女丹修法,其理原本不繁,当其运炼,亦自不杂。诸丹经内,不传女子修炼者多。何以不传女流?盖因
未能男女双度故也。吾今垂法教人,实愿男女双度,故此于丹书后编接列女道十则,以度有缘之辈。
何以女丹之道至简不繁?女子之性纯全,女子之身安靖,但得一点功夫,便能彻底造就,不似男子之念
颇多偏僻。故其身心所向不同,其功亦当浅显发明。
行持之际,原有顺逆之分。女真修士,果能照前口诀尽心行持。自然真气日生。真气既生,血化为液。其
液自两乳中间流通百脉,润泽周身。此液是血化成,常用身中玉乳以养之,始能镇静中田,以为超生之本。
玉乳者,是身中呼吸之气也。呼吸由中而生,亦由中而
定。倘得玉液归根,故用此气以凝之,其液方无走失,可倚此而结成还丹。
呼吸者是运炼之呼吸,非口鼻之呼吸也。运炼之时,其势不着于口鼻,而实不离于口鼻。虽有呼吸之名,
实无呼吸之相,何也?是借呼吸以为呼吸之义也。何以云是借用呼吸?口鼻之呼吸,由先天之呼吸而生。此
时是用先天,不用后天,故先天之呼吸有名无形,随后天口鼻之呼吸一出一入,自然升降。若女功运炼,亦只
用中宫内运呼吸,随着口鼻之呼吸而行,出入自由,无碍无滞。久久行之,自然息息归根,呼吸之气,觉得
不由于口鼻一般。行持一月,胎息已成。胎息若成,女仙不难造就。女子修此,宜当尽心。
此段功夫,极细极微。女子修行至此步功夫,必待前功养纯,性情炼熟,方可行此。若不纯熟,
必得奇病,为害不小。女子修此,当自谨省。
The method of Nüdan (Female Alchemy) cultivation has principles that are originally not complex, and during its operation and refinement, it is naturally not mixed or chaotic. Many Daoist alchemical texts do not transmit the methods for female cultivation. Why is it not transmitted to women? It is likely because the goal of mutual deliverance for both men and women has not been achieved. I now promulgate this method to teach others, truly wishing for the mutual deliverance of men and women; therefore, after the main alchemical text, I have compiled ten rules for the Female Path to deliver those with affinity.
Why is the path of Nüdan so simple and not complex? Because the nature of women is pure and complete, and their bodies are tranquil and peaceful. With just a bit of kung fu (effort/cultivation), they can be thoroughly accomplished, unlike men whose thoughts are often biased and deviant. Therefore, since what their minds and bodies tend toward is different, their methods should also be explained in a shallow and clear manner.
During practice, there are distinctions between following the natural order (Shun) and reversing it (Ni). If female true cultivators can wholeheartedly follow the previous mantras and practice diligently, true Qi (vital energy) will naturally increase day by day. Once true Qi is generated, blood transforms into fluid. This fluid naturally flows from the center between the two breasts through the hundred vessels (meridians), moistening the entire body. This fluid is formed from blood; by frequently nourishing it with the "Jade Milk" within the body, one can calm the Middle Field (Zhongtian, referring to the area around the Dan Tian or chest center), establishing the foundation for transcendence. The "Jade Milk" refers to the breath/Qi within the body. Breath arises from the Middle Palace (Zhonggong, central abdomen) and settles there as well. If one can cause the Jade Fluid to return to its root, then using this Qi to condense it ensures the fluid does not leak away, allowing one to rely on it to form the Returning Elixir (Huan Dan).
The breath referred to here is the breath of operation and refinement, not the breathing of the mouth and nose. During operation and refinement, the momentum does not focus on the mouth and nose, yet it is actually inseparable from them. Although it bears the name of breathing, it lacks the physical appearance of breathing. Why? Because it borrows the concept of breathing to express the true meaning of breathing. Why is it called borrowing breathing? The breathing of the mouth and nose arises from Pre-Heaven breathing (innate breath). At this time, Pre-Heaven Qi is used, not Post-Heaven Qi. Thus, Pre-Heaven breathing has a name but no form, rising and falling naturally in coordination with the exhalation and inhalation of Post-Heaven mouth-and-nose breathing. In female cultivation, one only uses the internal movement of breath within the Middle Palace, following the mouth-and-nose breathing, moving freely without obstruction or stagnation. Practicing this for a long time, one naturally achieves "breath returning to the root," feeling that the breath seems not to pass through the mouth and nose at all. After practicing for a month, Fetal Breathing (Taixi) is established. Once Fetal Breathing is established, becoming a female immortal is not difficult. Women cultivating this should exert themselves fully.
This stage of kung fu is extremely subtle and minute. When women's cultivation reaches this stage, they must wait until the previous stages of cultivation have purified their essence and refined their temperament thoroughly before proceeding. If not sufficiently mature, they will inevitably suffer from strange illnesses, causing significant harm. Women practicing this should exercise self-restraint and reflection.