DIAGRAM OF THE INNER CANON

The "Diagram of the Inner Canon," also known as the "Diagram of Inner Scenery," is a secret essential text of Northern School Qigong, Minor Celestial Circulation methods, and foundational techniques for a hundred days of base-building practice. Historically, it has rarely been transmitted due to the profound and intricate nature of Daoist alchemy, making it challenging to comprehend without a solid foundation. It represents an incredible crystallization of wisdom within China's deeply rooted ancient culture, hence its rare transmission and classification as a rare treasure of the world.

The "Diagram of the Inner Canon" is a profound and intricate representation of Daoist internal alchemy practices. It provides a visual and poetic guide for practitioners, illustrating the pathways and principles of cultivating essence, energy, and spirit. Through metaphors and symbolic language, it conveys the deep wisdom of Daoist alchemy, guiding practitioners on their journey towards achieving the Golden Elixir and aligning with the cosmic order.

"The Diagram of Inner Classics," also known as "The Diagram of Inner Scenery," is a vital secret of Northern School Qigong, Small Heavenly Cycle Qigong, and the Hundred-Day Foundation Building practice. This diagram has rarely been passed down due to the profound and extensive nature of Daoist alchemy, which is so deep and intricate that it is challenging to grasp. It is considered an extraordinary treasure in China's rich ancient cultural wisdom, hence its rarity. Strictly speaking, the "Diagram of Inner Scenery" is an anatomical illustration of the internal organs, aimed at those studying human anatomy and the relationships between the organs. In contrast, the "Diagram of Inner Classics" clearly has the purpose of illustrating Daoist alchemical methods, even rumored to be linked to the Daoist practice of achieving immortality.

Often, a picture can convey what thousands of words cannot. Illustrations provide clarity and can guide one's understanding. The "Diagram of Inner Classics" depicts the internal process of refining "Essence, Qi, and Spirit" within the human body, using various figures to symbolize the mysteries of different body parts in terms of internal alchemical practice. Flowing water represents the channels of "Qi" circulation, while "gates, bridges, and towers" symbolize the key points in the circulation of essence. This diagram is accompanied by poetic verses that highlight key points in alchemical practice, allowing practitioners to follow the diagram’s guidance and verify their practice through personal experience.

Master Lü Dongbin emphasized this diagram’s value by using its poetic verses to teach Daoist principles. One section of the diagram depicts an iron ox plowing a field, symbolizing the cultivation of the lower Dantian. The iron ox, resistant to whips and hard to drive, represents the arduous process of controlling the furnace of the Dantian. Mastering the fire of the Dantian requires years of dedicated practice, akin to a farmer's struggle to drive an iron ox.

In the process of refining "Essence, Qi, and Spirit," aside from generating the heat of the Dantian furnace, this refinement leads to the restoration of "Essence, Qi, and Spirit" into "True One," symbolized by the four Taiji yin-yang figures in the diagram, indicating the integration of yin and yang. This "True One" is the precursor substance known as lead, emerging from the Dantian cultivation.

The "Yin-Yang Waterwheel" section of the diagram illustrates the metaphor of ancient manual waterwheels used for irrigation, operated by the energy generated from the Dantian's heat. The circulating water represents the essential "essence" within the body, emphasizing the importance of reversing the natural flow to cultivate energy.

The diagram emphasizes the cyclical nature of energy flow within the body, akin to the natural cycles of the heavens. The path of energy ascends and descends, passing through three key gates and nine orifices, vital points in internal alchemical practice. The process is challenging, requiring steady, gradual progress and alignment of one's inner self.

Ultimately, the diagram serves as a profound guide for practitioners, illustrating the complex interactions of "Essence, Qi, and Spirit" within the body, aiding in the pursuit of internal alchemical transformation.

The "Diagram of the Inner Canon," also known as the "Diagram of Inner Scenery," is a secret essential text of Northern School Qigong, Minor Celestial Circulation methods, and foundational techniques for a hundred days of base-building practice. Historically, it has rarely been transmitted due to the profound and intricate nature of Daoist alchemy, making it challenging to comprehend without a solid foundation. It represents an incredible crystallization of wisdom within China's deeply rooted ancient culture, hence its rare transmission and classification as a rare treasure of the world.

Strictly speaking, the "Diagram of Inner Scenery" is an anatomical chart of the internal organs, aimed at providing visual guidance to those studying human anatomy and the relationships between internal organs. On the other hand, the "Diagram of the Inner Canon" clearly serves the purpose of illustrating Daoist alchemical cultivation methods. There is even a tradition that links the Daoist concept of achieving immortality to the "Diagram of Immortal Cultivation." These diagrams likely both originate from content related to the "Huangdi Neijing" (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), with the name "Diagram of the Inner Canon" perhaps implying its role as a classic text for "inner alchemy" cultivation.

Sometimes, using thousands of words to describe something is less effective than expressing it through images. Using images to show situations can make things clear at a glance and guide actions accordingly. When text and images are combined, it can enhance understanding even more effectively.

The "Diagram of the Inner Canon" illustrates the internal pathways for refining "essence, energy, and spirit" within the human body. Different figures performing various actions symbolize the mysteries of different body parts in terms of internal cultivation of essence, energy, and spirit, and their interactions. Flowing water represents the channels through which the body's "essence and energy" circulate. The diagram uses metaphors like "city gates, bridges, and multi-storied towers" to represent crucial points for essence and energy. It also uses exquisite poetry to highlight key points in cultivation, guiding practitioners to use the diagram's hints for self-verification and understanding of the principles of cultivation.

The venerable master Lü Chunyang also used the poetry within the "Diagram of the Inner Canon" to explain Daoist teachings, further highlighting the diagram's value.