《重阳全真集》Vol. 2

The fine snow, like flakes of broken ice, was carefully cut apart by the bitter wind, as though by scissors or a blade. Snowflakes swirled and fluttered gently, spreading near and far until white ribbons seemed to cover the earth. Their color was even, with no distinction of height or depth. So it is with the compassion of sages and worthies: aid is offered everywhere, giving people the means to practice goodness and attain the Dao.

But when the skies clear and the sun appears, its light falls upon the earth and the snow melts; the scene that came before vanishes with it. The snow was once uniformly pure white, but now things return to their former state, and every ugliness is revealed. Those with scant blessings and heavy karmic burdens have their vision veiled layer upon layer, and their many obstructions from past deeds appear once more. I urge you to abandon your old ways at once and turn to this path of cultivation. Devote yourself to turning back toward goodness; make a vow to cultivate and discipline body and mind. If your merit and cultivation reach completion, they will far surpass fleeting worldly distinction. Only then may you hope to enter the realm of immortals and be chosen among the Ten Isles, the legendary abodes of Daoist immortals.

“Qinyuanchun”

Why not begin by asking yourself what you did in your youth? Look closely back at your conduct in those years: perhaps it went against the Way of Heaven and Earth, or showed disrespect to the spirits. Now your face is aged and your life is nearing its end. What can you do to save yourself? Do you know that among the Three Teachings passed down by sages and worthies—Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism—there are paths worth following?

In quietude, realize the heart of compassion. For a long time, it seems, people have known of your life of secluded cultivation: living quietly, burning incense, and resting in stillness. Quickly cultivate both your pure, luminous nature and your inner light; begin your practice now. Recite precepts and rules aloud, and grasp the secrets of cultivation in your heart. Clear away the sins accumulated in the past. It is not too late to begin today. Seek the path of cultivation that lies ahead and take refuge in the mysterious Great Dao; then you can attain the fruit of the Dao, with certainty.

Wang Zhe took the name Zhiming, meaning “knowing clarity,” and called himself a man who understood principle, acted uprightly, and was free from constraint. He also adopted the distinguished name Chongyangzi, resolving to cultivate in seclusion and uphold the True Dao. Recite precepts and rules aloud, and grasp the secrets of cultivation in your heart. Clear away the sins accumulated in the past. It is not too late to begin today. Seek the path of cultivation that lies ahead and take refuge in the mysterious Great Dao; then you can attain the fruit of the Dao, with certainty.

Wang Zhe, the founding master of the Daoist Quanzhen school, was born with the single-character given name Zhe. He called himself “Zhiming” and was upright in character yet unrestrained. He also chose the literary name “Master Chongyang.” Taking truth, clarity, and purity as his principles of cultivation, he was willing to accompany fellow practitioners along the Way. He often studied the scriptures of the immortals and kept the incense of devotion burning in his heart for a long time, practicing the Water and Fire methods in due sequence. In the end, all could be brought together in one place, reaching a quiet and refined state; what he attained was complete, with nothing left out. Most suited to this practice is using Kan Water to welcome Li Fire, in Neidan cultivation a metaphor for harmonizing Yin-Yang Qi. Gathering precious Jing and Qi, he formed the Elixir Body; the transformation was wondrous beyond compare. Jade blossoms and jeweled buds—the refined essence produced through cultivation—coalesced, gleaming and crystalline, their light shining straight through the crown of the head. Beyond the blue sky, it was as if he were offering up a sacred mushroom. He was sure to form companions among the immortals in the clouds and fellow cultivators amid the rosy mists, roaming freely and exchanging poems. In the realm of fulfillment, he summoned azure luan birds and multicolored phoenixes, who bowed reverently to my master.

Jade Butterfly

Seize the red phoenix on Jade Mountain, a symbol of Li Fire in Neidan cultivation, and set it sailing with the divine boat, stirring waves as it floats onward. Then make the turtle, a symbol of Kan Water, open its mouth and reveal its subtle strategy. Draw in the vast surging waters as though draining the Northern Sea; breathe out mighty waves to irrigate West Lake. The waters spread of their own accord, their flowerlike patterns seeming everywhere to carpet the surface in gold. Shining pearls glitter like the bright moon, illuminating the four directions; their light rises everywhere and at last transforms into circling rosy clouds. One sees the round pearl gradually appear and form the precious Elixir, rising above the worldly realm in midair. From there, one sets out along the road to the Jade Palace, remaining clear-minded and free for ages in the Great Luo Heaven, the highest celestial realm in Daoism.

Southern Village

A kite made of fine paper catches the wind at just the right moment, and so its good fortune begins. Set it aloft, and it flies toward the boundless road beyond the clouds. Do not cling to the stake, still tethering it with a string. Keep it straight and do not let it veer; look up, and everyone points to it as wise. From then on, truly roam free and at ease: simply sever the silk and hemp cords, and escape the world’s entanglements.

Eternal Joy: Withdrawing the Contract

Wang San could not help laughing: when he was young, he had pawned his own body. Only now, at forty-eight, had he begun to plan his redemption and return. He had borne all this hardship alone—but for whose pleasure? He had to find the written contract that would let him withdraw and buy back his freedom. As for the wages…

When Wang San (possibly the author’s self-reference) was young, he sold his labor and worked for others, enduring hardship until the age of forty-eight. Only then did he begin to seek the path of returning to the Real. He bore the toil alone—whose pleasure, in the end, was it for? So he resolved to pack his belongings and leave his former work. He had never collected the wages he had earned, nor made any agreement that would bind him. He set out resolutely, beyond anyone’s power to restrain him, and gladly chose to put down roots in the cultivation of the Dao. Thereafter, beside waters and among clouds, beneath the clear breeze and bright moon, he experienced the true scenery of freedom.

His mind and spirit were lucid and clear, his insight keen and penetrating, and he entered a realm bright as silvery clouds at sunset. Within him, it was as though a flame blazed, containing subtle and wondrous mysteries.

Now is the time to turn back to cultivation and begin seeking the profound, wondrous principles. To bring one’s practice to completion, one must not sink into delusion and lose one’s way; the principles must be understood. Do not mistake a pit of fire for your home, nor enter the cage of worldly life: leap decisively out of both. Once awakened, you can receive the radiance of the sun, moon, and stars, which will shine continually above your head. A point of numinous light is ever accompanied by five-colored radiance; after nine turns, it penetrates the essentials of cultivation. Passing through Kunlun—the Daoist image of an inner landscape of the body or an immortal realm—one spreads the Great Dao in pure, luminous clarity and listens quietly for the golden rooster’s crow. Moonlight shines, stars fill the sky, and the fragrance of jade flowers rises in curling wisps. Having obtained the true lineage within the hidden and profound, one understands it completely.

Water Dragon Chant

If those who cultivate immortality wish to bring their practice to completion, they must remain sincere and become Superior Adepts, accomplished practitioners of the Dao. With clear and penetrating understanding, and a lucid, free-flowing spirit and Qi, they strive to seek the wondrous, luminous Dao. Stars fill the sky, and jade flowers waft their fragrance. Grasp the true lineage within the hidden and profound, and its real meaning will become clear.

Water Dragon Chant

If those who cultivate immortality wish to bring their practice to completion and become Superior Adepts, they must be clear in understanding and lucid and free-flowing in spirit, as they seek the wondrous intent of the Dao. They must turn back decisively, without hesitation, and resolve to sever the entanglements of worldly life, letting all worldly ties fall away. Then nothing will obstruct them, and body and mind will return to clarity. In this way, they can live long and see far—the Daoist ideal of enduring life and clear perception—and their cultivation will gradually reach completion.

Keep the teachings constantly in mind: let inner numinous light appear, and let golden radiance rise early. Five-colored radiance will also emerge, supporting it in turn and guiding one upward into the crimson empyrean, the Daoist realm of immortals. Then a Youth of Azure will arrive to guide and welcome you, offering precious jade and flower stamens.

On the road to Fengdu, the underworld, there is a place of dismemberment, where sinners are punished according to ancient legend. An iron bed, a cauldron of boiling broth, a mountain of knives, and a forest of swords are all prepared there. Those who have committed evil deeds are destined to witness these punishments. Those who have committed evil deeds are destined to witness these punishments. Ghost officials hold a black register and call out names; no one can refuse them, but must go with them. Give up this corpse while there is still time, and do not depend on your wife and children. Once in hell, you will suffer for a long, long time. Once in hell, you will suffer for a long, long time.

On the road to Penglai, the realm of immortals, lie places of ease and freedom, displaying the signs of long life: jade flowers and leaves, golden branches and jeweled trees. Those who do good are destined to behold them. Those who do good are destined to behold them. Youths in blue robes keep the registers of immortals. When one’s cultivation and accumulated merits are complete, one can ascend to the realm of immortals. Form a Golden Elixir—the coalescence of Jing, Qi, and Shen in internal alchemy—and seek out the Infant and the Maiden, images in internal alchemy that represent Yin-Yang, nature and life, and other aspects of cultivation. From then on, be free and at ease, and display the signs of long life. Those who do good are destined to behold them. Those who do good are destined to behold them. Youths in blue robes keep the registers of immortals. When one’s cultivation and accumulated merits are complete, one can ascend to the realm of immortals. Form a Golden Elixir and seek out the Infant and the Maiden, and never again endure the suffering of the Three Realms—the desire realm, the form realm, and the formless realm. Never again endure the suffering of the Three Realms.

“Song of Playful Musing”

The song celebrates the subtle mysteries: the Maiden and the Infant dance lightly; the Azure Dragon and White Tiger sway and answer one another; the Vermilion Phoenix and the Tortoise coil and entwine. Suddenly, the mercury in the cauldron, an image in internal alchemy for Yin essence and energy, is stirred into motion, and the cultivation of nature and life becomes clear. The mountain peaks rise high in the sunlight, and the full moon shines in the blue sky. All things, countless and layered, surround the scene; a gentle breeze drifts through. In the clear, open realm, the True Spirit receives the Celestial Emperor’s decree and dwells at a key pass in Penglai.

“Painting the Night”

Keep the gates firmly shut; within lies a wondrous strategy. Set up the furnace and stove to refine Golden Essence (Jing and Qi cultivated in internal alchemy); nourish the original Shen (the source of the human spirit) and form the elixir. The elixir congeals into a single sphere, perfect and bright, blazing with radiance. It moves freely beyond the void, circulating without end. The five-colored Qi comes to aid it, while the cultivator acts without deliberate effort or contrivance.

In the depths of obscurity and trance, it is not formed by relying on anything external. The cultivator masters the abundant True Qi within and keeps the appointed covenant. The road to Penglai (the legendary realm of immortals) stretches long before them: Golden Essence is refined, the original Shen is nourished, and the elixir is brought to completion. The elixir congeals into a single sphere, perfect and bright, moving freely beyond the void; the five-colored Qi supports it, while the cultivator practices Wuwei (non-action), without contrivance. In the depths of obscurity and trance, it relies on nothing external; the cultivator masters the abundant True Qi within and keeps the appointed covenant. Thus, a lasting bond is formed with the path to the immortal realm, securing eternal life and unending spring. Jade blossoms and flower petals of the immortal realm will also appear. When cool radiance shines in every direction, fragrance naturally transforms into clouds. By turning inward to honor the enlightened master who guides one’s practice, one reveals true joy and delight.

Zhong Gong said: “A mirror can show you others, but it cannot show you yourself.”

A hundred times refined, the bronze mirror is round and small, its smooth surface reflecting a wondrous light. When people face the mirror, they see one another, and their features become clear. Beauty and ugliness, grace and plainness, young and old—all are reflected together. The mirror clearly shows the faces of all who dwell in the mundane world. Yet what people see in one another is only outward appearance. How could they thereby reach the inner nature?

There is another luminous and intimate wondrous method, called the “mind mirror”—a practice of observing one’s own heart-mind. It is the foundation for cultivating the mysterious Dao. It can illuminate both past and present, and discern the delusions of the past. Let this bright radiance shine inward, reflecting the original pearl of nature (one’s primordial inner nature). In this way, one gains one’s complete True Nature from within and remains clear and transparent forever.

“Moon over the Jade Terrace: Leaving Zhongnan Mountain” (the title of a song lyric).

Roam freely among the clouds and stroll at ease along the quiet Way, enjoying for a long time the freedom of a clear breeze and bright moon. Turn the light back and illuminate within—gathering the spirit and reflecting on oneself—so that the heart becomes clear and lucid, deep and tranquil as dark blue pigment. It is as though one were amid clouds and mist, gazing from afar at a beautiful immortal mountain. Through stillness and cultivation, one ultimately returns to the Sea of Tranquility, a Daoist symbol of peace. A covenant made in a former life endures in this one; meeting an enlightened master makes its meaning clear.

Knowing and loving one another, all is harmonious, and gatherings are peaceful and at ease. This wondrous realm is precious; both inwardly and outwardly, one should honor it at all times. Incense smoke curls upward, seeming to become a canopy of clouds. One often roams with immortal companions, watching from a place of calm the towers aglow with rosy clouds: divine □ (the meaning of this character in the original is unclear). Through the sun, moon, and stars—the Three Luminaries—one reaches samādhi, a state of focused stillness. Exchanges with friends are harmonious and unimpeded; a single spark of numinous, true nature makes one free and at ease.

In cultivation, seek a straightforward path, keeping the heart pure and still. Investigate the mysterious principles and recognize the original awareness of seeing and hearing. The Four Emblems within body and mind—a Daoist term for transformations of Yin and Yang within the body—need only be made clear and pure, so that the source is lucid and upright. Probe deeply into hidden mysteries and contemplate distant depths; wear and honor the Three Luminaries, following the Three Sages, the three revered figures of Daoism. Cultivation and virtue must both be grounded in awakening and self-examination. Inward radiance is warm and sharp, its brightness clear and pure, its source upright; its light blossoms in layer upon layer, enduring in stillness. The numinous manifests in a perfect, rounded form, like a mass of red light shining forth. Fragrance and radiance rise through the void, at ease beyond the dusty world. One’s original nature and life return to the cloud road, passing over the mountaintop and away. Worthy of celebration is the immortal island of Penglai; so invite Qingjin (an expression in the original whose meaning is unclear) to go there.

“Full Courtyard Fragrance: Lord Liu Asks About Nobility and Humility”

Whether one lives in wealth or poverty in this life ultimately relates to karmic conditions from past lives. Human fortunes and decline, beauty and ugliness, do not arise from favoritism or deliberate preference for anyone. The key is that whatever cause one plants in the heart brings a corresponding result; good and evil, too, pass down from generation to generation. When a flower blooms, it is a blessed place; when it withers, it becomes the source of calamity.

Wise people should awaken early. When one’s time of fortune arrives and one’s lifespan nears its end, power and status must also be set aside and concealed. If one can let all these things go, one can return to one’s original state. Set the foundations right, remain untouched by external things, and be free of worry and distress. Seek out the true and wondrous principle: neither high nor low status obstructs cultivation. Reaching the Great Luo Heaven, the highest celestial realm in Daoism, is the culmination of cultivation.

Also titled “Liu Gong Seeks.”

The wise and discerning each possess their own intelligence, while the foolish and stubborn each have their own disposition. The two are different from the outset: some can understand principles and see clearly, while others are confused in their nature. These differences all arise within the spirit, each with its own distinctions; the principle is plain to see. Do you know? Those skilled in cultivation can open the body’s nine orifices; those sunk in delusion and darkness fall into the suffering of illness, as though their disease had reached the point of no return.

Think carefully about this: by secretly accumulating good deeds, one can become virtuous; by acting recklessly, one allows folly to take control. I urge you all to awaken quickly and cultivate with an impartial heart, attaining lasting peace and purity. When sincerity comes to light, it can summon back one’s original true nature and set one on the road to the land of immortals.

Also composed at the request of Lai Yanzhong, an instructor at the prefectural school in Jingzhao, who asked for ink.

Mao Ying (the brush), Chu Sheng (the paper), and Tao Hong (the inkstone)—these three precious writing implements are already mine. But Chen Xuan (the ink) is not yet by my side. Day and night I focus my thoughts, yet do not know where it is; much literary talent also remains hidden and unrevealed. Whom should I ask for ink? Only the learned and discerning Yanzhong can help.

If he recognizes my talent, I ask him to grind the ink, so that my thoughts may spread as wide as a sea of clouds. With brush in hand, I will write sacred talismans and precious registers—Daoist talismans and seal-script texts—to relieve suffering and dispel calamity. May every household honor the Dao and every person awaken, so that all may escape the cycle of rebirth. When our merits and cultivation are complete and the road ahead is smooth, we shall go together to Penglai for a feast.

Also titled “Not Yet Willing to Leave the Household.”

Before beginning cultivation, one should first practice good deeds and accumulate merit. One can do good and build up blessings at home as well. Pay respects morning and evening, and burn incense often. Gradually lessen your craving for wealth and sensual pleasures. Learn to arrange your life in moderation and support your parents. Bring the restless mind under control; as the ancients said, the soft and yielding overcome the hard and strong.

In all you do, think for the long term. Put others before yourself, and be diligent in understanding the changing fortunes of human life. Live harmoniously with your close kin, and deal with friends in a way that is both accommodating and principled. Make offerings to your ancestors and pay respects at the ancestral hall. Practice filial devotion, and arrange things properly according to their order. When festivals come, gather joyfully for a feast and sing “Courtyard Full of Fragrance” together.

On cultivation after leaving home

Once you have resolved to cultivate, your ultimate aim should be stillness and peace, leaving behind worldly affairs. Do not rely only on the outward form of sitting in meditation. Instead, morning and evening, sincerely hold Dao in mind and revere it. You must let go of wife and household concerns, leave your hometown, and part from your children. Keep your mind steadfast and undivided. The people will be at peace, the country prosperous, wars will be won, and the army will be strong.

Only through long practice can you attain ease and freedom, seek the wondrous principle, and realize stillness. You must also rely on a realm of emptiness, silence, and vast remoteness, for the Great Dao has no fixed direction. It appears only through the mind’s own clear and radiant awareness. Once the mind’s light is bright, you can discern and assess. Chongyangzi, Wang Chongyang’s literary name, is like a golden chrysanthemum blooming in the frost, alone embodying the character praised in “Courtyard Full of Fragrance.”

On cultivation

When Yin energy has been exhausted and Yang energy made pure, the life force settles and one’s nature comes to rest. First, one must understand the methods for refining and cultivating “mercury” and “lead.” These are terms in Neidan practice, often used to represent the Yin-Yang vital energies within body and mind. White is firm and black is steady; the earth horse and the wood ox respond in turn. These are all symbolic expressions in Neidan, describing the process of harmonizing Yin-Yang and the Five Phases during cultivation.

On cultivation

When Yin energy has been exhausted and Yang energy made pure, the life force settles and one’s nature comes to rest. First, one must understand the methods for refining and cultivating “mercury” and “lead.” White is firm and black is steady; the earth horse and the wood ox move in turn. The movements of Mao and You often follow Zi and Wu; once the mind’s light is bright, one can discern and assess. Chongyangzi is like a golden chrysanthemum blooming in the frost, alone embodying the character praised in “Courtyard Full of Fragrance.”

Mao, You, Zi, and Wu are the Twelve Earthly Branches, used here as symbols in Neidan practice. Jia and Geng converge, with the Kan trigram receiving the Li trigram; “knife and measure” refers to a tiny yet precious substance used in cultivation. The Zhen dragon, Dui tiger, red phoenix, and black tortoise are also Neidan terms, symbolizing Yin-Yang energies and their transformations.

What matters is harmonizing true water and fire: using Gui and Ding as symbols of the furnace, the elixir can then congeal—there is nothing doubtful about this. Rinse the mouth with jade nectar, letting divine water nourish the Flower Pool; “divine water” and “Flower Pool” are symbolic expressions in Neidan practice. It moistens the numinous sprout like auspicious snow falling. The sun rooster crows and the moon hare moves, symbolizing the movements of sun and moon. The Golden Elder rejoices, and the Yellow Matron stands firm; then they nurture the Enchanting Maiden and the Infant. These are all Neidan terms describing the gathering of Jing and Qi and the union of Yin and Yang in cultivation.

It is also said that Zhang Gong and Shao Gong of Wendeng planned to establish the Jade Flower Society.

Wang Jia left behind his bodily form, and the Jade Flower Society arose because of this—all for Lord Zhang. Later, when they came to the Shao family, the hermitage could no longer be repaired. If people could wake up sooner, they should leave decisively, like a rabbit leaping away. Why remain attached to bricks and tiles? Do you know that a snapped lute string cannot be joined again, and spilled water is hard to gather back up? Enough. Take care, each of you. Though my heart is reluctant to part, I truly will not turn back. May you always hold your fellow cultivators in your thoughts. The sorrow of parting has already welled up; the Golden Lotus Seed sends its light across the sky in Xizhou. I will return to the splendid sights of Wen[deng] and will not visit again.

Moon over the West River

Caring for the body is not as good as cultivating one’s nature; cultivating the person and nurturing De (Virtue/Power) is not as good as refining the heart. From the time the sorrow of parting welled up, the Golden Lotus Seed sent its light across the sky in Xizhou. I will return to the splendid sights of Wen[deng] and will not visit again.

Moon over the West River

Caring for the body is not as good as cultivating one’s nature; cultivating the person and nurturing De is not as good as refining the heart. From long ago until now, we have been ceaselessly busy—but what, in the end, has it all been for?

It is best to carefully investigate the subtle and profound principles, then reflect deeply on the mysterious teachings. I urge you to gain some understanding of “metal in water”—a Daoist Neidan term for the true Yang Qi cultivated through practice. Do not indulge in wild imaginings out in the wilderness.

Remembering King Sun

People say the mouth is the gateway through which calamity enters; I say the tongue is the root of trouble. Speak no words and engage in no disputes. Pass the hours from morning to night, and you can remain at ease and preserve your life.

Veil of Silk

Disturb others less, and attend fewer gatherings. I have no wish to make enemies; do not blame others. Remain upright, frugal, gentle, and kind, and body and mind will be at ease. Do not always follow others to social engagements, lest you often incur debts of obligation. When you have money, people draw close to you; once you have none, even your relatives grow distant. Such is the way of the world. Having seen through people’s hearts, I think to myself in silence: perhaps leaving the dusty world is the only way out.

The Golden Rooster Crows to Warn Lord Liu

Occupying the void, it reveals a realm of striking and wondrous elegance. This is the mystery within mystery, the wonder within wonders. Five-colored numinous light appears of itself, shining through with radiant clarity. A single luminous pearl is surrounded by ten thousand rays of rosy light. Pure and clear, cold and bright; darkly still and silent, profound and unfathomable. The myriad forms of the world all gleam with radiance. In the moon, the Jade Rabbit calls; in the sun, the Golden Rooster crows.

Remembering an Old Friend at Peach Blossom Spring

Jade white flowers bloom on the branches of the glassy tree, and the buds seem adorned with agate. Its leaves, black as polished jade, are strikingly beautiful. Who can find these four treasures? In stillness, recognize the treasures that truly belong to you, and you will behold a realm of deep and subtle wonder, where all things shine with radiance. In the moon, a toad calls; in the sun, a golden rooster crows.

“Recalling an Old Friend in Peach Blossom Spring”

Jade white flowers bloom on the branches of the glassy tree, and the buds seem adorned with agate; its black jade leaves are strikingly beautiful. Who can find these four treasures? In stillness, recognize the treasures that truly belong to you, and you will know that their dazzling radiance is no ordinary light. Only those who truly understand know that all return together to Peng Island, the legendary isle of immortals.

“Southward-Looking Song”

Let go of all things in the world and cling to nothing. Only when every distinction is broken can understanding be complete. Recognize your original true nature, keep cultivating, and steadily seek the spiritual sprout within—the root of inner spirituality. Even amid fire, you can sail in peace; within the blazing flames, your countenance remains pure as a white lotus. Fragrance drifts far on the wind, passing freely through the blue heavens.

A further admonition against merely paying homage

Alas, some people are foolish and stubborn, wasting their effort on shallow practices. Prostrate yourself, bow down, and strike your head to the ground—do not remain deluded. If you pay homage only to this temporary body, your effort is still in vain. The Great Dao is originally empty; within its mystery lies an even deeper mystery, not easily revealed. Within each person is the primal light, the numinous clarity of one’s nature, yet few recognize it. I alone contemplate it day after day, attending to myself with each breath.

Do not chase after the things of the world. Let go of attachment, and your actions will settle into stillness. Turn the light inward and look within; recognize your original true nature for yourself, and you will be free of worry and at ease. What sorrow could remain? Board this great vessel and cross the main current with jade oars and jeweled sculls. Clear away the obstacles and cunning schemes in the swift waters, and you can travel beyond them to the Ten Continents and Three Islands, the legendary realms of immortals.

The transforming, uncertain body is as fleeting as the afterglow of lightning or a bubble on water. One moment it appears, the next it vanishes; it changes in an instant, like a wild wind rushing through a crevice or a white horse flashing past. Why not see through this illusory, clamorous human world? Turn your heart back at once, and cultivate the inner “jade shoot,” a metaphor for the life force gained through practice. A Golden Elixir forms on the jade shoot, shining brilliantly and coming clearly into view; it passes along the cloud road and enters the azure heavens.

Another poem: Duke Shao asks how to begin practicing.

My fate is not arranged by Heaven. Diligently till the “three fields”—the upper, middle, and lower Dantian of Neidan practice—and hold fast to the subtle mysteries. First let sweet rain soak the soil deeply, then sow the seeds. Golden sprouts like coins spring up across the land, bright in color. Tend them well, and you can nurture a jade lotus. Each lotus leaf is distinct, firm, and enduring. Immortal elixir like jade nectar drifts on the wind, spreading its fragrance; a numinous light appears of its own accord.

Another poem: The wind zither.

A skillful hand delights in making new instruments. This wind zither has sixteen strings and a special name of its own. It hangs in the palace, along the road that leads beyond the clouds; when the wind blows, it seems to draw forth its own music. It keeps its sound from the ears of ordinary people. The immortal music it produces is used to expound the Daoist scriptures. Only I listen closely beside it, each note offering a gentle admonition. It takes you with it to the immortal realm of Penglai, where you dwell in a jade courtyard.

“Little Double Mountain”: the ox represents the young ox.

Alas, this young ox does not yet know that it will one day become an ox. Its nature is like a rushing stream, surging without cease. It knows only to crave sweet milk, following its mother and tossing its head and tail. Later it enters a streambed and gradually runs on without stopping, racing wherever it pleases through the valleys, with no reins to restrain it. It greedily eats fragrant grasses, unaware of the danger brought by tigers and wolves.

Alas, the ox of this world. Its horns grow firm and sure, raised high as it rushes ahead; its body is broad as a valley, and it runs wherever it pleases, with no reins to restrain it. It greedily eats fragrant grasses, unaware of the danger brought by tigers and wolves.

Alas, the ox of this world. Its horns grow firm and sure, raised high as it rushes ahead; its body is glossy black, sleek as oil. It is headstrong and combative. Even when someone pulls at it, it refuses to turn back, struggling fiercely. When will it finally stop? Its strength and sinews spent, it collapses in the furrow. People reject it for no reason. Even as it grazes at ease on water plants, it cannot escape the danger of being slaughtered.

Gua Gu She.

The Guagu she was originally a song and dance beloved by immortals. A numinous child—a boy from the celestial realm—danced with graceful poise and natural skill. He held a jade cord that shimmered with light. A golden flower gleamed beside his head, and he leapt and danced according to the directions of the Five Directions: east, south, west, north, and center. He began his steps early, treading the cloud path; he began his steps early, treading the cloud path. He knew how to jest and play, bringing just the right measure of delight. His movements were nimble and delicate; the ornaments on his body chimed clearly, and tassels hung all over him. Then flocks of luan birds and immortal cranes filled the sky, greeting and escorting one another, gathering together to dance in unison and bring forth the Nine-Light Elixir, an immortal elixir glowing with nine colors. The road to the immortal realm of Penglai had already been agreed upon; the road to the immortal realm of Penglai had already been agreed upon.

Regretfully Slow to Rejoice

His given name was Zhe, and he was third in birth order. His family name was Wang, his courtesy name Zhimingzi, and his religious name Chongyang. Like a chrysanthemum, he waited until the heavy frost before gradually releasing its fragrance. Only in old age did he begin studying the Book of Changes, and afterward he donned Daoist robes. When he met Yuanming, he told me this was an auspicious sign. He pointed toward the immortal realm of Penglai and said, “Pay your way along the road to the immortal realm. When you return, there is no need to hurry, and do not be in a rush to worry about earthly affairs.”

Willow by the Mountain Pavilion

Turn back at once and seize the moment, for you are already old. Don the Daoist robes; when you meet Yuanming, he will tell you this is an auspicious sign. He will point toward the immortal realm of Penglai and say, “Pay your way along the road to the immortal realm. When you return, there is no need to hurry, and do not be in a rush to worry about earthly affairs.”

Willow by the Mountain Pavilion

Quickly turn your heart around and follow the course of circumstance. Stop chasing and coveting the things of this world. See clearly and break through each attachment, one by one, until you are calm and at ease. When the heart is still, clarity arises of itself; a clear state of mind is true cultivation. Move freely in and out of the mysterious, and search carefully in the deep and hidden places, until at last you understand what lies in the depths of the unseen. Steadily take up the silver oar and, fully awake, steer the great spirit boat swiftly toward the farther shore. The wondrous realm of truth then appears as the immortal isle of Yingzhou, a place where one may dwell.

Spring in Wuling

Heaven and Earth are supremely honored, and human beings are precious as well; the sun, moon, and stars hang high and shine upon all. The scriptures of the three teachings—Daoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism—contain profound and subtle principles; Jing, Qi, and Shen quietly support one another. Once the four aspects and the three foundations are fully understood, the Neidan congeals and transforms into the Golden Elixir. The Golden Elixir rises to the Bright Hall, the part associated in Daoist inner cultivation with the upper faculty of awareness, and pierces the Jade Peak, a lofty realm as beautiful as jade. Beyond the void, it finds a kindred spirit.

Licorice

People of the world are burdened by worldly concerns and refuse to cultivate; every one of them clings to gatherings and pleasures. They repeatedly crave glory and wealth—how could they be willing to awaken their hearts? Only when the ruler of the underworld sends someone to take them away do they hurry after him, by which time their children and grandchildren have already laid them in the grave. In the end, who will claim their gold, silver, and treasures?

Someone asked, “If you are cultivating, why do your teeth fall out and your hair turn white?” He replied, “I am fifty-five this year, and still laboring hard, busy with the harvest.”

I am fifty-five, past the halfway mark of life, yet people often examine me closely. My eyes seem veiled and cannot see clearly; my ears can still hear; my mouth has lost its teeth, and my beard has turned white. My outward appearance has grown old, but my inner true nature remains firm. The Golden Flowers beneath the earth and the true millet and wheat have ripened: the stalks show their colors, and the ears stretch out like bridges. Once the “Three Carts” have made their passage, I will be ready to welcome the immortals. “Golden Flowers,” “millet and wheat,” and the “Three Carts” are metaphors in Neidan cultivation, referring to changes and transformations of inner Jing and Qi during the practice.

Practitioners, do not take the wrong path, and do not let your mind-monkey and willful horse run wild—an image for thoughts that are scattered and hard to rein in. In stillness, apprehend the subtle workings of the mystery; without speaking, joy will arise of itself. Once you are purified and still, you can even bring emptiness within the scope of your awareness. If you ask how to attain “neither birth nor death,” the answer is this: the merit and practice of cultivation must be brought to complete fulfillment. With guidance from a true master, you will naturally see clearly when the time comes for them to lead you onward.

The Jia Dragon clearly enters the fire, while the Geng Tiger swims freely in the water. The Jia Dragon and Geng Tiger move back and forth, meeting and accompanying one another, and naturally tempering each other. Skillful nurturing allows them gradually to merge and take form; their transformation must be made clear from within to without. In the sky, a Blue Youth calls out; at that moment, you can leap upward and soar into the clouds. “Jia Dragon” and “Geng Tiger” are Neidan terms. Through the images of dragon, tiger, water, and fire, they refer to the Yin and Yang Qi that work in coordination during cultivation.

The master shut himself away to cultivate for a full hundred days. When the time came to open the door, he took a pear, cut it into ten pieces, and had Ma Yu and his wife share them. After the door was opened, Ma Yu left his family behind and became the master’s disciple. The master then composed a song for them:

I began making plans last year

to divide one pear into ten pieces.

You two, husband and wife,

are like father and mother;

I have waited to teach you

to forge hands that reach the clouds.

You have made me rack my brains

and given others cause to laugh.

From now on, let me walk with you still,

following the way of King Feng.

“Young Moth Urges the Officials”

Only by seeing and understanding the clear truth can one be truly free and equal to a great person. Do not envy the moths that fly into the flame beneath a lamp; that would cost you your life. Turn back in time and seek the profound, subtle truth. Cultivate the “Maiden” and “Infant” of Neidan (internal alchemy), terms symbolizing the refined energies of Yin and Yang. Take off your Daoist robe and put on ordinary clothes, then again honor the Most High Lord Lao as your teacher and become his disciple.

“Song of the Southern Branch”

A white egret stands in the middle of the river; a turtle dives to the bottom. A red rooster and a kingfisher gather among the bamboo. Put these four things into the alchemical furnace, and they can be refined into an elixir.

When the five flavors are harmoniously balanced, one can enjoy them in peace. Change the Daoist robe for ordinary clothes, honor the Most High Lord Lao as your teacher, and become his disciple.

“Song of the Southern Branch”

A white egret stands in the middle of the river; a turtle dives to the bottom. A red rooster and a kingfisher gather among the bamboo. Put these four things into the alchemical furnace and refine them into an elixir.

When the five flavors are harmoniously blended, let them circulate through the “Layered Tower” (a site in Neidan practice around the throat) and nourish the body. Once the six viscera are full and the body is calm and healthy, nurture the True Shen (spirit) until it leaps into the realm of the immortals.

One should lament the candle flame flickering in the wind, and also the bubbles that vanish in an instant upon the water. Life comes and goes—when will it ever cease? It is like a person coming and going through the cycle of rebirth, sinking into the current of karma.

We know of donkeys and horses; mules and oxen are no less real. If a person falls into this without realizing it, how can they escape? Fortunately, we have obtained human form, so we should hasten to practice the Dao in earnest.

“Night Journey to the Palace”

Make your home in the deep mountains, stroll along the green peaks, and follow your heart in freedom. When cold, wrap yourself in grass clothing; when tired, lie down and rest. Eat pine nuts, and when thirsty, drink the clear water of the mountains. In this way, replenish your Shen and vital energy. Naturally, you will fear neither cold nor hunger, and will not grow tired. Having found this tranquil place of freedom, enjoy the ease of cultivating the true, and enter an immortal realm encircled by rosy clouds and emerald mist.

“Song of the River Deity”

Within emptiness and formlessness, recognize the fullness of your true nature. Look joyfully toward what lies ahead, seeing it clearly. Hold fast to the true and solid foundation, and let the radiance of wisdom bring forth a new sound. Open the five gates so that breath may enter and leave, circulating and roaming freely. At the summit, you can move unhindered in every direction.

“Song of the River Deity”

Within emptiness and formlessness, recognize the fullness of your true nature. Look joyfully toward what lies ahead, seeing it clearly. Hold fast to the true and solid foundation, and let the radiance of wisdom bring forth a new sound. Open the five gates so that breath may enter and leave, circulating and roaming freely. At the summit, you can move unhindered in every direction. Raise a cloudlike canopy, lofty and magnificent. Reveal a radiant spiritual light, with a point like a red cherry at its center. Layer upon layer of colored light surrounds it; in this cool realm, one attains long life without end.

A practitioner should wear coarse cloth, eat a plain vegetarian diet, and be content with solitude and stillness. The mind devoted to the Dao differs from the thoughts of ordinary people; worries and distracting thoughts must be put aside. Within the heart, one must recognize the gathering of the “Golden Crow” (a symbol of the sun) and bring the “Jade Rabbit” (a symbol of the moon) into clear radiance. Then let the “Scarlet Phoenix” embrace the “Black Tortoise essence.” Who can comprehend the principle behind this?

“Immortal of Longing,” Part Two: Duke Zou Asks About Knowing the Mind and Seeing One’s Nature

Do not chant in vain, and do not chase after things relentlessly. This subtle principle is most profound: how can one know one’s original mind? Gather the mind inward, and also climb high to gaze into the distance. When the bright moon shines alone over the summit of Jade Mountain, you will understand the principle that “there is gold in water.”

“Shroud of Su,” Teng Qi Releases a Tortoise

This divine tortoise is deeply grateful that you spared its life. Your kindness is profound and vast, its depths impossible to fathom. In the past, Mao Bao released a tortoise and later received its reward. The divine tortoise will thank you in another unmistakable way. May you roam playfully like a golden lotus, and offer your greetings with ease and modesty. May you enjoy a thousand years of long life, with blessings, longevity, and good fortune without end. Turn back and observe yourself, and your spirit will grow clearer and more radiant. I must also trouble you to send this vital energy up among the rosy clouds.

Also: Seeking the Abbot of the Qin Ferry Cemetery Temple

You are skilled at reading scriptures and at performing repentance rites—prostrating and confessing your transgressions. Your golden face is as if rouged, perfectly suited to being frequently touched by this vivid radiance. Its red grows ever richer, yet never fades. Within appearances, see Complete Perfection; within Complete Perfection, cultivate clear stillness. With the “lead knife” and “mercury chisel”—symbolic terms for lead and mercury in internal alchemy—split open the darkness and break through the gloom, letting silvery clouds of light appear and disappear. Ten thousand rays of rosy light gather into a single point: this is prajñāpāramitā, the wisdom that leads to awakening, which neither increases nor diminishes.

Do not deliberately hold the body upright, and do not force yourself to sit in meditation. Do not shake your sinews and bones or exhale thick saliva. If you cultivate only outwardly without a response within, you will merely exhaust your spirit and labor in vain. Act when it is time to act; lie down when it is time to lie down. Simply investigate that single point in the heart until you see through its pivotal secret. Turn the light inward and observe yourself directly; then you will see five-colored clouds of light covering a bright, pearl-like sphere.

On Mount Wutai, the three luminaries—the sun, moon, stars, and other sources of light—shine everywhere. The eight consciousnesses described in Buddhism have all become clear and bright, while numinous radiance surrounds the four forms in which Yin-Yang change appears. The Arhat turns back and sees the Bodhisattva. Buddhahood is fully perfected, yet its realm cannot be expressed in words. Enter the realm of emptiness, and one can rise freely into the air. The pure mind receives complete support and accords with a state of clarity and calm.

The divine pearl shines with brilliant clarity, and numinous radiance surrounds the four forms in which Yin-Yang change appears. The Arhat turns back and sees the Bodhisattva. Buddhahood is fully perfected, yet its realm cannot be expressed in words. Enter the realm of emptiness, and one can rise freely into the air. The pure mind receives complete support and accords with a state of clarity and calm. The divine pearl displays layers of radiance, its light flowing and reflecting in brilliance; the golden tower appears once more.

Again, sent to Elder Brother Tan and Elder Brother Tang

I urge everyone not to fritter away their time in ceaseless busyness, but to seek out profound and subtle truths and cultivate blessings and wisdom over the long term. Investigate your nature by the light of a bright lamp, as though a candle were illuminating the heart. Take care to preserve your body and maintain a steady livelihood. Treat the wind as an uncle; uncle and nephew each keep to their proper place. Wise nephews should not cling to worldly appearances, but should hasten to follow the path of cultivation. Act in accordance with the new precepts, and Tang Lin and Tan Yu will both understand the Way.

Again, presented to Mr. Zhao of the Medicine Market Street in Jingzhao

Mr. Zhao invited us to share a meal of rice cooked in water. Each grain was like a pearl, each kernel like a lingzhi mushroom. After eating, the mind became bright and complete, as though a garden had come into bloom. The jade blossoms opened, and one was no longer confined to the shell of an ordinary mortal body. Gather the radiance of the three lights—the sun, moon, and stars—and discern the four forms. Rouse the spirit, and the child within the precious cauldron, a symbol of vitality in internal alchemy, grows strong as well. The five-colored clouds of light merge into one; inner fullness follows, and the wish of a lifetime is fulfilled.

Again, exhorting the people of Liquan

People of Liquan, you should all do good. Time passes swiftly, like flowing water and flying arrows. Wealth and honor bring nothing but worry and are not worth envying. This ordinary body, formed from the temporary union of the four great elements, is like a silkworm spinning a cocoon: people become entangled with one another and boast of the cocoons they have made, while wrapping their true spirit inside, until at last they are placed in a pot to be boiled. Wang San does this to offer guidance and urge people toward goodness. If you do not believe him, you will regret it when the time comes, and will never again see the face of “Harmful Wind,” the name given to a free-spirited cultivator.

Brothers, settle your body and mind. Thoroughly break through even the tiniest dust and grime, and leap beyond the Three Mountains—the Daoist immortals’ mountains, which can also stand for the constraints of the world. The moon rises in the east, and the sun sets at the hour of the Rooster; bright stars seem to follow alongside these three. Let the breath flow in clear harmony and the spirit grow radiant. When the two channels run freely and in balance, genuine cultivation and skill can be achieved. Rise into the clear heights of the sky, where radiance shines through. Only then does the state of Wuwei (non-action) become evident, and one begins to understand the state of returning to freedom from leakage and dissipation.

Another Poem for Wang Xiaoliulang of Jingzhao Prefecture

You are a kind-hearted person, clever and quick-witted. You ask me about cultivation, so I will share some uncommon teachings. Yet household affairs in this world can hold a person back, and with a wife and children, it may be hard to leave them behind. I urge you, clear-minded friend: you need not leave home and withdraw from the world. Burn incense reverently each day, and cherish the sun, moon, and stars—the Three Lights. Keep thoughts of helpfulness and goodwill in your heart in all things. As the years pass and the right season arrives, you too can reach the immortal realm encircled by clouds and rosy mists.

Another Exhortation to Cultivate

Do not busy yourself only with ritual practice, nor devote yourself solely to sitting meditation. If you wish to cultivate, first quiet the unruly, restless mind—the “monkey mind,” a metaphor for thoughts that are hard to settle. Gather in and store the heavy, turbid Qi, letting it gradually rise, while nurturing your inner true Qi and spirit. The Maiden (a Neidan term often referring to Yin essence) frolics, while the Infant (a Neidan term often referring to Yang essence) lies at rest. Guide them to the Middle Dantian, then through the Bright Hall, a site within the body associated with the movement of Qi. Gather a white lotus and carry it into the realm of emptiness; there, it reveals a pearl-like radiance.

Another Exhortation to Fellow Cultivators

Fellow practitioners of the Dao, heed my counsel. Let the clear, harmonious Qi cease to dissipate; allow it to rise gradually, nurturing your inner true Qi and spirit. The Maiden frolics, while the Infant lies at rest. Guide them to the Middle Dantian, then through the Bright Hall. Gather a white lotus and carry it into the realm of emptiness; there, it reveals a pearl-like radiance.

Another Exhortation to Fellow Cultivators

Fellow practitioners of the Dao, heed my counsel. If you merely let mucus and saliva keep flowing out, you will squander your Jing (essence). The dregs of the Five Grains, too, will be hard to refine into an Elixir. This is like feeding some kind of livestock—why invite such pointless trouble? Those who understand cultivation know the principles of transformation involved. There is another wondrous, natural flavor: when the Divine Water, a Neidan term for the sweet saliva spoken of in cultivation, connects with the Flower Pond, the place where saliva gathers in the mouth, it leads to the right path. Use it to nourish the Dantian, and before long you can return to Peng Island, the fabled mountain of immortals.

Another Poem for Da Che

Wood has no awareness, yet it is fashioned into objects; skilled craftsmen shape it with their ingenious hands. Black oxen and yellow oxen may be strong, but they can still be led by a rope. If a person is drawn into the dusty world, they are bound to remain caught in the cycle of rebirth. One must cultivate even in quiet places and practice even in moments of leisure. How can one attain true joy in carefree freedom? Wait until the white ox leaps forth: then a lotus blooms, and ten thousand rays of rosy light shine out.

I sigh at the brevity of human life: like dew on a blade of grass, it gradually dries beneath the morning sun, and in the end returns to dust. A hundred years are hard to hold on to, yet people cling only to the earthly world, willingly bearing its hardships. I tell you all: listen to my words. Break free of the cage of ordinary life and seek the Way of long life. Turn back in time and examine yourselves anew, and you may ascend the Seven-Treasure Mountain and keep company with clouds and rosy mists.

Gazing Toward Penglai

After the hut was burned, as it happened, two disciples came from Ninghai, rebuilt it, and settled there.

The Master Chongyang (Wang Chongyang’s title) no longer chases after the things of this world. He wanders at ease among clouds and waters, content in himself. The thatched hut burned, and that was the end of it; there is another place where I can make my home. Leave the old site behind—someone will surely come to rebuild it in time. Even if you refine yourself until you are transparent and resolute, how could you learn to be as free and untroubled as I am? I have already gone to Yingzhou, the fabled immortal isle in the sea.

Another poem: Seeking Money in Liquan

Liquan, the place, is good, and especially willing to shelter poor people who cultivate the Dao. To break free of worldly pursuits and their empty show, I need only subdue the foolish “monkey” in my heart—that is, my restless, unruly thoughts. I have no wife or children. If the neighbors are willing to contribute a little money, we can all buy “golden wheat rice” together, feed the “iron ox” three meals a day, and cultivate the “old infant.” These are metaphors from Neidan (internal alchemy), referring to practitioners taking body and mind as their foundation and nurturing their inner Qi and Jing, along with their nature and life.

The true Great Dao can harmonize Kan and Li, terms in internal alchemy that often refer to Water and Fire, or Yin and Yang. One must recognize the state beyond the workings of the Five Phases, and understand one’s original condition before one’s parents gave birth to oneself. This is not difficult to grasp. The key is to awaken quickly and begin cultivation at once. Above, the sun, moon, and stars shine as the Three Lights; within, the two Qi of Yin and Yang are present without separating. Gather the Jade Lingzhi, a symbol of the essence gained through internal alchemical cultivation, and you can achieve success.

Practitioners must seek the path forward. Only by letting go of self-attachment in deep stillness, and cutting off entanglements with worldly relationships in quiet, undisturbed calm, can one hold to the true Way. In this way, one gradually awakens and reaches a state of ease, stillness, and purity. Put aside all external things and scattered thoughts, and all things will become clear; perfect radiance will appear of itself.

The practice must be explained with care. Outwardly, keep the limbs comfortable and steady; inwardly, observe the movements and changes of the Five Viscera and the Yin-Yang Qi. This is how to cultivate the Way of Quanzhen (Complete Perfection). Remain firm and steadfast, keeping body and mind calm and at ease. When the two Qi of Yin and Yang are harmonized, one’s nature can open; all things will gradually become clear, and perfect radiance will appear of itself.

In cultivation, everything must be explained with care. Outwardly, the limbs should be calm and at ease; inwardly, one should examine the causes of imbalance in the five viscera and the reversal of Qi’s movement. Only then has one set out on the path of Quanzhen (Complete Perfection). Hold firmly to meditative stillness and calm, allowing body and mind to rest at ease. When Yin and Yang Qi are harmonized, they can awaken one’s innate nature. Then let Qi move through the Three Dantian (upper, middle, and lower energy centers) to support the numinous spirit. One who accomplishes this may be called an immortal.

The true Great Medicine reveals itself with perfect clarity. Yin and Yang Qi contain one another, embracing three layers of mystery. The paired passes—the apertures through which Qi moves in cultivation—close, leading ever deeper into the mysterious realm. This truth must be realized for oneself; it is difficult to put into words. Of the verses left by the ancient immortals, two are especially worthy of reflection: ordinary people need a raft to cross a river, but once sages have completed their work and reached the far shore, they no longer need a boat. The more one clings to the means, the more confused and disoriented one becomes.

When the monkey of the mind and horse of the will grow still, the principles of nature and life become clear of themselves. A single grain of daogui, a metaphor for the inner alchemical medicine, opens the Four Images. With two methods of wielding the spear, symbolic terms in internal cultivation, one cuts away the Three Corpses, the Daoist name for impurities within the body. Shen Water nourishes the Flower Pond, the saliva in the mouth or the inner fluid described in cultivation. See how this speaks of Kan and Li, symbols of water and fire, Yin and Yang. The earth horse drives away the metal tiger; the iron ox plows forth the jade dragon. Only then has one met a true master.

True tempering dispels delusion and lifts the gloom of confusion. Step across the place illuminated by the bright moon and take the true path; cleave through the scene before your eyes and enter the Mysterious Gate. In this way, the exalted path of Daoist cultivation becomes manifest. There is no need to cling to deliberate control: a spark of numinous awareness appears from Kunlun, an important locus in internal cultivation. Then abide in the midst of emptiness and transcend the transformations of nature; return beyond the world of things, rising above Heaven and Earth, Qian and Kun. Whether it exists or passes away need not concern you.

Chongyangzi (Wang Chongyang) took drinking water as the occasion for a fruitful encounter with cultivation. Washing away the weariness of the mundane world, he made his mind clear and pure. Watering the root of life, he let its sprouts grow, thereby nurturing Qi and spirit. Tranquility and stillness are most precious; the flavor of sweet dew brings one back to the true state. Each drop of sweet dew nourishes and opens the teachings of the Three Teachings; its gentle flow conveys the vitality of the four seasons in an everlasting spring, and ultimately returns to freshness and clarity.

Once you can begin the work of cultivation, you will understand its fundamental principle. How does one grasp the method of the Three-in-One, the practice of bringing three into unity? By penetrating the five thousand words of the Dao De Jing. From this, one establishes the foundations of cultivation. Then, with steady effort, leap into the crystal platter, a symbol of a pure and luminous state, and call forth the true self unknown to ordinary people. It still has its own power, rising and stirring without ceasing; the more you cling to pursuing it, the more confused you become.

When looking back on the past, one must realize “the rarefied and the obscure”—the Dao in its silent, formless state, beyond ordinary perception. In cultivation, one must gradually eliminate desires and attachments, and firmly turn from worldly life. Only by seeing through these things can one find a refuge. One must discern the transformations of Yin and Yang Qi: the Jade Toad, a lunar image symbolizing Yin, moves, and the Golden Bird, an image of Yang and Metal Qi, appears in turn. When Yin and Yang unite, the eastern and western directions connect with the earth’s veins. Only when the harmonizing Qi flows freely between above and below and accords with the Way of Heaven can one grasp the subtle refinements within the mysterious.

Those who cultivate must understand the “four things” in reverse: Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind—the four basic elements that make up body, mind, and all things—must all be transformed and dispersed. How could the sensory realms of form, sound, fragrance, and taste endure? This is what reveals the auspicious conditions for cultivation. Once these matters are fully understood, the mind grows still and silent, entering a state of obscure self-forgetfulness. In the path of purity, innate wisdom appears and recedes; the true spirit passes in and out of the mysterious gate. Within emptiness and stillness, nine rays of radiance merge into one.

The true Great Dao has a wondrous flavor beyond compare. In the light of the bright moon, its radiance gleams; when the clear wind rises, subtle things appear. From then on, one can behold numinous forms as delicate as the zhi fungus. The Great Dao is neither narrow nor broad—so where could there be a difference between far away and close at hand? When all things appear in harmony and reach completion, one is free; when all is unified and everything attained is sufficient, one is at ease. Thus the manifest clarity of the Great Dao is revealed.

“Preface to the Orioles’ Song”

The nightingale often circles and sings around the red trees, as if it had made them its home. Its winding song rings clear, and even on bright days it never stops exercising its voice. Hidden in the dense vermilion grove, it sings on and on, its notes shifting as though it were telling all kinds of stories. Hearing that the new lead and new mercury are ready, it calls them to return to their ancestral source—a return to the root in the practice of cultivation.

It calls people to awaken and suddenly understand their original source, following the natural order. In turn, it distinguishes the Heavenly Stems Jia, Yi, Geng, and Xin, then lays out the gates according to the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams (Bagua). It sets the Four Symbols in motion—the four states of Yin-Yang change—and carries the Seven Returns through to completion, the stages of refining Jing, Qi, and Shen in the elixir tradition. After a thousand days and mornings of cultivation, the elixir is formed through the use of gentle and fierce fire. This Golden Elixir gradually appears over the course of two years.

The infant crosses the tiger, and the Maiden rides the dragon; white clouds summon emerald mist. Each takes up a steel knife and a wisdom sword. Their blades meet and clash in combat, while the key mechanism turns in secret, and neither side fears the other. The turtle and the red phoenix come forth and are subdued; they harmonize with each other and cease their fighting and defenses. The numinous child joins them together and brings them into union. From then on, one gradually seeks out the treasures and makes them complete; when they are to appear, they can be brought forth in accordance with the proper method.

Ten thousand bright pearls emit divine light, their radiance turning back to envelop all around. A streak of silver-pink cloud rises softly, breaking through the heights and illuminating the clear sky, spreading out a path to a realm like carved jade. In the center appears a scene of true, wondrous mystery, with star crown and moon shawl—the dignified attire of Daoist immortals—complete and in place. One lifts one’s eyes and looks back again and again. What is seen is clear and distinct, limpid and calm; at last, one encounters “Harm-Wind,” Wang Chongyang’s self-chosen name.

“Woodpecker”

Look at this floating world: for a person, the most precious thing is life. Give up glory and riches to preserve spirit and strength; nourish the Dantian (energy center), and cut off desires for flavors. If you keep this practice, there will be nothing to fear.

Know for yourself, and uphold the practice yourself; cultivate the way of long life. Make a vow yourself, and vow again and again. Today, let the matter be made clear: first, reach the farthest limits, and cut off desires for flavors. If you proceed in this way, there will be nothing to fear.

Understand the Way for yourself, and carefully observe the precepts; cultivate yourself in pursuit of long life. Make a vow, and speak plainly today: first open the crucial passages of cultivation and awaken spiritual insight, while keeping alcohol, sex, wealth, and anger in check. Only then can you preserve your root and keep your foundation firm for a long time. How can the tiger and dragon meet, and the Maiden and Infant accompany one another? Let go of all worldly turmoil, harmonize the two forces of Yin and Yang, and return to their original state. Seek the profound and mysterious principle, and search for the secret true formula.

Cultivate yourself; once you have seen your nature, there is no need to cling to the life of the physical body. Stay alert at all times, first gathering in the unruly Qi within. Set disordered Yin and Yang back in their proper sequence—a state worthy of praise. As the Qi of the two channels flows back and forth, all is auspicious. Discern what is clear, and keep to stillness.

From that moment, the turtle awakens. It opens its eyes and sees brilliant light. At ease, it swims through the water and the waves, gazing upon the bright sunlight on the mountain. The waves then grow calm, and the waters settle.

Settle within yourself, letting the Li Palace, where the heart’s fire resides, receive the balancing influence of the Kan Gate, where the kidneys’ water resides. Realize for yourself how to establish a storehouse of lead within mercury. Mercury and lead are common metaphors in Neidan cultivation, referring respectively to Yin and Yang essences. Turn back often and focus your inner gaze, bringing the Qi above and below into harmony and learning the path along which the breath moves. Gradually enter the path to an immortal realm of clouds and rosy mists.

The Red Phoenix flies in, beating its wings, and drinks up the waters of the Wu River, gazing deep into the water palace. Let Shen be your master and your foundation; use only the pinch of cinnabar—a metaphor for the medicine of Neidan or the essentials of cultivation—to soothe and harmonize over time. Only then can Zi and Wu accompany one another. In Neidan, Zi and Wu often refer to complementary movements of Qi, such as Yin and Yang or Kan and Li.

Sit in stillness and settle yourself; see the true fire within the Wood. The Red Phoenix flies in, beating its wings, and drinks up the waters of the Wu River, gazing deep into the water palace. Let Shen be your master and your foundation; use only the pinch of cinnabar to soothe and harmonize over time. Only then can Zi and Wu accompany one another.

Sit in stillness and settle yourself; see the true fire within the Wood. Rejoice in your ease; in the past, too, there was no calamity. The rainwater of the East falls steadily, just as it should, nourishing branches and leaves and making flowers grow. Pearls of treasure form in clustered spheres. Emerald clouds rise and fill the sky; white dew gathers in the space above. Yin and Yang unite and dwell together in peace. Only then does it become clear that nature and life are not separate from one another. The success of cultivation is not determined by Heaven, but depends on your own practice.

Do you lie peacefully at rest, taking your repose in the West? Cultivate with your own effort, gathering true fire in the Numinous Terrace, where the mind and spirit reside.

The Qi of Geng and Xin, corresponding to Metal among the Five Phases, responds in season; whatever you take up, you can see through. What appears is, after all, this one root.

Once you leap free, there is no distinction between large and small. Once struck, it is neither hard nor soft. A sound like this rings clear through the Hall of Brightness, a term in Daoist Neidan for an inner space or chamber in the body.

When you reach a realm of exquisite clarity, all rejoice together.

I understand it myself, I understand it myself—this is perfectly clear. From this understanding, from this understanding, once you attain the One—accord with the Dao and return to unity—there is no longer any division into four.

Scatter golden flower stamens through the void, and ten thousand rays of rosy light will pass through inside and out. Return to the beginning, and you will see the source.

To cultivate the laws of pure, perfected truth, there is no need to remain bound by ideas of the Five Phases—Wood, Metal, Fire, and Water among them. Little by little, accumulate wholesome causes in your heart, and your mind will grow cool and settled, free from the disturbance of sorrow and joy.

Attain long life, and preserve it for a long time.

I am Chongyangzi, known as Haifeng. My name is Wang Zhe, and my courtesy name is Zhiming. In speaking of the purpose of cultivation, I have never spoken falsely or deceived anyone; in “The Woodpecker’s Song,” I have made the truth clear. I explain this to you all—please understand.

To know the truth of the matter, you must quiet your mind and reflect carefully, and believe in cause and effect. Now my heart is glad, and I have entered the mysterious Dao; so I close the gate of my hermitage.

A clear and lucid mind is truly precious. Naturally, pure incense is offered in worship. In the stillness, unmistakably, there is just one person—my master has come to see me.

Fine wine and delicacies—enjoy them as you please; a full meal is best. Take scripture for wine and virtue for food. Once you have drunk and eaten your fill, simply sing and dance, and delight in discussing the Dao.

Often I handle the sacred lingzhi, letting its strange fragrance drift through the air. Unmistakably, there is just one person—my master has come to see me.

Fine wine and delicacies—enjoy them as you please; a full meal is best. Take scripture for wine and virtue for food. Once you have drunk and eaten your fill, simply sing and dance, and delight in discussing the Dao.

Often I handle the sacred lingzhi, letting its strange fragrance drift through the air. Clouds and rosy mists cover the four directions; cranes and luan birds lead the way, and at last I journey to the immortal isle of Penglai.

Ask Wang San yourselves: Having suffered hardship through the turns of fate, what do you feel now? His expression is calm; he smiles to himself and sees life and death with great clarity. In this way, he has come to understand the nature of Shen (spirit) more deeply, and no longer envies the wealth and luxury others boast of. “Five pairs of trousers” alludes to an old story praising an official’s virtuous rule. He feels ever more cool and at ease, with no need even for garments of fur or hide—much less any desire for silk or cotton clothing.

When he wishes to show the bearing of his cultivation, he wears only a blue-white headcloth and a plain shirt, both made of hemp. He carries medicine in a gourd and scriptures in a bag beneath his arm, using them to help those who suffer. With a bamboo staff in hand, he moves calmly and freely, wandering at ease like Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin, the immortals of Daoist legend. I have set out on the path of return to the Great Dao, keeping company with mist and rosy clouds.

Suddenly I meet Master Ruan, a figure here used to represent someone with an eye ailment. His eyes are bloodshot, and a haze veils his sight, leaving him unable to see clearly. How can he regain clear vision? The truly wondrous medicine lies in cultivation and care. Once the skilled physician has done his work, a scrape with a golden spatula, an ancient instrument for treating eye disease, clears away the obstruction as though it had vanished into emptiness. The three lights of the sun, moon, and stars then shine again with their original brilliance.

Cai Lun, the legendary inventor of papermaking, helps make a paper garment, distinctive when worn. Fresh and clean, the paper clothing is rarely seen in this world and can distance a person from worldly toil and disputes. Its surface is white as fine jade, gleaming with a jade-like radiance. Autumn frost and cold winds seem weak beside it. With the chill held at bay, one can experience Nature’s mystery and drift freely like a white cloud.

I urge fellow Daoists to do good. The Great Dao is without sound or speech: how should we turn our bodies and minds around and return to it? We must decisively cast aside outward splendor, seek out the hidden mystery, and cultivate the Dao in stillness and leisure. Recognize the true nature with which we began, and grasp the essentials and methods of cultivation. Each person already possesses this true nature; see clearly what it is and let it emerge. Once you have experienced it for yourself, you will naturally cherish it and never wish to part from it. Come to the Crimson Firmament, the celestial palaces of Daoist belief, and join the feast of jade. There, brilliant light shines forth in countless rosy rays, piercing threads as fine as jade and snowflakes like precious stone. A luminous pearl rolls, its radiance flashing like lightning as it passes straight through the center. At last, return to the Great Luo Heaven, the highest heaven in Daoist belief, and transcend the flux of change forever.

When Heaven and Earth first separated, where did I dwell? Before my parents were born, what was my name? I must understand this principle and pursue it to its roots; I cannot rely on judgments of right and wrong alone. Teach this principle of nonduality carefully, then continue to investigate the original face from the beginning. Coming and going in the world, people are often led astray; who knows when they will receive guidance?

Suddenly, the true spirit came before me. Recognizing its original form, I joyfully let it appear. I looked upon it with a clear mind and found it upright and majestic. Its radiance shone forth, making it easy to turn inward and comprehend myself. Yet when I saw it, I could only grasp its meaning in secret. It was subtle and mysterious, hidden deep in an elevated and far-reaching realm. A round light appeared, bearing five colors. In the end, all returned to the source, and everything was auspicious and complete.

“Reduced-Character Magnolia Blossoms: Farewell to the World”

The human body is a temporary union of four elements. To rely on it for long life is ultimately to rely on nothing. After death, the body is buried in water and eaten by fish; what remains is only the karma left behind and dry bones. This time, I am departing. My true nature, like a precious pearl, is beyond all measure. This is genuine cultivation: to board the carefree boat in peace and cross to the other shore.

Another Self-Portrait

At eighteen, I had finished reading the chapters and verses of the Classic of Filial Piety. To celebrate an age of peace and prosperity, I loved dancing the “Six-yao” before the wine tables. I was skilled at every kind of dice game; among six dice, no one could match me at rolling three of a kind. I was a fool, yet always full of fresh tricks—the leading figure in a crowd roaring with drums and music.

After seven years of turmoil, I awakened fully to the Heart Sutra and was no longer bound by obstacles. Let me go east, west, north, or south: the four directions have no higher or lower, no upper or lower. The Three Assemblies at Dragon Flower—the future gatherings at which Maitreya Buddha will attain enlightenment and teach the Dharma—will each have their appointed time. Among six dice, no one can match me at rolling three of a kind. I may seem foolish, yet I am always full of fresh tricks, the leading figure in a crowd roaring with drums and music.

After seven years of turmoil, I awakened fully to the Heart Sutra and was no longer bound by obstacles. Let me go east, west, north, or south: the four directions have no higher or lower, no upper or lower. Amid the Three Assemblies at Dragon Flower, I quietly savor the meaning of carefree freedom. To see true emptiness, one must look to the source, in primordial Nonbeing.

In the year of the Five-Nines—a calendrical reckoning in which a cycle lasts nine years, here referring to a particular age—I cultivated the Dao and drank three cups of wine like an immortal banished from Heaven. With graceful bearing, I used this occasion to demonstrate the custom of striking an earthen ox at the start of the farming season. The East Lord, spirit of spring, bestowed abundant De, letting the mountain plum blossoms and riverside willows grow freely. Through such diligent cultivation of the Real, a precious pearl appeared from within the Jade Tower.

Green mountains and clear waters still hold people spellbound for a long time today. Between green waters and blue mountains, one who has attained the Dao should naturally live at ease. The carefree delight brought by a clear breeze and bright moon is hard to put into words. The bright moon, the clear breeze, and I are just like three companions who know one another well.

When the mind is narrow and small, one must carefully seek out the subtle principles. If one can set aside this narrowness of mind, one will understand that, in the symbolic language of cultivation, the You direction may be regarded as the East and the Mao direction as the West. Once the mind rises high, the inner fire flares up and disperses the Jing and Qi in the Three Fields—the upper, middle, and lower Dantian, where Qi is said to gather in internal cultivation—like using up every last drop of honey. When the heart-fire rises, it is like a turning wheel: one falls into the cycle of rebirth and undergoes another round of turning.

When Shen and Qi are clear and bright, the body and mind feel at ease, and one can sing amid leisure and joy. When the breath is fresh and clear, it is like a drum sounding, giving voice to what is inherently one’s own. Clear Shen and fresh Qi are like the Yellow Sprout, a metaphor in Neidan cultivation for life stirring and the Elixir beginning to form, gradually growing through nourishment and watering. With fresh breath and a clear spirit, one can recognize the road ahead and discern its true direction.

Another gift to the Wang family’s tavern

To make cool noodles, skillful hands must gently knead and roll the dough, as if holding a ball of snow. Once the noodles are ready, jade-like blossoms tumble into the precious serving vessel. Slice them finely with a knife; silver chopsticks lift the jade-flake-like food from the bowl. Cut it into fine pieces, set some aside, and gather blue peaches to give along with it.

Another gift to the Wang family’s tavern

To make cool noodles, skillful hands must gently knead and roll the dough, as if holding a ball of snow. Once the noodles are ready, jade-like blossoms tumble into the precious serving vessel. Slice them finely with a knife; silver chopsticks lift the jade-flake-like food from the bowl. Once it is cut, set some aside and give blue peaches along with it.

A further appeal for donated cloth

After living by the sea for a long time, one can hardly keep warm without cloth for clothing. For those who have long made their home by the sea, ordinary health and comfort depend on having warm clothes. I hope you will give generously and take the lead in donating, thereby inspiring more people to join in supporting the cause. May you lead the way in helping, accumulate merit, and nurture the Immortal Embryo, a metaphor in cultivation for the inner fruits of body and mind, so that it may unfold and grow.

“Langtaosha”

Scholar Tang asked me to write a lyric about the chill of spring and the heat of autumn.

The seasons shift and overlap, and the four seasons do not keep an unchanging pattern. Cold Qi gathers above while warm Qi rises below, and the two currents rub against each other. Warm weather can be invaded by cold, while cold weather may turn warm; the alternation of heat and cold is hard to predict. This is just like the passing splendor of the world, ever uncertain, as people each make their living: when times favor them, they are warm and comfortable; when they do not, they are distressed and uneasy. Wealth and poverty, like heat and cold, are never fixed, like sand and stones tossed and washed about by the waves.

The gentle Qi seeks to rise, while cold Qi sinks and gathers heavily. Inner coolness and ease can also ascend, yet outside heat presses down on it and keeps it from rising. A chilly spring and an autumn that seems hot are just like the shifting splendor of worldly affairs, as people each make their living: when times favor them, they are warm and comfortable; when they do not, they are distressed and uneasy. Wealth and poverty, like heat and cold, are never fixed, like sand and stones tossed and washed about by the waves.

Harmonious Qi rises upward, while the cold and somber aspect sinks and congeals. A cool, refreshed mind can also lift a person upward, but the blazing heat of outside forces suppresses it and holds it in place. Thus spring is sometimes cold and autumn sometimes hot. After Yin Qi descends, Yang Qi rises again; when Yang is flourishing, Yin grows in turn. When people are weakened, they may instead boast of their abilities. Just as dawn approaches, darkness briefly returns; misfortune and good fortune often come one after the other.

The passage also laments how insubstantial and fleeting human life is.

A spark from striking stone vanishes in an instant; a flash of lightning is extinguished at once. A hundred years of life are like bubbles on water. Why do life and death follow one another so swiftly? We are like a dying candle in the wind, liable to burn out at any moment. Amid the turmoil and glamour of the world, you should understand that human life is brief and illusory. Add oil from blessings and De (Virtue/Power) to the lamp, and kindle the lamp of wisdom, so its flame may shine brightly for a long time. Then use its light to behold your true nature and vitality, like a numinous fungus.

You should understand the “Yellow Sprout”—the generative impulse spoken of in Neidan (internal alchemy) cultivation—and not suddenly become enamored of wealth and status. Leave the household of worldly life and enter the Daoist path to immortality. Break one by one your attachments to external things. Why rely on the methods of sexual energy harvesting involving infants and women, as described in old Neidan terminology? The Immortal Isles of Penglai appear in splendor, surrounded by emerald clouds and rosy mists. In the Garden of Everlasting Spring, admire the flowers and plants imbued with numinous grace. Purity and radiance shine upon all things. This state must still be cherished and experienced for oneself; there is no need to boast of it.

“Mountainside Stream”

The Three Elders of the Jade Hall—the spirits of body and mind, or the key principles of Neidan cultivation—know only the “Three Practices of Wang San,” a technical term in the original referring to three forms of inner discipline. They can also discern the Three Platforms, a constellation that also alludes to related parts of the human body, and nourish and rely upon the Three Fields: the upper, middle, and lower Dantian (energy centers). This naturally brings together the three forms of radiance and gathers Qi and spirit. By guiding the Three Carts, a metaphor for circulating energy in Neidan cultivation, and following the Three Teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, one will not remain forever sunk in the Three Paths of rebirth. One must understand the Three Treasures—often Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit) in Daoism—in order to behold the beauty of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the highest divine realm revered in Daoism. True nature shines through the Three Peaks, and one suddenly understands the workings of the Three Burners, the body’s upper, middle, and lower regions. There is no need to speak further of the Three Ages—past, present, and future—when all the Buddhas seem to appear before one. Comprehend the Three Vehicles, Buddhism’s three paths of practice, and enter Samadhi, a lucid and focused state of meditation, returning in clear purity to the Three Isles, the legendary islands of the immortals.

In cultivating the Dao, never rely on “Infant and Maiden,” Neidan images of the infant and the Enchantress. The essential point is to keep to these principles and avoid entanglement in the many distractions of the world. One will naturally become quiet and detached, content with solitude; one may eat plain, coarse food and wear rough cloth, without giving up the basic necessities of life. Keep a broad and peaceful mind, and care for this temporary body. When true leisure is found amid ordinary free time, one feels cool and refreshed, with a clear and lucid mind and spirit. Accumulate merit and practice in secret until the two Qi of Yin and Yang are full and balanced. When spiritual radiance appears, one can roam freely, and the master will recognize such cultivation.

Water bubbles rise to the surface and drift back and forth with the current. The wind gradually stirs them: now they appear, now they disappear. They are here one moment and gone the next, suddenly dispersing and then gathering together again. When two round bubbles meet, spiritual awareness emerges, and people thereby attain carefree freedom. The master understands this clearly.

Water bubbles rise to the surface and drift back and forth with the current. The wind gradually stirs them: now they appear, now they disappear. They are here one moment and gone the next, suddenly dispersing and then gathering together again. Their comings and goings are swift and impossible to predict. Human life in this world is like a water bubble; it cannot last. Fame and profit, too, are fleeting. You should awaken as soon as you can and not lose yourselves in wine and sensual pleasures. Nurture and gather Qi (vital energy) and Shen (spirit), and go on to grasp the subtle vitality of the sun, moon, and stars. Tend to body and mind morning and evening, protect and refine the Golden Elixir—the gathered state of Jing (essence), Qi, and Shen sought through Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy)—so that it grows brighter and shines with radiant light. In this way, you can enjoy lasting freedom and longevity.

Also presented to Brother Liu, skilled in shaving hair

Your skill is exceptional: with tweezers, you refine a person’s appearance. Your scraping and trimming are so deft that people are pleased and at ease. Once you have finished, they look as if they had been painted: their brows are elegant, their sideburns and beard neatly groomed. They look younger, their signs of age diminished, and speak with greater ease. The inner spirit and vital breath blend in harmony. They have no form or substance, no cheeks or beard to be shaped. What is there to say of such wondrous skill? I can only point out its deeper principle: if you grasp it, hone the Wisdom Sword—a symbol of cutting through delusion and distracting thoughts—and let its keen white edge and blue steel shine forth. Shave away the stray thoughts that veil your nature, and let its perfect radiance appear.

“Yan Gui Liang”

The principles of cultivation are profoundly subtle, like washing gold from water until the pure gold is revealed. Seek them carefully in a place of stillness; only the clear breeze and bright moon are kindred spirits. Cultivation must continue over a long span, without interruption.

“Yan Gui Liang”

The principles of cultivation are profoundly subtle, like washing gold from water until the pure gold is revealed. Seek them carefully in a place of stillness; only the clear breeze and bright moon are kindred spirits. Cultivation must continue over a long span without ceasing. If you can draw up the true meaning, it is worthy of praise and song. Only after carrying what you have gained up to a lofty mountain peak can the Daoist heart come into view.

“Gua Jin Deng · Liu Jiang’an”

A lovely pond and pavilion, their scenery clear and splendid. One may be skilled at shaping the landscape outside, and also at arranging the mind within. Who can understand these two things? Carefully follow the Huangting Jing (Yellow Court Scripture), a Daoist classic on cultivating body and mind and visualizing the inner landscape, to put them in order. Let the inner and outer realms flow into one another and reach the state of the sages. True Qi surges within the water, while the flames burn with fierce strength. Through infusion and refinement, true purity can be forged.

“Jin Jiao Ye”

Immersed in worldly affairs, thoughts become a cage and love a prison. Jade handcuffs and golden shackles bind us tightly, while we bear desires that can never be satisfied. A hundred years pass in the blink of an eye; by day we suffer, and by night we suffer, driven into ceaseless activity. One should leave the burdens of family early, cultivate alone in quiet, and find a Dao companion with whom to form an immortal partnership.

“Spring at Wuling”: Ode to a Skull

With nothing to do, I wandered idly in the countryside and saw a coffin whose wooden boards had broken apart, exposing a white skull lying there alone. The sight was both desolate and distressing. How did it come to lie across the road, left for passersby to discuss? In life, it was benighted and ignorant, never earnestly cultivating the Dao. Now that things have come to this, all must simply end.

“Calming the Waves”: Presented to Ma Yu

Among the countless people, one suddenly awakens and recognizes the auspicious conditions for attaining the true Dao. He is like a pure white lotus, fresh and lovely, rising from the mud and leaving the lost path behind. He dwells in a lucid realm, his flowerlike face unfolding, accompanied by a mind as clear as the moon. He releases fragrance through the void and reveals his wondrous true nature; at last, this time, he attains a state of spring that lasts through all four seasons.

He suddenly awakens and recognizes the auspicious conditions for attaining the true Dao, like a pure white lotus, fresh and lovely, rising from the mud and leaving the lost path behind. He dwells in a lucid realm, his flowerlike face unfolding, accompanied by a mind as clear as the moon. Through the void he releases fragrance and reveals his wondrous true nature; at last, this time, he attains a state of spring that lasts through all four seasons.

“Silk-Washing Stream”

Chasing a sound in an empty place is futile; trying to scoop up the moon from the water is just the same. Scratching an itch through a boot only makes one more impatient. Taking a stone for a zither string, when will it ever make music? Drilling wood to make fire—how long before it catches? It is as absurd as lying on the ground and searching for the sky.

Cultivate the “crystalline-yang” field within until it ripens. Through the practice of “nine returns and seven reversals,” the five colors emerge in their fullness, and the mind becomes pure, lucid, and renewed. “Nine returns and seven reversals” is a term in Neidan (internal alchemy), referring to the process of refining and nurturing Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy), then returning them to their source. The untroubled wanderer beyond the world, the guest beyond the clouds, the true nature in stillness and emptiness, and the immortal in the grotto-heaven all tread golden lotuses, freely coming and going beneath the clear sky.

People of the world all cherish this body, temporarily brought together. I urge them to recognize the person within the skull—that is, the true nature inherent in oneself—and to draw close to it. Once you turn the light of awareness back upon your original face, you will know the way home. From then on, roam freely, enjoy the natural delight, and resolutely leave the noisy world behind.

“River Plum Blossom”

Fan Mingshu of Ninghai invited me to a meal and to admire the osmanthus blossoms together.

When I sit in meditation at dawn and reach the utmost stillness, the joy within my heart grows deeper. Leaning against the railing, I see an extraordinary tree. It seems to have descended into the human world, bearing the clear radiance left behind by the Moon Palace, the legendary palace in the moon. Later it is nourished by something like sweet dew from a clear sky, which moistens its roots and sends forth branches until it grows tall and wondrously beautiful.

Its buds open, adding bright red to their pink; following the circuit of the heavens, it blooms in turn through the four seasons. Its stamens fall like gold, and its rich fragrance fills the air. Only the “Dao eye” of a cultivator can perceive the mystery within. How could such a form remain in the dusty world, mingled with its dust? So I call upon the pure wind, and together we ascend to the Jade Terrace, a high platform in the realm of immortals, to revive the spiritual root and plant it once more in the Moon Palace.

“The Golden Rooster Crows: The Buds Open, Their Red Deepens”

The buds open, adding bright red to their pink; following the circuit of the heavens, they bloom in turn through the four seasons. Their stamens fall like gold, and their rich fragrance fills the air. Only the “Dao eye” of a cultivator can perceive the mystery within. How could such a lovely form remain in the dusty world, mingled with its dust? So I call upon the pure wind, and together we ascend to the Jade Terrace, to revive the spiritual root and plant it once more in the Moon Palace.

“The Golden Rooster Crows: The Ninghai Army Forms the Golden Lotus Society”

The principles behind forming the Golden Lotus Society, a group devoted to Daoist cultivation, are not understood by everyone. A golden platter is presented, and seven bright pearls appear; how many mysteries, too, lie in the Golden River of Jinling? To bring forth golden light, one must stir with a golden spoon. It leads people into a deep and subtle realm. The golden wind blows, and fragrant scents envelop all around. Golden branches and jade leaves grow together in beautiful form. When the “Golden Old Man,” a symbol of internal alchemy or Yang energy in cultivation, is summoned, the “Golden Rooster Crows” is played.

“Another Admonition to Lord Liu”

Only by understanding “the faint and the obscure”—the Daoist state of seeing without looking and hearing without listening—can one perceive the mysterious. Reaching this state, one is naturally free of troubles. Yet the ties of wife, children, and grandchildren bring endless concerns; desire and affection bind a person fast, like a deep valley and a dark abyss. If you wish to become clear and free, sharpen the blade of wisdom and cut through these bonds again and again. Even ten thousand catties of iron chains can be shattered completely. I urge you, Lord Liu: awaken soon, and listen as I sing “The Golden Rooster Crows.”

“Gratitude to the Emperor’s Grace”

On the first day of the tenth month in the Dinghai year, the Master wished to guide Ma Yu toward the Dao. He therefore locked the hermitage gate for a hundred days, hoping Ma Yu would witness the Daoist way of life for himself and thus be willing to follow the path of cultivation.

With the hermitage gate locked for a hundred days, he gathered in his unruly, deluded mind, discerning truth from falsehood in stillness and ease, and cultivating a quiet heart.

Close the hermitage gate for a hundred days. Gather your spirit and rein in confused, foolish thoughts. In stillness, slowly learn to distinguish and nourish what is true and what is false. Someone sighed and asked me whether one could really live with such ease and freedom. I know the taste of it: it is indeed pure and refined. There is another wonder here that is hard to put into words, as clear as a fine painting. I often bring it out and show it to people for a moment. To see it to one’s heart’s content would be worth even a thousand bushels of pearls in payment. When the time comes, I will teach a few essential words.

“Partridge in Auspicious Plumage”

The scene of lasting spring seems to endure year after year. In a realm without night, one stays forever awake. At ease and untroubled, one no longer gives rise to selfish thoughts and distractions; wandering freely, one is subject to no one’s command. One knows that beyond the worldly realm all things seem empty, yet alone perceives another heaven beyond the heavens. Five-colored clouds of radiance are always at one’s side, while golden flowers surround the Great Luo Heaven, the Daoist realm of highest heaven.

In cultivation, do not seek a rosy appearance on the outside. What matters is to kindle sincere devotion within. From this, “fire atop wood” can arise, and “metal within water” can naturally be nurtured. These are inner transformations expressed through the Five Phases in Neidan cultivation. Precious trees in the Jade Fragrance Garden accompany them; jade leaves and branches of precious stone mingle together. Do not seek a partner elsewhere: this inner realm is the true companion who understands you.

The essential thing in cultivation is to kindle sincere devotion within. From this, “fire atop wood” can arise, and “metal within water” can naturally be nurtured. Precious trees in the Jade Fragrance Garden accompany them; jade leaves and branches of precious stone mingle together. Do not seek a partner elsewhere: this inner realm is the true companion who understands you.

How, then, does one refine the Golden Elixir? Only after it is formed does one know that both aspects have reached completion. The “seven returns,” “nine restorations,” “four gates,” and “three fields” are all terms in Neidan cultivation for the movement of essence and Qi and the transformations of the elixir practice. When Qi and spirit merge and condense, they become the precious inner elixir; when one’s spiritual nature shines forth clearly, one may become a great immortal. Now return to the root and the correct Way, and stillness and peace will naturally endure.

“Cherishing the Yellow Flower”

Yesterday morning I got drunk, and someone bound my arms. I fell on the bridge and made a sorry spectacle. No matter how loudly I called, no one came to help; neither my wife nor my children would rescue me. I suddenly came to my senses and scolded myself. My son was as useless as a drooping willow; my daughter had only the beauty of a flower. My wife was no more than a dog disguised as a flower. I must be careful and guard against her, lest she take a bite out of me. This Wang San has precious little peace and quiet.

“Yellow Bean Leaves”

I urge men and women of wisdom to seek, while there is still time, a way to leave the world of dust behind. Visit a place of spiritual beauty and quiet, cool and serene, and settle there; open the gate that leads to long life. Begin your practice now. Make your effort genuine and your conduct upright, so that your original nature may shine forth.

In cultivation, “the Maiden of Beauty rides the Dragon, and the Infant crosses the Tiger” is symbolic language from Neidan (internal alchemy), referring to the union and harmony of Yin and Yang. “Reversing their course to obtain pearls and jade” is likewise a metaphor for transforming Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) through cultivation. In this way, one attains free and untroubled ease and condenses a radiant Golden Elixir—the image in Neidan of Jing and Qi gathering together—bright as a golden mirror and taking shape.

The Sacred Gourd

This sacred gourd possesses wondrous spiritual power. Remain alert and clear-minded at all times, and attain genuine freedom and ease. Whether by your bedside or in your mouth, keep reciting the scriptures of the immortals. Store good connections and good deeds within your belly, and your heart will pass from purity to clarity. Where will you go, lifting the gourd with a jade staff? Follow close behind your master: your path forward is to roam the four quarters.

The Guolang Style: Someone Asks How to Be Free of Hatred and Love

The more you hate, the deeper your hatred grows; the more you desire, the stronger your attachment becomes. What should you do when both hatred and love dwell in your heart? When others are joyful, be joyful as though you shared their joy; when others are ill, feel as though you too were ill. Regard yourself and others as one in your heart, and the distinctions of hatred and love will gradually dissolve.

The Slow Guolang Style

The sun sends out silver rays, and sweet rain falls, turning to dewdrops like pearls. Summon a gentle breeze, and let Qi and Shen (spirit) aid one another; then they will guard one another and remain together for a long time. Next, cultivate the Three Fields—the places within the body where Jing, Qi, and Shen are refined in Neidan practice—and bring the numinous elixir through nine revolutions to its full concentration.

Before the Azure Void, a pure celestial realm, jade mushrooms and golden trees grow across the land. Jadeite flowers bloom, filling the whole sky; their blossoms open in profusion, and their jade-like stamens release their fragrance. Amid this rich perfume, a point of light rests in serenity.

Let go of every concern and roam freely, walking at ease in quiet solitude. Leaning on an immortal’s staff, I let my wide sleeves hang softly. Colorful clouds wind around me as fragrant breezes arrive in waves from afar, while emerald mists come to guide my way. Suddenly I look up: the scene before me is clear and beautiful. A figure in blue appears in midair and beckons, telling me there is no need to seek elsewhere. Pointing into the depths of the white clouds, he says, “There are immortals there.”

Deeply Grateful for Grace

The mind and nature grow disordered through the harm of drink; Jing and Qi are depleted through indulgence in women. The eyes are damaged and the spirit declines, while money also becomes a master. The breath turns foul when it loses its purity and calm. Burdened by these things, people of the world find it hard to awaken and eventually sink into suffering. Those who understand the Way, however, remain composed and true to themselves, untroubled by such entanglements. They purify the true heart within and strengthen the primordial Yang below, the body’s fundamental Jing and Qi. On the left, they nurture the Azure Dragon, an inner force in Neidan practice; on the right, they rouse the White Tiger, its counterpart. Gather these forces together and the Golden Elixir can form, returning one to the Great Luo Heaven, the highest celestial realm in Daoism.

Breaking the Cinnabar Cassia

Qi, wealth, sex, and wine draw one another on and lead people into confusion. Who can easily resist them? So when illness strikes, a doctor is called, but the ghost messenger says, “Your allotted years are over. There is no need to hurry with treatment.” There is no need to cry out any longer: gathered together, these entanglements will in the end lead a person to death.

Breaking the Cinnabar Cassia

Qi, wealth, sex, and wine entice one another and leave people bewildered. Who can easily resist them? So when illness strikes, a doctor is called to treat it, but the ghost messenger says, “Your allotted years are over. There is no need to hurry with treatment.” There is no need for repeated pulse-taking and examination; this fatal illness has now sealed the outcome. The time has come to depart, and there is no refusing it. The underworld has already claimed the soul, and the summons has been delivered in haste.

In the netherworld, a chill runs through the heart as one awaits the judge’s searching interrogation. The ghost messenger shouts and hurries to seize the person. Why delay the sentence? What are we waiting for? First comes the punishment of boiling cauldrons; then the victim is pressed beneath iron instruments and made to drink molten copper again and again. The condemned cries out and begs for mercy, pleading for even a little leniency, and swears never to do such things again in the next life.

When it comes to cultivating and training oneself, these are really all that is needed. Do not cling to terms such as “old man and old woman,” “maiden,” or “infant,” and there is no need to speak of the Wood Dragon and Metal Tiger, much less use terms such as Black, Red, Kan, and Li. I urge all those who enter the Dao and cultivate themselves not to wear out the body or exhaust the spirit. This is the right time to seek within, with an open and unburdened mind, approaching Xiyi—the Dao’s subtle and hidden realm. Set aside constraints and let yourself be at ease, drifting like clouds and flowing like water, while maintaining true stillness. In this way, nurturing the inner treasure and gathering the profound, subtle mysteries is not difficult to grasp. If a glimmer of spiritual clarity can emerge from deep within, it will shine lucidly upon the Dao of Wuwei (non-action).

“River Song Command”: Presented to County Magistrate Dong Defu

When County Magistrate Dong Defu was present, he asked me to compose a “River Song Command.” You and I both saw with our own eyes the scene of blossoms falling beneath the hall. Once you understand, even a little, the emptiness and unreality of human life, you will no longer yearn for these entanglements of clinging and attachment. Instead, cultivate good deeds and prepare for the life to come. Wake up soon: time flies past like an arrow. Cherish the connections you have now, keep a kind heart, and make things easier for others. If you can turn your heart around, come with me to seek the Way of the immortals.

“Yu Meiren”

The Master once said: “I once carried a gourd of wine from the Gan River, intending to return to my hermitage. On the way, I met a gentleman. He said to me, ‘Will Haire (a term used at the time for someone whose behavior seemed mad and unconventional) give me some wine to drink?’ So I gave him the wine. He drank it in one gulp, then asked me to scoop up river water with the gourd. I drew some water and handed it to him. He gave it back to me and told me to drink. When I drank, I found it was immortal’s brew.” After drinking it all in one go, the Master again asked me to scoop up river water with the gourd. I drew some and handed it to him; he gave it back to me to drink. When I drank, I found it was immortal’s brew.

How much water did Haire drink? There is a profound, mysterious meaning in this. He wore a white hemp robe and a blue cloth headscarf; he looked composed and had a fine, vigorous spirit. There was no need to look in a mirror; everything was already clear in my heart. If you can recognize yourself within a dream, you are someone who can roam freely and reach the Other Shore.

Set the furnace and cauldron in place, and refine a cool, clear scene, as if grasping the shadow of the wind. Within its lightness and subtlety, fullness and perfection abound; a lucid mind-moon appears of its own accord, shining through the empty expanse. The promise made long ago is clearly inscribed in the heart, and the Heavenly Edict—the command of the celestial realm—arrives as promised. Clear strains of immortal music call out again and again. Now one may return to the source and ascend to the cinnabar clouds of the immortal realm.

Roaming Freely

If you wish to cultivate, you must seek with care and observe with seriousness. Keep the Golden Pass and Jade Gate—the body’s apertures in internal cultivation—firmly closed, allowing the Qi above and below to harmonize and mingle, infusing and nourishing one another. Even after gaining something from cultivation, remain alert and clear-minded, examining it closely. Let body and mind enter emptiness, then return to the root. A fine radiance appears, brilliant as silver clouds at sunset; the true spirit, one’s original spiritual nature, is fresh and lustrous, lucid and pure.

Leave behind turbid wine and drink clear water instead. Its taste is sweet and pleasing. It passes through the Ninefold Tower, the throat and its inner-cultivation passage, without a trace of impurity. The Five Gates, the body’s apertures, open, and Jing and Qi flow abundantly within. The Seven Treasures, the Jing, Qi, Shen, and other essentials prized in internal cultivation, are nourished and grow, irrigating the Three Fields: the upper, middle, and lower Dantian. Make full use of the knife and spoon, an alchemical term for the key method of blending substances or Qi, along with secret methods, and condense them into true essence, radiant, distinct, and wondrous. Climb to a mountain peak, keeping company with the clear wind and bright moon, and transcend the dusty world.

Immortal by the River

In daily practice, I had not yet noticed it; today, all at once, I feel body and mind open and at ease. Yin and Yang harmonize and unite, gathering into a single mass. The infant, an internal-alchemy term for refined Qi or the sacred embryo, enters the Maiden, a term often referring to Yin essence; the tiger coils around the dragon, and the two entwine. The Four Forms, the four basic elements of inner cultivation, blend in one place, like threads twisted into a jade cord, a single strand running through the Golden Elixir. Radiance appears of its own accord from the mudball, the upper Dantian in the head. Some things cannot be fully conveyed in words; some truths, even when left unspoken, are not hard to grasp.

Another poem: The Great Gourd Master often carried this on his outings to hold wine

He comes and goes along the streets. Who recognizes this gourd? It is always full of fine wine; why would he need to buy any? He drinks freely whenever he pleases, with wine to enjoy every day. He simply delights in living this way, and the gourd is always willing to follow him, never leaving his side. He hangs it from the end of his staff and carries it everywhere across the rivers and lakes. A boatful of wind and moonlight keeps him company; the waters and clouds of a thousand ages seem peaceful and boundless.

Chongyangzi (Wang Chongyang) sings “Skirt-Tie Sash”:

Chongyangzi atop Mount Zhongnan lives in true ease and freedom. The clear breeze and bright moon are always by his side. From the air come wondrous sounds, their echoes lingering far away, their resonance especially rich. He often travels along the tranquil immortal path to Penglai, simply to visit the ancient immortal Wang Qiao. Vermilion clouds and emerald mists gather and surround him. Riding a gentle breeze, he seems to have clouds tied around his waist as he rises straight into the blue sky.

“Welcoming the Immortal Guest”

Cultivation requires earnest seeking. Only through true purity, stillness, and sincerity can one come to understanding. Here there is blue, there white; one place is dark as a crow, while above it is deep red. All these visions gather in the palace of colored glass, where buds, stamens, and blossoms like fine jade appear one after another. Jade boys sing, and golden boys beat time. This mountain, chosen by Heaven, is where the immortals come to visit.

The melody first enters the “Break” section, but when welcoming the immortal guest, there is no need to fixate on the word “break.” If you can examine things clearly and see through their principle, you’ll soon have me laughing so hard my belly splits. Can you do it? Is that how it works? Yet you doze through the Zi and Wu hours. Jade boys sing, and golden boys beat time. This mountain, chosen by Heaven, is where the immortals come to visit.

The melody first enters the “Break” section, but when welcoming the immortal guest, there is no need to fixate on the word “break.” If you can examine things clearly and see through their principle, you’ll soon have me laughing so hard my belly splits. Can you do it? Is that how it works? Yet you doze through the Zi and Wu hours. What are you saying? What are you talking about? Are you merely cultivating alone in secret?

This “Mad Wind” (a self-mocking nickname) has made up his mind, and marvels that this is truly an extraordinary practice. There is neither disaster nor calamity; he seeks nothing, searches for nothing, and will not engage in shallow, superficial pursuits. The Great Immortal sings, and the Perfected One answers. There is no incense smoke in the Quanzhen Hall, meaning that cultivation is pure and still, following Wuwei (non-action). Wuyouzi and two others are here with him; in an instant they feel cool and at ease, sitting calmly in freedom.

End of volume five of The Complete Collection of Chongyang’s Quanzhen Teachings.

“May I ask how to practice?” Sit quietly and harmonize Metal, Wood, and Water, so each finds its proper place. Fire rises within, and the five things act together. In this way, the immortals can become wholly replete with Qi, clear in spirit, and sweep away every trace of desolate energy as remote as Mount Song. Settle into the proper place; pass on the wondrous workings. The flavors of the two fluids are worth tasting. Refine the brew often, open the path along which Jade Liquid circulates, and reveal auspicious signs. The Golden Elixir shines brilliantly, bright with radiance. Rise aloft in peace, into a realm both distant and profound; wherever you travel, the tones ring clear and pure. When the celestial signs appear, people naturally gain what they seek. This lyric is titled “Blossoms Fill the Courtyard.”

He also wrote to Zhan Gongwang, splitting the character “Wang” into its component strokes:

“Speak of cultivation: the old man calls for people to stop; people must rouse themselves. Investigate what is deep and subtle, and carefully distinguish the details within the mysterious. Cultivate in silence, and true achievement will endure and grow firm. Simplicity and integrity are indeed worthy of shouldering. A treasure lies hidden within; the flowers are richly fragrant, and above and below seem covered in silver frost. Look: the wise one sees that a single point in the mouth is bright radiance. Who can distinguish black from white, green from red, and yellow? The channels all open through the nine revolutions; circulate and move the essence until it reaches Kunlun, the legendary mountain where jade is found. Look up: before you, jade blossoms come together to form this lyric, ‘Blossoms Fill the Courtyard.’”

The North Dipper stars—what “Dipper” refers to; the first character is missing in the original—are like pieces on a chessboard, turning one by one, while a person’s thoughts likewise undergo countless changes. Fixated on the shifting situation, people secretly measure one another and cleverly devise schemes. All kinds of mechanisms are laid out before the Great Dao, and people compete to respond. If one can grasp the twofold key within them, one will leave this move on the board and quietly see through delusion.

Though the face is beautiful, one must still rouse and warn oneself in the moment. Even amid noise and bustle, one can remain calm and still. The Geng Tiger—an Neidan term often referring to Metal Qi or the Qi in the lungs—emerges from within and roars upon a high mountain. The principle is plain, yet people cannot tell black from white and do not know how to abide by the rule of Yin-Yang alternation. Though a splendid realm lies before us, my heart holds an immortal osmanthus tree. Who will climb it with me?

Also titled “Admonition to Shao Gong and Yang Gong, Bound by Family Ties” (a poem urging Shao Gong and Yang Gong, burdened by family matters, to let go).

There is no need to speak only of hunger and cold. Shao Gong and Yang Gong came to ask: their parents are at home, and it is truly hard to leave them; their children bind them, and their wives are sorrowful and distressed. The hexagram has already made things clear; matters concerning the fields are just…

Also titled “Admonition to Shao Gong and Yang Gong, Bound by Family Ties” (a poem urging Shao Gong and Yang Gong, burdened by family matters, to let go).

There is no need to speak only of hunger and cold. Shao Gong and Yang Gong came to ask: their parents are at home, and it is truly hard to leave them; their children bind them, and their wives are sorrowful and distressed. The hexagram has already made things clear; the fields are just… The earth trembles, cool and clear. Looking south, there is a sign before us. Why not take the opportunity to examine it closely? Lang… arrives in due course; Metal, Wood, Water, and Fire all shine forth. Suddenly the true scene comes into view, unfolding freely as it always was. Seeing the red clouds appear and vanish, once the Wisdom Blade—a symbol of insight—is unsheathed, it swings like a steel saber. Flowers blossom, the bonds of welcoming and guiding are joined, and the courtyard remains fragrant forever.

Also titled “Presented to Mother Xiyang.”

Speaking of emptiness, a lotus blossoms from within it; I am fortunate to have met Xiyang. Her attainment surpasses mine, and everything she does shines with distinction. At ease and untroubled, she accords with the Dao even when the wind blows. A treasure lies hidden within; after the flowers bloom, true fragrance wafts through the air. Silver waves surge beside us, smoke and flames mingle, and even the summer heat turns to frost. Green shoots and golden leaves are cool, each one. The hills south of the city show a sign, and words unfurl from beyond the heavens. She has remembered these things since birth and holds songs and lyrics in her heart; she should sing “A Courtyard Full of Fragrance.”

Also titled “Farewell on Leaving the Capital Prefecture of Jingzhao.”

The Complete Collection of Chongyang

I urge Lord Han to set out on the road of returning east, and to think carefully about its principles. When speaking of the teachings, I must compose them in verse. The Compassionate Venerable One appeared for several days; a round wheel emerged, its perfect radiance bright. Whoever can keep the heart free of obstructions will find auspicious affairs unfolding smoothly. Hold fast to sincerity and goodness over the years, and take up the path of cultivating the spirit; think carefully about its principles. When speaking of the teachings, I must compose them in verse. The Compassionate Venerable One appeared, the round wheel shining brightly. Whoever keeps the heart free of obstructions will find auspicious affairs unfolding smoothly. Hold fast to sincerity and goodness over the years, making the spirit the foundation of practice, and let clear, ringing sounds often arise. The blows resound in all directions, crisp and long-lasting. Daoist companions should rely on the fruits of actual practice. Flowers bloom, and golden stamens release their fragrance. Crow-like darkness recedes; where the moon appears, its light shines across the whole courtyard.

Again, at the request of Lord Yu of Huang County for guidance in cultivation

When cultivation is discussed, the old man is delighted. The bridge that guides one in cultivating the Dao can be brewed into sweet nectar. The pure flame blazes fiercely. Amid the reversal of Yin and Yang, misfortune turns to good fortune, and decline to prosperity. The Golden Crow, symbol of the sun, shines especially brightly; the Jade Rabbit, symbol of the moon, appears within it, subtle and distinct. At the mention of the true Way, summer heat turns to frost. The inner treasures—pearls and fine jade—must each be gathered and kept. Above all, preserve goodness so that the lamp of one’s nature may shine forth. As the numinous light appears, it grows ever brighter; at the center within, an upright radiance has always been there. Dark specks of dust disperse, and all the smoke clears. It is cause for celebration, as if the whole courtyard were filled with light.

“Mountain Brook”

Gather in the monkey mind—this is the rule for cultivating the Dao. Each person finds the path suited to them; with lasting ease and leisure, they return to the realm of Yang harmony. As the years pass, understanding this brings coolness. Signs appear, with an immortal among them, and even the poor of this world are moved to remember. Grateful for your letter and instruction, I often seek out the principles within it. As thoughts rise within me, I hear sounds in the distance—how could they be shut away or blocked out? The indistinct events of long ago, it turns out, had another aspect altogether. After the body has vanished, to keep company with the pines—how could one dare cross beyond the streams and mountains?

I have just opened the gate to awakening to the Dao (the Way), and now understand that the path of cultivation ahead will not be easy. Looking back, I am filled with emotion. Later, I was able to ride in a cloud chariot—the conveyance of immortals—and sit securely within it. Outside the chariot, immortal music could be seen and heard. Former immortal companions and rosy-cloud companions, friends who had attained the Dao, came dancing with their sleeves and spoke with me. In my heart I understood that only compassion is the guiding principle for making one’s way in the world. … Clear and cool, perfectly illumined, I turned the light back upon myself and at last left my own garden, the mundane world or my former way of life. Where do good fortune and celebration now reside? With sincerity revealed, the Chaoyuan Temple, a Daoist temple, is not far away.

“Partridge in Auspicious Plumage”

The wheat turns yellow, sends up its ears, and ripens; in the blink of an eye, autumn arrives. Body and mind seem to be scorched day after day by raging flames, and so sorrow often arises. The burdens brought by sons and grandsons, and the troubles added by wife and daughters, make one heartsick. Worry and fear are constant, while the household is always busy and leisure is hard to find. If you can awaken, you should relinquish your craving for fame, profit, wealth, and rank, and devote yourself to urging people to turn back early and cultivate the Dao.

“Linjiang Immortal”

You are always troubled by your wife and daughters, your heart weighed down with sorrow, while the household remains busy and offers little leisure. If you can awaken, you should let go of the Golden Flower, a symbol of wealth and splendor. I now urge you above all to turn back soon.

“Linjiang Immortal”

I earnestly seek a secret for cultivating the Dao, and ask to be taught the wondrous method of stillness and purity. This method is astonishing, enough to shake both body and mind. The master, an immortal or teacher, enters the “Medicine Mirror,” a metaphor for the cultivator’s contemplation of body and mind and discernment of inner states, and opens the vision for cultivating the Dao. All external demons are swept away, and illness and calamity can also be cured. A peal of thunder sounds between the red waters and the green waters; within the Dantian, the site of Neidan (internal alchemy) cultivation, the precious seal reaches Penglai, the legendary realm of immortals.

“A Memorial Is Presented Again”

In the outer courtyard, a precious jade document is presented, while those dressed in ritual vestments stand in orderly ranks. Permission has been granted to submit a new document with the ritual tablet. All recite the text together, then burn the memorial. As the talismanic document bursts into flame, clouds and rain descend; the deities relay the document in proper order. The bound document is delivered to the Celestial Lord, then a reply is sent back so that the sages of the Daoist tradition may know.

“Again”

On a white tablet, the Golden Formula Register, a talismanic record of precious Daoist teachings, is written, along with the name of the departed soul. It inspires both awe and longing for the dead. Through a memorial rite for the departed, seeking their deliverance, the soul can be shown the gate to rebirth. Another mysterious portal is opened, where all may worship the Celestial Worthy together. A point of numinous light never dims; moonlight shines, and water flows from Kunlun, the legendary sacred mountain.

“Calming the Waves,” No. 1

Wrapped in an air of ease, one stays quietly behind closed doors. The spirits are stirred, and thoughts arise in the heart; when living beings receive rites to secure their passage, they can turn toward the path of life. Within the household, another gateway to mysterious cultivation is opened, and all join in chanting the sacred name of the Celestial Worthy. A spark of numinous light never grows dim, shining like the moon; it is also like a spring whose waters flow from Kunlun.

“Calming the Waves”

Only in the quiet refuge beyond the gate can one wander at ease among the white clouds. Sunlight falls upon the scene, bright and lovely; all is clear before the eyes, as though Kunlun Mountain were in view. The heart is at peace, and all things can be set aside; a treasure is kept within, worth striving to attain. Golden flowers bloom fragrant in the heart, their scent passing through Jade Gate Pass. “Golden flowers” is a common image of cultivation in Daoist poetry, symbolizing inner numinous light and Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy).

“Like a Dream: Presented to the Monk Zizhe”

He chants the teachings of the patriarch; his virtue is as pure and refined as the fragrance of tea, and he burns incense in reverence. Even after the smoke has dispersed, it seems he has grasped Guifeng’s secret teaching. These words must be remembered with care: Zizhe, you are a being of Trāyastriṃśa Heaven. In Buddhist belief, Trāyastriṃśa is the second heaven of the desire realm; here, it is used to praise the monk Zizhe.

“Everlasting Joy: Two Poems for the Easeful Recluse of Dengzhou”

High office brings distinction and changes one’s appearance; the homeland receives good fortune, and one’s nature grows clear. With the heart full, one acts uprightly and carries out affairs of state, while the mind feels especially clear and refreshed. Even when one holds high rank and rides in a five-horse carriage, one can still assist others; gratitude brings ease to the heart. Dwelling in ease and freedom, one continues to seek the Daoist treasure.

Driven by a love of inquiry, one seeks the light; within the heart lies the true Elixir, the Daoist term for the achievement in Neidan (internal alchemy) of gathering Jing, Qi, and Shen (spirit). What is more, the gates have long stood open; incense is burned again and again, nourishing and sustaining what can be relied upon. Human life has its aims; in the union of Yin and Yang between man and woman, one need not look only at outward appearances. The time and direction are plain to see, as one awaits the future appointment to serve as chief minister.

A seeker of the Dao comes to visit and look around, and everyone is delighted. He sets down verses with a sweep of the brush; friends gather, draw close to one another, and often gaze into the distance. Suddenly, before their eyes, a vision of towering halls appears: a deep and wondrous realm in harmony with the Dao. The doors stand open; the air is clear and the moon bright. The seasons are like spring, a place where one may pass the years in peace.

It is fitting to drink freely. Drink at the hour of Mao (five to seven in the morning); after becoming drunk, awaken again, and on waking, gain insight. Give voice to a carefree spirit, dispel sorrow and vexation, and joyfully recite poems and sing. Pray with devotion for a long life like Pengzu, the legendary immortal of longevity, and for the strengthening of one’s Original Source, the vital energy at the root of life. Now there is this truly delightful immortal wine: drink it at the hour of Mao, become drunk and awaken again, and thereby gain insight; give voice to your feelings, dispel your troubles, recite and sing, and pray sincerely for long life so that the Original Source may grow firmer. Having found this true, immortal joy, one may enjoy it forever.

Another piece composed for Lord Zou.

Refine steel to perfection; auspicious blossoms appear, and the fragrance of the medicine shines forth. Pour clear spring water over the red furnace flame, refining away impurities while consuming one’s wealth. Refine a gui, a jade ritual vessel here standing for something precious, into a single pellet, gathering within it the essence and nourishment like the marrow of wheat. Thus the mortal form is transformed, and the old body fades away. Roam the mountains through all four seasons, often pouring out the wine of eternal spring.

In accord with the hour of Mao, the mind grows clear and still. Watch the infant transform into the Maiden of Crimson, a symbolic figure in Neidan cultivation representing the spiritual form arising through Yin-Yang transformation. Joyfully harmonize body and mind, circulate the fluids, and see light interweave even at night. By good fortune in one’s years, take a share of the Dawn Essence, a symbolic refinement substance, no larger than a bean; through repeated turning and coalescence, it becomes a numinous elixir. Thus one attains long life without aging, travels far to Peng Island, the legendary mountain of immortals, and enjoys bliss forever.

Another piece requested by Master Guo.

Green smoke and red light mingle, their threads extending without end. With an axe, open a passage into the sacred realm. In making it, first follow… (the following text sets out methods of cultivation or refinement).

Take a share of the Dawn Essence, no larger than a bean; through repeated turning and coalescence, it becomes a numinous elixir. Thus one attains long life without aging, travels far to Peng Island, and enjoys bliss forever.

Another piece requested by Master Guo.

Green mist reflects crimson; the threads run on without end. The divine axe reaches into the sacred realm. In making it, first follow the prescribed method. Pay no heed to irrelevant matters; keep the meaning of the method upright in your heart. Practice must follow the true registers, the Daoist manuals for transmitting talismans and registers. Life, death, and one’s name each have their allotted measure. Though money and precious treasures may be close at hand, there is no need to accept any of them.

Keep the mind and spirit clear and pure, like a flower in bloom. Uphold the precepts and practice self-cultivation with care. Each use of a numinous talisman has its own rules; the treasured sword must be honed in a state of alertness until its edge grows keen. Practice according to the days and months; wear it on the crown of the head, and follow the movement of the heavenly signs as you turn toward the immortal path. Wherever you go, joy will arise naturally, and your union will endure without end.

“Diviner” (Būsùnzǐ): Attaining the Upper Section of the Yellow Court Scripture

You know that the honored practitioner’s heart is clear, yet he still roams through the dusty world. His mind is like a monkey, his thoughts like a galloping horse—hard to rein in. He speaks only of wealth, rank, and fate. Hold fast to your innate nature and settle body and mind in stillness. Seek within the realm of emptiness, and enter the immortal land of Penglai.

The “Diviner” is accompanied by a cry of “Whoa, horse!” at both the beginning and the end.

The principles expressed in the poem fall like sweet dew upon the heart. Cultivation must nourish the spirit, while body and mind are tended like a lotus in growth. Let both scattered thoughts and unruly impulses come to rest. Neidan (internal alchemy), formed by refining Jing, Qi, and Shen within oneself, is priceless, suspended beside the mountain. Tun and Meng, names of hexagrams from the Book of Changes, here suggest the stages and transformations of cultivation. They are joined like threads of jade, taming the restless monkey-mind and horse-like thoughts, until body and mind settle together in a clarity like moonlight.

“Su Muzhe”

Do not linger in the perilous pits of the dusty world, nor reveal your outward form. Nurture the infant-like original Shen in the meridians, keeping it full as one would feed a child. Settle the original Qi and make it pure and beautiful; like a clear wind and bright moon, experience the clarity of the mysterious realm.

Move with the lightness of a deer and the quickness of a leopard. Gather in your thoughts and await the time of returning to the Real. Who can see clearly the state within? As you breathe in and out, the fragrance of peach blossoms seems to drift forth. The inner pearl, a metaphor for the Golden Elixir, is wholly illuminated by the Three Lights of sun, moon, and stars.

“Youjiao Guqiu”

Hear and expound the principles, then close the gates. Let distracting thoughts and disturbances recede, and the furnace—the inner place where body and mind are refined and nurtured—will grow steady. Preserve what is pure, and often turn your gaze inward to the heart’s empty clarity. Be lucid and still, free of stray thoughts.

Often forget external things and settle your thoughts. Form the Golden Elixir, the achievement of Neidan, and let it permeate the Hall of Light, an essential inner place in Daoist cultivation. Keep wielding the divine axe; hone the treasured sword until its edge is keen. Present and bring forth the original Qi, and proceed straight toward the immortal road to Penglai.

Speaking of the human body, it is as if a flame were aiding it. Original Essence—the life-root inherent in the body—joins and unites with the springhead, each relying on the other. Hold fast to Original Essence, sustaining body and mind so that Jing and Qi remain firm for a long time. Sweetness within, clarity without: like the infant and the Maiden (terms often used in Neidan to symbolize Yin-Yang essences), each watching over the other. Beyond the body, the realm of emptiness has its own refined delight. Enter the auspicious clouds, and one may become an immortal.

In stillness, blue radiance and a yellow lamp shine together. The vapor disperses, and white, black, and red lights gleam. Set the numinous Elixir in motion and bathe it; the Way of Longevity appears, with five-colored brilliance gathered before you. Amid the clouds, one may become an immortal.

In stillness, blue radiance and a yellow lamp shine together. The vapor disperses, and white, black, and red lights gleam. Set the numinous Elixir in motion and bathe it; the Way of Longevity appears, with five-colored brilliance gathered before you. The lineage assesses one’s merits and practice, then confers Fulu (talismans and registers), the Daoist rite of transmission and the associated religious office. Inscribe golden texts and carry out deliverance, dispelling misfortune and restoring blessings. When one has taken refuge, practiced, and brought one’s merits to completion, the Golden Elixir appears, welling forth like fine jade from Kunlun.

Spring in Wuling: Remembering a Daoist Friend

Far from worldly cares, beyond the clouds and sky lies another kind of scene, like springtime in Wuling. Each day is carefree and at ease, without sorrow, borne along by the Way of Quanzhen. The affairs of the world and human ties weigh on the heart not at all; titles, stipends, and power are not worth seeking. Brother Shi is always explaining fresh principles, cleaving through delusion with a sharp axe.

Each day, we pour sweet, subtle teachings over one another’s heads and draw close. Jade nectar and liquid of precious stone nourish the spirit, while the fire phases are carefully tended. Awake at the hour of Yin, drunk at the hour of Yin; after nine rounds in sequence and three cups passed around, the Golden Elixir’s flavor is rich and pure, to be savored like springtime in Wuling.

Another Poem: Lord Zhao of Jingzhao Urges Me to Drink, but I Do Not

Among mountain forests and spring waters, there is another kind of pleasure in wine, drinking according to the verses and the appointed hours. Climbing to the upper floor, I drink jade nectar, and it seems a flame arises within my belly. Content and carefree, now drunk, now sober; the night is best savored slowly. The flavor lingers and turns without end, growing ever more abundant; carried by delight, I make my way to the immortal realm of Penglai.

Roam Freely

With abundant primordial Qi, sit quietly, the spirit at rest. Gather with fellow cultivators from the four directions to study and discuss the numinous root, the foundation of cultivation. Heaven and Earth face one another; ponder their mysteries closely. When the wondrous realm is reached, distinctions between self and others disappear. After Yin and Yang join, their blades crossing like halberds, all returns to harmony, and each side offers congratulations. The inner treasure condenses into a single sphere. The mind and spirit remain lucid and clear, still and free of distraction. This share of fluids and vital essence must be shouldered and put to use.

A message was also conveyed from Master Du:

The mind and spirit gather above, and the body grows gaunt; how could the hardship involved be easily described? When primordial Qi is firm, one can turn back and nourish the breath. When essence and marrow are nourished, one can find joy in whatever comes. Recite the scriptures and set aside fame and profit; for now, put aside those elaborate arrangements of rules and procedures. Gather the mind and spirit as if locking shut a golden hammer, and firmly close the portals of the heart. The key lies in cleansing away stray thoughts, while also understanding the quiet ease and value of keeping to one’s proper place.

“Fisherman’s Pride,” on what Master Tie □ often carried when he traveled:

Dwell securely in the Numinous Terrace, where the mind and spirit reside, and maintain still, clear observation. This body, a temporary gathering of the Four Great Elements, needs gentle nurturing. Have him carry it with him every day… By the kiln, blend and prepare rice, flour, and jade nectar; use the stove as a furnace, refining and tempering again and again, smelting lead and mercury—the images of Yin-Yang, essence, and Qi in internal alchemy—and cooking them over a long fire. When hunger stirs, white Qi fills the abdomen. Turn the gaze inward: the single point of true meaning within is truly worth pondering.

It was also entrusted to Master Du of Jingzhao:

Have him carry it with him every day… By the kiln, blend and prepare rice, flour, and jade nectar; use the stove as a furnace, refining and tempering again and again, smelting lead and mercury, and cooking them over a long fire. When hunger stirs, white Qi fills the abdomen. Turn the gaze inward: the single point of true meaning within is truly worth pondering.

Master Du was from Shaanxi and had a lofty reputation. Gold and water have been separated since ancient times. Though nearing the age of seventy-five, he was still able to dwell in peace; a person like him could live to a hundred and still transcend worldly anxieties. With a pure heart, he returned to clarity and found a place to settle; he often remembered counting pear blossoms. In his comings and goings, he already knew how to conceal himself in a grotto. His name was entered in the register of immortals, and his accumulated merits would ultimately lead him along the road to Penglai.

The sage Laozi, whose surname was Li, is now seeing his legacy flourish. People seek liberation in distant lands. To understand the direction of cultivation, begin at Kan, the dark and cool region associated with Water in the Eight Trigrams, and often with the kidneys and Yin cold. Practice benevolence and cultivate righteous conduct as well. Here are a few more words on the mind’s way amid quiet and ease: to hold on to nothing inwardly is the truly lively and subtle path of cultivation.

Two More Poems: Presented to Lord Li

The sage Laozi’s surname was Li, and now his legacy is flourishing. People seek liberation in other lands. Recognize the direction of cultivation and begin at Kan, that dark and cool region. Practice benevolence and embody righteousness. A few more words on the mind amid stillness: to hold on to nothing inwardly is the truly lively way to cultivate. Let beauty and goodness each find their proper measure, and bring Water and Fire into harmony—the Neidan term for the mutual support of Yin and Yang Qi within the body.

Cultivate De and refine the true; even at seventy, one may show the signs of renewed youth, with white hair and a youthful face. The spirit spring above surges swiftly, as though secret cultivation were underway. Turbid impurities within the body are cleared away, and Jing and Qi grow abundant. The Great Dao runs through the empty expanse, as if entering an inner chamber. Bring Lead and Mercury—the Neidan symbols of the two Yin-Yang essences—to congeal into an elixir. Then one can roam freely, with all things quiet and undisturbed. There is no need to seek them out: immortals often gather with those who cultivate the Dao.

“River-transmission Command”: Presented to Lord Zhao of Jingzhao

Gather the spirit and sit with eyes closed. Let the ears grow clear and the mind quiet; let the breath through the nose flow freely, and the tongue and teeth move with ease. At the mountain’s summit, a clear stream falls into the ravine. In the body, carry out the alchemical firing: the flame rises, and its timing must be neither hurried nor delayed. Metal from the West dissolves the obstruction of Wood in the East. Once Yin and Yang are harmonized, Dragon and Tiger mingle. Having gained the bright pearl, a metaphor for the Jing and Qi or Neidan produced through cultivation, do not let scattered thoughts stir again. When spring arrives, Metal Qi begins to flourish, and the flowers bloom once more.

Another Poem Presented to Lord Xi of Jingzhao

It matters little if your robe is worn. Living among ordinary people, what matters most is keeping your aspirations upright. Understand “know the white, keep to the black”—recognize what is manifest, yet remain true to what is hidden and simple—and you can escape the bonds of the mundane and cherish the inner pearl. After years of cultivation, how is effort accumulated? Gather your thoughts and discipline yourself; make this your guiding rule. That tiny, jade-like elixir may seem slight, but with attentive understanding it is not hard to find. Recognizing one’s nature and understanding one’s true nature is the genuine path to the realm of the immortals. When Your Excellency devotes himself to cultivation, all things can return to the right course.

After years of cultivation, how is effort accumulated? Gather your thoughts and discipline yourself; make this your guiding rule. That jade-like elixir, though small, is not hard to find through attentive understanding. Recognizing one’s nature and understanding one’s true nature is the genuine path to the realm of the immortals. When Your Excellency devotes himself to cultivation, all things can return to the right course.

The cultivation of the Dao and refinement of the true—

even hearing of it inspires wonder.

Its principles cannot be fully described.

As a treasured blade is sharpened, the wisdom sword reveals its edge;

the immortals will surely approve.

Light flows and turns,

always preserving its fullness.

The spring water is clear and sparkling,

a sight worthy of admiration.

These are all that meet the eye;

attend to them with care, and you can see through to and appreciate the scene atop the mountain.

Speaking of cultivation,

the words are elegant,

as though a jade disk were shining with radiant brilliance.

Yin and Yang join, and mercury and lead—metaphors in Neidan for Yin and Yang, essence and Qi, and the like—come together.

When Jia Wood, a Five Phases term here for the Wood Qi of cultivation, is transmitted, one must remain clear and pure.

Fire and Water support one another;

there is no need to speak plainly of relations between men and women.

The master has another, cooling way of describing it.

Sweet saliva is the true foundation;

for anyone who obtains this Elixir, it is a priceless treasure.

Guard the Dantian,

and the distinctions within it are just so.

Once the master has identified the right path, there is no straying from it.

The Four Images, symbols of the transformations of Yin-Yang and the Five Phases, are only borrowed names;

the thousand days of work spoken of are the practice of cultivation.

Form a bond of good destiny,

entwined like silk, and return to a realm of cool serenity.

Sweet saliva is the true foundation;

for anyone who obtains this Elixir, it is a priceless treasure.

Guard the Dantian,

and the distinctions within it are just so.

Once the master has identified the right path, there is no straying from it.

The Four Images gathered within are only borrowed names;

the thousand days of work spoken of are the practice of cultivation.

Form a fine bond,

winding together like silk;

where the flowers bloom, jade like blossoms open in peace.

After cultivation, a person returns to the state of a man,

and can then manifest in ten thousand forms.

Written again on parting from fellow Daoists and touring the White Deer Abbey together

The lamps are about to be put out,

yet thoughts still linger in the heart.

For now, we part; there is no need for doubt.

Let us visit the White Deer Abbey;

before us lies the wayfarer’s road of cultivation.

We agree to return

by tonight.

The threads of affection do not break—how joyful and playful!

We make a sincere, simple promise to meet again,

and must still keep the monkey mind tightly tethered.

“Drunken Penglai”

At a certain hour, an official arrives with hands clasped, respectfully conveying the superior’s decree.

It is inconvenient to receive him in the evening,

so we wait until the appointed time before setting out.

We arrive at the courtyard steps;

everyone hastens to announce us,

and the adept’s heart fills with joy.

We invite our guest inside for a long conversation,

honoring those who study the Dao and preserving profound teachings.

The nectar-like saliva

nourishes the body’s Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, and Shen.

The channels and the gates of radiance

all appear resplendent.

By then the spirit is refreshed,

the breath settled and no longer clouded.

We pay our respects to the prefect,

presenting a jade tablet,

and auspicious signs of the immortals appear of their own accord.

Lingzhi appears;

we wander freely through a treasure cave and drink our fill amid the immortal realm of Penglai.

On Snow Again

Suddenly, clouds and mist densely fill the vast sky, and auspicious vapors spread across it all. Snowflakes drift down in profusion, dancing lightly in the wind as they slowly settle. Like congealed cream, the snow covers the mountaintops in a pale blush. The scene is fresh and luminous, auspicious as a fairyland: the lingzhi appears, and travelers stroll through a treasure-filled grotto, as if drinking their fill in the immortal realm of Penglai.

Another Song on Snow

Suddenly, clouds and mist densely fill the vast sky, and auspicious vapors stretch to the horizon. Snowflakes whirl down in profusion, dancing lightly in the wind as they fall. The snow, like congealed cream, whitens the mountaintops, its beauty both refreshing and radiant. The Maiden (Channu) and the Infant (Ying’er)—images of Yin-Yang or of body and mind in Daoist Neidan cultivation—walk hand in hand, arriving together to admire the scene. Within the Quanzhen (Complete Perfection) tradition, the true realm comes into view, treasures fill the scene, and jade flowers bloom in splendid abundance. The channels of Qi flow in harmony and clarity, while the sun, moon, and stars shine brightly. The earth glows; light from the eastern Zhen position, associated with one of the Eight Trigrams, shines everywhere, and brilliant silver clouds rise. I see my master calling and an immortal youth inviting me to join him for a feast in the fairyland of Penglai.

End of Volume Six of The Complete Collection of Chongyang

Volume Seven

Composed by Wang Zhe, Master Chongyang of Mount Zhongnan

Lyrics

Jiepei Ling

Living in a hermitage, I had hoped to cultivate in stillness, yet the chores of worldly life keep multiplying. I worry over rice and flour, and must also receive visitors. I hurry to fetch the cane and take up the tools; there are porcelain bowls, earthenware basins, spoons and chopsticks, ladles, and even a steamer to attend to. I sweep the floor, scrub the pots, light the lamps, and put out the fire. When I enter, I must close the door; when I leave, I must lock it. I had hoped to find leisure, but these daily trifles keep me entangled. It is truly hard to ride away on the five-colored auspicious clouds.

A Variation on Chounu’er

I earnestly urge the foolish and deluded: do not let wealth and beauty drain your spirit. Do not become attached to the snares of fame and profit. The years of youth pass swiftly, like a carriage speeding on.

A Variation on Chounu’er

I earnestly urge the foolish and deluded: do not let wealth and beauty drain your spirit, and do not become attached to the snares of fame and profit. Youth vanishes in an instant, swift as an arrow; there is no time to delay. Leave the path of delusion early, enjoy quiet ease, and cultivate your innate nature. When nature is perfected and the Neidan congeals, you will understand the wonders of the immortal realm of Penglai. There is, it turns out, another realm here: one of eternal spring.

Jiepei Ling (Presented to Ma Yu)

Yifu of Fufeng, listen to me. In the past, you had not truly entered the Dao, yet in the end great good fortune will be yours. Lu Shan, your old friend, will come again; be sure to listen carefully as he speaks of the Dao’s mysteries. Do not leave the mountain peak. Stay here, and find a way to secure provisions for the hermitage. When the time is right, you will both bow before the master and rejoice together in the Ten Continents, the ideal realm where immortals dwell.

If you wish to speak of cultivating nature and life, you must investigate it day and night. When the inner light shines forth, what difference is there between fat and thin? The sun and moon move, their pivot turning like the Dipper; celestial flowers bloom, and wondrous fragrance never ceases. In emptiness and clarity, the myriad forms appear; in stillness and quietude, all is transparent. In a place of purity and brightness, everyone wanders freely and rejoices.

If you wish to speak of cultivating nature and life, you must investigate it day and night. When the inner light shines forth, what difference is there between fat and thin? The sun and moon move, their pivot turning like the Dipper; celestial flowers bloom, and wondrous fragrance never ceases. In emptiness and clarity, the myriad forms appear; in stillness and quietude, all is transparent. In a place of purity and brightness, Yin and Yang meet. The cultivator freely ascends to the true realm, letting Jing and Qi drift beyond the gentle breeze, and gathers cloud companions and rosy-hued friends—fellow cultivators of kindred purpose.

No tea is absolutely the finest; reaching the utmost truth is what matters most. Invite honored guests to come and gather. Warm the cups and brew the tea in the pot; as the water boils, clouds churn like waves of snow. Sip gently, and feel your breath grow clear and calm and your spirit refreshed. Lu Tong, the Tang dynasty poet, drank seven bowls of tea and reached a state of flowing ease. Zhao Zhou, the Chan master famed for saying “Go drink tea,” also knew its flavor. Unfasten your ornaments and write new lyrics; once Wang Haifeng has finished a new piece, everyone sings it together. Beneath the bright moon, the four of us each speak freely.

All my life I have been somewhat foolish, my thoughts flighty and scattered like a monkey’s, and I kept reading Liu Yong’s Collection of Songs. Later, my unruly nature found its place in the spiritual realm. Looking back, I recognized my former mistakes and used them to cultivate myself and go beyond who I had been; the bearing of an immortal emerged naturally. Now that I am past forty, the light of wisdom reaches ever higher. The meaning of the lyrics meets the Great Dao; one line brings sudden awakening. It is Liu Yong’s famous verse: “Willow banks, the dawn breeze, the waning moon.”

Chrysanthemum Sky (a song-title pattern).

In these names for medicines, “medicine” refers to methods of Neidan practice, not ordinary drugs. The lyrics use the language of treating illness and taking medicine to describe the changes in body and mind brought about by Neidan cultivation.

Purple-Gold Elixir: This method has another wondrous effect: it specifically nourishes a person’s nature and life, bringing body and mind to completeness. It is called the “Purple-Gold Elixir.” Take one pill and you will enjoy lasting health. The practitioner gathers precious Qi in the upper, middle, and lower Dantians—the three places within the body used for cultivation in Daoism—and circulates it throughout the body. A pearl-like inner elixir appears from the Niwan, the cultivation center in the head, and shines with the radiance of five-colored, ninefold rosy clouds. When all the luminous Qi has gathered, it is borne together into the immortal altar.

Another for Wind: This method has another remarkable effect: it treats numbness and loss of sensation throughout the body. Its fundamental practice lies in harmonizing the “Three Families,” usually understood as Jing, Qi, and Shen. When taking it, one need not insist on warm wine; salted tea will also do. After cultivation, the sinews and bones seem renewed, and cinnabar can also be condensed. At once, the mind feels clear and the spirit refreshed; every step seems to carry one among the clouds and rosy mists.

Another for the Eyes: This method has another fine name: it treats dim vision and eyes troubled by desire. A single dab is enough to clear the eyes; one naturally lifts one’s gaze and sees the road ahead clearly. Then, with a gold probe—the ancient instrument used to scrape away eye ailments—one gently treats the eyes, as though replacing eyes clouded with dust. In this way, one can see worldly causes and conditions with empty clarity. The practice is supremely subtle, and the three lights of the sun, moon, and stars seem to shine together.

Another for Cough: This method has another effect: it treats the sound of coughing in the lungs and regulates Metal in Water, a Five Phases term referring to the relationship between the lungs and Metal, so that abnormal wheezing ceases. Even after severe injury, or exposure to cold winds and sudden changes between hot and cold, the symptoms no longer recur. Restraining desire, reducing expenditure, and taking care to nourish oneself have been the way from ancient times to the present. Only through careful tending can one recover and preserve nature and life.

Another for Food: This method has yet another regimen: it treats illness deep within the Five Zang organs. Once taken, its power travels with the decoction and quickly restores health. One should also use the truly mysterious formula to work out its subtle principles; I ask you all to reflect on them carefully. By nourishing original Qi and preserving the spirit, one can extend life, enjoy longevity, and remain for a long time in a state of quiet clarity.

“Song of Divination: Requested by a Monk of Miaojue Temple”: Miaojue—whether the name of a temple or a monk—takes compassion as proof and thereby follows the Bodhi path, the way of awakening and becoming a Buddha. Every day, the monk keeps the gate of skillful means open, using the light of wisdom to illuminate living beings, as though kindling a lamp. Shakyamuni once cultivated on Snow Mountain, and Bodhidharma once sat facing a wall, meditated, and awakened to the Way. Contemplating these practitioners, one understands that cultivation through causes and conditions and the accumulation of good fruit ultimately lead to fulfillment. This is the state referred to by the phrase “a monk of Miaojue Temple” in Tushita Heaven, the celestial realm where Maitreya Bodhisattva dwells.

One who reaches wondrous awakening—the state of realizing subtle truths—attains a compassionate heart and sets out on the path of Bodhi, the way to awakening and Buddhahood. Every day, the gates of skillful means are opened wide, and the light of wisdom shines upon all beings, continuing without end like the incense offerings. Shakyamuni once practiced beneath the snowy mountains; Bodhidharma once sat in silent meditation facing a wall. See these principles clearly, cultivate in accordance with conditions, and attain the fruits of the Dao: then you can dwell peacefully in the palace of Tushita Heaven.

[“The Diviner”] Preceded and followed by the cry “Hyah, horse!”

Trust yourself to roam freely, like water and clouds, and delight in letting the mind run wild like a spirited ape. If you wish to ride the wind wherever the rosy clouds shine, mount a fine steed and sit securely on a fragrant silk cloth. North, south, east, or west—why concern yourself with high or low? You can travel freely everywhere, drawing your bow to shoot a pearl.

A fine steed, spirited and graceful as one in a painting, has its body bound by a silver saddle and is held back by reins. How could it roam at ease? Better to gallop to your heart’s content and break free of every attachment. Tossing its head and swishing its tail, it leaves the stable, no longer restrained by captivity, and wanders freely like a wild horse.

This is the true state: clear and luminous, with an awakened spirit that does not grow clouded. Coming and going amid the subtle and elusive, you ride a horse of wind and let yourself drift onward. The mind and spirit are lucid, radiant with light; roaming through the bright blue heavens, you ride a horse of clouds, free and at ease.

Drive away the crow in the sun and catch the Jade Hare in the moon. Let their clear radiance cover the whole body, and let the golden horse settle within: this is the state Chongyang sought. Their alternating circulation reveals its true efficacy; transformation of form and substance brings its true delight. Even upon reaching this state, you can still roam freely, riding a jade horse along the road through clouds and rosy mists.

[“Seeking a Friend Who Knows”] Preceded and followed by the cry “Hyah, horse!”

A certain “mad fellow” (a name for a cultivator who presents himself as wild and unconventional) seeks a destined companion across the sea, for this alone is the state Chongyang sought. Their alternating circulation reveals its true efficacy; transformation of form and substance brings its true delight. Even upon reaching this state, you can still roam freely, riding a jade horse along the road through clouds and rosy mists.

[“Seeking a Friend Who Knows”] Preceded and followed by the cry “Hyah, horse!”

A certain “mad fellow” seeks a destined companion across the sea. But because he schemes too hastily in his heart, the mind’s ape and horse are held in check, and he breaks out in scabies all over. So he searches calmly and carefully, without slackening through the days, months, and years, and at last obtains the “Four Central Pearls,” symbols of blessings such as rank and longevity. The horse of rank gallops swiftly into the lands west of the pass.

[“The Diviner”] It begins with the words, “The gate opens, and Ma Yu emerges.”

If you are determined to leave, I am determined to remain. I will practice behind closed doors for a full hundred days; only when my work has come to fruition will I speak. Let the flowers of the four seasons bloom, and the willows of the third spring put forth their shoots. Recognize this person who has returned to the origin, and together we will drink the wine of long life.

The words of divination contain their own deductions, and each hexagram has its own lines—the Yin-Yang symbols within it. I made a special journey to an island to seek a like-minded Daoist companion; it would be worth calling Fufeng, too, to join us. Do not resent the repeated hardships of cultivation. Keep your resolve clear and firm. With unwavering determination and a heart free of sorrow, we can remain companions for a long time and seek long life together.

Also composed in the snow

Who knows how fierce this wind is? Who recognizes these three sages? In the height of summer, coolness comes; in the depth of winter, warmth can be found. Admiring the teachings of the Perfected Ones—those who have attained the highest level of cultivation—I gained the secrets of the true immortals. Flowers bloom in the heart of winter, while snow falls in the dog days of summer.

Another lament for the deluded people of the world

Alas for the people of this world: who is willing to lift their eyes and look at the sky? The Northern Dipper and the Southern Dipper wheel day and night; the sun and moon, too, turn without pause. Though people are already worn down and hurried along by the years, they remain greedy and envious. One day, without warning, Fengdu—the underworld in Daoist belief—will send someone to summon you. What excuse will you be able to offer then?

There is no need to rush cultivation; in time, someone will come to meet you. I have already made the white clouds my companions, and often compose poems and verses. In stillness I gradually settle into peace, joyfully turning the light inward and observing within. A green-robed immortal attendant stands before me, holding out the Register of Long Life, a book listing those who have attained longevity.

“Pride of the Fisherman”

Break free from the dusty cage of worldly life and seek the Dao of nature and life. Keep your thoughts settled and still; this is the true shortcut to cultivation. Draw close to meditation, and in emptiness and stillness, observe layer by layer the open, luminous realm. Recognize the root of your ancestral source, and awaken again and again. The light of the body and mind blazes red, then settles firm as gold. Gradually you reach a state of perfect clarity and integration, and the light grows ever more pure and bright. From here, you pass into the realm of sages and worthies, proceeding upright and unwavering along the Dao of non-birth.

Also given to my nephews Yuanbi and Yuanzuo after their elder brother’s departure

Yuanbi, come forward, and bring your elder brother Yuanzuo with you. Do you understand the principle of honoring your elders and advancing step by step in cultivation? Yesterday you mocked your elder brother, and your thoughts have gradually suffered harm. Do not be discouraged by this. Keep refining your nature and bringing it to brightness. From here, you pass into the realm of sages and worthies, proceeding upright and unwavering along the Dao of non-birth.

Yuan Bi arrived with his elder brother Zuo. Do you still understand the principle of honoring elders and gathering in proper order? Yesterday you were still making fun of your elder brother, but your heart has already changed. Do not be disheartened by setbacks; next time I will make sure everything is arranged properly. This is the only method that has been passed down. How can one escape the cycle of birth and death? Only by leaving behind the grave and the shackles can one break free from bondage. Avert calamity and fulfill cause and effect on the path leading to non-arising.

Who would have thought that Wang San also knew how to conduct business? Those whose Dao-heart is firm are hard to turn back. He often raises the sun, moon, and stars—the Three Lights honored in Daoism—above his head in reverence. Through repeated acts of reverence, one can break free from the worldly net, living amid the dust while keeping one’s heart beyond it. When the wind comes, go with it; do not blame others for gain or loss. If you attain carefree ease, you can ride the clouds to the immortal gathering at Penglai.

Another gift to a Daoist friend

Wang Feng has come to pay his respects again. Pearl-water rice is truly enviable. Eat your fill, let your belly grow full, and white qi will appear. When the white qi appears, today I ask specifically about “pear-blossom flakes,” a hidden term for cultivation. When you open your mouth to speak, a petal unfolds; once words meet with a fitting response, the fragrance naturally becomes beautiful. True jade hangs high throughout the tree. When the true jade appears, moonlight shines over the cool courtyard.

Another gift to Ning Sheng

The husband is called Sanlang, the wife Jiujie. Two oak trees joined together make a house. Use oak for the beams and pillars, and bark for the roof tiles; do not boast of it. Your parents have already built you a home. The son is willing to marry, and the daughter is willing to wed; your parents-in-law are repairing the house—when will it be finished? The money spent each day is truly hard to repay. Listen to me: remain filial always, and you will repay their kindness.

Another gift to Ning Sheng

The husband is called Sanlang, the wife Jiujie. Two oak trees joined together make a house. Use bones for the mast and skin for the roof tiles; do not be astonished. Your parents have given you a place to live and have made it complete for you.

Another gift to a Daoist friend from Jingzhao

Seek true attainment through layer upon layer of realms. The formula silently passed on by Wang San is known only to Wang Liu. If you wish to make your mind and nature as pure as white jade, live alone and cast off desire. This numinous child, bright as a candle and alert and keen, can sing a song that transcends life and death. He lives every day in the public office, yet the people there do not know it. Do not search everywhere; a clear and luminous state of mind is the true sign.

Another gift to the Stone Gate Hermitage on Kunlun Mountain

After entering the Stone Gate Hermitage, this numinous child is bright as a candle and alert and keen, able to sing a song that transcends life and death. He lives every day in the public office, yet the people there do not know it. Do not search everywhere; a clear and luminous state of mind is the true sign.

After moving into Stone Gate Hermitage on Mount Kunlun, the fellow disciples were constantly busy, seeing one another throughout the day. There was no shortage of work at the hermitage: going to the kitchen, carrying firewood, drawing water, and pouring it into the pot. If you urge fellow practitioners to get on with their work, be sure not to neglect that first resolve to cultivate the Dao. I had intended to explain the principles plainly, but they concern the celestial mysteries—the profound workings of cultivation—and I dare not reveal them lightly.

“The Lodge-Breaking Youth at the Fifth Watch”

If you can grasp the method of cultivation described by the “lodge-breaking youth,” you will be as free and unbound as one who has attained the Dao, moving with an easy, unrestrained air. When your work is complete, you may go to Peng Manor, the realm of immortals. I tell anyone who can awaken to this: the matter can be discussed in detail; contemplate it carefully at the fifth watch.

At the first watch, the lodge-breaking youth leaves his native place and sets out on a smooth road ahead. First, gather in the “black gale”—the movement of Qi in cultivation—and draw it into the body, as if placing it in a leather pouch. Then seal it firmly and let it circulate within.

At the second watch, the lodge-breaking youth transforms into silver frost. The liquid and the fire work upon one another, like husband and wife harmonizing together. The two bow in unison and settle in the elixir chamber, the place in body and mind where Jing and Qi are refined and nurtured in Neidan. They sleep together on the ivory bed, a symbolic location within the body in the language of cultivation.

At the third watch, the lodge-breaking youth reaches perfect union. The divine elixir is formed, and the “mother” who nurtures the elixir embryo takes shape. A pair of Yin-Yang forces are in perfect harmony, as if seated in a carriage, swiftly borne along by the “Golden Ox.”

At the fourth watch, the lodge-breaking youth feels a coolness and drinks jade nectar at the layered tower, an image associated with the area of the throat. Singing and dancing at will, sometimes awake and sometimes drunk, the experience grows ever more memorable; its true flavor is fragrant everywhere.

At the fifth watch, the lodge-breaking youth is no longer obstructed or concealed, and passes through the Hall of Brightness, the luminous region within the body in cultivation imagery. A bright pearl rolls backward, revealing an auspicious sign, while rosy clouds shine over Kunlun, a symbol here for a place of internal cultivation.

Recognize the five kinds of “lodge-breaking youth”: black and white stand distinct, with red in the middle and blue and yellow interspersed. Li-luo-luo □ li-luo-li: mysterious and beautiful. When cultivation becomes finely wrought and fully mature, it gives forth a clear, ringing sound.

Two people compete to show off their abilities, each boasting that they understand the principles involved. In the end, they follow separate paths that run counter to each other. They examine the matter closely and compare their understandings, but only after their allotted calamities have passed do they learn how to escape their predicament. The ignorant do not grasp the double meaning; each keeps their own thoughts hidden. In the end, who is right and who is wrong? Those watching from the sidelines can only smile to themselves.

Another lyric expressing bewilderment:

In the market streets and lanes lives a person cultivating the Dao, yet it is hard to leave behind the turmoil of the mundane world. There is always some excuse to put things off. If you refuse to turn back now, when will you? No one can be sure what tomorrow will bring. Who can know when their final limit will arrive? Why wait until you are in the wilderness, on the verge of death, to bite your lip in regret?

Last night I lay alone on a road cold as ice, often observing the sun, moon, and stars—the “Three Luminaries.” My mind and spirit grew calm and free, and I felt ever cooler, until I no longer sensed the cold. Inner Qi rose from the Tailbone Pass, at the base of the spine, through the Spinal Pass at mid-back, revolving without pause like a wheel, and passed straight through to the Muddy Pellet, the Neidan term for the crown of the head. Then I experienced a singular joy: the prospect of returning to youth and attaining long life.

The path of cultivation at Caoxi is hard for people in the world to understand. How could they bear to leave their lovely wives? Unable to endure solitude, they become all the more bewildered when they sleep alone. There is plainly a road to long life, but who can climb it? Why speak of east and west? Who is willing to pull free of the muddy world?

If ordinary people can grasp the method of cultivating the Three Luminaries, they can form a fortunate bond. They seek out and discover the truly mysterious principles, and only then believe that a Great Immortal can be attained even in the void. Refine a single Golden Elixir, the essence formed through Neidan cultivation, and one can embody Wuwei without anything being lost, revealing a pure and wondrous state. It shines, whole and round, as countless rosy clouds surround it and carry it up toward the heavens.

Like a Dream

People of Ninghai, you should all awaken. After this parting, when will we meet again? I only hope you will cherish the Golden Lotus, here a reference to the foundations or fruits of Daoist cultivation, and carefully guard this bond of goodness.

Go back, go back. Before your eyes are white clouds and verdant mist.

Another Gift to the County Magistrate

Feasts are held here every day, and all you kind officials who eat meat are generous and good-natured. Only the “King of Harmful Wind”—my own name for myself, meaning a wild and unrestrained cultivator—asks that you not blame me for coming to see you so often. County Magistrate, County Magistrate, this is just the moment to make things easier for the people.