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Those who observe vegetarianism in the world often consider the concept of "Zhai" (fasting/abstinence) to be erroneous. Why is this? Because they merely consume a vegetarian diet, unaware of the actual substance of Zhai. They believe that eating vegetables can eliminate disasters and gather blessings, dispel illness, and prolong life; this is a fallacy. *Yuhua Zi* states: "Zhai means Qi (alignment/order)." It refers to aligning one's mind and cleansing one's body. Is it merely about eating vegetables? The so-called "aligning the mind" implies maintaining a tranquil will, reducing desires, valuing gain and loss lightly, engaging in frequent introspection, and staying away from meat and alcohol. The so-called "cleansing the body" implies not walking on evil paths, not looking at ugly sights, not listening to licentious sounds, and not being seduced by material objects. Returning to a room, closing the doors, burning incense, and sitting quietly—only then can it be called Zhai. If one can truly do this, then the divine spirit within the body will naturally settle, the ascending and descending of Qi will be unobstructed, illness can be dispelled, longevity achieved, and blessings invited while sins are erased.

Article Six of *Taiyi Zhenren Qijin Wen* states: "Fine diet nourishes Stomach Qi." Peng Helin said: The Spleen is a Zang organ, and the Stomach is a Fu organ; the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach mutually exteriorize and interiorize each other. The Stomach is the sea of water and grain, primarily responsible for receiving food and drink. The Spleen resides in the center, grinding and digesting food, transforming it into Qi and Blood to irrigate the Zang-Fu organs and nourish the entire body. This relationship is crucial; those who cultivate their bodies and minds must not fail to fine-tune their diet for regulation. By "fine," it does not mean possessing all kinds of exotic delicacies from land and sea. The key lies in avoiding raw and cold foods, avoiding coarse and hard foods, not forcing oneself to eat, and not forcing oneself to drink. Eat before feeling hungry, but do not overeat; drink before feeling thirsty, but do not drink excessively. Confucius said: "Do not eat rice that has become sour or fish and meat that have rotted. Do not eat food with bad color, bad smell, improperly cooked food, or out-of-season food." All these damage Stomach Qi, not only causing disease but also harming life. Those who wish for longevity should deeply guard against them. Those who serve the elderly and show kindness to the young, as well as those observing the principles of nourishment, should examine this carefully.

Regarding dietary appropriateness, one should eat when already hungry, chewing thoroughly; and drink when parched, sipping slowly. Do not wait until extreme hunger to eat, nor eat until overly full. Drink when feeling intense thirst, but do not drink excessively. Food should preferably be fine and refined; drinks should preferably be warm. The five flavors should not overpower the taste of grains; the flavor of meat should not overpower the essence of food. One must eat hot foods first, followed by cold foods.