The Solitary Cultivation School 孤修派

The Solitary Cultivation School
Also known as the Pure and Quiet School. It is a category of Neidan (internal alchemy) techniques. The pure and quiet alchemy method opposes the Yin-Yang grafting technique of dual cultivation between men and women, claiming that Yin and Yang are entirely within one's own body, and that cultivating one's own essence, Qi, and spirit is sufficient to form the elixir.

The Pure and Quiet School originated from the ancient art of Qi circulation, later integrating with practices such as Qi absorption and visualization. During the Tang Dynasty, it was influenced by Zen Buddhism and became integrated with Laozi and Zhuangzi's practices like "sitting in forgetfulness" and "heart fasting." In the Yuan Dynasty, Qiu Chuji founded the Longmen School, advocating the pure and quiet solitary cultivation alchemy method and denouncing the Yin-Yang alchemy method as "abandoning oneself to seek others."

Later, there was the Wuliu School, which further developed and matured the pure and quiet alchemy method. Daoist schools practicing the pure and quiet alchemy method are also referred to as the Pure and Quiet School.