《孫不二元君法語》

Plain Interpretation of "The Dharma Words of Immortal Lady Sun Bu'er"

Author: Qingjing Sanren (Daoist name of Sun Bu'er)

This classic outlines the fourteen stages of female cultivation in internal alchemy (Neidan):

1. Gathering the Mind

Before the body takes form, the primordial Qi (先天元气) already exists. Like polishing jade until it becomes lustrous, or refining true gold until it remains untarnished, one must sweep away distracting thoughts and guard the key gateway (总持门). Maintain a state of gentle warmth in the Dantian (丹田), the subtle and luminous space the size of half a millet grain (半黍虚灵处).

2. Nourishing Qi

Primordial Qi is originally in a state of Wuwei (无为), but after birth, it becomes influenced by breath through the mouth and nose. Once speech arises, Qi scatters—let alone the exhaustion caused by worldly toil. Through cultivation (子肥能益母), Qi can be regenerated and circulated anew.

3. Practicing the Work

When breath is restrained and spirit (神) is concentrated, the vital energy of the East rises. Let go of all distracting thoughts and return Qi to the Dantian. The Yin energy must first descend, followed by the ascent of Yang energy—like the clarity of heaven and earth after a thunderstorm.

4. Slaying the Dragon (Subduing Desires)

In deepest stillness, movement arises, and Yin and Yang interact. Within the breath (风), seize the true lead (真铅, jade tiger); under the moonlight, gather the true mercury (真汞, golden crow). Pay attention to the timing of Yin-Yang interaction, regulate the flow of Qi, and guide the elixir energy back to the Dantian.

5. Nourishing the Elixir

Guide Qi back to its rightful place as if taming a tiger and dragon. The mind should be as clear as still water, and the heart as steady as a mountain. Adjust the breath (金鼎), stabilize the Dantian (玉关), and accumulate progress daily—this leads to rejuvenation.

6. Embryonic Breathing

To swiftly form the elixir, illusions must first be dispelled. Focus the spirit on the elixir and return breathing to its primal state. Qi circulates through the three Dantian (三岛), and spirit merges with emptiness. Coming and going freely, all becomes the true suchness.

7. Talisman Fire (Regulating the Heat)

Within embryonic breathing, distinguish movement from stillness. Strengthen Yang energy and prevent Yin from dissipating. Like a deep pool cradling a pearl or a mountain peak releasing the moon, maintain vigilance through the six periods (六时) to nourish the elixir.

8. Receiving the Medicine

When half the mystery is understood, the elixir first appears like dew. Though it can prolong life, it is not yet fully formed. Through breath (鼻观), draw in Yang energy until the spirit becomes transparent. Carefully nurture it until the elixir matures, enabling ascension.

9. Refining the Spirit

Once the innate essence (舍利子) enters the body, handle it as carefully as holding a full cup of water or nurturing an infant. Secure the lower Dantian (地门) and open the upper Dantian (天阙). Purify the essence (黄芽) until the state of celestial-human resonance is achieved.

10. Ingesting the Elixir

Elixir refinement mirrors the workings of heaven and earth. By day, absorb the essence of the sun (日乌炁); by night, gather the essence of the moon (月蟾精). When the elixir ripens, ingest it to attain a transformed body.

Plain Interpretation of "The Dharma Words of Immortal Lady Sun Bu'er"

Gathering the Prime of Life

When the body is light and free, the Shen (spirit, innate consciousness) roams without hindrance, and every pore of the body radiates light.

Abstaining from Grains (Fasting in Cultivation)

Nourished by the Qi (vital energy) of heaven and earth, the five viscera become cool and wondrous. Letting go of mental attachments, one attains a state of emptiness. By day, gather mountain herbs; by dusk, pluck spiritual lotus. If tainted by worldly desires, the immortal realm remains beyond reach.

Facing the Wall (Secluded Meditation)

Abandon all mundane affairs and sit quietly in a small chamber. With a light body, ride the purple Qi (primordial energy); with a tranquil mind, cleanse like a clear pool. Harmonize the two Qi of Yin-Yang, unite the spirit with heaven and earth. When cultivation reaches completion, one may ascend to the celestial palace, leaving the mortal world with a long cry.

Spirit Journey (Projection of the Yang Spirit)

When cultivation reaches the stage where the body exists beyond the physical form, this is no illusion. The perfected Qi flows unimpeded, and the innate Shen is lively. Like the bright moon condensing golden elixir, or the blue lotus refining jade purity (Golden Elixir). Refining the essence (the "black hare and white crow" symbolize Yin-Yang), the Golden Elixir shines eternally without depletion.

Ascension (Transcendence and Flight)

At the auspicious moment, depart from the mortal realm and soar instantly to the nine heavens. Jade maidens arrive on azure phoenixes, while golden boys present crimson peaches. Play brocade zithers amidst flowers, blow jade flutes beneath the moon. Once the boundary between immortal and mortal is severed, ride the clear Qi and cross the vast sea.

Internal Alchemy for Women (Female Cultivation Methods)

Not riding white cranes but favoring phoenixes, with twenty banners circling left and right. By chance, entering the scripture hall brings a knowing smile, as the incense of truth swirls around jade railings.

Early Spring’s Warm Breeze

The gentle winds of early spring arrive, sunlight gracing the hermit’s home. Urging the winter plum to bloom early, the cultivator gazes upon the pure-hearted flower (symbolizing immaculate intention).

Essentials of Nourishing Life

All living things arise from Yin-Yang; the Wuji (Ultimate Non-Being) manifests the radiance of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate). Diligently polish the mind’s mirror until it shines like the moon—the entire cosmos fits within an inch of space. Shen and Qi should be as clear as night air; supreme joy lies in soundless stillness. Illusion within reality, reality within illusion—observe silently the profound workings of creation.

Journey to Penglai (Immortal Isle)

To tour Penglai, one must have companions; alone, the jade mountain peak is hard to scale. If idle sitting is mistaken for cultivation, it is like trying to cross the Weak Waters (mythical immortal sea) without a boat.

The Heart Method of Nourishing Life

Tending the Shen is like holding a full cup—excessive joy harms Yang, excessive anger depletes Yin. Inward vision tames restless thoughts (like taming a tiger’s tail), while silent listening perceives the vitality within (the "Yellow Court" refers to the Dantian). Clear the thorns (distractions) from the heart, and the wondrous lotus of innate nature blooms. When sudden illumination appears, recognizing the original mind is true enlightenment.