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1. Abstinence from Wind and Thunder The sages believed that one must alter their demeanor upon encountering violent thunder and fierce winds, out of reverence for Heaven's wrath. At such times, if one indulges in sexual desire, not only will one's lifespan be shortened by Heaven and calamities be visited by spirits, but the offspring born may have ugly and grotesque features; they will either possess evil and depraved natures or suffer bodily harm and untimely death. Can one not be cautious?

2. Abstinence from Extreme Heat and Cold When the weather is scorching hot or freezing cold, regardless of age, one must take extra care to protect oneself and survive this perilous period, which is already a great fortune. If one adds sexual intercourse to this, it is rare that illness and shortened longevity are not incurred. My friend, Xia Huizong, remained healthy and robust in old age. He claimed he had no other method, except that during his youth and prime, every five to six months and for two months after the Winter Solstice, he slept alone to preserve his vitality. I deeply admired him. However, in summer heat when naked, or in winter cold when cuddling, sexual arousal arises easily; one must cultivate a heart of perseverance and abstain.

3. Abstinence from Weakness Nowadays, people's minds are sharp yet perverse. From the age of fourteen or fifteen, with childish curiosity knowing everything, they often break their virginity and become weak; the root cause lies here. Moreover, those born with robust constitutions are few, while those who are weak are numerous. If one indulges in lust, diseases will naturally arise in clusters, and medicine will prove ineffective. To see a person of talent pass away prematurely is truly lamentable.

4. Abstinence from Old Age After the age of fifty, one's spirit, qi, and blood gradually decline day by day. It is like a lamp with little oil; if no new oil is added and more wick is consumed, how can one expect the lamp not to extinguish? The ancients said: "When the oil is exhausted, the lamp goes out; when the marrow is depleted, the person dies." This is truly terrifying. I often see elderly individuals whose essence and qi have already declined, yet still seek gratification in this matter. Some, even with grandchildren around, keep multiple concubines to seek momentary pleasure. As the saying goes, "Why seek to be escorted to the underworld before the King of Hell has summoned you?" This is deeply sigh-worthy.

5. Abstinence from Intoxication and Fullness An ancient proverb states: "Do not engage in intercourse when drunk or full; the five zang organs will be overturned," emphasizing the severe damage involved. Sexual intercourse while intoxicated causes blood and qi to overflow and seep into the large and small intestines, often leading to bloody stools, dysentery (changpi), turbid urinary dribbling, carbuncles and sores, and hemorrhoidal toxins. Sexual intercourse after a full meal damages the spleen and stomach, often leading to chest and abdominal distension resembling a drum (zhonge qigu) and umbilical pain with hemiplegia. One must not be careless.

6. Abstinence from Sorrow and Anger Male-female union is a joyful affair. Sometimes, due to sorrow or anger, people use sexual intercourse as a diversion. Little do they know that sorrow and anger damage the spirit (shen), while sexual desire damages the essence (jing). Damaging both spirit and essence is an extremely dangerous path. How can a sensible person endanger their life and nature? (Above excerpted from *Chuan Jiabao*)