Cun Shen Lian Qi Ming (Inscription on Preserving the Spirit and Refining Qi), a one-scroll work compiled by Sun Simiao of the
Tang Dynasty, is included in the "Methods" category of the Dongshen (Spirit Grotto) section in the
Zhengtong Daozang (Orthodox Taoist Canon). It is listed under the Taoist section in the
Tongzhi·Yiwen Lue (Comprehensive Records・Outline of Arts and Literature) and
include in Volume 33 of
Yunji Qiqian (Seven Slips of a Cloudy Satchel) under the title
Taiqing Cun Shen Lian Qi Wu Shi Qi Hou Jue (Taiqing's Formula for Preserving the Spirit, Refining Qi, and the Five Stages and Seven States).
Cun Shen Lian Qi Ming is mostly composed of four-character rhymed verses, expounding on the interdependent relationship between the body, spirit, and
qi, as well as cultivation methods. It holds that the body is the abode of spirit and qi; the life and death of the body are related to the gathering and dispersing of spirit and qi. Therefore, the way to preserve the body lies in calming the spirit and qi. It also states that qi is the mother of the spirit—calming the spirit first requires refining qi, so that the sea of qi is abundant, the mind is tranquil, and the spirit is stable, thereby ensuring the body's health and longevity.
The text describes the method of refining qi: one must first practice grain avoidance (
bigu), calm the mind in the sea of qi, focus the spirit on the dantian, control the mind and calm thoughts. When the sea of qi is full, one will naturally feel satiated. The book divides the cultivation process into five stages (
wu shi) and seven states (
qi hou).
The five stages refer to the five realms of progressively deepening mental cultivation:
- The first stage of mind: more movement than stillness, the mind of an ordinary person;
- The second stage of mind: restraining movement to enter stillness, the beginning of pursuing the Dao;
- The third stage of mind: half movement and half stillness, gradually becoming regulated and proficient;
- The fourth stage of mind: more stillness than movement, gradually mastering the control of the mind;
- The fifth stage of mind: pure stillness throughout, unmoved even when touched.
From this, one enters the seven states, which are seven levels of cultivation:
- The first state: old illnesses are eliminated, the body is light and the mind is carefree, abiding in unity and maintaining the center, called "attaining the Dao";
- The second state: the body is pleasure and the mind is peaceful, with spiritual penetration and clairvoyance;
- The third state: prolonging life for a thousand years, called "immortal";
- The fourth state: refining the body into qi, called "true person";
- The fifth state: refining qi into spirit, called "divine person";
- The sixth state: refining the spirit to merge with form, called "supreme greatness";
- The seventh state: the body transcends the material world, called "ultimate perfection."
It also states that this method of embryonic breathing and stable visualization is the way to retain the spirit and preserve the body, with techniques passed down in oral formulas rather than written in text. It is evident that the book still contains oral formulas that are not fully elaborated.
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