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For men practicing cultivation, one always begins with the initial stage of "Yun Lian Zhu Ji" (Circulating and Refining to Build the Foundation). However, women's practice differs from men's: in men, Yang Qi leaks from the lower body, whereas in women, Yang Qi rises upward; men possess a rigid constitution, while women have a soft constitution; men utilize the Yang Essence in the Dantian, conserving it constantly to prevent external leakage. After accumulation over time, Fire (refinement) is applied to transform Essence into Qi, Qi into Shen (Spirit), and Shen into Void, progressing gradually until the work is complete, leading to Dao attainment and ascension. Women are different; they possess Yin-turbid bodies composed of blood. They use the "Ling Zhi" (spiritual essence located in the breasts) to transform their temperament. Through long-term circulation and refinement, naturally, the red [menstrual blood] turns white, and blood transforms into Qi. Once blood has transformed into Qi, it is still refined using "Huo Fu" (Fire Talisman/Intentional Breathing), allowing the Qi to revert to Pure Yang, thereby attaining the Dao and returning to Truth.

The initial practice for women first refines the physical form, then refines the primal Yuan Qi, unlike men's practice which first refines Yuan Qi and then the physical form. Their bodies differ, so their methods must also differ. If distinct schools were not established according to gender, how could Yin and Yang be harmonized, allowing both men and women to achieve mutual salvation?

In the past, when I visited my master to inquire about the Dao, I asked about the practices for women. The Master said, "Excellent! Your heart harbors a desire to save the world. I shall explain this clearly to you, so that later you may deliver the men and women of the world." Thus, I was graciously taught by my master the specific techniques for women's equal-path cultivation. Now that I have transcended worldly dust, yet have not abandoned my heart to save the world, I have recorded the master's oral instructions at the end of this compilation. This is intended to guide sincere women and nuns of later generations to cross to the other shore together and emerge from the maze of delusion. Upward, it repays the legacy of my teacher; downward, it saves the women in the sea of suffering!

What is meant by "Yang Zhen" (Nourishing Truth)? Generally, women's nature tends to be rigid, their thoughts complex, their emotions prone to dissipating, and their Qi prone to agitation... Such myriad worldly distractions are difficult to subdue. How can their bodies endure long, and how can their practice yield results? Therefore, the foundational work values "Yang Zhen."

This "Zhen" (Truth) is not the "True" as in reality, nor the "True" as opposed to false. A woman's mind is inherently prone to fluctuation and extinction. If forced to remain static within, boredom and aversion arise. Once boredom arises, all sorts of distracting thoughts emerge; under such conditions, how can one advance on the Dao? Thus, the initial step teaches a method of "Yang Zhen," naturally alleviating boredom and aversion, bringing peace and harmony to the four limbs, enabling progress.

The meaning of the character "Zhen" refers to a method with tangible form and image. Generally, in women's cultivation, one must teach them to return every thought to "Zhen" to be considered proper.

Why is it a method with tangible form and image? Women's practice first refines the physical form. When the work on the physical form is complete, the "Chi Long" (Red Dragon, referring to menstruation) undergoes transformation. Only then does Yin revert to Yang, and blood transform into Qi. From this point, practicing in reverse allows for the formation of the Returning Elixir. The so-called "tangible form and image" method involves moving Qi during sitting meditation at the Upper Dantian or during daily practice. One moves Qi from within the Dantian and Blood Sea, directing it toward the location of the Divine Chamber in the heart. One perceives a wisp of Green Qi emerging from the Blood Sea. Upon maintaining focus for a long time, this Qi will inevitably move. Following the encouragement of the Qi mechanism, it naturally flies upward, rushing to the Niwan Palace (Pineal Gland area), then turns and descends. At this moment, gently guide it with intention. Following the Qi mechanism, let it descend from the Niwan Palace through the Chonglou (Trachea/Esophagus). At this stage, one must absolutely avoid forceful intention, lest injury occur to the form. Simply allow the Qi to descend from the Chonglou to the space between the two breasts, where there is an empty cavity. Allow it to condense for a long time. If movement occurs, continue practicing as before. Within forty to fifty days of practice, the Qi will penetrate, blood will transform into Qi, and menstrual blood will revert to white essence. At this time, the Dan Yuan (Elixir Origin) is revealed, and the Daoist heart becomes sincere. If one can persist in quiet guarding and seek further advancement, and if one can practice diligently day and night without slackening, what worry is there that the Great Elixir will not form, or that one will not become a Female Immortal!

This is the first step of work for women, recorded at the beginning of the compilation to instruct women of later generations. If one can bring this segment of kung fu to the most profound and wondrous state, subsequent efforts will all advance from here. Practitioners of women's cultivation should strive diligently.