Master Zongxuan's Treatise on the Profound Outline: The Chapter on Orderly Learning, Chapter 11

 Although the Dao has no fixed form, the study of it follows a specific order. Thus, one begins with Zhengyi, proceeds to Dongshen, rests in Lingbao, and culminates in Dongzhen. All these stages take supreme stillness as their foundation, refined contemplation as their method, fasting and abstinence as their duty, and compassion and kindness as their priority. Therefore, without supreme stillness, the spirit cannot consolidate; without refined contemplation, the connection is not thorough; without fasting and abstinence, the True Ones do not respond; and without compassion and kindness, the work cannot be accomplished. When the spirit consolidates, the connection is thorough, the True Ones respond, and the work is accomplished, this is called ascending the steps to the rank of the Initial Immortal. Then, through breathing exercises to refine the internal stores, and guiding movements to harmonize the body, one refreshes the spirit with sacred texts and nourishes the bones with jade-like nectar. All of this follows the master's instructions and delves into the profound mysteries. Consequently, the qi and fluids flow smoothly, and the form and spirit unite. There is no need for golden elixirs or jade fungi; one can await the arrival of the cloud chariot and feathered canopy. If one solely regards inhalation and exhalation as wondrous, flexion and extension as essential, herbal medicines as the task, and miscellaneous arts as beneficial, this can be described as knowing how to nourish the form but not knowing how to treasure the spirit. Those who do not treasure the spirit, even if their lifespan equals that of turtles and cranes, will ultimately have no hope of achieving immortality.

Explanation: Although the Dao has no fixed shape or structure, the study of the Dao follows a sequence. One should start with Zhengyi, then study Dongshen, followed by Lingbao, and finally Dongzhen. Throughout the learning process, supreme stillness serves as the principle, refined mental contemplation is employed, and it is necessary to combine fasting and abstinence, treating others with benevolence.

 Because without supreme stillness, the spirit cannot consolidate; without refined contemplation, the感应 (connection/response) is not thorough; and without fasting and abstinence, the various True Ones will not respond. Furthermore, if one does not treat others with benevolence, no merit will be achieved. Only when the spirit is consolidated, the connection is thorough, the True Ones respond, and the work is accomplished, does one reach the stage of the Initial Immortal.

 Then, through breathing and guiding movements, one achieves the greatest harmony of the body; by reciting sacred texts, one refreshes the spirit; and through nourishing the bones, one follows the master's oral instructions, carefully studying their profound mysteries. Naturally, the qi and fluids flow smoothly, and the form and spirit unite.

 By doing this, there is no need to externally consume golden elixirs or jade fungi, yet one can still achieve cultivation success. If one merely uses breathing exercises, physical movements to strengthen the body, herbal medicines to consolidate vitality and qi, and various miscellaneous arts for benefit, this is precisely knowing how to nourish the form but not knowing that the spirit is more precious. Even if one's lifespan is as long as that of turtles and cranes, one will ultimately fail to achieve the Dao of immortality.