The Teachings of Inner Transformation and Inner Alchemy

The vocabulary surrounding internal alchemy needs to be clarified. What's the difference between Neigong, Neidan, Waidan, and Waigong?

Nei refers to the internal, and Wai refers to the external. Neidan is known as inner alchemy, and Neigong is known as inner work. While these terms may share some of the same practices, Neidan usually refers to the alchemy of the Three Treasures: Qi, Jing, and Shen. The same can be said for Waidan and Waigong. Waigong usually strengthens the physical self, and Waidan strengthens the external through a transformation (alchemy) process (mostly diet or herbs).

Some teachings or methods related to these terms:

• Neigong: Qigong, Taiji, Zhan Zhuang, Wuxing, Taiyi, Xingyi, Baguazhang.
• Neidan: Wuji, Zhan Zhuang, Baguazhang.
• Waigong: Hard Qigong, Iron Shirt, Sanda (Chinese Boxing).
• Waidan: Some Daoist Meditations, Herbal Medicine and Daoist Diet.

Most internal martial arts incorporate Neigong, which may have many additional related skills.

The Begin of Inner Cultivation

Daoism teaches us that true transformation begins by looking inward and cultivating our inner selves. These teachings involve purifying the mind of negative thoughts and emotions, nurturing positive virtues such as compassion, kindness, and empathy, and harmonising with the universe's natural order. When we align ourselves with the Dao, we begin to see the interconnectedness of all things and recognise that we are an integral part of the vast web of life. Living in harmony with the Dao can achieve true transformation and unlock our full potential.

Meditation, Non-Action and Stillness

Explore Zhan Zhuang (Standing Meditation)

Zhan Zhuang - Comprehension of a Daoist practise

Let us move into the entrancing domain of Zhan Zhuang, a practice deeply anchored in the Daoist doctrine. Uniting contrasting elements, Zhan Zhuang orchestrates a harmonious dance between the soft and hard, the empty and full, and the moving and the still. The practice beautifully captures the rhythm of relaxation

Sage Blue• 9 min read

Our comprehensive guide on Zhan Zhuang offers a lot of detailed information on this ancient Chinese exercise. You will discover practical tips for perfecting your technique with step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations to guide you through the correct postures. Additionally, our guide explores the physical and mental health benefits of Zhan Zhuang, the underlying philosophy behind the practice, and common mistakes to avoid. Our guide is the ultimate resource for enhancing your Zhan Zhuang practise no matter wether you are a beginner or advanced.

Online lessons on Zhan Zhuang

Zhan Zhuang - Tutorial of a Daoist practise

Welcome to this tutorial, where we will explore the complexities of Zhan Zhuang. It is an ancient practice of standing meditation and if you haven’t already done, so we suggest you to read this article first: Zhan Zhuang - Comprehension of a Daoist practiseLet us move into the entrancing domain

Sage Blue• 3 min read

Daoist Inner Alchemy (Neidan)

Neidan (內丹術) is a complex practice that focuses on the transformation of your inner self, with the aim of achieving balance and harmony between Jing, Qi, and Shen.

Neidan and the Three Treasures:

Neidan draws parallels between the refinement of your whole being. The process of Neidan is often divided into three stages, each with specific techniques and skills. The first stage involves purifying the body; the second focuses on refining the energy, and the third focuses on cultivating the spirit.

Read more about the Three Treasures:

The Three Treasures explored and explained through the lens of Daoism!

Learn about the Three Treasures (San Bao) in Daoism – Jing, Qi, and Shen, which represent the foundational energies in human existence.

Sage Blue

Neidan involves refining and cultivating our inner treasures. It helps us to achieve spiritual enlightenment and immortality by connecting with the natural rhythms of the universe. Through consistent self-cultivation, one may find one's entire spiritual potential by transforming oneself through this process.

Pursuing Immortality

Pursuing the elixir of immortality is a central theme in Daoist alchemy. It is not a physical substance but rather a state of being achieved through transforming the self. The elixir is a metaphor for inner alchemy, which involves transmuting the self from impure to pure.

A practitioner seeks spiritual purity, longevity, and immortality through Daoist alchemy. Spiritual purity involves cultivating virtues such as compassion, wisdom, and humility. Longevity consists of the maintenance of physical health and well-being through the cultivation of inner energy. Immortality involves attaining a consciousness that transcends the physical body and is believed achievable through Daoist alchemy.

The Practical Reality of Immortality

Our article compares the perspectives of Daoism and Vedic traditions on immortality. The article is highly informative and comprehensively analyses the similarities and differences between these ancient belief systems regarding attaining eternal life. It delves into the various philosophical concepts and practices that are central to each tradition's understanding of immortality, including the role of meditation, spiritual cultivation, and the pursuit of inner peace. Whether you are a student of comparative religion, a spiritual seeker, or someone curious about immortality, this article will surely provide valuable insights and information.

Read more about Immortality:

Explore Immortality in Daoist and Vedic thought.

In this piece, we discuss the idea of immortality. We examine the common ground and contemplate the nature of reality, the concept of the self, and the pursuit of higher understanding. We learn about Soma and the Golden Lotus and arrive at a deeper understanding of what true immortality means.

Sage Blue• 14 min read

Harmonising Yin and Yang

Neidan is a practice that aims to harmonise the Yin and Yang aspects within oneself, leading to profound equilibrium and balance. This ancient tradition, rooted in Chinese philosophy and spiritual practices, utilises a combination of meditation, visualisation, and breath control techniques to cultivate the inner energy of the body and mind, known as Qi. Through inner alchemy, practitioners seek to integrate their physical, emotional, and spiritual energies, thereby achieving a unified and harmonious being. According to Daoist teachings, this practice's ultimate objective is to attain enlightenment and spiritual liberation, which is believed to be the highest goal of human existence.

Read more about Yin and Yang:

Yin and Yang

The Way of Heaven is called the Round; the Way of Earth is called the Square. The square governs the obscure; the circular governs the bright. The bright emits qi, and for this reason fire is the external brilliance of the sun. The obscure sucks in qi, and for this

Sage Blue• 13 min read

Our spiritual journey is always a new beginning to broaden our horizons. Whether we succeed or see beyond is not a question of achieving it but consistently trying to go beyond what limits our comprehension.