What does "Cultivating the Tao" in Taoism refer to?

Taoism holds that cultivating the Tao is the fundamental way to escape suffering, attain happiness, and transcend the cycle of birth and death. So, what exactly is cultivating the Tao? Or, what is the meaning of the term "cultivating the Tao"?

The so - called "cultivating the Tao" actually means transforming oneself. Through one's own efforts, one evolves from an ordinary person into a qualified Taoist. This is not a transformation in terms of clothing and appearance, nor can it be achieved by chanting a few incantations, drawing a few magic talismans, or reciting a few scriptures. Instead, it requires dispelling the seven emotions and driving away the six desires within one's inner world, enhancing one's essence - qi, spirit, and virtue, and restraining oneself and guiding one's words and deeds according to the standards that a Taoist adherent should possess.