Workbook

for the Spiritual Development

Revised Edition

By
Ni, Hua-Ching
Teacher of Natural Spiritual Truth
Acknowledgements: Our deep appreciation is extended
to the students who assisted in editing and typesetting
this book.

Published By:
Tao of Wellness Press
An imprint of SevenStar Communications
1412 14th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90045
www.taostar.com

©1992 by Hua-Ching Ni. © 1984 by Hua-Ching Ni. All

Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be used or
reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written
permission, except in the case of brief quotations in
articles or reviews.

First Printing: January 1984

Revised Edition:
First Printing: August 1992
Second Printing: May 1995
Third Printing: March 2005
Fourth Printing: September 2010
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Ni, Hua-Ching.
Workbook for spiritual development of all people / by Ni,
Hua-Ching. -- 2nd ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 0-937064-54-8 : $14.95
1. Spiritual life--Taoism. I. Title.
BL1923.N575 1992 92-13036
299'.5144--dc20 CIP\

Cover Design: Justina Krakowski Design

 This book is dedicated
to those who are willing to work
on their spiritual growth every day
with unyielding determination
and constancy.
To all readers,
According to the teaching of the Universal Integral
Way, male and female are equally important in the natural
sphere. This is confirmed in the diagram of Tai Chi. Thus,
discrimination is not practiced in our tradition. All of my
work is dedicated to both genders of the human race.
Wherever possible, constructions using masculine
pronouns to represent both sexes are avoided; where they
occur, we ask your tolerance and spiritual understanding.
We hope that you will take the essence of my teaching and
overlook the limitations of language. Gender
discrimination is inherent in English; ancient Chinese
pronouns do not have differences of gender. I wish that all
of you will achieve yourselves well beyond the level of
language or gender.

Thank you, H. C. Ni

Warning - Disclaimer
This book is intended to present information and
techniques that have been in use throughout the Orient for
many years. This information and these practices utilize a
natural system within the body; however, there are no
claims for effectiveness. The information is offered
according to the author's best knowledge and experience
and is to be used by readers at their own discretion.
Because of the sophisticated nature of the information
contained within this book, it is recommended that the
reader also study the author's other books for a broader
understanding of energy-conducting exercises and a healthy
lifestyle.
People's lives have different conditions and their
growth has different stages. Because the background of
people's development cannot be unified, there is no single
practice that is can be universally applied to everyone.
Thus, it must be through the discernment of the reader that
the practices are selected. The adoption and application of
the material offered in this book must be your own
responsibility.
The author and publisher are not responsible in any
manner whatsoever for any injury that may occur through
following the instructions in this book.
 Table of Contents
Prelude

Preface

1. A Workbook for Your Spiritual Development

2. Work to Improve Your Understanding
3. Work to Improve the Quality of Your Mind
4. Work to Be in the Channel of Eternal Life
5. Work to Integrate Your Spiritual Essence
6. The Golden Collection of Spiritual Practices
Part I: Invocations
7. The Golden Collection of Spiritual Practices
Part II: Postures and Practices/Energy Channeling
8. The Golden Collection of Spiritual Practices
Part III: Ceremonial Readings
9. Cultivation Is a Lifetime Process

List of Practices

Resources
 Prelude
The Universal Way is the destination
of all spiritual efforts of humankind.
It serves all people's lives,
everywhere and always.

The Universal Way conveys the deep truth

of all conscious elaborations
of the human mind.
It contains the vast and profound essence
of the human spirit.
Thus it transcends all religions,
leaving them behind,
like the clothing of a bygone season.

The Universal Way is the goal of all sciences,

but is not locked at the level of the mind.
It cuts through all skepticism
and inexhaustible searching.
Thus it surpasses all sciences,
leaving them behind,
like historical relics of the past.
The Subtle Essence that is sought
by all sciences and all religions
transcends all attempts to reach it
by means of thought, belief or experiment.
The Universal Way leads directly to it
and guides you to reach it yourself by uniting
with the integral nature of the universe.

The Universal Way is like the master key

to all doors leading to the inner room
of ultimate truth.
It is the master teaching of all teachings,
yet it relies on no religion or experiment.
There is no need for intellectual or emotional detours
that cannot serve the lives of all people
everywhere and always.
Follow the Universal Way beyond all boundaries
to the heart and essence of natural life itself.
 Preface
Dear friends, most spiritual endeavors are merely
emotional or psychological games. In general, religious
rituals are defined as worship, but truthfully they are either
emotional demands or psychological needs which have
prevailed since ancient times. More than half of today's
population still continues to play these emotional games
and still need their emotional security blankets to support
their lives.
Life is wide and varied, and different circumstances call
for different kinds of support. Religious beliefs and
activities can be an important means of traversing the great
path of life, but it still takes correct guidance and courage.
Unfortunately, most religions are nothing more than social
institutions and do not provide much opportunity for
individual growth. Few people know exactly what their
religious activities mean, but even so, their effect is
widespread.
Another category of spiritual endeavor is the result of
personal spiritual effort and development and is not
socially supported at all. Without a total investment of your
energy, no spiritual development can be reached.
Therefore, the first thing you must understand about this
book is that there are no emotional games and no
psychological crutches. It contains only pure spiritual
practices for the spiritual development of people who have
already made major emotional, psychological and
conceptual breakthroughs. If you are still wandering around
in the muck and mire of personal confusion, you might
want to read some of my other books first. They were
written to help those who are working on clarity of mind
and spirit and the purification of all kinds of confusion.
Personal spiritual development is not something that
comes from someone else's charity or kindness. It is a
solely personal endeavor. There is no way you can transfer
your development to your loved ones as you can with
material wealth. You can teach and show others the
direction and practices to follow, but you cannot transfer
your achievement or development itself, not even to your
own son or daughter.
Cutting through your emotional problems, mental
conceptions and personal life problems provides the
possibility to restore personal balance and poise. Once you
have this foundation, the next step will be easy. The simple
spiritual practices in this book are intended to help anyone
who is looking for what to do in order to develop
spiritually and integrally. There is not much here to talk or
think about. The value of this book is not in its words, but
rather in the use of its contents and the harvest of its
practices.
Developed people have already come to a stage where
they can take advantage of social improvements. The
dominance of a religion or social custom does not really
influence them. They have the freedom which makes a
proper foundation for personal spiritual achievement.
The freedom that some modern people have achieved is
like the beginning of the world when there was no
organized social system and people had time to work on
their spiritual achievement. However, people are now
bound to their self-created systems and have so embalmed
themselves in narrow political doctrines or religious
beliefs that their life decisions are determined by some
external authority rather than by their own search for the
truth.
Fortunately, some people have awakened from religious
backwardness and can offer their energy to support the
spiritual development. They do not let narrow mindedness
or shortsightedness become decisive factors in their
individual development. In the last thirty years, after a bitter
taste of the destruction of war, religious and technological
breakthroughs in Western society have brought
opportunities for all people to study, without the
interference of religious dominance, the total achievement
of human beings in all generations.
Once you attain personal self-integration, you can
recognize other integral beings. For people who are still
developing, the problem is not only to believe, but to be the
truth. I hope that developed people will help to dissolve all
dark and unvirtuous controls over other humans. With the
awakening and spiritual development of more individuals,
those controls will no longer affect our lives or cause
further war and conflict.
If you are satisfied with the peace you reach, then do
not disturb or obstruct other people's achievement, for
their achievements are valid also. The fundamental, central
path of human spiritual development is not to look for
psychological or emotional peace in a limited way, but
rather to look for the truth itself. All understandable truth
is discussed in my other books, but this workbook is a tool
that is to be used differently. In order to build a better and
stronger foundation, I recommend that you first read my
other books so that this book will be more useful. It is
designed to assist your personal spiritual maturity and
development. Each word, especially in the invocations,
displays the inner beauty and integrity of your life being in
which you are the center of the universe. The reality is you
and your spiritual projection and connection.
Since the beginning, no other teacher of the natural
truth has written and spoken out more than I. These works
are my response to the drastic changes and challenges of
the modern world. This is a time when all natural spiritual
knowledge has been lost due to religious dominance and
that incomplete development of science. The problems of
mankind are greater and deeper today than at any other time
in history. My books are an attempt to help your spiritual
growth.
This is my sixth year of service here in the United
States. I hope I have been of positive assistance to the
spiritual development of all people. The knowledge I offer
no longer belongs to a single spiritual tradition, family or
person, but to all humans and to the universe. I offer such
spiritual wealth to all who can use it. The cornerstone of
correct self-cultivation is, "All the highest things start from
what is fundamental."

Hua Ching Ni
January 1, 1984
Los Angeles, California
U.S.A.
CHAPTER 1

A Workbook for Your Spiritual

Development
How This Book Will Serve You
It is burdensome to be a human being. Why? Because
there is a lot to learn and a lot to be experienced in the
process of personal growth. No life, especially human life,
can escape personal growth. Therefore, it is helpful to learn
what is most serviceable and essential to life.
You may ask what is most essential in the life of a
human being. I would say it is life itself. In human life, all
of us have three spheres: physical, mental and spiritual. It
cannot be denied that all life needs material support, but
our entire life being is not limited only to the material
sphere. Our spirit also needs development. The direction of
human society, however, has changed radically from the
pursuit of spirit to the pursuit of the material. In today's
overpopulated modern world, material and mental aspects
of life are overemphasized, especially in the form of
intellectual knowledge which makes people deny even the
existence of a spiritual level of life, much less recognize
its importance.
People need spiritual growth and development to be
whole, but they take a partial view of life as the result of
advances in scientific research and industrial technology
which disregard the whole scope of human life. We cannot
use the same methods that apply to material discoveries to
explore the spiritual sphere. Many people are disappointed
and deny the existence of a spiritual realm because they
never see the error of using the wrong tools.
Interestingly enough, some advanced scientists who are
experts and leaders in their fields have good spiritual
energy. Although you cannot find any hint of spirit in the
presentation of their theories, behind their discoveries and
contained in their cosmologies is good spiritual energy
which happens to be expressed through great material
discoveries and inventions. These scientists have put all of
their energy - physical, mental, spiritual - into one thing,
and through that wholeness of being have accomplished
great things. Originally, all people were integral beings, and
if someone worked on something, all three spheres were
involved in the process. Usually when we do something we
are usually fragmented. Our body does one thing, and our
mind is thinking about something else.
People have been misguided by new material
discoveries and technological developments and have used
them as reasons to deny the spiritual sphere of life. This is
a great mistake. Our political leaders also gather their
impressions from scientific research and deny the
existence of divinity with assertive authority. It is easy to
make assertions about the world or life without careful
research or deep exploration. It is more difficult to prove
the truth of something step by step.
What we call the spiritual path is really the common
education of basic life. Modern education works only on
the physical and mental levels; it avoids spiritual matters
and does not support spiritual development, obviously
neglecting the most essential part of life. We must realize
that spiritual development is not only the work of religion,
but of everyone. It is the work of the schools to teach the
fundamental principles of individual development. Many
outstanding citizens are active socially, politically, and
financially, but they cannot do anything on the spiritual
level. Why? Because they cover their spiritual eyes and
cannot see the truth. People make religion responsible for
their spiritual development in the same way they make
physicians responsible for their health and insurance
companies responsible for their security. That is not the
correct way of going about life. True responsibility still
rests with the individual, and the entire being and
development of the person are involved.
This book addresses itself to all three realms of
development. The material presented here cannot be found
in general education. Why? Because in general education
today such fundamental and useful things as common sense
and a basic knowledge of human life are not seen as
valuable. Modern education teaches only those things that
make people superficially knowledgeable. Thick books may
help you get high grades, but they are not necessarily
helpful when you enter life. I often see many intellectual
people, professors or professionals, who have no common
sense about themselves or others. It is not their fault. It is
the fault of modern tendencies that cover their eyes and
blind them to what is important in their lives. This is why I
am interested in contributing this book to all lovers of a
natural life of complete development.
Spiritual development must deepen and explore the
truth in order for a person to achieve the goal of integral-
ness, step by step. This takes years and depends entirely on
how the person receives their spiritual education and works
on him or herself. This is the foundation of individual
spiritual development. It is a personal matter, never one of
mass production.
The teaching of Tao originated in prehistoric times. For
many generations people searched out methods by which to
develop themselves. These methods are numerous and
some have even been formalized as different schools which
emphasize one or two things and make other aspects
secondary to one's personal cultivation. Here I would like
to give you some idea of the many effective methods which
are practiced among achieved ones.
Nei Tan, , Internal Medicine, which can support a
person's spiritual future through refinement of the physical,
mental and spiritual essence; Tai Shi, , Internal
Breathing, which is higher than external breathing, although
both are usually practiced together; Tao Yin, , Energy
Channeling, for purposes of health and spiritual benefit;
Chun Shih, , Visualization or concentration; Fu Erh,
, External Nutrition, using natural herbs and other
things; Shing Jeau, , Walking, for gathering and
refining energy; Fuh Chi, , Internal Energy
Maintenance; Bei Gu, , to stop eating food
completely (especially helpful to those who are cultivating
themselves spiritually so that they can stop looking for and
preparing food and eventually unite their life with the
environment); Fu Chi, , In taking Natural Energy
through Breathing and Swallowing, which should be
practiced with Bei Gu; Fang Jung, , Sexual
Cultivation; Fu Jyeo, , Secret Talismanic Characters,
Words, and also Invocations; Jing Tan, , Golden Elixir;
Shr Jeah, , Method of Exuviation into a New Life.
 There are many others, but this will give you some idea
of how many different methods were developed for the
purpose of achieving spiritual development. In a
systematized spiritual practice, there are essentially three
approaches. The first is called Tai Ching, in which people
work through discipline in the pursuit of virtuous
fulfillment. Maintenance of health is also included in this
path. The second path is that of Sang Ching, or pure
spiritual practice. The third is the path of Yu Ching, in
which the person achieves through wisdom and
enlightenment. These three paths represent the different
ways of reaching spiritual development. Some reach
through physical development, others reach through the
mind and mental practices, and still others search through
wisdom and enlightenment. In this book the methods
recommended are all interconnected, because it is difficult
to isolate one category by itself. There are other methods
which I have mentioned in other books, but the purpose of
this book is to concentrate on your personal spiritual
development.
Anyone who carefully works with this and my other
books, without taking a partial approach, will be safe and
will benefit in their spiritual achievement. If you take my
offerings as a whole, not in part, you shall have a good
harvest. If you are still at the stage of looking for a broad
understanding of spiritual matters, this is not the book you
need. My earlier books were written for that purpose. To
whoever uses this book as a tool for his or her own
spiritual development, my blessing is given to you daily.
Through working step by step and uniting with the spirits of
thousands and thousands of achieved spiritual beings, you
will surely achieve yourself.

A Whole Person
A whole person is not a new idea or an idealistic way of
being; a whole person is simply a natural being. If we look
at the balanced life of a natural being, half of it would be
external and half would be internal. Without the momentary
events of external life, how could we distinguish spiritual
eternity? It is all one thing. How do you express your
spiritual centeredness? By experiencing all the events and
things in life without being especially internally or
externally directed. Spiritual people may be more inward
for purposes of personal development, but one must find
the right time and way to serve the external world and
express the wholeness of life.
On the scale of self-cultivation, we say that the body,
mind and spirit can be equally valued, cultivated, and
developed. High spiritual achievement develops from
physical essence, with the mind as the medium between the
physical and spiritual spheres. Its duty is to organize a
harmonious state of music through a beautiful life. In the
sense of personal responsibility, to be a whole person
means that if you do a job, you do your best. You cannot be
a 50% or 60% person; you have to do your best, 100%.
This does not mean to exhaust yourself; it just means that
anything you do is your personal expression of wholeness.
As to negative things, do not involve any part of your
being, not even one single percent, with them. They will
only harm your wholeness and completeness. If it is your
personal goal to become a whole person, this is practical
advice. In your everyday life, check yourself out and see if
you are step by step furthering yourself toward physical,
mental and spiritual achievement and integration. Since
your greatest essence is spirit, use the physical and mental
to obey the spiritual in order to reach wholeness. This
means that it is the subtle element which is the true lord.
No whole person can be a bad person. A whole person is a
balanced and positive person. This is only the outline of a
whole being in union with the ultimate Tao.
CHAPTER 2

Work to Improve Your Understanding

The Ancient Achieved Ones:
Important Models of Complete Unification

The True Value of a Teacher Is his Personal Being

There was a simple man from the state of Lu named
Wang Tai who was a teacher without a platform, but who had
as many followers as Confucius. One day Chang Chi, a
student of Confucius, asked him, "Wang Tai, whose
followers in the state of Lu are equal in number to yours,
neither preaches nor engages in discussion, yet after going
to him knowing nothing, one returns filled to fullness. Is
there really such a thing as formless instruction which can
lead the mind to wholeness? What sort of man is he?"
Confucius replied, "He is a sage, and I have been tardy
in visiting him, but I intend to make him my teacher and
encourage others to do the same. Not just in the state of
Lu, but I will lead the whole world to his feet."
The student asked, "He seems like an ordinary creature,
yet you intend to make him lord over you. He must
certainly be far above average! In what unique way does he
utilize his mind?"
Confucius replied, "Honor and disgrace, life and death,
are indeed big things, but they have no effect upon him.
Even if Heaven and Earth were to fall in ruins he would not
lose himself in the chaos. He clearly sees the truth of life
and so does not shift with the change of things, but holds
fast to the source."
"What do you mean?" the student asked.
"If you look at things from the point of view of
superficial differences, they all appear to be different: liver
and gall, people and their lands, the State of Chu and the
State of Yueh, etc. However, if you look at them at their
root, there is sameness. The myriad things are all one. A
man such as Wang Tai does not follow what his ears or eyes
prefer; he keeps his mind in harmony with virtue, seeing
things as a unity, not seeing defects or loss. Even with the
facts at his disposal, he uses his conscience to command
his mind which reaches the constancy of Universal Mind.
Why should he be held in such high esteem for this?
"No one uses flowing water as a mirror, only still water
is reflecting. Only the still can still the search for stillness.
Of the things deriving their life from the earth, pine and
cypress trees are models of steadiness, for they are green
in summer and winter. Of those who receive their life from
Heaven, Niao (reign 2357-2258 B.C.) and Shun (reign
2257-2208 B.C.), two emperors who fulfilled their public
service with a humble spirit and also achieved themselves
internally) are models of virtuousness and rectitude, for
they were able to keep their lives on the right path and set a
good example for others.
"In order to preserve originalness, one should be like
the fearless soldier in battle who bravely fights for honor.
In the same manner, those who have deeply recognized the
core of nature can attain fearlessness by presiding over
their sensory faculties and reaching for deathlessness of
spirit. Such a one chooses the day to ascend. Those of high
understanding come to follow such a one, but such a person
has no need to gather people around him."

The Virtue of Naturalness and Simplicity

Among the students of Lao Tzu there was one called
Geng Sang Tzu. He learned the natural path from his
teacher and later moved to the mountain of Steep Cliff to
live by himself. He had followers, but as he practiced the
natural path, the clever ones left him along with the
students and attendants who preferred artificial teachings.
Only those men and women of simple and innocent minds
came to follow him, live with him and place themselves
under his guidance and instruction. After three years, the
community on the mountain of Steep Cliff became
prosperous and enjoyed a good harvest. The people of
Steep Cliff talked among themselves and said, "When
Master Geng Sang first came we were all surprised at the
lack of difference between him and us. Now three years
have passed. If we were to calculate what we made each day,
it would not be enough, but if we were to calculate what we
made each year, we have something left over. Therefore,
Master Geng Sang must be a sage. Why not make him king
to govern the nation?"
Geng Sang Tzu heard this when he was sitting with his
face to the south and he was displeased with what he heard.
His students observed this, and Geng Sang said to them,
"All of you think I am special. The soft warm breeze of
spring and the ripening climate of autumn are the results of
a natural cycle. No one has to do anything about them. I
learned from Lao Tzu that the highly developed one living
in an ordinary place is not recognized by most people, and
they do not know what can be learned from him. That is
natural. The people of Steep Cliff wish to idolize me. This
makes me wonder if I am doing what Lao Tzu taught me."
The students said, "We think differently. A narrow
stream is for small fish, not big fish. To respect a virtuous
one by giving him a high position has been done since Niao
and Shun were Emperors. The people of Steep Cliff wish to
follow this custom. We wish you to accept their offer."
Geng Sang Tzu said, "Come all of you and listen to me.
To establish kings and emperors is unnatural, because it
places someone above other people. It is artificial and
immoral. Someone may be born wiser than others, but not
higher in position. Position is the result of artificial human
intrusion. People will then seek the favor of the special
ones, and scheming and contention will happen. To raise
someone and establish them has created many disturbances
in the long course of human history. It is all unnecessary.
Such institutions are like the growth of a sixth finger on
one's hand. They are of no use to human life. The principle
of governing the world is the same as governing the
individual human body. Too much interference is harmful to
its growth and health. People need to know how to maintain
their lives as organically as they can, including the
necessary establishment of society. I value organic life. I
do not value artificial positions”.
"Monkeys need to stay in trees; otherwise no matter
how big they are, there is danger of being caught. Fish need
to stay in water; otherwise no matter how large they get,
they can be humiliated by tiny ants. A person who values
life needs to stay away from artificial traps. Those artificial
cultural leaders and authorities are unworthy of admiration.
Their ambition to reorganize the order of the world
according to their imagination is like destroying the wall
that serves as a fence for plants or like counting rice
instead of cooking it. Once artificial standards and values
are established, then people reject each other. Hypocrisy
becomes the fashion. People lose their naturalness and
originalness. They rush after artificial profits and thus, sons
may kill fathers and subjects may kill the king. Violence
perseveres under beautiful names. Even in the light of day
people destroy the houses of others for 'fashionable'
radical ideologies. I tell you, the source of all worldly
troubles now and for thousands of years to come is that
people prey upon other people through abuse of intellect,
with its distortions and confusion. They have established
institutions with no healthy balance or consciousness of
natural morality."

Truth Has No Age

His student, Nan Jung Chu, heard this with fear and said,
"As old as I am now, with so much worldly experience and
learning, how am I to return to the natural way?"
Geng Sang Tzu said, "Keep your physical shape well.
Maintain your innate nature. Do not let your mind run after
all kinds of things all the time. After three years you may
return to your original naturalness and regain the trueness
of your being."
Nan Jung Chu said, "Although the shape of people's
eyes are all the same, some eyes cannot see certain colors.
And although the shape of people's ears are all the same,
some vibrations of sound cannot be picked up by all ears.
People's brains may not differ in shape, but some people
cannot manage themselves well. Now you instruct me to
'return to my nature.' It is like telling the blind to look, or
the deaf to listen. There is a separation between the blind
and the deaf and the object. I do not know how it is possible
in my case."
Geng Sang Tzu said, "As the saying goes, worker bees
have no power to transform into butterflies, and the little
hens of Yu cannot hatch the egg of a swan, but there is still
the possibility for you to learn. My capability cannot help
you, but you may go to the South to see Lao Tzu."

The Unity Between Interior and Exterior Beings

Thus Nan Jung Chu took some dry food with him and
traveled for seven days and seven nights to reach the place
where Lao Tzu lived. Lao Tzu said to him, "Do you come
from where Geng Sang Tzu lives?"
"Yes sir," answered Nan Jung Chu.
"Why do you come with so much luggage behind you?"
asked Lao Tzu.
Nan Jung Chu was surprised by this question and turned
his head to look back. Lao Tzu continued, "Do you
understand what I have said?"
Nan Jung Chu felt ashamed and hung his head, and then
looked up with a sigh and said, "Now I forget how to answer
you and what I came to ask!" He had truly brought too many
unnecessary belongings with him: a mind full of useless
thoughts and conceptions.
 "What do you wish to ask?" said Lao Tzu.
"I have three questions which trouble me, thus I wish to
obtain your instruction. Please help me for the sake of
Master Geng Sang. My questions are: 1) If I keep myself
unlearned, I am called ignorant. If I extend myself in
learning, then to know more is to worry more; 2) To be
unkind would be to harm others, but to be kind and nice I
may be harmed; 3) To be unfair and unrighteous would harm
others, but to be fair and righteous would harm myself.
Thus I do not know how to be myself."
Lao Tzu said, "I already know your mind from your
eyebrows. You look like a small child who has lost his
parents. You want to probe the big sea with a rod. You have
gone astray and want to restore your true nature, but you do
not know how. It is sad."
Nan Jung Chu begged to stay in the guest house. He
worked to restore the sense of what he truly loved and
forsook the sense of what he truly disliked. He thought he
was being true to himself, but after ten days he started to
worry so he visited Lao Tzu again.
Lao Tzu said, "Cleanse your mind, and essential
harmonious energy will grow within you. Now, small
puzzles and perplexities still bother you. Let me show you
the way.
"When your eyes and ears are tempted by sound and
color, do not try to control the disturbance. Never use the
mind to stop the confusion of the eyes and ears. When your
mind is bound by desire for external things, do not try to
control them by any method. In a case like this, people of
high moral achievement cannot keep themselves well, so
how can one of imitation do so?"
Nan Jung Chu said, "Great sir, the sick need strong
medicine. What I need is the way to maintain my health.
Thus I wish to learn only the way of keeping my innate
nature whole."
Lao Tzu said, "If you wish to know the fundamental way
of protecting your innate nature or original human nature,
first you must inspect yourself and not deviate from the
original pristine nature. Can you free your nature from
imitating worldly people? Can you know the correct and
peaceful rule which tells good fortune and misfortune
without using any method of divination? Can you be happy
and self-content with what you are? Can you restrain
yourself from rushing after external satisfaction? Can you
keep from imitating artificial cultural and religious
concepts and develop your pure essence? Can you not be
bound by anything? Can you harmonize with the
surroundings without losing your own nature? Can you have
the heart of a small baby? Look at the baby, so full of life. It
does not become hoarse from a whole day of crying. It
does not use some of its organs and not others, but
exercises its whole body. It holds its palm with the fingers
coiled inward. It expresses the nature of wholeness. It
looks around all day with untiring eyes. Its vitality is
expressed, but it is not totally outgoing. It moves without
knowing why and where. It stays without knowing the
purpose of staying. It is flexible with its surroundings, like
water following the currents.
"A baby can fully enjoy its life without any need to learn
from somebody. This is called natural. One who learns
from the baby is a student of life. One who learns from
artificial doctrines is a student of death. To learn more is to
lose more. To be more natural is to enjoy more of life. This
is the fundamental path of life which stays uninvolved with
the changing external world."
Nan Jung Chu asked, "Are these the virtues of the most
highly developed one?"
Lao Tzu answered, "No, they still are not. That state is
like a piece of ice that has melted. Even the cold has
disappeared. The natural life of a baby is instinctive. It is
outside the comprehension of nature. The most highly
achieved one leads his life practically and is well-grounded
in the Earth. He also enjoys his spiritual freedom with
Heaven. He is not disturbed by the conflicts of people or
things. He does not make people feel strange around him,
nor does he feel strange around them. He never joins any
planning. He never commits himself to any worldly task.
He moves with complete freedom. This is how the most
highly developed one leads his life."
Nan Jung Chu asked, "Is this the highest achievement?"
"Not yet," Lao Tzu replied. "But take the advice I have
just given you. Be like a baby. A baby does not separate its
mind from its actions. Its being is as natural as a piece of
untouched wood. There is not the slightest hint of any sort
of good fortune or misfortune connected with it."

The Integral One

Lei Tzu said to Kuan Yuan, "The integral, virtuous
person is not harmed when he walks under water, nor does
he become hot when walking on fire. He does not fear
walking through anything. I beg to know how to achieve this
level."
Kuan Yuan said, "One achieves this level by maintaining
harmonious energy and cultivating calm-mindedness. It is
not cleverness, skill, resolution or bravery that makes a
person capable of such things. Come, sit down and let me
tell you.
"All things with form, visibility, color and sound are
physical. No physical thing can be superior to any other
physical thing. How can one rise above all things of form?
By separating oneself from the level of discrimination of
sound, color, and so forth, one can reach the state of
preformation. If this state can be attained and the great truth
of it understood, one will not be controlled by external
things. One will not touch any boundaries. Life is enjoyed
within the territory of balance and harmony. One embodies
within oneself the supernatural path of no beginning and no
end. The mind swims in the original state before the
development of the universe. One's true nature is kept
intact and pure. The vital chi is cultivated. One protects
oneself with subtle virtue and applies the rules of the
creator, not the created. One is full of life and whole with
spiritual energy. No external things can enter one's
innermost sacred house. No shock enters the mind of one
who is converged with the spirit. In case of friction with
external things, one experiences no panic. Because the
integral person assimilates nature, external things cannot
be harmful.
"Do not use your intelligence to search for the true
nature of things, but follow your true nature to
harmoniously join with nature; thus one subtly unites with
the high morality which shows no partiality. Once people
apply their intelligence to planning, managing and
scheming, their innate nature is damaged. True spiritual
leadership never goes against what is natural, nor does it
adopt what is artificial, thus people can return to their true
being."

Purification of the Mind

Yen Hwei asked, "How do we learn to assist people who
wish to learn the Integral Way?"
The teacher replied, "In order to learn to accomplish a
virtuous mission one must not rush out and push his ideas
on people. One needs to prepare oneself through self-
purification. To apply one's preconceptions to a task does
not attain the goal; one becomes critical and creates
unnecessary obstruction. In so doing, he is unable to see
the truth of things."
Yen Hwei asked, "I have kept myself sober and eaten no
flesh of any kind. Can this be considered purification?"
The teacher answered, "This is only sacrifice. It is not
the essence of purification."
Yen Hwei asked, "What is the essence of purification? I
beg to know."
The teacher replied, "You begin by concentrating on the
ears. Do not listen with the faculty of hearing, but with your
mind. What ears can hear is meaningless sound. Then
listen, not with your mind, but with your energy. What the
mind can hear is changeable phenomena. Only chi does not
objectify things, but is receptive to all. Then there is only
the true path which exists in the great void. To be empty-
minded is the essence of purification."
Yen Hwei asked, "When I had not received the precious
guidance of `the purification of the mind' I solidly felt my
own existence. After receiving this guidance, I do not feel
my existence. Is this empty-mindedness or the void?"
 The teacher answered, "This is the essence of the
`purification of the mind.' Let me advise you, when you
encounter a difficult situation, you must remain flexible.
Hold no preconceptions in the mind. Do not be stirred by
fame or wealth. Do not make people listen to you. Do not
give people a chance to make you a target for attack.
Handle everything according to the exact demand of the
circumstance. This is close to the true path.
"It is easy to not apply the true path in doing things. It is
not easy to leave no trace in applying the true path in doing
things.
"It is easy to become hypocritical under the pressure of
friendship and love. It is hard to be hypocritical under the
pressure of nature.
"With wings, things can fly. With wisdom, one can
comprehend the high practices. Look at the creative and
responsive void of the universe. Blessings stay in quiet
empty spaces. If a person is busy-minded, it is like trying to
sit while you run. If one abandons the mind, the will,
knowledge and intelligence to reach the inner spirit, then
divine spiritual beings come to stay, not to mention human
beings. This is the law of harmonizing changing
phenomena. Sagacious emperors such as Fu Shi, the Yellow
Emperor, Niao, Yu, Shun and those who came before them
all followed this, as did the developed ones among the
people."
 Rediscover Your Unconfined Original Nature
Chu Chueh Tzu, an ancient wise man, said to Chang Wu
Tzu, an ancient sage, "I have heard that an integral one does
not interfere in secular affairs. He does not greedily run
after profit and acclaim or engage in endless pursuits. Nor
does he attempt to hide from trouble. He does not value
what worldly people value. He does not purposely establish
his teaching, though he may teach. His spirit roams beyond
the narrow scope of the muddiness of worldly life. People
may think this is crazy talk, but I think it is the true path of
life. What do you think?"
Chang Wu Tzu answered, "This high teaching has not
been heard even by wise emperors, how can it be reached
by most people? Beware, my young friend. Do not
hurriedly think you have attained it. This is like seeing an
egg and asking for the chicken, or seeing the arrow and
asking for the well-cooked game.
"Let me add something to what you have heard, in case
you need it. Keep the sun and the moon as your company
and embrace the entire universe in order to embody one-
ness. The integral one remains undisturbed by the over-
whelming confusion and darkness of the world. He treats
the mean and noble as one and the same. While people
busily crowd together, the integral one looks like a
simpleton and knows nothing. Yet he encompasses the
boundless changes of billions and billions of years, and
thus attains the realm of highest purity. All things follow
the path of great evolution; from the One comes the natural
process of compiling, then fermenting, refining and
eventually returning back to the One.
"Knowing this, one who remains attached to a particular
perplexity, or to their fear of transforming the coarseness
of life, is like someone who is lost in a strange country, not
knowing how to return home."

The Abuse of Intelligence

The true path is simple. It cannot be practiced in
conjunction with anything else. Once one applies a mixed
way, confusion comes. Confusion becomes the source of
disaster, and then things are beyond remedy. The most
developed ones in ancient times first made themselves
stand firm, then they gave assistance to others. If one does
not stand firm, then how can he support others?
How does virtue become corrupted? Through the abuse
of intelligence. Virtue becomes corrupted because of the
desire for renown. The abuse of intelligence also comes
about through competition. Name and position become
sources of friction and conflict. Intelligence becomes the
tool of contention. These ways cannot be the rules of one's
behavior.
If a person of deep virtue is not known, he does not
need to compete for recognition. The worst thing is to
show off with words, making other people lower than
oneself. This is to devalue people. People will inevitably do
something in turn to devaluate such a person. This is not the
way of a person of deep virtue.

The Most Developed One

Nei Chueh asked Wang Ni, "Sir, do you know the
universal truth of all things?"
Wang Ni replied, "Why should I know that?"
Nei Chueh asked, "Sir, do you know yourself?"
Wang Ni replied, "Why should I know that?"
Nei Chueh asked, "Then should all lives know nothing?"
Wang Ni replied, "Why should I know that? However, I
will ask you this. How can you know that what I say I do not
know is not what I know? And how can you know what
ordinary people say they know is not what they do not
know?
"Let me also ask you, if a man sleeps where it is wet, he
becomes sick and maybe paralyzed as well, but how about
an eel? Again, a man will shake in panic at the top of a tall
tree, but how about a monkey? Among all three, can you
tell which is the right place for each of them?
"Men eat meat and vegetables. Deer eat grass.
Centipedes are fond of the brains of snakes. Owls and
crows feast on decayed rats. What would be a delicious
dinner for all of them?
"Deer make love, and so do birds and fish. Yet, when the
most beautiful, desirable woman comes too close, fish
hide, birds fly away, and deer run. What can you say is
beauty for all? Thus you can see the artificial standards of
human society; the conventional wisdom of humanity
decides what is right and wrong, but only creates confusion
and distortion. Why should I diverge from the true nature?"
Nei Chueh said, "You may not know to value the truth of
benefit or harm, but the most developed one does."
Wang Ni said, "The most developed one has reached the
highest magnificence. He is the one whom fire cannot
make hot, nor the frozen river make cold, nor the sudden
shaking of the mountain or overturning ocean shock. Such a
one rides in a carriage of clouds, with the Sun and the
Moon for wheels, and roams in the realm beyond the four
sides of the water. The changes of life and death can do
nothing to disturb him, nor do they benefit him."

True Freedom
Chuang Tzu was traveling on a mountain and he saw a
huge tree with luxuriant branches and leaves. The tree had
not been touched by the woodcutter and Chuang Tzu asked
him why he had not cut it. The woodcutter replied,
"Although this tree is big, it is of no use." Chuang Tzu said
to his students who followed him on his trip, "Because that
tree is the wrong kind of material, it is of no use and thus it
is saved."
Then they left the mountain to stay at a friend's home.
The friend was happy at this surprise visit and ordered his
servant to kill one of the geese to treat his guests. The
young servant asked which one of the geese would be killed
and the host answered, "The one which cannot sing."
The next day one of Chuang Tzu's students asked him,
"Yesterday the tree on the mountain was spared for its
uselessness and thus enjoyed the long years nature allotted
it. Yet our host killed the useless goose which could not
sing, so where does safety lie?"
Chuang Tzu replied, "There is a fine line between being
useful and useless. That sounds like it is the path, but
eventually it is not, because it is still under someone else's
dominion or command. The true path is to dissolve oneself
within the universal harmonious order. Then one can enjoy
freedom from the material realm.
"When one reaches the true path he forgets praise or
disgrace or jeering comments. He moves or keeps still
according to the variation of the time and circumstance. He
does not insist on personal opinions, nor does he take
sides. Whenever he is pulled down or flies high he always
follows the principle of harmonizing himself with what is
most universal. Thus he keeps his spirit in the high realm of
pre-Heaven. He uses external things to serve life, and thus
is not enslaved by them. Then how can he be burdened? This
was the doctrine of Shen Nung and the Yellow Emperor.
"The material sphere of the world and the human realm
are different. If there is a meeting, there must be a
departure. If there is accomplishment, there must be
deterioration. The pure and clean invite scandal. The
respectable and noble suffer attachment. Positive work can
draw bad comments. The virtuous can be persecuted. The
unvirtuous can go unpunished. How can one take a stand
among these! Such is the unhappiness of the human world!
Remember, dear students, there is only one way to enjoy
true freedom. True freedom exists only in the highest
sphere of the Integral Realm."

The Path of Subtle Integration

Referring to Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu said, "My Master said
that the path of subtle integration encompasses both large
and small things. Thus it can be everything; the variety of all
things are only the tips of its branches. Only the most
developed one can enjoy its simple essence.
"If the most developed one assumes the leadership of
the world, though the responsibility is heavy, it is not a
burden to him. All people under Heaven may fight for
power, but he keeps himself aloof and maintains his
independence. He knows the reality behind all things but
does not change it for profit or desire. He attains the truth
of all things and keeps to the simple origin. Therefore, he
can surpass Heaven and Earth, and forget all things. With no
disturbance to his spirit, he follows the path of subtle
integration. He embodies great virtue. He does not hold in
high regard the minor teachings of love and justice. He is
beyond the enjoyment of music and dance. This is because
in his heart is the most precious and subtle path which
makes him independent."

The Indefinable Pure Realm

At the beginning of the universe there is nothing. It
cannot be called by any name. It is neither spirit nor matter,
but is above everything. It originates itself. From the
natural creative virtue of the indefinable oneness, all things
and lives have their origin. Before anything and any life was
formed, the flow of yin and yang naturally merged, but they
were also distinct. Their division creates the sense of
"destiny." Through the interaction of the basic patterns of
energy yin and yang, different forms of life are produced.
All lives with form embody spirit, which has the subtle
function of seeing, hearing, talking and moving with or
without apparent organs. This is called "nature." The
developed one cultivates nature and thereby returns to the
realm of virtue. The highest state of virtuous achievement
unites with the beginning of the universe and enters the
Pure Realm.
 The Pure Realm is the center of the great path of subtle
integration. Nothing is excluded from it. The developed
one lives a life of no personal demands. He is like the
songs of birds; he is the song of nature. No one else can
sing his song. Thus the developed one's life is in
consonance with universal life. There is no trace of
separation between the individual and the great whole. He is
self-dissolving, merging into the great universal life. This
is called "subtle virtue" which assimilates the great
naturalness of all things.
The Mind of Wholeness
Chuang Tzu said, "My teacher, Lao Tzu, said that the
Integral Truth is what covers and supports all things. It is
overwhelming. People must give up all their
preconceptions or they can never experience and
understand this subtle truth.
"Here are ten qualities to be included in a developed
mind. `Heavenliness' means to do things without a selfish
motive. `Virtuousness' means to say things without
preoccupation. `Humility' means to love people universally.
`Greatness' means to look at different things as sharing the
same body with oneself. `Broadness' means to behave with
unlimited flexibility. `Richness' means to enjoy the
differences of all things. `Orderliness' means to deal with
things no matter how big or how small in value.
`Creativeness' means to put these principles into use.
`Completeness' means to commit oneself to the great path
in life and to lack no virtue. `Perfection' means to not be
shaken or frustrated by external things.
"A developed person has attained these ten qualities,
thus he has a great mind. The great mind embraces all
things without leaving anything out. All things follow his
mind. With sufficient support of all things, high freedom is
achieved. Therefore, such a one can at the same time be any
one thing and also infinite.
"Such a mind is like gold in a big mountain or pearls in
deep water. Such a person does not struggle for wealth or
profit. He makes no pursuit of nobility. He does not yearn
for long life. He does not seek the thrills of fast living. He
is not excited by glory. He is not worried by any distress.
He does not consider himself glorified if the entire world
is put at his feet. To be glorified is often to be unable to
maintain the wholeness of a virtue. A developed one unites
himself with the wholeness of the universe and knows no
death."
Lao Tzu said, "Tao is serene and still, pure and unmixed.
Metal and stone will make a sound if someone or
something hits them. This shows the responsiveness of Tao.
Concerning the existence of things, no one can decide what
is right or wrong. The highly developed one follows nature
and is naturally responsive. He feels disgrace when he
responds to things with only the knowledge of the thing but
not the law. He stands at the beginning of all things. His
wisdom can communicate with spirits. Thus his virtue is
broad and all-inclusive. His mind is intuitive and orderly,
and both mind and spirit are responsive to the external
world.
"Without participating in the path of subtle integration,
no life being can be born into a form. A life cannot be
enlightened unless it conforms to goodness and virtue. A
person of full development maintains the form of their life
being, thoroughly understands the principle of life, follows
the great virtue and clearly understands the principles of
nature. Great is such a one. Suddenly he appears, and
suddenly he goes; all things obey him. This is the person of
full development.
"The developed one unites himself with the path of
subtle integration. Look for the path, it has no form. Listen
to it, it has no sound. Still there is subtle existence in the
midst of formlessness. There is a responding consonance
in the midst of the soundlessness. Therefore, from the
subtlest state it can give birth to all things. From the most
sublime, it emits the subtle light. Though it appears non-
existent and empty, it can supply the needs of all things. Its
response is timely and relevant to all things, no matter how
large or how small, long or short, far or near."

The True Ruler

 Nineteen years after the Yellow Emperor was
enthroned, he had earned support and obedience
everywhere he ruled. He heard that Kang Cheng Tzu lived
on Kun Tung Mountain, so he went to see him and asked, "I
heard that you have reached the ultimate level of integral
truth. May I request to know the most powerful energy of
the ultimate level? I wish to use it to help the growth of
crops to feed my people. I also wish to learn to control yin
and yang in order to harmonize all things. How can I
achieve this?"
Kang Cheng Tzu answered, "What you ask lies within
the coarse material sphere of things, and what you want is
to extend your influence over all things. Do you want to use
all those unusual natural phenomena as opportunities to
rule the world? Keeping to the narrowness of your mind,
how can you understand the path of ultimate truth?"
Therefore, the Yellow Emperor separated himself from
the affairs of state. He stayed in a specially built house with
couch grass on the floor for three months. Then he went to
make another request.
Kang Cheng Tzu was resting on his bed, facing south,
and the Yellow Emperor approached him, walking on his
knees. He bowed low, touching his head to the ground and
asked, "I hear that you have reached the highest state of the
ultimate truth. I beg to know how to cultivate myself to
achieve eternal life."
 Surprised, Kang Cheng Tzu sat up and said, "Well asked!
Listen, and I will tell you the highest state of the ultimate
truth. The high power of the ultimate truth is profound,
subtle and unthinkable. It is too subtle to be seen. Do not
bother to look for a way to see or hear it, but concentrate
on your own pure undisturbed spirit, with your body
upright. Your spirit must be quiet and your mind must be
clean and pure. Maintain your body undisturbed, your spirit
unshaken. By the practice of the Way you shall attain the
goal of becoming eternal.
"Do not use your eyes to watch external things. Do not
use your ears to listen to external things. No thinking
should be undertaken by your mind. In this way your spirits
will subtly embrace each other and your body will become
enduring.
"Do not shake your mind and will. Do not let any
external thing influence your mind. Thus your virtue
becomes whole. To abuse your mind is the root of disaster.
"I shall help you go into vast space, reaching for the
realm of high yang energy. I shall also help you return to
the most profound realm of high yin energy. These two
govern all heavenly bodies and the five elementary phases
of natural energy. All things derive their lives from them.
Yin and yang remain as their treasure.
"Pay attention to cultivating yourself. All things will
naturally grow stronger and stronger. There is no need for
you to manage them.
"I only concentrate on my single-purposed state of
harmony, balance and calmness. Thus I have lived 1,200
years and my body shows no signs of decline."
The Yellow Emperor bowed deeply again and said,
"Kang Cheng Tzu has become one with Heaven."
Kang Cheng Tzu said, "Listen to what I tell you. The
changes of all things has no end, although worldly people
may think there is a beginning and an end. The changes of
things are not predictable, though worldly people might
think they are. He who receives my guidance can be an
emperor or a king. He who loses my guidance is ignorant
and only sees the light of the sun and moon while he is
alive. He then becomes soil and dust after death. When
things are thriving, they obtain their lives from the earth.
After they are withered, they shall return to earth again, but
I go on my journey of boundlessness, roaming in unlimited
space. When I disappear from the human world I share the
same light with the sun and the moon. I live as long as the
universe. When I come, I retain no knowledge of the
disturbing world in my mind. When I go on my journey, I
also retain no memory of worldly life experience.
"All people think that one must be subject to life and
death and thus they must die someday. I understand the
principle of the oneness of life and thus I live forever."
 The Way of Total Integration
The way of total integration can be respected and
trusted. It does not do anything in particular. It has no
particular form. It can be passed on, but it cannot be
tangibly received. It can be attained, but it cannot be seen. It
is rooted in and originates from itself. Before Heaven and
Earth existed it already sustained itself and marked the
beginning of time. It gives birth to subtle beings as the
different functions of all spiritual beings. It also gives birth
to Heaven and Earth. It cannot be considered high, though it
is prior to the ultimate law of the alternative operations of
yin and yang and the five chi. It cannot be considered deep,
even though it is deeper than the six dimensions. It cannot
be considered old, though it has been growing since the
most remote and ancient times.
Ancient people developed themselves through total
integration. Shi Wei united himself with Heaven and Earth
after finding the way of total integration.
Fu Shi entered the origin of primal energy after finding
the way of total integration.
The Big Dipper attained the way of total integration, and
makes no mistakes in leading the order of all Heavenly
bodies.
The Sun and Moon attained the way of total integration
and became long enduring.
Kan Pei attained the way of total integration and
became god of Kun Lun Mountain.
Fun Yi attained the way of total integration to have the
freedom of all waters.
Jan Wu attained the way of total integration and became
god of Tai Mountain.
The Yellow Emperor attained the way of total
integration and ascended to Heaven.
Chun Shu attained the way of total integration to
become the divine sovereign of the North.
Yu Chuan attained the way of total integration to
become the water god.
The Goddess of the West attained the way of total
integration to become immortal on Shao Huan Mountain.
No one knows when she begins or when she ends.
Pan Chu attained the way of total integration to live a
goodly sum of eight hundred years from the time of
Emperor Shun (2257-2208 B.C.) until almost the time of
the Chou Dynasty (1122-265 B.C.) through the reign of all
five strong princes.
Fu Shou attained the way of total integration to help the
capable premier Wu Ding, Emperor of the Shang Dynasty
(1766-1123 B.C.), and brought forth a peaceful world to
rank himself as one of the bright stars among the twenty-
eight constellations.

The Power of Spiritual Integrity

 The feudal Lord of the State of Lu where Confucius was
born (Shan Tung province) once said to Confucius, who had
been appointed prime minister, "There was an ordinary
person from the state of Wei called Ai Tai Tou who was
very ugly, but people who have been with him all liked to be
around him and did not want to leave his company. Women
who once knew him would beg their parents to let them
become his concubine rather than the wife of some other
man. He never gave orders or initiated anything, but
responded harmoniously to what was right around him. He
did not have the position of a lord with the power to
influence people's lives, and he had no provisions to offer
people's bellies. As a matter of fact, he would scare people
with his looks, but he remained just what he was. He was
not widely known, but the men and women who knew him
were loyal to him. He possessed something different than
ordinary people. Therefore, I summoned him for my own
observation, and of course I found him physically
unattractive, but my impression totally changed after being
with him for a month. I could appreciate what sort of
person he was. In less than a year I had confidence in him.
At that time it happened that the post of prime minister
became vacant and I decided to turn the office over to him.
He did not express great happiness in accepting, which
embarrassed me. Then right after I gave him the reins of
government, he quit and left. I was left with a feeling of
great loss, which made me realize that there was no one
with whom I could make my state happy. What sort of man
was he?"
Confucius replied, "Once I was on a mission to the
State of Chu (Wu Pei province) and I happened to see some
piglets nursing at their dead mother. Soon they no longer
saw their likeness in her and they all left. It was simply
because what they loved in the mother was not her looks
but that which animated her body. So it is with the soldier
who has died in battle and is buried. He no longer needs the
shield from the side of his chariot. To those who lose their
feet, shoes are of no importance. In all these cases, it is the
primary condition which is gone.
"In the royal house, the fingernails of the maids are not
cut, nor are their ears pierced. Married servants are no
longer sent on dangerous missions. Even these lowly
servants are valued, so I think people of whole virtue need
to be valued even more.
"Look at Ai Tai Tou. He said nothing special and did
nothing in particular to earn people's love and trust, and yet
people were ready to turn their state over to him and were
only afraid that he would not accept. It must be that his
spiritual integrity is whole. His virtue takes no particular
form, but is naturally fulfilled."
"What do you mean when you say the power of spiritual
integrity?" asked Lord Au.
 Confucius said, "To one who attained Tao, the Integral
Truth has said, survival, loss of life, failure, prosperity,
poverty, riches, worthiness, unworthiness, slander, fame,
hunger and thirst, hot and cold are merely the changes of
external life. They are the eternal processes of cycles.
They replace one another around us day and night. They
should not be enough to destroy your innermost peace.
They should not be allowed to enter your spiritual center.
You must treat them harmoniously and give each its due.
Do not let one particular situation cause you to lose the joy
of life or step back from all the natural changes coming at
you day and night. You should have a fresh spirit toward all
things and accept all changes as new opportunities. This is
called the attainment of `wholeness.'"
Lord Au asked, "What do you mean that virtue has no
form?"
Confucius answered, "Virtue can be exemplified by
water that is quiet and centered without splashing around.
Virtue is what helps one reach peace. It has form because it
is whole, but since there is no special projection, there is
no form."

Nobility Resides in One's Spiritual Essence

Shen Tu, a man of low background, was a fellow student
of Tzu Chan, a man of high position. Tzu Chan said to Shen
Tu, "When I leave a place first, you should stay behind." On
the following day, when they were seated together, Tzu
Chan said to Shen Tu, "When I leave today, will you remain
behind, or haven't you made up your mind to show me
respect? When you see a person of position like me, you
do not even get out of the way. Do you think you are as
important as me?"
Shen Tu said, "Within the house of a true Master is
there any such thing as a special person? You put so much
value on your own authority that you would place others
behind yourself. I have heard that if one has a mirror and
uses it, one is able to keep the dirt off one's face. Likewise,
he who stays with a virtuous one can remain free from bad
conduct. You have been with the Master for a long time, and
yet you talk like this. It's not right, is it?
"You, a man of no achievement, think you have reached
the virtue of Niao! Look again. As I see it, there are lots of
people who excuse their own mistakes and claim they do
not deserve the consequences.
"In the sphere of human life there are things you cannot
do anything about. To know this and be content with what
you can attain is the mark of a man of virtue. All of us in
the arena of life are playing in front of the excellent archer
Yu. We are all in direct line of his arrows. Some are not hit,
but that is just a matter of luck, not the result of the
wisdom of the sages.
"There are lots of people who might laugh at the
shortness of other people. They laugh at me and it makes
me boil with rage. However, after I come here to the
Master's place I feel calmer, and then I go home. I do not
know whether he washes me with kindness, or whether I
just come to understand things and myself. I have followed
him for nineteen years and he has never once let on that
he's aware that I'm inferior.
"Now you and I are supposed to be students of
unlimited spirit. Yet you still use the physical level and
external standards to judge things."
Tzu Chan immediately saw his error and said, "Please
make no mention of the matter anymore." He admitted his
mistake.

The Infinite
At the time of the autumn floods, the hundred running
streams pour into the Yellow River. So great is the breadth
of the raging current that, looking from bank to bank, island
to island, one cannot distinguish a horse from a cow. This
made the Lord of the Yellow River full of joy, believing
that the grandness of the universe was gathered within him.
With great rejoicing he followed the current east until
at last he reached the North Sea where he could see no end
to the water. Then he refocused his gaze and saw the Lord
of the North Sea, and he sighed and said, "As the saying
goes, `One thinks he is better than everyone else when he
first learns something about the Integral Truth. However, he
neglects the fact that the Integral Truth is infinite.' This
describes my limitation. I have also heard that someone
belittled the intellectual achievement of Confucius and
despised the virtuous practice of Po Yi, who yielded his
throne to his younger brother. I could not accept what was
said then, but now that I see the immeasurable vastness of
the ocean I suddenly realize my own narrowness as I
approach the gate of the Integral Truth."
The Lord of the North Sea replied, "One cannot discuss
the ocean with a well frog, for he has been confined by the
space in which he lives. One cannot talk about ice with a
summer insect, for he is restricted to a single season. In
the same way, you cannot discuss the Integral Truth with
cramped intellectuals, for they are bound to their
fragmented education. Today you have gotten out beyond
your shores and borders and have seen the great ocean. You
have realized your own past shallowness and narrowness.
Now it becomes possible to talk with you about the great
Integral Truth of beingness and non-beingness.
"Of all the waters of the world, none is greater than the
sea. Ten thousand streams flow into it. I have never heard of
its depletion. It is not affected by the variation of the
seasons. It is not bothered by flood or drought. Its capacity
is much greater than any stream or river. I, the Lord of the
North Sea, have never thought I am greater than any other
waters, despite all that I can hold.
"I equate myself with all beings formed by Heaven and
Earth, receiving energy from the two spheres of yin and
yang and from the visible sources like the sun and the moon
and all the stars. My being is like a tiny stone underneath a
small plant on a huge mountain. I have just discovered my
smallness; how can I take pride in my greatness?
"Furthermore, the four seas with all that is between
Heaven and Earth, are they not like an anthill in a vast
marsh? All of China, is it not like a grain of rice in a great
storehouse? Among the number of things which can be
named, mankind is only one of ten thousand. Though
numerous people are gathered in the nine states of Chin
where crops are grown and carts and boats transport people
everywhere, the space that mankind occupies is only a
small fraction of the earth. If you compare mankind to all
things in the universe, we are like the tip of a hair compared
to the whole body of a horse. And when you consider all of
history, including the ancient emperors, the wars among the
three kings, the sympathy of the great kind ones and the
capability of all able people in all countries, this is still
only a small range. If Po Yi thought he had fulfilled the high
virtue of yielding, and if Confucius thought he was
knowledgeably achieved, by priding themselves in this way
were they not like you in priding yourself over the
possession of water?"
 The Lord of the Yellow River replied, "Well then, if I
keep to the distinction between what is big as the highness
of Heaven and Earth, and what is small as the smallness of
the tip of a hair, is it correct enough?"
"No," said the Lord of the North Sea. "There is no single
way to decide the right size for all different things. There is
no end to time. There is no constancy in a single person's
life. And there is no fixed point to decide the beginning and
the end. Therefore, the integral mind views both far and
near, recognizes the small without considering it paltry and
recognizes the large without considering it colossal, for it
knows there is no standard to decide the relative size of all
things.
"The integral mind has a clear understanding of the non-
separation of past and present, and for that reason the
remoteness of the past does not evoke longing, nor does
the brevity of the present produce anxiety. It knows that
time has no end. The integral mind perceives the nature of
fullness and emptiness and does not delight in acquiring
something, nor does it grieve over loss, for it knows that no
condition is permanent. Understanding that life and death
are the natural path of life, the integral mind is not fixated
on survival, nor does it look on death as a calamity, for it
knows that there is no point that can be assigned to the
beginning and end of life.
"In calculating what a man knows, it is always less than
what a man does not know. In calculating the time a man
lives, it is much shorter than the time which he does not
live physically. With what is minimum, a man attempts to
exhaust what is maximum. Therefore he becomes lost in
great confusion. From this point of view, how can one
decide whether the tip of a hair is the smallest entity or
Heaven and Earth are the largest?"
The Lord of the Yellow River said, "Today's people,
viewing things from the most minute to the largest, have
reached the point that the most essential has no form, and
the largest form is unable to be held. How do you interpret
this?"
The Lord of the North Sea answered, "The smallest and
the largest can still be handled by the mind because they
have form. However, the formless cannot be measured or
put under control. It cannot be expressed in numbers. What
can be sensed is the coarse level of matter, and what can be
understood by the mind is the fineness of things. Yet what
cannot be described with words or examined by the mind is
beyond form and has nothing to do with coarseness or
fineness, because it is essential.
"Therefore, the integral one, the person who embraces
his essential integrity, does nothing to harm other people.
He does not abuse favors. He is not moved by profit. He
does not despise inferiors. He does not contend for wealth
or goods. He is not versed in refined manners or pretense.
He does not depend on others' help in accomplishing his
work. He does not abuse his strength in maintaining his
life. He does not devalue himself by temptation or
corruption. His behavior differs from that of the mob, but
he makes no show of difference with uniqueness and
eccentricity. He is peaceful and stays behind the crowd, but
does not despise those who run forward to flatter and fawn.
Titles and positions of nobility do not attract him.
Persecution and punishment do not humiliate him. He does
not discriminate between those who think he is right and
those who think he is wrong. He does not favor the small or
the large. This is what I have heard.
"In summary, an ancient saying tells us, "The integral
one wins no fame. The one of complete virtue wins no gain.
The great person has no self. He reaches the highest
fulfillment of virtue by doing nothing against the integral
nature of universal life."
The Lord of the Yellow River said, "Tell me, how do we
distinguish the high from the low, the large from the small,
whether by the interior or the exterior of things?"
The Lord of the North Sea replied, "From the point of
view of the Integral Truth, things have neither nobility nor
meanness. From the point of view of things themselves,
each regards itself as noble and other things as mean. From
the point of view of differences, a thing can be considered
big whenever it appears bigger than something else, or
small whenever it appears smaller than something else. So
everything in nature is both big and small. Look at a big
thing; it is self-sufficient within itself. Look at a small
thing; it is also complete in itself. Then we can say that
Heaven and Earth are as small as tiny grains, and the tip of a
hair is as big as a range of mountains. Where can the law of
differences be established?
"From the point of view of function, whatever shape
something possesses is considered to be its existence.
Whatever does not possess a shape is considered non-
existent. By knowing East, West can be known. They cannot
be known without one another. The existence of things can
be known by the non-existence of things. Then we can say
that all things are existent, or all things are not existent.
Thus we can understand the function of totality.
"From the point of view of preference, if people follow
their own preference, they approve of things according to
their preference. They disapprove of things if they are not
according to their preference. For example, a high moral
standard was what Emperor Niao (2357-2258 B.C.) valued,
and a luxurious and lustful style of life was what the
Emperor of Chieh (1818-1767 B.C.) was most interested
in. Naturally, they regarded things differently. It can be seen
from this how preference creates difference.
"Something more. In ancient times, Emperor Niao
abdicated to Emperor Shun (2257-2208 B.C.). It was a
beautiful and peaceful transition of rulership. Later, Kuai,
the king of Yen, imitated their beautiful behavior and
abdicated his throne to Chih, his premier, but the state was
destroyed by the invasion of a strong neighbor. Tang (1766
B.C.) and Wu (1122 B.C.) earned support and were
enthroned by engaging in revolution. Later, Prince Po
followed a similar way but was unsupported and wiped out
by the people. You see, the element of time changes the
meaning of behavior, whether noble or mean, and there is
no constant rule in human society.
"The huge chariot, Liang Li, can be used to batter down
a city wall, but it is no help in blocking a little hole. This is
to show the difference of use. The famous horses, Chi Chi
and Hue Li could gallop a thousand li in a single day, but
when it came to catching rats, they were not as good as a
cat or a weasel. This shows the differences in skill. At night
the owl can see mosquitoes, but if it goes forth in the
daylight, no matter how wide it opens its eyes it cannot see
a mound or a hill. This shows the differences in nature.
"Now do you say that you are going to make right your
master and do away with wrong? Or make order your
master and do away with disorder? If you do, then you have
not understood the principle of Heaven and Earth and the
truth of all things. This is like saying that you are going to
make Heaven your Master and do away with Earth, or make
yin your Master and do away with yang. Obviously, it is
impossible. If people insist on such bias, they must be
either undeveloped or deceitful.
"People came into power at different times and in
different ways. If the way fits the time and mode of society,
one is respected as a righteous person. If the way does not
fit the time and social mode, then one is regarded as a
usurper. Thus, let us be quiet. O, Lord of the Yellow River,
how can you know the significance of being considered
noble or mean, and the real definition of large or small?"
The Lord of the North Sea added, "Viewing things with
the Integral Truth, there is no difference between nobility
and meanness because these are reversible. To hold onto
one's preference for what to take and what not to take is
also against the integral truth. In the integral truth that
which is called "much" and that which is called "less" are
changeable. Do not hold a particular way to be your definite
way; you will be departing far from the integral nature of
the universe. Be benign, like a deity who loves all things
without any partiality. Be broad, like an open space, setting
no borders on anything and embracing all things. This is
called being upright without any conditions. All things
become one. The integral path of the universe has no
beginning and no end, yet things live and die. Thus, do not
pride yourself on what has been accomplished. The years
and months do not stop, times and ages do not stay. All
things grow, prosper, ripen and decay, and then begin again
after every ending. This shows the universal law of all
things and all human matters.
"Once things receive life, they start to run around at top
speed. Nothing is unchanging, and no moment is not
reforming. So there is no need to search for answers about
how to conduct oneself. Things change without our needing
to manage them. Is this not so?"
The Lord of the Yellow River asked, "Then why should
we respect the Integral Way?"
The Lord of the North Sea answered, "He who knows
the integral path must have reached the understanding of the
law of all things. He who understands the law of all things
must know how to harmonize himself with all
circumstances. Thus, the one who knows how to harmonize
himself with all circumstances will suffer no harm from
them. The one of integral virtue cannot be burned by fire,
nor drowned by water. The changes of hot or cold cannot
make him sick. Birds and beasts cannot harm him. This is
not to say he makes light of them. He carefully inspects the
range of safety and danger and peacefully faces happy and
unhappy situations. With prudence he decides what he
should accept and what he should decline, thus there is
nothing which can harm him. This is to say that essentially,
the nature of Heaven is internal. The code of human
behavior is external. Virtue is nature. One needs to know
what is natural and what is human. To follow nature, take
your stand in virtue. No matter whether you are going or
coming, stretching or holding back, always return to the
essence of your being as I have described here."
The Lord of the Yellow River said, "How can we know
the difference between what is heavenly in nature and what
is artificial?"
The Lord of the North Sea said, "Horses and oxen have
four legs; that is natural. To bridle a horse's head, and
pierce the nose of an ox is artificial. Therefore, as human
beings we say, do not let what is artificial destroy what is
natural. Do not support any cause that would harm your life,
and do not sacrifice virtue for fame. To keep to these
principles without losing them is called returning to the
original truth of your being."

Note: all of the above the stories are adapted and

elucidated from the teachings of Chuang Tzu, an
important Master who lived during the time written
characters were beautifully and abundantly used for the
first time. The last story has been a favorite of many
eminent Chinese scholars for generations.
How can you achieve such great power of life as
Chuang Tzu? Direct understanding and transplanting
into your spirit and mind is possible, but all the practices
I give in this book and others are ways to attain and
embrace the Infinite.
 The Importance of Reading the Tao Teh Ching
People generally associate the origin of Taoist teaching
with Lao Tzu, but in reality, the teaching of Tao did not
originate with the Tao Teh Ching. Before Lao Tzu there
were many sages who were already living examples of
integral beings. In addition to the Tao Teh Ching, the I
Ching, the Yellow Emperor's book and the Nei Ching,
several other spiritual works were already in existence
which reflected the deep insight of the ancient sages.
However, it is true that the Tao Teh Ching has become the
most popular classic of later times.
The Tao Teh Ching reflects a profound wisdom that has
been used and accepted for generations. Its exalted integral
truth is actually beyond words, but peace, serenity and inner
harmony are the rewards for the one who receives its
essence. A lifetime endeavor is opened to those who accept
its teachings. If there were any single book which I would
unhesitatingly adopt as my spiritual guideline for life, this
would be it. It is an inexhaustible treasure. It can lead many
individuals as well as a whole society, in the present or in
the future, on the right path of life. It is not like the books
of a spiritual tradition or religion which sell
preconceptions and create prejudice between people, or
influences them to become destructive, aggressive and hot-
headed. It is also not like those books which make people
less vital so that they cannot face the reality of worldly life.
Rather, it guides all people to lead a healthy and
harmonious life.
While not going into it too deeply, I feel it is important
to introduce a few of the basic principles of the Tao Teh
Ching to increase your understanding of its importance as
a guide for your spiritual development. From these
principles you will see that spiritual development is not
new, but is an expression of timeless universal moral
nature.
There are three general spheres of life covered in this
book: the sphere of physical health cultivation which
enables one to live through the diversity of life; the sphere
of mental clarity and cultivation which enables one to
transcend one's own emotions and worldly confusion; and
the sphere of spiritual purity and cultivation which enables
one to achieve a high state of integration and unite with the
universal integral spiritual realm.
More specifically, the Tao Teh Ching emphasizes
selfless leadership along with selfless public service. In
Lao Tzu's time, people were already competing for
leadership and striving to be in a position of authority over
others. The Tao Teh Ching does not exalt this kind of
leadership, but takes the examples of past great Emperors
such as Fu Shi, Shen Nung, the Yellow Emperor, Niao,
Shun, Yu and others. Lao Tzu says that anyone who takes on
the troubles of a nation is the true king or leader of that
nation. A truly selfless leader or Emperor is one who finds
the way to solve the troubles of all his people. Natural
leadership is not a privilege or personal enjoyment of
power, but a personal service. For this reason the Tao Teh
Ching advises one not to be competitive, especially for
leadership. If, however, the chance or opportunity comes to
you, you must morally and courageously take the
responsibility and fulfill your personal duty and moral duty
of the time. Once you fulfill the obligation, do not
luxuriate in your success or seek recognition for your
work. When the mission is accomplished, it is time to
retire or retreat from prominence.
We can find good examples of that kind of leadership
both before and after Lao Tzu in Chinese history. Before
Lao Tzu, those people ruled the country, but after Lao Tzu
they were mostly advisors to the leaders. This means that
while they did not put themselves in a position of
leadership, they nevertheless influenced the leaders from a
more humble position.
Another thing we learn from Lao Tzu is that a person
does not need to be outwardly and recognizably
meritorious, holy or virtuous. One only needs to naturally
follow their normal nature. A truly moral person, living a
normal life, will be indistinguishable in their morality. Even
though they may appear amoral, they are still moral. Why?
Because they will be expressing the balance of nature.
Therefore, it is unnecessary to emphasize or take on any
formal or lofty ethics.
Lao Tzu also clearly points out the importance of non-
violence. In everyday life, few people are killers or even
people of violence, but many people are emotionally
violent. Many people lose their tempers when things do not
go their way. The loss of spiritual qualities such as patience
and tolerance make people take a violent emotional path.
This is the true root of evil. Evil does not necessarily have
a deep evil nature. Most people become evil because of a
pattern of emotional violence, and many people commit
emotional violence toward themselves. That is why
harmony, purity and quietness are taught in the Tao Teh
Ching. These will eventually resolve or reform personal
emotional violence.
The Tao Teh Ching also stresses the importance of the
direction of personal cultivation. First we need to make our
bodies healthy, flexible and strong, but not strong in the
muscular sense. We value the unconquerable gentle
strength. That is what we need to cultivate, not the type of
violent force that is so common today. It also suggests
keeping away from unreasonable ambition and competition.
More important, we also need to develop wisdom as our
inner subtle light and should harmonize this light with
whomsoever we come into contact. We must never make
anyone feel inferior or unsafe around us, but instead make
them feel supported. And finally, follow a natural way of
life like the developed ones. That does not mean you need
to live as a primitive person, but live in harmony with
nature. A spiritually achieved one is not a special person of
external distinction. He harmonizes with the natural
environment and does not appear as a miracle performer or
special being. He is one who embraces Oneness, that is, the
spiritual essence. In one's personal cultivation, oneness is
the simple essence of one's own life being. The thing of
importance in one's cultivation is to embrace one's spiritual
essence.
The essential principles of spiritual cultivation and
other important guidelines are contained in Lao Tzu's Tao
Teh Ching. If you wish to learn more from Lao Tzu, my
translations of his works are available in The Complete
Works of Lao Tzu and The Esoteric Tao Teh Ching.
CHAPTER 3

Work to Improve the Quality of Your

Mind
Enhance Your Spiritual Life by Working on Your Mind
This guidance comes from highly achieved beings
who were the teachers of Kou Shuan, the great-uncle of
Master Kou Hong. This instruction is valuable to those
who cultivate the Universal Integral Way. Do not
misunderstand what has been said by some ancient
achieved ones like Chuang Tzu and others when they say
to never use the mind to control the mind; they are
expressing their high level of achievement. They have
finished with inner and outer battles. Their minds are no
longer disturbed, thus there is no need to control them.
For most people, however, there is a definite need for the
high sphere of the mind to guide the low sphere, which
includes emotions, desires, etc. To not do so is to
continue in ignorance and delusion.

If you wish to cultivate Tao, the first thing to learn is to

give up all unnecessary activities. Then you can enter
spiritual centeredness through silent cultivation. When
your mind is too active, you cannot have peace, and you do
not know how to respect your true spiritual nature which is
connected with the universal divine realm. Until all
distraction is stopped, your fragmented mind cannot be put
together again. Distractions come from the sense organs.
Surely we depend on our eyes and ears and such, but even if
something glorifies or enriches you, all these things finally
become a burden on the reality of your eternal life. Until
all external temptations and sensory attachments are
completely eliminated, whatever moves through your heart
or your mind will be regarded as important. So, while many
people wish to cultivate their mystical power, they must
first learn to give up their troubles, burdens and
childishness.
Meditation! At one time the word only meant to calmly
sit down. In meditation what one needs to watch is one's
own mind. If any emotion, motivation or thought arises to
stir the peace of the pure mind, it needs to be gently
dissolved. You must work devotedly toward becoming
undisturbed within to reach deep calm. If you are able to
eliminate all strong, disturbing motivations, then
sometimes the mind will float and roam. This random
thinking also needs to be weeded out. Gently and quietly do
this in the daytime and at night, never changing the path or
stopping the practice. Never let something else become the
lord of your mind, your body, or your being. Day and night,
gently practice. Do not cut the real mind off, only the
disturbed mind. Stay with the mind that has nothing in it, but
do not stay with the mind that is something you can be
aware of. Let your mind guide you toward a condition of
emptiness, holding nothing but pure energy, nothing that
has already been transformed into images. Do not fix your
mind on any doctrine or idea, thus true spiritual energy will
always be with you and will be nurtured and grow.
For the novice, it is difficult to stop the mind for even
one second. You stop one thought and another follows on
its heels, thus a battle rages inside. During the struggle,
sometimes your whole body will start to respond
physically. You may start to shake or perspire. Do not
worry about it. If you are serious, cultivate yourself for a
long, long time. Follow this way and continue to meditate.
Then slowly you will become more skillful. Gradually you
will attain inner-most clarity and purity which are the
foundation of the mind's power.
After you think you are skillful, do not stop. Do not
give up the effort to pacify your mind. If you stop midway,
then the attainment of eternity will be nullified by your
interruption. This is a thousand-lifetime enterprise; you
cannot regard it as something temporary. Sitting is just the
beginning. When you walk, when you stand, when you lie
down, keep your mind always unwavering, but let your spirit
be naturally active without obstruction or harm. Whether
you use words or not, whether there is any event or not,
your mind is no longer bothered. It feels like you have no
mind at all. In this way you can put yourself in the calm
mountains. You can be on a busy street or in a noisy crowd,
and your mind will not be cut to pieces by any external
disturbance.
Here are a few special guidelines you should follow in
silent cultivation. Do not restrain the mind too urgently or
you will become sick and crazy. If your mind becomes too
inactive, loosen your discipline a little bit. How loose? You
need to find the appropriate point. Always make an
appropriate adjustment. The mind must always be under
your control. Even if you let your mind be active, still
follow the right channel and right discipline as you have
always done. When you are in a noisy, crowded place, do
not indulge in emotions such as hatred or disgust.
When you are in an eventful circumstance and your
mind is not disturbed, this is called true peace, true
calmness. Your mind is no longer controlled by
circumstance, it is free. The free mind is a powerful mind.
It is a useful mind. It is the key to reaching the mystical
source. However, remember that this true peace is attained
by your cultivation; it is not a free gift.
After achieving true peace, the mind can grow wise. To
some people wisdom comes sooner in their cultivation, and
to others it comes more slowly. It does not depend on you,
so never look for wisdom anxiously, because hurriedness
can hurt your spiritual flow. If your spiritual energy is
obstructed, then no wisdom can grow. If you cultivate
yourself, you are not particularly looking for wisdom, but
wisdom shapes itself within you; this is called true wisdom.
Do not confuse true wisdom with relative wisdom. All
words and deeds that are recognized as being wise are
conditioned by circumstance. Relative wisdom is like a
beautiful bonfire that needs good firewood to burn. If
problems did not arise, there would be no wisdom with
which to solve them. People usually admire wisdom as they
enjoy a good bonfire; it is seen as a bright achievement.
However, it is not the true goal of spiritual attainment.
Once you have true wisdom, do not use it to show off.
Wise people often appear to be simpletons. In this way they
can benefit more people through their ordinariness, peace
and simplicity. These triple beauties can reach to boundless
realms. Therefore, in your silent cultivation, if too many
things are held in your mind, they will attract other strange
things which become disturbances by association, and you
will never experience the effectiveness of a calm mind. If
your mind is kept in the right channel, then the spiritual
essence can be reached and high beings and things can be
seen in your peace and calmness. The significance of that is
the energy has transformed. However, special signs in your
cultivation are no cause for excitement. Make nothing
special of anything that happens beyond your true, peaceful
mind. Let no more obstructions put your true, calm mind
beneath them so there is nothing to support obstructions in
you. Only the true mind exists purely, independently, solely
and uniquely. Decrease all past contaminations daily, and do
not engage in new accumulations. When you reach a state
of no bondage, you are like a bird which breaks out of its
cage and obtains freedom. If you keep practicing this, you
will naturally attain Tao.
Anyone who attains the subtle essence of universal life
will experience seven signs, or stages. I shall describe them
to you one by one for your knowledge.
The first stage is when the mind reaches peace and
easily responds to the subtle as well as the ordinary level of
life. It is then easy to discern what worldly things are heavy
and disturbing to your true peace, and thus a possible cause
of a downfall.
The second stage is when old physical problems clear
up by themselves and you do not need to go to physicians.
Your body and mind feel light and happy.
The third stage is when your vitality is regenerated and
you return to a natural and healthy long life. You also start
to follow the right way of living as guided by your growing
wisdom.
The fourth stage occurs after you have achieved the
foundation of the first three stages. You can live as you
wish and not be subject to the lower spheres of influence.
You can then connect with the spiritual realm.
The fifth stage comes when physical energy is refined
to be higher, more essential energy. Through serious
cultivation, the physical energy is transformed into chi.
The sixth stage comes after transforming the gross chi
into more subtle chi. Then you go further to transform your
chi to be more essential, to become a spiritual being.
Spiritual beings can be in the world and remain subtle or
not, as they choose. They are unfathomable and
unpredictable. They are true spirits.
The seventh stage is when the spirit is refined and
unites with the Tao. Then the ultimate being is achieved.
This is a true Divine One. His light will then always
respond to enlighten the darkness.
These seven steps to becoming one with Tao, or to
attaining complete fulfillment, are universal. Anyone who
engages in self-cultivation without seeing any of these
positive results will not achieve Tao.
The absoluteness and uniqueness of spiritual
achievement is unconditional and inexpressible. The
expressible level manifests as peace and non-dualistic unity
and has the power to dissolve all things back into the great
oneness. This original spirit of freshness, is always with
you in this and every moment. This spiritual truth is beyond
the intellect; it is all-embracing and has great power.
Tao, as the initial spirit or the spirit of youth, is
untouched and cannot be bent to any personal will or
ambition. It never fails and never declines. The initial spirit
is always in progress and always developing. It constantly
provides the possibility for an entirely new range of life
experience. This is the essence of universal nature. It does
not hold to any past images. It does not necessarily value
the common sense sayings of refined ancient sages. It is a
great path discovered by transformable minds. As a self-
cultivation, it refreshes one's spirit, mind and body, and
brings all elements into one harmonious piece. If any
method assists in achieving this goal of transforming
oneself into a real being, it is a true path.
Thus, in true spiritual practice, we do not venerate old
sayings, nor do we chant or say rosaries, mantras, etc. We
live in and embrace universal nature. Any teaching of non-
attachment which comes from fear is not the teaching of
Tao. The "I-have-not-been-born-yet" spirit of correct
cultivation expresses wholeness of spirit while leading a
full life. We do not value quiet sitting or living in seclusion
out of fear of experiencing life. We embrace wholeness of
mind and willingly experience all necessary pain and
trouble without being defeated or becoming cruel. We find
growth in adversity and recover quickly from any minor
setbacks. This is why the Integral Way is called the Great
Path of Life.

Emotional Independence and a Balanced Life

It is fundamental and beneficial to attain emotional
independence. It does not mean that one avoids all
emotional relationships, or that you must live absolutely
alone. It means that whether you associate with others or
not, you remain independent.
Spiritual independence is a life-long pursuit without
guarantee of attaining enlightenment or the discovery of
the ultimate truth. Anyone who achieves spiritual
independence must first achieve emotional independence.
What is emotional independence? Everyone has grown
up in a family, or some kind of social unit where they
learned to imitate adults as their knowledge of life
developed. There they learned emotional dependence on
others. Positively speaking, there is nothing wrong with
living as part of a team where you trust each other and have
loyalty and faithfulness to each other. It is especially
valuable when you have love and emotional caring for each
other. A problem arises with a person's constant demand for
attention and being overly spoiled emotionally. Such
psychological demands make a person an emotional cripple
who cannot be an emotionally independent person. Most
people have some emotional dependence, but they abuse it
by looking for excessive support and attention. This is just
emotional greed which makes family life become an
emotional battlefield. People are like hunters, all the time
hungry, looking for prey as sacrifice for their greed, for
something to fill their cavity.
When people are spoiled as children, they grow up
acting spoiled and thinking that somewhere in the world
there is a great mother or father, or great wife or husband,
or great friend who will always care for them emotionally. I
do not think any such great person exists, but people build
up an idea in their psychological framework and are always
looking for such a person in their contact with others. In
many cases, people make others victims by trying to fit
them into their psycho-logical and emotional frames.
Those people are innocent. They are not related to anyone's
years of built-up psychological and emotional problems,
yet they are immediately and unconsciously targeted as
emotional prey. How unfortunate.
People often impose their emotional dependency on
pets. Some people value their cats, dogs and birds more
than humans; they are so innocent, they easily become
people's emotional victims. Sometimes they learn to
manipulate their owners back! When people become
dependent on pets, they become emotional cripples. Once
their dog or cat is lost, the person's whole emotional
strength is gone. This is why to be a spiritual person, you
must first achieve emotional independence. That is to say,
you do not emotionally rely on anything.
Children's toys and games are so important in their
emotional lives because they never learned emotional
independence. In adult life, sports, gambling, games like
Mah Jong and other things become emotional substitutes.
Dear friends, people can use almost anything for emotional
support in the negative sense. There are bad examples of
unhealthy emotional life everywhere, typically between
boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife, brother and
sister, etc. People always engage in emotional competition,
each one wishing to rule over the other emotionally.
Sometimes for a few unimportant words, a big battle is
started. In general society, or in families, jealousy is a
poisonous element. People use jealousy to poison and
harm one another. Why? Because people do not want
anyone to be better than themselves, and at the same time
they wish to be better than others. It is all so unnecessary. It
is best to just pay attention to your own growth.
Siblings love each other, but because of jealousy they
hate each other too. Their love/hate conflicts make their
growth twisted and cause them to suffer. This inner battle
continues for a long time and can be seen among many
brothers and sisters and other family members as well.
In human history, among people and nations, the most
poisonous element is still jealousy. People often start wars
because they do not want anyone to be better or have more
than themselves. They do not know that people can just be
better by themselves without needing to do harm to others.
Many lives have been lost through jealousy in all the
generations; this has no meaning. These bad habits started
in ancient times and are deeply rooted. Looking at modern
people, have they improved their personal emotional
elements? I do not think so. In daily emotional life, both
men and women indulge their pride and egomania in
different ways. They even refuse to admit to a small
mistake like something not well done. When pointed out by
a close associate, they will defend themselves madly and
will even attack others for the sake of emotional revenge.
This reactive pattern of poisonous emotions and struggle is
repeated daily, which wastes useful hours or even days.
Spiritual people, on the other hand, are not allowed to
be emotionally dependent on anything, not even their
spiritual practices. If they are attached to forms and rituals,
it is just another substitute for the contact that other
emotional dependence is built on. It is no better than
anything else. A truly spiritual person, who step by step
gives up emotional toys, gradually comes to high emotional
and spiritual independence. This does not mean that such
people do not do anything, but only that emotionally they
do not rely on toys. They enjoy all kinds of religious
customs but they are not emotionally attached to them.
They can even value and respect them without frowning
upon them.
In my own personal experience as a spiritual teacher, it
is happiness to enjoy the talent and good qualities of
people who come together to enjoy pure spirit. However,
sometimes people do not always come to look for truth and
improvement, but for emotional victims. Those people try
to emotionally influence you and impose something on you
and spoil the whole soup. This happens often to spiritual
teachers. I would say that the most difficult problem among
spiritual students is their emotional dependence, just the
same as it is in the ordinary world. This is why I am
selective in my choice of students.
Many ascetics become hermits and do not expose
themselves to people too much. Why? People will just
emotionally abuse them. There is no wisdom to exposing
yourself to a group of people if they do not know how to
behave themselves. Fundamentally, all of us, including
spiritual teachers, are human beings. Why should anyone
suffer from emotional disturbance caused by other people?
It is unnecessary and immature. It is a great joy to be with
people of maturity. It is also a great joy to be with people
of purity and innocence. It is a tremendous personal
sacrifice if you are with a person who tries to make an
emotional victim out of you. Emotions are rarely
intentional, but they usually make a person blind to the
reality of the situation.
 If you are an independent spiritual teacher and worker,
you must beware not to be emotionally abused or
victimized by people. If you allow this, then you may
simply be exchanging emotional suffering for material
support. Therefore, I always say that a spiritual teacher or
worker needs to look for financial independence and self-
sufficiency instead of support from their students. Yet do
not think that once a teacher is self-supporting they have no
emotional difficulties with their followers. It is not that
way at all. As a teacher, try to keep yourself away from
immature people, and let them find their own way without
your interference. Do what you can for the world, but do
not get involved with dependent people. Do not make
yourself an object of people's emotional or psychological
arrows. Many spiritual teachers who suffer from the
troubled minds of their students come to talk and receive
health support from me, so I have a broad picture of the
scope of this common problem.
It is valuable for all spiritual people to commit them-
selves for three, ten or fifteen years to help the world. If
you are really serious, you need to organize your life and
not be involved with groups of loose emotional people.
Instead, involve yourself with well-disciplined people.
For the correct experience of emotions, everyone
should have the experience of being married and living in a
family and grow through their emotional troubles. Only
when one's emotional trouble is finished can they look for
spiritual achievement. Otherwise, you will always be
circling in emotional suffering.
Most spiritual teachers or spiritual people sit on the
shore and watch the rough waves of the emotional ocean.
Only the person who truly swims in the ocean can
understand the matters of life and true growth. That is what
is important. People who sit on the shore and talk about life
have never really experienced it; they are not truly
achieved. They usually protect themselves in an ashram or a
monastery and never have true experiences of human
problems. Thus they do not really know how to help
worldly people. By the way, a monastery can also be an
ocean of rough waves too!
Eventually, no one can sit on the shore and watch
people struggling emotionally in the water. However, if you
are interested in self-cultivation, you will find that
simplifying your emotional life is an important practice.
Do not expend yourself emotionally too much. Everyone
has emotions, but spiritual love is most valued. The point is
whether you exercise your emotions positively or
negatively. This is what distinguishes growth from
degeneration.

Natural Celibacy
In the teaching of the Integral Way, the harmonization
of two complementary elements in the yin/yang system is
frequently used to explain all existence. This philosophy
sometimes gives people the impression that the teaching of
the Integral Way especially values sexual practices. This is
not so. Sexual practice is only one small aspect of the
Integral Way. Even though sex was neglected by many great
religions of the ancient world, it has always been
recognized as a legitimate part of spiritual cultivation. Yet,
to discuss sex without mentioning celibacy is to tell only
half of the story, so here I will focus on the value of
celibacy.
Dear friends, sexual habits are different among all
cultures, but celibacy has a real importance in human life
that transcends culture. It is helpful for a man before he is
twenty to restrain himself for purposes of health. If the
root of a young tree or young life is disturbed, the growing
life cannot become firm and may finish sooner. For a girl
before seventeen, chastity is valuable. It can be understood
that it is part of the personal value of being a woman. If
modern women can understand this point, I think that they
will also know the value of not being sexually permissive at
any age. People with the purpose of spiritual achievement
in particular need to observe celibacy before they are thirty
years old, and transfer strong impulsiveness to the pursuit
of wisdom, enlightenment and spiritual achievement.
During their thirties, when the yin or yang energy is at its
strongest, people of both sexes can correctly fulfill their
sexual desires. If you have a spiritual purpose, keep your
life simple, almost to the level of severity, austerity or
asceticism. Otherwise, looseness of mind, emotions and
life prevents what one wishes to attain. Eventually you hold
yourself at the same level without any achievement.
If a normal person in good health and in their thirties is
not timely paired, it will result in abnormal attitudes. These
abnormal attitudes can lead the person to mental
difficulties or criminal behavior. People without a spiritual
practice, or without the interest to be ascetic, must take
care not to go over the rim of their emotions and take
extreme actions. In the history of spiritual development,
many thousands of years ago, people thoroughly
understood the value of harmonization in sexual life, thus
they never over-emphasized the practice of celibacy.
However, they valued celibacy for purposes of health,
spiritual achievement or certain specific endeavors or
cultivation. If celibacy is done without a purpose, then one
cannot have a clear mind and will not be happy with a
celibate life.
All spiritual life is flexible. Generally speaking, most
people wish to be paired, but not everyone finds their soul
mate or the best match. In this situation, the person needs
to be patient until a harmonious relationship happens. If a
relationship is chosen by the intellectual mind only, it will
not work well. If it is not the best choice for the person, the
result will be unhappiness. Some wise people prefer a
shorter arrangement and agree to stay together for a certain
period. This is not always a bad idea.
If there is an opportunity to practice sexual cultivation,
the average spiritual practitioner can certainly consider it.
If a person is without such good fortune (as it is generally
termed), and the best choice or match has not happened,
and the second choice hasn't either, I recommend that you
have patience and concentrate more on spiritual cultivation,
because all opportunities in life offer you the possibility of
spiritual advancement.
Sexual relationships are strongly emphasized in this
society, which creates a psychological need for the
opposite sex that can become a deep pattern in your
emotional life. If you follow this way, you will either be
disappointed and dismayed most of your life or you will
eventually exhaust yourself. Therefore, all important
spiritual practices begin with stopping the search for being
paired; only do it if it happens naturally. There is a saying
that expresses this principle, "Have the patience of a wise
fisherman." It means that one does not pursue opportunity,
but lets opportunity come naturally. A person can be
receptive to the opportunity, but he or she should not have
any expectations. Also, your decision to practice celibacy
should not be the result of your environment forcing you
into a certain way of life.
Many religious orders emphasize celibacy, and in some
of those orders there is homosexual activity between
members. This is wrong. If the choice of celibacy is due to
spiritual pressures and goes against true personal needs,
people become unnatural. Surely they value what they
follow, but they make it meaningless.
Some people make an emotional commitment to
celibacy when they are young. They try to fulfill this
spiritual promise, but it is not a one-day or one-hour
commitment. Life has different stages. The mind might
decide something during one particular season of life when
one's energy is astringent or shrinking. I recommend taking
responsibility only for the moment you make the vow. No
one can vouch for the next day, or next month or next year
because change and growth are inevitable. A vow has no
foundation when it is made forever. It does not mean that
you are irresponsible for what you vow, it just means you
have no knowledge of the next moment. If you become
abnormal, it is because the practice of celibacy does not
contribute to your health and is harmful to your spirit.
Maybe you think that the tension built by an unnatural way
of life can be released in some abnormal way. Why not just
live normally in the first place? This is what I recommend
for spiritual people. What is fundamentally wrong is the
choice to be abnormal. It is not the broad human way. If
your goal is to reach the supernatural, you first have to
understand what is natural. If you go against nature, you can
never reach the supernatural.
Most strict religious societies are suitable for only a
few people, not the majority. Most people superficially
follow such paths, but in their private lives they find they
did not fully understand the situation. You cannot make a
mature decision if you are at an immature stage of life.
Celibacy must be a personal choice, it cannot be made by
any external imposition. It must be the result of personal
maturity and of understanding its value in supporting your
health, your special research or your spiritual cultivation.
Celibacy does have value, but it is not a doctrine. In and of
itself, it is not the truth. For certain people with a special
purpose, or at a certain stage of life when you are either
too young or too old, or your health is not good, or you
have a special assignment like soldiers on the battlefield,
nothing but celibacy can make you strong physically,
emotionally and spiritually.
For my friends who have a spiritual mission in the
world, to women over forty, to men over sixty, slow down
or directly adopt the principle of celibacy so that you do
not keep wandering in the general field of paired life. This
is also a good way to be happy. Do not think that only a
married or paired life can make you happy. Pure celibacy
can also make you happy, if combined with spiritual
learning and practice. I have witnessed this for many years.
Spiritual beings who travel everywhere all the time, or
those who stay in the mountains or rural places, do not look
for a mate or reach out for communication with people.
They are special examples, but they do exist. They have
achieved their life goal. I do not think everyone needs to
follow their example, but they are good models for those
who value personal freedom in life above anything else.
Those beings enjoy closeness to nature instead of human
relationships. I think their lives can help us understand
emotional independence and the possibility of finding true
happiness in that way for ourselves.
The practice of sex or celibacy depends on one's life
circumstance; both ways have value. People who are paired
or looking for a mate should not disrespect those who
practice celibacy. I do not think those who practice
celibacy will have any conflict with those who enjoy family
life. If you are to fully enjoy or exercise the value of
something, then some difficulty must be overcome, or
some price needs to be paid. This is the world, this is
human life, practically speaking. Family life provides a
source of manpower, and the harness of that choice is no
lighter than that of celibacy.

The Integral Realm

Q: How can we attain spiritual transcendence?
 Master Ni: When I was a boy, I read widely and probed
the vast world of modern civilization. I faced the drastic
changes brought about by modern dualistic and fragmentary
knowledge, and exposed my mind to the conceptual
confusion of the time. Fortunately, the cultivation of the
Integral Way helped me break through the obstacles to
spiritual unity.
All the while, I used and appreciated a short invocation
which my spiritual ancestors passed down to me. Any time
I used it, it always put me back together again. People
cannot escape today's flood of intellectual stimulation, but
with this invocation, you can be like a boatman using a
bamboo pole to help push your boat steadily upstream
through the adverse currents. The following is that
invocation. You may need to use it often!

Invocation of Total Integration

The Integral Way has no form.
It cannot be obtained,
it cannot be evaluated.
It can never be revealed or made extinct.
It does not come to you,
nor does it depart from you.
There is neither a knower of it,
nor a seer of it.
No one created it.
It is unspeakable,
for no such thing as wisdom
of self-delivery from the diversity
of life can be mentioned.
Neither is there any realm
after the attainment of such a way.

The Way is neither provable,

nor disprovable.
This is not ambiguous speech;
its non-dualistic nature is self-evident.
In following the Way,
there is no reason to discriminate
among things.
The Way is not alienated from the worldly way.
Neither does it differentiate between the ways
which exist before and after it is reached.

Why is this so?

Because the Way cannot be thought of
in the sense of being reachable or
unreachable.
It is not separate from any ordinary
moment of life.
There is no verification upon reaching it.
It is neither imaginable nor unimaginable.
It is neither doing nor non-doing.
The absolute truth is just so.

The Integral Truth behind all narrative ways

of teaching is indescribable.
One's attachment to specific learning
and beliefs at the narrative level
cause one to fail to reach
the suchness of the absolute truth.
The Way reaches the absolute
and bears neither a nameplate
nor has a distinct territory.
It cannot be expressed with thoughts.
It has no place to go and nowhere to stay.
It is against nothing.

The Way has no blessings to pursue.

It is neither obscure nor distinct.
Therefore, the Way has no boundaries
or limitations.
It is called the Path of Subtle Integration.
It could also be considered
the guidepost of self-cultivation.

Yet, for the Integral One,

 there is no place where it is either needed
or not needed for cultivation.
All shall come to the great Oneness.
A more descriptive name for this
is the realm of no-action.
Why?
Because there is nothing to think about
or to fabricate.

Everything has its own nature,

yet all things are integrated
with the one Great Nature.

I would also give you a warning.

The Way is enlightenment to the ready mind.
But the Way may be poisonous
to a poisoned mind.
For people who have not reached the Way,
it is dangerous to pretend to be there.
It does poison you.

It takes your life and kills your soul

with the snap of a finger.
Heed my warning when you decide
to take the gift.
People of self-delivery,
if inspired,
try to discover the profound secret
of being absolute,
which is where true freedom lies.
An absolute being can light up the meaning
of all worded and wordless teachings
of all the ancient great minds
in one instant.
He shall breathe the breath of all enlightened
ones.
He dissolves his mind in the ocean of wisdom.
He shall reside in all the enlightened realms.
CHAPTER 4

Work to Be in the Channel of Eternal

Life
Observances for Self-Inspection
At the beginning of a spiritual pathway there can be no
real progress made until one has purified one's energy. To
think that anyone can begin with high level esoteric
practices is to fool oneself. Many people have the
contamination of many lives obstructing them, so the first
thing they must do is cleanse and purify themselves. I know
of no better way for beginning students to undertake this
long and necessary step than by familiarizing themselves
with these observances and then to put them into practice in
their lives.
These observances are taken from two treatises that
have been handed down for thousands of years: the Tai
Shan Kan Yin Pien, which I have called "Straighten Your
Way," and the Yin Chia Wen or "The Silent Way of
Blessing." They are discussed in more detail in The Key to
Good Fortune Is Spiritual Improvement. The following
excerpts will give you an idea of the principles underlying
the observances.

Shan Kan Yin Pien: Straighten Your Way

The Divine One said, "Calamities and blessings do not
come through any definite, distinguishable door; it is the
person who invites them."
The rewards of good and evil are like a shadow
accompanying one's body. The subtle response of the
universal energy to one's mind and behavior is usually not
recognized. Yet the accuracy of retributive operation
unmistakenly happens to people, as if a spiritual being were
keeping a record of one's evil deeds and determining the
punishment by the seriousness of the transgressions. In
fact, the quality and quantity of a person's life will truly be
affected or drastically changed by how he or she thinks and
behaves. When the normal standard of life is destroyed,
one's health becomes poor and one's spirit becomes
wasted. One often meets with sorrow and misery, and most
people dislike such a person. Punishments and calamities
in all forms pursue this person; good luck and joy shun this
person; evil energy rays do them harm, and when the
opportunity of life is exhausted, the person dies.
Furthermore, there are actually spiritual beings who roam
above people's heads and quietly watch them. People bear
the marks of crimes and sins on their auras. Thus, they
receive reprimands and retaliation from the different levels
of the subtle realm. All enjoyment is stripped away; the
enjoyment turns out to be poison. There are also evil spirits
who come to reside inside the person's body to encourage
the growth of evil. Those who seek everlasting life must
first avoid all evil things.
Go forward if your deeds follow the Way; but withdraw
immediately if they violate the Way. One who is good is
respected by all. The Way of Heaven helps those who are
good; happiness and wealth will follow them, all evil things
will shun them, and spiritual beings will protect them. The
person may even become a god.
It is traditional spiritual knowledge that one who seeks
to become a divine immortal needs to fulfill 3,000 subtle,
virtuous deeds. One who seeks to become happy and lead a
long life on earth needs to perform 300 good deeds. There
are many who do evil deeds and later repent of their own
accord and correct their behavior. By refraining from doing
further evil and earnestly practicing much good, then in
time good fortune will surely be obtained. This is what is
called changing calamities into blessings.
Therefore, the person of good fortune speaks good,
sees good and does good. If every day, one does these three
kinds of good, after three years blessings will be invited
and Heaven will come to help. The person of evil fortune
speaks evil, sees evil and does evil. Every day, if one has
these three kinds of evil, after three years one's evil being
invites calamities and Heaven departs from this person.
Does this not convey that truthful words may not be
beautiful and beautiful words may not be truthful? This is
not merely beautiful poetry or an essay on eloquence.
Neither is it a graceful work of literature or ornamental
knowledge. It is the plain truth of life.

Commentary
The responsiveness of one's mind and behavior play a
decisive role in one's personal fortune. A person's natural
energy formation is fundamental to one's fortune. For
example, a duck has a long neck but short legs. This is its
natural formation. One would not try to cut off the duck's
neck or try to lengthen its legs and thus have a more
"desirable" duck. As for an individual's or a family's fortune,
there are always some things longer and some things
shorter. Likewise, for an individual's character, there are
always some things that are longer and some that are
shorter. The responsibility for one's life rests solely with
the individual; it cannot be placed on external connections
such as family fortune or social conditions.
To accept the natural conditions of one's life as they are
frees one from the burden of concepts such as retribution,
sin or guilt. However, just as an individual cannot be judged
by his or her family background, neither can a family be
judged by any of its individual members.
 The process of nature is to evolve and transform,
especially with regard to human life. The growth of an
individual happens over the course of many lifetimes
through varied life experiences. This is actually the
meaning of evolution. Because we are constantly learning
and growing, in every moment we are forming or reforming
ourselves. The environment responds to what and how we
are forming. As we change, our environment also changes;
as it changes, does the subtle reformation of the spiritual
environment continue to suit us? Each individual is
responsible for every moment of his or her being. Tension
creates tension, and self-dissolution creates dissolution of
the subtle environment. The former is called negative
creativity, and the latter, positive creativity. In the phase of
physical life, harmony or balance is the highest virtue.
Personal destiny is just the shadow of one's mind, or the
pattern of one's dreams.
The science of astrology can tell general tendencies of
the physical details of a life, but there is no predestined
fate. Many children are born at the same day and hour each
year, but each individual is unique and is thus responsible
for his or her personal achievement, especially spiritually.
Their choices and efforts are what tell the true story of
their fortune. In the general world, fatalism exists as a
psycho-logical escape for those who are self-defeated, but
at the spiritual level, fatalism does not exist. Men and
women can always do and be better if they decide to,
spiritually.
Therefore, spiritual education is higher than the moral
education of the cultural sphere. Yet, in a general sense, the
two cannot be divided. A spiritual person is naturally a
moral person, but a moral person is not necessarily a highly
spiritually achieved person. On the spiritual level, real
morality rests on the attainment of high spiritual
awareness. This is natural morality. Natural morality
rebukes the imitation of morality. Imitation morality is a
mockery, it is not real. If things are not real, how can they
be natural?
The moral education that is given to the vast majority of
people is not natural because it is intellectual, but its
source is the natural truth, and thus it should be valued and
encouraged. Most people are not at a level where natural-
ness is beneficial to them. Whatever is natural cannot be
considered moral or immoral, so on a deep spiritual level
everything can be considered amoral. Morality only exists
in the sphere of yin and yang, the relative world of duality.
It is completely transcended at the level of the absolute.
In the long run, one cannot escape the moral way. To a
highly achieved spiritual person, being moral exists every
moment, it cannot be evaded. The foundation of natural
morality is not cultural or religious. A life lived in harmony
with the universe and the true self leads one to divine
immortality after many years of sincere cultivation.
Spiritual integration is natural morality, and natural
morality is spiritual integration.
We need to discard all cultural and religious
fabrications in order to experience natural morality, which
is the natural health of life. They are merely expressions of
suppressed and unachievable desires that are limited by the
time, race and spiritual status of their leaders. Even if we
do not know anything about religious fabrication, we may
still know the truth of life. However, we can never banish
natural morality, for it expresses how we are shaped and
formed as real beings in any time, in any space, and in any
lifetime.

Yin Chia Wen: The Silent Way of Blessing

The following work was written by an achieved one
named Chahng O during the Tang Dynasty (620-950
A.D.).
For seventeen generations I have incarnated as a man of
superior position, and I have never oppressed anyone. I have
saved people from misfortune; helped people in need;
shown pity to orphans; and forgiven people for their
mistakes. I have extensively practiced the subtle virtue of
doing good deeds without requiring anything in return. In
this way, I became attuned to the Heavenly Way. If you too
can set your mind on things as I have, then Heaven will
surely bestow blessings upon you.
Refrain from doing evil, but earnestly do good deeds.
This is the highest doctrine of all good religions. Thus,
there will never be any ill influences upon you and you will
always be protected by good and auspicious spirits.
Depending on how you treat others, immediate reward
will come to you, and later rewards will reach your
posterity. A hundred blessings will come to you like a
chariot pulled by rushing horses; a thousand fortunes will
surround you like auspicious clouds gathering above. If you
practice the following aids to self-inspection, all good
things will come to you through the Silent Way of Blessing.

Aids to Self-Inspection
The practice of immortality is the cultivation and
refinement of individual energy through the body, mind and
spirit, not as three separate entities, but as the integrated
expression of one whole to reach for continual
development.
The following observances are aids to self-inspection,
after which one can begin to work on self-regulation. This
is the foundation of self-cultivation. It is not through
external beliefs or concepts that one achieves spiritual
integration, but through the living reality that "to do is to
be, and to be is to do." Thus, one's thoughts, words and
deeds all reflect the truth of one's being.
 Thoughts, Attitudes, Emotions
Do not cling to dualistic thinking and the juggling of
relative concepts.
Maintain an integrated perspective; duality leads
only to pain and weakness.

Do not become attached to the external excitement of

worldly life.
Remain unattached. Where there is one inch of
attachment there is one inch of spiritual entrapment.

Do not be self-opinionated.
Be humble and flexible. Maintain reserve when
expressing opinions. No idea is absolute, and everything
changes.

Do not disrespect valuable teachings or good writings.

Cherish enlightening writings, for they help liberate
you.

Do not create taboos for yourself.

Be open-minded and know that taboos are self-
imposed limitations and all limitations obstruct spiritual
evolution.
Do not be superstitious.
Use your natural reason to direct yourself.

Do not be bored, discontent, or incapable of enjoying

things.
Approach people and situations with freshness and
openness.

Do not disrespect anyone, whether young or old.

Remember that the true nature of everyone is divine.

Do not be self-important and have excessive pride.

Think of others first and yourself second.

Do not feel hatred toward others or yourself.

Look for and support the good qualities in others
and in yourself.

Do not rejoice in the misfortune of others.

Regard the health and happiness of others as an
achievement of your own life, and a reality of the well-
being of the world.

Do not be needy and dependent.

Take responsibility for yourself, for only through
independence will you develop strength and maturity.
Do not be competitive for glory and exceptional profit.
Be content with the simple blessings of a plain, good
life.

Do not be too proud to seek advice when you are in a new

place or new job.
Value cooperation with experienced ones in all
circumstances.

Do not be fearful and apprehensive.

Always look at the objective facts.

Do not ignore your own virtue.

Remain faithful to what you know to be true,
regardless of possible unfavorable consequences.

Do not be vain, conceited, or superior to others.

Be yourself and matter-of-fact in any circumstance.

Do not hold any prejudice.

See things as they are.

Do not be insensitive, inconsiderate or abusive toward

others.
Help and support others in positive ways.
Do not be pessimistic and focus only on negativity.
Take things as they are without emotional
exaggeration.

Do not be stubborn and unreasonable.

Be receptive to good advice and learn to yield.

Do not allow others to use or abuse you.

Always examine yourself and do not allow someone
to use you for their evil motives.

Do not be fanatic.
Remember that anything in excess gives birth to its
opposite.

Do not be easily impressed with power.

The world's power seekers can be overwhelmed by
someone stronger; a virtuous one cannot.

Do not judge others.

Take others as good or bad examples to work on
yourself.

Do not expect to be rewarded after doing someone a favor.

Always do good for its own sake.
Do not be dismayed that there are only a few good people
in the world.
Set a good example by your own behavior.

Do not be jealous of other's accomplishments.

Give due admiration and improve your own work.

Do not be elated when you are honored, or depressed when

you are disgraced.
Maintain equanimity in all situations without letting
external circumstances cause any spiritual loss.

Do not be greedy, lustful or overly desirous.

Be moderate in your needs and be content once you
reach your goal.

Do not be moody or fussy.

Maintain calmness and be considerate of others even
if it means suppressing yourself at times.

Do not hold narrow, superficial views.

Keep cultivating yourself in order to broaden your
vision.

Do not embrace unrighteousness, even if it is fashionable.

 Be a careful student of human history and observe
the eventful results of correct purpose and correct means.
Then hold firmly to righteousness.

Do not be insincere.
Remember the universal law of energy response.
Insincere behavior will find an insincere response.

Do not jump to hasty conclusions.

Roughness and rushing is for careless people of little
achievement. Evaluate things carefully while looking at
the whole picture.

Do not be overly emotional.

All people have emotions, but do not be overcome by
them as children are. Always quietly guide your energy
in the right channel without rushing over the rim.

Do not envy the prosperous.

Appreciate the virtues and spiritual development of
others rather than their material conditions. Be content
and thankful for what you have.

Do not blame others.

Take responsibility for everything that happens to
you.
Do not be hypocritical.
Do what you say and only say what you know you can
live up to.

Do not be critical of others.

You would do better to apply the criticism to yourself.

Words
Do not exaggerate or lie.
Always speak the truth, but avoid injuring others.

Do not make prophesies that would stir up problems.

Be cautious of the effect your words have on the
peace of the world.

Do not pray foolishly or selfishly.

Be self-responsible and maintain integrity. Excessive
prayer can create an unnatural dependence.

Do not ridicule, slander or defame the reputation of others.

Give credit where credit is due.

Do not brag or boast about your own goodness,

achievement, or talents.
Allow others to discover your virtues for themselves.
Do not gossip or spread rumors or continue a fabricated
story.
Stop the story-telling when it reaches you.

Do not mislead others with "half-truths."

Be accurate and clear and complete in your
communications, or do not say anything at all.

Do not teach evil.

Remember that evil will swallow the teacher too.

Do not reveal the shortcomings or secrets of others.

This is mostly for your own protection.

Do not talk incessantly.

Be silent unless asked to speak.

Do not be sarcastic or insulting.

Be gentle and respectful in all your conversations.

Do not manipulate people with flattery and then talk about

them behind their back.
Compliment someone only when it is appropriate and
sincere.
Do not always be complaining, especially about the weather
or natural disasters.
Treat nature as nature.

Do not demand anything from anyone.

Material or psychological demands increase your
burden.

Do not argue.
It is through understanding, not argument, that one
wins friends.

Do not cast spells or curse others.

Your words have power; to behave foolishly is to be
foolish.

Do not make fun of or belittle others.

Encourage and uplift others in order to uplift
yourself.

Do not be impolite or verbally abusive.

An undisciplined tongue and unruly thoughts invite
trouble.

Do not teach things you really do not know.

Share yourself openly with others and teach only
what you know to be true from your own experience.

Do not vent your frustrations on others.

Maintain silence and resolve the conflicts within
yourself.

Do not ask things of people unreasonably.

Keep your request only to what is necessary.

Do not engage in sophistry or speak in a pompous style that

would confuse others or make them feel inferior.
Speak clearly and simply to the level of the person or
group you are with.

Do not use obscene language.

Maintain purity in your speech.

Do not speak with a forked tongue or try to appear straight

when you are crooked.
Be honest about yourself, even if it does not make
you look good.

Do not scream, shout or speak in a loud manner.

Most things can be handled quietly.

Do not comment on other people's mannerisms.

 Be non-judgmental of others, whether it is their
looks, speech, customs, or attitudes unless they are your
students or your children.

Do not complain about the food you eat.

Be thankful for the food you have.

Do not comment on another's teacher or elders.

Respect the choices of other people.

Deeds
Do not hurt or kill any life unless absolutely necessary.
Nurture and encourage life. Destroy only what is
harmful to other lives.

Do not take your own life.

Only if the sacrifice of your life saves the lives of
others is it justified.

Do not keep pets or livestock for eventful slaughter.

Be merciful to animals and let them be free.

Do not pick flowers, cut trees, set fires or otherwise

destroy the environment for no good reason.
Learn conservation and live in harmony with nature
instead of disturbing it.
Do not have an abortion except in rare circumstances such
as danger to the mother, rape, incest or deformity of the
fetus.
Human life is a sacred and rare opportunity for
spiritual evolution; it should not be taken away for mere
personal convenience.

Do not encourage other people to kill.

Encourage love, compassion and respect for all life.

Do not put birds or animals in cages, except fierce ones.

Allow creatures their freedom, just as you want your
own.

Do not disturb hibernating animals if you live where there

are any.
Be respectful of their natural life cycle, just as you
would expect to not have your own sleep disturbed.

Do not steal eggs from birds in the wild.

Consider your position in the universe and the limits
of your natural rights.

Do not watch people kill birds or animals.

Avoid even indirect participation in the harming of
any creature.

Do not frequent or visit a bad place or remain in an

unhealthy environment.
Be sensitive to the quality of energy where you live or
work, and if it feels unnatural or unhealthy to you, try to
change it or move to a better place.

Do not participate in lewd conduct or watch obscene

things.
Your mind and heart should not be the gathering
place of impurities.

Do not seduce the young or naive.

Develop yourself so that you can encourage growth
and maturity in others.

Do not be untidy, dirty, or live in filth.

Maintain purity in your external environment,
whether at home, work, school, or in your car.

Do not sleep with another person's man or woman.

Respect the relationship between two people and do
not create any cause for conflict or complication.

Do not eat spices unless for medicinal purposes.

 Try to appreciate the simple flavor of plain foods
which are healthy, and do not destroy the sensitivity of
the taste buds.

Do not commit incest.

Respect your familial role and assist your family's
well-being.

Do not eat red meat or drink alcohol or other improper

food and drink.
Study the nature of different foods to understand
what is beneficial and what is harmful to your body, and
why.

Do not expose your body or bathe nude in public.

Practice modesty in dress and behavior so that you
do not purposely disturb the minds of others around you.

Do not flirt with people.

Maintain dignity and reserve in your relationship
with people.

Do not tattoo your body.

Appreciate the natural beauty of your physical form
and treat it with care and respect.
Do not watch the sexual intercourse of animals.
Avoid watching anything that would overstimulate
you and respect the privacy of all beings.

Do not build a house on an old grave site.

Have respect for the dead and be conscientious of the
kind of energy that exists around your dwelling.

Do not participate in funerals if it can be avoided.

Fulfill your relationships with people while they are
living; there is only unbeneficial energy around a
corpse.

Do not waste your time or energy.

Take advantage of the opportunity that life provides
to refine yourself and develop your virtue.

Do not have loose or reckless contact with women (men).

Manage your sexual energy responsibility. If there is
no love, there should be no sex.

Do not eat bad food or food from an unknown source.

Eat only pure, clear, light food prepared with good
will.

Do not make love with someone who is recently widowed.

 If you become involved with such people it is easy to
incur the revenge of their dead spouse.

Do not organize people for violent purposes.

Bring people together for healthy, constructive and
positive endeavors only.

Do not carry a weapon in a threatening manner.

Work to promote peace and safety among people.

Do not destroy the things of others.

Respect the property of others by treating it with the
same care you would give your own.

Do not rob others.

Live by your own strength, otherwise someone
stronger than you will draw from your holdings.

Do not incite a riot.

Achieve harmony within yourself and encourage it
among others.

Do not endanger others to gain safety for yourself.

Learn for yourself the true value of life, and then
apply this knowledge to all lives.
Do not victimize others.
Treat others well and be of service to them.

Do not use violence or assist the violent to get what you

want.
Maintain peace in your environment and your
interactions with others, and give up whatever you
desire that cannot be attained peacefully.

Do not participate in treacherous collusion.

Be honest and fair in all interactions, whether for
social or business purposes.

Do not use your superior talents to manipulate or cheat

simple people.
Use abilities where they will best serve all people.

Do not spy on others or meddle in their affairs.

Respect the privacy of others.

Do not read other people's mail.

Be trustful of other people's activities.

Do not seek revenge when you are mistreated.

Forgiveness begets power and cooperation.
Do not neglect the elders of a family or group that you
visit.
Treat them with due respect and you will easily
attract their support.

Do not be rude to the elderly.

Be respectful and attentive to the elderly and willing
to learn from their life experience.

Do not take credit for other people's work.

Accept credit only for what you have done and
acknowledge any assistance you have received from
others.

Do not be a burden to others.

Make yourself useful in whatever capacity you can.

Do not use black magic on others.

Use your natural knowledge and abilities to heal and
serve others.

Do not abuse others or yourself.

Be loving and respectful of your own life and that of
others.

Do not look for causes or issues in order to display your

benevolence.
Offer your services to others impartially and
wholeheartedly, and keep a low profile.

Do not associate with evil people.

Seek out the company of wise and virtuous people. It
is better to be alone than to keep bad company.

Do not bewilder others so that they look inferior.

Be sincere in helping them if they are truly inferior.

Do not take advantage of people's weaknesses.

Strengthen your own virtue.

Be aware that your own or other people's weak

personalities cannot be trusted.
Strengthen your own personality as the fundamental
goal of spiritual cultivation.

Do not misrepresent yourself to swindle others.

Be honest and above-board in all your dealings.

Do not compromise your natural virtue for popularity.

Maintain your virtue even if it means social isolation.

Do not monopolize on your good position.

 Use a high position to serve others more expansively.

Do not borrow anything without returning or repaying it.

Develop your independence, and if you do borrow
something, be diligent about repaying it.

Do not make trouble for other people or obstruct them.

Think of ways in which you can ease people's burdens
and help their lives go more smoothly.

Do not be deceitful or devious in your actions.

Be straightforward and willing to cooperate with
others.

Do not disgrace others.

Work to help others live virtuous, productive lives.

Do not keep slaves or too many personal attendants.

Encourage everyone to be free and independent.

Do not accept gifts without doing something in return.

Keep the tally even to not incur a sense of obligation.

Do not accept gifts just because you helped someone.

Helping people should be a natural response and no
reward should be expected.
Do not seek favors by scheming.
Be guileless in your social interaction.

Do not associate with people just because they are socially

important.
Build your relationships on the basis of personal
virtue and mutual respect.

Do not associate only with relatives.

Broaden your sphere of activity and relationships
beyond that of your family so you can see that the whole
world is one family.

Do not interfere with or separate people's families.

Encourage and promote harmony within all people.

Do not create artificial desires or misinform people

through clever advertising tactics.
Work to inform people of what is true and virtuous,
and present the facts clearly and honestly.

Do not support someone just because you are close to

them.
Be fair minded and objective in all aspects of your
life, especially who or what you support.
Do not abandon the elderly in their later years, or the young
in their early years.
Care for and be merciful to the old and the young,
and fulfill your responsibilities in life as those who
raised you fulfilled theirs.

Do not stare at people or make faces at them.

Be considerate of the feelings and peace of mind of
others and work to dissolve antagonism.

Do not collect money to carry out fashionable worldly

projects.
Put your time and resources into helping individuals
cultivate virtue.

Do not favor one child or student over another.

Practice unconditional love toward all.

Do not lower other people in order to raise yourself, or

lower yourself to raise an improper person.
Follow your own natural path and progress in life,
and allow others to do the same.

Do not frighten people or make them fear you or anything

else.
 Help others become strong and virtuous individuals
with the courage to face different circumstances in life.

Do not hold a position of power in which you would bring

harm to people.
Only do work that contributes to the well-being of
others.

Do not keep the company of soldiers or hired mercenaries.

They may not be evil themselves, but such people
have accumulated energy that may influence you
negatively.

Do not try to bribe spirits in order to get special favors.

Spirits help the one of righteousness only.

Do not take bribes or instigate bribery.

Develop your virtue, not your pocketbook.

Do not be a middleman to any unethical or immoral

business.
Engage only in business practices that are
constructive and beneficial to people.

Do not endanger women and children.

Realize that people's natures are different according
to their age and sex, and act accordingly without
expecting everyone to be the same.

Do not take part in a conspiracy.

A righteous person does not become involved with
conspiracy.

Do not hesitate to make an offering of help to a spiritual

worker.
Support all sincere efforts to realize their spiritual
goal.

Do not unreasonably abandon your friends.

Be loyal and trustworthy.

Do not gather people together without doing good.

Put your energy to use for worthwhile, constructive
purposes only.

Do not be disrespectful of the customs of other countries

or any new place.
Broaden your understanding and tolerance of human
habits to include all manners and forms of behavior.

Do not run around with shallow, irrelevant people.

You are subtly influenced by the company you keep.
Be conscientious in your choice of friends.

Do not offer help or service unless it is requested of you.

Allow people to develop mentally, physically and
spiritually in their own way, at their own pace.

Do not create any disturbance when you move or when you

stop moving.
Let your physical presence cause no fright to others.

Do not waste things.

Use things to their fullest extent and wherever
possible replenish what you take from nature.

Do not bury useful items in graves.

Useful objects in the physical realm are made to be
used by the living to support life.

Do not put spiritual objects or sacred writings in unclean

places.
Treat such things with honor for they are a means to
your spiritual development.

Do not store poisons.

The storage of poison gives a negative influence to
its environment.
Do not mistreat vehicles or other machines that are useful.
A useful inanimate object that is the product of the
creative human mind deserves respect and care.

Do not waste water or cause floods.

Without water we could not sustain life on this planet,
so use it sparingly and respectfully.

Do not overindulge in anything.

Practice moderation in all matters.

Do not behave recklessly or irresponsibly.

Practice discipline with diligence so that you can
control and restrain your behavior.

Do not be lazy, slothful, or inert.

Put your energy and enthusiasm to use in some
creative project that is natural and healthy and that
contributes to your well-being and that of others.

Do not do shoddy work.

Be conscientious in all that you do.

Do not always be searching for excitement.

Live simply and quietly; this frees the mind and
promotes well-being.

Do not be miserly and hoard things when so many are

without.
Be generous in giving to the poor whenever possible.

Do not live in opulence.

Be content with what you have and put it to good use.

Do not desire or covet the goods of others.

Cultivate self-contentment and respect virtuous
achievement.

Do not wander about or travel aimlessly.

Channel your restless energy into constructive
activities.

Do not reserve the best enjoyments for yourself.

Let good fortune come to you naturally rather than
trying to manipulate things to your advantage.

Do not search for rare things.

The truest and rarest of things are found within
yourself.

Do not practice devil worship.

 Seek the depths of spiritual truth, not superficial
worship of the spirit world which leads to even further
separation.

Do not ignore a main principle and stubbornly follow what

is of minor importance.
Examine yourself for fixed attitudes and be open to a
deeper experience of life.

Do not do anything that must be hidden from parents or

superiors.
Follow the instructions and understand the wishes of
your parents and superiors.

Do not set a bad example in anything you do.

Be a source of inspiration for others in the way you
conduct your life.

Do not respond if someone angrily calls your name.

Wait until the person is calm and balanced before
interacting with them.

Do not make your spiritual teacher into a social ornament.

Look only for how you can best serve your teacher,
not how he can serve you.
Do not be lazy in the cultivation of spiritual immortality.
Be diligent in nurturing your energy and maintain
constancy in your practice.

Do not go against our good tradition.

Express the same attitude and great heart as the
ancient masters.

Do not berate yourself if you fail to keep any of these

observances.
Correct yourself immediately and learn from
experience.

Read these aids to self-inspection aloud whenever you feel

spiritually unsafe.
The reading itself will open you to all the good spirits
who will come to help you.

Summary of Soul Purification

1. Eye Purification: Do not look at corpses. It hurts your
chi and makes you morbid. Do not look at pornography or
low-class dancing and shows. If you violate these
prohibitions, it will be difficult to have peace of mind or
bear good fruit in your cultivation.

2. Mouth Purification: Do not eat raw meat, stimulating

spices, or drink stimulating drinks. Do not use profanity or
speak harmful words. In general, if you do not speak too
much you will be able to help nourish your Shen Chi which
is the virtuous energy used to cultivate ourselves.

3. Body Purification: Keep yourself physically and

mentally clean. Anyone with whom you have sexual
intercourse must also be physically and mentally clean,
because if you sleep with an impure person it will stain
your own soul. Also, do not use stimulating or addictive
drugs. Do not depend on tranquilizers of any kind.

4. Nose Purification: Avoid dirty, decayed and strong

smelling odors, for this hurts your chi. In order to keep
your soul's terrace (Ling Tai) pure and maintain your
sensitivity, avoid inhaling drugs.

5. Ear Purification: Avoid noise, low-class music, and

listening to excessive talking because it will disturb your
mind and hurt your chi.

6. Mental Purification: Do not have unrighteous or

excessive ambition. Too much ambition will stir up your
mind, while good motives purify your mind. Calmness can
unite your soul with the reality of the universe and can
make you effective in the right way, thus helping you
become a Shien.
CHAPTER 5

Work to Integrate Your Spiritual

Essence
On the Road of Self-Cultivation

The Origin
Before Heaven and Earth come into being
and Tai Chi is not yet manifest,
there is only the Great Silence,
the source of life.
It has no form, no name, and is made of nothing,
and yet as the Eternal Breath of Tao
it contains all.
It is, in its creative subtle energy,
continuously manifesting.
We call it the Mysterious Mother.
In her divine embrace she nurtures all life.
We call it Tao, the Subtle Origin.
All life depends on it.

From the Eternal Breath of Tao came forth

 spontaneity as universal law.
Movement and change,
Tai Chi revolving in time and space,
and the interacting yin and yang energies
form all manifestations in the relative sphere.
This is the fundamental principle of the universe.
This knowledge has been handed down to us
by our revered spiritual ancestors.

-------------------

Tao is great in all things,

complete in all,
universal in all,
whole in all.
These three aspects are distinct,
but the reality is One.

The Law of Great Energy Transformation

All manifestations of life with its changing events
depend on the Heavenly order of energy
transformation.
The subtle workings of the universe
cannot be fully understood by the mind.
But to help you in your self-cultivation,
our spiritual ancestors formed the subtle truth
 into
words and images as a tool to reach the
depth of true understanding.
They handed down to us the esoteric knowledge
of Heavenly order.

Energy Formation Manifested as Beings

In the center of the universe,
nourished by the divine energy of the Mysterious
Mother,
resides the Jade Emperor,
the undecayed one, self-so,
called "Ti" in ancient times.
His energy is most supreme.
His light illuminates the universe.
Its brilliance is all-encompassing.
This is the core of all manifested life.
From this center, radiating out to its circumference,
from the most subtle gradually changing to
coarse,
all spiritual beings receive this light.
All natural and supernatural deities, sovereigns
and spirits surround him.
They are very subtle beings,
and the most subtle of all are the Shiens.
Their energy is highly refined and pure.
 They can be with or without form,
and have reached perfection and self-mastery of
life.
They have become immortal through continuous self-
renewal.
They are, together with the living Master,
our guides in self-cultivation.
To evolve to this high and pure manifestation of being
is the goal of one who follows the Way of
universal truth.

Yin and Yang

From interaction within the Subtle Origin,
the Mysterious Mother,
all phenomena of life come forth
through the balancing energies of yin and yang,
Yang energy, referred to as Heaven,
is subtle and spiritual.
It is creative and active by nature.
Yin energy, referred to as Earth,
is coarse and physical.
It is receptive and cooperative by nature.
Yin and yang support each other in perfect harmony.

The Five Elementary Phases of Energy Transformation

The five basic types of energy are symbolized by
 fire, metal, water, wood and earth.
They manifest the relationship between all
universal energies.
They penetrate sub-energies
and have their own main function.
Each phase of transformation has a
positive and negative, a yang and a yin,
and within each phase the five phases
are contained.
They work in perfect order and embody harmony.
When the natural order is disturbed,
disharmony results.

-------------------

To give birth,
To nourish,
To give birth without taking possession,
To nourish without appropriation,
To be chief among men
without managing them,
This is the Mystic Virtue.

The Law of Change

All universal laws are under the governing law of
change.
In daily life the five phases of transformation
are present in every event.
There are five kinds of relative situations
existing at the same time, and every change
can manifest one of the phases.
The law of relativity is illustrated
by the five basic types of energy.
The Book of Changes is the tool
to fully understand this universal law.
Under the Law of Great Transformation,
the energies are constantly changing,
never static.
Their movement in change is constant.
Therefore, the future of a person has several
possibilities,
but nothing is certain until the person makes it so.

-------------------

Before Heaven and Earth existed,

there was something nebulous.
Silent, isolated, standing alone,
unchanging, eternally revolving,
worthy to be the Mother of All Things.
I do not know its name,
and address it as Tao.
 If forced to give it a name,
I shall call it Great.
Being great implies reaching
out in space.
Reaching out in space
implies far-reaching.
Far-reaching implies
reversion to the origin.

The Three Realms of the Universe

To have some understanding
of the subtle workings of the universe,
we categorize the different energies as "realms."
There are three realms of existence.
The spiritual realm, referred to as "Heaven,"
or the Realm of Utmost Purity,
contains spiritual power.
The mental realm, referred to as "Man,"
or the Realm of Crystal Purity,
contains rational power.
The physical realm, referred to as "Earth,
or the Realm of Great Purity,
contains organic power.
Those realms also exist in the physical body.
The spiritual realm resides in the head.
The mental realm resides in the heart.
The physical realm resides below the navel.
These are the three Tan Tien.
Since a human being is a miniature universe,
all cosmic laws are the individual's laws.
Gathering the coarse and subtle in his form,
a person stands between Heaven and Earth.
The mind is the instrument to unite
the spirit with the physical body.

-------------------

The limit of the unlimited is called fullness.

The limitlessness of the limited is called emptiness.
Tao is the source of both,
but it is neither full nor empty.
Tao produces both renewal and decay,
but is neither renewal nor decay.
It causes being and non-being
but is neither being nor non-being.
Tao assembles and destroys,
but is neither the Totality nor the Void.

Guidelines to Self-Cultivation:
Understanding Mind in Macrocosm and
Microcosm
Behind all phenomena is a universal mind.
The origin of humankind is very subtle,
and is brought forth by this universal mind.
Our mind, in this physical body, is also very subtle
and was formed in this universal mind-energy.
Through the mind we manifest our function in life.
Depending on the use of your mental energy,
you weave the pattern of your life.
Man has received his mind as an instrument
to unite the spirit with the physical body.
He has the ability to move his mind in the
direction of his choice.
He can follow his instincts and desires
and move downward into the more physical
realms,
or bend his desires to positive, constructive
actions,
thus allowing himself to move into higher energy
vibrations and evolve to spiritualization which
brings true joy and eternal life.
He can become an instrument to help people
understand their true nature and free themselves
from blind suffering and ignorance.

Your evolution or devolution depends on the subtle

movement of the mind.
Respect this divine instrument and use it well.
After refining the mind to more subtle levels,
one can experience the Subtle Origin of the
universe
and thus the origin of one's own existence.
The Subtle Origin is formless.

It is made of no-thing, but from this nothing

all existence comes into being.
This no-thing of the universe is creative
and constructive energy.
If you keep your mind in this nothing,
which in its very nature is being,
you imitate the process of the universe.

You will flow on the stream of creative

and constructive energy and all your
positive thoughts will come true.

This energy flows from the origin of the universe,

from the origin of your true mind.
Keep your mind still without coming or going
and you will be one with Tao.
You will know that your own energy
is the energy of the universe and that the
universal spirit is your own true spirit.
This spirit is all-powerful, all-creative,
 and can penetrate the material world.
Since it is formless and has no substance,
there are no obstacles in its way.
Nothing can harm it.
It can come or go as it wishes.
This spirit, as your true nature, can float in space.
In the morning it can roam over the earth,
and at night sleep in the Heavenly realms.
Boundless space is its home, your home.

-------------------

First, gain control of the body and all its organs.

Then control the mind and attain one-pointedness.
The harmony of Heaven will then come to dwell
within you.
You will be radiant with life.
You will rest in Tao.
You will have the simple look of a newborn calf.
O, lucky you.
You will not even know the cause of your state.

The Realization of Eternal Existence

Follow the method of self-cultivation and connect
yourself with the supreme sovereign of the
universe.
The divine spirits will then authorize your
self-cultivation and help you on the path of Tao.
When you can combine your energy
with their subtle energy, you imitate Heaven
and all your deeds become pure.
You will spread your spiritual energy
as an offering to help mankind.
Your positive energy can permeate all Heavens and
Earth.
All divine energies are in their correct position
and communicate their magnificence to your
cultivation.
They will pass down the highest wisdom.
After you have attained your self-realization
your true nature will shine forth.
You will have sovereignty over nature
and complete dominion over the physical world
and your own life.
Refine your physical body until its coarse energy
becomes exquisite spiritual energy.
In this way you will reach eternal life.

-------------------

All that is limited by form, semblance,

sound and color is called object.
Among them all,
man alone is more than an object.
Though like objects he has form and semblance,
he is not limited to form, he is more.
He can attain formlessness.
When he is beyond "this" and "that,"
where is the comparison with another object,
where is the conflict?
He will rest in his eternal place,
which is no place.
He will be hidden in his own unfathomable secret.
His nature sinks to its root in the One.
His vitality, his power, hide in the secret Tao.

Heaven does nothing;

its non-doing is its serenity.
Earth does nothing;
its non-doing is its rest.
From the union of these two non-doings,
all actions proceed
and all things are made.
How vast, how invisible this coming to be!
All things come from nowhere.
How vast, how invisible,
no way to explain it.
All beings in their perfection
are born of non-doing.
Hence it is said,
Heaven and Earth do nothing,
yet there is nothing they do not do.
Where is the person
who can attain this non-doing?

-------------------

Does Tao exist?

Can it not exist?
Is there a thing that exists that does not exist?
To name Tao is to name no-thing.
Tao is not the name of an existence.
Cause and chance have no bearing on Tao.
Tao is a name that indicates without defining.
Tao is beyond words and beyond things.
It is not expressed either in word or in silence.
Where there is no longer word or silence,
Tao is apprehended.

The achieved one remains unknown.

Perfect virtue produces nothing.
No-self is true self.
And the greatest person is nobody.
In embracing the One with your soul,
can you never forsake the Tao?
In controlling your vital force
to achieve gentleness,
can you become like a newborn child?
In cleansing and purifying your mystic vision
can you strive for perfection?

-------------------

Fish are born in water,

a person is born in Tao.
If fish seek the deep shadow of pond and pool,
all their needs are satisfied.
If a person sinks into the deep shadow of non-action,
forgetting aggression and concern,
he lacks nothing and his life is secure.
All a fish needs is to get lost in water.
All a person needs is to get lost in Tao.

-------------------

The productive power

of the universe never dies.
It is called the Mystic Female.
The door of the Mystic Female
is the root of Heaven and Earth.
Continuously, continuously,
it seems to remain.
Draw upon it and it serves you with ease.
CHAPTER 6

The Golden Collection of Spiritual

Practices, Part I
Innermost Spiritual Practices and Invocations

Before reading and using these invocations, it is

necessary to have a basic understanding of the purpose of
this section of the book. These ancient invocations are
treasures of the Integral Way, and through their diligent
practice your mind may be strengthened and your spirit
integrated.
The core of the integral spiritual realm of an individual
or of the entire universe is an inexpressible, indescribable
stillness. However, it has a subtle, inexhaustible movement
which can be traced by following the harmonious, gentle
pulsations of the integral spiritual realm in its clarity and
distinction. The integralness of spiritual reality is revealed
in these invocations and they are an important practice for
those who wish to proceed in their spiritual development.
In spiritual practice, an auxiliary measure to assist an
individual in attaining Tao is the practice of clear thinking
and clear language. It is not like other traditions in which
strange sounds and vibrations are considered to be high
spiritual phenomena, and whose practices further imitate
such strange phenomena.
In other traditions, loud repetition of these strange
sounds and prayers are emphasized. In natural spiritual
practice, reading or praying with the mind is valued. Why?
Because in spiritual reality, thinking is louder than thunder.
This is one of the great truths in spiritual practice. Thus,
using the invocations in this book with a clear mind, and
reading them distinctly with the mind, is the correct and
effective way to proceed.
These sacred invocations are based upon the universal
subtle law of energy correspondence and the response and
attraction of energy. Their purpose is to cause the response
of the divine energy of the highest and subtlest realms of
the universe, which is the direct origin of the mainstream
of ancient, prehistoric Tao.
Through causing the response of the universal energies,
it is possible first of all to prove for yourself the existence
of subtle spiritual beings. These divine beings exist for all
people, but not all people can prove their existence. It is
also possible to experientially determine your level of
evolution, based on the energy which responds to you.
Through utilizing the invocations, you will be able to
experience higher and subtler realms of being and unite
these energies with your own corresponding internal
energies. Unification with higher universal energies will
confer upon you harmony with and sovereignty over nature.
Diligent and consistent practice of these invocations
will positively reform your mind and mold your spirit. The
ultimate goal of the invocations is the realization of the
eternal Tao as your own true nature. With this realization,
you can completely merge your being with the Tao.
In order to benefit from the invocations, it is necessary
to have spiritual purity or chastity, and devotion to the
universal Integral Way of spiritual development. With this
in mind, you need to make a clear decision about how to
proceed with your spiritual cultivation and also how to
choose from all the connected spiritual disciplines in your
life. If you are not ready to make this spiritual self-
commitment to the universal Divine Realm, and do not have
the highest respect for these invocations and the divine
message they represent, then using them casually will only
harm your true nature.
These invocations are for your protection and the well-
being and capability of your soul. Even natural people need
to be equipped with good tools to respond to different
situations. These invocations were not created by any one
person; they have true traditional value.
Essentially, there are three types of invocations. One
type expands your range to reach the most subtle level.
Practicing these invocations will bring about the
breakthrough of conceptual limitations. The second type is
for spiritual cultivation. These invocations help you to
gather and refine spiritual energy to integrate your subtle
body. The third type of invocation is practical and can be
used to attain spiritual stability and purity. At the same
time, these invocations can fortify your mental vibration,
especially after physical exuviation, when you have
transformed your physical body and your spirit carries the
seed of your life.
Here are some general suggestions to make these
invocations more serviceable. Once you become used to
reciting them, the practice should change from being
formal to being formless. Before sleeping and when you
wake up, or anytime while your mind is overactive, these
practices can be done voicelessly, with no formality. By no
formality, I mean there is no need for postures, such as
sitting upright. Of course it is not suitable to practice them
when you use the toilet, are menstruating or engaging in
something that is not decent. I hope that you are achieved
enough to know when and where it is suitable to do certain
things.
Practicing these invocations builds spiritual dignity and
sublimity. Although in the spiritual world, every being is
equal, some are more powerful and more sublime because
of how they train or treat themselves.
 Statement of Sincerity
I search only for the most refined divine energy
which reveals itself as the Heavenly Way.
I am willing to follow the way of universal nature
and renounce all distorted images and
descriptions.
I do not doubt the truth of natural beings,
just as I do not doubt my own being.
My life is the Heavenly Way itself
which dwells in this world.
I respect my life and all other lives as well.
I lead my life in obedience
to the cosmic law of life.
I will never violate the heavenly, responsive,
Universal Law of Harmony.
Nor will I damage my life by ignorant behavior
or negative thoughts.

PURIFICATIONS

The purifying invocations should be done before any of

the circulatory practices and should precede the Requests
and Enrichments. Beginning with the Purification of the
Mouth, do each Purification for seven days and then add the
next one in order. (First Week - Purification of the Mouth;
Second Week - Purification of the Mouth and Purification
of the Body; Third Week - Purification of the Mouth,
Purification of the Body, and Purification of the Mind,
etc.)
The Purification of the Earth can be used when
offending the earth, such as pulling up a tree, or other work
in the earth, or around the area of the Shrine. Rough or
noisy work like vacuuming or using chemical cleaners, etc.
can usually be done before a place is used as a shrine or a
quiet room. Afterwards, the cleaning is best done manually
so that it does not disturb the energy.
The "Purification of My Entire Being in Union with
Heaven and Earth" may be used to cleanse the unpleasant or
frightening shadow remaining from the experience of a bad
dream and prevent its occurrence in the physical realm of
life. It may also be used when there is sickness in the home
or when mysterious sounds are heard.
To be effective, Purifications must be practiced
diligently and properly with good concentration and
sincerity.

The Five Purifications

When Tao reveals itself through the mouth,
it manifests as the God of the Mouth.
When Tao reveals itself through the body,
it manifests as the God of the Body.
When Tao reveals itself through the mind,
it manifests itself as the God of the Mind.
When Tao reveals itself through the earth
it manifests itself as the God of the Earth.
When Tao reveals itself through your entire being
it manifests itself as the God of your Entire Being.
Tao makes itself evident through its infinite
variations,
but in truth it is One.

Purification of the Mouth

God of the Mouth, Dan Chu, door guardian of my
body,
gather only positive energy.
Goddess of the Tongue, Ching Luen,
nurture my incoming and out-going energy,
and connect my being to the divine realm of the
universe.
God of the Teeth, Luo Chien,
refine the coarseness and protect the true
nourishment
of my body and mind.
God of the Throat, Hu Fen,
be the pathway for constructive energy only,
and induce refined saliva as "Jade Dew."
Goddess of Thought, Shih Shen,
 maintain stability, straighten your activity,
and continue the refinement of my life.
All Gods and Goddesses,
help me to achieve the pure energy of the Heavenly
Way
that is everlasting.
So it is commanded and confirmed.

Purification of the Body

With the sun I wash my body.
With the moon I refine my form.
With the divine immortals I am supported.
With the eternal beings I perpetuate my own eternal
life.
I unite myself with the enduring energy
of the twenty-eight constellations.
Within and without, all impurities are cleansed
with divine water.
Most respected heavenly divinity,
console my body.
Saturate my souls and energy with the light
of all stars in the enormous "bushel" of space.
Eastern stars of the "Green Dragon,"
lead me forward.
Western stars of the "White Tiger,"
protect me from behind.
Southern stars of the "Red Bird,"
guard me from above.
Northern stars of the "Black Turtle,"
guard me from below.
So it is commanded and confirmed.

Purification of the Mind

Divine stars of the three terraces,
symbols of my three yang souls,
respond to my spiritual progress,
and unceasingly drive away
negative energy and demons.
Protect my life and guard my body.
Help me commune with the Divine Immortals.
I dedicate myself to serve the eternal Heavenly Way.
Help me attain crystal clear wisdom
and a universal heart.
Return my mind to its original innocence.
Refresh my souls so I may express only positivity.
Straighten my energy so my spirit will grow
without hindrance.
So it is commanded and confirmed.

Purification of the Earth

Most responsive Divinity of my altar,
and all celestial and terrestrial spirits,
 assist me in communicating with
all Heavens and Earths.
Help me pass through the world of form
and the world of no form with complete freedom.
Do not hesitate to guard me.
Help me to restore
my inner cosmic order and overcome
my habitual inertia and chaos.
With this merit you will share in my cultivation.
Join in my divine nature and save me from falling.
So it is commanded and confirmed.

Purification of My Entire Being in Union With Heaven

and Earth
Heavens and Earths are spontaneous manifestations
of the wondrous universal law.
As the original Oneness expresses itself,
gross and subtle energy become distinguished.
My Bodily Cave is brightly illumined
by the mysterious light of my three Tan Tiens,
the bridge points to immortality.
The powerful spirits of the eight directions
unite my being with the true origin of life.
By the unalterable order of the divine treasure
in the Ninth Heaven,
send the protective divine energy of
 Chien Lou, Dan Na, Dun Kan and Tai Shuan
to destroy my spiritual obstacles
and eliminate any evil influences.
This divine notice is given by the central summit
to all natural sovereigns.
These precious words come from the Subtle Origin.
With them, I express my strong determination
to drive away all demons and evil
in order to strengthen my health
and lengthen my years.
Spirits of the Five Authoritative Mountains,
rulers of all the plains, respond to me.
Spirits of all the seas, take notice.
Demon king, Mu Wang, you are chained
and stand guard as my servant.
A harmonious atmosphere is within and around me.
The energy of the Heavenly Way is everlasting.
So it is commanded and confirmed.

Mountains, as natural formations, symbolize high

spiritual achievement. In fact, the peak of a mountain
gathers more natural energy than lower places. For this
reason, the ancient achieved ones would usually dwell in
the high mountains to cultivate themselves and gather this
energy in order to achieve themselves. In this invocation,
the term "central summit" symbolizes the highest natural
peak, and also the highness of your spiritual scope. The
"Five Authoritative Mountains" are arranged with the
highest mountain in the center and the others as the four
corners. Each mountain has its own good energy, but the
highest in the middle is the most powerful. This
corresponds with Kun Lun, the highest spiritual mountain
in China. In our body it symbolizes the top of our head,
which can also gather high energy.
All human beings are born generally equal, with some
energy differences. Some energy is higher, some lower.
After achievement, your level is different. Then you have
reached the highest peak of spirit.

DAILY PRACTICES

Invocation of Burning Incense

I cultivate myself and follow the Heavenly Way
with a lucid mind and subtle energy.
With this incense, I connect my whole being
with that of all Divine Immortals.
Incense is burned in this beautiful censer
so that I may present my spirit and mind
to the highest realm of universal integration.
Eyes of the divine spirits,
gaze upon my heart and reflect my devotion to the
truth.
 Subtle light of the Divine Immortals,
shine upon this earthly altar
and make my energy divine and effective.
I request the highest divine energy of Heaven
to respond to me.
I humbly offer this sincere petition
through the fragrant vibration of this incense.

This invocation is used when offering incense or

perfumed oil. It may be done for three days prior to
beginning the Purifications, or when presenting yourself
before the Shrine. It may also be used after a bad dream.
Always burn incense vertically. Use only high quality
incense or aromatic oil, not overly strong sweet-smelling
products which cause too much stimulation.

Daily Mental Discipline

I am the offspring of the divine nature of the universe.
Through the positive, creative and constructive
nature of the universe I have been given life.
May pure, positive energy display itself
in my nature and in my daily life.
May only the highest energy manifest
in my speech and my behavior.
May I demonstrate the benevolence of universal
nature
 in my relationships with my fellow men and
women.
May pure, positive energy
be the only reality of my being.
May my spirit and mind reflect
the sublime harmony and order of the universe,
and may my body be a workshop of the subtle
origin.
When I have a meal,
may pure, positive energy nourish me.
When I sleep,
may a peaceful nature refresh me.
When I work,
may the expression of the Divine Nature be my
task.
When I conduct my life,
may Universal Nature be my only way.

This invocation is suitable for daily use and is best used

in the morning hours. It can reform your daily life and help
you in the conduct of your life.

REQUESTS

Request for Heavenly Energy

I request the divine energy of Heaven to respond to
me.
When it responds,
I am inspired by everything around me.
I faithfully follow the Way of Heaven
by keeping my mind pure and single-purposed.
If my mind is pure and single-purposed,
Heaven will enlighten me.
The Heavenly Way transmits itself
through my divine nature.
As the divine nature unfolds,
sacred practices can enlighten my mind.
Heaven is responsive.
Earth is responsive.
Mankind is responsive.
I now request the most exalted divine energy
of the universe, and all the Divine Immortals
and all Heavenly beings to accept me as their
friend
so that my body will be spiritually responsive,
so that my speech will be spiritually responsive,
so that my volition will be spiritually responsive.
Thus I will be able to follow the Heavenly Way
wholeheartedly and transmit it without hesitation.
So it is commanded and confirmed.

Request to All Pure Spirits

My refined energy becomes like jade and gold
as it connects with the highest subtle energy,
inviting the noblest purple light
to envelop the shrine of my body.
With my positive breath I extend protection
to all beings in order to realize
my true divine nature.
I use all my power so that this humble intention
will be realized.
Tai Chi begins with Oneness,
and contains my essence and my spirit.

The supernatural power of all the Divine Immortals

supports me as well as the boundless grace
of the highest realm of universal integration.
The Heavenly Way encompasses all beings
impartially.
Divine energy is more subtle than smoke or fire.
My refined yin energy transforms as jade girls
spreading beautiful flowers.
My refined yang energy transforms as golden boys
spreading my good wishes.
I request all high pure spirits to present themselves.
Heavenly majesty envelops this shrine
that resides under the starry sky.
The subtle energy that exists everywhere
 is effective and responsive.
With my subtle invocation I can touch
the divine, ultimate truth.
All spirits are sensitive to this invocation.
With my head raised in sincere expectation,
I respectfully request all pure spirits
to use my cultivation as a spiritual shelter.
My heart is open like a huge valley,
only Tao fills its center.
I employ this invocation so that my selfless
intentions will actualize.
The subtle divine energy responds.
So it is commanded and confirmed.

The Requests should be done consistently and with

good concentration starting with the Request for Heavenly
Energy for 49 days, and then doing both of them for 49
days. These invocations entreat Heavenly energy to unite
with and assist you in becoming spiritually responsive.

ENRICHMENTS

The Enrichments should be done for 49 days each.

Begin with the Enrichment from the Integral Spiritual
Realm and after 49 days, do the Enrichment from the
Integral Spiritual Realm and the Enrichment from the
Divine Origin of the Universe. Continue, adding the third
and fourth enrichments after each 49-day period.
Note: When doing the Enrichment for All Elements of
My Being, face south. The hands should be in the following
positions: The right hand should be in the thunder position
which is made by curling the ring finger over the middle
finger, and then curling the index finger over the ring and
middle finger. The little finger curls over the ring finger
and the thumb supports the middle finger.

The left hand is in the sword position which is made by

extending the index finger and middle finger together while
holding the other two fingers with the thumb.
Both hands should rest on the knees while sitting in the
cross-legged position.
 Enrichment from the Integral Spiritual Realm
The divine realm of universal integration
enlightens my mind and lengthens my years.
The powerful guiding light
of the star shining on my path
cuts through all negative influences.

It illumines my way and nourishes my soul

so that my positive energy is always integrated.
In this way my life is long and harmonious.
No evil force can enter my body or mind,
thus the normalcy and well-being of my life are
ensured.
My body is strengthened.
My mind is well balanced,
 allowing me to remain steadfast
in the Heavenly Way.
As I am enriched by the divine nature of the universe,
I continue to grow into the Realms of Purity.

Enrichment from the Divine Origin of the Universe

From Heaven the chi of purity descends.
From Earth the chi of harmony ascends.
The energy of Heaven and Earth have intercourse.
I receive my life full of divine energy
with which my sincere soul is strengthened,
and my humble mind is enlightened.
My body and mind, my essence and spirit,
unite with universal yin and yang.
All positive and constructive elements
in the virtuous realms quickly respond
to this invocation and unite with me.
Divine Immortals fly among auspicious clouds
in the vastness of space
and give me a ride.
Truly achieved beings come to greet
the refined essence of my being.
The divine energy of Heaven is boundless
and supernatural.
As I receive the highest enrichment
from the divine life source of the universe,
 I unite with the precious divine energy
and preserve it both within and without.

Enrichment From the Highest Realm of Universal

Integration
The Way of Heaven arms me with strong
positive energy as my subtle weapon.
With this energy I can sweep away
any corruption and clear my path.
The divine integrity of the universe has sent me
to take this form of life
in order to carry out my Heavenly vocation
of promoting upliftment;
of expanding safety and purity;
of spreading pure culture to the masses;
of influencing people to cooperate;
and of replacing armies with peaceful means.
With this enrichment I extend peace in all directions.
I eliminate all negative forces.
No evil can hide from my natural surveillance.
All of my positive intentions can be achieved,
from beginning to end.
Enriched by the highest realm of universal
integration,
I protect my virtuous being
and all creatures and all nations.
 Enrichment of All Elements of My Being
A clear mind is the master of my being.
To my left, "The Green Dragon" regenerates
the energy of my liver.
To my right, "The White Tiger" purifies
the energy of my lungs.
To my front, "The Red Bird" vitalizes
the energy of my heart.
At my back, "The Black Turtle" restores
the energy of my kidneys and bladder.
To be content and happy is the function of my spleen.
To explore and be free is the function of my mind.
To be active yet serene is the function of my body.
To perceive brightness is the function of my eyes.
To hear sounds is the function of my ears.
To take in vital energy is the function of my mouth
and nostrils.
To express the truth is the function of my tongue.
To cut and chew is the function of my teeth.
To enjoy peace is the energy of my gall.
To work and create is the energy of my hands.
To move and dance is the function of my feet.
To cling and unite is the function of my desires.
Forests and trees correspond to the energy of my hair.
Rivers and waterways correspond to my intestines.
Lakes and seas correspond to my abdomen.
All good energies flow to Kuan Yuan's vital origin,
the center of my lower abdomen,
in my lower Tan Tien.
Correct functioning and positive energy
are expressed through each organ.
Every part of my body corresponds
to every part of the universe.
Before the manifestation of my life,
Tai Chi is the origin.
After my birth, Heaven and Earth become separated.
I have the duty of self-reintegration.
I merge with the great Tao.
Once my energy is cultivated and refined,
I will find assistance if there is difficulty,
and help if there is resistance.
If I am in harmony with the natural functioning
of the universe,
when I look for help
positive energy will respond to me.
The sublimation and refinement of my essence
brings the opportunity to ascend
to the highest Heavens.
This authority is given to me
by the integral spiritual realm
of universal purification and integration.
Alternate Version of Enrichment of All Elements of My
Being
Goddess of the Mind, be seated on your throne
as the only master of my being.
Goddess of the Liver and Nerves, be my assistant on
the left; support me as the powerful Green Dragon
in the Eastern sky.
Goddess of the Lung and Breath,
be my guardian on the right;
support me as the brave White Tiger
in the Western sky.
Goddess of the Heart, happy and light,
be my guide from in front,
support me as the Red Bird in the Southern sky.
Goddess of the Kidneys and Bladder,
support me from the rear,
as the peaceful Black Turtle in the Northern sky.
Goddess of the Spleen, balance my labor and leisure.
Goddess of Gall Bladder, subdue all evil
and fortify my uprightness.
Goddess of All Souls,
help me attain absolute freedom.
Goddess of Vigor,
adjust to my movement and quietude.
Goddess of the Eyes,
 see clearly and gather high spiritual rays.
Goddess of the Ears, hear well the furthest sounds,
and the inspiring Heavenly melody.
Goddess of the Nose,
breathe harmoniously and nurture me.
Goddess of the Mouth and Tongue,
guard me from evil, and attain only good.
Goddess of the Teeth, be strong and firm.
Goddess of the Stomach, digest well and gather
essence.
Goddess of the Bowels,
retain the pure and cast off the impure.
Goddess of the Vital Pivot and Tan Tien,
refine my chi.
Goddess of the Hair,
be luxuriant, graceful and communicative.
God of the Spine, support the expansion
of Heaven and Earth as the pillar of the universe.
God of the Shoulder,
carry the Sun, the Moon, and all Heavenly bodies.
God of the Hand, perform the work of the divine
creator.
God of the Feet, move through the universe freely.
God of Respiration, be steady and deep.
God of Chi, be lasting and soft.
All thirty-six thousand gods of my life being
 are strongly united.
All thirty-six thousand gods manifest the truth of
oneness.
The powerful stars of the Big Dipper
dwell in the orifices of my head.
The twenty-eight constellations settle on my body.
All high spiritual beings, be with me.
I refine myself to attain reunion with the divine
Primal Chi.
With the confirmation of my will,
the divine Primal Chi makes these all possible.
I transcend the dusty world,
break through the obstinacy of my ignorance,
destroy all disguised obstacles,
and dissolve all difficulties in my way.
I turn all misfortunes into blessings,
and correct the ominous to be auspicious.
I gather all blessings by way of Tao.
May it be as commanded and confirmed.

HARMONIZATIONS
The Spiritual Harmonizations should be done for seven
days each beginning with the Spiritual Harmonization with
the Sun. After doing this invocation for seven days, do the
Spiritual Harmonization with the Sun and the Spiritual
Harmonization with the Moon, each for seven days. Next
do all three of the Spiritual Harmonizations for seven days.

Spiritual Harmonization with the Sun

As the luminous energy of the sun shines in the East,
I unite with its pure yang energy
and am empowered to eliminate all negativity.
All ghosts and demons immediately disappear.
There is nothing I cannot see,
and nothing that can stop me.
Water cannot drown pure yang.
Fire cannot harm pure yang.
Of all spheres of life, pure yang is the most precious.
I harmonize with the luminous
and glorious sun in the East forever.

The Spiritual Harmonization with the Sun should be

done in the day time. This invocation can help confirm your
spiritual authority and may be used when helping people.

Spiritual Harmonization With the Moon

Shining in the West, the clear, pure moon is waxing,
splendid and bright.
Shining in the dark sky, it is so lucid and full
it cannot be covered by a single bit of dust.
By its illumination, negativity is dispersed.
Assisting the yang with the yin,
 only lucidity can give birth to light,
only the pure can achieve effectiveness of spirit.
I harmonize with the clear, pure Moon in the sky.

This invocation should be done when the moon is

shining brightly at night.

Spiritual Harmonization with Great Nature

My divine nature is as pure as the nature of Heaven.
The constancy of my strength is like the Sun.
The lucidity of my mind is as bright as the Moon.
My tolerance is like that of the good Earth.
My forwardness is effortless, like flowing water.
My calmness is like the mountains.

I preserve the Heavenly order above,

the Earthly order below,
and the order of the myriad beings in the middle.
I trust in Tao and follow the Eternal Way.
Without excess, a human life is naturally long.
I unite with the profundity of Nature.
I renew my relationship with the maternal
and paternal energies of the universe.

INVOCATIONS
 Communion with the Jade Emperor
Your sublime energy envelops all Heavens.
It is the wonderful and mysterious source of energy
rays
which extend throughout the universe.
Your divine authority over this gold and purple
shrine
in my head makes it the most glorious palace on
earth.
You are the Primal Energy and the most exquisite
of all beings.
You can be measured only by infinity.
You are the source of subtle light, purity, quietude
and impartiality.
You support all dimensions through your virtuous
example.
The Divine Immortals are extensions of your
subtle energy.
Your comprehensive wisdom is quiet, pure and
profound.
Your calmness is sublime.
To settle arguments through arguing
is not your way.
Your way is simplicity.
Your power is sincerity.
Your paternal energy sires selflessness.
Your maternal energy gives birth to kindness.
You reach fullness through emptiness.
The completeness of your virtue
supports those who are incomplete in virtue.
You take no measure of individual beingness.
Your absolute comprehensiveness contains all
existence.
You are the essential result of the highest
sublimation.
You are the eternal guide of the unfolding universe.
You are the generator of the Eternal Way.
A thousand beautiful cultures of humanity seek you
and attempt to describe you.
You set the untamed world in order
with your subtle formulas.
You preserve the truth on the physical pathway
by combining the physical with the spiritual.
The Purple Tower Palace in the Heaven of my heart
is your residence.
The coarsest places of earth are also your workshop.
You ride on a white energy horse,
running in the channel of time and space.
The most mysterious places of all
are also your altar.
You communicate with all beings
in all realms of existence.
 You reside not only in the yellow and gold source
of the highest Heaven, but also in the lowest
places of the Earth.
You encompass all beings within your boundless
tolerance.
You are the unruling master of the profound vastness.
With my mouth, my body, my will and my whole heart,
I return to you.
I will follow Tao for all eternity.

The Jade Emperor is the directing energy of the

universe. The Communion with the Jade Emperor, The God
of Jade Light, should be done in the morning. It is an
invocation for general use and is practiced for spiritual
centering and enhancing positive energy.

The Golden Light Invocation

The mysterious origin of Heaven and Earth
is the source of pure energy.
With this energy we can rectify imbalances
and communicate with the entirety.
Within and without the three spheres of the universe,
only Tao is most revered.
From Tao I receive subtle Golden Light
to envelop and protect my body and soul.
It is so subtle that it cannot be seen or heard.
The subtle Golden Light permeates Heaven, Earth
and me.
It nourishes and educates all life.
I utter this heavenly invocation with deep sincerity.
Spiritual beings, guard me.
High deities of the Five Directions,
assist me.
Divine Immortals, kindly accept me.
The Golden Light enables me to transcend
all worldly troubles.
I am given power over all evil forces.
Enlightenment comes from the Divine Immortals
like thunder breaking through dark clouds.
They inspire the clarity and wisdom
to see through all obstacles.
My upright chi is shining and active.
May the Jade Marrow of Heaven fill my bones.
May the holy medicine of immortality grow within me.
May spiritual resources always reach me.
I truly know the holy medicine of immortality
that is colorless and flavorless.
After 10,000 repetitions of this invocation,
the wonderful secrets of all supernatural beings
will become self-evident to me.
Jade Emperor, Everlasting One of the Universe,
may your Golden Light descend and guide me.
 The generation of golden light creates an effective
protection, mentally as well as spiritually and physically.
The "Golden Light Invocation" is practiced to begin
nurturing the golden light as your own protective power or
energy transformation. When it becomes strong enough, it
will be the best protection for you and for those who have
not lost the ability to be spiritually receptive. After reading
this invocation, inhale golden light into the lower Tan Tien,
then visualize golden light surrounding the whole body. The
saliva should then be swallowed and applied to the five
directions. Do this practice in the morning for 49 days.

Invocation of Dual Cultivation

Peace in all aspects of my life
originates from my sexual performance.
I turn away from the basic pattern of animals.
I do not fight.
I do not kill.
I do not engage in conquering through war.
My peaceful sexual performance
brings peace to all areas of my life.
Friction brings only short-lived rejoicing,
and leaves irritability and anger
in all relationships.
In my subtle performance,
 I am receptive and cooperative,
and let happiness come from consonant union.
It is not fighting that brings unison.
Unison completes itself.
It is not making love that brings love,
it is love which ignites
the harmony of life.
Through my balanced work of harmonization,
the yin and yang of the universe are united.
Fire and Water assist each other.
Mercury and Lead stabilize each other.
Kun and Li support each other.
Metal and Wood cease fighting each other.
Sun and Moon converge.
Wuh earth (man's heart) and Shr earth (woman's
heart)
mold each other.
All relationships in my life,
and all relationships in the world
are harmoniously fulfilled and realized.

Suggestion for practice: In The Complete Works of Lao

Tzu, see the Chapters Sixty-seven to Seventy-three of the
"Hua Hu Ching" for instruction on dual cultivation. Also
refer to Harmony: The Art of Life.
 Instruction From the Jade Emperor on How to
Become a Divine Immortal
(First Version)
The Sacred Immortal Medicine has three components:
ching, chi and shen, which are located in specific areas of
the body. Because they are invisible and subtle, the correct
way must be followed to cultivate them.
First, eliminate the abuse of your mind, and then the
three subtle elements can grow undisturbed. If you follow
the practice of integrating these three into one, with the
help of the breathing system, eventually your work will
become effective. In this way you will be able to have a real
audience with the Everlasting One, the Jade Emperor, face
to face. If the internal work is diligently performed for
years, you will be able to ascend to the Heavenly realms.
For the wise this is easy to understand, but for the foolish it
is impossible to accept.
Every morning at dawn you should unite with the
harmonious light available at that time. As you inhale, the
vitalizing chi and its purity enter your body. After inhaling
this chi from the sun, exhale all of the impure, black chi
within you. Do this with a relaxed mind, employing little
rigid control. Do it as if you were not doing it, following
the principle of being natural. Gently keep the delicate
energy within yourself, and experience the nourishing
clarity. In this way the eternal fruit will grow, and the root
will reach deeper and deeper in the universe.
Each individual is gifted by nature with his own ching.
Unite your ching with shen. Unite shen with chi. Then unite
your chi with the Primal chi of the universe. This is the true
realization of immortality in which every moment is a new
life. If this wondrous truth is not understood, all of the
sacred books become meaningless.
The shen, because of its subtlety, is the highest power
and can penetrate all things. Shen can fly from its form.
Shen cannot be drowned in water or burned in fire. For now,
your shen depends on your body to stabilize it.
When the ching is full, the chi also becomes full. Like
an evergreen, you must grow your ching and chi. In this way
your life's tree will never wither, even when reaching your
"winter" years. Ching, chi and shen are in fact one. To find
this wonderful miracle, you need only know this precious
treasure within your being.
Heaven is too wonderful to be understood with the
vulgar mind. If you can avoid this pitfall of your own
narrow thinking and follow this oracle, you will realize the
total integration of your being. Also remember that only
when chi has been accumulated can you cultivate the Sacred
Immortal Medicine. When the chi is scattered, there is no
hope of doing this.
Through the cultivation of ching, chi and shen, your
seven upper orifices will radiate out the beautiful light
from deep within you. The sun and moon will shine within
you.
Once you achieve success in your cultivation, the result
is eternity. Your body will be light and your elements will
be harmonious. Jade marrow will fill your bones. If you
succeed, this Sacred Immortal Medicine, the goal of your
cultivation, will certainly be achieved. If you fail to obtain
the Sacred Immortal Medicine, your energy resources will
eventually become exhausted and you will be bound to your
biological destiny. This sacred medicine is to be found
within your own body, but its subtlety is beyond the
perception of black and white.
If you read this invocation time after time, the subtle
meaning of its wonderful principle will become apparent to
you. It is the true practice, paralleled with virtue, by which
you may achieve preparation for immortality.

(Second Version)
The precious Immortal Medicine is contained within
you:
shen as spirit and mind,
chi as general vitality,
and ching as sexual energy.
They are one energy manifested in different forms.
To maintain integrity, do not employ them in
isolation.
Before manifestation, this high potency of life
is whole and subtle.
In your cultivation, return to the subtle breath
before you were born.
After a certain length of time, wholeness can be seen;
it will become the foundation of your spiritual
empire.
You then can have a personal audience with
the Jade Emperor who sits firmly on the throne
within.
With him, you ride on the natural cycle of universal
energy
and are able to ascend from the lower sphere of
nature
to the high Heavenly realms.
For the person of high intelligence,
this is easy to fulfill;
but for the ignorant it is difficult to accept.
In the early morning's dawn,
inhale and exhale the clarity and purity.
Like the fetus,
rest in the mysterious womb of the mother.
In this way you gather your own subtle essence
and enjoy steady subtle growth.
As the integrity of your life is restored,
you will find the true fulfillment of immortality;
 all things are only temporarily named.
The truth of immortality is dependent
on your integrated new life of wholeness.
Your integrated new life of wholeness
is able to penetrate the densest stones
and soar freely in the ethereal sky.
This integrated new life cannot be drowned,
nor can it be burned in the hottest fire.
In general, spirit must integrate with form,
subtle essence depends on vital chi.
Once achieved, it becomes undecaying and
unwithering,
like an evergreen.
In the beginning these three are not separate;
as one, their subtle power is beyond the mind's
grasp.
Only when they are completely integrated
do we have the precious Immortal Medicine.
When they are separated, there is no power.
For the achieved one,
the seven orifices communicate with each other,
each imparting its own subtle light.
Once you gain immortality,
your body becomes light.
Your inner Sun and Moon will shine
in the "Golden Court" of your life being.
You will glow with an auspicious light
and be filled with the most precious harmony.

(Third Version)
The best medicine is not far away;
spirit, vigor and sexual stamina are all within
you.
Through the non-controlling refinement process
of evasiveness and elusiveness,
the medicine becomes real
when one keeps an unoccupied mind
and is mindful of being in the present moment.
When the mind blends with your harmonious breath,
the medicine naturally becomes effective
in a hundred days, and the foundation
of your spiritual empire is built.
Day and night, quietly audience the Divine One,
the Immortal Emperor within your being.
In twelve years, a natural cycle,
you attain immortality and transcend
the bondage of form.
Rise at dawn and nurture yourself with fresh air;
the foul is naturally exhaled.
The vitalizing essence enters through inhalation;
it needs no tension, but requires true constancy.
Then the stem of life becomes firm, the root deep.
This is easy to teach the wise,
but difficult for the foolish to understand.
Each person has their own essence.
The true Way is to integrate vigor, sexual stamina and
spirit.
If one does not achieve this,
then one's achievement is unreal.
The newly integrated spiritual one
can enter stones, elevate the body,
enter water without being drowned,
and pass through fire without being burned.
One's spirit depends upon form to obtain its life.
Sexual stamina depends upon vigor to become full.
The subtle integration of these three
keep one fresh and unwithered, like the evergreen.
The three have only one truth,
so truly wonderful it is.
It comes to be through convergence,
but through scatteredness it is lost.
When it comes to be, all the facial orifices
become communicative and light.
The inner Sun and Moon light up the "Golden Court"
of your being.
Once you have achieved this,
you forever enjoy life,
your body becomes light,
 happiness radiates from your core,
and great harmony comes to stay with you.

Invocation to Obtain Divine Immortality Through

Mystic Pregnancy
Ordinary seeds produce ordinary fruit. Through the
mystic pregnancy of the divine energy, a Sacred Fetus has
hope of being produced. The seed of immortality is not an
ordinary seed. It is the most exquisite energy of the Jade
Emperor. Descending from above, the undecaying Jade
Seed impregnates the humble student's spiritual womb. If
you hope to achieve true spiritual immortality, this is the
only way.
The process of the mysterious birth of the universe is
incessant, and our new life is continuously regenerating.
What is observed as life and death is simply the surface of
the universal energy spiral advancing and retreating. Thus, it
is more important to work on the essence of life instead of
the surface of life. When the essence of one's life is gone,
the end of one's life is certain.
Subtle spiritual energy is the true origin of life. Gross
physical energy is only the form. If you lose both or either
spiritual energy or physical energy, you lose life. To keep
your spiritual energy, it is necessary to maintain the natural
order of the three spheres of energy which are embodied in
human beings. The right order is that gross energy is the
servant of subtle energy. Gross energy should be refined
and sublimated to evolve to spiritual and subtle energy.
Always follow this Heavenly evolutionary order within.
The true function of the mind is that of intermediary
between the physical and spiritual realms. Do not let your
mind go beyond its right position as the go-between of
your body and spirit. If you follow the Heavenly order, you
will experience true well-being and avoid the disorder and
disharmony caused to your true nature by transgressing this
universal principle.
The eternal Tao is our inherent nature. The Way is
within us all. The way to achieve immortality is first to
pacify your own mind. If you succeed in quieting the mind,
then everything will follow the great order of universal
Nature. The Mystic Intercourse will be wonderfully
undertaken. The Mystic Conception will be sure and safe.
The Eternal Seed will have the opportunity to miraculously
grow and ripen. This is what the precious oracle tells us.

Invocation for Eliminating Overactive Sexual Desire

Through the cultivation of our subtle energy
we can achieve divine immortality.
The refined energy within us can blossom
to produce a Sacred Fetus of eternal life.
If we keep our essence calm in the lower Tan Tien
the vital energy can be refined to nurture
 the duration of our being.
Energy is the reality of life;
when it leaves the form,
its tangibility departs.
In truth, energy never dies,
but merely changes state.
To achieve eternal life,
it is necessary to maintain non-action
and follow the wonderful example
of the Mysterious Mother by embodying
the creative nothingness.
In this way we can cultivate our true spirit and
energy.
If the mind wanders, the energy scatters.
If the mind dwells in its proper position,
the energy does the same.
If you want to become an immortal,
your spirit and divine energy must have
Mystic Intercourse.
Your mind must always be steady and undisturbed
so that your energy will not transform
as thoughts and escape.
Then nothing can either go into or come out of
the true vitality.
In this way spirit and divine energy have
Mystic Intercourse in your body,
 and Mystic Conception becomes firm and true.
By nourishing the spirit and divine energy
with calmness, the Sacred Fetus will be born
safely into the great Eternity,
and you will fulfill the profound truth
of the universal Tai Chi.
This is the true path to immortality.

RELATED PRACTICES

To start your journey on the path to divine immortality,

the following internal practice is the first step:

Practice thirty-six swallows of saliva, swallowing the

energy delicately.
When you spit out the chi of evil thoughts, do so
smoothly and lightly.
When you inhale positive, regenerating energy, do so
gently and continuously. When you sit, stand, lie down, or
move in any way at all, you should breathe in this manner so
that you can unite mind with body.
The mind must be kept unoccupied, steady and
undisturbed. All noisy, crowded and confused environments
must be avoided so that your mind will become like a snake
coiled in winter sleep in the cave of your body, hiding
under the stone of your confirmed spirit.
 The food you eat must be pure, so abstain from eating
bloody meat. Also, avoid the stimulation from highly
spiced, highly processed, and otherwise unnecessary food.
This practice was named "The Breath of Mystic
Intercourse." It is the Internal Divine Medicine of true
immortality which will not only eliminate illness, but will
also lengthen your years. If you maintain the practice of
this sacred method, there is no doubt that you will become
a Divine Immortal.

Invocation for Reaching Longevity and Divinity

The law of Heaven is clarity.
The law of Earth is peace.
The law of Humanity is calmness.
Through compliance with these inherent laws of
Nature,
Heaven, Earth and Man can meet one another
and become one.
All three realms of the universe have the same origin.
I now read this invocation to cause all universal
manifestations, both internal and external,
to follow the orderly course
of these three realms of energy.
It is only when all things return
to their original order and balance
of the creative Chien and receptive Kun
 that yin and yang can harmonize each other.
When this harmony is achieved,
Water energy and Fiery energy can circulate
unimpeded.
Then everything returns to the root
where regeneration takes place.
The Dragon of emotion and the Tiger of desire
become strongly active
and yet are absolutely obedient to me.
The central Spirit of the Heart, the master of all,
performs its duty of commanding
the vital sublimation.
I refine my saliva and restless body fluids
to become the peaceful vapor of my super energy.
This energy can then be united with the known
and unknown reality of the universe.
All evils submit to me and are cleansed.
My whole body achieves a state of perfect balance.
The method for making this excellent medicine
was passed to me by the Divine Immortals
who instructed me to utilize my own
energy and essence.
The laboratory in which the refinement process
can take place functions
as the Holy Stove and Cauldron
and is already within my body.
 If I always offer the spirit of my life
to the eternal Tao, I will achieve
everlasting life and never become worn out.
When the spiritual fruit of my cultivation is ripe,
I can fly away to the divine subtle realms,
as quickly as the edict comes from the
Jade Emperor of Universal Integrity.

After reading this invocation, practice "Beat the

Heavenly Drum" 24 times by placing the palms over the
ears in such a way that the fingertips come together at the
back of the head. The middle finger snaps over the index
finger but never quite hits the back of the head. Next, bite
the teeth together 36 times (9 times in front, 9 times on
right side, 9 times on the back molars and 9 times on the
left side). Then swallow the saliva and chi three times,
sending it into the lower Tan Tien.
 Invocation of Summarization
The true functioning of the universe is beyond the
ability of language to describe or the mortal mind to
encompass. However, we may attempt to illustrate the
subtle truths of the universe by creating models or mental
pictures which, although limited, may be helpful in pointing
our mind in the direction of the Truth.
When we describe the universe, we unavoidably
materialize and solidify it. In the process of description, we
create subject and object, thereby entertaining the illusion
of duality and destroying the experience of universal
oneness.
When we look externally in our search for truth, at best
we can only examine small fragments of what we perceive,
and from those fragments try to theorize the reality of the
whole picture. This external approach to the truth is called
"science."
However, through changing the direction of our search
from external to internal, we may not only eventually
experience the whole truth of the universe, but we may also
ultimately experience the reality that the entire universe is
embodied within one's own true nature.

Invocation for Internal and External Spiritual Energy

Alignment
Before Tai Chi is the oneness of the Subtle Origin,
containing all Heavens and earths.
From the heart of the Subtle Origin,
the immutable Jade Emperor,
the divinity of Jade Light,
emanates the most supreme, sublime and
harmonious
energy of the universe.
Radiating from the God of Jade Light are all
of the universal sovereigns, natural and
supernatural
deities and pure spirits.
Within and without the three planes of existence
there are an uncountable number of
creative Divine Immortals.
The Mysterious Maternal energy of the universe
embraces and nurtures me.
The Gods of the six "Jia" and Goddesses of the six
"Ting"
are my link with the primary universal energy.
I am always joining my life with the eternal Source.
The natural deities of the twenty-eight constellations
and the Gods of the nine pivotal stars radiate
their subtle beams as my illumination.
The chi of the Heavenly Generals supports me.
The natural sovereigns of the Five Directions
display their magnificent order within me.
The supreme authority of the universe imparts to me
dominion over my own natural flesh life.
All divine beings assist me in my cultivation
and help me in practicing subtle virtue.
By following the Heavenly Way, my positive energy
can permeate all spheres.
Heavenly energy can evoke my spirit from
nothingness
into beingness and return it again to its source.
With divine energy I can perform innumerable
transformations as my actualization
of the universal splendor.
My spirit can go through any difficulty without
hindrance.
As a result of my own complete integration,
I can attain supernatural powers over water,
fire, and other elements.
I remain unharmed and undaunted.
With the clarity of my mind and integrity of my being
I can go through clouds and mist
without going astray.
The grossness of my being has been refined.
The subtleness of my essence has been achieved.
In the morning I may roam to the far end of the
universe
and in the evening I can come back where I
started.
I experience peace and contentment everywhere.
I totally unite myself with the divine energy of Tao.
Merging in perfect stillness with the Subtle Origin,
I enjoy sublime harmony with all realms of the
universe
and achieve fullness and completeness
of my spiritual being.
With this golden oracle from the supreme realm,
I hold the sacred map to self-mastery
and transcend my own fleshly nature.
I actualize the true nature of beingness
in all aspects of the entire universe.
 The Invocation of Summarization should be practiced in
the morning for 49 days. While reciting this invocation,
you must touch the Heavenly Door line. The Heavenly
Door line is the second joint on the ring finger of each
hand. Touch it with the thumb of the same hand and rest
both hands on the knees.

Personal Invocation of a Teacher of Natural Spiritual

Truth
Divine Realm of the universe,
you are unnamable,
while I am nameable.
You are indefinable,
while I am definable.
You are immeasurable,
 while I am measurable.
You are indescribable,
nevertheless, I become your description.
You are inexpressible,
nevertheless, I become your expression.
You are unimaginable,
nevertheless, I become your image.
You are formless,
nevertheless, I become your form.
You are voiceless,
nevertheless, I become your voice.
Only when you and I work together
can the magnificence of the universe
be displayed.

What Is Behind the Spiritual Practices

Primal Chi, the Mysterious Mother, is the subtle origin
of the universe. From this subtle origin all universal
energies proceed, giving birth to Heaven and Earth.
All of the energies of the universe can be categorized
as either yin or yang. Yang has positive, active attributes,
whereas yin has negative, inert attributes. It is through the
extension of the original energy from the subtle origin, and
the cooperation and interaction of yin and yang, that all
phenomena manifest. This is the fundamental principle of
the development of the universe.
 In terms of quality, universal energies may be classified
as gross, physical energy or subtle, spiritual energy. Both
are in balance and develop in parallel. The combination of
gross and subtle energy gives birth to mankind, which
functions as an intermediary between Heaven and Earth. In
other words, it is the union of the spiritual and physical
planes which creates the mental plane. Because human
beings are composed of both physical and spiritual energy,
they have the potential either to evolve upward to become
more and more spiritualized, thereby preserving their
existence and enjoying freedom, or to devolve downward to
become more materialized, the result of which is bondage
to the physical realm.
All manifestations in the universe are subject to the
Law of Transformation. Consequently there is no certainty
for the future of an individual, because his energies are in a
constant state of change. Although physical energy appears
to be stable, it is not enduring. And although spiritual
energy appears to be unstable, it is more enduring. If a
person of natural spiritual truth is to be successful in
achieving spiritualization, it is necessary to have this basic
understanding of the reality of universal beingness.
The Jade Emperor, the Divinity of Jade Light, is the
most exquisite energy of the universe whose being is the
core of universal life. He is the Subtle Origin of all natural
beings and supernatural deities, the source of all highness,
purity and wisdom. If one can attain this energy, he can
surely achieve Divine Immortality and enjoy eternal life.
The Divine Jade Light has the ability to purify many other
kinds of energy. It is the goal of self-cultivation to
completely unite with the most essential energy, the Divine
One of Jade Light.
Extending from the Divinity of Jade Light, the center of
the whole sphere of life, are the Divine Immortals, the
expressions of divine energy which function as the
Divinities of Jade Light. The number of Shiens, the Divine
Immortals in the universe, is uncountable.
It is possible for a human being to become a Shien by
refining his gross, physical energy to become more
refined, spiritual energy. In this way one can actualize the
reality of his eternal being and thereby achieve an eternal
existence of joyful freedom rather than being trapped in the
mechanical physical realm.
The natural formation of Heaven, the pure yang sphere,
and the physical universe, the pure yin sphere, are
manifested from the same source. Radiating from that
source are ten high energy beams as the Ten Celestial
Stems, and twelve lower energy rays as the Terrestrial
Branches. The interaction of the Ten Celestial Stems and
Twelve Terrestrial Branches make the multiple things and
lives of form, and thus the universe constantly unfolds. At
the same time the Celestial Stems become the subtle
connection of the entire universe, the Terrestrial Branches
become twelve channels of universal physical energy. In
other words, from the source, as the energy contracts, the
subtle spiritual state of energy is drawn inward. As the
energy expands, the grosser physical state of energy is
manifested outward.
These ten big spokes and twelve smaller spokes
connect with a central hub to form the big wheel of
universal energy. Besides the main energy beams and rays
there are numerous sub-energy beams and rays which work
together to bring forth things of multiple forms. Therefore,
the wheel view of the universe expresses the elementary or
subtle level, while the network view expresses the energy
communication and integration level.
Despite the fact that the energy arrangement is
extremely complicated for most people, the interwoven,
omni-dimensional energy net of the universe may be
followed and comprehended through the high development
of one's spiritual capability.
All universal energies are embodied within us and
correspond with our own innate energies. By consciously
connecting our individual energies with the corresponding
energies of the universe we may experience higher and
subtler realms of being. With this experience we will be
able to prove for ourselves that there is no divine existence
beyond our own true nature and we may thereby unite
ourselves with the eternal Tao.
CHAPTER 7

The Golden Collection of Spiritual

Practices, Part II
Postures and Practices for Spiritual Energy
Channeling

Like almost everything about the Integral Way, these

postures and practices are not nearly as inscrutable as they
may appear. Most are simply natural expressions and
applications of a few basic principles. If you accept the
premise that man is a microcosm of the macrocosm, and
understand the concepts of yin and yang and the five phases
of energy transformation and their corresponding
phenomena, you will have a good foundation for
understanding Chinese holistic medicine, martial arts,
astrology, alchemy, geomancy, etc. To familiarize yourself
with these principles, you can refer to my book, Tao, The
Subtle Universal Law.
All practices and postures are designed to aid in the
accumulation, circulation, animation and refinement of our
energy into subtler and subtler states, until all gross
limitations are dissolved and we merge with the subtle
essence of all. Since every aspect of life is simply a
different manifestation of energy, in actuality these
practices strengthen and refine the entirety of our being.
One's energy arrangement determines one's birth,
growth, character and the way one thinks and behaves. The
importance of the quality and quantity of energy in
everyday living cannot be over-emphasized. Our emphasis
on energy is simply the result of the knowledge that man is
an energetic being, and that to control and harmonize one's
energy is fundamental to living optimally and an absolute
prerequisite to developing a spiritual life.
When our energy is abundant, we feel good and life's
many irritations do not seem to bother us as much as when
our energy is depleted. Since possessing a calm mind is
basic to all spiritual practices, the state of stability that
comes with sufficient energy is essential. However, all of
life's problems are not solved by simply accumulating
energy. There is nothing more self-destructive than a
person with more energy than they can control. We are only
interested in gathering subtle energy, and this entails the
avoidance of most forms of what modern students think of
as "energy." For instance, a serious student of Tao would
never take up running because it stirs up too much gross
energy from the lower centers of the body. Nor would they
take up weight lifting or calisthenics for the same reason,
and also because such forms of exercise tend to dissipate
the energy too much. Thus, it is not just a matter of
gathering a lot of energy, but of gathering subtle energy,
and the exercises in this book are designed to do just that.
Also, since most people are a mixture of about 80%
gross energy to 20% subtle, you can see the need to attract
as much subtle energy as possible, just to strike a balance.
How is this done?
First, find an area where subtle yang energy prevails.
Remote high mountains have always been preferred by
ancient achieved ones. Areas with natural underground
springs, surrounded by evergreen trees with mountains to
the West and lakes to the East, are ideal for gathering yang
energy. If one is serious about finding such a place, then a
study of the principles of geomancy would be beneficial.
Once a spot is located through the use of geomancy
(otherwise, any good place may be used) the next step is to
associate only with people whose energy is already subtle
and refined and whose virtue is steadfast. By living a quiet,
simple life, not given to needless dissipation and petty
business matters so characteristic of modern life, you will
slowly but surely accrue a subtle and powerful reserve.
Another important aspect to these practices is the need
to constantly readjust oneself in order to flow with the
course of nature. This involves becoming aware of and
sensitive to the fact that our internal rhythms are
completely interconnected with the entirety of the
universe, and thus accommodating ourselves to the yearly,
seasonal, monthly, daily and hourly cycles generated by the
subtle influence of the Earth, the planets and the stars.
According to the ancient developed ones, there is a
cosmic energy cycle that involves the interaction of ten
Heavenly influences with twelve Earthly influences in a
cycle of sixty combinations which apply to the energy of
the year, month, day and hour. For more detailed
information on this, you can refer to The Book of Changes
and the Unchanging Truth.
Seasonal changes are much less complicated than daily
or hourly cycles, and require only minor changes such as
exercise, diet and sleeping habits. For instance, in Spring
and Summer one's activities should harmonize with the out-
going, active, creative cycle, while Fall and Winter
activities would be more reserved, with an emphasis on the
storage and retention of energy. Diet should always be
seasonal, with lighter foods eaten in the summer, and
heavier meat dishes served in Winter. Sleeping is usually
beneficial with the head pointing East the in Spring and
Summer, and West in the Fall and Winter.
The phases of the moon also influence spiritual
practices. There is a general condition of low energy
around the time of no moon, and a period of greater
excitation around the Full Moon. The moon also influences
sexual practices. For instance, the second day of full moon
is the only day of the month men can have sex without
damaging their Ching (essence).
With all of these influences acting upon us, one needs
to be constantly adjusting to maintain a state of balance in
order to interact harmoniously with nature. Also, there are
basic attitudes a spiritual student of the Subtle Truth needs
to maintain in all circumstances. These are: being an
expression of the divine, one conducts oneself with virtue
and dignity; one offers oneself selflessly and
unconditionally to the world; all actions are spontaneous,
and arise from the universal self; one always tries to
respond appropriately to every situation; one is at ease with
oneself and with others and never contends; one lives a
simple, unadorned life and never tries to stand out; one
maintains a sense of awe and wonderment with life; one's
spirit is calm and unattached in all circumstances; one does
not hold attitudes, even these.
In addition to these general guidelines, there are
specific practices and postures to develop one's subtle
energy. The first one we will discuss is that of rising early.
Since the most beneficial time of day is from three to
seven a.m., which is the best time for cultivation. By sitting
up in a certain position, the body is like an antenna
receiving energy. These early morning hours are very good
for quiet sitting, while sunrise is best for Eight Treasures,
Tai Chi, or some other form of active cultivation.
Just before and just after sunrise is the best time to
absorb the energy from the sun. This is done by facing the
sun and inhaling the rays into the mouth and then
swallowing them down into your lower center. Do this in
three series of three. When inhaling, both nostrils should
be fully open and in use. During the daytime it is important
to know which nostril you are breathing through at any
given time in order to reach awareness. If you find that your
breathing is constantly shifting from one nostril to the
other, it is a sign that you are having a hard time maintaining
a balance of yin and yang. The natural balance is when you
breathe through the right (yin) nostril from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.,
and through the left (yang) nostril from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There are special guidances in which one or the other
nostril is used for the purpose of balance or bringing good
fortune.
Another practice that can be carried out anytime during
the day is to keep the tongue curled and in contact with the
roof of the mouth when you are not using it. This acts as a
bridge between the two major energy channels of the body
and helps keep the energy from flowing out of the head.
This is especially helpful to people whose energy tends to
accumulate in their heads and then dissipate through
excessive thinking, talking and general restlessness.
 Fundamental Hand Position
Our hands embody all the energy of the universe and
can be used to help us harmonize with universal energies.
The twelve earthly energies are manifested in the hand as
shown in Figure 5.

Because Wu is associated with Noon, the yang time of

the day, and Tzu is associated with Midnight, the yin time of
day, connecting these two together brings the height of yin
and yang together. This is done by grasping the first knuckle
of the ring finger of the left hand with the thumb and
middle finger of the right hand. Then join the thumb and
middle finger of the left hand so that they encircle the
thumb of the right hand (Figure 6).
 This connects the yin point of the left hand with the
yang point of the right hand. The hands are then held
together over the navel (Figure 7). This is a standard sitting
cultivation.

Greeting
Whenever we approach the Master or the Shrine, we
bow while holding our hands in the following position. The
thumbs are pressed together (this brings the yin and yang of
the upper body together) while the rest of the fingers curve
inward and point straight into the body. The hands are held
in front of the energy center of the heart or the navel
(Figure 8). The fingers pointing in help focus the energy
into these important centers. This hand position can also be
used while doing silent sitting or walking cultivation.

Salutation
In the Ceremony of Renewal there are many salutations
to the spiritual ancestors, and while creating a response
from them, the salutations also stimulate one's own energy
centers. The salutation is also effective in centering
oneself and in draining excess energy out of the head. It is
good to do any time you feel uncentered, and especially
just before you do silent cultivation. The posture starts in a
kneeling position with the right foot over the left foot
(Figure 9).
 This contains the yang energy of the left leg. The hands
come together over the head so that the middle finger of
the right hand (the Tiger Channel) can touch each center.
This finger is curved in so that the only part that touches
the centers is the knuckle closest to the fingernail. The
thumbs come together as before, only now the right hand is
inside the left so the knuckle of the middle finger can point
down (Figure 10).

First, touch the crown center at the top of the head

(Figure 11).
 Then touch the area between and slightly above the
eyebrows (Figure 12).

This center is the first of the three Tan Tiens (the Elixir
Field, or alchemical center) and is related to the Heavenly
Sphere. Then touch the area under the nose (Figure 13).

This is where the Governing Channel ends. Next touch

the throat area (Figure 14) or Adam's Apple. Then touch the
heart area (Figure 15).

This is the Middle Tan Tien or the Human Sphere. Then

touch the Lower Tan Tien below the navel (Figure 16), the
Earthly Sphere.
 After that, bow down so that the backs of your hands
rest on the floor with the middle knuckle pointing up. Rest
your head so that the knuckle is touching the Upper Tan
Tien between the eyebrows (Figure 17).

Hold this position for a while and then rise to the

kneeling position again and repeat the process in series of
threes until you feel calm and centered.

Summoning Creative Yang Energy

As you touch each energy center, invoke the name of
the Heavenly General that resides there: Crown Center - Ja
Tsu; Upper Tan Tien - Ja Shu; Mouth - Ja Shen; Throat - Ja
Wu; Heart Center - Ja Chen; Lower Tan Tien - Ja Ying.

THE FIVE CULTIVATIONS

Whether you are sitting, standing, walking, sleeping or

doing movement in any way, you can be in a state of
cultivation, as long as your attitude is one of relaxed
attentiveness. This attitude makes it possible to experience
every moment as eternity. With thinking calmed, it is much
easier to realize the already existent state of non-dual
awareness.
In the old days, a person would devote a lifetime to only
one practice, but since modern students like to know
everything and do nothing, I offer the following
fundamental methods of cultivation in the hope that you
will find one you like and stick with it until you truly
achieve something.

Sitting Cultivation
Sitting cultivation may be done in either of two
positions, sitting on the heels (Figure 18) or in a cross-
legged position (Figure 19).
 Both positions require a thick mat or cushion to relieve
pressure on the legs. If you sit on the heels, place the right
foot over the left, as in doing the salutation. If you sit
cross-legged, be sure the left leg is on top. The hands are in
the position called "Harmony" (palms face up, one palm
cupping the other, thumbs pointing straight up with tips
together). Be sure the spine is straight but relaxed. Unlike
other methods, the head is tilted down-ward slightly. This,
along with the tongue being curled, facilitates the flow of
energy down out of the head. Eyes should be half-closed
and attention focused on breathing until you feel centered.
If you are celibate, keep your eyes open; otherwise the
sexual energy is too stimulating. Keep the mind centered
and do not anticipate results.

Standing Cultivation - Men

Place the feet shoulder width apart with feet slightly
pigeon-toed. The knees are bent and buttocks are tucked in
to straighten the spine (Figure 20). The arms make a circle
in front of the body, with the elbows raised and fingertips a
few inches apart. The shoulders are slightly rounded, and
again, the head is tilted downward and the tongue is curled.
In this position, experience yourself as the wick of a
lantern. From the great reservoir of energies of the Earth,
the life force rises unimpeded from the bottom of your
feet up to the top of your head.
 Standing Cultivation - Women
This position is held with the right foot positioned in
front of the left foot so that the big toe of the left foot is
touching the heel of the right foot which is on a diagonal to
the left foot (Figure 21). The hands are held at the middle
Tan Tien in the fundamental hand position. Also, the
buttocks and stomach are tucked in, the head tilted
downward and the tongue curled.
 Standing Cultivation for Celibate Men
Stand with the feet shoulder width apart and the hands
raised over the head in such a way that the palms are turned
toward the Heavens with the fingertips pointing toward
each other (Figure 22). Look straight ahead, unless
disturbed by sexual thoughts. In that case, look upward
between your hands.
 Standing Cultivation for Celibate Women
Stand with the feet in the same position as the regular
standing cultivation for women, but raise the hands over the
head so that the fingers point upward and only the fingertips
touch. Open the hands as if holding a ball. The shoulders
should be comfortably relaxed (Figure 23).
 Standing Cultivation as a Self-Protection
Stand with the feet in the same position as the women's
standing cultivation. Cross the arms at the wrist, with the
right arm closest to the body (in practicing Kung Fu, the
left arm is held closest to the body). Palms face to the side,
fingers pointing upward (Figure 24).
 Sleeping Cultivation
Always be in bed before 10:00 p.m. and, if possible, sit
up at 3:00 a.m. until rising at sunrise in the cool months, or
two to three hours before sunrise in the hot months. Before
falling asleep, lie on one side or the other (not on the back
or the front) and tuck the top leg up, while keeping the
other leg straight. The hand on the underside of the body
supports the head in such a way that the hand encircles the
ear with the thumb resting behind the ear while the palm
rests over the temple. The upper arm can rest either on the
side or be folded so that the closed fist rests over the navel
(Figure 25). This position helps prevent nightmares or
sexual stimulation in dreams. Also see Figure 32.

Walking Cultivation - Slow

This cultivation is done slowly and evenly. The hands
are in the fundamental position in front of the lower Tan
Tien. Focusing on the ground directly in front of you, the
steps are done as slowly as possible without losing your
balance. Step on the heel of the foot first, and slowly roll
onto the toes while bringing the foot in the rear forward at
the same speed that everything else is done. Many students
have trouble keeping the speed of both feet consistent.
Repeating a verse is helpful in focusing the mind while
practicing walking cultivation.

Walking Cultivation - Fast

By simply holding your thumbs in your fists and
focusing your mind, you can turn an ordinary walk into a
cultivation. The thumb must lie on top of the Heaven line in
the palm (the head line in Western palmistry). Focus
directly in front of you and let the arms swing freely. If
your yang energy is low, swing the left arm vigorously
while restraining the right arm. This will increase the yang
energy in the body.

Examples of Guiding Verses While Doing Walking

Cultivation

These can be recited while you are walking with high

concentration.

I
Empty-handed, I am holding a bowl.
Walking on foot, I am riding a buffalo.
Crossing a bridge, I don't see the water,
But the bridge flows!

II
I inquired of a boy under an old pine tree,
"My Master is gathering herbs," he said.
"He's on the mountain amidst the clouds,
I know not where."

III
The prince searched for the
Master in the high mountains.
He stayed in his cave for seven days.
He was taught to make immortal medicine.
When he returned to the world,
A thousand years had passed.

IV
A Master said to his disciples,
"If I meet a man with a cane,
I will take it away.
If I meet a man without a cane,
I will give him mine."
Isn't he a tricky old fellow!

Moving Cultivation
 Although all movement can be a cultivation, probably
the most perfect expression of the rhythm and power of
nature is the practice of Tai Chi movement and its
prerequisite, the Eight Treasures. Many good books on this
subject have already been written, so it is only necessary to
mention that there are three styles in this tradition which
express natural spiritual principles. They are all interrelated
and are called Gentle Path, Sky Journey, and Infinite
Expansion styles. The popular Yang Style is close to the
Gentle Path style, or Style of Harmony, which relates to
the Lower Tan Tien. The Chen Style is close to the Sky
Journey or Style of Natural-ness, which relates to the
Middle Tan Tien. There is no popular style which
corresponds to the Infinite Expansion Style or Style of
Integration, which relates to the Upper Tan Tien and brings
all three Tan Tiens together.
All students should learn the Eight Treasures first,
however, because many people have serious energy blocks
and the Eight Treasures is more effective in quickly
breaking through them than the more subtle Tai Chi.
Tai Chi movement has a slight suggestion of the martial
arts or fighting skills, but this is only a side effect. It is not
the direct expression of peaceful spiritual cultivation. The
main difference between Tai Chi movement and the martial
arts is that the martial arts were designed for fighting, while
body movement for spiritual cultivation is based on the
principles of energy guidance.
The term Kung Fu, if narrowly used, designates a
martial art. In its broad sense, however, it represents the
formula: method + time + practice = achievement. Thus,
any artistic achievement and special skill can be called a
Kung Fu. Cultivation requires constant practice, yet
external practice cannot be recognized as enlightenment; it
is merely a way to help you reach enlightenment.
Everyone has one side of the body that is stronger than
the other; usually this is the right side. The learning and
practice of a martial art usually leads the imbalance to an
extreme, like other sports and games. Since the purpose of
Tai Chi is primarily the correction of imbalance, correct
practice will involve both sides of the body. Thus, one
should not only do the habitual right-sided Tai Chi
movements, but also include the corresponding left-sided
movements as well. Also, the upper and lower parts of the
body need to harmonize.
In general, all disease is only a partial problem. Even if
it is a weakness of the entire nervous system, it is still only
partial. It is partial because there are two other spheres of
life: mind and spirit. Tai Chi is aimed at the harmony and
restoration of all three. In the Tao Teh Ching this is called
"reaching gentleness as the major trait of life." It is also the
integration of inner and outer being.
 AUXILIARY PRACTICES
(Note: The Purifications should be completed before
beginning any of the circulatory practices.)

The Internal Movement of Chi

Chi circulates continuously through all the channels in
the body, and the flow of chi can be strengthened by mental
conductance. Most people's chi is weak or stagnant, usually
in cavities where the channels are more narrow or harder to
penetrate. The purpose of circulating chi is to open areas of
blockage and enable the chi to flow smoothly.
The front, yin channel, which is called the Conception
or Bearing Channel (Ren Mei), has a negative polarity. The
yang channel on the back, which is called the Governing
Channel (Du Mei), has a positive polarity. When the chi of
these two channels is flowing smoothly, all is well, so
keeping them unblocked and clear is basic to all other
practices.
The Bearing Channel originates at the perineum (Sea
Bottom Cavity) which is also called Yin Intersection in
acupuncture. It ascends along the interior of the abdomen
along the front midline to the throat and then curves around
the lips, passes through the cheek and enters the infra-
orbital region (under the eyes). In cultivation, chi flows
from the head to the perineum.
The Governing Channel also originates at the perineum
but ascends up through the spinal column to DU 16
(directly below the external occipital protuberance) where
it enters the brain. It then ascends to the crown of the head
and winds down the forehead to the roots of the upper
teeth.
These two channels are not connected at the top. When
the tongue touches the roof of the mouth, the yin and yang
channels are connected and the circuit is complete. We
frequently touch the roof of our mouth with the tongue
during everyday activities; however, in meditation, a
continuous circuit is important. The tongue should be
relaxed; if it is tense, it can result in stagnation of the chi.
The tongue should not touch the teeth or the connection
will not be effective, and one tends to become sleepy. The
tongue also should not be stretched back too far or it will
be tight and the chi will stagnate. The spot on the soft palate
where the tongue touches is called Heaven's Pond (Tien
Tzie) or Dragon Spring (Lung Chuan).

The Three Tan Tiens

The human body is divided into three major areas. Each
area has three yang energy centers on the Governor
Channel, and three yin centers on the Conception Channel.
Thus, there are nine yang centers running up the back, and
nine yin centers running down the front (see Figure 26).
The middle center of each section is the most
important and is called a Tan Tien or "Field of Elixir"
(Qihai, Sea of Chi). Each Tan Tien is also associated with a
specific gland.
The head area is considered the Heavenly Realm. The
Upper Tan Tien is located between the eyebrows and is
associated with the pineal gland, which is in the center of
the head.
The upper trunk, including the throat and chest, is
considered the Human Realm. The Middle Tan Tien is
located between the nipples and is associated with the
thymus.
The lower trunk or torso is considered the Earth Realm.
The Lower Tan Tien, located approximately 1.5 inches
below the navel, is associated with the prostate or ovaries.
This Tan Tien is also called The Furnace or For Lu.

The Great Outer Circulation

The Great Outer Circulation enhances one's energy
flow by encouraging the movement of energy in a circle
through the Ren and the Du channels. The Great Outer
Circulation should be done in a sitting meditation posture
so that the chi does not sink down into the legs. If allowed
to travel downward, it could stagnate in some of the leg
cavities. This could later affect the leg's circulation and
cause problems.
Guidelines for Practice:
*Sit either cross-legged or on the heels.
*Use a mat or cushion to relieve pressure on the legs.
*When sitting on the heels, place the right foot over
the left. If you sit cross-legged, be sure the left leg is
on top.
*Keep the spine straight but relaxed.
*Tilt the head down slightly to help energy flow out
of the head.
*Touch the tongue to the roof of the mouth.
*Mentally touch the centers as you inhale up the
spine and exhale down the front of the body.
*Keep a relaxed, flexible attitude.
*Do not be forceful or anticipate results.
*Let the mind guide the chi consciously throughout
its circulation. Keep the mind on the next cavity and
let the chi get there by itself.

Energy Centers of the Great Outer Circulation

The chi passes through other points along the way;
however, the nine major points of the front and back should
be used to help the flow.
Three major cavities, called the Three Gates (San
Guan), offer the greatest resistance. The first, Wei Lu, is
located on the tailbone. Here the bone structure narrows
the channel and after the teen years, the sacral vertebrae
fuse. Wei Lu offers the most resistance.
The next major obstacle is Ling Tai (Spiritual Tower). It
is located between thoracic vertebra 6 and 7. If the chi
remains in this area, it can disturb the heart. Usually the
best way to eliminate resistance here is to relax.
Yu Gen (Jade Pillow) is located at the base of the skull,
at the external occipital protuberance. The channel is
constricted here because of the skull structure. If the chi
does not flow easily here, it may pass into other channels
in the head and cause headaches.
Circulate the energy through the points listed below and
illustrated in Figure 26. Although at first the feeling will be
mostly imaginary, perseverance will bring more perceptible
results. Since chi follows the mind, keeping your attention
from point to point will create a stronger flow and
gradually open the constrictions.
When circulating chi up the back, one may feel slight
muscular tension and warming as the chi passes. However,
only a tingling sensation will be felt on the head, because
the muscle layer is very thin.
Yang Centers
#1 Perineum
#2 On the lower sacral vertebra, Wei Lu, opposite
the Lower Tan Tien
#3 On the spine between the spinous processes of
the second and third lumbar vertebra (slightly above
the navel) Ming Min - Du 4
#4 On the spine between the spinous processes of
the ninth and tenth thoracic vertebra (half-way
between points 3 and 5) - Du 8
#5 On the spine between thoracic vertebra 6 and 7
(opposite the heart center ) Lingtai - Du 10 (The
number 5 always denotes the center of something.)
#6 On the spine at the bone protuberance at the base
of the neck (cervical vertebra 7) Du 14
#7 Base of the skull at the external occipital
protuberance (opposite the base of the nose) "Jade
Pillow Point"
#8 Center of the back of the head at the point where
the parietal bones and occipital bone meet, opposite
the Upper Tan Tien
#9 Crown of the head, Baihui - Du 20

Yin Centers
#1 Crown of the head - Baihui-Du 20
#2 Upper Tan Tien (between the eyebrows)
#3 Base of the nose
 #4 Base of the neck (just below Adam's apple)
#5 Middle Tan Tien (between the nipples) - Ren 17
#6 Bottom of the sternum (xiphoid process)
#7 A few inches above the navel.
#8 Lower Tan Tien (approximately 1.5 inches below
the navel)
#9 Perineum

Major and Minor Orbit Circulation

Minor Orbit Circulation just circulates your energy
around the mid-line of the body, in the back and front,
whereas Major Orbit Circulation includes both legs. In
Major Orbit Circulation, when your energy reaches the
perineum, conduct the energy down the inside of the legs
all the way to the point in the center of the sole of the feet
(Rushing Fountain, Kidney-1). Then follow the outside of
the leg, bringing the energy back to the tailbone, then all
the way up to complete the Minor Orbit Circulation.
Usually the Lower Tan Tien is the starting and termination
point. The Lower Tan Tien is recommended for elderly or
weaker people; for healthy younger people, it is proper to
use the Middle Tan Tien.
Minor Orbit Circulation is a basic method for the self-
conduction of internal energy. It can prepare you for soul
travel, but it is not an isolated achievement. All practices
and learning are important, because there are many levels in
the overall achievement leading to immortality.
More information about the checkpoints and other
disciplines can be found in my work The Esoteric Tao Teh
Ching. Minor Orbit Circulation is a good foundation for
both physical and spiritual health.
Minor Orbit Circulation is usually done seated in a
cross-legged position. Major Orbit Circulation is done
sitting on a chair or in a standing position. When the chi
goes through the legs, a feeling of warmth often surges
through the energy channel.
Regarding the checkpoints in the Minor Orbit
Circulation: in the beginning you should use the mind to
conduct the chi, especially at the time of night when your
energy is naturally concentrated in the sexual center. In this
way you can that pressure away. You can alleviate
congestion in this area by making circles with the eyes 36
times, but with the eyelids closed. This helps pull the
congested energy up to the head so that it can continue to
circulate.
When a real breakthrough occurs, there is a kind of
shock or strong vibration or internal noise. One who does
quiet sitting daily makes the openness of each checkpoint
on the front and back their goal, especially for the back.
The opening of each checkpoint is a spiritual achievement.
When all the checkpoints on the front and back open up,
you will not be sick anymore. This is achieved by constant
practice. Such achievement is usually the testimony of
people in their middle age, but many young people also
mention having such experiences. Realistically speaking, it
seems that health is achieved by many years of constant
daily spiritual cultivation that builds up a strong electrical
current that can prevent all possible physical problems.
Minor Orbit Circulation is traditionally recommended
because the spinal cord definitely plays a role in health by
connecting all the different organs and the nervous system.
Major Orbit Circulation was a later addition of teachers
with and interest in martial arts.
There is still another method called 36 Orbit
Circulation. This was developed for profound martial arts
purposes. The number 36 means 36 grades or positions of
the physical body. Thirty-six important points of the body
are used for moving your energy. There are hundreds of
energy-moving patterns created by different people, but the
basic pattern is still the fundamental practice of the Minor
Orbit Circulation. Even the practices which circulate
energy into the major organs are not as important as
bringing energy to the spine so that it strengthens the whole
nervous system and reaches everywhere in the body.
One can ignore the Minor Orbit Circulation if one is
functioning naturally. The most useful cultivation is to
concentrate on the spine as the source of great benefit.
This has been hinted at by Chuang Tzu.
 The fourth generation of Master Chen Tuan's students
who achieved greatness in I Ching practice were highly
respected. Master Sou Yung described the importance of
the meeting or alignment of one's energy at two points: the
Thousand Meeting Point on the top of the head (also called
the Mud Pill), and the center of the lower abdomen, which
includes the tailbone and perineum. Then the energy
spreads warmth throughout the whole body. His poem is as
follows:

The thirty-six palaces all return to be Spring

when the Heavenly Root meets the Home of
Moon.

Thirty-six palaces refers to thirty-six areas of the whole

body. Surely it does not bring the result that martial arts
people expect, which is external fighting strength. The
achievement is the enduring life force. This is truly a useful
practice.

Gathering the Heavenly Energies

There are ten Heavenly Stems (energies), five yin and
five yang. The yang stems are Jia, Bien, Wuh, Geng, and
Ren. The yin stems are Yi, Ding, Ji, Hsin, and Quei. While
in one of the sitting positions, pull these energies down
(from Heaven) into the center of the head, down the center
of the body and into the lower trunk. Men should
concentrate on the five yin energies, and women should
concentrate on the five yang energies. Each energy relates
to a different area of the body. Imagine Jia/Yi energy
flowing into the throat area, Bien/Ding energy into the
head, Wuh/Ji energy into the stomach, Geng/Hsin energy
into the upper chest, and Ren/Quei energy into the lower
trunk (Figure 27). Keep in mind that this gathering is
internal, whereas the Great Circulation is close to the
surface of the skin.

Fire energy (Bien/Ding) is the energy of the mind.

Wood energy (Jia/Yi), is the energy of the nerves. Metal
energy (Geng/Hsin) is the energy of the respiratory
system. Earth energy (Wuh/Ji) is the energy of the
digestive system. Water energy (Ren/Quei) is the energy of
the reproductive system.

Opening Up the Three Tan Tien

This is one of the major exercises in self-cultivation.
While in a sitting position, you may want to open up the
three major energy centers. This is done by visualizing the
following three characters superimposed over each center:
Jia, , over the Upper Tan Tien; Shen, , over the Middle
Tan Tien; and Yeo, , over the Lower Tan Tien (Figure 28).
Touch each center with the hands in the salutation position
while repeating the sound of each character. Jia is fairly
high pitched, Shen is mid-ranged and Yeo is lower on the
scale. Repeat these in a series of three as you guide your
energy to awaken these three centers.

Opening the Six Jia Centers

 While doing any of the salutations, ceremonies or
invocations which invoke the creative yang energy, you may
want to open and clear out these centers. Trace the
character Jia, , (as shown in Figure 30) with your right
middle finger over the same six centers you touch in the
salutation. (Figure 29).

Untying the Spirits

Find a dimly lit place in the evening, preferably after
the evening meal. Sit upright in a chair with the left thumb
held in the fist. The right hand then traces the same
character, Jia, over the chest. In this exercise, all the
fingers of the right hand come together like the beak of a
bird. Start at the right nipple and trace a big circle up over
the chest and down through the left nipple and down around
the stomach and up to the right nipple again. Repeat this
two times. Then move your hand up near the throat area and
straight down to the Lower Tan Tien (Figure 30). Repeat in
a series of three. As you do this you may yawn a lot or
experience a tingling sensation in your mouth and taste
sweet saliva.

These experiences are not the goal, just signs that you
are on the right track, so do not take them too seriously.
Untying the spirits is for the preparation of the
independence of the immortal soul. Souls have an invisible
connection to physical life that becomes a bondage. True
spiritual freedom depends on integrating the souls and
cutting their dependence on and tight connection with one's
physical body.

Purifying Bad Energy

The Tai Chi Tu is a powerful symbol, especially if
drawn by someone of power and balance. For instance, if
you are served food that you are suspicious of and do not
want to return it, just draw this symbol over it in the air and
it will purify any bad energy that may be around. Use the
middle finger of the right hand to trace the outline as
shown in Figure 31.

Make points 8 and 9 as if you were dotting the letter "i".

It is also a safe practice to make the symbol over your car
before driving somewhere. If you are sufficiently
cultivated, you can even subdue an attacker with it. So
remember, if any situation has bad or excessive energy, this
symbol will tend to purify it.

Warding off Possible Trouble

Whenever you get a strong feeling that something bad
is about to happen, or if your body signals that something
ominous is in the air (for instance, a strong eye twitch for
no apparent reason is sometimes a signal that something
bad is about to happen), then face the East, inhale deeply
through the nose, bite your teeth together three times and
turn to the West and exhale through your mouth. Repeat
this three times.

Revitalizing Your Energy

When you are tired and need some quick energy, lie in a
semi reclining position facing East, with your legs out
straight. Place the right foot over the left. Hold the thumbs
inside the fists and place the fists over the two energy
centers of the chest. The right fist should be over the heart
center and the left over the lower Tan Tien (Figure 32). You
may even sleep in this position. Hold it until your energy is
back to normal.

Draining Off Anger

If you cannot seem to get rid of anger over a particular
situation, sit in a chair and clasp your hands together in
such a way that the fingers interlock from the opposite
direction than they normally would (Figure 33).

It is done by placing the left hand near your right

shoulder and the right hand near the left. Then slide them
together with the palms facing each other until you can
interlock the fingers together. Then pull your interlocked
hands down the center of your chest, forcing the elbows
away from the body until your arms are totally extended
and the hands are pointing down (Figure 34). Your hands
should be over the Lower Tan Tien.

First Aid to a Spiritually Troubled Person

It might happen that someone in your surroundings
becomes possessed by a spirit or suffers temporary mental
loss. In these cases, you can use your left hand to hold their
head, while using the thumb and index finger of your right
hand to pinch the flesh between the nostrils (Figure 35).

This makes the person feel pain and helps restore

normal consciousness. If, however, they are extremely
disturbed and you wish to have protection for yourself as
you aid them, draw the character for Heaven, , in the palm
of your left hand with the middle finger of the right hand.
Then wrap the fingers of your left hand around the thumb to
make a fist.
For your own personal protection, use your thumb and
the forefinger of your left hand to lightly pinch the
partition between your nostrils. Do this twenty-one times
and then press the inner corners of both eyes. Do this every
morning after rising and it should keep you safe spiritually.

Conclusion
The postures and practices introduced in this book are
presented with specific details. In real practice, however,
there are variations to these according to the age and level
of development of the student, time of the year, social and
environmental considerations, etc. For someone who is
truly developed, the significance, value and details of these
practices will be spontaneously understood. For most,
having personal guidance is still the best way to proceed
because a truly achieved teacher can always recognize your
level and know how to best direct your growth.
My intention is to offer these basic esoteric practices
now so there will be no delay in improving yourself. Be
aware that these practices are only one aspect of your
spiritual development. To assure your successful
achievement you must also work earnestly to improve the
virtuous quality of your life.

The Red Baby

Q: In Chapter 55 of the Tao Teh Ching it says, "The

one who maintains the highest integrity is as a newborn
baby. Poisonous insects do not bite it, fierce animals do
not attack it. Predatory birds do not seize it. Its bones are
weak, its tendons are soft and its hold is tight. Its member
stirs without knowing sex. This expresses the fullness of
its vitality. It does not become hoarse with crying all day.
This expresses its harmony."
 I understand and accept most of that chapter, but I do
not understand the part about the insects and animals
and birds not attacking the baby. Do those sentences
have some particular spiritual meaning?

Master Ni: Yes, they are connected with a great

spiritual secret which was explained in metaphor by an
open-minded and responsible Master named Kou Hong in
his invaluable work, the Pau Po Tzu. His book deals with a
pivotal point in the pursuit of divine immortality. The image
of the new born baby is that of a nude baby with wings.
Here is the story.
"The `new born baby,' in Chinese, is also called the `Red
Baby.' It is also designated as the `True One.' In the
Immortal Tradition, it is the spiritual being which is
conceived as the result of cultivation. The Red Baby is the
result of a mystical pregnancy and the birth of the highest
divine being which embodies Tao.
"The Red Baby is a perfect being who needs neither
food nor clothing and who lives harmoniously and
transcendently within the universe. The Red Baby is a
completely supernatural being, and since it is the
completion of human spiritual life, it can travel to the stars
or anywhere in space. Its virtuous nature never fades, and
pain never overtakes it.
"As humans became corrupt and competitive, their
intellectual minds became dualistic, thus they strayed from
and lost their true nature. Only a few humans can now
achieve the mystical pregnancy and birth, the mystical
metamorphosis of the Red Baby. From those of dualistic
mind, the Red Baby can never be born.
"All of us, as human beings, accumulate earthly habits
and attachments which become obstacles to conceiving and
nurturing the Red Baby. Not all people can give birth to Red
Babies because the Red Baby is the highest true spiritual
upliftment possible from our crude level of being."

Q: Can you teach us how to cultivate and attain it?

Master Ni: That is a question of great weight. There are

strong prohibitions protecting high spiritual secrets from
the unrefined majority. I will translate a chapter of the Pau
Po Tzu for you which may answer some of your questions
about this. You must understand that Master Kou Hong was
risking his own spiritual exposure to the Heavenly
prohibitions, so he wrote it in metaphor. As a student of the
same spiritual tradition, I respect the seriousness of the
matter and his limitations are also mine. However, all of us
can benefit from Master Kou's legacy. With that in mind, I
present the chapter called "The True One."

"In ancient times there were those who attained to the

True One, yet maintained what they really were. Heaven
attained the True One and became pure. Earth attained the
True One and became stable. All spirits attained the True
One and became vitalized. Virtuous rulers attained the True
One and became the power of righteousness.
"If Heaven were to lose the True One, it would lose its
purity and unity and become split. If Earth were to lose the
True One, it would lose its stability and become barren. If
all spirits were to lose the True One, they would lose their
responsiveness and perish. If the Valley of the Universe
were to lose the True One, it would lose its productiveness
and become exhausted. If all lives were to lose the True
One, they would lose their vitality and be extinguished. If
rulers were to lose the True One they would lose their
righteousness and decline."
What is the True One in the cultivation of the Integral
Way? Philosophically speaking it means "oneness" or
"unity." On the spiritual level, the Pau Po Tzu elucidates as
follows,

"I once heard my teacher say,

`If people could know the True Divine One,
then they would have accomplished all
learning in life.'"
(Chapter 19, Spirits on Earth)
 "If one could know the True One, there would be
nothing left unknown. If one does not know the True One,
he truly knows nothing. The Integral Way of the universe
starts from the honored True One and develops into the
three realms of Heaven, Earth and Man. Heaven received
the True One and became pure; Earth received the True One
and became tranquil; Man received the True One and
became vitalized; the Gods received the True One and
became powerful.
"Metal sinks, feathers float, mountains loom and rivers
flow. All things find their own true nature. However, eyes
cannot see the True One, nor can ears hear it. Things remain
in existence as long as they are preserved with the True
One, and they perish when the True One is neglected. When
facing the True One, good fortune appears and when one
turns one's back on the True One, misfortune occurs. While
the True One is maintained, prosperity is endless. If the
True One is neglected, breath is exhausted and life ceases.
The lord of old says, `The image of the True One is elusive
and evasive.' The classics of divine immortality say, `If you
wish to be immortal, you must embrace the True One.
When you are hungry, keep thinking of the True One and
you shall obtain food. When you are thirsty, keep thinking
of the True One, and you shall obtain drink.'
"In spiritual practice, the True One (internal spirits) also
possesses names, with certain uniforms and in colors as the
subtle shape. In the male it is 0.9 inches long (in subtle
measurement), and in the female it is 0.6 subtle inches.
Sometimes it is located three inches below the navel,
which is the Lower Field of Immortal cultivation. At other
times it is located in the Golden Gate or Purple Palace, one
inch behind the space between one's eyebrows, which
forms the Hall of Illumination. Two inches inside the
Purple Palace, the Upper Field of Immortal Cultivation is
formed.
"The True One can give life to yin and beget yang; bring
on cold or heat. From the True One there is sprouting in
spring, growing in summer, harvesting in autumn and
storing in winter. All space is not enough for its magnitude.
Yet neither a hair nor a sprout is tiny enough to express its
minuteness.
"Of old, when passing Mount Wind on the road east to
Mount Green, the Yellow Emperor met the Master of the
Purple Palace and received from him the Sacred Book of
the Inner Secret of the Three Divinities, which enabled
him to summon and direct all divinities. Ongoing south to
Shady Tree, on the northern slope of Round Knoll, he
surveyed the place mounted by the spirits, gathered
mystical flowers of yang energy and drank from the stream
of Red Knoll. In the west he met Master Chung Kua Tzu
and received The Classic of Self-Completion from Master
Kuang Chen Tzu. On the way north to Hung Bank he
mounted Chu Tzu and met the Lord of Ta Wei and the ever-
youthful Huang Kai from whom he received the `Drawings
of Mystical Mushrooms.' While returning to his duties as
emperor he obtained `The Golden Secret of the Immortal
Medicine.'
"On Mount O-Mei he met Tien Che, the God-man, in
the Jade Chamber, and inquired of him concerning the
process of the way of the True One. His reply was, `Since
you are already the great sovereign over the world, isn't it
avarice on your part to seek divine immortality?'
"It is impossible to give their conversation in full, but
one aspect of it was this, `As for the formula leading to
spiritual immortality and godhead, there is only "gold" and
"cinnabar"; for the preservation of eternal life and
dissolving evils, there is only the way of embracing the
True One.'
"The ancient classics of divine immortality say that `the
Nine-Time Recycling Immortal Medicine,' the `Golden
Liquid Classic,' and the `Secret Instructions for Embracing
the True One' are stored in a jade box from the spiritual five
cities of Mount Kun Lun; that they are engraved on golden
plaques sealed with purple; and that they bear the imprint of
the seal of states. I learned the instructions from my
teacher in this way.
"The True One is North in the Grand Abyss, up front in
the Chamber of Illumination (between the eyebrows), at the
rear in the Purple Palace. Its flowered umbrella (eyebrows)
is near the gold Pavilion. To the left and right are the stars
of the Big Dipper. It is like a dashing wave in the void. It is
the dark projection on steep ledges, the vermillion grass in
the thickets, the white jade in the high mountains, the sun
and the moon shedding their light. The True One passes
through fire and water, traverses Heaven, and fords Earth.
Its cities and castles intertwine; its tents and canopies are
studded with gems. Lines of dragons and tigers guard the
True One; gods stand at its side. Neither retaining nor
dispensing, the True One enjoys peace wherever it is.
Neither dilatory nor rushing, the True One enjoys security
in its abode. Able to take both ease and precaution, the True
One never quits.
"Embrace the One and guard the True, then you can
communicate with the gods. Lessen desires, restrain from
eating too much, and the True One will abide quietly.
"Even when the sharp blade is at the base of the throat,
we shall live as if embracing the True One.
"The True One is not hard to know; lack of persistence
is the difficulty. Guard it without losing it and you will
never reach exhaustion. On land it meets no evil animals; in
water it dispels crocodiles and dragons. It fears neither
demons nor poisonous insects. Ghosts dare not approach it,
nor blades strike it. This is the basic knowledge of the True
One."
 Kou Hong continues, "My own teacher, Master Cheng
the hermit, taught me the old spiritual classic of evoking or
recalling several thousand methods and procedures for
dispelling evils and defending oneself. For example, there
were methods for making shadows and the body invisible;
methods for suspending one's personal animation; methods
for undergoing nine transmutations, twelve transformations
and twenty-four births; methods for feeling that one is
seeing the gods within one's body and causing them to
become visible. All of these were effective. Nevertheless,
at times the thought of bringing into existence several
thousand spiritual creatures to protect oneself could be so
cumbersome that it labors the mind. He felt that if a single
process for embracing the True One were known, all these
other methods could be less important. This is why the
tradition states, `To know only the One saves you from
having to learn multiple methods.'"
(Note: This is the spirit of the simple truth which Lao
Tzu represents. The Tao Teh Ching is the culmination of
his many years of learning and cultivation. It was not the
beginning of ancient natural spiritual teaching.)
"There are clear-cut prerequisites for receiving the
secret oral instructions concerning the True One. The lips
are smeared with the blood of a white bird. The instructions
are received on a propitious day. An agreement is entered
into by means of white gauze and white silver. A tally of
gold is notched and split. If one expounds these oral
instructions lightheartedly or transmits them heedlessly,
the gods will not cooperate.
"If a person can embrace the True One, then the True
One also embraces that person. In this way, the blade finds
no place on one's body for its sharp edge to penetrate;
harmful things find no place that will allow entrance.
Therefore, in defeat, it is possible to be victorious; in
positions of peril it is possible to regain security. Whether
in a nest of ghosts, on a mountain of demons, in places
suffering plague, in places inhabited by tigers and wolves,
in the habitat of snakes, or within a tomb, all evil will go far
away as long as one remains diligent in embracing the True
One.
"If, on the other hand, you forget to embrace the True
One even for a moment, evil ghosts can harm you. If you
are lying down and have a nightmare, leave the room
quickly and look up to the star of Help in the Big Dipper.
Devote yourself firmly to embracing the True One, and evil
ghosts will depart immediately. If the weather is rainy,
remain in your room, face north and visualize the Star of
Help. If you are surrounded by armed bandits and have no
refuge, enter immediately into the practice of the Six Jia
Deities. Protect yourself and embrace the One, and no
harm will come to you.
"Anyone who can embrace the True One will be able to
travel thousands of miles, enter dangerous territories, and
ford large rivers, all without the need of divination for the
right day and hour. When beginning a task, or moving to a
new home, one will never again depend upon the subtle
energy rotation calendar, nor will one need to observe the
taboos of Jupiter, the moon, nor even the gods of death.
Life's taboos will never again be considered fatal. This is an
effective method that has been successfully used by our
achieved predecessors.
"The body of an individual can be protected in the same
way as a state. The diaphragm may be compared to the
palace; the arms and legs to the suburbs and frontiers; the
bones and joints to the officials; the heart to the sovereign;
the blood to the ministers; the breath to the population.
Therefore, anyone who is able to regulate his own body can
regulate a state. To take good care of the population is the
best way to make the state secure, and by the same token,
to nurture breath is the way to keep the body whole. When
the population scatters, a state is ruined. When the breath is
exhausted, the body dies. Anything that is dying cannot be
living, and anything perishing cannot be in a state of
preservation. Therefore, humans in their highest form
dissipate fears before they arise and control illness before
it occurs. They do not pursue what has already happened.
Just as a population is difficult to nurture but easy to
endanger, breath is difficult to purify but easy to soil.
 "Therefore, a strong and careful center of power is the
way to protect a state. The way to strengthen the blood and
breath is to whittle down covetousness. Thereafter, the True
One survives and the three spiritual sources and seven
systems of physical essence of an individual life are
preserved. All harm is dispelled and life is extended."
This is the traditional standpoint of immortal teaching,
to serve the people and preserve the body as one united
principle. This is where Lao Tzu as well as all ancient
developed ones stand.
CHAPTER 8

The Golden Collection Of Spiritual

Practices, Part III
Ceremonial Readings

Ceremony For the Renewal and Enrichment of Body,

Mind and Spirit
This ceremony is especially suitable for weekly,
monthly, or yearly renewal. (See page 131 for the
salutation and associated postures.) Begin the dedication to
the indivisible realm of Tao with nine strikes of the gong.

*****

To readjust yourself with your true origin, recite these

words:

As Tai Chi divides,

Heaven and Earth are spontaneously manifested.
Clear, light energy
becomes the Heavenly Realms.
Dark, heavy energy
becomes the Earthly Realms.
In a human being,
the energies of Heaven and Earth unite.
We cultivate Tao
in order to evolve
and become spiritually everlasting.
The secret of Tao is transmitted to us
through our divine Teachers,
and through studying the sacred books of Tao.
May the Heavenly Jade Emperor,
the source of all Divine Immortals,
who resides in the Golden Shrine
of the highest Pure Realm,
please accept our dedications.

(Three salutations)

May all the ancestors whose beings united with Tao

before Fu Shi, the wise leader of the Stone Age,
please accept our dedications.
May all Teachers who achieved themselves in Tao
before the Great Yu, Emperor of the Shah Dynasty,
and all enlightened sages, emperors and
individuals
who restored their genuine nature since then,
 please accept our dedications.

(Three salutations)

May the beneficial energy of Wealth, Health,

Peace, Bliss, and Longevity be with us.
May all Heavenly Immortals,
and all Divine Guardians within and outside
our Shrine respond to our sincerity.
Please accept our dedications.

(Three salutations)

May the spiritual energy of Harmony and

the union with kindness
accept our dedication.

(One salutation)

To refresh yourself with Tao, and live a life of high

comprehension, recite these words:

The creative energy of Heaven

is our paternal source.
The receptive energy of Earth
is our maternal source.
All people are offspring
of the same universal Origin.
Within my own true nature
are the same virtues
that belong to inspired sages.
My sincerity is as great
as the sages of all times.

I recognize my spiritual practice

with my spiritual family
as an expression of the divine order
and harmony which reappears in my life.
I have love for all people
who are in their "winter" years
and wish them to live enjoyably.
I treat all young ones kindly
and help them to have a good life.
The sick and needy are also
my brothers and sisters,
so I protect and shelter
them under my wings.
I assist the talented
and do not waste my own talents.
If I enjoy a good life
and have many things to give,
as Heavenly virtue displays
 its benevolence through me.
If I have little and undergo many difficulties,
it is the Heavenly Realm building me stronger.
Only by realizing my pristine nature
can I fulfill the true significance of life.
To ignore the true significance of life
is to sacrifice my spiritual immortality.
To violate the normalcy of my true personality
is to undermine my natural well-being.
By knowing the principles of change
and always doing my best,
I hope to be in harmony
with the enduring Will of the universe.
I gratefully accept what the Life Giver
brings to me and do not cling to sorrows
or try to run away.
With courage I follow Tao
and obey the subtle universal law.
Rather than lose myself
by seeking the luxuries of worldly life,
I cultivate my positive, spiritual energy
in order to actualize an everlasting life.
In my life I follow only what is good
and thus never stray from my true nature.
When I transform,
my energy returns to the Infinite Source of life.
There is never a question of my existence
or non-existence, because beingness
and non-beingness are both aspects
of my true nature.
I confirm the benevolence of the universe
with my selfless dedication
to all beings and non-beings.

Joyfully recite the following to revitalize yourself:

From all directions comes

the true, positive energy
which brings innumerable blessings.
All disasters are eliminated
and all miseries vanish.
Spirits of the Pure Origin protect me,
and the eyes of Heavenly Immortals watch over
me.
My life is peaceful and trouble-free
because I unite my heart and mind
with the eternal Tao.
The balancing, Universal Will
and my will become one.
The younger brothers and sisters, sons and
daughters
who learn the natural subtle truth
 follow the Tao and use this tradition
as their vantage point to unite with
the divine spiritual beings who guard the Shrine.
With endless salutations,
your humble descendant
is bathed in divine energy forever.

(Three salutations)

Simple But Sublime Marriage Ceremony

Tao is one.
It is the perfect harmony of the universe.
Tao divides itself into Heaven and Earth,
or yin and yang.
It manifests in men and women
as subtle yin/yang energies.
Men and women complement each other,
and each contains an integral part of the other.
As students of the Integral Truth,
a man and a woman
build their earthly relationship
on the refinement of their subtle energies.
They cultivate together
to reach a state of perfect harmony.
Therefore, their relationship remains untouched
by the constant changes of earthly life.
They unite their virtue in Tao
and their union is everlasting.
Their lovers' hearts transform to be rainbows,
that join each other in perfect harmony.
The golden ribbon on (bridegroom's name) neck
represents the sun.
The silver ribbon on (the bride's name) neck
represents the moon.
When the great symbols of yin and yang harmonize,
all beautiful creations come to earth.
In recognizing one another as husband and wife,
(bridegroom's name) and (bride's name)
wholeheartedly join each other to become one.
This beautiful marriage shall be fulfilled
by the witness of all your friends.
I pronounce you husband and wife,
and sanctify your marriage
to become a perfect union in Tao.
This Shrine of the Eternal Breath of Universal
Essence
offers three bells to celebrate
this beautiful marriage.

Ritual of Mind Ceremony

Since the beginning of time,
Tao has been manifesting.
It has been transmitted
for countless generations.
All things receive life from Heaven.
Heaven does not abandon people,
it is people who turn away from Heaven.
Because of Heaven's love
one is able to receive
the correct methods for self-cultivation.
Through Heaven's kindness,
one is able to melt away
the vicious qualities of one's old self
and rebuild kind qualities of a new self
that becomes more pure with each passing day.
As mental obstacles disappear,
the heart becomes bright with inner light.
Through diligent cultivation,
one will be benefitted
by many subtle spiritual responses
that reform one's life from the old way
to a new pure way.
One's chi becomes pure,
and the heart unites with Oneness.
When our activities are simple and clear,
life becomes naturally virtuous.
With sincerity and determination,
one is guided back to the Truth.
The heart reaches out to connect with Heaven.
The mystical secret of Heaven, Earth and Humanity
manifests before us.
The secret profundity of the spiritual truth
and the sacred meaning
of all mystical wonders become clear.
In order to transcend worldly, unrefined customs
and alleviate all sensory illusions and obstacles,
the root of life is recaptured,
and the Integral Way is attained.
When this profound decree is uncovered,
the clear, bright road can be traveled.
The gold and jade scriptures
become one's daily influences.
We are deeply grateful for this great fortune.

Verse of Sacred Dedication

We are thankful to be on the path
of truthful spiritual development.
It alone is the foundation for achieving the Integral
Way.
No longer do we wander or stray from the way of
Heaven,
like wandering spirits or homeless ghosts.
The Integral Way is engraved on our bones
and implanted in our hearts forever.
Those whose self-awareness is high
know that their spiritual life
is handed down from Heaven.
They stay connected and in harmony
with the root of everlasting life,
which is the true Heaven.
Those who are deluded indulge in shallow desires
or sink into deceptive, man-made religions.
Only with the help of an achieved one,
whose teachings are like priceless seeds,
can one cross over the river of illusion.
Correctly sown and nourished
with water, air and sunshine,
they will sprout and bear an abundant harvest.

If spiritually achieved ones did not have the mercy

to pilot us across the river of life,
we would never reach the other side.
If we are enabled to cross that river,
we vow to help others cross it also.
Without the guiding light
of spiritually achieved ones to help us navigate,
we would continue to suffer and drown in bitter
seas.
By traveling on the integral path
of righteousness and selflessness,
we set an example for others
who wish to travel on it also.
Spiritual descendants of the Universal Achieved Ones
cultivate the light within themselves
so they can manifest their light to help the world.
When one is enlightened,
one can safely guide oneself and others.
Our purpose and duty is to pass on the light
that can help others navigate through life.
As we travel the enlightened path of brightness,
we cast off our old and heavy impurities.
By borrowing from the unreal to cultivate the real
we renew our clarity
so that we can look upon the lives of others as our
own,
and regard their mistakes
as if we had made them ourselves.

The world is full of detrimental influences.

Only by following the Universal Way is one able to
embody the Heart of Heaven,
actualize the Will of Heaven,
manifest the Way of Heaven,
plant the seed of eternal wisdom,
 continue the teachings of the Universal Way,
cultivate unending virtuous fulfillment,
and strengthen the harmony between Heaven and
Earth.

To the generations of achieved ones

who have preserved the teachings of the
Universal Way
we vow to become seeds of truth
among all men and women.
We vow, from the bottom of our hearts,
to help those who suffer
learn how to transcend their delusions.
May the Heart of Heaven support us
in opening the correct gate of life
to those who want to save themselves.

Thus the heritage of the Universal Way will not be

broken,
the eternal wisdom of the achieved ones will
never end,
the teachings of universal oneness will never
perish,
and the gate to Heaven will always be open.

The Universal Way is our touchstone.

By following its example,
we learn to respect Heaven and love others.
We correct our own conduct and cultivate ourselves
with diligence and dedication.
Through our own virtuous fulfillment,
we sow the seeds of the Universal Way
of harmony and balance.
This divine tradition is protected by Heaven;
those who forsake their true nature
for meaningless things
cannot receive the sacred methods of the
Universal Way.
Thus we do not stray
from the righteousness of our true nature
in pursuit of excessive worldly pleasure or
possessions.

Because we are aware that the boundless grace of

Heaven
cannot be repaid,
we vow to follow the Universal Way
and continue its sacred methods
of spiritual self-cultivation.
We vow to make ourselves into living shrines
of the integral truth
and become gateways
 for those who seek to cross the river.
Those who are virtuous can learn
the sacred methods of spiritually achieving
themselves.
Those who are still struggling with worldly self-
deceptions
can be directed toward a place
where virtuous beings gather.
By persevering in the cultivation of positive virtues,
one benefits oneself and others.
We offer ourselves as servants of the Universal Way.
We are dedicated to improving ourselves
and cultivating ourselves with sincerity
so that we may unite with
the subtle spiritual truth of Oneness.
and build a ladder to Heaven for all to use.
May we become ships to help others across troubled
waters.
May we strive to achieve and gather
the virtuous light of Heaven,
and may it radiate from us
and guide the world to deep fulfillment.

Heaven Loves People

Though the way of Tao seems mysterious and remote,
it responds positively to the virtuous.
This is because people are born and nourished
by the universe.
In return, people should act according to the subtle
laws
of the universe.
In order to remain in harmony with the universe
one should not separate oneself from the whole.
Heavenly will is our will.
Heavenly work is our work.
Heavenly nature is not beyond the nature
of its descendants.
We are fortunate enough to know that Heaven is not
separate from our own integral beings.

Tao is transmitted directly from the Subtle Origin,

but the way of cultivating Tao
is handed down by our teachers.
The wisdom of the teacher is Heaven.
We humbly extend the Vow of Heaven
through which our heart may reach
the Heavenly sphere.
Heaven is our spiritual treasure,
always full and abundant.
Our virtue is the most valuable thing among
our wealth and properties.
May the gate of Heaven always be open to us.
May Heavenly grace always be bestowed upon us.
May Heavenly help always be with us.
May Heavenly joy always be firmly with us,
and Heavenly blessing never depart from us.
May our Heavenly nature be maintained without
pretense.
May our hearts rest in the fulfillment of our virtue.
May we be inspired by natural wisdom.
May the Heavenly steed with its invisible wings
take us into boundless space
with the expansion of Heaven.
May we always keep the company of Divine
Immortals.
May we be showered by inexhaustible
Heavenly blessing and grace.
May our lives constantly bathe in the divine melody
of grace.
May the creativeness of Heaven
assist our lives unfailingly
for many generations to come.
All these are Heavenly treasures
which can be achieved by a sincere heart.
We beseech Heaven to unite with
the sincere will and good intentions
of mankind and with all other lives.
Your humble offspring has nothing to offer
but this uncontaminated heart
and its Heavenly bestowed virtues.
To understand that the creative nature of Heaven
begins the world is to fulfill our virtue
without deviation or divergence.
The Heavenly truth is such that it is up
to the nature of man to return
to the Heavenly realm.
Heavenly blessings are connected with the
creative virtue of positiveness in mankind.
If man has the insight to maintain his original virtue,
Heavenly blessings manifest naturally.
If man follows the impartial and balanced
example of the Heavenly will with diligence,
then there will always be a happy response.
The only obstacle is the relative realm
of conceptual life.
Our hearts are deeply buried under layers of dusty
desire
which keep the blessings from springing forth
from our pure heart.
We ask the Heavenly heart to stay with us.
We are deeply aware that to indulge
in seeking selfish benefit
diminishes our life being,
 and to indulge in desire is to suffer.
We keep our intentions pure and clear
so we can express the harmony of Heaven.
We know that blessings come from a Heavenly nature,
but we have to rely upon ourselves through
cultivation.
We recognize our natural virtue as the reassurance
of our eternal life.
We will accomplish the Heavenly mission
with a devoted heart.
Therefore, your humble offspring wish to share the
blessing
of Tao with others,
and allow no wandering desires
to distract us from this sacred goal.
Humbly, we beseech the highest Divine One
to inspect our innermost vibration of mind.
All Heavenly beings, kindly watch over us.
Your humble offspring sincerely hope
that our wishes will be approved.

Our achievement lies in the fulfillment of our

Heavenly duty.
May Heaven grant us the blessing
of working endlessly to improve and renew our
lives
 by cleansing the body, mind and spirit
until they are as pure as spotless snow.
May the perseverance of our Heavenly spirit endure
forever.

Pure Heart Offering to the Integral Divine Realm

As Tai Chi manifests,
Heaven and Earth spontaneously evolve.
Clear, light chi rises to Heaven,
and mixed, heavy chi comes down to become
Earth.
A person who cultivates oneself in the right way
can surely become an integrated
model of Heaven and Earth.
With three thousand good deeds,
a person would be able to reform their short span
of life
to forty thousand epochs.
The altar of a pure heart's devotion would be
disclosed
with the burning incense in the cauldron,
and these Golden Chapters would be continued
in practice for generations to come.

(The offering of incense)

The fragrance of incense fills the Shrine,
and makes the auspicious chi rise to the sky.
We behold the splendid clouds of East and West,
and rightfully present our sincerity.
Devotedly, we bow to the Integral Divine Realm.

(Three bows. Set incense in incense holder.)

We dedicate our hearts through the burning of

this pure, fragrant incense, in accordance with
the fragrance and light of our virtuous
cultivation.

The radiance of our spontaneous response,

the beams of our unattached clear minds,
the aura of our self-natured mystical wonders,
the subtle light of our wisdom
in this altar of sincerity and piety,
become completely harmonized with
all lights of transcendence of the Earthly realms,
and all lights of the Heavenly realms.

This great harmony of spiritual light

is reflected as the inner light of our hearts.
We bow and sincerely offer this incense
with our harmonized inner light,
 to all divine immortals,
to all ancient achieved ones and to their
directly and indirectly inspired descendants
who achieved themselves to enter
the Heavenly Immortal Realm,
to those who embrace Heaven
and serve Tao throughout all time,
and to those enlightened with brilliant wisdom
and pure virtue in all eras.
The numerous divine beings who are reached
with our pure single mind shall respond to us
anywhere and anytime we have
their complete awareness.

The Great Path of divine Masters

and wondrous divine immortals
guides and supports us.
May our lives be a manifestation
of the Great Path of One Truth.
May we extend Heaven's kindness in our lives.
May we integrate our lives with the righteousness of
Heaven.
May our ancestors, our descendants, our friends
and everyone be inspired and guided by
the Great Path of the One Truth.
With great happiness we offer our devotion.
Because we sincerely cultivate ourselves
and serve people, we can forever bathe
in the joy of Heavenly blessings.
Let all other beings also receive this blessing.

We offer our life being

to the integral spiritual realm,
to the Great One of the Great Divine Path of One
Truth,
to the Great Eternal Body of Truth,
to the Great One of Universal Natural Wisdom,
to the Great One of all Virtuous Fulfillment,
to the Great One of Eternal Passages of All
Formed Existence,
to the Great One of the Most Approachable Truth
of Life,
to the Great Protector of the Truth of Life,
to the Great Generals, taming the wildness of all
minds with quietude,
to the Great One of Transmitting the Truth of the
Universe as One's Life Body,
to the Great One of Integralness of Total
Existence,
to the most noble of all common, fundamental
beings,
to the truth carriers,
to the messengers of truth,
to the supporters of truth,
to the followers of truth,
to the achieved divine ones who successfully
opened the six spiritual channels of divine
abilities of sense and mystical responsive power,
to the spiritual messengers of the Nine Palaces,
to the eight manifestations of nature which
exercise the way of subtle integration,
to the divine lords of the sixty combinations of
natural energies of Heavenly Stems and Earthly
Branches
to the Six Ding, universal yin energies, as helpful
Jade girls,
to the Six Jia, universal yang Energies, as Divine
Commanders,
to the Six Yen, Yang Water Energies, as wise
advisors,
to the Twelve Heavenly guardians,
to the Twelve Heavenly Generals,
to the Thirty-six Heavenly Powers,
to the Seventy-two Earthly Powers,
to the messengers of the Shiens who reach
everywhere,
to the Five Divinities of the five directions,
 to the angels from the ten directions,
to the executives of the invocations and secret
spiritual words,

to the Four Meritorious Officials of the year,

month, day and hour,
to all the true assistant divinities of spiritual
practices,
to the Heavenly deities and generals who at any
time respond to summons and prayers,
to the spiritual troops and generals who are ever-
responsive,
to the golden-armored deity and golden-winged
angels.
As students of Tao we devote ourselves to serving the
truth
and are recognized by these Golden Words.
We all bathe in the love of Heaven.

May divine mercy and subtle virtue be with us.

May our altar manifest Tao and spread the subtle law
as the virtuous way of eternal life.
With deep sincerity, all responses are reached.

To reach Heaven above and Earth below,

and to help kind and innocent
 human beings in between,
we aid the righteous, stop aggression,
and support the virtuous against evil
inside and outside our life being.

When people are virtuous, their spiritual practice

is responded to by the divine realm
and all their goals can be achieved.

In order to become a vessel of the true path,

we follow the way of Heavenly blessings,
which is to give.
Thus beneficial kindness permeates
all realms of our existence.

As humble students, we unify our hearts and minds

throughout all lifetimes.
We continue the natural virtue from above
by diligently achieving subtle divine merit
and by sincerely offering ourselves to the
universal life source with utmost respect.
The Golden Palace of Heavenly Beams,
the true center of Heaven's silent expansion,
the very root of Tao,
envelops the manifest and unmanifest,
the beginning and end.
The Jade Emperor is the Heart of the universe
and the true nature of the subtle law.
He is the embodiment of all wonders
and is the true model of all great Masters
and of all Heavenly Immortals.

To Yu Heng Shan Ti, the Supreme One of Great

Balance,
we bow.

To the most divine, subtle, and everlasting Heaven,

the origin of all spirits, the source of life,
and the source of the Jade Fountain of healing,
we bow.

To the highly sacred and divine,

the most mystical energy of Heaven,
transformed as the seven original Shiens,
the Big Dipper, the symbol of varying Heavenly
order,
we bow.

To the high ruler of mystical Heaven,

the nobly true being of the North Pole,
who is the symbol of the ancient virtuous model
and benevolent Master of the ten thousand
 spirits,
the kind father of all living beings who eliminates
suffering and forgives all sins,
the great mercy and hope of the world,
the nobly virtuous and benevolent,
the highly divine and deeply merciful,
the sublime harmony of nine Heavens,
the Heavenly divinity who arouses thunder,
the source of all transformation,
we bow.

To the Subtle Purple Light of the Divine Palace,

the honorable Emperor of
the Sun Palace and Moon Mansion,
the five stars of the sun rays,
the Northern and Southern stars,
the Big Dipper and Tien Li (Heavenly Law),
the uncountable stars in Heaven,
the administrator of yin and yang,
the maintainer of law in the universe,
the king of all stars in the Jade Heaven,
the ruler of the evolution of lives,
the supreme Queen of Creation,
the Emperor above the North Pole,
we bow.
To the primal undivided Oneness of all Heavens,
the disseminating King of Law
who transmits teachings and possesses
the foremost awareness of the human realm
to aid and pilot the suffering of the multitudes,
who assists in cultivating the truth and
awareness of Tao to benefit all under Heaven,
and dispenses with disasters and obstacles,
who possesses eighty-two ways of transformation,
we bow.

To the brilliant Shiens of all teachings,

the Great Masters of the truthful tradition,
we bow.

To the benevolent and merciful ones who save us

from suffering and cast away hardship,
the overall supervisors of the three realms
of Heaven, Earth, and Man,
the diligent messengers who roam in the high
Heavens,
we bow.

To the powerful stars,

starting with the Big Dipper, and on its right and
left,
 the guards of Heavenly law and supporters of
truth,
the Great Generals, helpers of the world and
people,
we bow.

To the Heavenly Guard and the aid of Heavenly

movement,
the true power and divine responsive energy
which bless the virtuous and spread happiness,
the true spirits of kindness and righteousness,
and supporters of the virtuous individual's fate,
we bow.

To the blessing spirit and unruling ruler of the world,

the virtuous, formless minister of Yu Shu,
minister of evil-quelling, who is the
transformer of the Golden Palace,
we bow.

To the mysterious Heaven of universal sovereignty,

the divine court of the Purple Light Empire,
the guards of law within the three realms of
existence,
the sole ruler of ten thousand spirits,
we bow.
To the Heavenly virtue expressed as Heavenly deities,
the subtle rays of purple light that
confer all blessings and respond to our hearts,
we bow.

To the sublime Earthly deities who pardon people's

transgressions and forgive their mistakes,
the divinity that responds to our mind
of broadness and impartiality,
we bow.

To the sublime virtuous energy of delivery,

the official of relieving distress, the divinity of
seeing
the unseeable who responds to our conduct,
we bow.

To the Master governors of the three Primal Realms,

the thirty-six thousand most responsive deities,
who provide for everything all the time,
who listen to prayers and respond to sincerity,
we bow.

To the numberless and boundless golden armor

spirits,
 Heavenly kings, Heavenly generals,
Star generals, Star lords, and Star deities,
we bow.

To the numberless and boundless

Heavenly lords, Divine lords,
spiritual messengers, Heavenly ambassadors,
Star Shiens and Star Spirits,
we bow.

To the female Shiens and truly integral beings,

inquisitive spirits and spiritual officials,
barefoot immortals,
and all other graceful beings,
we bow.

To all the nameable and unnameable Shiens,

the happy immortals,
together we are harmonized
with true sincerity as a universal offering.

With sincere virtue we devotedly offer our pure heart

in complement to the divine influences
which are ever manifesting and responsive.
Our own lives are also the complement of the
divine blessing of longevity.
We further ask for mercy for the turmoil of the world,
and pity upon the misfortunes
caused by human mischief.
Good and evil are distinguished
in the books of the three Primal Realms.
Honor the pure of heart and protect the disciplined.
Reply to sincere prayers with joy.
Eliminate disasters and dispel sins.
Send blessings from Heaven and lengthen our lives.
This is the work of the most truly
divine and wondrous being.
The merits of virtue are bestowed upon all,
especially the benevolent and aspiring,
the nobly virtuous and kind.

Please allow us, the students of truth,

to aid the true law and offer the
Divine Way as a guide for the ignorant.
With this virtue, we can face all the divine beings and
Grand Masters at the meetings of all Heavenly
Shiens
in the high spiritual mountains when
gathering for spiritual achievement.
We extend ourselves to be a spiritual shelter and
aid to all so that our cultivation and service are
evidence of the Heavenly Law that realizes
 benefit to others from a pure heart.
Thus we can obtain the correct fruits of our
cultivation.

May our hearts be pure, harmonious and peaceful.

May our Great Truth flourish and our worldly work

be prosperous and not offended by evil.
May all auspicious blessings be conferred.
May the benefits of yin and yang abundantly aid our
being
and may we always be sheltered by Heaven.

Divine virtue and Heavenly love permeate our lives.

As the fragrance and clouds from the invisible
incense of my heart spread luxuriously,
so do everlasting blessings from Heaven.
With devotion we meet the most supreme
of all Heavenly Shiens.
From five directions descends true chi,
bringing with it a hundred blessings.
All disasters are eliminated and
ten thousand miseries vanish.

The spirits of the Three Origins protect us,

and the eyes of ten thousand Shiens watch over
 us.
Our lives are peaceful and trouble free
because we unite our hearts and minds
with the eternal Tao.
The universal will and our will become one.

Because our younger brothers, sisters,

sons and daughters follow the Tao
and use this tradition as their vantage point,
divine spiritual beings often visit our Shrine.
With one hundred salutations,
we are bathed in divine energy forever.
We pray that our longevity will be boundless
and our spiritual effectiveness will continue
eternally.

Our life being resides with the everlasting

life beings of all divinities.
All divinities live within our spiritual being.
This is our spiritual vision, purified and unified.
This is our spiritual reality.
This is our direction.
CHAPTER 9

Cultivation Is a Lifetime Process

Be Clear about Your Spiritual Direction
Most religions impose strict disciplines on their
followers in order to placate their emotional needs. Since
most of these organizations are more social than spiritual,
transcending the ego or relative world is difficult. Also, the
intellect and emotions are so strongly emphasized that
reaching beyond the temporal in order to experience the
infinite, unchanging Oneness becomes almost hopeless.
These religions merely substitute one illusion for another.
Since before recorded history, the true spiritual method
of simplicity, calmness and ease has been handed down to
us by our teachers. These teachings are not overly
concerned with the relative world and may not appear as
colorful as others; nevertheless they do lead more directly
to the highest levels of spirit.
Even the attainment of many wonderful spiritual
experiences should be seen only as the beginning, because
those levels of achievement are limited. Each experience
can only be considered as another phenomenon of the great
wholeness that is Tao. With this understanding, one will not
be misguided to be egotistic by partial spiritual
experiences or by any religion that only encourages partial
development.

Twelve Fundamental Principles of Self-Development

1. Tao is the Subtle Origin and Primal Energy of the
universe. We recognize the Subtle Origin of the universe as
the Mysterious Mother of existence and non-existence.
The universe is naturally so; it was neither created nor
designed. Even though there is no personified creator, Tao -
the primal energy which exercises and develops itself -
brings forth all manifestations of the universe. The original
energy becomes the subtle law of its manifestation.
Everything manifested and unmanifested is a spontaneous
expression of the nature of the Subtle Origin; no
intentional design is needed.
The universe is an energy network of its own
connectedness. All individual beings and things are under
the influence of the energy net in the vast arena of the
universe. The energy net is the natural administrative
system. The freedom of all things and beings is prescribed
exactly. If we indulge in our strong passions, emotions,
desires and ambitions, the influence of the energy net will
be very strong. If our energy is light, the influence of the
energy net will also be light. If we lead normal lives, in
harmony with the universe, we will see no sign of the
existence of an energy net at all. In this universe, each life
is responsible for itself.
Nobody can assign an external God to be his savior.
However, spiritual aid will sometimes come in the form of
kind and highly evolved persons or natural beings who
stretch out helping hands. A person may also have good
fortune when his energy moves into a favorable cycle.
Great awareness is needed to discern whether a person is
really being helped in spiritual growth or whether he is just
responding to the illusion of religious enthusiasm caused
by emotional indulgence.

2. The existence of Tao is absolute. Whether one is aware

of Tao or not, all beings receive their life energy from Tao.
Some follow the subtle law consciously, while others
follow it unconsciously. Yet with or without awareness, Tao
is the essence of all life. To be ignorant of Tao, the subtle
truth, is to live in blindness. To know Tao is to see clearly.
Therefore, we follow only the absolute, nameless, original
Oneness of the universe, which is the essence of our life. If
we violate Tao, we annihilate our own life. We cannot exist
without Tao. We reject all man-made names and religious
concepts which were created for a second-rate mind. They
confuse and obstruct our direct experience of truth. The
Integral Way is gentle. Brute force is the low-level of some
religions, but it is never the spiritual truth of a high being.
3. Our inner intention is to clarify and purify our own
spirit. Our outer intention is to extend care and kindness to
all beings and things. We refine our emotions and desires
to be as light as possible in order to maintain ourselves as a
high level being. We do not indulge in passionate love or
hate. Temper and passion are by no means our ruler. In this
way we avoid any downfall. We also avoid religious
emotionalism. As a spiritual child, religious emotionalism
may function to initiate one's journey back to the Source.
However, as a spiritual adult, religious emotionalism will
prevent direct union with Tao. To follow Tao, the subtle law,
is to follow the integration of the universe with harmonious
life-giving energy. To follow religious emotion is to form
prejudice and nurture hostility, and as a consequence, invite
death.

4. We practice conservation in our lives, particularly with

regard to our energy. We do not scatter our energy or
distract our minds with frivolous, unnecessary activities.
We avoid wasting energy through arguments, restless
nonsense (busy work), fidgety behavior, and meddling in
the affairs of others. In this way we preserve the integrity
of our spirit and enjoy harmony with the universe. We keep
a hermit's spirit in a busy worldly life.
5. We bravely and earnestly face the truth of life. We do not
undertake spiritual cultivation as an escape from the reality
of life, as may be the case in some religions. A simple,
plain and natural life is essential to spiritual completeness.
Wu Wei, or the way of non-contention, is our highest
discipline.

6. We follow the constant virtue and normalcy of the

universe as the model of our life. The guideline of a
spiritual life is to keep a clear mind and have few desires.

7. We practice neither asceticism nor wantonness. We

enjoy the beauty, richness and nobility of life, and we
practice the principles of right purpose, right method and
right timing according to the universal subtle law of energy
response. This sacred spiritual tradition can be maintained
only by those who lead disciplined, simple and righteous
lives. Initially, discipline is rendered by the teacher to
awaken the disciple. An aspect of self-discipline is
abstinence from drugs, coffee and excessive consumption
of alcohol and other similar substances which are obstacles
to spiritual refinement. Later, the developed individual is
guided directly by Tao.

8. Sincerity, purity of heart and good deeds can lift an

ordinary life to the divine realm. However, we do not
disrupt the simplicity of life to create artificial
opportunities to do good. This kind of effort is
unnecessary, for a simple life is divine in itself. To learn
Tao, fundamentally, is to live a simple, natural, and essential
life. It means we deny trivialities and avoid unnecessary
activities. In this way, we integrate our spirit.

9. The Teachers of this ancient tradition of Tao and of Ch'an

(also spelled Zahn or Zen) are our spiritual pioneers and
examples.

10. The clarity, purity and harmony of your own energy is

the reality of union with Tao. Heavy energy (including
emotional force and psychological cloudiness) is an
obstruction to true spiritual growth. The teaching of
spiritual cultivation is broader than limited religious
teachings. Most religions depend on the psychological
weakness of human beings. Some use mass hypnosis in the
attempt to help control people's cloudy minds. They
mistake emotionalism for spirit. Thus, most religions
foster self-assertiveness, prejudice, development of ego,
and hostility, which are spiritual pitfalls. Sons and
daughters of Tao must be above this and all things. Spiritual
cultivation integrates one's being with the wholeness of the
universe.
11. Sanity is the essential foundation for learning Tao. It is
also the basis for the development and subjective evolution
of one's own being. Without a sound body and mind there is
no hope of attaining Tao, the subtle origin. The temporal
phenomenon of madness is not encouraged in the path of
spiritual cultivation. Criminal stories, ghost stories, or
even most religious stories are not food for a good mind.

12. We adopt Master Ni's works as the modern elucidation

of the teaching of the ancient achieved ones. Those who
accept the above spiritual principles are recognized by this
tradition as its spiritual heirs.

The Necessary Qualities of a True Student of Spiritual

Development
Are your spiritual roots firmly and deeply planted
in the Tao?
Are you truly virtuous and sincere?
Are you willing to transform yourself
and eliminate all negative attitudes and habits?
Are you willing to build
a stable and broad personality?
Are you willing to plunge yourself
into the sacred ocean of natural spiritual culture
and aspire to become an achieved one?
If a student is without these essential qualities,
 even if the highest methods of Tao
are passed along, he or she will not understand
them
or derive any benefit from them.
On the contrary, spiritual growth may be impeded.

The Correct Attitude of a True Student of Spiritual

Development
A good student humbly and gratefully
accepts the teacher
in order to go straightly forward
on the path of Tao.
With love, gratitude, and sincerity
the student respectfully accepts
instruction from the teacher.
The student faithfully follows,
serves and obeys the teacher,
who is the embodiment of Tao.
The student should be willing to dedicate his mind,
his spirit, and even his whole being
to the teacher and his teaching.
Only a spiritually mature student
can recognize the teacher as he truly is.
A student who is foolish enough
to rely only on cleverness
will endlessly go around and around
 in the false illusions of ego.
A student who remains single-purposed
and unceasing in his self-cultivation
will surely attain the goal
of true spiritual achievement.

Qualities of a True Teacher

A teacher is a Heavenly Shien
who has come to live in the world.
He is the Tao become a human being.
He is a spiritual light to all those in darkness,
and the embodiment of divine energy.
To be with him is to experience living Truth.
He is the revelation of the mystery
of Heaven, Earth and Man.
He has fully developed and integrated
all aspects of his being.
His life is an expression of wisdom and pure law.
He has unconditional love for all lives.
His smile radiates light, wisdom and bliss.
His mind is as deep and all-encompassing
as the Tao.
He has transcended the mystery of life and death,
and has broken the dream-like quality
of his own mental faculty.
His personal nature is one with the Tao.
His speech and behavior are the fruit
of his own spiritual attainment,
responding to the personalities
and environments he encounters.
He teaches selflessly,
not out of a desire
for self-aggrandizement.
He is the true father, true mother,
true brother and true friend
of his students.
His grace always shines on them,
illuminating the dark corners
of their minds.
He shares his divine energy with them,
and is always aware of their problems.
He dissolves their pain in his ocean
of compassion.
Before his eyes he sees
only the true nature of his students.
And when they are ready
to give up their false pretenses,
their sadness, imperfections and
false personalities quickly fade away.
He knows the traps and obstacles of life,
and can guide a student
out of troubled waters
 if the student is wise enough
to take his precious guidance.
His lion's roar scoldings
awaken students who are lost.
A teacher can awaken the students'
divine energy and lead him or her
to enlightenment.
He can direct their stream of life
into the infinite ocean of Tao.

The purpose of the teaching of Tao is not to establish a

rigid relationship between teacher and student, leader and
follower, or to make people belong to one thing or another.
Neither is it intended to create obligations or
commitments outside of teachings. A real spiritual
relationship is not limited by form or protocol;
formlessness is an important characteristic of true spiritual
teachings. Only through self-cultivation did the great ones
achieve. Being natural and original and not attaching to
form is where spiritual truth can be found.

When You Have the Opportunity to be Close to

a Truly Achieved Teacher
In order not to abuse the opportunity which enables you
to learn the spiritual truth from a true teacher of natural
spiritual truth, some suggestions are given below for those
of you who wish to obtain the benefit from making him or
her your spiritual symbol.

When you have a question concerning the techniques

of your self-cultivation: Extend the most important
question in your mind directly. He or she will then respond
to you accordingly and effectively.

When you have an important spiritual problem

concerning your life or your understanding, or when you
have an urgent question that needs an immediate
response: All books of the same teacher, if he or she is
truly achieved, will answer you where and when it is right.
You will receive the answers by reading.

Do not bother the teacher of spiritual achievement

with trivial matters: The teacher should not have to
concern himself with such things. He maintains a spirit of
unstained innocence and simplicity and one should
respectfully avoid troubling him with the complicated
matters of worldly life. To the beginner who is still
entangled in the snares of the world and his own emotions,
all things however small seem large. If you bother the
teacher with such matters, you will receive no answer. The
answers to these kinds of problems should come through
one's own cultivation and work on oneself. Never complain
if the teacher does not take your problems away, for they
are your own manifestation.

Do not use worldly techniques to approach a teacher:

You may flatter him and he would accept your flattery. You
may bribe him and he would probably take the gift
innocently. You may offer your favors to him and he may
accept them. All of these are worldly approaches. In this
way you can touch the teacher's worldly aspects, but you
will not get to the precious truth. The only way one can gain
true benefit from him is by making oneself more receptive
through faithful, loyal, stable and consistent cultivation.
Through self-achievement, your spiritual eyes and ears will
open. With sharpened sensitivity you will become closer to
him. However, the teacher's spiritual attainment is different
from yours, so the Heavenly level where he truly resides is
also different. You can try to understand some aspects of
the teacher, but only through stable, consistent cultivation
will the higher levels gradually become known.

Do not use worldly criteria in an attempt to

understand or explain the teacher: A teacher looks quite
ordinary and not very different from yourself. How much
you will know of him depends upon your own mental and
spiritual abilities. These abilities grow according to your
own self-discipline and cultivation. The more they grow,
the more responsive he can be to your life and cultivation.
You can do this with only two virtues: love and respect.
Love without respect may impede your own spiritual
evolution. Respect without love will never allow you to
become close enough to him to receive the Light of
Wisdom for your sanctification.

Do not try to use the teacher for selfish or egotistical

purposes: Students should never try to use the teacher's
spiritual achievement or reputation for their own self-
aggrandizement or ask the teacher to do something for
them. In other words, do not make the teacher your servant.
Most advanced students know that the teacher's presence
alone is enough to calm their mind and dissolve their
illusions, for the teacher, who is a living symbol of
simplicity and empathy for all, has a thorough
understanding of them. The main concern of a good student
is only how best to serve and follow the teacher rather than
what he or she can get from him. Their relationship is
simply the spirit of selfless service. With this spirit one
can swim in the spiritual ocean of grace of all past
teachers.

Do not hold any preconceived notions about the

teacher: To have any notions that the teacher should be this
way or that is to invite confusion and disappointment. The
teacher is a natural and spontaneous being. This means that
you can never be sure how he will react in any given
circumstance. Being a clear reflection of all that goes on
around him, he is quite capable of reflecting your highest
or your lowest states. To see him is often to see the
reflection of your own worst traits. In these circumstances,
the teacher is allowing you to see and deal with your
weaknesses and character flaws through him, so do not
doubt his instruction or subtle suggestion. Keep an open,
trustful mind at all times, and your cultivation will proceed
smoothly.

Serve the teacher selflessly: The teacher is a

manifestation of your own spirit. He exists within you and
you exist within him. He encourages your spirit to be
selfish in the correct way, i.e., through selflessness. To
selflessly serve the teacher is ultimately to serve yourself.
This is the key to putting yourself into the mainstream of
the Eternal Tao. Through this process you will experience
that the relationship with the teacher is not only person to
person, but a unification of yourself with the past, present
and future of the universe. In other words, to be in harmony
with the teacher is to be in harmony with life itself. Being
good to the teacher is the first and last step in your life of
spiritual cultivation and discipline. By holding onto this
principle firmly, you will have a smooth and successful life
as a student of high spiritual truth and you will realize the
three spiritual realms: the Heaven of Great Purity, the
Heaven of Crystal Purity, and the Heaven of Utmost Purity,
manifesting in your life. You will fulfill your sacred destiny
and rank as a Shien in the Heavenly Family.
The subtle influence of the teacher's power will come
only when a student has a sincere, honest and receptive
spirit. Do not be too forceful, whether negatively or
positively, because such strong energy interferes with his
subtle influence. Do not urge him to do anything for you,
but instead let him respond when the time is right.
His power cannot be used for individual purposes. His
power is the manifestation of the divine energy of the
universe which is pure, stainless and without inclinations or
preferences. Only in this way can he efficiently and
effectively produce the right response in the right person.
An impure desire to use this highest power to benefit only
oneself can never be fulfilled. To summon a teacher of
Heaven or Earth, you must remember this basic principle
or else your prayers will be in vain and you will
unnecessarily limit yourself. To be selfish is to be against
the true nature of Tao.

The Tao Guan (Spiritual Retreat)

A Tao Guan is a place, though it literally means to
observe your life objectively. It might seem to resemble a
church or monastery but in fact is not anything like either
one. It is rather a workshop, a living fountain and a small
universe. It is not limited to only one aspect of life.
Positive endeavors can originate in and flourish from the
spiritual nurturing found in a Tao Guan. It usually consists
of a few buildings, a garden, classrooms, a healing center
and herb room, and is always centered around a shrine. The
shrine invites harmonious interchange with natural spirits
and deities. It also gives recognition to such human
qualities as morality, decency, sanity, independence,
mellowness, love of nature, universal love and other
positive virtues.

How to Use the Shrine to Be More Beneficial to Your

Spiritual Practice
Build the shrine with the same respect you would show
your own sublime beingness. It should be treated as a
sacred place; an oasis of good energy. People who are
highly sensitive are at once aware of the power and
sacredness of the subtle energy of a shrine when they enter
it.
When entering, bow to the center of the shrine. This
salutation is an offering of respect and humility to the
spiritual world and to the achieved immortal beings of our
spiritual lineage. A careless attitude can literally close the
channels of receptivity and greatly lessen the experience of
internal guidance.
If it is necessary to speak in the shrine, speak softly
with sensitivity so as not to disturb others. The shrine is not
a place to gossip or carry on conversations.
Do not lie down in the shrine. Do not extend your feet
toward the center of the shrine or the teacher, and do not
turn your back to the shrine.
Everything in the shrine has its proper place. Do not
move the sacred instruments without permission. They are
never to be used as playthings.
Do not sit in the teacher's chair.
Do not engage in any discussion of a trivial nature. The
shrine is a place of sharing in spirit and subtle energy.
Do not lead guests who do not have respect into the
shrine. The results of such disrespectful intrusions are
serious.
Never bring pets into the shrine.
The responsibility to protect the sacredness of the
shrine lies in your sincerity of heart.
Wherever a shrine is, the immortals of our long
tradition come to help and guide the spiritual cultivation of
their spiritual descendants.
All three great realms reside within the shrine: the
Great Origin of Purity, the great Origin of Clarity, and the
Great Origin of Harmony.
 How to Arrange Your Personal Shrine
A personal shrine serves to develop your connection
with the high spiritual realms. To set up your shrine the
following guidelines are recommended.
Choose a nice, clean place in your home that will
remain undisturbed. Locate the shrine in the center of this
area and in an elevated position. The symbols used in the
Shrine represent the divinities of the three spiritual realms.
The covers of Master Ni's first three books in English were
chosen to serve this purpose and can be placed on stands to
occupy a central place on the table or shelf. Offerings of
fruits or flowers are placed in front of the divinities.
Keep the shrine simple and uncluttered. Only the
highest, most sublime images of the immortal tradition of
Tao should be used. To complete your shrine, a portrait of
Master Lu, Tung Ping or another highly achieved immortal
can be placed above the altar, or you may use any other
symbol that spiritually uplifts you.

Expressions of the Integral Way of Life

1. We are not a vulgar religion that tempts people with
external spiritual promises.

2. We are a trans religious integral path of universal

truth.
 3. We follow this path with the purpose of achieving
universal subtle integration, the great oneness expressed as
Tao.

4. Our path is not a new invention, and neither is it a

new mixture of all the old. It is the high guidance of the
Universal Divine Realm through the self-awareness of
achieved people of all generations.

5. We transcend all discriminating names and concepts

and reach directly for the unnamable reality of universal
subtle truth.

6. We exalt no particular image or doctrine, but follow

the eternal truth of universal Oneness.

7. We do not focus on worldly confusion, but direct our

attention to spiritual integration, the dissolving of our self.

8. Our way does not involve itself in discrimination and

partialities which fragment human nature and disharmonize
our involvement in life. Nor do we create any alienation by
insisting on integral mindedness. We see the world not
through fragmented vision, but through the integral view.

9. We ask no commitment from anyone who joins us.

We offer ourselves to universal love. For this reason, we
offer ourselves to all humanity.

10. These statements are not external commandments

imposed upon us, but expressions of our own deep
awareness and our willingness to follow that awareness.

The Spiritual Origin and Teaching of the Integral Way

Integral beings are spiritual immortals. These subtle
beings exist in realms that transcend time and space. They
were the first beings to come from the pure, creative
energy of the Subtle Origin of the universe which existed
long before the creation of Heaven and Earth.
The Integral Beings have continuously exerted a subtle
influence, not only on mankind and earthly events, but also
on the events of the entire universe. Since the beginning of
time, all things are constantly changing under the universal
law of transformation. Only the immeasurable Integral
Beings are beyond degeneration because of their
continuous, instantaneous renewal through self-mastery.
In the beginning, the Earth was uninhabited. The original
beings from the Subtle Origin of the universe combined
themselves with the yin, or physical energy, of the Earth
and thus gave birth to mankind. Naturally, they became the
earliest, true ancestors of the human race. The first
inhabitants of Earth were faithful to their divine nature, so
it was not necessary for them to cultivate or discipline
themselves. They spontaneously enjoyed full, effective
lives without needing to use intellectual functions. Because
their energy was pure and complete they did not require
self-refinement. They lived long and abundant lives.
However, after many generations passed, mankind began to
degenerate and their subtle, divine energy gradually
dissipated. It became necessary for human beings to
develop their intellect to compensate for the loss of ability
to respond spontaneously to the environment.
Humankind has within itself the divine essence from
the Subtle Origin, but during the course of history its
divinity has been covered over by many layers of mental
creations, acquisitions and confusion. Originally, the mind
was the intermediary of the spirit and the physical body, but
because its role became overplayed, it overpowered the
main pillars of human existence, i.e., spirit and the physical
body. As a result, humanity has become progressively out
of balance and harmony. It became necessary for mankind
to invent moral ethics and religion to rectify prevalent
negative thinking and behavior. Many religious and social
doctrines were created in an attempt to reestablish order
and harmony in people's lives. The more the intellect is
developed, the less spiritually effective mankind becomes,
until people can no longer help themselves spiritually. The
byproduct of the overly developed mind are endless
calamities.
Through transgression of the laws of nature,
unfortunate events happen to people like waves on a stormy
sea which make them more and more entangled in
negativity. During the early stages of development, when
humanity was still uncorrupted, the High Beings frequently
descended to Earth and befriended its inhabitants. After the
human mind became spoiled, the High Beings made only
brief visits to Earth in an attempt to rescue mankind and
subtly change the destiny of the world. They come to the
world and take human form in order to teach the most
virtuous people the way back to their divine origin and to
try to protect all people from the negativity which has
arisen as a result of the loss of their subtle divine energy.
The Integral Beings who were our first ancestors are
the divine origin of humanity. Even though their example
and teachings have been scattered down through the ages,
their tradition has not been entirely lost. We can still obtain
the most precious enlightenment enabling us to free
ourselves from the bondage and attraction to our illusions,
and at the same time restore ourselves to the simplicity and
integrity of our natural being. The Integral Beings'
teachings are left in the world as a ferry to help people
cross their own troubled waters. The choice of disciples is
very strict. Only those with the highest degree of sincerity
and willingness to accept responsibility for their own
spiritual evolution can be received by this sacred tradition.
Only through purification and self-refinement can one hope
to attain self-transcendence and completely unite with Tao.
Every level of existence expresses its own particular
nature as a result of the specific energy formation it
contains. For example, some beings are suited to live in air,
some in water, and so forth. However, all beings are
produced from the same creative, generating energy of the
universe which is generally referred to as Tao. All
manifestations are offspring of this primal energy, the
subtle source of the universe. Each classification of energy
formation exists as a universe unto itself, with its own
measurement and awareness or unawareness of time and
space.
The principal classifications of energy formation are
the spiritual realm, the mental realm, humanity and Earth,
all of which comprise the vast universe. The human body, as
a microcosm of the universe, contains and thereby is
connected with all three principal classifications of energy
formation. The head embodies Heaven, or spirit; the middle
part or the chest embodies Man, or mind; and the lower part
of the trunk (the lower abdomen) embodies Earth, or
physical energy. Another way of describing this would be to
say that spirit is the core, mind is the undergarment, and the
physical body is the overcoat.
Tao reveres the Divine Primacy, the creative energy of
the universe. This energy is the highest of all Heavens and
is the originator of the harmonious order of the universe. It
is the subtle law of the universe and the divine nature of all
creation. It is Tao. There are many forms of energy in the
universe. The original, creative energy has twisted and
distorted itself into many different reflections. These
reflections are not the Tao. All phenomena are the
offspring of this subtle, generating energy which in ancient
times was revered and titled Ti, the stem or stalk of the
total universal existence, or later the Jade Emperor, the
undecayed one. It is only the Tao which this divine tradition
reveres.
From the original divine substance came all the
variations of the universe. The Integral Beings were the
first manifestations of this original, creative energy. They
are the most essential and respected beings in the universe.
The number of beings is unknowable. According to the law
of energy response, if there is a difficulty, High Beings
pave the way to the solution. However, the frequency of
one's energy must be the same frequency as that of the
Integral Beings in order to obtain a response from them.
This stream of eternal spirit responds to the divine way of
self-cultivation whereby one can refine one's energy to
become the same quality as that of the Heavenly Immortals.
It is necessary to have the guidance of a Master or
teacher's energy which is truly responsive to the Integral
Realm so that the sacred method of spiritual immortality
may be passed to us, enabling us to refine ourselves,
achieve the fullness of our true divine nature and connect
ourselves with the Integral Realm. Thus we can enjoy an
eternal life of happiness. The man or woman who is chosen
to be a disciple of this divine tradition must be earnest and
sensitive. The sacred method is esoteric and cannot be
passed to people with unstable virtue. All offerings must be
made out of sincerity and service to the teacher and must
be done with utmost respectfulness to the Heavenly Shiens.
The teacher lives in this world as a ferry to mankind and as
a spiritual ocean of the universe.
In this book I have outlined the goals for a good modern
student of spiritual cultivation. There are five things that
one who follows the Natural Path needs to learn. The first
is the natural knowledge of life, which includes diet and
daily regimen. I have given the basic information on both of
these subjects in my second book, Tao, the Subtle
Universal Law, in the diet class in Book I of 8,000 Years
of Wisdom and in references in several other books.
The second thing is the principle of integration. Rather
than valuing only one part of life, people of Integral Truth
value life in its totality. Some religious paths only value
what they call spiritual and discard the physical or material
sphere. Eventually they end up being more materialistic
than anyone else. Generally speaking, everyone is rooted in
the material sphere and no one can neglect it. For this
reason, the teaching of Tao always takes the integral path.
On the physical level you might learn Dao-In (energy
channeling), Chi Kung (Chi Gong), or some other energy
guidance such as the Eight Treasures or Tai Chi. Whatever
your practice, just be sure that it does not move in the
direction of a martial art. Work only for your spiritual
integration and follow the principles I have recommended
in my books, and you will be safe.
The third thing is to work for natural wisdom. Many
people live in darkness and cannot see things clearly
because of formalized concepts and emotions which are
meaningless for the most part and only obstruct the truth.
My other books will help ignite your inner light and guide
you in breaking through psychological confusion and the
obscurity of your spiritual blind spots. For those who
already live in the light, there is no such thing as wisdom or
enlightenment. When you bring the high truth down to the
expressible level, they appear to have a cause and thus
become relative. In the highest levels, there is no such
thing as darkness or enlightenment.
The fourth thing is pure spiritual practice as
recommended in this book and in my other books. Here I
give the basic formula, but not the exact procedures, such
as what needs to be done first, what needs to be done
second, how long it must be practiced, and in what kind of
environment, etc. The treasure map is already in your
hands. While you have an opportunity to learn the
procedures of spiritual cultivation, your work on this book
can lead you to strengthen your spiritual being, and help to
establish self-protection from the attack of evil spirits. You
still have the possibility of reaching your spiritual goals.
Your achievement depends on how serious and
concentrated you are in working on your own spiritual
development. When the time comes, with the knowledge of
the correct procedures, in only forty-nine days you can
become aware of your spiritual organs, make them
serviceable, and even verify the existence of the spiritual
realm. However, I see no value in the demand for quick
results or quick knowledge just for the sake of knowing.
You still need to continue to practice even after reaching
the goal.
The fifth thing pertains to sexual practices. When you
have sexual relations, how should you do it? This
knowledge can benefit your whole life, not just your sex
life. For the general public I already made my
recommendations in 8,000 Years of Wisdom, Book II.
Another publication, Harmony: the Art of Life, also serves
this purpose.
All the material I have put here is to assist you in
building a foundation. It will especially strengthen your
virtuous fulfillment and aid in concentration. The
establishment of one's true spiritual body and contact with
the spiritual world can result within forty to fifty years.
After these achievements, the discipline is different and
stricter. It must be this way because an untrained mind
could suffer from too much exposure to the spiritual world
and the many unknowable challenges that await the aspirant.
If all these conditions are met, then true spiritual
achievement is at hand.
These five lines of discipline and achievement, if
worked through, can prepare you for not only a new life,
but an immortal spiritual life.

The Spiritual Importance of Chi

Because all of the practices in this book involve chi, I
want you to thoroughly understand what it is that you are
cultivating. Many modern people have misconceptions
about the cultivation of chi. People tend to over trust doing
jogging, swimming, and other sports as exercise for
physical health. They tend to make the body react
mechanically. Specifically, overdoing gym exercises can
dull one's spiritual sensitivity. You might think you feel
something special, but if you give up physical exercises and
do exercises that cultivate chi, you can experience a kind of
transcendent experience. Because they are used to
exercises which are mainly physical, people feel that
practices like Tai Chi and sitting cultivation cannot possibly
help the body much. They even refer to some silent
cultivations as wishy-washy, which is an inaccurate
observation based only on external appearances. Actually,
the nurturing of chi that goes on in all silent cultivations is
much more beneficial to life than only doing physical
exercise. These cultivations work not only on the physical
level, but the mental and spiritual levels as well.
As I mentioned, our main work is to grow and nurture
chi. Chi is a person's integral life energy. In a human life,
the most essential thing is spirit, but between the spirit and
the body is the chi of vital energy. The popularly
recognized acupuncture channels are channels for chi. Chi
is the main element of our health, thus its refinement is of
prime importance in spiritual cultivation.
Chi is also an unformed substance of the body or a
spirit. Vegetables have fiber bodies, animals have flesh
bodies, and spirits have chi bodies. Spirits communicate to
humans through the chi of the person, not through the sense
organs. Higher chi is also included in the spirit of one's
own being after achievement. In our cultivations, we use the
strength and power of the gross or coarse foundation of the
physical body to produce chi. Then after refinement, it
becomes Shien, or a free and happy spirit. This is not a
fantasy, it is a spiritual fact. All achieved ones not only
know it, but actually are it.
To learn chi, all the positions and postures I
recommended in this book can help you. Among other
practices such as meditation, Dao-In, Eight Treasures and
Tai Chi movement, the main effect, whether moving or still,
is not your muscles but the effect of chi on the entire body.
Chi makes the bones and tendons strong, and the muscles
flexible. Chi is produced from the combination of nerve
connections and physical strength, and from the secretions
of the glands. When a gland is deficient, people typically
take artificial hormones, but in spiritual practices, the
glands are stimulated to regenerate themselves and thereby
balance the secretions to harmonize with each other. I put it
this way to help beginners understand, but chi is actually
much higher and more subtle than this.
Chi is not limited to bodily movement; it can project to
remote distances. If an achieved one thinks warm, then he
or she feels warm. This is one phenomenon of chi. Chi is
not only warm, it is indescribable because it is already at
the subtle level. It is inaudible, invisible, intangible. Chi is
the mother of everything. All lives come from the vital chi
of the universe. The universe itself is a form of life. It is
itself the grandest expression of vital chi. A good student
of the Tao Teh Ching can recognize that cultivating Tao is
cultivating chi. Tao does not need cultivating; it is the chi in
our body that makes our own spiritual universe. It is not
different from the whole universe.
Universal vitality is the correct way of expressing
primal chi, but where does that vitality come from? At the
subtle level, vitality is chi. At the level of life, physical
force is usually more gross and recognizable. With chi we
have life. When someone dies, it is because the chi leaves
the body. All food is different kinds of chi at the subtle
level. No life can avoid taking in chi to sustain itself.
The human body can also produce chi. The subtle chi
can be directly supportive of life. You understand that the
center and essence of life is chi. Once you have chi, you
have life. Once you lose it, you lose your life. Therefore,
spiritual cultivation nurtures chi. The ancient achieved ones
did not depend on the science of nutrition to survive. There
were no vitamins during their long and healthy lives. Some
schools of ancient spiritual practice even reject the intake
of food completely. They utilize air and natural energy to
sustain their life. I do not emphasize such difficult
practices here, but I offer this knowledge as an example of
how to surpass physical limitations. However, there is still
the need of the material sphere. Yet you can see that the
achieved ones had a different path of survival. Most men
and women depend on too many external kinds of exercise
and nutrition. Some achieved ones use few material things
to support themselves. They prefer to nurture their chi, and
it turns back to sustain their health. People who nurture
their chi have no need to engage in any strong exercise or
strenuous movement. This foundation of chi is the entire
system of silent, gentle cultivation.
My recommendations to beginners come from my real
experience. It is easy to know chi when you learn Tai Chi,
but do not carry it to the extreme of physical combat. That
is the wrong way to use chi.
From chi, the universe comes alive. From a little chi we
obtain our life. The chi is gathered and starts shaping in the
womb, and after departure from the mother, it becomes
stronger and stronger until one day, if one cannot keep the
chi, the chi does not keep you, either. You lose your life.
You can attain wealth, but money cannot buy chi. This is
why for a practitioner of spiritual cultivation, chi is
gathered and nurtured in every moment of life.
Modern people pay a great price to live. This is why
ancient achieved ones returned to nature. Nowadays, no one
can live by the standards of ancient times with such
freedom and peace. We all need to labor to support our
lives materially, but with correct understanding, we can also
further our cultivation at the same time. In this way, we do
not work hard just for this lifetime; we work for something
more lasting.
Physical death occurs when chi departs, so if you do
not manage or control or refine your chi, then your
physical life will be finished. The physical body is like a
piece of wood. Unless a person cultivates oneself to
change one's energy, once it is burned or used up, there will
be nothing left but some bad-smelling smoke. It is
important to nurture chi as the means of transcendence
from physical to spiritual life. It is the middle point and the
most important stage in spiritual self-cultivation. It cannot
be neglected. Also, spirit should never be emphasized to
the extent of neglecting chi. Chi is the foundation of silent
cultivation and the most useful time to cultivate is now.
In spiritual cultivation we wish everyone would achieve
spiritual purity, high mental quality and emotional
independence. However, without natural chi, everything is
empty and nothing can truly be realized. Also, without
virtuous fulfillment, what is the value of your specially
cultivated chi? In any practice, virtue is the basis and the
cultivation of chi is next.

Cultivation Is a Life Path

In the spiritual world, there are many levels of spiritual
achievement which need continual development, just as in
the human world. The levels closest to the human world are
very low. For example, some spirits are not independent at
all. Even though they are tiny and can live anywhere, they
sometimes have the negative tendency to be parasitic. Their
favorite targets are human beings. They can take advantage
of all the labor and creation of humans, and often bring
negative consequences to the "house" (body) and its "lord"
(main soul). Some mental cases are not due to mental or
emotional problems, but are caused by the possession of a
ghost so there are two lords or bosses, or even more in the
same house. The resulting inner conflict makes the person
sick. Sometimes a spirit can suddenly become involved in
the activities of a human being and cause them suffering,
punishment or death. Their actions do not necessarily
belong to the religious category of retribution, but rather to
the consequences of the natural negative sphere finding
expression in the human world.
Many people who have no spiritual ambition and are
satisfied with only the physical and mental levels do not
even know of spirits, but they still need spiritual self-
protection. Some accidents and sickness are due to the
interference of evil spirits that lead a person to suffer or be
punished or killed. How can you guard yourself and be
independent? The practices in this book can enhance one's
personal spiritual strength and potential and keep away the
attack of an unknown ghost.
Real independence is an achievement, not a gift. If you
know the value of taking responsibility for yourself and if
true independence is your goal, then you can engage in
spiritual cultivation. Only by working through the stages of
your development will you know more. That is why I offer
the treasures of the ancient developed ones to people of
high awareness. I will be happy when everyone achieves
independence and becomes self-responsible.
 Most spirits are not malevolent. Many people have been
helped in their achievements in the human world by good
spirits, but the spiritual world never takes credit for this.
Humans always take the credit for all the great inventions
and achievements, and ungratefully deny the existence of
spirits. We can keep in mind that in the human world,
anything involved with the body and mind of man and his
affairs involves the spirits of man also.
The last thing I want to mention is that you must
understand there is no way to escape the natural obligation
of living, even though life is so burdensome at times. Once
the life of a human being is established, a new spiritual
universe is established. You have a great natural
responsibility for your human life. You are a true god that
sits in its center. You can never give up, you must guard and
guide it well. This is how you continue a good life. There is
no way to trade your own spiritual development for cheap
religious salvation.
All spiritual achievement is a personal endeavor and not
someone's charity to you. You find true life only through
your own self-cultivation. Spiritual immortality only
comes through your indefatigable cultivation and
exploration. This accomplishment brings a true Heavenly
paradise to you and to the people around you. If you live
unnaturally, you will surely bring something different to
yourself. Some people do not mind Heavenly blessings, but
I do not think they welcome degradation, suffering and
misery in their lives, so I hope everyone learns about a
spiritual life and does not become too aggressive or make
trouble for anyone else's spiritual cultivation.
I pass on what I received from the ancient spiritually
achieved ones to those who will cherish and use it. My
work in this stage is for those who wish to further their
development. All of us need to fulfill our spiritual duty as
human beings. We have received abundant gifts from the
greatly achieved ones. I wish all of us have high
appreciation for the gifts we receive from them. May we
make them an inspiration for our own spiritual
advancement.

Self-Development Involves Your Whole Life

A baby is an integral being; it is impossible to
distinguish which part is the mind and which part is the
spirit. The life of a newborn baby is that of a whole being,
but after growing, disintegration can be seen in the body,
emotions, sensations, desires, ambitions and all the various
reactions to different sources. As a child develops
mentally, it can think about spiritual matters, but it will no
longer experience life as an integral whole. Why? Because
the spiritual level is subtle and not everyone can understand
or experience the true spiritual level.
If someone surpasses the doctrines of religion, it is an
achievement, because most religious practices are like toys
of human childhood. When most people mature, those
things are no longer satisfying. All people have the innate
right and knowledge to evaluate the truth of such things for
themselves.
The true spiritual level of a human being is a kind of
potential that is not always used. Some people do not value
their spiritual potential and thus limit their life to only two
spheres, the physical and the mental. In the case of people
with high spiritual potential who do not develop it, it is like
a wasted gift. Many educated or intellectual people also
deny the existence of a spiritual level. This is a limitation
and a sign of spiritual poverty. It happens because people
are confused by shallow, artificial teachings which cloud
the true value of spiritual life.
This book is for people who not only recognize the
physical and mental spheres, but also recognize that they
have spiritual potential and want to engage in spiritual
cultivation. As a result of cultivation, they will redevelop
their whole life being.
Our true spiritual being is not a single spiritual unity,
but an entire spiritual universe. It is like a photograph of a
person made up of many small dots. If each dot represents
an entire human being, then these dots together form the
larger picture. A developed human being is the composition
of all the dots or entities. This analogy can be understood
by the mind, but the mind alone can never reach the reality
of truth. To truly reach the spiritual level depends on your
own spiritual development.
The true, subtle body never dies. It is the consequence
of the development of the spiritual potential of an ordinary
human being. The ancient achieved ones knew how to use
their spiritual potential, and through cultivation and
continual development, they achieved themselves.
The basis of an ordinary body is many kinds of different
cells. The cells make up organs, then systems, and finally a
total being. The spiritual level is similar to the physical
body. There are high spiritual entities, secondary spiritual
entities, and basic spiritual entities of the physical level.
The developed spiritual entities can be like you and can
represent your total spiritual being. Any one of those small
entities has obtained the whole essence of your being.
Millions of spiritual lives can become you, and you can
transform millions of spiritual lives with your single life
being.
In doing your practice, those spiritual entities of your
spiritual immortal being have numerical significance. One
is valued as Oneness; two is valued as yin and yang; three is
valued as the three spheres of Heaven, Man, and Earth; four
is valued as the four groups of seven stars in the twenty-
eight constellations; five is valued as the five elemental
phases of universal energy; six is valued as the Six Jia
(yang), and Six Ding (yin); seven is valued as the Big
Dipper, and so forth. The ultimate metaphoric number is
36,000. This is the number of small spiritual entities that
are organized as the oneness of you, an achieved immortal.
Practically speaking, when we are alive in the coarse
level of the human sphere, all cultivation is supported by
the physical level. In most people's cultivation, spirit is a
late-comer in one way of speaking. God did not create the
world, it is from the gross world that gods and goddesses
are created.
If you achieve yourself after many years, you evolve to
a different category of life. You evolve from the physical to
the more subtle spiritual levels, and it is there you realize
you are not the only spiritual being. There are many, many
high spiritual beings. You have friends. You have a
transcendental environment where happiness and
enjoyment are free gifts derived from your inexhaustible
spiritual life. It is a pity that many people limit themselves
by their intellectual mind to only the physical and mental
realms. Spiritual cultivation is a great enterprise. In human
history there have not been many people who have achieved
themselves, but the ways and the possibility have always
been there. All people have a chance to cultivate and gather
their personal spiritual potential.
After the physical body is deceased, some people
transform to a non-conscious or partially conscious level,
while others find eternal life in the spiritual realms.
Everyone needs to be consciously self-responsible because
life is a continuous process of evolution. If you are not
evolving you will devolve and never reach the realm of
eternal joy, or in ancient spiritual terms, the Three Realms
of Great Purity. For people who have already reached this
level and are still in worldly life, there is no more trouble
or confusion because they know this level of life is only a
game to play or duty to fulfill. Spiritually, I hope that each
of you can achieve the level of the most spiritually wealthy.
Then you will not mind if you win or lose the worldly
game; it is all fun. It can all be gainful if you correctly and
positively use your own worldly experience.

A Sage's Devotion
A sage who appears in the world
does not do so for his own sake.
He responds to the troubled times of the world
out of his deep love for all people.
He fulfills his moral nature by taking care of people
as he would his own children.
He points out the right path for all people
by his responsible attitude.
He loves to follow the wise teachings
of sages before him, so that the source of
Heaven's support for people is uninterrupted.
 He does not value his own enjoyment
and neglect his mission in life.
All people follow him happily,
yet this does not make him proud.
He keeps his mind clear and undisturbed.
Like the bright, full moon his wisdom shines
upon the dark of night.

(An ancient hymn about Chapter 49 of the Tao Teh

Ching.)
 List of Practices
Aids to Self Inspection
Ceremony for Renewal/Enrichment of Body, Mind,
Spirit
Communion with the Jade Emperor
Daily Mental Discipline
Draining Off Anger
Enrichment for All Elements of my Being
Enrichment from the Divine Origin of the Universe
Enrichment from the Highest Realm of Universal
Integration
Enrichment from the Integral Spiritual Realm
First Aid to a Spiritually Troubled Person
Five Purifications
Fundamental Hand Position
Gathering the Heavenly Energies
The Golden Light Invocation
The Great Outer Circulation
Greeting
Heaven Loves People
Invocation of Burning Incense
Invocation to Attain Divine Immortality by Mystic
Pregnancy
Invocation of Dual Cultivation
Invocation of Eliminating Overactive Sexual Desire
Invocation of Internal/External Spiritual Energy
Alignment
Invocation from Jade Emperor to Become a Divine
Immortal
Invocation of Reaching Longevity and Divinity
Invocation of Summarization
Moving Cultivation
Opening Up the Three Tan Tien
Opening Up the 6 Jia Centers
Personal Invocation of a Teacher of Natural Spiritual
Truth
Pure Heart Offering to the Integral Divine Realm
Purification of the Mouth
Purification of the Body
Purification of the Mind
Purification of the Earth
Purification of Entire Being
Purifying Bad Energy
The Red Baby
Request for Heavenly Energy
Request to All Pure Spirits
Revitalizing Your Energy
Ritual of Mind
Salutation
Silent Way of Blessing
Simple but Sublime Marriage Ceremony
Sitting Cultivation
Sleeping Cultivation
Spiritual Harmonization with Great Nature
Spiritual Harmonization with the Moon
Spiritual Harmonization with the Sun
Standing Cultivation
Statement of Sincerity
Straighten Your Way
Summary of Soul Purification
Summoning the Creative Yang Energy
Untying the Spirits
Verse of Sacred Dedication
Walking Cultivation
Warding Off Possible Trouble
 Resources
Tao of Wellness Health Center- Santa Monica
2825 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310-917-2200
www.taoofwellness.com

Tao of Wellness Health Center- Pasadena

171 S. Los Robles Ave, Suite A
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626-397-1000
www.taoofwellness.com

Tao of Wellness Health Center- Newport Beach

359 San Miguel Dr, Suite 200
Newport Beach, CA 92660
 949-706-7770
www.taoofwellness.com
The Tao of Wellness Health Center is the integral way to
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individual whose health is immediately affected by his or
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herbs for complete health, longevity, and fertility.

The Wellness Living Store

1412 14th St.
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800-772-0222; 310-260-0013
www.wellnesslivingstore.com
[email protected]
Nourishing Chinese herbal products from the 38th-
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877-967-2648; 310-577-3000
www.yosan.edu
[email protected]
One of the finest and most academically rigorous
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Chi Health Institute

13315 W. Washington Boulevard, 3nd floor
Los Angeles, CA 90066
 310-302-1207
www.collegeoftao.com
[email protected]
The Chi Health Institute (CHI) offers professional
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Integral Way Society

13315 W. Washington Boulevard, 3nd floor
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-302-1207
www.collegeoftao.com
[email protected]
Learn about classical Taoist teachings transmitted by the
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Distance Learning Courses

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[email protected]
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