《女丹合編》Vol. 22

This passage warns practitioners to be vigilant against heretical paths that deviate from the true Dao. The so-called "side doors" (pangmen) are practices that openly violate the Great Dao, while "petty techniques" (xiaoshu) covertly contradict it. The authentic Great Dao is profoundly mysterious yet simple and pure, utterly free from selfish thoughts or impurities—this constitutes the fundamental essence of Daoist cultivation.

Any practice that conflicts with the natural laws of heaven and earth, contradicts the orthodox path of sages, or goes against human nature belongs to these heretical ways. These deviant methods are numerous in variety. The author initially considered enumerating them in detail but feared compromising moral integrity; yet remaining silent risked misleading future seekers. Therefore, dozens of the most corrupting techniques—those that poison minds and damage the true teachings of the Mystic Gate (Daoism)—are specifically identified as warnings. This aims to stem their toxic influence and rescue those who have fallen into these abysmal pitfalls.

Practitioners who inadvertently stray into such techniques must quickly turn back—timely correction still allows redemption. Persistent delusion brings harm to both self and others, prevents the formation of virtuous connections, and inevitably leads to misfortune. The affinity for myriad buddhas lies close at hand; all cultivators should remain collectively vigilant. The gates of the Three Pure Ones' (Sanqing) sacred halls remain eternally open, yet later generations must strictly discern between orthodox and heterodox paths.