The Alchemical Formulas of the Qingwei Sect 清微丹诀
Paul PengThe Alchemical Formulas of the Qingwei Sect
Author unknown.
Judging from its content and wording, it was presumably compiled by Taoist priests of the Qingwei Sect during the Yuan Dynasty.
One scroll, included in the Alchemy and Arts category of the Dongzhen Section of The Daozang.
The Alchemical Formulas of the Qingwei Sect
This book expounds the internal alchemy cultivation methods of the Qingwei Sect, divided into four chapters: Chapter of Qingwei Concealing the True and Uniting with the Dao, Chapter of Inner Chamber Cultivation Practices, Chapter of Altar Summoning and Integration, and Chapter of Activation and Application. Seven internal cultivation talisman diagrams are attached at the end.
A distinctive feature of the Qingwei Sect's alchemical methods is the integration of internal golden elixir refinement with external talisman techniques. Although its internal alchemy cultivation process is divided into three stages—refining essence into qi, refining qi into spirit, and refining spirit to unite with the Dao—its specific practices differ from those of the Quanzhen Dao.
It is also stated that the essence of Qingwei Dao methods "consists not merely in talismans, nor is it rigidly bound to incantations". Instead, one first unites one's own upright spirit with the numinous power of thunder generals, and integrates the Big Dipper's astral power of heaven with that of one's own body to exert it, as it is said: "I am endowed with the yin and yang qi; when unleashed, it shakes heaven and earth."
It further proclaims: "Virtue is the talisman of the Dao, and sincerity is the foundation of all methods." Those who practice the Dao must first rectify themselves and wholeheartedly cultivate sincerity, attaining a harmonious balance of spirit and qi, before they can perform the Dao methods effectively.
