Scripture of the Purple Gathering
The author is unknown.
The text frequently cites remarks by Gao Xiangxian and Zhang Boduan of the Song Dynasty, so it was presumably compiled by Taoist priests of the Southern School of the Internal Alchemy sect during the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Originally consisting of two scrolls, the surviving version in the Taoist Canon (The Daozang) is combined into one scroll, included in the Methods Category of the The Dongshen Section.
Scripture of the Purple Gathering
The scripture discusses the Dao of dual cultivation of Yin and Yang in Internal Alchemy (Neidan). The first half, falsely attributed to the True Person of Zituan (Purple Cluster), is divided into three sections: Preface, Secret Essentials of the Golden Elixir, and Ancient Immortals’ Secret Formulas. It claims that the Dao of internal medicines (pure self-cultivation method of Internal Alchemy) is easy to encounter but difficult to accomplish, while the Dao of external medicines (dual cultivation method of men and women) is difficult to encounter but easy to accomplish. The path of cultivation cannot be separated from the Five Elements and the union of Yin and Yang. Its essence lies in extracting the single Yang within a woman’s Yin to supplement the Yin within a man’s Yang—like the union of dragon and tiger, forming a round pearl as large as a pomegranate seed and as bright as amber. Taking one pearl will immediately elevate one to the rank of an immortal.
The book records a secret formula passed down by Yu Shouyi of Lu’anzi from Xishu, stating that taking it can lock the essence chamber and replenish primal Yang. The second half, titled Yanyue Xuanjin Pian (Chapter of the Crescent Moon and Profound Gold), is divided into seven sections, discussing the art of sexual cultivation with women to absorb Yin energy. It claims that the Crescent Moon and Profound Gold Cauldron is located in the Sympathetic Palace within the body, serving as the place to gather Yin and refine Yang.
The text repeatedly cites previous scholars’ remarks to generally discuss alchemical principles but does not clearly explain the specific practice methods. It states that the initial cultivation techniques are contained in the Hunyuan Jing (Scripture of Primal Chaos) and must be transmitted orally by an enlightened master.
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