Direct Instructions on the Great Elixir 大丹直指

Composed by Qiu Chuji during the Jin Dynasty and compiled and published by his later disciples. Consisting of two scrolls, it is included in the Methods Category of the The Dongzhen Section within the The Daozang.

This work discusses the theory and practice methods of Internal Alchemy (Neidan). It states: "The secret of the Golden Elixir lies solely in one’s nature (xing) and life (ming). Nature is like heaven, often lurking at the top of the head; life is like earth, often lurking at the navel. The top of the head is the root of nature, and the navel is the stem of life."

Direct Instructions on the Great Elixir

Within the human heart resides the essence of true Yang, named Mercury-Wood Dragon; within the navel resides the primal Yang vital energy, named Lead-Metal Tiger. "First, make the two energies of water and fire intersect vertically, rise and fall to bond with each other. Use intention to lure them, draw out the true essence and true energy, and form the Great Elixir. It not only prolongs life—if cultivation of both merit and practice is pursued, one can attain the rank of sage."

Its cultivation steps are divided into nine stages: Union of Dragon and Tiger, Circumpolar Fire Timing, Flying Golden Essence Behind the Elbows, Golden Fluid Return Elixir, Solar Refinement of Form, Mutual Assistance of the Three Fields, Refining Spirit into the Top of the Head, Refining Spirit to Unify with the Dao, Abandoning the Shell to Ascend as an Immortal, and Transcending Mortality to Become a Sage.

It further divides this practice into three levels of achievement: Refining only the "Union of Dragon and Tiger" is the Minor Achievement Method, which can nourish vitality and extend life; continuing to refine up to "Solar Refinement of Form" is the Middle Achievement Method, which can make one an Earth Immortal; and further refining up to "Refining Spirit into the Top of the Head" is the Great Achievement Method, which can make one an Immortal.