《純陽三書》Vol. 8

In this preface, Patriarch Lü Chunyang (Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals) laments: From the moment of birth, humans gradually lose their innate nature. The most precious primordial Qi (vital energy) within their bodies dissipates day by day, sinking them deeper into the cycle of birth and death until they reach an irredeemable state. This gradual dissipation obstructs the righteous energy between heaven and earth, making recovery nearly impossible. This constitutes humanity's greatest calamity. Though Buddhist and Daoist sages throughout the ages have continually warned people, few truly cherish these admonitions.

Bearing the mission to propagate the Dao and deliver beings from suffering, I've established numerous Daoist centers hoping to save sentient beings from the sea of bitterness. Yet most remain in ignorant confusion, fundamentally unable to comprehend these truths. As a cultivator of the Dao, it pains me to witness their persistent delusions. However, the key to awakening lies in guidance from immortals, while the root of delusion resides in ordinary people. Thus, predestined intermediaries capable of bridging the celestial and mundane realms are needed to transmit these profound truths.

This secret scripture, The Cultivation of Inner Nature (Xing Gong), originally received approval from the Supreme Lord Lao (Laozi, the highest Daoist deity) and the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the supreme Daoist trinity). My master Zhongli Quan (leader of the Eight Immortals) long intended to disseminate these cultivation methods in the human realm. Yet for years it remained concealed, as no sufficiently pure vessel could be found to receive it. Now with karmic conditions ripening, terrestrial immortals from various regions have petitioned the celestial court. By special decree from the heavenly bureaucracy, this text was transmitted through spirit-writing at the Fuzhen Altar, recorded by a cultivator surnamed Fan. It systematically imparts methods for cultivating both inner nature (xing) and vital force (ming), guiding predestined practitioners.

Divided into twenty sections, this scripture fully reveals the secrets of mental cultivation—essential methods for achieving immortality. However, note this solemn warning: Those who obtain this text yet fail to keep it secret, or know it but don't practice, or worse, recklessly transmit it without reporting to the celestial court, will face divine retribution. Recipients must treasure and safeguard it, diligently practicing while regularly reporting their progress to heaven. Only thus can they benefit themselves and others, ultimately attaining Dao-fruits. All initiates of the Mysterious Gate (Daoism) should revere this scripture with utmost respect.

This preface was personally written by Chunyangzi (Lü Dongbin's Daoist name) at an auspicious hour on the first day of the tenth lunar month during the forty-second year of the Kangxi reign (1703 CE).