Holding Yin, Embracing Yang by Eva Wong

Author:Eva Wong
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shambhala Publications

11

The Five Stages of Refıning

In the alchemical classics, the refining of generative, vital, and spirit energies is divided into three stages. In practice, however, more than three stages are involved. If you don’t follow the steps accurately, the consequences can be disastrous. I will now describe these steps for you.

The first stage involves refining generative energy. Here, we take the cauldron and join it with the primordial yellow. After these two have interacted with each other, the golden raven will emerge and fly upward. This is the process of transmuting generative energy into vital energy.

The second stage involves understanding the meaning of zi and wu and knowing how to extract the yang from dui to replenish the yin in li. This is the process of transmuting vital energy into spirit energy. The alchemical work concerned with building the foundation and returning the great pill to the dantien is similar. The two processes differ only in the required medicines and the type of furnace and cauldron.

The third stage involves refining the spirit. This stage can be subdivided into three steps. First, we refine the spirit to recover original nature; next, we refine the spirit to recover original life; finally, we refine the spirit to return to the void. The process of refining the spirit to recover original nature concerns using the jade elixir to refine the self. Lead is used to tame mercury in order to complete the foundation of the pill. Internally, the true fire must burn constantly. Externally, extracting and replenishing must occur in the hours of zi and wu. Collection and accumulation must be gradual, and mercury must be heated until it is transformed into grains of yin cinnabar.

The process of refining the spirit to recover original life concerns using the golden elixir to refine the bodily form. Lead is returned home to tame mercury in order to conceive the fetus. Internally, the fire must be heated until it becomes red-hot. Externally, the principles of yin and yang must be applied jointly. The amount of fire and heat must be increased and decreased according to a daily schedule. Finally, when moisture is completely squeezed out of the mercury, the grains of yang cinnabar will materialize.

The processes of refining the spirit to return to the void to merge with the Tao concern moving the spirit to the Upper Court, sitting in stillness, emptying the mind, and merging with the Great Void. When the light within emanates and shines on thousands of myriad worlds, the Diamond Body will be realized. As rays of light from the dharmic seed spread in all directions, multiple bodily forms will appear and life energy will be inexhaustible. Like countless children and grandchildren, these emanations of the spirit will help you complete the final alchemical transformation. When you return to the Three Clear Realms, the Tao in you will be carried by your descendants for nine generations.

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