夫既行运气功夫,又加以动功,再及静功,则胸膈舒泰,气血流行,宿疾沉 ,为之顿去。但
此心不清,或预料将来,或追悔已往,或为钱财,或为声色,或为意气,种种妄想,缠绵纠结,杂
乱其心,则欲火内生,气血复乖,前功尽废矣。病者于是时当自想曰∶向者我病笃时,九死一生,
几为尘下之土,无复立人间世矣。今幸得再生,此余生也。声色货利,皆身外之余物,至于意气争
执,尤觉无谓。儿孙自有儿孙福,更无纤毫牵挂。一切世味淡然漠然,但得自在逍遥,随缘度日足
矣。即此却病之方,即此延年之药,又曰∶钱财所以养生,若贪取之,必致伤生,声色所以悦心,若
过恋之,必致损身;意气所以自高,若争竞之,反取自辱;酒肉所以适口,若沉酣之,反能为害。故
曰∶酒色财气伤人物,多少英雄被他惑,若能打退四凶魔,便是九霄云外
客。
又曰∶一人之身,一国之象也。胸臆之间,犹宫府焉;肢体之位,犹郊境焉,骨节之分,犹四衢焉;
血脉之道,犹
百川焉;神犹君也;精犹臣也;气犹民也。故至人能理其身,犹人君能治其国。爱民安国,
爱气全身。民弊国亡,气衰身谢。故善养生者,先除六害。一曰薄名位,二曰廉货财,三
曰少色欲,四曰减滋味,五曰屏虚妄,六曰除嫉 。如六者尚存,不能自禁,即真经空念
,其如衰朽,安得挽乎!
Having already practiced the techniques of regulating Qi (regulating the flow of vital energy through respiration), and adding dynamic exercises (such as Daoyin or Tai Chi involving limb movements), followed by static exercises (such as meditation focusing on inner stillness), the chest and diaphragm will feel comfortable and peaceful, Qi and Blood will circulate smoothly, and accumulated chronic diseases will be instantly dispelled.
However, if the mind is not clear, anticipating future events, regretting past actions, seeking wealth, indulging in sensory pleasures (sights and sounds), or acting out of pride and temper, various delusional thoughts will entangle and confuse the mind. Consequently, internal desire-fire will arise, Qi and Blood will become disordered again, and all previous efforts will be wasted.
At this time, the patient should reflect upon themselves: "When I was critically ill before, facing nine deaths for one life, I was nearly reduced to dust under the earth, unable to stand in this world anymore. Fortunately, I have been reborn; this remaining life is precious. Sensory pleasures, goods, and profits are merely external remnants; as for disputes over pride and stubbornness, they seem utterly meaningless. Descendants have their own fortune; there is no need for any attachment. Regarding all worldly flavors, remain indifferent and calm; being free and carefree, living days according to circumstances, is sufficient."
This is the prescription for curing illness and the medicine for prolonging life. It is also said: Wealth is used to nourish life, but if greedily acquired, it inevitably harms life; sensory pleasures are used to delight the heart, but if excessively attached to, they inevitably damage the body; pride is used to elevate oneself, but if engaged in competition, it brings self-humiliation; wine and meat are used to satisfy the palate, but if indulged in, they become harmful. Therefore, it is said: Wine, lust, wealth, and anger harm people and things; how many heroes have been confused by them? If one can repel these four demons, one becomes a guest beyond the highest clouds.
It is also said: The human body is like a state. The chest and diaphragm are like the palace and government offices; the limbs are like the suburbs and borders; the joints are like four-way intersections; the blood vessels are like hundreds of rivers; Shen (Spirit) is like the ruler; Jing (Essence) is like the minister; Qi is like the common people. Thus, a person of high attainment can regulate their body just as a ruler can govern their state. Loving the people stabilizes the state; loving Qi preserves the body. When the people suffer, the state perishes; when Qi declines, the body dies. Therefore, those skilled in nurturing life first eliminate the "Six Harms": 1. Diminish fame and status; 2. Be frugal with wealth and goods; 3. Reduce sexual desires; 4. Lessen rich flavors; 5. Discard delusions; 6. Eliminate jealousy. If these six remain and cannot be controlled by oneself, even chanting true scriptures in vain will do nothing for the decaying body, and how can vitality be restored?