Cultivation and Immortal Cultivation
[Link Xu] Hello everyone, welcome to "Dialogues of Wisdom". I'm Xu Lin, and today Principal Wang and I will discuss a very interesting topic about cultivation, immortal cultivation, and Wen Chang wisdom. This topic actually involves the philosophical systems and cultivation cultures of ancient China.
[Principal Wang] Yes, hello everyone, I'm Principal Wang. I've always felt that the difference between cultivation and immortal cultivation is subtle. Although they sound similar, the goals they pursue and the methods of cultivation are different. Xu Lin, can you briefly introduce the core concepts of cultivation and immortal cultivation to us?
[Link Xu] Of course. Let's start with cultivation. The essence of cultivation is actually a process of pursuing the true self and truth, with the ultimate goal of harmonizing with nature through the cultivation of the body, mind, and spirit. Cultivators emphasize inner tranquility and detachment, valuing the cultivation of virtue and temperament, with the goal of reaching the state of "True Person," which is to return to the purest original state.
[Principal Wang] This sounds like a very introspective practice, focusing on the purification and return of the soul. What about immortal cultivation? I feel that immortal cultivation is more mysterious, as if it is pursuing an extraordinary power.
[Link Xu] That's right. Immortal cultivation is indeed different from cultivation. The goal of immortal cultivation is not only inner sublimation but also a pursuit of transcendence of life. Immortal cultivators hope to transcend mortals through cultivation and ultimately achieve immortality or transcendence of life and death, becoming immortals. This cultivation involves not only moral cultivation and spiritual enhancement but also an understanding of the energy of heaven and earth, enhancing life energy through alchemy, qigong, and other methods.
[Principal Wang] So, immortal cultivation emphasizes the enhancement of external power, and to some extent, the pursuit of longevity, right?
[Link Xu] Yes. Especially in ancient times, many cultivators of cultivation and immortal cultivation hoped to achieve the continuation of life through some special cultivation methods. For example, they would strengthen their physique and extend their life through the exercise of essence, energy, and spirit, or seek the so-called secret methods of longevity, through alchemy, qi collection, or even taking herbal medicines, hoping to achieve a state of eternal life.
[Principal Wang] But you just mentioned that these pursuits have not been successful in history. Is it really possible to achieve longevity in reality?
[Link Xu] In fact, history has proven that this pursuit of physical immortality has not been achieved at the practical level. Moreover, Buddhism and Taoism, especially Buddhism at a higher level of doctrine, emphasize that this attachment to the continuation of the physical body is a fascination with the cycle of life and death, and it cannot truly liberate people. Buddhism believes that birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural laws, and the continuation of the physical body is not a real transcendence; what transcends is the mind and enlightenment.
[Principal Wang] Right, Buddhism focuses more on spiritual liberation rather than attachment to the body's continuation. What about Taoism? Has Taoism's pursuit of longevity in immortal cultivation also undergone a transformation?
[Link Xu] Indeed. Taoism also pursued physical longevity in its early days, but over time, the focus of Taoism gradually shifted to spiritual transcendence. For example, the "Tao Te Ching" emphasizes the wisdom of governing by doing nothing and following nature, rather than being attached to the continuation of the physical body. Taoism eventually recognized that true cultivation is the enhancement of the spirit, not the mere pursuit of physical eternity.
[Principal Wang] So, this attachment to the continuation of the physical body is actually a limitation, and in the modern sense of cultivation, spiritual cultivation has become more important, right?
[Link Xu] That's right. In modern society, we should draw spiritual inspiration from the concept of cultivation. By taking moderate care of the body and maintaining health, people can pursue a healthy lifestyle, but should not be overly attached to the eternity of the body. We should pay more attention to the health and growth of the soul.
[Principal Wang] It sounds like this is also related to modern lifestyles, such as people maintaining physical and mental balance through yoga, meditation, qigong, and other methods, pursuing a higher quality of life. These practices are also a form of cultivation, right?
[Link Xu] Absolutely correct. Modern cultivation can not only enhance our physical health but also awaken the soul. Through reading classics, self-reflection, and spiritual cultivation, cultivation helps us to better understand ourselves and ultimately enhance the quality of life and the meaning of life.
[Principal Wang] So, what about immortal cultivation? You mentioned that immortal cultivation not only pursues inner transcendence but also involves the freedom of the soul, which is very different from cultivation.
[Link Xu] Yes, the core of immortal cultivation lies in the liberation of the soul, not the attachment to the physical body. Immortal cultivators believe that the physical body is just a temporary dwelling place for the soul, and the real freedom is the transcendence of the soul from the shackles of life and death, entering a higher realm of the universe.
[Principal Wang] It sounds like the soul can be like software that detaches from the hardware, the body, and has broader possibilities.
[Link Xu] Yes, that analogy is very apt. Immortal cultivators pursue the infinite development of the soul. After becoming immortal, their souls can travel through the universe, exploring unknown dimensions. This cosmic journey of the soul can enable cultivators to transcend the limitations of time and space, witnessing the vastness and mysteries of the universe.
[Principal Wang] This is the "ascension" mentioned in immortal cultivation culture, right? Immortal cultivators, through cultivation, can ascend to a higher cosmic dimension after physical death.
[Link Xu] Yes, in immortal cultivation culture, the ascension of the soul is the ultimate goal of cultivation. The process of cultivation is a process of soul purification, and immortal cultivators ultimately achieve unity with nature through the sublimation of the soul.
[Principal Wang] So, in modern society, does the concept of immortal cultivation still have practical significance?
[Link Xu] Of course. Although modern society no longer pursues the concept of immortals as in ancient times, the philosophy of immortal cultivation can still provide inspiration for us. The cultivation of the soul represents a deeper level of self-exploration and growth. Through meditation and inner cultivation, we can enhance self-awareness, transcend the attachment to material and physical things, and pursue the sublimation of spirit and spirituality.
[Principal Wang] It sounds like modern immortal cultivation is more about psychological and spiritual cultivation, no longer demanding of the body, but pursuing inner peace and wisdom.
[Link Xu] Exactly, modern people can focus on inner growth and explore unknown fields through the concepts in immortal cultivation culture, pursuing the enhancement of wisdom and spirit. The true meaning of immortal cultivation lies in the freedom of the soul, not the bondage of the physical body.
[Principal Wang] One last question, what is the connection between cultivation, immortal cultivation, and Wen Chang wisdom? How can they be integrated into our modern lives?
[Link Xu] Wen Chang wisdom, to some extent, integrates the concepts of cultivation and immortal cultivation. It advocates achieving unity with heaven and earth through spiritual cultivation and spiritual sublimation, rather than just pursuing the continuation of the physical body. Wen Chang wisdom guides people to enhance the quality of life by cultivating wisdom and spirit, transcending the limitations of the material world, and reaching a higher level of life.
[Principal Wang] I see, Wen Chang wisdom also has strong practicality in modern life, helping us balance body and mind in daily life.
[Link Xu] That's right, modern cultivation is not only about pursuing a healthy body but also about pursuing inner peace and the awakening of wisdom. This is the true meaning of cultivation, immortal cultivation, and Wen Chang wisdom.
[Principal Wang] Thank you, Xu Lin, for your wonderful sharing today, and thank you all for listening. I hope today's discussion can bring some inspiration to everyone and help us find inner peace and improvement in modern life.
[Link Xu] Thank you, Principal Wang, and thank you all for listening. See you next time!
[Principal Wang] Goodbye!
