Page 470 - The Encyclopedia of Taoism v1_A-L

FUQI JINGYI LU N 431

Fuqi jingyi lun

Essay on the Essential Meaning of the Ingestion of Breath

The Fuqi jingyi lun is a key text on physical self-cultivation composed by the
twelfth patriarch of *Shangqing, *Sima Chengzhen (647- 735). It is divided into
nine sections, describing the attainment of physical purity and longevity in
consecutive steps. In addition to the complete version found in *Yunji qiqian
57, the first two sections are also in CT 830, and the remaining seven in the
Xiuzhen jingyi zalun f~~;fi!f ~ ~IH~ (Assorted Essays on the Essential Meaning
of the Cultivation of Perfection; CT 277). Both texts contain talismans tliat
are missing in the Yunji qiqian version.
The nine sections are as follows:
1. "On the Five Sprouts" CWuya lun" liJf~). The Five Sprouts are the
essential energies of the *wuxing and the five directions. Adepts ingest
them with the help of visualization, gradually substituting them for a
regular diet.
2. "On the Ingestion of Breath" CFuqi lun" ~~~~). To become indepen-
dent of ordinary breathing, adepts absorb *qi as breath and store it in
their inner organs. The immediate effect of the practice is a depleting of
the body, but it soon becomes stronger.
3. "On daoyin" CDaoyin lun" ¥];iJ I ~) . Literally "exercises for guiding
(energy) and stretching (the body)," *daoyin or gymnastics should always
complement the absorption of qi. They frequently emulate the move-
ments of animals, and serve to make the body supple, harmonize the inner
energies, stimulate digestion and blood circulation, and expel diseases.
4. "On Talismanic Water" CFushui lun" f-f*~). Talismans (*FU) aid the
process by being first burned, then dissolved in water, and finally ingested
by the adepts.
5. "On Taking Drugs" ("Fuyao lun" ~Ii~~). Drugs replace normal food,
especially the five grains (wugu nlID!:) but also anything hot and spicy,
which causes the body to decay. Drugs also effect an initial depleting of
the body. The text also contains several recipes.
6. "On Complying with Prohibitions" ("Shenji lun" 'fJl ,8 ~). Certain states
should be avoided: exertion of the body, strong emotions in the mind.
7. "On the Five Viscera" CWuzang lun" nJll~). This is a theoretical