《太上內丹守一真定經》

The Supreme Inner Alchemy Scripture of Guarding the One in True Stillness records the essential methods for cultivating Neidan (internal alchemy). The text begins by revealing this as the supreme secret transmission from the Celestial Mother of Purple Radiance of Qinghua, a sacred figure associated with Mount Heng (Nanyue), one of Daoism's holy mountains.

The opening passage describes cosmic origins: from primordial chaos emerged heaven and earth, sun and moon, as the interplay of Yin-Yang energies established nature's rhythms. Yet ordinary people, entangled in worldly desires, remain ignorant of life-nourishing principles—hence this revelation of cultivation practices.

The Primordial Celestial Sovereign (Daoism's supreme deity) instructs practitioners: "I possess a long-concealed secret—the principle of harmonizing movement and stillness. Movement belongs to Yin, stillness to Yang. Though Yin-Yang transformations are endless, holding fast to the 'One' (the foundational state of Dao) reveals constancy. For enduring vitality, one must:

1. Ingest 'Golden Essence' (Jinjing, an alchemical term for refined vital substances)

2. Stabilize the Shen (spirit) and regulate breathing into continuous 'true respiration'

3. Store energy in the Dantian (elixir field)

4. Unite the Water of Kidneys (Kan trigram) with the Fire of Heart (Li trigram)

5. Maintain meditative absorption—the root of cultivation (spiritual foundation)"

When Yin energies fully recede and Yang becomes purified, daylight ascension becomes possible.

The Jade Radiance Great Dao Sovereign (a venerated Daoist divinity) further explains: "Inner alchemy constitutes the body's supreme treasure, the source of all Qi. Attaining this foundation generates myriad functions." Practitioners must deeply study these essentials while abiding in true stillness, thereby naturally achieving:

• Sublime refinement of both form and spirit
• Union with the Dao
• Coexistence with heaven and earth

The scripture concludes by noting how all who received this teaching withdrew to quiet chambers, focusing on cultivation to return to life's primordial authenticity.

[Key Terminological Notes]

Guarding the One: Core Daoist practice of concentrating on the primordial unified Qi

Kan-Li: Trigrams from the Yijing representing kidney-water and heart-fire, requiring fusion in alchemical practice

Golden Essence: Refined energetic quintessence produced during the stage of transforming Jing (essence) into Qi