Ancient Practices Explained
Why Pursue the Supreme Daoism Cultivation?
The ultimate achievement in supreme Daoist cultivation is the attainment of the Yang Spirit. For the broader public, one can also aim for the attainment of the Yin Spirit. Additionally, many people can simply pursue physical and mental well-being, longevity, enlightenment, and even mastering skills to surpass AI.
What are three Stages of Yang Spirit Achievement?
Initial Stage - Separation of Form and Spirit: At this stage, the practitioner can project their Yang Spirit outside the body, but the physical body and Yang Spirit remain separate. The body continues to age and eventually die naturally.
Intermediate Stage - Unity of Form and Spirit: Here, the Yang Spirit can not only project freely but also alter the physical body's state and functions. This includes changes in lifespan, physical strength, temperature regulation, and even the color of the blood.
Final Stage - Mystical Union of Form and Spirit: At this highest stage, the physical body dissolves into the Yang Spirit, culminating in complete transcendence (similar to the concept of "feathering" or "ascension"). This is akin to the state described by Liezi, where the mind and spirit are in perfect harmony, transforming between form and energy. The practitioner can appear in various forms or transcend temporal existence, aiding others as destiny allows. At this point, one has returned to the central pure land of the Dao, the Infinite Field, achieving the ultimate state where "I can give birth to the universe, but the universe cannot give birth to me.
As long as one has a physical body, there is "cause" which leads to endless consequences, keeping one within the karmic web of the Dao. Therefore, the pinnacle of Yang Spirit achievement will not leave any parts of the physical body behind
What is Yin Spirit Achievement?
Yin Spirit achievement refers to the ability of the primordial spirit to leave the physical body. The evidence of this achievement is returning to the pure land of the Dao, represented by the Kun hexagram (Earth). The outward sign is the ability to know the time of death and passing away in healthy stage.
Achieving Yin Spirit is a foundational step towards achieving the Yang Spirit. While the Yang Spirit can manifest and exert influence on the physical world, the Yin Spirit can only observe the world.
The various forms of meditative death observed in different religious sects typically indicate Yin Spirit achievement. However, due to incomplete dissolution of Xiang (image is a close word to it), these practitioners are drawn back to the pure Yin realm of Kun. This is a specific example of "first return, then fall." The fall is out of control of the practitioner, unfortunately.
The transition from Yin Spirit achievement to Yang Spirit achievement is crucial and cannot be attained merely through abstinence. The most challenging aspect is overcoming the "xin" xiang.
Is Supreme Daoist Cultivation Related to Religion?
Supreme Daoist cultivation is a method of practice and is not inherently related to religion. It welcomes individuals from all religious backgrounds, as well as those who seek to understand the fundamental mysteries of the universe and life. At advanced stages of cultivation, practitioners will naturally develop their own understanding of religion.
What is the State After Attaining Dao final stage?
If one attains Dao through the achievement of the Yang Spirit, they can manifest physically or disperse into energy at will. In this state, they can choose to remain in the world or leave it as they wish. The state after attaining Dao is difficult to describe in words and can only be roughly illustrated by images, the most appropriate being the "Three Graves and Four Changes Diagram" from the Wen Shi Dao.
Which Course Should Be Practiced?
In supreme Daoism cultivation, whether practicing Dan Dao or the Way of Non-Action, the primary goal is the achievement of the Yang Spirit. Great Pure Land practice offers two types of achievements, with the ultimate goal being the achievement of the Yang Spirit. However, for the broader public, attaining the Yin Spirit is also a worthy goal, making this practice widely accessible.
The Wen Shi Dao (Yinxian Pai) primarily represents the Way of Non-Action but also includes a complete tradition of Dan Dao practices. Throughout history, all true masters have also placed great importance on the Great Pure Land practice. The Great Pure Land practice can achieve ultimate goal within supreme Daoist cultivation, even though it is more for broader public.
Can Cultivation Help Resolve Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Issues, Including Major Illnesses?
Absolutely! Cultivation can indeed help in resolving physical, mental, and spiritual issues, including major illnesses.
Commitment to Practice: If you consistently practice cultivation, miracles can happen.
For Young Children: If young children have issues, their parents' consistent practice can also bring about miraculous changes.
A Last Resort: This might be your last chance. If you haven't found a real solution to your problems through other means, consider seeking the ancient wisdom of the East.