The Heaven-Recluse's Guide 天隐子

Originally attributed to Sima Chengzhen, the 13th patriarch of the Shangqing School in the Tang Dynasty, this work was recorded as one volume in Comprehensive Records·Bibliography of Literature, Chao Gongwu’s Bibliography of Junzhai Library, and Chen Zhensun’s Annotations on Book Catalogues. It is included in the Taixuan Section of The Daozang.

There is a preface by Sima Chengzhen at the beginning of the book: "Tianyinzi—I know not whence he came. He wrote eight chapters containing profound mysteries, which are hardly attainable through mere human learning." These eight chapters are presumably a pseudonym of the author (Sima Chengzhen himself) under the name Tianyinzi, expounding the essential principles of Taoist cultivation.

The Heaven-Recluse's Guide

Chapter 1, Immortality, elaborates on nurturing one’s empty Qi and not sinking into mundane affairs, serving as the general outline of cultivation. Chapter 2, Simplicity and Ease, discusses the cultivation principle of simplicity and non-action. Chapter 3, Progressive Gates, outlines the cultivation steps, divided into "Five Progressive Stages". Chapter 4, Fasting and Abstinence, covers the first of the Five Progressive Stages: purifying the body, emptying the mind, regulating diet to balance the inner state, and massaging to invigorate the exterior. Chapter 5, Peaceful Dwelling, explains the second stage: residing in a quiet room, sitting facing south, sleeping with the head facing east, maintaining a balance of Yin and Yang, and harmonizing light and darkness. Chapter 6, Visualization and Contemplation, presents the third stage: gathering the mind to restore one’s true nature, closing the eyes to concentrate the spirit. Chapter 7, Sitting Forgetting, describes the fourth stage: abandoning form and forgetting the self, transcending the distinction between self and others, and achieving a state of non-perception. Chapter 8, Spiritual Enlightenment, details the fifth and final stage: uniting all dharmas with the divine.

It is claimed that the above Five Progressive Stages are the gradual path to becoming an immortal, also known as Faithful Enlightenment, Secluded Enlightenment, Wisdom Enlightenment, Stable Enlightenment, and Spiritual Enlightenment. By practicing sequentially until reaching Spiritual Enlightenment, one attains divine communion and becomes an immortal. The book is concise and lucid in style, and its purport is complementary to Treatise on Sitting Forgetting written by Sima Chengzhen.