Neiye Inner Cultivation

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Neiye, Inner Cultivation Neiye, Inner Cultivation Neiye, Inner Cultivation Neiye, Inner Cultivation Translation Translation Translation Translation © 2005 2005 2005 2005 - Shazi hazi hazi hazi Daor aor aor aoren en en en Brought to you care of http://www.thetaobums.com

Transcript of Neiye Inner Cultivation

Page 1: Neiye Inner Cultivation

Neiye, Inner CultivationNeiye, Inner CultivationNeiye, Inner CultivationNeiye, Inner Cultivation

TranslationTranslationTranslationTranslation © 2005 2005 2005 2005 ---- SSSShazi hazi hazi hazi DDDDaoraoraoraorenenenen

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Introduction:Introduction:Introduction:Introduction:

Quote from an article entitled “Neiyeh”, by Dr. Russell Kirkland, Associate Professor of Religion, University of

Georgia.

QUOTE

A long-overlooked text of classical times, the Neiye ("Inner Cultivation" or "Inner Development") is a text of some

1600 characters, written in rhymed prose, a form close to that of the Daode jing. It sometimes echoes that text and the

Zhuangzi, but it lacks many of the concerns found in those works. Generally dated to 350-300 BCE, it is preserved in

the Guanzi (ch. 49), along with two later, apparently derivative texts, Xinshu, shang and xia (ch. 36-37). The Neiye had

extremely profound effects on Taoism and Chinese culture. It seems to have influenced (1) the form, and certain

contents, of the Daode jing; (2) the self-cultivation beliefs and practices of many later Taoists (from the Huainanzi and

Taiping jing to the 20th-century); and (3) certain fundamental concepts of traditional Chinese medicine. It may also

have influenced Neo-Confucian ideals of self-cultivation, by way of Mencius' teachings on cultivating the heart/mind

(xin) and building up qi (Mengzi 2A.2).

The Neiye seems to be the earliest extant text that explains and encourages self-cultivation through daily, practiced

regulation of the forces of life. Those forces include *qi ("life-energy" — the universal force that gives life to all

things); and *jing ("vital essence" — one's innate reservoir of qi). (There is no trace here of the much later Chinese

concept that jing referred to reproductive fluids.) Like Mencius, the Neiye suggests that the xin was originally as it

should be, but now needs rectification (zheng). The xin becomes agitated by excessive activity, which leads to

dissipation of one's jing, resulting in confusion, sickness, and death. To preserve one's health and vitality, one must

quieten (jing) one's xin. Then one can then attract and retain qi, and other vaguely interrelated forces, such as shen

("spirit" or "spiritual consciousness"), and tao (a vague term, apparently interchangeable with shen and ch'i). (Such

concepts are explained more intelligibly in passages of the Huainanzi: see Roth 1991)."

http://kirkland.myweb.uga.edu/rk/pdf/pubs.html

Shazi Daoren at http://groups.google.com/group/alt.philosophy.taoism/topics recently took a stab at a translation of

this work and posted it in five groups of chapters:

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=group:alt.philosophy.taoism+insubject:neiye&start=0&scoring=d&num=100 .

He's given me permission to reproduce his translation here in full which follows.

Sean Denty

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NeiyeNeiyeNeiyeNeiye

Inner CultivationInner CultivationInner CultivationInner Cultivation

zhang 1zhang 1zhang 1zhang 1 The Essence of all thingsThe Essence of all thingsThe Essence of all thingsThe Essence of all things,,,, t t t thru transformation creathru transformation creathru transformation creathru transformation creates life.es life.es life.es life. Below, it brings to life the five grains,Below, it brings to life the five grains,Below, it brings to life the five grains,Below, it brings to life the five grains, a a a above, it aligns the stars.bove, it aligns the stars.bove, it aligns the stars.bove, it aligns the stars. When flowing among the heaven and earth,When flowing among the heaven and earth,When flowing among the heaven and earth,When flowing among the heaven and earth, w w w we call this the 'spiritual being'.e call this the 'spiritual being'.e call this the 'spiritual being'.e call this the 'spiritual being'. When stored up in the center of the bosom,When stored up in the center of the bosom,When stored up in the center of the bosom,When stored up in the center of the bosom, w w w we call this the Sage.e call this the Sage.e call this the Sage.e call this the Sage. zhang 2zhang 2zhang 2zhang 2 ThereforThereforThereforTherefore, regarding 'Energy', it is:e, regarding 'Energy', it is:e, regarding 'Energy', it is:e, regarding 'Energy', it is: Bright! Bright! Bright! Bright! AsAsAsAs if ascending the sky; if ascending the sky; if ascending the sky; if ascending the sky; Dark! Dark! Dark! Dark! AsAsAsAs if entering into the abyss; if entering into the abyss; if entering into the abyss; if entering into the abyss; Disperse! Disperse! Disperse! Disperse! AsAsAsAs if existing in the ocean; if existing in the ocean; if existing in the ocean; if existing in the ocean; Present! Present! Present! Present! AsAsAsAs if existing in the self. if existing in the self. if existing in the self. if existing in the self. Therefore this Energy:Therefore this Energy:Therefore this Energy:Therefore this Energy: c c c cannot be stopped by force,annot be stopped by force,annot be stopped by force,annot be stopped by force, y y y yet can be pacified by Virtue,et can be pacified by Virtue,et can be pacified by Virtue,et can be pacified by Virtue, c c c cannot be spoken by voice,annot be spoken by voice,annot be spoken by voice,annot be spoken by voice, y y y yet can be embraced by the mind.et can be embraced by the mind.et can be embraced by the mind.et can be embraced by the mind. Reverently nurture it and do not let it go:Reverently nurture it and do not let it go:Reverently nurture it and do not let it go:Reverently nurture it and do not let it go: t t t this is called 'developing Virtue'his is called 'developing Virtue'his is called 'developing Virtue'his is called 'developing Virtue'.... When Virtue develops and wisdom emerges,When Virtue develops and wisdom emerges,When Virtue develops and wisdom emerges,When Virtue develops and wisdom emerges, t t t the myriad things will he myriad things will he myriad things will he myriad things will all be attained.all be attained.all be attained.all be attained.

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zhang 3zhang 3zhang 3zhang 3 All forms of the All forms of the All forms of the All forms of the HeartHeartHeartHeart a a a are naturally infused, naturally filled,re naturally infused, naturally filled,re naturally infused, naturally filled,re naturally infused, naturally filled, n n n naturally generated, naturally completed.aturally generated, naturally completed.aturally generated, naturally completed.aturally generated, naturally completed. They can become lost, out of placeThey can become lost, out of placeThey can become lost, out of placeThey can become lost, out of place Due to sorrow, happiness,Due to sorrow, happiness,Due to sorrow, happiness,Due to sorrow, happiness, joy, anger, desire, or profitjoy, anger, desire, or profitjoy, anger, desire, or profitjoy, anger, desire, or profit----seeking.seeking.seeking.seeking. IIIIf you are able to cast off sorrow, happiness,f you are able to cast off sorrow, happiness,f you are able to cast off sorrow, happiness,f you are able to cast off sorrow, happiness, joy, anger, desire and profitjoy, anger, desire and profitjoy, anger, desire and profitjoy, anger, desire and profit----seeking,seeking,seeking,seeking, y y y your Heart will return to its natural flowour Heart will return to its natural flowour Heart will return to its natural flowour Heart will return to its natural flow.... The natural emotion of the The natural emotion of the The natural emotion of the The natural emotion of the HeartHeartHeartHeart i i i is beneficial calmness and tranquility.s beneficial calmness and tranquility.s beneficial calmness and tranquility.s beneficial calmness and tranquility. Do not vex it, do not disturb itDo not vex it, do not disturb itDo not vex it, do not disturb itDo not vex it, do not disturb it,,,, aaaand harmony will naturally develop.nd harmony will naturally develop.nd harmony will naturally develop.nd harmony will naturally develop. zhang 4zhang 4zhang 4zhang 4 Clear! Clear! Clear! Clear! AsAsAsAs though right by your side. though right by your side. though right by your side. though right by your side. Vague! Vague! Vague! Vague! AsAsAsAs though it will not be attained. though it will not be attained. though it will not be attained. though it will not be attained. Indescribable! Indescribable! Indescribable! Indescribable! AsAsAsAs though beyond the limitless. though beyond the limitless. though beyond the limitless. though beyond the limitless. TTTThe proof of this is not far off:he proof of this is not far off:he proof of this is not far off:he proof of this is not far off: d d d daily we make use of its inner power.aily we make use of its inner power.aily we make use of its inner power.aily we make use of its inner power. The WaThe WaThe WaThe Way is what fills the body,y is what fills the body,y is what fills the body,y is what fills the body, y y y yet people are unable to fix it in place.et people are unable to fix it in place.et people are unable to fix it in place.et people are unable to fix it in place. It goes forth but does not It goes forth but does not It goes forth but does not It goes forth but does not return;return;return;return; i i i it comes back but does not stay.t comes back but does not stay.t comes back but does not stay.t comes back but does not stay. Silent! Silent! Silent! Silent! NoneNoneNoneNone can hear its sound. can hear its sound. can hear its sound. can hear its sound. Present! Present! Present! Present! ItItItIt exists within the heart. exists within the heart. exists within the heart. exists within the heart. Obscure! Obscure! Obscure! Obscure! WeWeWeWe do not see its form. do not see its form. do not see its form. do not see its form. ManifesManifesManifesManifest! t! t! t! ItItItIt arises with us. arises with us. arises with us. arises with us. Look at it and not see its form,Look at it and not see its form,Look at it and not see its form,Look at it and not see its form, l l l listen to it and not hear its sound.isten to it and not hear its sound.isten to it and not hear its sound.isten to it and not hear its sound. Yet there is a course to its accomplishments.Yet there is a course to its accomplishments.Yet there is a course to its accomplishments.Yet there is a course to its accomplishments. We call it the Way.We call it the Way.We call it the Way.We call it the Way.

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zhang 5zhang 5zhang 5zhang 5 The Way has no fixed position;The Way has no fixed position;The Way has no fixed position;The Way has no fixed position; i i i in the cultivated Heart, it gracefully abidesn the cultivated Heart, it gracefully abidesn the cultivated Heart, it gracefully abidesn the cultivated Heart, it gracefully abides.... WWWWhen the heart is calm and Energy alignedhen the heart is calm and Energy alignedhen the heart is calm and Energy alignedhen the heart is calm and Energy aligned,,,, t t t the Way can thereby repose.he Way can thereby repose.he Way can thereby repose.he Way can thereby repose. The Way is not distant from us,The Way is not distant from us,The Way is not distant from us,The Way is not distant from us, w w w when people attain it they are fruitfulhen people attain it they are fruitfulhen people attain it they are fruitfulhen people attain it they are fruitful The Way does not leave,The Way does not leave,The Way does not leave,The Way does not leave, w w w when people are in tune with it, they understand.hen people are in tune with it, they understand.hen people are in tune with it, they understand.hen people are in tune with it, they understand. Thus it is present! Thus it is present! Thus it is present! Thus it is present! AsAsAsAs if you need but ask for it. if you need but ask for it. if you need but ask for it. if you need but ask for it. Remote! Remote! Remote! Remote! AsAsAsAs if dissipated and is nowhere to be found. if dissipated and is nowhere to be found. if dissipated and is nowhere to be found. if dissipated and is nowhere to be found. The Way's sensation:The Way's sensation:The Way's sensation:The Way's sensation: How can you be in tune with its sound?How can you be in tune with its sound?How can you be in tune with its sound?How can you be in tune with its sound? Cultivate your Heart and you will resonate in tune.Cultivate your Heart and you will resonate in tune.Cultivate your Heart and you will resonate in tune.Cultivate your Heart and you will resonate in tune. The Way thereby can be attainedThe Way thereby can be attainedThe Way thereby can be attainedThe Way thereby can be attained zhang 6 "Dao"zhang 6 "Dao"zhang 6 "Dao"zhang 6 "Dao" As As As As for Dao,for Dao,for Dao,for Dao, t t t the mouth is not able to speak of ithe mouth is not able to speak of ithe mouth is not able to speak of ithe mouth is not able to speak of it,,,, t t t the eyes are not able to see ithe eyes are not able to see ithe eyes are not able to see ithe eyes are not able to see it,,,, t t t the ears are not able to hear ithe ears are not able to hear ithe ears are not able to hear ithe ears are not able to hear it,,,, i i i it is that which cultivates the Heart and aligns the body.t is that which cultivates the Heart and aligns the body.t is that which cultivates the Heart and aligns the body.t is that which cultivates the Heart and aligns the body. When people lose it they dieWhen people lose it they dieWhen people lose it they dieWhen people lose it they die,,,, w w w whhhhen they attain it they floen they attain it they floen they attain it they floen they attain it they flourish,urish,urish,urish, when endeavors lose it they fail, when endeavors lose it they fail, when endeavors lose it they fail, when endeavors lose it they fail, w w w when they attain it they succeedhen they attain it they succeedhen they attain it they succeedhen they attain it they succeed,,,, t t t thus Dao is always without root without trunkhus Dao is always without root without trunkhus Dao is always without root without trunkhus Dao is always without root without trunk.... Without leaves without flowers,Without leaves without flowers,Without leaves without flowers,Without leaves without flowers, t t t the myhe myhe myhe myriad things are generated by riad things are generated by riad things are generated by riad things are generated by it;it;it;it; t t t the myriad things are completed by it.he myriad things are completed by it.he myriad things are completed by it.he myriad things are completed by it. We declare it 'Dao'.We declare it 'Dao'.We declare it 'Dao'.We declare it 'Dao'.

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zhang 7 "Ruling Principles"zhang 7 "Ruling Principles"zhang 7 "Ruling Principles"zhang 7 "Ruling Principles" Heaven's ruling principle is to be aligned.Heaven's ruling principle is to be aligned.Heaven's ruling principle is to be aligned.Heaven's ruling principle is to be aligned. Earth's ruling principle is to be level.Earth's ruling principle is to be level.Earth's ruling principle is to be level.Earth's ruling principle is to be level. Humanity's ruling principles are grace and tranquility.Humanity's ruling principles are grace and tranquility.Humanity's ruling principles are grace and tranquility.Humanity's ruling principles are grace and tranquility. Spring, autumn, winter, and summerSpring, autumn, winter, and summerSpring, autumn, winter, and summerSpring, autumn, winter, and summer,,,, thesethesethesethese are heaven's s are heaven's s are heaven's s are heaven's seasons.easons.easons.easons. Mountains, hills, rivers, and valleysMountains, hills, rivers, and valleysMountains, hills, rivers, and valleysMountains, hills, rivers, and valleys,,,, thesethesethesethese are earth's features. are earth's features. are earth's features. are earth's features. Pleasure and anger, taking and givingPleasure and anger, taking and givingPleasure and anger, taking and givingPleasure and anger, taking and giving,,,, thesethesethesethese are human devices. are human devices. are human devices. are human devices. Therefore the SageTherefore the SageTherefore the SageTherefore the Sage,,,, c c c changes with the seasons and doesn't transform them,hanges with the seasons and doesn't transform them,hanges with the seasons and doesn't transform them,hanges with the seasons and doesn't transform them, y y y yields to things and doeields to things and doeields to things and doeields to things and does not change thems not change thems not change thems not change them.... zhang 8 "Alignment"zhang 8 "Alignment"zhang 8 "Alignment"zhang 8 "Alignment" If able to be aligned, able to be calm,If able to be aligned, able to be calm,If able to be aligned, able to be calm,If able to be aligned, able to be calm, o o o only then can you be stable.nly then can you be stable.nly then can you be stable.nly then can you be stable. With a stable heart within your bosom,With a stable heart within your bosom,With a stable heart within your bosom,With a stable heart within your bosom, e e e eyes and ears acute and clear,yes and ears acute and clear,yes and ears acute and clear,yes and ears acute and clear, fourfourfourfour limbs firm and sure, limbs firm and sure, limbs firm and sure, limbs firm and sure, youyouyouyou can thereby make a dwellin can thereby make a dwellin can thereby make a dwellin can thereby make a dwellingggg----place for Essence.place for Essence.place for Essence.place for Essence. As for Essence:As for Essence:As for Essence:As for Essence: It is the Essence of Energy.It is the Essence of Energy.It is the Essence of Energy.It is the Essence of Energy. Energy's Dao is to flourish,Energy's Dao is to flourish,Energy's Dao is to flourish,Energy's Dao is to flourish, totototo flourish is to think flourish is to think flourish is to think flourish is to think,,,, totototo think is to know think is to know think is to know think is to know,,,, totototo know is where to stop. know is where to stop. know is where to stop. know is where to stop. All forms of the HeartAll forms of the HeartAll forms of the HeartAll forms of the Heart,,,, c c c crossing over to knowledge lose life.rossing over to knowledge lose life.rossing over to knowledge lose life.rossing over to knowledge lose life.

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zhang 9 "One"zhang 9 "One"zhang 9 "One"zhang 9 "One" Those able to transform One thing are called 'Spiritual'Those able to transform One thing are called 'Spiritual'Those able to transform One thing are called 'Spiritual'Those able to transform One thing are called 'Spiritual'; ; ; ; t t t those able to change One affair are called 'wise'.hose able to change One affair are called 'wise'.hose able to change One affair are called 'wise'.hose able to change One affair are called 'wise'. To traTo traTo traTo transform without expending Energnsform without expending Energnsform without expending Energnsform without expending Energy,y,y,y, totototo change without expending wisdomchange without expending wisdomchange without expending wisdomchange without expending wisdom,,,, by by by by grasping the One only the Master is a grasping the One only the Master is a grasping the One only the Master is a grasping the One only the Master is able to do this!ble to do this!ble to do this!ble to do this! Grasp the OneGrasp the OneGrasp the OneGrasp the One,,,, do not loose it, do not loose it, do not loose it, do not loose it, andandandand you will be able to master the myriad things. you will be able to master the myriad things. you will be able to master the myriad things. you will be able to master the myriad things. The Master acts upon things,The Master acts upon things,The Master acts upon things,The Master acts upon things, andandandand is not acted upon by things is not acted upon by things is not acted upon by things is not acted upon by things.... Attain to the guiding principle of the One.Attain to the guiding principle of the One.Attain to the guiding principle of the One.Attain to the guiding principle of the One. zhang 10 "managing"zhang 10 "managing"zhang 10 "managing"zhang 10 "managing" Harness the Heart wHarness the Heart wHarness the Heart wHarness the Heart within your bosomithin your bosomithin your bosomithin your bosom,,,, c c c control the words issuing forth from your mouth,ontrol the words issuing forth from your mouth,ontrol the words issuing forth from your mouth,ontrol the words issuing forth from your mouth, m m m manageanageanageanage affairs in concert with others, affairs in concert with others, affairs in concert with others, affairs in concert with others, t t t then it follows, the world will be governed.hen it follows, the world will be governed.hen it follows, the world will be governed.hen it follows, the world will be governed. "One word is attained, and the world submits""One word is attained, and the world submits""One word is attained, and the world submits""One word is attained, and the world submits" So goes the saying.So goes the saying.So goes the saying.So goes the saying. zhang 11 "Aligning thezhang 11 "Aligning thezhang 11 "Aligning thezhang 11 "Aligning the Body" Body" Body" Body" When the body is not aligned,When the body is not aligned,When the body is not aligned,When the body is not aligned, De will not thrive.De will not thrive.De will not thrive.De will not thrive. When the center is not calmWhen the center is not calmWhen the center is not calmWhen the center is not calm,,,, t t t the Heart will not be harnessed.he Heart will not be harnessed.he Heart will not be harnessed.he Heart will not be harnessed. Align the body, collect De.Align the body, collect De.Align the body, collect De.Align the body, collect De. Leave to heaven benevolence and to earth justiceLeave to heaven benevolence and to earth justiceLeave to heaven benevolence and to earth justiceLeave to heaven benevolence and to earth justice-------- t t t these will naturally thrive on their own.hese will naturally thrive on their own.hese will naturally thrive on their own.hese will naturally thrive on their own.

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zhang 12 "Attaining the Center"zhang 12 "Attaining the Center"zhang 12 "Attaining the Center"zhang 12 "Attaining the Center" The Spirit comprehends the UltimateThe Spirit comprehends the UltimateThe Spirit comprehends the UltimateThe Spirit comprehends the Ultimate; ; ; ; M M M Manifest! It understands the myriad things.anifest! It understands the myriad things.anifest! It understands the myriad things.anifest! It understands the myriad things. Hold it within your bosom, do not waver.Hold it within your bosom, do not waver.Hold it within your bosom, do not waver.Hold it within your bosom, do not waver. Do not let external things confuse your Do not let external things confuse your Do not let external things confuse your Do not let external things confuse your facultiesfacultiesfacultiesfaculties;;;; d d d do not let your faculties confuse yoo not let your faculties confuse yoo not let your faculties confuse yoo not let your faculties confuse your Heartur Heartur Heartur Heart.... This is called 'attaining the center.'This is called 'attaining the center.'This is called 'attaining the center.'This is called 'attaining the center.' zhang 13 "Stabilizing Jing"zhang 13 "Stabilizing Jing"zhang 13 "Stabilizing Jing"zhang 13 "Stabilizing Jing" The Spirit naturally abides in the body,The Spirit naturally abides in the body,The Spirit naturally abides in the body,The Spirit naturally abides in the body, o o o one moment it goes forward, one moment it comes back,ne moment it goes forward, one moment it comes back,ne moment it goes forward, one moment it comes back,ne moment it goes forward, one moment it comes back, n n n no one is able to think of it.o one is able to think of it.o one is able to think of it.o one is able to think of it. Losing it results in disorderLosing it results in disorderLosing it results in disorderLosing it results in disorder.... AttainingAttainingAttainingAttaining it results in order. it results in order. it results in order. it results in order. Reverently purify its dwellingReverently purify its dwellingReverently purify its dwellingReverently purify its dwelling----place,place,place,place, a a a and Jing will naturally arise.nd Jing will naturally arise.nd Jing will naturally arise.nd Jing will naturally arise. Jing: put aside thinking of it,Jing: put aside thinking of it,Jing: put aside thinking of it,Jing: put aside thinking of it, s s s still your effort to control it.till your effort to control it.till your effort to control it.till your effort to control it. Strictly and reverently venerate itStrictly and reverently venerate itStrictly and reverently venerate itStrictly and reverently venerate it,,,, a a a and Jing will naturally stablize.nd Jing will naturally stablize.nd Jing will naturally stablize.nd Jing will naturally stablize. Attain it and Attain it and Attain it and Attain it and don't let it go,don't let it go,don't let it go,don't let it go, e e e ears and eyes not overflowars and eyes not overflowars and eyes not overflowars and eyes not overflow h h h heeeeart and mind without any scheme.art and mind without any scheme.art and mind without any scheme.art and mind without any scheme. Align the Heart within the breastAlign the Heart within the breastAlign the Heart within the breastAlign the Heart within the breast,,,, a a a and the myriad things will attain their full measure.nd the myriad things will attain their full measure.nd the myriad things will attain their full measure.nd the myriad things will attain their full measure.

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zhang 14 "The Heart within the Heart"zhang 14 "The Heart within the Heart"zhang 14 "The Heart within the Heart"zhang 14 "The Heart within the Heart" Dao fills all under heaven.Dao fills all under heaven.Dao fills all under heaven.Dao fills all under heaven. It It It It exists everywhere that people are,exists everywhere that people are,exists everywhere that people are,exists everywhere that people are, b b b but people are unable to understand this.ut people are unable to understand this.ut people are unable to understand this.ut people are unable to understand this. One word explains it,One word explains it,One word explains it,One word explains it, ascendingascendingascendingascending to reach the sky, to reach the sky, to reach the sky, to reach the sky, d d d deeeescending to the limits of earth,scending to the limits of earth,scending to the limits of earth,scending to the limits of earth, r r r replete throughout the nine provinces.eplete throughout the nine provinces.eplete throughout the nine provinces.eplete throughout the nine provinces. How can I speak or explain it?How can I speak or explain it?How can I speak or explain it?How can I speak or explain it? It eIt eIt eIt exists in the calm Heart.xists in the calm Heart.xists in the calm Heart.xists in the calm Heart. When my Heart is harnessed, my faculties are ordered.When my Heart is harnessed, my faculties are ordered.When my Heart is harnessed, my faculties are ordered.When my Heart is harnessed, my faculties are ordered. When my Heart is calm, my faculties are calmed.When my Heart is calm, my faculties are calmed.When my Heart is calm, my faculties are calmed.When my Heart is calm, my faculties are calmed. What orders them is the Heart;What orders them is the Heart;What orders them is the Heart;What orders them is the Heart; whatwhatwhatwhat calms them is the Heart. calms them is the Heart. calms them is the Heart. calms them is the Heart. The Heart is used to harbor the HeartThe Heart is used to harbor the HeartThe Heart is used to harbor the HeartThe Heart is used to harbor the Heart.... At the centeAt the centeAt the centeAt the center of the Hear of the Hear of the Hear of the Heart is another Heart;rt is another Heart;rt is another Heart;rt is another Heart; t t t the Heart within the Hearhe Heart within the Hearhe Heart within the Hearhe Heart within the Heart.t.t.t. For awareness precedes words,For awareness precedes words,For awareness precedes words,For awareness precedes words, a a a awarenewarenewarenewareness then leads to formed reality,ss then leads to formed reality,ss then leads to formed reality,ss then leads to formed reality, f f f forororormed reality then leads to words,med reality then leads to words,med reality then leads to words,med reality then leads to words, Words then lead to action, Words then lead to action, Words then lead to action, Words then lead to action, action then leads to order. action then leads to order. action then leads to order. action then leads to order. To not be ordered invTo not be ordered invTo not be ordered invTo not be ordered invariably leads to disorder.ariably leads to disorder.ariably leads to disorder.ariably leads to disorder. Disorder leads to death.Disorder leads to death.Disorder leads to death.Disorder leads to death.

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zhang 15 "The Fount of Qi"zhang 15 "The Fount of Qi"zhang 15 "The Fount of Qi"zhang 15 "The Fount of Qi" When Jing iWhen Jing iWhen Jing iWhen Jing is preserved, it naturally grows,s preserved, it naturally grows,s preserved, it naturally grows,s preserved, it naturally grows, externallyexternallyexternallyexternally it will emanate. it will emanate. it will emanate. it will emanate. Hidden inside, it becomes a primal springHidden inside, it becomes a primal springHidden inside, it becomes a primal springHidden inside, it becomes a primal spring.... Abounding like a flood, it harmonizes and equalizesAbounding like a flood, it harmonizes and equalizesAbounding like a flood, it harmonizes and equalizesAbounding like a flood, it harmonizes and equalizes,,,, i i i it becomes a fount of Qi.t becomes a fount of Qi.t becomes a fount of Qi.t becomes a fount of Qi. When the fount is not dried up,When the fount is not dried up,When the fount is not dried up,When the fount is not dried up, t t t the four limbs are firm.he four limbs are firm.he four limbs are firm.he four limbs are firm. When the spring is not drained,When the spring is not drained,When the spring is not drained,When the spring is not drained, t t t the nine apertures freely circulate [Qi]he nine apertures freely circulate [Qi]he nine apertures freely circulate [Qi]he nine apertures freely circulate [Qi].... Then you are able to exhaust the universe,Then you are able to exhaust the universe,Then you are able to exhaust the universe,Then you are able to exhaust the universe, a a a and cover the four seas.nd cover the four seas.nd cover the four seas.nd cover the four seas. Within, wheWithin, wheWithin, wheWithin, when your mind is unconfused,n your mind is unconfused,n your mind is unconfused,n your mind is unconfused, w w w without, there will be no disasters.ithout, there will be no disasters.ithout, there will be no disasters.ithout, there will be no disasters. When your heart is whole within,When your heart is whole within,When your heart is whole within,When your heart is whole within, y y y your body will be whole without,our body will be whole without,our body will be whole without,our body will be whole without, a a a and you won't encounter natural disasters,nd you won't encounter natural disasters,nd you won't encounter natural disasters,nd you won't encounter natural disasters, o o o or receive harm from others.r receive harm from others.r receive harm from others.r receive harm from others. Call such 'Shengren'.Call such 'Shengren'.Call such 'Shengren'.Call such 'Shengren'. zhang 16 zhang 16 zhang 16 zhang 16 ---- Inner Virtue Inner Virtue Inner Virtue Inner Virtue If you are able to be aligned and tranquil,If you are able to be aligned and tranquil,If you are able to be aligned and tranquil,If you are able to be aligned and tranquil, y y y your skin will be supple and smooth,our skin will be supple and smooth,our skin will be supple and smooth,our skin will be supple and smooth, y y y your ears and eyes will be acute and clear,our ears and eyes will be acute and clear,our ears and eyes will be acute and clear,our ears and eyes will be acute and clear, y y y your muscles our muscles our muscles our muscles will flex and your bones strong.will flex and your bones strong.will flex and your bones strong.will flex and your bones strong. YYYYou will then be able to bear the Great Circle of heaveou will then be able to bear the Great Circle of heaveou will then be able to bear the Great Circle of heaveou will then be able to bear the Great Circle of heaven,n,n,n, a a a and tread over the Great Squarend tread over the Great Squarend tread over the Great Squarend tread over the Great Square of earth. of earth. of earth. of earth. You will abase yourself with great purity,You will abase yourself with great purity,You will abase yourself with great purity,You will abase yourself with great purity, p p p perceiving with great clarity.erceiving with great clarity.erceiving with great clarity.erceiving with great clarity. Be reverently aware without wavering,Be reverently aware without wavering,Be reverently aware without wavering,Be reverently aware without wavering, a a a and ynd ynd ynd you will daily renew your Virtue.ou will daily renew your Virtue.ou will daily renew your Virtue.ou will daily renew your Virtue. Completely comprehending the world,Completely comprehending the world,Completely comprehending the world,Completely comprehending the world, drawidrawidrawidrawingngngng from the Four Directions, from the Four Directions, from the Four Directions, from the Four Directions, r r r revereverevereverently developing your wholeness,ently developing your wholeness,ently developing your wholeness,ently developing your wholeness, t t t this is called Inner Virtue.his is called Inner Virtue.his is called Inner Virtue.his is called Inner Virtue. However, should you not return to practice,However, should you not return to practice,However, should you not return to practice,However, should you not return to practice, t t t this will increase your instability.his will increase your instability.his will increase your instability.his will increase your instability.

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zhang 17 zhang 17 zhang 17 zhang 17 ---- Practicing Dao Practicing Dao Practicing Dao Practicing Dao To be wholly in accord with Dao,To be wholly in accord with Dao,To be wholly in accord with Dao,To be wholly in accord with Dao, y y y you must practice, you must focus,ou must practice, you must focus,ou must practice, you must focus,ou must practice, you must focus, youyouyouyou must expand, you must relax, must expand, you must relax, must expand, you must relax, must expand, you must relax, youyouyouyou must be firm, you must be regular. must be firm, you must be regular. must be firm, you must be regular. must be firm, you must be regular. Hold fast to excellenceHold fast to excellenceHold fast to excellenceHold fast to excellence,,,, do not let abandon it. do not let abandon it. do not let abandon it. do not let abandon it. Chase away excess, let go of the trivial.Chase away excess, let go of the trivial.Chase away excess, let go of the trivial.Chase away excess, let go of the trivial. Once you know the UltimateOnce you know the UltimateOnce you know the UltimateOnce you know the Ultimate,,,, y y y you will retuou will retuou will retuou will return to Dao and De.rn to Dao and De.rn to Dao and De.rn to Dao and De. zhang 18 zhang 18 zhang 18 zhang 18 ---- Manifest Qi Manifest Qi Manifest Qi Manifest Qi When the whole Heart is centered,When the whole Heart is centered,When the whole Heart is centered,When the whole Heart is centered, itititit cannot be concealed or hidden, cannot be concealed or hidden, cannot be concealed or hidden, cannot be concealed or hidden, i i i it is apparent from your body's t is apparent from your body's t is apparent from your body's t is apparent from your body's appearance,appearance,appearance,appearance, i i i it is visible by your skin color.t is visible by your skin color.t is visible by your skin color.t is visible by your skin color. With good Qi, when you greet others,With good Qi, when you greet others,With good Qi, when you greet others,With good Qi, when you greet others, theytheytheythey will will will will be kinder than brothers and sisters. be kinder than brothers and sisters. be kinder than brothers and sisters. be kinder than brothers and sisters. With bad Qi, when you greet others,With bad Qi, when you greet others,With bad Qi, when you greet others,With bad Qi, when you greet others, theytheytheythey will harm you with force and weapons. will harm you with force and weapons. will harm you with force and weapons. will harm you with force and weapons. The sound of 'noThe sound of 'noThe sound of 'noThe sound of 'no----words'words'words'words',,,, i i i is louder than the thunder of a drum.s louder than the thunder of a drum.s louder than the thunder of a drum.s louder than the thunder of a drum. The perceptible form of the Heart's QiThe perceptible form of the Heart's QiThe perceptible form of the Heart's QiThe perceptible form of the Heart's Qi,,,, i i i is brighter than the s brighter than the s brighter than the s brighter than the sun and moon,sun and moon,sun and moon,sun and moon, a a a and more concerned than parents.nd more concerned than parents.nd more concerned than parents.nd more concerned than parents. Rewards are not sufficient to encourage the good;Rewards are not sufficient to encourage the good;Rewards are not sufficient to encourage the good;Rewards are not sufficient to encourage the good; p p p punishments are not sufficient to discourage the bad.unishments are not sufficient to discourage the bad.unishments are not sufficient to discourage the bad.unishments are not sufficient to discourage the bad. The mind attains Qi,The mind attains Qi,The mind attains Qi,The mind attains Qi, a a a and the world submits.nd the world submits.nd the world submits.nd the world submits. The Heart and mind stabilized,The Heart and mind stabilized,The Heart and mind stabilized,The Heart and mind stabilized, andandandand the wo the wo the wo the world listens.rld listens.rld listens.rld listens.

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zhang 19 zhang 19 zhang 19 zhang 19 ---- Concentrating Qi Concentrating Qi Concentrating Qi Concentrating Qi When you concentrate Qi like a spirit,When you concentrate Qi like a spirit,When you concentrate Qi like a spirit,When you concentrate Qi like a spirit, allallallall things will support your existence. things will support your existence. things will support your existence. things will support your existence. Are you able to concentrate, able to be one with them?Are you able to concentrate, able to be one with them?Are you able to concentrate, able to be one with them?Are you able to concentrate, able to be one with them? Are you able to be without divining or counting stalks,Are you able to be without divining or counting stalks,Are you able to be without divining or counting stalks,Are you able to be without divining or counting stalks, y y y yet know baet know baet know baet know bad and good fortune?d and good fortune?d and good fortune?d and good fortune? Are you able to stop? Are you able to be yourself?Are you able to stop? Are you able to be yourself?Are you able to stop? Are you able to be yourself?Are you able to stop? Are you able to be yourself? Are you able to not demand from others,Are you able to not demand from others,Are you able to not demand from others,Are you able to not demand from others, y y y yet attain it within yourself?et attain it within yourself?et attain it within yourself?et attain it within yourself? You think about it and think about it.You think about it and think about it.You think about it and think about it.You think about it and think about it. And again, deeply think about it.And again, deeply think about it.And again, deeply think about it.And again, deeply think about it. You think about it, yet you canYou think about it, yet you canYou think about it, yet you canYou think about it, yet you can't fathom it.'t fathom it.'t fathom it.'t fathom it. A Spiritual Being will fathom it,A Spiritual Being will fathom it,A Spiritual Being will fathom it,A Spiritual Being will fathom it, notnotnotnot due to the Spiritual Being's power, due to the Spiritual Being's power, due to the Spiritual Being's power, due to the Spiritual Being's power, b b b but due to the ultimate of Jing and Qi.ut due to the ultimate of Jing and Qi.ut due to the ultimate of Jing and Qi.ut due to the ultimate of Jing and Qi. When your four limbs are alignedWhen your four limbs are alignedWhen your four limbs are alignedWhen your four limbs are aligned,,,, your blood and Qi are tranquil. your blood and Qi are tranquil. your blood and Qi are tranquil. your blood and Qi are tranquil. When your mind is one and your heart concentratWhen your mind is one and your heart concentratWhen your mind is one and your heart concentratWhen your mind is one and your heart concentrated,ed,ed,ed, a a a and yond yond yond your ears and eyes not distracted,ur ears and eyes not distracted,ur ears and eyes not distracted,ur ears and eyes not distracted, e e e even that which is most remote will be accessible.ven that which is most remote will be accessible.ven that which is most remote will be accessible.ven that which is most remote will be accessible. zhang 20 zhang 20 zhang 20 zhang 20 ---- Self Self Self Self----RealizationRealizationRealizationRealization Thinking and searching generate knowledge.Thinking and searching generate knowledge.Thinking and searching generate knowledge.Thinking and searching generate knowledge. Laziness and ease generate worry.Laziness and ease generate worry.Laziness and ease generate worry.Laziness and ease generate worry. Cruelty and arrogance generate resentment.Cruelty and arrogance generate resentment.Cruelty and arrogance generate resentment.Cruelty and arrogance generate resentment. WWWWorry and grief generate disease.orry and grief generate disease.orry and grief generate disease.orry and grief generate disease. Disease then causes death.Disease then causes death.Disease then causes death.Disease then causes death. When you think about it and don't let it go,When you think about it and don't let it go,When you think about it and don't let it go,When you think about it and don't let it go, youyouyouyou will be internally distressed and externally weak. will be internally distressed and externally weak. will be internally distressed and externally weak. will be internally distressed and externally weak. Don’t let little things become big plans,Don’t let little things become big plans,Don’t let little things become big plans,Don’t let little things become big plans, elseelseelseelse life will abandon you. life will abandon you. life will abandon you. life will abandon you. Eat, but do not Eat, but do not Eat, but do not Eat, but do not exceed your appetite,exceed your appetite,exceed your appetite,exceed your appetite, t t t think, but do not overanalyze.hink, but do not overanalyze.hink, but do not overanalyze.hink, but do not overanalyze. Temper and put these in balance,Temper and put these in balance,Temper and put these in balance,Temper and put these in balance, andandandand you will attain self you will attain self you will attain self you will attain self----realization.realization.realization.realization.

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zhang 21 zhang 21 zhang 21 zhang 21 ---- Balance and Alignment Balance and Alignment Balance and Alignment Balance and Alignment As for all human life,As for all human life,As for all human life,As for all human life, h h h heaven brings forth its Jing/eaven brings forth its Jing/eaven brings forth its Jing/eaven brings forth its Jing/essence;essence;essence;essence; e e e earth brings farth brings farth brings farth brings forth its bodily form.orth its bodily form.orth its bodily form.orth its bodily form. These join in order to make a person.These join in order to make a person.These join in order to make a person.These join in order to make a person. When in harmony, then there is life;When in harmony, then there is life;When in harmony, then there is life;When in harmony, then there is life; w w w when not in harmony then there is no life.hen not in harmony then there is no life.hen not in harmony then there is no life.hen not in harmony then there is no life. In examining the Dao of harmony,In examining the Dao of harmony,In examining the Dao of harmony,In examining the Dao of harmony, youyouyouyou cannot sense it by cannot sense it by cannot sense it by cannot sense it by sight;sight;sight;sight; youyouyouyou cannot summon it by a chance meeti cannot summon it by a chance meeti cannot summon it by a chance meeti cannot summon it by a chance meeting.ng.ng.ng. When balance and alignment fill your chest,When balance and alignment fill your chest,When balance and alignment fill your chest,When balance and alignment fill your chest, andandandand respiration is governed within the heart, respiration is governed within the heart, respiration is governed within the heart, respiration is governed within the heart, t t t this results in enhanced life.his results in enhanced life.his results in enhanced life.his results in enhanced life. When fondness and resentment cause you to lose stability,When fondness and resentment cause you to lose stability,When fondness and resentment cause you to lose stability,When fondness and resentment cause you to lose stability, thenthenthenthen make a determination make a determination make a determination make a determination totototo restrict the five desire restrict the five desire restrict the five desire restrict the five desires,s,s,s, totototo remove these two misfortunes. remove these two misfortunes. remove these two misfortunes. remove these two misfortunes. Do not be fondly attached, do not be resentful,Do not be fondly attached, do not be resentful,Do not be fondly attached, do not be resentful,Do not be fondly attached, do not be resentful, letletletlet balance and alignment fill your chest. balance and alignment fill your chest. balance and alignment fill your chest. balance and alignment fill your chest. zhang 22 zhang 22 zhang 22 zhang 22 ---- Stabilizing Your Nature Stabilizing Your Nature Stabilizing Your Nature Stabilizing Your Nature As for all human life,As for all human life,As for all human life,As for all human life, i i i it must flow from balance and alignmentt must flow from balance and alignmentt must flow from balance and alignmentt must flow from balance and alignment.... Where we losWhere we losWhere we losWhere we lose these,e these,e these,e these, m m m must be by fondness, resentment, worry and anxiety.ust be by fondness, resentment, worry and anxiety.ust be by fondness, resentment, worry and anxiety.ust be by fondness, resentment, worry and anxiety. Therefore, to stop resentment there's nothing like poetry;Therefore, to stop resentment there's nothing like poetry;Therefore, to stop resentment there's nothing like poetry;Therefore, to stop resentment there's nothing like poetry; t t t to cast aside worry there's nothing like music;o cast aside worry there's nothing like music;o cast aside worry there's nothing like music;o cast aside worry there's nothing like music; t t t to temper music there's nothing like ritual;o temper music there's nothing like ritual;o temper music there's nothing like ritual;o temper music there's nothing like ritual; t t t to keep to ritual thereo keep to ritual thereo keep to ritual thereo keep to ritual there's nothing like reverence;'s nothing like reverence;'s nothing like reverence;'s nothing like reverence; t t t to keep to reverence there's nothing like stillness.o keep to reverence there's nothing like stillness.o keep to reverence there's nothing like stillness.o keep to reverence there's nothing like stillness. When inwardly still and outwardly reverentWhen inwardly still and outwardly reverentWhen inwardly still and outwardly reverentWhen inwardly still and outwardly reverent,,,, youyouyouyou are able to return to your nature are able to return to your nature are able to return to your nature are able to return to your nature;;;; youryouryouryour nature will become greatly stable. nature will become greatly stable. nature will become greatly stable. nature will become greatly stable.

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zhang 23 zhang 23 zhang 23 zhang 23 ---- Dao of Eating Dao of Eating Dao of Eating Dao of Eating As for thAs for thAs for thAs for the Dao of eating,e Dao of eating,e Dao of eating,e Dao of eating, oooovereating harms the bodyvereating harms the bodyvereating harms the bodyvereating harms the body andandandand brings misfortune brings misfortune brings misfortune brings misfortune.... Under eatingUnder eatingUnder eatingUnder eating dries up the bones dries up the bones dries up the bones dries up the bones,,,, andandandand congeals the blood congeals the blood congeals the blood congeals the blood.... The point between overeating and The point between overeating and The point between overeating and The point between overeating and under eatingunder eatingunder eatingunder eating:::: This is called harmonious completion.This is called harmonious completion.This is called harmonious completion.This is called harmonious completion. It is the where It is the where It is the where It is the where JJJJing abing abing abing abidesidesidesides,,,, andandandand where wisdom is generated. where wisdom is generated. where wisdom is generated. where wisdom is generated. When hunger and eating lose balance,When hunger and eating lose balance,When hunger and eating lose balance,When hunger and eating lose balance, thenthenthenthen make a determination make a determination make a determination make a determination.... When full, move away from gluttony;When full, move away from gluttony;When full, move away from gluttony;When full, move away from gluttony; whenwhenwhenwhen hungry, expand your thoughts beyond food; hungry, expand your thoughts beyond food; hungry, expand your thoughts beyond food; hungry, expand your thoughts beyond food; whenwhenwhenwhen old, abandon anxiety. old, abandon anxiety. old, abandon anxiety. old, abandon anxiety. If you don't move away frIf you don't move away frIf you don't move away frIf you don't move away from gluttony,om gluttony,om gluttony,om gluttony, Qi will not circulate within your extremities.Qi will not circulate within your extremities.Qi will not circulate within your extremities.Qi will not circulate within your extremities. If when lusting food you don’t expand your thoughts,If when lusting food you don’t expand your thoughts,If when lusting food you don’t expand your thoughts,If when lusting food you don’t expand your thoughts, whenwhenwhenwhen you eat you will not stop. you eat you will not stop. you eat you will not stop. you eat you will not stop. If when old you don’t abandon anxiety,If when old you don’t abandon anxiety,If when old you don’t abandon anxiety,If when old you don’t abandon anxiety, thisthisthisthis will cause your alertness to be exhausted. will cause your alertness to be exhausted. will cause your alertness to be exhausted. will cause your alertness to be exhausted. zhang 2zhang 2zhang 2zhang 24 4 4 4 ---- Recycling Qi Recycling Qi Recycling Qi Recycling Qi Enlarge your Heart and release it,Enlarge your Heart and release it,Enlarge your Heart and release it,Enlarge your Heart and release it, expandexpandexpandexpand your Qi and increase it. your Qi and increase it. your Qi and increase it. your Qi and increase it. Your body calm and unmoving;Your body calm and unmoving;Your body calm and unmoving;Your body calm and unmoving; you’reyou’reyou’reyou’re able to hold to the one able to hold to the one able to hold to the one able to hold to the one,,,, and abandon the myriad distractions.and abandon the myriad distractions.and abandon the myriad distractions.and abandon the myriad distractions. You see profit and are not tempted,You see profit and are not tempted,You see profit and are not tempted,You see profit and are not tempted, youyouyouyou see harm and see harm and see harm and see harm and do not fear.do not fear.do not fear.do not fear. DetachedDetachedDetachedDetached and relaxed, yet compassionate; and relaxed, yet compassionate; and relaxed, yet compassionate; and relaxed, yet compassionate; in solitude enjoying yourself; in solitude enjoying yourself; in solitude enjoying yourself; in solitude enjoying yourself; this is called recycling Qi; this is called recycling Qi; this is called recycling Qi; this is called recycling Qi; Your thoughts and actions are like heaven.Your thoughts and actions are like heaven.Your thoughts and actions are like heaven.Your thoughts and actions are like heaven.

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zhang 25 zhang 25 zhang 25 zhang 25 ---- Not Forcing Not Forcing Not Forcing Not Forcing As for all human life,As for all human life,As for all human life,As for all human life, itititit thrives within serenity. thrives within serenity. thrives within serenity. thrives within serenity. Worry Worry Worry Worry results in the loss of results in the loss of results in the loss of results in the loss of disciplinedisciplinedisciplinediscipline;;;; r r r resentment results in the loss of equilibrium.esentment results in the loss of equilibrium.esentment results in the loss of equilibrium.esentment results in the loss of equilibrium. When worried or sad, fondly attached or resentful,When worried or sad, fondly attached or resentful,When worried or sad, fondly attached or resentful,When worried or sad, fondly attached or resentful, t t t the Dao then is without abode.he Dao then is without abode.he Dao then is without abode.he Dao then is without abode. Fondness and desire: still them;Fondness and desire: still them;Fondness and desire: still them;Fondness and desire: still them; f f f folly and confusion: correct them.olly and confusion: correct them.olly and confusion: correct them.olly and confusion: correct them. Do not puDo not puDo not puDo not pull, do not push,ll, do not push,ll, do not push,ll, do not push, g g g good fortune will naturally return,ood fortune will naturally return,ood fortune will naturally return,ood fortune will naturally return, t t t the Dao will naturally come.he Dao will naturally come.he Dao will naturally come.he Dao will naturally come. By this means you can rely on it.By this means you can rely on it.By this means you can rely on it.By this means you can rely on it. Tranquility results in attaining it,Tranquility results in attaining it,Tranquility results in attaining it,Tranquility results in attaining it, i i i impatience results in losing it.mpatience results in losing it.mpatience results in losing it.mpatience results in losing it. zhang 26 zhang 26 zhang 26 zhang 26 ---- Dao of Tempering Desire Dao of Tempering Desire Dao of Tempering Desire Dao of Tempering Desire The ephemeral Qi wThe ephemeral Qi wThe ephemeral Qi wThe ephemeral Qi within the Heart:ithin the Heart:ithin the Heart:ithin the Heart: One moment it comes, one moment it departs.One moment it comes, one moment it departs.One moment it comes, one moment it departs.One moment it comes, one moment it departs. So minute, it is without interior;So minute, it is without interior;So minute, it is without interior;So minute, it is without interior; sosososo great, it is without exterior. great, it is without exterior. great, it is without exterior. great, it is without exterior. Where we lose itWhere we lose itWhere we lose itWhere we lose it,,,, isisisis due to our impatience causing harm. due to our impatience causing harm. due to our impatience causing harm. due to our impatience causing harm. When the Heart maintains stillness,When the Heart maintains stillness,When the Heart maintains stillness,When the Heart maintains stillness, Dao will natuDao will natuDao will natuDao will naturally stabilize.rally stabilize.rally stabilize.rally stabilize. For people who attain Dao,For people who attain Dao,For people who attain Dao,For people who attain Dao, i i i it pervades their structure to the tip of their hair.t pervades their structure to the tip of their hair.t pervades their structure to the tip of their hair.t pervades their structure to the tip of their hair. At the center of their chest, nothing is lost.At the center of their chest, nothing is lost.At the center of their chest, nothing is lost.At the center of their chest, nothing is lost. Temper desire with DaoTemper desire with DaoTemper desire with DaoTemper desire with Dao,,,, andandandand the myriad things will not trouble you. the myriad things will not trouble you. the myriad things will not trouble you. the myriad things will not trouble you. TranslationTranslationTranslationTranslation © 2005 © 2005 © 2005 © 2005 ---- shazi daor shazi daor shazi daor shazi daorenenenen

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Notes:

Some of these phrases were very difficult. Some of them didn't quite align with daojia, or at least to my

understanding of it. It’s very difficult to be unbiased in translation.

zhang 6

This is close to a literal translation Heart is xin - heart/mind

zhang 7

The first three lines are quite terse in Chinese heaven-rule-align, etc I followed a bit of Roth’s approach to

solving this obliqueness.

zhang 8

This verse seems core to neiye and equates Jing and Qi as the object of alignment. Such alignment focuses

on calmness, centered heart, a specific awareness of eyes and ears, and posture. Then Jing is able to dwell

and Qi is able to flourish (grow, flourish, be born, etc.) this doesn't seem to result in emptiness but rather a

level of thought that stops short of knowledge.

zhang 9

This is a very interesting verse. The first two lines don't convey the one theme as well as in the Chinese,

where line 1 starts 'One thing' and line 2 'One affair'. This focus on 'One' is replete in this zhang. The

Master - junzi is the same word konzi uses as the 'superior man'. I felt that the use of Master in 9.5

juxtaposed against the verb 'master' in 9.7works very well. I really like the concept the master acts (not

Wei, but rather, shi) upon things and is not acted upon was an interesting concept. Although the 'One'

concept seems quite daoist, the use of junzi and some of the act on things don't be acted upon may be a bit

Confucian.

zhang 10

Harness, control, manage, govern are all the same word in Chinese. Yet the idea conveys better as multiple

words appropriate to the object of each line. The last two lines are a bit enigmatic, and I’ve translated it as

close to the text as I could. It’s a powerful statement, perhaps a bit of hyperbole, but yet the idea of

attaining Dao in later daojiao does empower the Master.

zhang 11

The Roth translation seems to ignore line 6 which is 'tian ren di yi'' heaven benevolence earth

justice/righteousness' Roth has: 5 Align your body, assist the inner power, 6 Then it will gradually come on

its own. True, benevolence and righteousness are distinctly Confucian thoughts, yet it makes more sense to

contrast these with the last line having a form of 'ziran' but not exactly 'self so'.

zhang 12

This is where the 'spirit' begins to take some central importance in the neiye. I spent two days thinking

about one word here - guan - "Government", translated inline 4 and 5 as 'faculties'. Roth translates it

'senses', which isn't quite it, as I see it, it would be the government or constitution of the body, your general

health/faculties.

zhang 13

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I left more words in this cut untranslated, especially Jing, De, and Qi, meaning: Jing - the essence De –

Virtue Qi - well, Qi, ch'i, Energy. But some words, spirit/shen, heart/xini have translated. I’m just

inconsistent that way - dao ke dao.

zhang 14

This zhang is amazing, and amazingly difficult to translate. 1-7 portray the 'Dao is everywhere' concept8-9

introduce the core teaching, that Dao is accessible only by what's in the Heart. I did not translate Heart as

Xin, although it isn't quite heart either. Its heart/mind.10-16 may be some of the most powerful words I've

read in daojia regarding the centrality of what's in the heart/mind. even to the point that the writer is

juxtaposing the conscious heart/mind with the unconscious heart/mind, that one, not sure which, controls

the other.17-23 show a descent from awareness 'mind'/yi through the embodiment of ideas into actions and

order. I’m not sure this isn't more Confucian than daojia. There’s definitely no wuwei here, and sort of an

exalting of order and action.

zhang 15

I can't begin to express the beauty of the language here.

zhang 16

Most of these lines are without pronouns. hence, I could have said 'if I am able to...'it's hard to tell whether

2 3 and 4 are consequences of alignment and tranquility or additional conditions to be met for 5 thru

8.basically, 1-4 may set the stage for the four 'greats' in 5-8.in 4 and 6, there are references to 'great circle'

and 'great square' .Roth puts 'of the heavens' and 'of the earth' in brackets, but I simplified a bit herein order

to easily get the reference. I still haven't made up my mind whether it's better to say 'de' or 'Virtue'. For

some reason 'Virtue' in this zhang feels better to me. In 7 there's a word 'jian', which means cheap or lowly,

which I interpret as abasing or humbling oneself. in 12 there's a word 'qiong', which means exhaust or poor,

Roth used 'exhaust', but it doesn't seem to make sense in context. Draw from is a way to exhaust something,

which is what I used. And the 'four directions' is an idiomatic expression; it actually says the 'four ji' as in

four ridgepoles or extremes. We might say in archaic English, 'the four corners of the earth’. This is all

called 'inner virtue' neide. What a concept! inner cultivation results in inner virtue...line 15 has 'ran er' so

yet...which together mean 'however' in modern Chinese. I felt this combination made better sense, yet these

two last lines are difficult at best to translate.

zhang 17

This starts, literally, 'all dao' which can also be entirely Dao. To make sense of this in context there are a set

of six practices that 'must' be one's discipline. Hence, I came back to be wholly (one with) in accord with

Dao. Line 5 'excellence' is Shan, good; good-ati felt excellence a better fit, the attribute of disciplined

practice. To say 'hold fast to the good would simply not fit. Ultimate is 'ji' as in taiji, wuji. The ridge pole.

Once you know the taiji/wuji, or in other words, the 'jis', you return to daode. Very interesting thought.

zhang 18

Line 1 could be entire heart exists in center. But it seems to make better sense in the light of earlier use of

zhong/center, to focus on the centered heart. Lines 2-8 are easy translations, quite literal. lines 9-10 are

quite close to literal, line 10 first word is 'ji' which might mean spreading hate or sickness but in context, it

seems better to say 'is louder than' I suggest that ji is just a metaphor for being disruptively loud. this would

appear to be an idiomatic axiom.13 is a difficult translation.16 and 18 have 'yi' - mind, idea, intention, and

given that 18 has both yi and xin, I feel comfortable translating yi as mind in most places here. Yi seems to

be the rational thinking mind. The promises of the entire world submitting or listening are a bit hyperbolic

here. I think the writer is trying to get across that by concentrating Qi and aligning the heart/mind, whatever

an individual can do naturally thereafter happens, whereas forcing things without the internal de/Qi is

simply a waste of energy.

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zhang 19

This is an amazing verse. I don't have much to say about the translation; for the most part it came easily and

is straightforward. Line 1 'like a spirit' is literally what it says. Then in lines 12 and 13, guishen reappears

'spiritual being' - ghost spirit. This is the disembodied jing in chapter 1.in other words, no matter how much

one thinks about something, you won't get it. Having Qi concentrated from Jing, as would a spiritual being,

one simply understands stuff. How does the human being do this? Aligning the body, calming the blood

(heart-beat) and breath, centering the heart and mind through some form of meditation (the neiye is not

specific as to what). This will collect energy/Qi, and align the person's spirit with Dao, attaining de. In such

a state, one can 'see the world' without leaving his/her village.

zhang 20

The first four lines are causal pairs of things resulting in something 'bad' notice that 'knowledge' is in the

same class as worry, resentment, and disease. The four 'bads' escalate to death. It may be innocent enough

to think and search, but if you think about it, it will burn you up. Line 8 is quite funny, literally, 'no flea

makes plans', which also must be some sort of idiomatic expression. Seems more appropriate to 'nip little

things in the bud', like several zhang of ddj. Lines 10 and 11 have dual negatives in them, and it's easier to

understand in Chinese than translate. The idea is to eat and think moderately, not as if (literally) you can't

get enough. Line 13 literally says 'you will self realize 'it's a very powerful statement.

zhang 21

7-9 there's a theme here that I cannot quite translate accurately. The theme is around the harmony of Dao,

that its 'emotion' cannot be 'seen' and it's 'note of Chinese scale' cannot be 'completed'. I’m sure red will see

in this something about sound meditation, and perhaps there is a sense of how the harmony of Dao isn't

quite like traditional sound or music. the idea, however, conveys to me that there is a futility in trying to

see Dao with one's eye's or hear it with one's ears. There is a translation of the Chinese note as a summons,

summon it by a chance meeting is an accurate translation. It also is similar to some phrases in sunzi bingfa

around summoning information. In the end, I like where this landed. Fondness and resentment are also joy

and anger and were translated such in a previous zhang. However, the joy here is really a fondness, an

attachment to people and things, not the ecstasy found in meditation or 'true happiness' whatever that may

be. given that fondness has its opposite in resentment, and this anger is truly the type directed toward

others, then fondness and resentment seem to translate better.14 - make a determination - is actually 'make

a plan', or lay it out on paper inform of a diagram. I could argue that daojia seems to be against making

plans, but in fact there are several zhangin ddj around planning things when they're small. So, instead of an

elaborate plan, which this isn't really talking about, it's more about commitment. A determination to do the

type of inner cultivation that rectifies the deficiencies of one's training.

zhang 22

Isn’t hard to translate, I just have a hard time with the premise that one can use music and ritual as a means

of attaining stability. That’s a personal matter -- not that I don't participate in ritual or music, but rather

whether such are consistent with daojia. It really doesn't matter, because in the context of these writings,

daojia and rujia are not in conflict within neiye.

zhang 23

Clearly is about balanced diet between over- and under eating. The problem lies in line 4, where the words

at the beginning, da she, is really mean 'great absorption'. All I can say is that it must be idiomatic for

under eating or great fasting of some sort. The context all clearly points to a mean between overfilling and

something else. In line 15, the phrase begins with 'abalone', implying that when one is in the presence of a

food delicacy, one has to be able to move away from a type of sick envy. Literally: abalone - as a

rule/result - sick envy - move. In other words, don't let the lust for fine food absorb you into a sick envy;

move away from it! All that is just easier said move away from gluttony. The last two lines might be better

said, but the translation here is pretty much as written - this will cause (ci jiang).

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zhang 24

Is nearly a perfect description of the result of neiye. What is neiye? In my opinion, any type of meditation

where the body maintains a relaxed alignment, the chest expanded to allow for deep breathing, awareness

yet ability to detach from distraction. To do this, one balances eating sleeping, and the sense desires;

drawing upon Jing to cultivate Qi, and Dao to cultivate De. When you do this, when you're with others you

can be detached and relaxed yet compassionate, and when alone you can truly enjoy yourself.

zhang 25

So can all this be trained? Forced? Hell no. no pulling no pushing no forcing at all. Just let it flow

tranquility and serenity allow 'it' to stabilize. Impatience, literally, causes you to lose 'it'.

zhang 26

Ephemeral could also be mysterious - it's kind of like a dead spirit in the etymology very temporary, but

not necessarily fleeting. I think 'ephemeral' captures the idea. Line 6 hits impatience again. Key thought.

Line 9 and 10 - those who 'attain', Dao pervades everything from structure through hair. I could ask 'how

can one attain something that is already everywhere?' yet there is no exact distinction in neiye between

dao/de/jing/qi. Whatever 'it' is, 'it' is forever nameless, so these labels tend not to be precise in their

meaning in the original, nor in translation. The last two lines are poetic without grammar "Dao of

tempering desire [results in] 10K things no trouble"