒展 (spread), causing aversion to perception. Aversion to perception, when triggered, leads to anger. Anger causes Qi to rise. Rising Qi leads to internal rising of constrained fire, causing trembling. This corresponds to what *Su Wen* states: All conditions involving rigidity, shivering, and tremors belong to Fire. Since the trembling prevents Qi from venting outward, the Fire disturbs internally, leading to near-death states. After a while, the Fire remains latent internally, so the state returns to normal.

Her aversion to metal sounds is due to deficient Liver Fire. Her aversion to seeing her mother and brother is likely due to internal disagreement, triggering anger again. The maid initially agreed well but triggered aversion by mentioning striking silver, which is linked to the aversion to metal sounds. Generally, prolonged Liver Wood constraint leads to dryness; dryness causes Blood deficiency, leading to greater aversion to Metal overcoming Wood. Treatment should use Hei Xiao Yao San (Black Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) and Zuo Jin Wan (Left Metal Pill) to nourish Water and soothe Wood, allowing constrained Qi to flow freely, thus curing the disease.

*Feng HT Bie Ji* recorded: Yu Zhongkan's father suffered from "Ear Clarity" disease, hearing the sound of oxen fighting under the bed. Zhongkan looked and saw only two ants fighting.

[Source Note] Cultivators of the Dao, upon attaining the Way, not only hear ants fighting but also perceive falling dust and distant sounds, called "Ear Penetration." This aligns with *Nei Jing*: "Wandering between heaven and earth, seeing and hearing beyond the eight directions," known as "Spirit Completeness." This occurs because Heart Qi descends, opening all meridians. If hearing ants fighting like oxen is called "Ear Clarity," it is truly due to weak internal Fire and sinking Righteous Qi. Because the orifice is empty, hearing appears acute. Like Heart Qi descending to unblock meridians. Treatment should use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) and Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill).

Someone asked: What is the principle of Spirit Completeness? I said: This concerns Daoist Internal Alchemy cultivation. Internal Alchemy focuses on the Heart, which is the residence of the Spirit. The Spirit does not wander externally; the Heart maintains unity. This is also called "Knowing One," corresponding to the Confucian teaching: "Know where to rest, then one has stability." In Buddhism, it is called "Non-abiding." In Daoism, "Guarding One" means focusing intent on the Mysterious Pass, holding firm without shifting, allowing breath to come and go freely, like a boat on the Hedong River. With prolonged operation, the Sacred Fetus forms, achieving the True Person. Roughly, 1.3 cun below the navel is the Dantian, also called the Sea of Qi. Within the Dantian, Yin and Yang constitute Taiji, the Mysterious Pass, Huang Ting, the Gate of Returning to the Root, and the Pass of Reviving Life. Names vary. Human life begins with the father's essence and mother's blood forming the fetus. Initially, two Kidneys form, then the Five Zang organs, bones, sinews, skin, and muscles develop. Thus, Yuan Qi originates in the Kidneys. Between the two Kidneys, Yin and Yang constitute Taiji, named the Gate of Returning to the Root and the Pass of Reviving Life. The root of life lies here. If breathing returns to the root with every breath, it is called Returning to the Root and Reviving Life. Normally, breath stays in the chest, not returning to the root, thus not reviving life. Reviving life extends life, preventing cessation. Qi returning to the root strengthens Qi; strong Qi enriches Essence. Over time, the body transforms into Pure Yang, becoming Truly Real. How then can Six Excesses and Seven Emotions cause death? Scripture says: Concentrate the Spirit into the Qi Cave, allow true breath to come and go, ascending and descending within the Huang Ting, winding gently from the Heart to the Dantian. Send the Essence of Solar Yang from the Mysterious Pass, through the Tailbone, up the Du Meridian (Jiaji, Shuangguan, Fengfu, Niwan), down to Mingtang, crossing the Magpie Bridge (nose as upper bridge, tongue as lower bridge), descending to the Jade Pool, transforming into sweet saliva, swallowing down the Chonglou (throat), re-entering the Dantian. Up and down, cycling endlessly, like a door pivot or cart axle, turning continuously. Cultivation yields proofs proportional to effort. The mind must be single-minded, embracing the Spirit even in sleep, avoiding deep dreams. Upon waking, monitor the presence or absence of the Elixir as proof. Thus, the precious treasure accumulates internally, essence manifests externally, complexion becomes moist, bones and joints strengthen. With this Elixir Head, operate fire day and night, refining away Yin Qi. After ten months, the fetal circle completes, the body becomes Pure Yang. Continuing this work, harmonious Qi circulates the body, melting like clouds, raining like mist, overflowing like spring ponds, thawing like river ice. At this time, the Immortal Path is achieved. Mountains and rivers appear in the palm; nothing is unseen, nothing unheard. This is Spirit Completeness.

Another asked: Regarding ascending and descending breath, like the River Cart boat, allowing true breath to flow, descending Qi to the Dantian is easy, but ascending to Niwan is difficult. I said: If one extinguishes thoughts and operates Fire using the Spirit, Qi ascends naturally. During operation, the tongue should press against the palate, eyes and mouth closed. If not closed, Qi does not return to the Spirit. Even if Spirit reaches Niwan, Qi cannot follow. With prolonged practice, Yang prevails, Yin declines, becoming immortal naturally.

Another asked: Intent focuses on the Mysterious Pass, holding firm, yet the mind is like a monkey and horse, hard to control. What to do? I said: Scripture says: Arise thought, perceive it; perceive it, it vanishes. With prolonged familiarity, it naturally does not stray. Also: This mind relies on environments, unaccustomed to independence, hard to settle. Even if temporarily settled, it scatters again. Control it constantly, ensuring immobility. With prolonged harmony and taming, the mind settles naturally, day or night, walking, sitting, lying, or handling affairs. Once the mind is settled, nurture it, avoid provocation. Slight peace brings self-joy. Cattle and horses are domesticated; if unrestrained, they rebel and resist harness. Hawks and eagles are wild; if tethered, they become tame in hand. Similarly, the mind, if unrestrained and careless, cannot perceive subtleties.

Another asked: Why speak of Infant and Maiden, and Yellow Matron as matchmaker? I said: The Heart is the Maiden, the Kidney is the Infant, the Spleen is the Yellow Matron. The Heart belongs to Yang, Li Trigram. Li is hollow inside, representing Extreme Yang generating Yin, thus becoming the Maiden (one Yin residing inside, the woman of the house). The Kidney belongs to Yin, Kan Trigram. Kan is full inside, representing Extreme Yin generating Yang, thus becoming the Infant. The Spleen belongs to Kun Earth, Old Yin, yellow color, hence Yellow Matron, residing between Kan and Li, managing Qi transport. Without this Earth transporting, how can the Maiden enter the inner chamber to mate with the Infant and form the fetus? Hence, Yellow Matron as matchmaker, akin to External Alchemy using Kan and Li as drugs (Kan is Lead Water, Li is Gold in Water; this Gold is sought within Lead, called Dui Gold, analogous to True One Qi within True One Water, forming Internal Alchemy, or Gold in Water forming External Alchemy). Qian and Kun are Earth Cauldrons (Qian upper, Kun lower). Cauldrons are tools for operating Fire. Without Earth Cauldrons, how can Kan and Li drugs transform into a fetus? Internal and External Alchemy share the same principle.

Another asked: What is the Buddhist concept of "No Going"? I said: "No Going" means no external outgoing phenomena, no internal abiding phenomena. Internally non-abiding implies externally non-abiding. Abiding in non-abiding causes the mind to subside naturally, revealing True Nature. True Nature is called Zhenru (Suchness). Natural right awakening is "Zhen" (True); knowing everything is "Ru" (Such). Hence Zhenru, equivalent to the Confucian "Ming De" (Illustrated Virtue). Ming De and Zhenru refer to the substance of illuminating nature. Substance is formless, having no coming or going, naturally self-existent, unmoving. From birth, humans possess natural self-aware nature. Obstacles of emotion and desire cause loss of intelligence, making the mind dim. To transcend life and death and enter Nirvana, one must introspect. The method is internal non-abiding, external non-abiding, abiding in non-abiding, causing mind to quiet and phenomena to cease. *Diamond Sutra* says: All phenomena are illusory. Seeing phenomena as non-phenomena is seeing the Tathagata. Buddha recited this verse testing Subhuti: Can the Tathagata be seen by physical form? Subhuti answered: No. The Tathagata speaks of physical form, which is not physical form. Thus, seeing phenomena internally is illusory. Eliminating illusory phenomena reveals emptiness, which is the Tathagata. Tathagata is nature; self-nature Tathagata is truly empty and formless. The sutra ends with: Do not grasp at phenomena, abide in Suchness. Tathagata cannot be grasped by phenomena; the teaching is merely abiding in Suchness. Suchness is True Nature emptiness. Hence unmoving. Introspect True Void Suchness; phenomena cease, mind abides. This is cultivating according to nature. Nature is Buddha; cultivating Buddha is cultivating nature. Buddha is Dharma; thus Dharma cannot be named Dharma. Scripture says: What is called Dharma is not Dharma, lest people cling to Dharma. Also: This Dharma is equal, without high or low. Dharma refers to True Nature. Equality means from Buddhas above to sentient beings below, True Nature is identical. Hence equal, without high or low, called Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi (Supreme Perfect Enlightenment). True Nature is Buddha; elevated by True Nature's attainment, it is Supreme. Since nature is equally equal, it is Correct Equality. Its awakening is unbiased and flawless, hence Correct Awakening. The taught True Nature is called Suchness (Ruru). All sages, worthies, immortals, and Buddhas are one Suchness. Tathagata means the meaning of Suchness in all dharmas. One who has crossed to the other shore is called Tathagata. If in the future, one introspects True Void with every breath, True Nature manifests, entering Nirvana and attaining Correct Awakening. Correct Awakening knows the Tathagata. Tathagata comes from True Tathagata, enabling Correct Awakening to transform beings into Tathagata Buddhas. Bodhisattvas are "Awakened Sentient Beings." Awakened means sharing Buddha's realization; Sentient means Unenlightenment remains. Due to remaining Unenlightenment, full Awakening is incomplete, hence still Sentient.

Another asked: "Do not grasp at phenomena, abide in Suchness," followed by "Why? All conditioned phenomena are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, shadows, dew, lightning. View them thus." Those who generate Bodhicitta, uphold this sutra, even four lines, recite, explain to others, gain more merit than filling worlds with seven treasures. Cultivators should view this as the Six Similitudes. Six Similitudes have form but no substance. Viewing thus helps subdue the mind. Hence this verse is recited as a method of subduing conditioned phenomena. I said: Buddha said "Do not grasp at phenomena, abide in Suchness" to prevent misunderstanding emptiness, stating all conditioned phenomena should be viewed as Six Similitudes. Six Similitudes are rapidly changing things. All worldly conditioned phenomena are impermanent like them. View thus. Conditioned phenomena are not the method of cultivation. Buddha's Dharma is Unconditioned; Unconditioned means generating mind without abiding anywhere. Using Six Similitudes for introspection is abiding in the mind. Moreover, Buddha said regarding Dipankara Buddha...

Substance lost, nature obscured. Nature has Original Nature and Temperament Nature. Original Nature is Pre-heaven Qi. Temperament Nature is Post-heaven Qi. Pre-heaven Qi is the spiritual light endowed by Heaven, called Ancestral Qi or True Seed. Post-heaven Qi is formed by parents nurturing the body through emotion. During conception, internal emotion moves, creating Interacting Qi, which becomes Post-heaven Qi. Due to this Qi, encountering objects generates emotion, named Temperament Nature. With this nature, original nature gradually fades, and this nature grows. Gradually eliminating it reveals the Original Source, and the mind's knowledge becomes complete.

Another asked: Humans have Pre-heaven and Post-heaven Qi. Post-heaven Qi comes from parents' conception. Where does Pre-heaven Qi enter? I said: Humans first have Pre-heaven Spiritual Qi, then Post-heaven Temperament Nature. Before conception, emotion is unmoved; between Qian and Kun, only Pre-heaven Qi exists. After conception, Kan and Li break, emotion moves internally, adding Post-heaven Qi. Without Pre-heaven Qi, how could there be a Pre-heaven name?

Another asked: Infants' nature is not obscured, but Kidney Yang is insufficient, so they are not sharp. Sick or elderly people have insufficient Kidney Yang, yet remain aware. Why? I said: Infants' insufficient Kidney Yang is like the initial generation of Yang at Winter Solstice. Yang gradually grows, rising to strengthen Solar Light, generating all things. As Kidney Yang grows, it benefits nature, making perception sharp. Sick or elderly insufficient Kidney Yang is like the initial generation of Yin at Summer Solstice. Yin grows, Solar heat becomes harsh, all things wither. Kidney Yang declines, Yang floats upward, so perception remains. If perception ceased, Kidney Yang would perish, and death would follow.

Another asked: Children are Pure Yang bodies. If infants' Kidneys are insufficient, why Pure Yang? I said: Conception depends mainly on Father's Yang Essence; Mother's Yin Blood assists in formation. After birth, Yin is less than Yang. Nursing increases Yang, not Yin. Infants are white and spirited, named Pure Yang because Yin is less than Yang, not because Kidney Yang is sufficient. Eating grains darkens skin as Grains increase Yin. Immortals stop eating grains after ten-month fetal completion to prevent Yin Blood from growing, hindering rapid achievement of Pure Yang body.

Another asked: People act on Temperament, desiring much, obscuring nature. Why do some desire much but are wise, others little but foolish? I said: This depends on Qi clarity or turbidity. Clear Qi: desires many but spirit is clear. Turbid Qi: desires few but mind is dim. Another asked: Why clear/turbid difference? I said: Determined at conception. Midnight, clear weather, Yin-Yang transition, parents avoiding turbid food, peaceful mind: Qi is clear. Noon conception: child rebellious. Stormy weather, turbid food, alcohol: Qi is turbid. Violent wind/rain, parental drunkenness, impure heart: Child is turbid and obstinate. Hence ancient emphasis on Prenatal Education.

Another asked: Intelligence determined by Qi clarity at conception. Why twins differ? I said: Twins result from Mother's Yin Essence, rushing...