The meaning of Foreknowledge in Taoism 什么是前识

The meaning of Foreknowledge in Taoism

"Qian Shi" (前识, "Foreknowledge") means knowing before others, or prophetic insight.

The term comes from Laozi: "Foreknowledge is the flower of the Dao and the beginning of ignorance." Wang Bi commented: "Foreknowledge means knowing before others." However, Hanfeizi·Jie Lao interpreted it differently: "Foreknowledge is baseless conjecture without evidence" — meaning speculation detached from reality. Taoist cultivators use this term to refer to the premonitory function of obtaining information beyond ordinary perception, a supernatural ability developed through Internal Alchemy practice.

The meaning of Foreknowledge in Taoism