Summarized from the Introduction of:
"Precelestial" and "Postcelestial" Domains
The distinction between the "precelestial" (xiantian) and the "postcelestial" (houtian) domains (before and after the generation of the cosmos, respectively) is essential in Liu Yiming's teachings on Taoism and Internal Alchemy. The precelestial domain harbors Original Essence (yuanjing), Original Breath (yuanqi), and Original Spirit (yuanshen), which are all formless. Their operation results in the generation of the postcelestial domain. The precelestial state is Yang, and the postcelestial state is Yin. In the human being who lives in the postcelestial domain, Original Essence manifests itself mainly as semen in males and menstrual blood in females; Original Breath as the ordinary breath of inspiration and expiration; and Original Spirit as the thinking mind. The shift from one to the other state is seen as inevitable; however, according to Liu Yiming and other Neidan masters, the precelestial state is not erased, but only concealed within the postcelestial.
This page is part of a series on Liu Yiming. See the complete index.
Cultivating the Tao
Teachings on the principles of Taoism and Taoist Alchemy, by the great Taoist master Liu Yiming (1734–1821)
Above the precelestial and postcelestial domains, Liu Yiming places the Precelestial Breath of True Unity (xiantian zhenyi zhi qi). This state is beyond definition or description: "It cannot be compared to the postcelestial breath of inspiration and expiration, the thinking spirit, and the essence of the intercourse; and it also cannot be equated to the Original Essence, the Original Breath, and the Original Spirit" (Xiuzhen houbian, translated in Cultivating the Tao, p. 32). In alchemical terms, according to Liu Yiming, the Precelestial Breath of True Unity is the Golden Elixir. The Elixir, therefore, consists in the conjunction of the precelestial and the postcelestial domains, and grants access to the higher state of non-duality, or True Unity.
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