《女丹合編》Vol. 8

The cultivation of the Great Dao (Da Dao) knows no distinction between men and women—all who practice with sincere devotion may attain realization. When men achieve perfection, they are called "True Persons" (Zhenren), while women who attain the same are honored as "Primordial Sovereigns" (Yuanjun). Since ancient times, the alchemical classics (Danjing) have meticulously documented methods for male cultivation, yet rarely addressed the path for female practitioners. On the rare occasions when women's practice was mentioned, it was only in passing. This omission does not stem from disregard for female cultivation, but rather from the belief that the fundamental nature of life (Xingming) is identical for both sexes, and thus the methods should be the same—once the male path is explained, women would naturally comprehend their own.

However, in reality, men's constitutions are externally Yang (阳) and internally Yin (阴), while women's are externally Yin and internally Yang. Their innate endowments and physical structures differ significantly. Though the ultimate principles of nature and life (Xingming Shuangxiu) are the same, the concrete methods of cultivation vary greatly. As Discernments on Cultivating Truth (Xiuzhen Biannan) clarifies: "For men, cultivation focuses primarily on refining Qi (Lianqi), while for women, refining the form (Lianxing) takes precedence." Patriarch Xu (possibly referring to Xu Xun) also observed: "A perfected man achieves non-leakage of essence (Jing), while a perfected woman attains non-leakage of menstruation." In the initial stages of practice, the methods for men and women diverge entirely.

In later stages—such as refining the self to obtain the medicine (Lianji Deyao), returning the elixir for gentle nurturing (Huan Dan Wenyang), forming the embryo and releasing the spirit (Jietai Chushen)—the practices become broadly similar for both sexes. Yet subtle differences remain in specific details and sequences. In the spring of the Renchen year (1892), when female disciples came seeking guidance, I advised them to study ancient texts to verify their understanding. However, I discovered that alchemical scriptures (Danjing) dedicated to women's cultivation were exceedingly scarce, making it difficult to discern these distinctions. Thus, setting aside concerns about revealing celestial secrets, I meticulously recorded the similarities and differences between male and female cultivation, along with their respective steps and sequences, hoping to illuminate the path for female practitioners.

This way, they may grasp the true meaning through these words and avoid mistaking the false for the genuine. With profound understanding and diligent practice, women can refine the Golden Elixir (Jindan) just as men do. In time, at the immortal gatherings of the Jasper Pool (Yaochi), female transcendents may join their male counterparts in paying homage to the Wooden Duke (Dongwanggong, the Eastern King) and Golden Mother (Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West), together realizing the supreme and ultimate Dao (Wushang Zhidao).

This preface was composed in the second lunar month of the Renchen year (1892) of the Guangxu reign in the Qing dynasty, by Zhong Zhenyizi in the Western Chamber of Reclining Clouds by the Jade Belt Stream.