What is Taoist inner alchemy? Are there any books that can teach the cultivation of inner alchemy?

  Inner alchemy is a method of achieving a transcendent state beyond the ordinary by regulating the body and mind and cultivating essence, qi, and spirit.
It generally includes stages such as foundation building, transforming essence into qi, transforming qi into spirit, and transforming spirit back to emptiness. Practitioners often cultivate through methods such as sitting in meditation, adjusting breathing, and guiding with intention.

Regarding Taoist classics for learning inner alchemy, there are mainly "Zhouyi Cantong Qi" and "Wuzhen Pian". However, since these works are relatively profound and complex, it is recommended to practice under the guidance of religious cultivators to achieve the best results.

Today, I will mainly introduce "Zhouyi Cantong Qi". "Zhouyi Cantong Qi" is a work that has had a very profound influence on Taoism in later generations.

I. Core ideas of "Zhouyi Cantong Qi"

1. Integrating Yi learning, Huang-Lao thought, and alchemy: "Zhouyi Cantong Qi" combines the theory of yin and yang changes in "The Book of Changes", the thought of tranquility and non-action of Huang-Lao Taoism, and ancient alchemy (furnace fire). It uses the hexagrams of "The Book of Changes" to explain the changes in the fire of alchemy. It believes that the alchemy process, like the generation and development of all things in heaven and earth, follows the law of the waxing and waning of yin and yang.

2. Cultivating both nature and life: It emphasizes achieving the dual improvement of "nature" (mind and spirit) and "life" (life and body) through cultivation. It not only focuses on cultivating the body to achieve immortality but also attaches importance to cultivating the mind to achieve spiritual transcendence.

3. Following nature: It believes that alchemy should follow the way of nature and the laws of the operation of heaven and earth. It emphasizes that the alchemy process should not violate nature but should be in harmony with nature and use the power of nature to achieve the purpose of alchemy.

II. Status of "Zhouyi Cantong Qi" in Taoism

1. Revered as the "king of alchemy scriptures through the ages": "Zhouyi Cantong Qi" is an important classic of Taoist alchemy and has had a huge impact on the theory and practice of alchemy in later generations. It systematically expounds the principles, methods, and processes of alchemy, providing theoretical basis and practical guidance for later alchemists.

2. Laying the foundation for inner alchemy: Although it originally mainly discussed external alchemy, the theories of yin and yang, five elements, and fire control in it were borrowed and developed by later inner alchemists and became an important theoretical source for inner alchemy. It provides a complete theoretical system and cultivation method for inner alchemy cultivation and plays a foundational role in the development of inner alchemy.

3. Influencing Taoist philosophical thought: Its integration of the thoughts of Yi learning and Huang-Lao Taoism enriches the philosophical connotation of Taoism. The elaboration on concepts such as yin and yang, the Tao, and nature in the book has had a profound impact on Taoism's worldview, outlook on life, and values.

4. Promoting Taoist cultivation practice: It provides specific cultivation methods and guidance for Taoist practitioners, prompting Taoist cultivation to pay more attention to the combination of theory and practice and promoting the development of Taoist cultivation practice.

So, how to start cultivating specifically and what are the key points to note during cultivation?

In "Zhouyi Cantong Qi", the methods and core points of inner alchemy cultivation are roughly as follows:

I. Cultivation methods

1. Foundation building: By adjusting the physical and mental state, reach a state of inner tranquility and abandonment of distracting thoughts. This is often achieved through methods such as sitting in meditation and contemplation, adjusting breathing to make it even and long, and condensing essence, qi, and spirit.

2. Transforming essence into qi: Transform the acquired essence of the human body into congenital qi. Use specific exercises and intention guidance to stimulate internal energy, transform essence into qi, and guide the qi to run inside the body.

3. Transforming qi into spirit: Further cultivate on the basis of qi to transform qi into spirit. Through continuous cultivation and accumulation, let qi nourish and elevate the spiritual realm and reach a state of unity of spirit and qi.

4. Transforming spirit back to emptiness: Return spirit to the realm of emptiness and conform to the Tao. Transcend self-awareness and limitations, reach a state of emptiness and non-action, and integrate the spirit with heaven, earth, and nature.

II. Core points

1. Balancing yin and yang: It is believed that all things in the universe are composed of yin and yang qi. Inner alchemy cultivation also needs to follow the law of yin and yang changes. During cultivation, pay attention to adjusting the balance of yin and yang inside the body to make yin and yang qi coordinate and transform each other.

2. The generation and restriction of the five elements: Use the principle of the generation and restriction of the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth) to guide cultivation. It is believed that the five internal organs of the human body correspond to the five elements. By adjusting the balance of the qi of the five internal organs, the harmonious operation of the five elements is achieved.

3. Mastering the fire control: Just as alchemy requires mastering the fire control, inner alchemy cultivation also emphasizes accurately grasping the intensity and rhythm of different stages during cultivation. Excessive or insufficient fire control will affect the cultivation effect.

4. Following nature: Emphasize that cultivation should follow the way of nature and the laws of the operation of heaven and earth. Be in harmony with nature and use the power of nature to promote cultivation.

Inner alchemy cultivation is a very mainstream cultivation method for achieving the great Tao in Taoism. If you are also interested in cultivating the Tao, welcome to join us! The Celestial Master's Mansion of the Zhengyi School of Longhu Mountain welcomes everyone!