What is the Guisheng 贵生？

Guisheng (贵生), or "the 仙道贵生 (immortal way values life)", is the core tenet of Taoist belief, embodying the distinctive characteristics of Taoism. The so-called "仙道 (immortal way)" refers to the pursuit of becoming an immortal and attaining Dao in Taoism. Taoism believes that immortals can be learned from and truly exist; the life of immortals is free and unhindered, eternal and indestructible. They are all true beings who have attained Dao, serving as role models for those who learn and practice the Dao.

An important part of becoming an immortal and attaining Dao is to achieve longevity through one's own cultivation. Therefore, Taoism teaches people to value life, cherish life, and delight in life, elevating the quality of existence to the realm of immortals, so as to achieve the integration of life and Dao—that is, attaining Dao. The Scripture of Delivering Humanity (《度人经》) summarizes this essential tenet as: "The immortal way values life, and delivers countless people."