True Unity of the Golden Elixir 金丹真一论

Originally attributed to Baixuanzi, whose life story remains unknown. Judging from the content of the text, it was likely composed in the late Tang and Five Dynasties periods.

Comprising one scroll, it is included in the Taixuan Section of The Daozang.

This work cites alchemical formulas from the Zhouyi Cantong Qi, the Yinfu Jing, and masters such as Ma Mingsheng, Yin Changsheng, Yuanyangzi and Qingxiazi, expounding the essential methods of External Alchemy. It states that the Reverted Elixir is endowed with the Qi of the True One, and all alchemists strive to seek the origin of the True One—hence the title On the True One. The author holds that the Dao is water, and water corresponds to the number one; it contains Qi and unites with the true essence, and when its position is aligned, it merges with true lead. Therefore, elixir refining must first stabilize the divine water, then deliberate on true lead. Divine water is mercury, which must be subdued by true lead. The Golden Elixir is formed solely by the condensation of the splendid Qi of true mercury and true lead.

Elixir refining must emulate the trigrams of Heaven and Earth, follow the principles of Yin and Yang, and conform to the movements of the sun and moon. The application of fire must accord with the seasonal nodes month by month, with Yin and Yang in equal measure, interacting and sustaining each other. With each circulation of Qi, the elixir undergoes a transformation. Within the twelve double hours of a day, one must also advance and retreat, rise and sink, adapt in accordance with the trigrams, follow the water clock, and regulate the addition and reduction of fire in response to the five emotions. The process begins from nothingness, proceeds from non-being to being, and then returns from being to non-being. When the cycle of returning is completed, the divine elixir manifests itself naturally.

When ingested by humans, it flows through the hundred meridians, preserves youthful looks and reverses aging, and further accumulates hidden virtue. When the time for ascension comes, one’s fate shall be governed by oneself, not by heaven. The text elaborates in considerable detail on the erection of stoves and cauldrons, the combination of medicinal ingredients, and the principles of fire control. It is a relatively systematic treatise on External Alchemy.