《彭祖攝生養性論》

Plain Interpretation of "Peng Zu's Discourse on Nourishing Life and Cultivating Nature"

This classic text on life cultivation combines the wisdom of three great masters: Peng Zu, Sun Simiao (the Immortal Sun), and Ge Hong (Baopuzi). The core principle is that those with strong spirit (Shen) enjoy longevity, while those who push themselves too hard tend to decline early. Specifically:

Excessive mental exertion harms the spirit (Shen), while forcing physical labor damages the body. Prolonged melancholy injures the ethereal soul (Hun), and chronic sorrow weakens the corporeal soul (Po). Extreme emotional fluctuations disturb the heart-mind, and excessive desires drain one’s vitality. Constant laughter and chatter harm the internal organs, while prolonged sitting or standing damages the tendons and bones. Irregular sleep patterns harm the liver, and overexertion weakens the spleen. Drawing a bow strains the sinews, and climbing heights injures the kidneys. Drunken vomiting damages the lungs, and sleeping immediately after eating depletes primordial Qi (vital energy). Galloping on horseback harms the stomach, and quarreling and shouting injure the gallbladder.

Imbalance between Yin and Yang leads to sores, while excessive indulgence causes exhaustion. A human life spans only about thirty thousand days, yet each day brings gradual depletion of the body with little effort made to nourish it. Key principles of life cultivation include: not spitting too far, not walking too hastily, not straining the ears to listen, and not staring for too long. When sitting, avoid exhaustion; when lying down, avoid extremes. Adjust clothing according to temperature, and avoid extreme hunger or overeating. Eat in moderation—excess leads to lumps and phlegm. Balance work and rest, avoiding excessive sweating, drunken running, or walking swiftly after a full meal. Speak sparingly, avoid raw and cold foods, and do not force oneself to eat rich, greasy dishes. After washing the hair, do not leave it exposed. In winter, avoid excessive warmth; in summer, avoid excessive coolness—otherwise, illness may arise.

Special prohibitions include: never sleeping uncovered under starlight, never approaching corpses while hungry, never fanning oneself while sleeping, never eating with the head uncovered, never drinking cold water immediately after hot food, and never warming oneself by fire in extreme cold. All these disrupt the body’s Yin-Yang harmony.

This passage explains essential taboos and principles for daily health preservation:

First, it lists seven prohibitions:

1. Don't expose yourself to strong wind immediately after bathing

2. Don't hastily remove clothing during heavy sweating

3. Don't suddenly douse yourself with cold water when overheated

4. Never relieve yourself facing the sun, moon, or the Big Dipper and Southern Dipper (important Daoist constellations)

5. Don't expose your body under starlight

6. Avoid direct contact with frosty mist and mountain vapors (damp, cold mountain mists)

7. These practices all damage the internal organs and deplete Jing (essence) and Shen (spirit)

Next come dietary restrictions:

The five flavors must not be consumed excessively, following the Five Phases' mutual restriction:

• Excess sourness harms the spleen
• Excess bitterness harms the lungs
• Excess pungency harms the liver
• Excess sweetness harms the kidneys
• Excess saltiness harms the heart

The essence of health preservation lies in:

The heart governs the five organs, while Qi serves as the body's motive force. During activity, maintain harmony (Taihe, Supreme Harmony) as if handling fine horses; circulate Qi and blood with the composure (Xuanji, Mysterious Serenity) of driving a steady carriage. When joints tire, practice Daoyin (ancient therapeutic exercises). Those who neglect health preservation will soon suffer Qi depletion and physical withering.

True health practitioners (Zhenren, perfected beings) live with daily simplicity and self-restraint. The ignorant indulge their whims, damaging their Shen (spirit) before their body suffers—a truly lamentable state.

(Note: "Daoyin" refers to ancient health exercises combining breathing with movement; "Taihe" and "Xuanji" represent ideal physical-mental states in Daoist cultivation)