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(Regarding the Preservation of the Infant's Formative Stage) There are twenty-two categories in total.

The "Fuzhen Yizheng" Chapter of the "Yuanhua" Section in *Shengji Jing* (Holy Relief Classic) states: Clay on the potter's wheel, metal in the furnace, their forms are determined solely by the process of molding and smelting. Is it without reliance on external factors that a child takes shape within the mother? It is precisely because the mother concentrates her spirit and nurtures her vital energy, much like the Great Maker endowing form, that once human shape is acquired, human emotions cannot be absent. Their seeing, hearing, speaking, and moving, as well as their likes, dislikes, desires, and aversions, though occurring in secrecy and silence, have not yet fixed upon beauty or ugliness. Those who excel in the way of motherhood guide and stimulate these tendencies. By instructing and enlightening them, akin to prompting them, the child will shift according to objects and transform according to images. This change often happens spontaneously. Therefore, one should present the image of sages and gentlemen so they know how to cherish virtue; present rites and laws so they know how to restrain their hearts. Promote harmony through sound, such as zithers and drums, so their ears may find satisfaction. Cultivate an aura of resilience and courage, resembling rhino horn, ivory, or military formations, so their eyes may be moved. Observing jade tablets and pearls allows one to draw from the utmost essence of Yin and Yang; reciting poems and admonitions allows one to draw from the utmost correctness of language. Thereby harmonizing the mind and spirit, balancing emotions, guarding against excessive joy and anger, and moderating desires and lusts—all these are beneficial to conception by responding to external stimuli. As for people with disabilities, ugly objects, or poisonous and strange birds and beasts, one should wish for them not to be seen. If food is malformed, improperly cut, or has an abnormal taste, one should wish for it not to be eaten. This represents prevention and caution, leaving no detail unattended to. Thus, while in the womb, the fetus develops naturally into a wise countenance, loyal, profound, dignified, virtuous, beautiful, and long-lived, which is nothing surprising. This is called "external images inducing internal responses." In the past, when Tai Ren was pregnant with King Wen, she did not look at evil colors, did not listen to licentious sounds, and did not speak arrogant words; this is the basis for the transmitted methods of prenatal education. The *Taiping Shenghui Fang* (Holy Benefit Formulas) discusses: When the most refined essences meet, a single qi begins to condense, initially receiving the fetal packet and gradually forming physical qualities. While in the womb, the child follows the mother's hearing and seeing, which is why sages transmit the way of prenatal education. After pregnancy is established, after only about a month, one must walk and sit with dignity and solemnity, maintain a harmonious and joyful temperament, dwell frequently in quiet rooms, and listen often to beautiful words. Have others read poetry and books aloud, discuss rites and music, play with pearls and jade, and practice stringed instruments. Let the ears not hear improper speech, let the eyes not observe evil deeds. In this way, sons and daughters will enjoy fortune and longevity, and their thick loyalty and filial piety will be naturally preserved. If these rituals are neglected, sons and daughters may become wild and fierce, and their lifespan may be short. This is the way of prenatal education of the sages. How can parents fail to practice it?