The Efficacy and Significance of Chinese Taoist Cultivation Studies

Chinese Taoism and cultivation studies have a long and rich history, with profound and extensive content. They are not only the cultural essence of the Chinese nation but also a precious asset of world civilization. For thousands of years, it has undergone a long period of evolution and development, accumulating into a rich Taoist culture, which has exerted a profound influence and played a significant role in various aspects of Chinese society, including politics, economy, philosophy, ethics and morality, literature and art, medicine, health preservation, paleochemistry, life science, as well as national psychology and social customs. Therefore, if one does not understand the rich content of Chinese Taoism and cultivation studies, it is impossible to have a comprehensive and profound understanding of Chinese history and culture. Just as Lu Xun once said, "The root of Chinese culture lies entirely in Taoism." The study of Taoist cultivation originated from the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan, the progenitor of China. Originating from Taoism, it has spread both within and outside Taoism and has spread throughout the land of China. Having been passed down for five thousand years, in a nutshell, Chinese Taoist cultivation studies are the study of heaven and man. Through thousands of years of self-cultivation of human life in the universe, it reaches the state of immortality and enlightenment through long-term vision. My life is in my own hands, not in the hands of fate. I will transcend the cycle of birth and death and enjoy eternal happiness without end. What kind of effects can be achieved by practicing Taoist cultivation? This is also a question that we must consider in our study. Because Taoist cultivation values practicality and is closely related to oneself, according to the author's investigation, at least the following effects can be produced. First, it can transform the practitioner's outlook on life, cultivate a humble, gentle, selfless and non-contentious broad-mindedness, purify the soul and return to the true self. As the saying goes, "Without virtue, there can be no way." "When virtue is upright, the heart is at ease; when the heart is at ease, 炁 goes smoothly." Personal cultivation is beneficial to society. Benefiting others is to elevate oneself. Second, it can change a person's temperament and control their own mental and emotional state. Establish a highly harmonious and orderly new procedure throughout the body. Bring about new changes in one's endocrine system, nervous system and microcirculation system. Thus, it generates energy that is consistent with the natural rhythms of the universe and complementary to the energy changes in nature. Through this program, one can control their body and mind, making them in harmony with the Dao, thereby achieving the goal of independently adjusting emotions, maintaining a good state of mind and transforming personal temperament. Thirdly, it can cleanse the wounds of the soul, rediscover and understand oneself, thereby liberating one's mind and reaching the state of enlightenment in Zen Buddhism. The sadness, pain and unexpected stimuli experienced in life cause people to deviate and become extreme in both psychology and behavior. Taoist cultivation studies can adjust their procedures, understand these obstacles at a high level, and thus achieve a profound enlightenment, reaching the realm of the Tao and truly experiencing the taste of Taoist freedom that suits one's nature. Fourth, it can develop the potential of human life and stimulate the deep wisdom of the human body. When the alchemists cultivate to the point where their primordial spirit is developed and refined into a Yang spirit, they will open the information database of the human body's remnants, release their life potential, and acquire supernatural powers that transcend the boundaries of time and space. In the art of alchemy, there is a common practice known as the "Six supernatural experiences", but practitioners do not aim for this, never show off, and are wise but do not apply them. At present, some so-called masters of special abilities cannot be compared with it. V. Improve physical fitness, prevent and treat diseases, and stimulate the youthful vitality of the human body. The Taoist practice of guiding exercises and elixirs that have been passed down for five thousand years can not only cure diseases and strengthen the body, regulate the physiological functions of the human body, but also cure all kinds of diseases. It should be regarded as the highest form of physical and mental medicine, eliminating all physical and mental diseases, promoting blood circulation, activating blood stasis and removing blood stasis, making the meridians unobstructed and the mind harmonious, thereby ensuring the true health of the human body and mind. Sixth, it not only enables people to prolong their lives but also exceeds the limits of human life. Some famous Taoist masters in history, such as Peng Zu and Guang Chengzi in the distant past, and Sun Simiao, Lu Dongbin, Zhang Sanfeng in the recent past, only the Qing Dynasty has dating records. As for the Longmen School of alchemy, there are Wang Changyue (1520-1680), Shen Changjing (1523-1653), Wang Yongning (1597-1721), and Bai Ma Li (1615-1818) Therefore, the effect of Taoist cultivation studies in prolonging human lifespan is beyond doubt. Moreover, there are at least the following four differences between those who practice longevity and those who do not: 1. Cultivation is for health and longevity. Although some people can achieve longevity, they often live while ill, and such longevity is incomplete. Taoist cultivation emphasizes nourishing one's own essence and the three treasures of spirit, restoring a vigorous body, and then adopting the innate 炁 to completely transform and become a true person. This kind of longevity is a healthy one. 2. Cultivation is bound to lead to longevity and good health. Some people may achieve longevity and good health, but it is often by chance and not within their own control. Taoist cultivation, entering the gate of the mysterious female, and then in harmony with the creation of heaven and earth, returning to the root and returning to one's destiny, such longevity and good health are inevitable. 3. Cultivation is for self-directed longevity. For ordinary people, it is possible to live a long life without engaging in cultivation. However, for cultivators, longevity lies in seeking the root of life. Besides enjoying a long life, they can also use the art of receiving life to extend their lifespan and live a long life independently. If they do not wish to remain in this world, they can stop using or not use this method. This kind of longevity is self-directed longevity. 4. Cultivation leads to a life of both body and mind. For ordinary people, a long life may be due to mental disorders such as senile dementia or vegetative state. Such a long life can only be a simple repetition of life and is always flawed in meaning. The longevity achieved through cultivation means a life of both body and mind, that is, both body and mind remain healthy and ageless, always maintaining youthful vitality. The above discussion is sufficient to prove that Chinese Taoist cultivation studies are a genuine academic discipline concerning human life, and every step has been verified. It can be said that it is an academic discipline that exists simultaneously with the birth of human life, so its academic discipline should be able to become an eternal academic discipline that coexists with humanity through the ages. Eternal in the vast expanse of heaven and earth, youth endures forever, and life is long and beautiful. This is perhaps the unique charm of Chinese Taoist cultivation studies! (GUI Liang