论曰∶张湛称养性缮写经方，在于代者甚众，嵇叔夜论之最精，然辞旨远不会近，余之
所言，在其义与事归，实录以贻后代。不违情性之欢，而俯仰可从，不弃耳目之好，而顾眄
可行。使旨约而赡广，业少而功多，所谓易则易知，简则易从，故其大要，一曰啬神，二曰
爱气，三曰养形，四曰导引，五曰言论，六曰饮食，七曰房室，八曰反俗，九曰医药，十曰
禁忌。过此已往，未之或知也。
列子曰∶一体之盈虚消息，皆通于天地，应于物类。故阴气壮则梦涉大水而恐惧，阳气
壮则梦涉大火而燔 ，阴阳俱壮则梦生杀。甚饱则梦与，甚
饥则梦取，是以浮虚为疾者则梦扬，沉实为疾者则梦溺，藉带而寝者则梦蛇，飞鸟衔发者则
梦尽，心躁者梦火，将病者梦饮酒歌舞，将衰者梦哭。是以和之于始，治之于终，静神灭想
，此养生之道备也。
彭祖曰∶每施泻讫，辄导引以补其虚，不尔，血脉髓脑日损。犯之者生疾病，俗人不知
补泻之义故也。饮酒吐逆，劳作汗出，以当风卧湿，饱食大呼，疾走举重，走马引强，语笑
无度，思虑太深，皆损年寿。是以为道者务思和理焉。口目乱心，圣人所以闭之。名利败身
，圣人所以去之。故天老曰∶丈夫处其浓不处其薄，当去礼去圣，守愚以自养。斯乃德之源
也。
彭祖曰∶上士别床，中士异被。服药百裹，不如独卧。色使目盲，声使耳聋，味使口爽
，苟能节宣其宜适，抑扬其通塞者，可以增寿。一日之忌者暮无饱食，一月之忌者暮无大醉
，一岁之忌者暮须远内，终身之忌者暮常护气。夜饱损一日之寿，夜醉损一月之寿，一接损
一岁之寿，慎之。清旦初以左右手摩交耳，从头上挽两耳又引发，则面气通流。如此者令人
头不白耳不聋。又摩掌令热以摩面，从上向下二七过，去 气，令人面有光。又令人胜风
寒，时气寒热头痛，百疾皆除。真人曰∶欲求长生寿考服诸神药者，当须先断房室，肃斋沐
浴熏香，不得至丧孝家及产乳处，慎之慎之。古之学道者所以山居者，良以此也。
老子曰∶人欲求道，勿起五逆六不祥，凶。大小便向西，一逆；向北，二逆；向日，三
逆；向月，四逆；仰视日月星辰，五逆。夜半裸形，一不祥；旦起嗔心，二不祥；向灶骂詈
，三不祥；以足纳火，四不祥；夫妻昼合，五不祥；盗师父物，六不祥。旦起常言善事，天
与之福，勿言奈何及祸事，名请祸。慎勿床上仰卧，大凶。卧伏地，大凶。饱食伏地，大凶
。以匙箸击盘，大凶。大劳行房室露卧，发癫病。醉勿食热。食毕摩腹能除百病。热食伤骨
，冷食伤肺。热无灼唇，冷无冰齿。食毕行步蜘蹰则长生，食勿大言。大饱血脉闭。卧欲得
数转侧。冬温夏凉，慎勿冒之，大醉神散越，大乐气飞扬，大愁气不通。久坐伤筋，久立伤
骨。凡欲坐，先解脱右靴履，大言。用精令人气乏，多睡令人目盲，多唾令人心烦，贪美食
令人泄痢。沐浴无常，不吉。沐与浴同日，凶。夫妻同日沐浴，凶。说梦者。凶。
凡日月蚀，救之吉，活千人。除殃，活万人。与天地同功。日月薄蚀大风大雨虹霓地动
雷电霹雳大寒大雾四时节变，不可交合阴阳。慎之。
凡夏至后丙丁日冬至后庚辛日，皆不可合阴阳。大凶。
凡大月十七日、小月十六日，此各毁败日，不可交会，犯之伤血脉。凡月二日三日五日
九日二十日，此生日也，交会令人无疾。
凡新沐远行及疲、饱食醉酒、大喜大悲、男女热病未瘥，女子月血新产者，皆不可合阴
阳。热疾新瘥，交者死。
老子曰∶凡人生多疾病者是风日之子。生而早死者是晦日之子。在胎而伤者是朔日之子
。生而母子俱死者是雷霆霹雳日之子。能行步有知而死者是下旬之子。兵血死者是月水尽
之子，又是月蚀之子。虽胎不成者是弦望之子。命不长者，是大醉之子。不痴必狂者是大劳
之子。生而不成者是平晓之子。意多恐悸者是日出之子。好为盗贼贪欲者是禺中之子。性痴
行不良者是日中之子。命能不全者，是日 之子。好诈反妄者，是晡时之子。不盲必聋者是
人定之子。天地闭气不通，其子死。夜半合阴阳生子上寿，贤明。夜半后合会生子，中寿，
聪明智惠。鸡鸣合会生子，下寿，克父母。此乃天地之常理也。
天老曰∶不禀五常形貌，而尊卑贵贱不等，皆由父母合会禀气寿也。得合八星阴阳，各
得其时者上也，即富贵之极。得合八星阴阳，不得其时者中也。得中宫，不合八星阴阳，得
其时者下也。得下宫，不合此宿不得其时者则为凡人矣。合宿交会者非惟生子富贵，亦利身
，大吉。八星者，室、参、井、鬼、柳、张、房、心。一云凡宿也。是月宿所在，此星可以
合阴阳。
老子曰∶人生大限百年，节护者可至千岁。如膏用小炷之与大炷，众人大言而我小语，
众人多繁而我小记，众人悖暴而我不怒。不以事累意，不临时俗之仪。淡然无为，神气自
满。以此为不死之药，天下莫我知也。勿谓暗昧，神见我形。勿谓小语，鬼闻我声。犯禁满
千，地收人形。人为阳善，人自报之；人为阴善，鬼神报之。人为阳恶，人身治之，人为阴
恶，鬼神治之。故天不欺人，示之以影；地不欺人，示之以响。人生天地气中，动作喘息皆
应于天，为善为恶天皆鉴之。人有修善积德而遭凶祸者，先世之余殃也。为恶犯禁而遇吉祥
者，先世之余福也。故善人行不择日，至凶中得凶中之吉，入恶中得恶中之善。恶人行动择
时日，至吉中反得吉中之凶，入善中反得善中之恶。此皆目然之符也。
老子曰∶谢天地父母法。常以辰巳日黄昏时天晴日净，扫宅中甲壬丙庚之地，烧香北向
稽首三过，口勿语，但心中言耳。举家皆利。谢嘿云∶曾孙某乙数负黄天之气象、上帝之
始愿，合家男女大小前后所犯罪过，请为削除凶恶。在后进善人某家大小身神安，生气还。
常以此道，大吉利，除祸殃。
老子曰∶正月朔晓亦可于庭中向寅地再拜，咒曰∶洪华，洪华，受大道之恩，太清玄门
，愿还某去岁之年，男女皆三过自咒。常行此道，可以延年。
论曰∶神仙之道难致，养性之术易崇。故善摄生者常须慎于忌讳，勤于服食，则百年之
内不惧于夭伤也。所以具录服饵方法以遗后嗣云。
论述说：张湛称颂修养性命、抄写经方的人很多，其中嵇康（字叔夜）论述得最为精妙，然而他的言辞意旨深远，难以贴近日常生活。我所讲述的内容，侧重于义理与事务的归趣，如实记录以留给后代。不违背情性的欢愉，而俯仰之间皆可遵循；不放弃耳目之喜好，而顾盼之间皆可施行。使得宗旨简约而内容丰富，学业少而功效多，这就是所说的“易则易知，简则易从”。因此其大要，一是啬神（爱惜精神），二是爱气（珍视元气），三是养形（保养形体），四是导引（古代的一种健身方法，通过肢体运动和呼吸调节身体），五是言论（言语节制），六是饮食，七是房室（性生活），八是反俗（反对世俗陋习），九是医药，十是禁忌。超过这些方面的，就不得而知了。
列子说：人体的一体盈亏消长，都与天地相通，应验于物类。所以阴气盛时，梦见渡大水而感到恐惧；阳气盛时，梦见渡大火而被焚烧；阴阳都盛时，梦见生杀斗争。吃得太饱时，梦见给予别人食物；非常饥饿时，梦见向别人索取食物。因此，身体浮虚生病的人，梦见飞扬；身体沉实生病的人，梦见溺水；系着带子睡觉的人，梦见蛇；飞鸟衔着头发的人，梦见头发尽落；内心烦躁的人，梦见火；将要生病的人，梦见饮酒歌舞；将要衰败的人，梦见哭泣。所以在开始时调和，在结束时治理，使精神宁静、灭除杂念，这就是养生之道完备的表现。
彭祖说：每次泄精之后，随即进行导引来补益其虚弱，如果不这样，血脉髓脑就会日渐损耗。触犯这一条的人会生出疾病，这是因为世俗之人不懂得补泻的道理啊。饮酒后呕吐逆乱，劳作后汗出，迎风躺卧湿处，饱食后大声呼喊，疾走举重，骑马拉弓，说话笑闹没有节制，思虑太深，都会损害年寿。所以修道的人务必思考如何调和道理。口腹之欲扰乱心神，这是圣人所以封闭它的原因。名利败坏身体，这是圣人所以摒弃它的原因。所以天老说：男子应当处于浓厚而不处于单薄，应当去除礼教和圣智，坚守愚钝来自我养护。这就是德的源头。
彭祖说：上等士人分床睡，中等士人分被睡。服用百种药丸，不如独自安睡。美色使人眼盲，声音使人耳聋，美味使人味觉失灵。如果能节制宣通其适宜，抑扬其通塞，就可以增加寿命。一天的忌讳是晚上不要吃饱，一个月的忌讳是晚上不要大醉，一年的忌讳是晚上要远离房事，终身的忌讳是晚上要常护元气。夜里吃饱损害一天的寿命，夜里喝醉损害一个月的寿命，一次性交损害一年的寿命，要谨慎。清晨初起，先用左右手摩擦耳朵，从头上向后拉扯两耳并牵引头发，这样面部气血流通。这样做让人头发不白、耳朵不聋。又摩擦手掌使其发热，然后摩擦面部，从上向下做十四次，去除浊气，让人面色有光泽。又让人战胜风寒，时气寒热头痛，各种疾病都能消除。真人说：想要追求长生不老、服用各种神药的人，必须先断绝房事，严肃斋戒沐浴熏香，不能去丧孝之家及产妇处，千万谨慎。古代学道的人之所以隐居山林，确实是因为这个原因。
老子说：人如果想求道，不要犯五逆六不祥，这是凶兆。大小便向西，是一逆；向北，是二逆；面向太阳，是三逆；面向月亮，是四逆；仰视日月星辰，是五逆。半夜裸体，是一不祥；早晨起床时心生嗔怒，是二不祥；对着灶台骂詈，是三不祥；用脚踩入火中，是四不祥；夫妻白天行房，是五不祥；偷盗师父的物品，是六不祥。早晨起来常说善事，上天会赐福给他，不要说无奈及祸事的话，那是请求灾祸。千万不要在床上仰卧，是大凶。趴伏在地上，是大凶。饱食后趴伏在地上，是大凶。用匙筷敲击盘子，是大凶。极度劳累后行房或露宿野外，会引发癫病。醉酒时不要吃热的食物。吃完饭后按摩腹部能除去百病。热食伤骨，冷食伤肺。热食不要烫唇，冷食不要冰齿。吃完饭后慢慢行走则能长寿，吃饭时不要大声说话。吃得过饱会导致血脉闭塞。睡觉时要多次翻身。冬天温暖夏天凉爽，千万不要冒犯，大醉会使神志散越，大喜会使气息飞扬，大悲会使气机不通。久坐损伤筋脉，久立损伤骨骼。凡是想要坐下，先解开右边的靴鞋，大声说话。使用精气会让人气力匮乏，多睡会让人眼盲，多吐唾液会让心烦，贪吃美食会让人腹泻痢疾。洗澡没有常规，不吉利。洗头与洗澡在同一天，凶。夫妻同一天洗澡，凶。谈论梦境，凶。
凡是日月蚀，救助它吉利，能救活千人。消除灾殃，能救活万人。这与天地的功德相同。日月薄蚀、大风大雨、虹霓、地动、雷电霹雳、大寒、大雾、四季节气变化，不可交合阴阳。要谨慎。
凡是夏至后的丙丁日，冬至后的庚辛日，都不可交合阴阳，大凶。
凡是农历大月的十七日、小月的十六日，这些是毁败日，不可交会，触犯会损伤血脉。凡是农历初二、初三、初五、初九、二十日，这些是生日，交会让人无疾病。
凡是刚洗完澡、远行归来以及疲劳、饱食醉酒、大喜大悲、男女热病未愈，女子月经期及新产后，都不可合阴阳。热病刚刚痊愈，性交者死。
老子说：人生多疾病的是风日之子。出生早死的是晦日之子。在胎中受伤的是朔日之子。出生时母子俱死的是雷霆霹雳日之子。能行走有知觉而死的是下旬之子。死于兵刃血光的是月水尽之子，又是月蚀之子。虽然怀胎不成形的是弦望之子。寿命不长的是大醉之子。不痴必狂的是大劳之子。出生时不成形的是平晓之子。心中多恐惧悸动的是日出之子。喜好做盗贼贪欲的是禺中之子。性格痴呆行为不良的是日中之子。命不能保全的是日昳之子。喜好欺诈反妄的是晡时之子。不盲必聋的是人定之子。天地闭气不通，其子死。夜半合阴阳生子，子上寿，贤明。夜半后合会生子，中寿，聪明智慧。鸡鸣时合会生子，下寿，克父母。这是天地的常理。
天老说：不禀受五常形貌，而尊卑贵贱不等，都是由父母合会禀气的寿数决定的。得到合八星阴阳，各得其时的，是上等的，即富贵的极致。得到合八星阴阳，不得其时的，是中等的。得到中宫，不合八星阴阳，得其时的，是下等的。得到下宫，不合此宿不得其时的，就是凡人矣。合宿交会不仅生子富贵，也利于自身，大吉。八星是指：室、参、井、鬼、柳、张、房、心。另一种说法是凡宿。是这个月宿所在，这颗星可以合阴阳。
老子说：人生的大限是百年，节律护养的人可以达到千岁。就像灯膏用小灯芯还是大灯芯的区别。众人高声喧哗而我小声说话，众人多繁杂而我少记忆，众人悖暴而我不愤怒。不被事物牵累心意，不迎合当时的世俗礼仪。淡然无为，神气自然满足。把这作为不死之药，天下没有人比我更懂。不要说昏暗不明，神灵看见我的形体。不要说小声说话，鬼神听见我的声音。触犯禁令满一千次，大地收回人的形体。人做阳善，人自己报答他；人做阴善，鬼神报答他。人做阳恶，人身受到惩治，人做阴恶，鬼神惩治他。所以天不欺骗人，以影子示警；地不欺骗人，以回响示警。人生在天地气中，动作喘息都应验于天，为善为恶天都鉴察。人有修善积德却遭遇凶祸的，是先世遗留的灾殃。作恶犯禁却遇到吉祥的，是先世遗留的福报。所以善人行事不择日子，在最凶中得到凶中的吉，进入恶中得到恶中的善。恶人行事选择时日，在最吉中反而得到吉中的凶，进入善中反而得到善中的恶。这都是自然的符应。
老子说：谢天地父母的法。常在辰巳日黄昏时，天气晴朗日净，打扫宅中甲壬丙庚之地，烧香北向叩首三次，口中不说话，只在心中默念。全家都受益。谢罪说：曾孙某某屡次辜负黄天的气象、上帝的初始愿望，合家男女大小前后所犯罪过，请求削除凶恶。让后进善人某某家的大小身神安宁，生气回归。常行此道，大吉利，除祸殃。
老子说：正月初一早晨也可以在庭院中面向寅地再拜，咒曰：洪华，洪华，受大道之恩，太清玄门，愿归还某某去岁的年岁，男女皆三遍自咒。常行此道，可以延年。
论述说：神仙之道难以达到，修养性命的术法容易推崇。所以善于摄生的人必须谨慎于忌讳，勤于服食，那么百年之内就不怕夭折伤害了。所以详细记录服饵的方法以留给后世子孙。
It is said: Zhang Zhan praised that there are many people who cultivate their nature and copy medical classics. Ji Kang (courtesy name Shuye) discussed this most exquisitely, yet his words and meanings were profound and difficult to apply to daily life. What I have stated focuses on the principles and practical matters, recorded truthfully to benefit future generations. It does not violate the joy of one's nature, but can be followed in every movement; it does not abandon the pleasures of eyes and ears, but can be practiced in every glance. It makes the essence simple yet abundant, the study minimal yet the merit great. This is what is meant by "Easy to understand, easy to follow." Therefore, its main points are: first, cherishing the spirit (Shen); second, loving the qi (vital energy); third, nourishing the form (body); fourth, Daoyin (an ancient health preservation method involving physical exercises and breathing regulation); fifth, regulating speech; sixth, diet; seventh, sexual intercourse; eighth, opposing vulgar customs; ninth, medicine; tenth, taboos. Beyond these, little is known.
Liezi said: The fullness or emptiness, increase or decrease of the human body are all connected with Heaven and Earth, corresponding to various categories of things. Thus, when Yin qi is strong, one dreams of crossing large waters and feels fear; when Yang qi is strong, one dreams of crossing large fires and being burned; when both Yin and Yang are strong, one dreams of life and death struggles. When very full, one dreams of giving; when very hungry, one dreams of taking. Therefore, those whose illness is characterized by floating and emptiness dream of flying; those whose illness is characterized by sinking and solidity dream of drowning; those who sleep with a belt tied dream of snakes; those whose hair is held by flying birds dream of losing all their hair; those with restless hearts dream of fire; those about to fall ill dream of drinking wine and dancing; those about to decline dream of weeping. Therefore, harmonizing at the beginning and treating at the end, calming the spirit and eliminating thoughts, constitutes the complete way of health preservation.
Peng Zu said: After each emission of semen, one should immediately perform Daoyin to replenish the deficiency. Otherwise, the blood vessels, marrow, and brain will be damaged day by day. Those who violate this will suffer from diseases because ordinary people do not understand the meaning of tonification and purgation. Vomiting after drinking alcohol, sweating after labor, lying in the wind and on wet ground, shouting loudly after a full meal, running fast and lifting heavy weights, riding horses and drawing bows, speaking and laughing without restraint, thinking too deeply—all these damage longevity. Therefore, those who practice the Dao must strive for harmony and reason. The desires of the mouth and eyes disturb the heart, which is why the Sages close them. Fame and wealth ruin the body, which is why the Sages discard them. Thus, Tian Lao said: A man should remain in abundance rather than scarcity, should discard ritual and sagehood, and guard foolishness to nourish himself. This is the source of virtue.
Peng Zu said: Superior scholars sleep in separate beds; middle scholars sleep under separate quilts. Taking a hundred doses of medicine is not as good as sleeping alone. Beauty blinds the eyes, sound deafens the ears, and taste dulls the sense of flavor. If one can regulate and promote appropriate conditions, and suppress or facilitate blockages, one can increase longevity. The taboo for a day is not eating too much at night; the taboo for a month is not getting drunk at night; the taboo for a year is avoiding sexual intercourse at night; the lifelong taboo is constantly protecting Qi at night. Eating too much at night damages one day's lifespan; getting drunk at night damages one month's lifespan; one act of intercourse damages one year's lifespan. Be cautious. In the early morning, rub the ears with both hands, pull the ears backward from the top of the head, and draw the hair; this allows facial Qi to flow freely. Doing this prevents white hair and deafness. Rub palms until hot, then rub the face downward fourteen times to remove turbid Qi, giving the face a glow. This also helps overcome wind-cold, seasonal fevers, headaches, and eliminates various diseases. The True Man said: To seek immortality and take divine medicines, one must first abstain from sexual intercourse, observe strict fasting, bathing, and incense burning, and avoid mourning houses and places of childbirth. Be extremely cautious. Ancient practitioners lived in mountains precisely for this reason.
Laozi said: If one seeks the Dao, do not commit the Five Rebellions and Six Unauspicious Acts, which are ominous. Defecating or urinating facing West is the First Rebellion; facing North is the Second; facing the Sun is the Third; facing the Moon is the Fourth; looking up at the sun, moon, and stars is the Fifth. Being naked at midnight is the First Unauspicious Act; waking up with anger is the Second; cursing the stove is the Third; putting feet into fire is the Fourth; having sexual intercourse between husband and wife during the day is the Fifth; stealing from one's master is the Sixth. Speaking kindly in the morning brings heavenly blessings; do not speak of helplessness or disaster, as that invites calamity. Do not lie supine on the bed—this is Great Misfortune. Lying prone on the ground is Great Misfortune. Lying prone on the ground after a full meal is Great Misfortune. Clattering dishes with chopsticks is Great Misfortune. Excessive fatigue followed by intercourse or sleeping outdoors may cause epilepsy. Do not eat hot food when drunk. Massaging the abdomen after meals can cure hundreds of diseases. Hot food damages bones; cold food damages the lungs. Hot food should not scald the lips; cold food should not chill the teeth. Walking slowly after meals promotes longevity; do not speak loudly while eating. Overeating closes the blood vessels. Sleep with frequent turning. In winter, keep warm; in summer, keep cool; do not violate these rules. Drunkenness scatters the spirit; extreme joy causes Qi to fly; extreme sorrow blocks Qi. Sitting for long periods damages tendons; standing for long periods damages bones. Before sitting, untie the right shoe and speak loudly. Using Jing (essence) depletes Qi; sleeping too much blinds the eyes; spitting too much causes mental restlessness; greed for delicious food causes diarrhea and dysentery. Bathing irregularly is inauspicious. Washing hair and bathing on the same day is inauspicious. Husband and wife bathing on the same day is inauspicious. Discussing dreams is inauspicious.
During solar or lunar eclipses, performing rituals is auspicious and can save thousands of people. Eliminating disasters can save ten thousand people. This功 (merit) is equal to that of Heaven and Earth. During solar/lunar eclipses, violent winds, heavy rains, rainbows, earthquakes, thunder/lightning, extreme cold, fog, and seasonal changes, one must not engage in sexual intercourse. Be cautious.
On Bing and Ding days after Summer Solstice, and Geng and Xin days after Winter Solstice, sexual intercourse is forbidden. Great Misfortune.
On the 17th day of large months and the 16th day of small months, these are days of destruction and decay; intercourse is forbidden as it damages blood vessels. On the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 9th, and 20th days of the lunar month, these are days of birth; intercourse ensures no disease.
After a fresh bath, long travel, fatigue, overeating, drunkenness, extreme joy or sorrow, acute fever in men and women, menstruation, or postpartum period, sexual intercourse is forbidden. Intercourse shortly after recovery from an acute fever leads to death.
Laozi said: People who suffer from many diseases are children of windy days. Those who die young are children of the dark moon (last day of the lunar month). Those injured in utero are children of the new moon (first day of the lunar month). Those who die at birth along with their mothers are children of thunder and lightning days. Those who die after walking with consciousness are children of the latter half of the month. Those dying in battle are children of the end of the menstrual cycle and also children of eclipses. Those whose fetuses fail to develop are children of the quarter moons. Those with short lifespans are children of drunkenness. Those who are not mad but become insane are children of excessive labor. Those born undeveloped are children of dawn. Those with constant fear and palpitations are children of sunrise. Those fond of theft and greed are children of late morning. Those with stupid natures and bad conduct are children of noon. Those whose lives are incomplete are children of afternoon shadow. Those prone to deceit and falsehood are children of late afternoon. Those who are not blind but become deaf are children of dusk. When Heaven and Earth close and Qi does not flow, the child dies. Intercourse at midnight produces sons with long lifespans, wise and virtuous. Intercourse after midnight produces sons with medium lifespans, intelligent and wise. Intercourse at cockcrow produces sons with short lifespans, who harm their parents. This is the constant principle of Heaven and Earth.
Tian Lao said: Differences in appearance and status (humble vs. noble) arise from the Qi received from parents' intercourse. Obtaining the alignment of the Eight Stars and Yin-Yang at the proper time is superior, leading to extreme wealth and honor. Obtaining the alignment but at the wrong time is medium. Aligning with the Central Palace but not the Eight Stars, yet at the proper time, is inferior. Aligning with the Lower Palace, not aligning with these constellations, and at the wrong time results in being an ordinary person. Aligning with constellations for intercourse not only produces wealthy and noble children but also benefits oneself, bringing Great Auspiciousness. The Eight Stars are: Shi, Shen, Jing, Gui, Liu, Zhang, Fang, and Xin. Another view says any constellation. Wherever the monthly constellation resides, that star is suitable for intercourse.
Laozi said: The natural limit of human life is one hundred years; those who regulate and protect themselves can reach a thousand years. It is like using a small wick versus a large wick for lamp oil. While others speak loudly, I speak softly; while others are complex, I remember little; while others are violent, I do not anger. I am not burdened by affairs, nor do I conform to contemporary secular etiquette. I remain calm and non-action-oriented, so my Spirit and Qi are naturally satisfied. Consider this the elixir of immortality; no one in the world understands it better than I. Do not say that darkness hides me; the Divine sees my form. Do not say that whispering goes unheard; ghosts hear my voice. Violate prohibitions a thousand times, and the Earth will reclaim your form. If one performs public good deeds, humans repay them; if one performs hidden good deeds, spirits and gods repay them. If one commits public evil, humans punish them; if one commits hidden evil, spirits and gods punish them. Thus, Heaven does not deceive humans, showing warnings through shadows; Earth does not deceive humans, showing warnings through echoes. Humans live within the Qi of Heaven and Earth; movements and breath correspond to Heaven. Heaven observes both good and evil. Those who cultivate virtue but suffer misfortune bear the residual calamities of past lives. Those who commit evil but encounter fortune bear the residual blessings of past lives. Therefore, good people do not choose dates; even in the worst circumstances, they find auspiciousness within misfortune. Evil people choose dates, but even in the best circumstances, they find misfortune within auspiciousness. These are natural correspondences.
Laozi said: The ritual of thanking Heaven, Earth, and Parents. Usually on Chen or Si days at dusk, when the sky is clear, sweep the areas corresponding to Jia, Ren, Bing, and Geng in the house, burn incense, face North, and kowtow three times. Do not speak aloud, only think silently. The whole family benefits. The prayer says: "Grandson [Name] has repeatedly failed the imagery of the Yellow Heaven and the initial wishes of the Supreme Emperor. For all sins committed by the family members before and after, please eliminate the evil. May the spirits of the household in the virtuous family of [Name] be at peace, and may Vital Qi return." Practicing this regularly brings great luck and removes disasters.
Laozi said: On the morning of the first day of the first lunar month, one can also bow twice facing the Yin direction in the courtyard, chanting: "Hong Hua, Hong Hua, receiving the grace of the Great Dao, the Mysterious Gate of Taiqing, I wish to return the age of last year." Men and women chant this three times for themselves. Regular practice extends life.
It is said: The Way of Immortals is hard to attain, but the art of cultivating nature is easy to revere. Therefore, those skilled in self-care must be cautious about taboos and diligent in taking medicines, so that within a hundred years, they need not fear premature death or injury. Thus, I have recorded methods of ingestion and administration to leave for future descendants.