Library

Cheng Yifangchuan said: There are three things in the world that can be accomplished through human effort. Governing the state to the extent of praying for a long life bestowed by Heaven; nourishing the body to the extent of dispelling diseases and prolonging life; pursuing learning to the extent of aspiring to become sages and worthies. These three matters clearly demonstrate that human effort can surpass natural creation, yet people simply do not act upon them.

The *Zhenyan* (True Words) states: Whatever is beyond one's power to influence belongs to external affairs; whatever falls within one's power to influence belongs to internal affairs. Exerting effort on external affairs yields no benefit, whereas exerting effort on internal affairs can prolong life and enhance longevity.

It further states: Even if damage was incurred in youth, leading to weak Qi and a withered body, if one gains enlightenment in old age, focuses on prevention and supplementation, thereby increasing blood and Qi, and achieving sufficient spirit and physical tranquility, one can live a long life.

It also states: As people age, ailments arise in all joints, and the four limbs suffer; this itself constitutes a prison of suffering. If one were willing to practice early in life, one could avoid this prison of suffering. Why, then, does one knowingly refrain from doing so? Is this not pitiable!

It states plainly: Here lies a clear path to health and vitality; why does one not walk it?

It states: Those leisurely indulging in meat and wine are daily disturbed by the "Five Thieves" (referring to the sensory desires that deplete Jing-Qi), yet remain oblivious to their folly. The world is full of those who claim to be great men, displaying talents capable of shaking heaven and earth, boasting of skills in grand rhetoric, acting as meticulously as the Duke of Zhou, and speaking as correctly as Confucius and Mencius. Ultimately, when their lifespan expires, they vanish like dust and shadows, leaving nothing behind. How sorrowful and lamentable!

I hold that among the Five Blessings described by Jichou, longevity comes first, and dying a natural death with dignity completes them. I am fortunate to be born in an era of peace, where the Great Harmony prevails, the realm is tranquil, and families are united. We face neither the distress of turmoil nor the injury of famine and premature death. We should enjoy long days and enter the realm of longevity together. Yet some still fail to fulfill their natural lifespan. Is this not self-mutilation of life due to ignorance of health preservation techniques? This is precisely what cultivation requires urgent study.

External exercises include methods of massage and Daoyin (guiding and pulling), which serve to circulate blood and Qi, facilitate joint movement, ward off external evil pathogens, and prevent malignant energies from entering the body. The *Analects* says: A door hinge that is constantly turned will not be eaten by worms; running water will not grow stale. The human body is no different. Therefore, to prolong life and dispel disease, massage and Daoyin take precedence. This method was transmitted by ancient sages; it is extremely plain and easy, incomparable to other extraordinary skills or strange arts. Even according to the Sages regarding the stages of Qi and Blood—undetermined, vigorous, and declining—this method serves to preemptively protect against decline. It is the essential way to secure the body. Everyone can practice this, yet few do, for three reasons: First, relying on robust health while illness has not yet manifested, even when advised, they refuse to practice. Second, being busy with business and hurried, even if admiring the method, they lack the time to practice. Third, with depleted constitution and difficult movements, even if regretting, they ultimately cannot practice. If people were to firm up their faith and spur their lazy wills, realizing the need to preserve the body and prevent disaster before it occurs—as urgently as hunger demands food or cold demands clothing—they would invariably achieve satiety and warmth. Even if one accepts that lifespan has a fixed limit, one should still strive for a dignified end. Rather than groaning in bed when pain strikes, entrusting one's life to mediocre and blind physicians, or begging spirits in the dark, is it not better to practice diligently for a few moments daily to avoid various sufferings later? Now, regarding massage suitable for each of the five senses and four limbs, these are listed as Separate External Exercises. Additionally, methods determined by predecessors, practiced in order to ensure thoroughness, are collectively termed Combined External Exercises. Although separate and combined practices differ, the principle of massage remains the same. People may choose and engage in them as they see fit. These can be performed anywhere and at any time, yielding immediate effects. Although my age has declined, my physical Qi remains vigorous; my hearing, vision, manual dexterity, and walking ability surpass those of many in my prime. This is indeed derived from personal experience, verified and true. Therefore, I do not fear wearing out my tongue, but hope to use this method to help those who wish to prolong life benefit society, wishing not to辜负 this compassionate heart. That would be fortunate.