What is The Art of Dual Cultivation: Refining Spirit and Body 性命双修？
Paul Peng
Share
The Art of Dual Cultivation: Refining Spirit and Body
(性命双修) is an important concept of cultivation and health preservation in Taoism. "Xing" (性) refers to the mind-nature, i.e., the spiritual aspect of human beings; "Ming" (命) refers to the physical life. Xingming Shuangxiu means that both the spirit and the body should be cultivated.
The principles for cultivating the mind-nature are to be quiet and natural, to be gentle and non-contending, to eliminate all selfish desires and cravings, to be indifferent to fame and fortune, and to prevent the spirit from being burdened by external things, thereby maintaining life. Meanwhile, one should also perform many good deeds, benefit others, and accumulate merits and virtues.
The cultivation of physical life mainly involves preserving essence, qi (vital energy), and spirit. Through cultivation methods such as taking medicines and guiding qi, visualization and guarding the One, sitting in forgetfulness and embryonic breathing, and internal and external alchemy, it promotes the health and longevity of life.
Taoism believes that through cultivation, human beings can extend their physical life, elevate their spiritual life, and ultimately reach the realm of immortals where both the form and the spirit are wonderful, and they are unified with Dao.
This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
