Li Xiyue (1806—1856), styled Hanxu and known by the literary name Changyi Shanren, was a native of Leshan, Sichuan. He was a renowned Taoist priest in the Qing Dynasty and the founder of the Western School of Inner Alchemy.
Li Xiyue was intelligent from childhood. He studied at Jiufeng Academy run by Li Jiaxiu, was skilled in playing the qin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument), and had a fondness for poetry and wine. Later, he went to Mount Emei for recuperation due to illness, where he met Zheng Pushan, a Taoist master, and thus became his disciple. It is said that Li Xiyue successively received the essential secrets of inner alchemy from Zhang Sanfeng and Lü Dongbin. After years of cultivation, he founded the Western School of Inner Alchemy.
Li Xiyue had numerous works, such as Annotations on the Thirteen Classics of the Supreme Emperor, Secret Essentials of Sanfeng, Discussions on the Taoist Orifice, Annotations on the Rootless Tree, Nine Levels of Cultivating the Mind, and Narration of the Postnatal, etc.
Spiritual Lineage and Teachings
According to tradition, Li Xiyue received key teachings of Taoist Internal Alchemy from legendary figures Zhang Sanfeng and Lü Dongbin. After years of dedicated practice and refinement, he established the Western School of Taoist Internal Alchemy, distinguished by its unique methods and interpretations.
Major Literary Works
Li Xiyue authored numerous important Taoist texts, including:
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| Title (Chinese) | English Translation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 《太上十三经注解》 | Commentaries on the Thirteen Supreme Classics | Detailed explanations of foundational Taoist scriptures. |
| 《三丰秘旨》 | Secret Instructions of Sanfeng | Esoteric teachings attributed to Zhang Sanfeng. |
| 《道窍谈》 | Discussions on the Essentials of the Tao | Insights into Taoist philosophy and practice. |
| 《无根树注解》 | Commentary on the Rootless Tree | Interpretations of symbolic Taoist concepts. |
| 《九层炼心》 | Nine Layers of Refining the Mind | Guide to mental and spiritual cultivation. |
| 《后天串述》 | Postnatal Expositions | Teachings on life cultivation after birth. |
Taoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan) and the Western School
Li Xiyue’s Western School emphasizes the inner transformation process through meditation, breath control, and energy refinement, aiming to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. Key features include:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Meditation | Deep contemplative practices to cultivate inner awareness. |
| Breathwork | Techniques to regulate qi (vital energy) flow. |
| Energy Refinement | Alchemical transformation of bodily energies to achieve spiritual awakening. |
| Philosophical Integration | Combines Taoist metaphysics with practical cultivation methods. |
Cultural and Historical Context
Li Xiyue’s contributions occurred during the late Qing Dynasty, a period marked by both preservation and innovation within Taoist traditions. His establishment of the Western School added diversity and depth to Taoist internal alchemy practices, influencing subsequent generations of practitioners.
Summary Table: Key Information about Li Xiyue
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Li Xiyue (李西月) |
| Courtesy Name | Hanxu (涵虚) |
| Sobriquet | Changyi Shanren (长乙山人) |
| Birth–Death | 1806–1856 |
| Place of Origin | Leshan, Sichuan Province |
| School |
