《女丹合編》Vol. 16

This passage reveals the essential methods of female Neidan (internal alchemy) practice in Daoism, transmitted by Lü Dongbin (one of the Eight Immortals, known by his Daoist name Chunyangzi) and recorded by his disciple Fu Jinquan.

The opening emphasizes that the key to cultivation lies in maintaining the fullness of the Three Treasures (Jing/essence, Qi/vital energy, and Shen/spirit) while adhering to the principle of Qingjing Wuwei (tranquil non-action). Through the Ninefold Reversion of the Golden Elixir (repeated refinement), female practitioners (called Yuanjun) can achieve longevity like the legendary immortal Huang'an—who was said to sit on a divine turtle that only raised its head once every thirty years to avoid sunlight; having witnessed this three times meant he'd practiced for ninety years.

The text then uses lunar imagery to illustrate the uniqueness of female cultivation: the crescent moon on the third day waxes to fullness by the fifth or sixth day. While sharing the same principles as male practice, female cultivation faces greater challenges in maintaining purity due to stronger emotional desires. The optimal time for practice is post-menstruation, when the heart resembles a freshly bloomed lotus requiring the "heavenly dew" of Yin-Yang harmony to bear fruit. Without contact with masculine Yang energy, a woman's practice would be like a lotus deprived of rain—unable to fruit even in fertile soil. This reflects the universal Daoist law of Yin-Yang balance in cosmic creation.

The practice method divides into two daily sessions:

Morning routine:

1. Sit quietly for a while

2. Place the right hand over the heart, while the left hand massages the navel clockwise 20 times

3. Rub the waist with both hands, alternating between kneading and patting

4. Switch hand positions and repeat the massage

5. Warm the palms by rubbing, then apply to the face; massage ears with pressing-and-flicking motions

6. Knead the shoulders while swallowing saliva

7. Stretch the back, stand up, swing arms while walking a few steps before daily activities

Evening session repeats the same sequence, supplemented by special pills containing:

20g Polygonum Multiflorum (Heshouwu),

30g walnut (Hetao),

50g Ophiopogon (Maidong),

75g Rehmannia (Shudi),

3g Psoralea (Buguzhi),

1.5g Amomum (Sharen),

4g Eucommia (Duzhong),

50g Asparagus (Tiandong),

1.5g ginger (Shengjiang)

(Note: Ancient measurements—1 "Yin" ≈10g, 1 "Fen" ≈0.5g)

This passage describes a recipe and method for preparing a longevity elixir. The primary ingredients consist of eight medicinal herbs ground into fine powder, blended with half a pound of lard (for non-vegetarians; vegetarians may substitute human milk, cow's milk, or goat's milk—dairy products not being considered meat. The so-called "milk tea" of northwestern regions exemplifies this practice, known to boost vitality, improve complexion, and promote longevity with dark hair. The Buddha himself drank this during his ascetic practices in the snow mountains, hence its acceptance in Buddhist tradition. Most commercially available butter often contains sheep fat and is inferior to human milk).

Consuming this elixir for one month significantly enhances mental vigor, darkens hair, and prolongs life, surpassing the effects of other remedies. The specific method of ingestion is as follows: On the days of the Tiger (Yin), Horse (Wu), Monkey (Shen), and Pig (Hai) in the lunar calendar, prepare a bowl of water and measure out three fen (about 1.1 grams) of the medicine. At dawn, face east and take three deep breaths, swallowing the air each time while reciting the incantation:

"The radiance of the rising sun originates from True Yang. I draw the righteous Qi of the east to refine into divine nectar. The Golden Jing (essence) of Taiyi (the supreme Daoist deity) penetrates the Li Palace (an acupoint at the crown of the head), forging pure Yang energy as Yin and Yang Qi merge and transform within."

Then clasp your hands and stretch seven times. With your finger, trace the characters "Most Exalted Divine Empyrean, Infinite Longevity, Life-Preserving Celestial Worthy" (a Daoist deity's title) over the water's surface before swallowing the pill with the water.

After ingestion, face west, take one deep breath, and swallow the air before resuming normal activities. The author emphasizes that this method must be guarded carefully and not casually disclosed to unworthy individuals. When one achieves the Great Elixir (advanced Neidan practice), it may be combined with other medicines for enhanced effects.