Internal Alchemy Cultivation
- This is one of the important cultivation methods in Taoism, which focuses on the condensation and transformation of essence, qi, and spirit in the human body. Practitioners adjust their own breath through sitting in meditation, visualization, and guiding qi, etc., and guide the "qi" in the body to circulate along certain meridian routes, so that essence, qi, and spirit continuously accumulate and blend within the body. Eventually, they hope to achieve a state of prolonging life and attaining extraordinary spiritual enlightenment. For example, by concentrating the mind on the dantian (the lower abdomen), gathering the true qi there, and gradually nourishing the body to improve one's spiritual and physiological state.
External Alchemy Refinement
- It was quite popular in history. Taoists attempted to collect various minerals, herbs and other raw materials, and refine elixirs in the alchemy furnace according to specific formulas and refining procedures. They believed that taking these elixirs could achieve immortality and ascend to immortality. Alchemists like Ge Hong in ancient times had a lot of practical explorations in this regard. Although from the perspective of modern science, external alchemy refinement has certain risks and it is difficult to achieve the expected results, it has promoted the development of ancient chemistry, pharmacy and other disciplines to some extent.
Visualization
- Also known as "concentration and imagination", that is, practitioners close their eyes and meditate quietly, imagining specific images of gods, fairyland scenes, etc. in their minds. Through this kind of spiritual concentration and imagination, they make their body and mind fit with the sacred and beautiful things they imagine, so as to obtain the protection of the gods, understand the great Tao, and achieve inner peace and the improvement of the spiritual realm. For example, imagining oneself in the sacred realm of the Three Purities and traveling with the gods, so as to purify the mind and understand the profound realm of Taoism.
Concentrating on One Thing
- It refers to focusing the mind on one place, either on a key part of the body (such as the dantian), or on a specific idea or concept, etc., excluding distractions from the outside world, so that the mind is in a pure and peaceful state, and then realizing the understanding of "Tao" and the cultivation of one's own mind, helping practitioners improve their concentration, nourish their spirit, and stay sober and calm in the chaotic world.
Qi Regulation
- Also known as "absorbing qi" or "cultivating qi", it mainly involves adjusting the breathing method, such as adopting special breathing rhythms such as deep breathing and long and thin breathing, inhaling the "pure qi" between heaven and earth, and exhaling the "turbid qi" in the body, so that the qi can flow smoothly in the body, strengthen the physique, regulate qi and blood, and at the same time help practitioners better guide the internal qi circulation in the cultivation process and lay the foundation for higher-level cultivation.
Scripture Recitation
- Taoist believers will recite many classics such as "Tao Te Ching", "The Scripture of Purity and Tranquility", "The Scripture of Saving People", etc. On the one hand, it is to express respect for and inherit the Taoist teachings. On the other hand, they believe that during the process of reciting scriptures, their hearts can be purified, communicate with the gods, obtain the inspiration and protection of the gods, and use the wisdom of the classics to improve their cultivation realm and moral cultivation.
Taoist Rituals (Fast and Sacrifice)
- This is a kind of religious activity with strict ritual norms, including setting up altars, arranging offerings, reciting scriptures, worshiping, playing music, making hand gestures (mudras), chanting incantations and many other links, with different purposes such as praying for blessings, eliminating disasters, and helping the dead cross over. Taoists preside over or participate in these rituals, follow the corresponding ritual processes, create a solemn and sacred religious atmosphere, practice Taoist teachings in it, and also expect to achieve corresponding wishes with the help of the power of the gods, and also let believers feel the Taoist culture and spiritual connotations in the rituals.