The Direct Path of Inner Alchemy 碧虚子亲传直指
Paul PengThe Direct Path of Inner Alchemy
Composed by Fang Bixu, a Taoist priest of the Song Dynasty.
Some claim that Bixuzi is Chen Jingyuan, a Taoist priest of the Northern Song Dynasty, which is incorrect.
Originally consisting of one scroll, it is included in the Methods Category of the The Dongzhen Section within the Taoist Canon (The Daozang).
The Direct Path of Inner Alchemy
A preface by the author is included at the beginning. He states that he first encountered Mr. Haiqiong (Bai Yuchan), who imparted the essentials of the Dao to him, and later met Jushi Anran (Householder Anran), who further instructed him—only then did he attain the profound meaning of Haiqiong’s teachings, which he recorded to compile this work.
The book expounds the alchemical method of the Southern School of the Golden Elixir Sect. Taking the innate primal Qi (Vital Energy) as the foundation of the Golden Elixir, it emphasizes that refining the elixir must proceed in sequential steps, starting with cultivating life (ming). If one recklessly incorporates Chan Buddhist teachings, it will only result in "stagnant emptiness".
It also separately elaborates on the essential practices such as alchemical substances, extraction methods, the ascent and descent of Qian (heaven) and Kun (earth), fire timing, embryo formation and nurturing the "infant", and transferring the cauldron for gentle cultivation.
