Daoist Internal Alchemy 道家内丹术
Interpreting the Ancient Codes An Example from the Zhou Yi Can Tong Qi, a Taoist Alchemy Classic By Shawn Carwright The language of alchemy is a language that attempts to say the contradictory Isabelle Robinet, The World Upside Down, p2 Trans. Fabrizio Pregadio The Dao is unspeakable and the mystical experience is inexpressible; yet, say the masters, in order to expound and transmit them, one is bound to use the language. Isabelle Robinet, The World Upside Down, p17, Trans. Fabrizio Pregadio One of the hallmarks of the Chinese Taoist classics, especially those of Nei Dan (內丹, Internal Alchemy) is that they attempt to describe the indescribable. They were written in language that is both very specific and inherently ambiguous with meanings intentionally hidden from outsiders. It is a type of “code” which must be interpreted in order to access the ancient wisdom contained within their lines. The texts serve many purposes, but most were not intended for popular consumption. Rather, they were written for a small group of initiates. The classic texts of Internal Alchemy are thought to convey at least three layers of meaning: 1) Dao (道), the great principles behind the work, 2) Fa (法), the actual methods or approach used by various schools, and 3) Shu (朮), the specific techniques of the practices. The great principles presented in the classics generally apply to most traditions while the actual methods and specific techniques may vary by school or even lineage. Jan-Feb 2013
The actual methods and specific techniques are usually only passed orally from teacher to student. They are often considered “secrets” never to be written down or lightly revealed in order to protect the practice and prevent unintended outcomes. This secrecy existed in a state of tension with a general interest in preserving and advancing the knowledge. For this reason, texts were created to preserve the knowledge and sometimes act as training aids for the students. However, the metaphoric imagery and code-like wording used in the classic texts served not only to protect the secrets from the uninitiated, but also helped to create a shift in the mind set of the reader. Students should labor and toil, thinking at length and reflecting at depth. The ultimate essentials have been fully disclosed: they gleam and never deceive. Can Tong Qi, p91 Trans. Fabrizio Pregadio The study of these ancient classics takes place on several levels. The first is intellectual. You try to read and understand what is being said. This reveals the first layers of meaning of the text. To go further you need to actually practice. As the quality of your practice improves, so will your understanding of what is being said in the classics. This is why sometimes a teacher, after explaining the major principles and concepts of the classics, tells the student to go practice specific techniques. It is only after diligent and successful practice that the multi-layered meanings in the texts are revealed. Interpreting the Taoist classics is both an art and a science. The scientific part relates to the historiYang-Sheng (Nurturing Life)
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