Arcane Methods of the Dao 通玄秘术

Compiled by Shen Zhiyan of the Tang Dynasty.

Originally consisting of three volumes, the existing version in The Daozang is combined into one volume, included in the Methods category of the Dongshen Section.

A preface written by the author precedes the book. He claims that in the early years of the Taihe reign (827 AD), he encountered Taoist Priest Ma Ziran, who taught him secret techniques and medicinal formulas. In the spring of the fifth year of the Xiantong reign (864 AD), he met his old friend Zheng Gong from Xingyang in Huainan, who imparted to him "the secret essentials of various divine elixirs," prompting him to compile this book.

Arcane Methods of the Dao

The book collects more than twenty formulas for pills, powders, and elixirs, including Zheng's Sansheng Dan (Three-Life Elixir), Qinghua Dan (Blue Flower Elixir), Taiyang Liuzhu Dan (Sun Fluid Pearl Elixir), Huangting Dan (Yellow Court Elixir), Huagai Dan (Canopy Elixir), Zijin Dan (Purple Gold Elixir), Huangying Dan (Yellow Blossom Elixir), Yinfu Zijin Dan (Yin-Subdued Purple Gold Elixir), Taiyang Zifen Dan (Sun Purple Powder Elixir), Shengjin Dan (Victorious Gold Elixir), Qijin Dan (Gorgeous Gold Elixir), Xiayuan Zouma Dan (Lower Origin Running Horse Elixir), Zouma Sishen Dan (Running Horse Four-Spirits Elixir), Yinfu Xiayuan Dan (Yin-Subdued Lower Origin Elixir), Yansheng Baoming Dan (Life-Extending Life-Preserving Elixir), Disheng Guyang Dan (Subduing Sage Yang-Strengthening Elixir), Xiayuan Bugu Dan (Lower Origin Bone-Tonifying Elixir), Yuxian Dan (Imperial Immortal Elixir), Yangshen Dan (Sheep Kidney Elixir), Bishu Dan (Summer-Heat-Avoiding Elixir), Bihan Dan (Cold-Avoiding Elixir), Zhiguo Dan (Fruit-Throwing Elixir), Lurong San (Deer Antler Powder), Lengyinzi (Cold Beverage), etc.

Each elixir formula details the dosage of ingredients, preparation methods, and efficacy when taken. Some of these elixirs are used to subdue the Five Metals and Eight Stones, transforming substances through alchemical transmutation, while most are for curing diseases and nurturing health. The book also contains immortal formulas such as making flower dew powder, refining pollen, and brewing xianrou (immortal wine). It is claimed that drinking xianrou can make one's complexion as radiant as peach and plum blossoms, turn white hair black: "In one year, you will attain spiritual insight and enlightenment; in two years, you can become an earthly immortal; in three years, you can ascend on clouds."

Rooted in Taoism's pursuit of harmony between humans and nature, the alchemical theories and medicinal compatibilities in the book reflect the unique understanding of health preservation and transcendence in traditional Chinese culture.