Baopuzi Classic of Health Cultivation 抱朴子养生论

Written by Ge Hong of the Jin Dynasty.

History of Song·Treatise on Arts and Literature records this book as one volume.

The existing version in The Daozang is included in the Methods Category of the Dongshen Section.

Baopuzi Classic of Health Cultivation

This text first expounds that the way to nurture one’s body is analogous to the way to govern a state. Those who govern a state cherish their people to stabilize the nation, just as those who nurture their bodies cherish their Qi to preserve their lives. When the people are exhausted, the nation will perish; when Qi declines, the body will decay. Therefore, those who cultivate their bodies should restrain desires and cherish Qi to safeguard their lives. It also states that those who pursue health preservation must first eliminate the six harms and practice the twelve restraints. The six harms refer to fame and fortune, sensual pleasures, wealth and goods, rich flavors, flattery and deceit, as well as jealousy and resentment. The twelve restraints are to have fewer thoughts and fewer cravings, less laughter and fewer words, less joy and less anger, less delight and less sorrow, fewer likes and fewer dislikes, and less busyness and fewer schemes. In addition, one should regulate diet and labor, maintain a relaxed and peaceful mindset, and uphold a simple and tranquil life. By doing so, the body and mind will remain calm, disasters and misfortunes will not invade, and one can enjoy a long life. This text is suspected to be compiled by later generations by excerpting contents from Baopuzi: Inner Chapters written by Ge Hong, and it embodies the core ideas of Taoism and Health Preservation.