What is Preserving Life in Taoism 什么是全生

What is Preserving Life in Taoism什么是全生

"Quan Sheng" (全生, "Preserving Life") refers to safeguarding one's life and living out one's natural lifespan. Preserving Life is an important goal of Taoist cultivation. The Zhuangzi · Yangsheng Zhu states: "One can protect the body, preserve life." The Zihuazi · Yangcheng Xuqu Wen states: "The ancients who knew the Dao strove to preserve their lives completely; those who strove to preserve their lives completely never forgot what they possessed; those who never forgot what they possessed were the guardians of the Dao; the guardians of the Dao were the dwelling place of the spirit. Therefore, to preserve life completely is highest; to diminish life comes next; death comes after that; and to be coerced is the lowest of all. What is meant by 'preserving life completely' is that all Qi of the six desires are each appropriately fulfilled."

Taoism regards the preservation of life as a foundational premise for achieving the ultimate goal of cultivation — immortality and union with the Dao.

What is Preserving Life in Taoism