Abstract

This thesis aims at Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy. Full text includes eight chapters besides preface.

The preface firstly analyses the research significance of Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy. Secondly，it analyses current academic research in Taoist Inner Alchemy Theory. Finally，it introduces the objectives，contents，methods，innovations and shortcomings of this study.

The First Chapter analyses the shaping background and thought origin of Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy. The Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy arises from social and cultural transition of Late Tang and Five Dynasties，especially under “inward turn” cultural background，and gives the answer to the social and cultural issues of that era. Outer Alchemy，Refining Qi and Refining Shen before late Tang Dynasty is the direct ideological origins of Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy. But these were not spliced as Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy under the concept of Inner Alchemy，instead they were incorporated into Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy through the life practice of recognition.

The Second Chapter analyzes spiritual nature and physical nature.

The Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy argues that Tao gives birth to spiritual nature and physical nature. It thought that spiritual nature is Shen and physical nature is Qi.Jing，Qi and Shen are divided into primary and current Jing，Qi and Shen. And points out commandments in this dissertation refer to taboo，discipline，and regulation.

The Third Chapter probes into the forward，early start and the early trail of refining Qi of the Life Theory. Forward consists of methods，wealth，partners，and places，the four necessary conditions of the cultivators. Besides，the indoor issues are also the required preparation for double majors. The early start includes the dislodgement of evil practices and selfish desires，and the reinforcement of the loss of Jing，Qi and Shen，and it is also defined as the sufficiency of Jing and Qi by Wu Liu Sect. Primary trail includes collecting small medicine，sealing，refining spiritual medicine and stopping fire.

The Fourth Chapter discusses “refine Qi to Shen” and “refine Shen to Xu”. The secondary trail means collecting big medicine，taking when passing，sealing，and Shen molded by cause huge fire. The essence means pure Yang Qi transforming Yang Shen to pure Yang Shen. The main step of top trail concludes three-years of feeding，and nine-years of large set，making Xu combine with the doctrine.

The Fifth Chapter gives detailed answers to some detailed questions. Vessel（condition），medicine（basis）and fire（method）are the three necessary conditions of life cultivation in Taoist Inner Alchemy. Preventing danger is the key to success. Regulating breathing means that every breath must be matched to the nature，and that makes the fire match the nature’s mystery. Harmonious flow is the main issue of insidious pathogen. It means the mixture of Qi filled the nature instead of being resisted by breathing or rise and fall.

The Sixth Chapter discusses the cultural merging of Confucianism，Buddhism and Taoism of Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy. It proposes that Confucianism，Taoism and Buddhism all study life from the point of view of Life Theory. The “five cardinal relationships” in Confucianism is a prerequisite to Cultivate Immortality. They all aims at renew to the truth. And it transformed the method of clearing mind to the method to refine Shen. Inner Alchemy absorbs the forte of the others to develop itself.

The Seventh Chapter compares the Life Theory of Taoism，Buddhism and Confucianism. As for the essence of life，Taoist Inner Alchemy defines it as “Tao”. They claim that mind is Shen，and life is Qi. Neo-Confucianism demarcates life by “Heaven Principles”. Buddhism defines life by “Buddha”，supports that the natural of the individual is Buddha.

As for the method of life，Taoism stresses making the primary spirit into the pure “yang” which is combined with “Tao”. Neo-Confucianism thinks to decline the desire of individual to be “supreme good”. Buddhism thinks that’s to clear minds to reach no concerning. And the Tibetan Buddhist support to learn and practice Dzogchen and Mahamudra to be the “Living Buddha”. In conclusion，the life method means to renew to nature.

The Eighth Chapter examines the practical significance of the Life Theory. It influences regimen，analytical psychology，physiology and philosophy of mind.

The key to preserving one’s health is to prevent Jing，Qi and Shen，for they are the three essential elements. It prohibits lust and material desire，demoralization and the pursuit of fame and gain. Body and heart are united. They affect each other. Mind relies on body，however，it can also get out of the body. Awareness is a subjective activity that cannot be seen as a physical process. Thus the Life Theory of Taoist Inner Alchemy has realistic significance.

Key words：Taoism；Life Theory