The meaning of Transformation in Taoism 什么是化

Transformation means change.

It is a formula for Daoist cultivation and a philosophical category. Daoism seeks to transform form and spirit, transform temperament, refine essence into Qi, refine Qi into spirit, transform the self, and refine the ordinary into the sacred—all taking the character "transformation" as the essential formula. The Daoist view of transformation among things is the most vibrant thought in Daoist philosophy, and also the theoretical foundation for various techniques including external alchemy (huangbai methods), Internal Alchemy immortality studies, and others.

The meaning of Transformation in Taoism

Ge Hong's Baopuzi (Inner Chapters, "Yellow and White") states: "Transformation is the spontaneity of heaven and earth," and "What cannot be done through the techniques of transformation?" Later, Tan Qiao of the Five Dynasties period wrote the Book of Transformation (Huashu), exclusively taking the character "transformation" as his teaching, discussing transformation of the Dao, transformation of techniques, transformation of virtue, and transformation of Qi. When cultivators of the Dao can understand transformation and thereby transform, becoming identical with the transformations of heaven and earth, they enter the realm of utter transformation where spirit emerges and transforms freely.