Taoist Eye-Health Exercise: The Formula for Sharpening Eyes and Ears

The Zhengao (True Declarations) states: "The key to seeking the Dao lies first in making the ears acute and the eyes clear, for they are the masters of all affairs. Moreover, the ears and eyes are the stepping stones to seeking truth and the gateway to comprehending spirituality. Success or failure hinges on them, and survival or perdition is distinguished by them. Now, I copy this scripture to show you, so you may practice it."

The Dao teaches: "Always use your hands to press the small acupoints behind your two eyebrows thirty-six times (three sets of nine). Then, use the palms and fingers to massage the cheekbones above your two eyes. Next, rub your ears in a circular motion thirty times—there is no fixed time or season for doing this, and you may do it as often as you like. After completing these steps, always use your hands to stroke your forehead upward thirty-six times, starting from the middle of the eyebrows and moving into the hairline. Meanwhile, swallow your saliva; there is no fixed amount for this.

If you practice this regularly, your eyes will become sharp and your ears acute. Within two years, you will be able to read and write at night. The small acupoints behind the eyebrows are the 'Abode of the Upper Yuan and Six Harmonies,' which governs the cultivation of eye radiance, harmonizes and brightens the essence of light, maintains clear pupils like luminous pearls, and nurtures and refines the spirit of the eyes. This is the supreme Dao for practitioners (Zhenren) to follow in their daily sitting and standing. It is also called the 'Perpetual Dwelling of the Zhenren.'

A true saying from the Inner Classic goes: 'If you wish to read and write at night, always practice this daily routine.' The reason why Zhenren can observe things from all sides and see clearly in all eight directions is precisely because they regularly practice the methods of this 'Perpetual Dwelling' to brighten their senses."