《存神鍊氣銘》

"Inscription on Preserving the Spirit and Refining Qi" Explained in Plain Terms

This is an essential teaching on health cultivation and spiritual practice by the Tang dynasty master Sun Simiao:

The human body is the dwelling place of the spirit (Shen) and primordial Qi. When spirit and Qi are abundant, a person is healthy and strong; when they scatter, death follows. To maintain physical well-being, one must first stabilize the spirit and Qi. Primordial Qi is like the mother of the spirit, while the spirit is like the child of Qi—when both are nourished, longevity is achieved.

The method for stabilizing the spirit lies in refining Qi:

1. When Qi resides within the body, the spirit peacefully abides in the Qi Sea (the lower Dantian region).

2. When the Qi Sea is full, the heart-mind becomes tranquil.

3. When the heart-mind is tranquil, body and mind enter a state of deep stillness.

4. In profound stillness, one unites with the Dao (the Way), naturally transcending the ordinary and attaining sagehood.

Practical cultivation methods:

• When Qi flows smoothly, spiritual awareness ascends.
• When the spirit is unobstructed, wisdom and life are prolonged.
• Through dual cultivation of nature and life (Xingming Shuangxiu), one aligns with true nature, attaining longevity comparable to the sun and moon.

Stages of practice:

1. First, abstain from ordinary food (fasting) to stabilize the Qi Sea.

2. Visualize the spirit and focus the mind on the Dantian (three inches below the navel).

3. Calm the mind and regulate the breath—when the Qi Sea is full, hunger naturally ceases.

4. With dedicated practice, minor achievements appear in a hundred days; major accomplishments take three years.

Levels of attainment:

Initially, one passes through five phases (Wu Shi), later reaching seven stages (Qi Hou), ultimately achieving:

• Free transformation of the divine spirit
• Traveling a thousand miles in a day without hindrance
• Reversing aging and rejuvenating the body
• Attaining immortality and realizing the Dao
• Sharing the longevity of heaven and earth

Special note:

This method differs from conventional ascetic practices like breath-swallowing or saliva-gathering—it emphasizes natural ease:

• Eat when hungry, rest when tired
• No need for forced control
• Ultimately reaching the state of fetal breathing and stable contemplation (advanced meditative absorption)

The five phases of cultivation:

1. Initial phase: Many distracting thoughts, little stillness—the mind races like a wild horse (ordinary state).

2. Second phase: Moments of stillness increase but scatter easily—effort is needed to gather the mind.

3. Third phase: Stillness and movement balance—concentration gradually matures.

4. Fourth phase: Stillness predominates—one can focus quickly.

5. Fifth phase: Constant clarity—undisturbed even amid events (meditative stability is achieved).

After mastering these five phases, one naturally enters the deeper seven stages (Qi Hou). At this point, all attainments manifest spontaneously, requiring no deliberate effort.

"Treatise on Preserving Spirit and Refining Qi" Modern Interpretation:

The First Stage: All chronic illnesses are eliminated from the body, making it light and agile while the mind becomes joyful and content. Inner peace is achieved, with tranquil spirit (Shen) and harmonious Qi. The four limbs (representing the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind) feel comfortable, while all emotions and desires (the six passions) become calm. The mind transcends worldly concerns, maintaining focused concentration (holding to the One). Daily life brings fresh delight - this is called the initial attainment of Dao.

The Second Stage: Transcending ordinary human limits, one's complexion becomes rosy like a child's. The physical form feels pleasurable while the mind gains penetrating clarity. One develops the ability to perceive the true nature of things and may relocate to dwell in places with excellent Feng Shui. However, one must ensure neighbors cannot recognize one's original identity.

The Third Stage: With lifespan extended for a thousand years, one becomes known as an immortal (Xianren). Capable of flying freely to visit famous mountains, accompanied by immortal attendants (Qingtong boys) and celestial maidens (Yunü) singing in chorus. Treading upon emerald clouds, one moves effortlessly through mist and radiant haze.

The Fourth Stage: Transforming the physical body into Qi, surrounded by radiant light - this is called a perfected being (Zhenren). Able to appear and disappear at will, emitting personal illumination that shines day and night. One may visit various celestial palaces where hosts of immortals respectfully welcome you.

The Fifth Stage: Refining Qi into Shen, becoming a divine being (Shenren). Transformation becomes effortless, with boundless capabilities including shaking heaven and earth, moving mountains and draining seas.

The Sixth Stage: Merging Shen with physical form creates the ultimate being (Zhiren). Consciousness penetrates all things while the body transforms freely, manifesting different appearances according to circumstances.

The Seventh Stage: Transcending the material world completely, surpassing all conventional understanding. Dwelling in sacred realms with the supreme Dao and the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang), gathering with sages to propagate the ultimate truth. Mastering the profound mysteries of creation, omniscient in all matters. Only upon reaching this stage does one truly touch the source of Dao, with all cultivation merits perfected - this is called ultimate accomplishment.

The author laments: Contemporary practitioners study Dao for brief periods, failing to even reach the first stage - how could they comprehend these profound principles? Foolishly clinging to worldly attachments, they maintain their defiled physical forms. As seasons change, their bodies decay until death, yet they claim to have attained Dao - truly absurd!

Final Note: These methods of embryonic breathing (Taixi) and meditative observation (Dingguan) represent techniques for preserving primordial Shen and maintaining physical form. The true oral instructions require direct transmission, unwritten in texts. Only virtuous individuals may encounter this method - careful study will bring certain realization. When wise and enlightened people receive this teaching, they have encountered the supreme sacred Dao.