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The foundation of life that humans receive from Heaven originally possesses a complete framework, which is what is referred to as "Tian Nian" (Natural Lifespan). I once heard from Qibo: In ancient times, those who understood the Way followed the laws of Yin and Yang, harmonized with methods of number (divination/health preservation), regulated their diet and drinking, maintained regular daily routines, and did not engage in reckless exertion. Therefore, they could maintain both form and spirit, thereby completing their natural lifespan and passing away after reaching one hundred years of age. I also once heard from Laozi: Of living beings, ten parts are of the type that live long; ten parts are of the type that die early; and among the people, ten parts move towards death due to their actions. Based on these words, I realized that there are indeed many who lose the endowment of Heaven and fail to preserve their wholeness. Thus, postnatal nourishment depends on human effort; should it not be the primary task for those engaged in health preservation? Hence, I often deeply lament this matter and have relentlessly pursued its essence. What Laozi said about the "ten parts" is merely a generalization. The multiplication of these three parts reveals even more distressing realities, which I will now elaborate upon.

Humans are born from Earth and their fate hangs from Heaven; thus, one can live through them or die through them. Therefore, Heaven can also kill, such as when cold and heat are out of season, disasters strike repeatedly, or unnatural omens are imposed arbitrarily, or inevitable calamities occur; these are called "Heavenly Punishments." Earth can also kill, such as through unpredictable droughts and floods, sudden fires and waters, or toxic yin energies harming people, or dangers causing demise; these are called "Earth Killings." Humans can also kill each other, such as through fights causing injury, warfare and slaughter, framing and conspiracy, or open robbery and force; these are called "Human Calamities." These three factors account for the loss of several lives out of every ten. Furthermore, beyond these three, there are six additional causes of death resulting from self-inflicted misdeeds that render survival impossible. How do we know this? They include addiction to alcohol, lust, wealth, anger, the burden of fame and success, and the harm caused by mediocre physicians.

Those trapped by alcohol only appreciate the sweet taste of rice wine but ignore the potent nature of yeast. It subtly alters fortune and misfortune, making it hard to avoid, and severely damages longevity without people realizing it. When illness arises, blood may degenerate into fluid, soaking muscles, resulting in abdominal distension (Gu Zhang). Dampness may invade the Spleen Earth, confusing clear and turbid qi, leading to diarrhea and dysentery. Blood may fail to nourish tendons, causing flaccidity or spasms, dizziness, and sudden collapse, known as Stroke (Zhong Feng). Water may transform into phlegm, causing fullness, poor appetite, spleen failure, vomiting, and wheezing, known as Phlegm-Fluid Retention (Tan Yin). Indulgence without restraint depletes essence and marrow; Yin blood scatters daily. Before middle age, myriad pathologies emerge, and countless perish.

Those trapped by lust seek only beauty, unaware of the sayings regarding nations falling or life being destroyed. Illnesses arising from lust include consumption (Lao Sun), infectious diseases, mental derangement from longing, or fatal depression. Deaths caused by lust involve voyeurism, conflict, dissipation, or fright-induced shock. Generally, those fond of lust indulge excessively, forgetting themselves and their families. Excessive desire leads to moral decay and evil, inevitably bringing disaster. The number of victims of lust is incalculable.

Those trapped by wealth believe it sustains life, failing to see it kills. Stinginess attracts resentment; careless storage invites theft; endless toil exhausts strength; insatiable greed forgets self-preservation. Pursuing profit over righteousness leads to familial strife; hoarding blood and sweat accumulates resentment, causing ruin. Wealth, though powerful, cannot be exploited without consequence; accumulation breeds arrogance; contention generates disaster. The number of victims of greed is incalculable.

Those trapped by anger rely on physical vigor, expecting others to never wrong them, leading to arrogance or competitiveness. Unbalanced hearts spark disputes. Regardless of size, resentment takes hold. Anger severely damages the Liver and Spleen, causing conditions like food stagnation, Qi-related abdominal masses, pain, diarrhea, syncope, and sudden collapse. Litigation and rivalry lead to humiliation and abuse. Failure to tolerate minor grievances results in broken homes and separated families. Regret comes too late. Anger is formless; mutual understanding dispels it, while stubbornness creates it. Observing history, who is right or wrong? Without broad-mindedness, one suffers unseen erosion, perishing foolishly. The number of such victims is incalculable.

Those trapped by fame and ambition desire rapid advancement and achievement. Those who succeed face political instability; those who fail endure hardship and frustration. Comparing past glory with present decline causes heartbreak. Anxiety and exhaustion lead to premature death. Many suffer injustice and obscurity, their righteous energy suppressed. The number of such victims is incalculable.

Those trapped by physicians seek medical help with the same urgency as famine victims seeking harvest. The subtleties of medicine are profound. Only those with transcendent wisdom can perceive the imperceptible and penetrate the obscure. If suitable doctors were easily found, medicine would be easy to practice. However, true masters are rare. Next best are those who understand forms and traces, considered "Superior Physicians," yet still hard to find. Most practitioners are mediocre. Their errors in distinguishing cold/heat and deficiency/excess lead to fatal mistakes. Patients die unaware. Wise observers feel compassion. Life and death are serious trusts, not to be given lightly to the incompetent. Since the era of *Yuan Bing Shi*, erroneous theories have propagated, harming countless commoners silently. Skeptics remain unconvinced.

Considering these factors—three external and six internal—the proportion of those surviving to their natural limit is tiny. Thus, Laozi's statement is an approximation. This reality warrants deep sorrow. Yet, mere grief is useless; one must plan. Only the wise can be guided. While some external factors are unavoidable, others can be avoided. Accepting fate is acceptable if one understands. The wise anticipate before events occur. Protection from Heaven, Earth, and People constitutes the path to life; losing them means losing the path to life. Human agency plays a crucial role here.

Regarding the prevention of the six internal killers: Alcohol can be avoided by abstaining from drunkenness. Lust can be avoided by avoiding confusion. Wealth can be avoided by avoiding greed. Anger can be avoided by letting go and not taking things seriously. Fame can be avoided by maintaining simplicity. Mediocre doctors can be avoided by seeking knowledge beforehand. By cultivating goodness, honesty, caution, and avoiding侥幸 (luck/chance), one achieves the desired effect. Confucius said: Do not speculate, do not be absolute, do not be rigid, do not be selfish. This teaches non-forcing. Guangchengzi said: Do not weary your form, do not agitate your Jing (Essence), and you can attain long life. Form refers to the exterior, Jing to the interior; mastering both fulfills the Dao. These are the supreme prescriptions of ancient sages for humanity. Should they not be cherished? Some argue that my views are pedantic, citing those who reach old age without conscious effort, questioning the value of human effort. I reply: This is precisely what is meant by "their wisdom is attainable, but their folly is unattainable." My discourse may seem pedantic, but if recognized by the wise, it may assist in preserving one's natural lifespan.