《莊周氣訣解》

The essential teachings on breath cultivation in the Zhuangzi·Essentials for Nurturing Life employ the metaphor of passing fire through kindling to illuminate the Dao of health preservation:

When stirring the firewood with one’s fingers, though the first piece of wood burns out, the flame passes to the next without extinguishing. Similarly, our vital breath (Qi) continues unbroken through the constant absorption of heaven and earth’s refined essences (nourishment). Preserving life is the fundamental method for sustaining existence, and the key lies in understanding that the breath of life is an unceasing flow—just as the fire is not the same flame, neither is the breath the same Qi. The breath of the previous moment nourishes the life of the present, just as the preceding piece of wood sustains the flame for the next.

In the Scripture of the Hidden Talisman (Yinfu Jing), Jiang Taigong (revered in Daoism as the ancestral master of military strategy) expounds the profound principle of "using the One to harmonize the world." This "One" refers to the innate primordial Qi (the origin of natural transformation) endowed in humans. Those skilled in nurturing life regulate their breath (harmonizing Qi) and restrain desires to return to their original purity, ultimately attaining longevity and even immortality. Ordinary people indulge in the pleasures of the Five Flavors (sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty), clinging to them until death; whereas sages see through the nature of these desires, calling them the "Five Thieves." People chase after the gratification of their appetites, believing they are nourishing life, yet in truth, the prolonged stimulation of their organs leads to disturbances of the spirit (Shen) and the onset of countless ailments.

Guangchengzi (an immortal from the era of the Yellow Emperor) taught that one must refine the "Five Poisons"—attachments to the Five Flavors—using the true fire of cultivation. Complete abstinence from the Five Flavors leads to longevity, as has been verified. I believe "accumulating fire" refers to the continuous cultivation of one’s nature, allowing Yang Qi to suffuse the entire body. When the spirit (Shen) abides in a state of pure Yang, the temptations of the Five Flavors naturally dissolve. As Jiang Taigong said: Those who die for the sake of their appetites never repent, while true transcendents are all free from the allure of the Five Flavors.

"Explanation of Zhuangzi's Qi Formula" in Plain Terms:

To cultivate immortality, one must first master the art of regulating Qi (vital energy). Those capable of elevating and transforming their Qi will have their names recorded in the immortal registers, while those who fail cannot escape the calamity of death. The method is as follows: clench your fists (the Wogu technique), hold your breath, and swallow saliva. Through practice, Qi gradually transforms into blood, blood into Jing (essence), Jing into Shen (spirit), Shen back into saliva, and finally, saliva forms bones. In the Dantian (the lower abdominal energy center), a fetal essence takes shape and endures. Persist without slackening, and the body will emit divine radiance.

When swallowing Qi, take care: it must descend slowly through the throat without leakage, lest it cause agitation. Space each swallow by ten breaths for optimal effect. Swallowing in quick succession leads to Qi dissipation. Beginners must maintain a tranquil mind, free from doubt or fear, to succeed. Hesitation obstructs the flow of righteous Qi, so resolve must be firm.

In practice, ensure: limbs move in harmony, the heart is content and joyful, and external desires are relinquished. Daily persistence yields cumulative benefits. While grains may be eaten, avoid fullness—overeating stagnates Qi. Particularly abstain from meat, pungent foods, and strong flavors; temper culinary cravings, lest the mind grow impure and Qi sluggish. A modest daily dose of medicinal wine is permissible, as is consuming cooked allium macrostemon (a medicinal herb). For Qi discomfort, a little ginger-honey decoction may help.

At advanced stages: the mind attains emptiness, detached from external thoughts. Sincerity moves the divine, and natural satiety arises. Prolonged grain abstinence becomes effortless. Occasional chest discomfort during practice is no hindrance—perseverance brings daily refinement. Abstain completely from meat, fruit, and raw vegetables during cultivation. If total meat abstinence is impossible, at least avoid meats corresponding to the twelve zodiac animals (Daoist dietary taboos), lest abdominal distress obstruct righteous Qi flow.

Effects of practice: as emptiness becomes habitual, extraordinary mental clarity emerges. Limbs grow robust, and eyes discern good and evil. After twenty-one days of serene practice, Neiguan (inner vision) awakens—one sees their own viscera with startling clarity, an ineffable marvel. Ordinary people constantly leak Qi through mouth and nose; cultivation means mastering its containment.

Core formula: To escape death, keep the intestines clean; to attain longevity, purify the five organs; to defy aging, return Jing to nourish the brain (a Daoist technique of refining essence to replenish the mind). Novices must engrave these four principles in their hearts, never forgetting them day or night.

This passage details the practice methods of Daoist "Qi Absorption Technique" (a breathing cultivation method):

The practice timing is flexible—it can be performed at any hour of the day and in any posture, whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down. The specific steps are as follows:

First, take deep breaths to fill the entire body with Qi, then hold the breath while visualizing the Qi circulating within.

Before each swallowing of Qi, close the eyes, lightly tap the teeth (known as "kouchi"), and make the "wogu" gesture (pressing the thumb against the base of the ring finger). Then visualize:

• The five organs transforming into five-colored qilin (mythical creatures): white lungs, red heart, green liver, yellow spleen, and black kidneys
• Five-colored cloud-like Qi emanating from the organs and gathering in the mouth

Swallow this gathered Qi as you would normally swallow, then massage the face seven times, calmly tap the teeth seven times, and recite an incantation (essentially invoking celestial Qi to refine oneself).

Next, tap the teeth seven more times, swallow saliva seven times, and maintain mental tranquility without forcibly controlling the breath.

When exhaling, puff the cheeks like an infant nursing and swallow, using intention to guide the Qi to the Dantian (lower abdominal energy center). Feel the Qi flowing as clearly as water passing through channels.

Beginners should note:

• Retain two-thirds of each exhaled breath
• The optimal practice times are the Zi hour (11 PM–1 AM) and Wu hour (11 AM–1 PM)
• If feeling overly full of Qi, chew licorice or cinnamon bark to help disperse it
• Do not force the practice when the Dantian isn't yet full

Key techniques:

• A slight suffocating sensation when primordial Qi descends is normal
• When needing to burp, forcefully swallow saliva to suppress it
• If unavoidable, the exhaled Qi can be swallowed back

This method requires long-term practice to master. Initially, breath control may feel uncoordinated, but persistent cultivation will gradually make it effortless.