Title

Lu Xixing's Views of Neidan and I-Ching

Author

Hsi-san Lai

Genre

Article  

Pages

73-108

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese

Key words

Lu Xixing, neidan, Xiantian-Yi, Zhou Yi Cantongqi, Book of Changes, metaphor

Abstract

      This article discusses the ideas of Lu Xixing who was the chief of the Eastren School in the Ming dynasty. It explores the relationship between the  inner alchemy (neidan) and I-Ching. The inner alchemy is not only a skill about the body and spiritual practice but also a metaphysical perspective on the world. The expressions of the inner alchemy contain various styles such as spiritual language, body language, practice language, energy (chi)  language, and ontology language. In my opinion, the superficial differences between so many kinds of languages can be melted into a harmony system. In order to focus upon this subject, this article selects a special text from Lu Xixing's writings, entitled “The summary points of inner alchemy." The text has two special features. One concerns the material contents contained in the complicated relationship between the inner alchemy and the Book of Changes. The other concerns the language formula expressed with a symbol and metaphor style.