《易》曰∶“至哉坤元，万物资生。”所谓“顺承乎干”者，非耶，然世之女子，明坤道而合坤德
者鲜矣。或痴顽结习，或奢悍成风，种种沉迷，不堪悉数。即有一二有志之辈，欲逃生死，究之性
命不明，每见巫妪 姑，学些口头禅语，前果后因，便为大道在是，而盲修瞎炼，自误误人！吁，此皆坤修
真诀失传之故也。
今《西池集》出，泄千古不传之秘，具大慈悲，开方便门。愿普天下女子，敬信修持，穷研极究。
其中字字有功，句句有诀，莫轻轻放过。尚有楮墨难传之处，全在诚心办道，自遇真人指点。总以收心
养气为下手初功，心不收，则性根昧。气不养，则命蒂失。性命双修，坤道乃全。读是集者，幸勿坐失
机缘，以负作者一片度世婆心也。
灵阳子 敬跋
The *I Ching* (Book of Changes) states: "Supreme is the generative power of Kun (Earth), upon which all things depend for their birth." Is this not what is meant by "following and supporting Qian (Heaven)"? However, among women in the world, few are those who understand the Way of Kun and embody its virtue. Some are foolish and stubborn, entrenched in bad habits; others are extravagant and fierce, setting a bad trend. Their various states of infatuation and delusion are too numerous to list. Even if there are one or two with aspirations, wishing to escape the cycle of life and death, because they do not clearly understand the principles of Xing (Nature/Spirit) and Ming (Life/Essence), they often encounter witch-priestesses, learn some catchphrases, and mistakenly believe that the Great Dao lies therein. Consequently, they practice blindly and recklessly, harming themselves and misleading others! Alas, this is precisely due to the loss of transmission of the secret keys for female cultivation.
Now that the *Xi Chi Ji* (Collection of the West Pool) has been published, it reveals secrets untransmitted for millennia, demonstrating great compassion and opening doors of expedient means. It is hoped that women throughout the world will reverently believe in and cultivate according to its teachings, studying them thoroughly and exhaustively. Every word holds merit, and every sentence contains a key technique; do not let them pass lightly. There are aspects that ink and paper cannot fully convey, which rely entirely on sincere dedication to the Dao, leading one to naturally meet a true master for guidance. The primary initial practice is to gather the mind and nourish Qi (Vital Energy). If the mind is not gathered, the root of Xing becomes obscure; if Qi is not nourished, the foundation of Ming is lost. Only through the dual cultivation of Xing and Ming can the path of Kun be complete. Readers of this collection are urged not to miss this opportunity, thereby failing the author's compassionate heart dedicated to saving the world.
Lingyangzi respectfully adds an epilogue