《太上養生胎息氣經》

The fourth section of The Supreme Purity Embryonic Breathing Scripture interpreted in modern terms:

The path of cultivating health and longevity can be practiced by following the essential methods outlined in the Shangqing Jing (Scripture of Supreme Clarity), Daode Jing (Classic of the Way and Virtue), and Huangting Jing (Yellow Court Scripture). Those who adhere to these methods can eliminate all ailments, attain the realms of Supreme Clarity, and achieve an immortal body. The specific method for breath cultivation (tiaoxi practice) involves visualizing oneself as an infant in the womb. After ten months of embryonic breathing (taixi) practice, the tendons and bones will become pliant. Through calming the mind and stopping discursive thoughts, one naturally reaches a state of harmonious qi circulation. The correct breathing method is: when inhaling, one feels no hunger, with all body pores opening and qi flowing unimpeded. It's best to choose the "six yang hours" (the six time periods of strong yang energy) to absorb vital qi, as this will gradually increase one's strength.

Six Yang Hours Breath Practice Schedule:

• Zi hour (11pm-1am): 81 breath cycles
• Yin hour (3-5am): 64 breath cycles
• Chen hour (7-9am): 49 breath cycles
• Wu hour (11am-1pm): 36 breath cycles
• Shen hour (3-5pm): 25 breath cycles
• Xu hour (7-9pm): 16 breath cycles

Key points for breath practice: The tongue should press against the upper palate (xuanxuan), and breathing should follow specific pathways. The nose serves as the Celestial Gate (tianmen, the primary passage for qi), and breathing through it allows the hun and po souls to return to the Celestial Gate. The mouth is the Earth Portal (dihu), and breathing through it enables the souls to return to the Earth Portal. The Huangting Jing states: While the five grains contain earthly essence, indulging in flavors attracts demonic influences; the jade pond's clear water (saliva) nourishes the spiritual root (the body's foundation). Persistent practice can replenish the life gate (mingmen, the root of vitality). Those seeking longevity should let qi enter through the nose and exit through the mouth—this is the method of harmonious qi circulation. Through sustained practice, one can eliminate the Three Corpses (sanshi, three malevolent spirits believed to reside in the body), abandon worldly desires, and gradually approach the Dao.

The true nature of realized adepts is pure and serene, with elevated mental states, words and actions aligned with the Dao, and immaculate hearts. By rinsing and swallowing the numinous fluids (lingjin) produced during practice, one naturally nourishes the whole body, unblocks the Three Burners (sanjiao, the body's vital systems), regulates upright qi, allows qi to circulate throughout the body, reach the five organs, and strengthen the bone marrow.

The Great Dao is the source of all qi—Dao is qi, and qi is the gateway to essence (jing). When people preserve their essence and qi, it's like a house with inhabitants that can endure for generations; when they lose essence and qi, it's like an empty house that quickly decays. Qi can nurture essence—essence is qi, and abundant essence-qi makes one a true person (zhenren). The human body has three dantian (energy centers): the upper dantian in the head's Muddy Pellet Palace (niwan gong, the brain), named "Red Emperor's Pure Son" (Chidi Ziqing) with the courtesy name Yuanxian; the middle dantian in the heart region, named "True Person's Radiant Firmness" (Zhenren Guangjian) with the courtesy name Zidan; the lower dantian below the navel, named "Valley Mysteries Infant" (Gu'er Guxuan) with the courtesy name Yuanyangzi—these are the gateways of essence-qi. Each dantian houses three spirit deities. If the spirit-qi leaks out, essence will be lost, and losing essence damages the original spirit (yuanshen). Essence is a marvelous substance—the reason true persons attain longevity lies precisely in their abundant essence-qi. The root of longevity is the position where qi resides, which is essence itself.

"Plain Interpretation of the Supreme Purity Embryonic Breathing Scripture"

Preserving primordial Qi (yuanqi) and vital essence (jing) is of utmost importance—once dissipated, they are nearly impossible to recover. Ancient Daoist practitioners understood that cherishing primordial Qi and safeguarding vital essence were the keys to longevity.

When carnal desires become uncontrollable, how can one stabilize their foundation? This is as perilous as mountains collapsing and seas drying up. The mountain symbolizes the treasure of primordial Qi, with the kidneys serving as this precious mountain. The kidneys are the root of life; without vital essence, it's like a tree without roots—its leaves wither, branches decay, and eventually the entire tree dries up. By that point, how could rebirth be possible?

The method of breathing: inhalation belongs to yin, exhalation to yang. Both can absorb the essence of the sun and moon. True "Qi" originates from the realm of emptiness, where the state of wuwei (non-action) means the mind remains unmoved. With no external cravings, inner peace arises naturally. When the spirit (shen) is calm, breath harmonizes, and primordial Qi gathers spontaneously. Abundant primordial Qi nourishes the five viscera, opens all meridians, and generates sweet saliva in the mouth. Freed from excessive desire for food, one naturally attains longevity.

Stages of cultivation:

Primordial Qi transforms into blood, blood into marrow. The progression unfolds as:

1st year: Qi renewal

2nd year: blood renewal

3rd year: meridians renewal

4th year: flesh renewal

5th year: marrow renewal

6th year: tendons renewal

7th year: bones renewal

8th year: hair renewal

9th year: complete bodily transformation

Upon completing these "nine returns," one becomes a perfected being (zhenren), attaining the realm of immortals (the profound mysteries cannot be fully described).

Secret Methods of Upper Clarity (Five Viscera Nourishment Techniques):

Eastern Liver Nourishment: Ingest "Green Sprouts" (liver Qi), using "Morning Radiance" (upper gums)—press tongue to upper palate, rinse and swallow saliva

Southern Heart Nourishment: Ingest "Cinnabar Elixir" (heart Qi), using "Crimson Pool" (lower gums)—stir tongue around lower teeth, rinse and swallow saliva

Western Lung Nourishment: Ingest "Luminous Stone" (lung Qi), using "Numinous Liquid" (inner mouth saliva)—circle tongue around teeth seven times, rinse and swallow saliva

Northern Kidney Nourishment: Ingest "Mystic Nourishment" (kidney Qi), using "Jade Nectar" (sublingual saliva)—draw primordial Qi through nose into mouth, breathe and swallow

Central Spleen Nourishment: Ingest "Lofty Tai Mountain" (central earth Qi)...

Interpretation of the Supreme Purity Embryonic Breath Qi Scripture

The essence of health cultivation and spiritual practice lies in absorbing the vital energy (Qi) of heaven and earth. The method is as follows: Rise during the midnight Zi hour (11 PM–1 AM) or the early morning Yin hour (3–5 AM), dress neatly, and gently tap the upper palate (Yuying, "Jade Flower") with the tongue (Jinliang, "Golden Beam") to stimulate saliva production. This saliva (Liquan, "Sweet Spring" or Lingye, "Numinous Liquid") originates beneath the root of the tongue. Use the nose to inhale and guide the Qi upward to the head, then downward into the mouth, where it mixes with the saliva before swallowing. The act should produce a sound in the throat and abdomen. Direct this Qi into the Dantian (the lower abdominal energy center), much like an infant’s first cry at birth—this is the foundation of longevity. Through this practice, the cultivator replaces ordinary food with Qi, quenching thirst by swallowing saliva.

Shangqing (Highest Clarity) School Method:

The essence (Jing) and vital energy (Qi) are the roots of cultivation. One must maintain stillness of body and mind, preserving Jing and Qi as a fetus does in the womb. Swallowing saliva nourishes the brain, a process also called "refining the form" (Lianxing). During practice, a naturally sweet taste arises in the mouth. Absorb Yang energy in the morning and Yin energy at night to generate spiritual vitality in the five viscera. The posture must be upright: first lie on your back to expel turbid Qi, then lie prone to regulate digestion, then stand on one foot against a wall with fists clenched, stirring the tongue to produce saliva. When the mouth is full of saliva, visualize guiding the breath from the navel down to the soles of the feet. At advanced stages, one can internally observe the organs and even extinguish a candle flame with breath alone.

A complete cultivation cycle spans eighty-one days (nine times nine), representing a full refinement period. Through nine cycles of transformation (Jiuhuan), blood is refined into Jing, Jing into tendon-channel Qi, and finally, the body transforms into immortal bone. Achieving this state grants extraordinary vision—a secret method for prolonging life and attaining immortality. However, this teaching must never be transmitted to those with impure intentions, lest it bring calamity.

Guidelines for Beginners:

When practicing daily, close the mouth and raise the tongue while swallowing primordial Qi. Gradually reduce food intake while increasing breath absorption. Fine wine may be taken in moderation to aid the process. Understand the laws of heaven and earth: sages master the harmony of Yin and Yang (the Dao of Heaven), employ the interplay of firmness and softness (the Dao of Earth), and uphold benevolence and righteousness (the Dao of Humanity). Those who fail to grasp these principles invite misfortune.

The Scripture of the Supreme One on Embryonic Breathing and Qi for Nourishing Life describes methods for cultivating longevity through regulating the five organs. The main principles are:

Heaven and Earth nurture all things, following the natural patterns of the Dao. Those seeking longevity must understand the taboos of bedroom arts (ancient health practices), as human lifespan lies within one's own control. Modern people only know to take medicine for curing illnesses, yet fail to nourish their Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy). The true method for prolonging life lies in preserving the "Jade Spring" (saliva). Our bodies contain boundless potential—by mastering proper cultivation techniques, one can attain the state of "walking on water without drowning, entering fire without burning." This is achieved through internal refinement of true Qi, external manifestation of spiritual powers, regulating the five organs, and applying breathing techniques of supplementation and drainage.

The text then details specific cultivation methods for each organ:

Lung Cultivation Method (use "Xi" sound for exhaling/draining, "Hu" sound for inhaling/supplementing):

The lungs belong to the Metal phase, manifest as white, and govern the Po (corporeal soul). Those with healthy lungs have fair skin. Frequent fear indicates the Po has left the lungs. Those with weak lungs fear cold. On the day of Autumn Begins, at dawn while facing due west, sit upright, knock teeth seven times, swallow saliva three times, then close your eyes and visualize white Qi from the west entering your body. This stabilizes the spirit, wards off evil, and prolongs life.

Heart Cultivation Method (use "He" sound for exhaling/draining, "Xu" sound for inhaling/supplementing):

The heart belongs to the Fire phase, manifests as red, and its Shen (spirit) takes the form of a Vermilion Bird. Those with healthy hearts have unobstructed blood vessels. On the day of Summer Begins, at dawn while facing due south, sit upright, knock teeth nine times, rinse and swallow saliva three times, then visualize red Qi from the south entering your body. This calms the mind and brings physical wellness.

Liver Cultivation Method (use "Xu" sound for exhaling/draining, "Chui" sound for inhaling/supplementing):

(Though the original text is incomplete, following the pattern, this would involve springtime practice visualizing green Qi from the east.)

These methods all work by combining specific seasons, directions, breathing techniques, and visualization to regulate the Qi movement of corresponding organs.

Plain Interpretation of the Supreme Lao's Embryonic Breathing Scripture

Liver Section:

The liver corresponds to the Zhen trigram of the East, belongs to the Wood phase of the Five Phases, and is associated with the color blue-green. It houses the ethereal soul (Hun), and its divine manifestation takes the form of a dragon, which may transform into two jade youths (one blue-green, one yellow), each seven inches tall—one carrying a dragon-shaped emblem, the other holding celestial nectar. To prolong life, one must harmonize the liver Qi (vital energy) with the pure Qi of nature. When liver Qi is balanced, the skin remains healthy, and it governs the function of the eyes. Eye inflammation indicates liver damage. Spring is the season ruled by the liver, a time to absorb the essence of spring as all things flourish.

Practice Method:

At the hour of Yin (3–5 a.m.) during the Beginning of Spring (Lichun), sit facing east, tap the teeth three times, hold the breath seven times, then inhale the blue-green Qi of the East three times and swallow it. This summons the two jade youths for protection—a secret method for nurturing liver Jing (essence).

Spleen Section:

The spleen corresponds to the Kun trigram, belongs to the Earth phase, and is associated with the color yellow. Its shape resembles an overturned basin, and its divine manifestation takes the form of a phoenix, transforming into a six-inch-tall jade maiden. The spleen resonates with the Great Yin (Taiyin), governs the mouth, and a rosy complexion indicates spleen health. The spleen has no fixed season but rules the last eighteen days of each of the four seasons.

Practice Method:

At dawn, sit in the central direction, eliminate the five distractions, perform the "Heavenly Drum" technique (a health-preserving method), inhale the central yellow Qi seven times and swallow it, then drink the nectar of jade and jasper. By aligning with the Dao, nurturing upright Qi, and preserving inner Jing, one visualizes the "Jade Nectar of the Hua Pool" (saliva) to harmonize Qi, ensuring the smooth flow of all meridians—this is the secret to eternal youth and longevity.

Kidney Section:

The kidneys store Jing (essence), correspond to the Kan trigram, and are associated with the color black. Their shape is round and curved, and their divine manifestation takes the form of a white deer, transforming into a one-foot-tall jade youth. Balanced kidney Qi strengthens the bones and governs the ears. An inability to straighten the waist indicates kidney cold.

Practice Method:

During the Beginning of Winter (Lidong), face north at dawn, sit quietly, tap the "Golden Beam" (a health-preserving term) five times, swallow saliva, and inhale the northern black Qi three times. This summons the jade youth for protection, pacifies the spirit, and grants longevity.

Gallbladder Section:

The gallbladder belongs to the essence of Metal and the Qi of Water, corresponding to blue-green. Its divine manifestation takes the form of a turtle, transforming into a one-foot-tall jade maiden with a fierce disposition. The gallbladder pairs with the bladder, and a bluish complexion relates to it.

Practice Method:

At the start of each month, sit facing north, enter meditation, and inhale black Qi nine times (specific details of the practice should follow in later scriptures).

The Supreme Purity Nourishing Life Embryonic Breath Qi Scripture Explained in Plain Terms:

The essence of life cultivation lies in regulating the "Jade Spring Qi" (referring to the body's innate primordial qi). Excessive joy or anger damages one's fundamental nature, while extreme grief or pleasure harms the spirit (Shen). When the spirit is impaired, life itself becomes endangered; when fundamental nature is injured, health deteriorates. True cultivation involves nurturing one's nature to generate primordial qi, and safeguarding the spirit to stabilize the heart-mind. When breath becomes harmonious, the body balanced, and spiritual energy complete, the heart-mind naturally attains serenity—this constitutes the secret of authentic Dao practice and the essential method of the Lingbao tradition's longevity techniques.

Primordial qi serves as the sovereign foundation of the body, and preserving it fundamentally depends on securing the primordial essence (Jing). This essence represents the supreme principle of physical existence, the pathway to immortal realms. As the root of life itself, valuing and preserving essence while nourishing qi leads to longevity—this forms the foundational principle of Daoist cultivation. People often stray from the Dao (the Way) through their own actions, not because the Dao abandons them.

Practical Cultivation Methods:

1. Sit cross-legged in a quiet chamber, close the eyes and relax, puffing the abdomen and cheeks to fill the mouth with saliva

2. When sensing fullness of qi, knock the teeth nine times and swallow once—this constitutes one "breath cycle"

3. In spring and summer, ingest cooling qi; in autumn and winter, absorb warming qi

4. At the fifth watch (3-5 am), cover the mouth with both hands, using the gathered saliva to massage the face

5. During practice, one may supplement with jujube-honey decoction while gradually reducing food intake to continuously replenish primordial qi

Essential Principles:

• Practice discreetly to avoid external disturbances
• Fame invites misfortune—true practitioners seek utmost tranquility and purity
• Like jade requiring polishing, humans must study to comprehend the Dao
• Maintain a heart-mind as clear and calm as still water—this constitutes true nature
• Through "embracing the One" (concentrating and preserving the spirit), achieve internal and external emptiness-tranquility

Advanced Techniques:

1. Emulate cosmic patterns: The ancients achieved transcendence through breathing yin-yang qi and embryonic respiration (fetal breathing methods)

2. When closing the mouth to contain emptiness and receive qi, keep upper and lower teeth aligned as spiritual fluids naturally arise—swallow slowly

3. For adepts, consuming qi resembles ordinary people eating—persistence leads to Dao-realization

4. Qi-swallowing method: Three consecutive swallows—the first two dry (like moving clouds), the last moist (like nourishing dew)

5. During nasal inhalation, the ethereal and corporeal souls return to the Celestial Gate (crown point); when tasting flavors, they descend to the Earth Portal (lower Dantian)

6. The nose connects to the Jade Pool (upper Dantian's clear qi), the mouth to the Human Gate (middle Dantian's harmonizing qi)

Note: "Embryonic breath" refers to an advanced breathing technique mimicking fetal respiration through extremely slow breath cycles; "embracing the One" represents a crucial Daoist practice of concentrated spiritual focus.

This passage explains the health preservation method through cultivating "embryonic breathing" (a breathing technique resembling that of a fetus in the womb). The core teaching is:

Holding spiritual saliva (the nourishing fluid produced during practice) in the mouth can purify the five viscera. This profound method of nurturing life does not violate the laws of nature—all things grow spontaneously, and Qi flows naturally. The true Dao of health preservation means living as if laboring, yet dying as if resting. If one fails to rest when rest is needed, the primordial Qi will be depleted. Overusing one's vital essence is called "strain," and when strain reaches its limit, exhaustion follows—exhaustion leads to death.

The highest method of nourishing Qi is to maintain pure concentration and unchanging tranquility, unifying spirit (Shen) and breath into one. This is the practice mastered by the Yellow Court Perfected (Daoist adepts), the Jade Maidens of Zhonghua (female practitioners), and the Sovereign Lord of Fusang (the eastern immortal). The scripture records golden-leaf inscriptions containing genuine mantras and secret techniques—all pathways to immortality.