The Seal of the Unity of the Three: A Study and Translation of the Cantong Qi, the Source of the Taoist Way of the Golden Elixir

Under an allusive poetical language and thick layers of images and symbols, "The Seal of the Unity of the Three" ("Cantong qi") hides the exposition of the teachings that gave birth to Taoist Internal Alchemy, or Neidan. Traditionally attributed to Wei Boyang and dated to about 150 CE, the text is c [...]
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Under an allusive poetical language and thick layers of images and symbols, "The Seal of the Unity of the Three" ("Cantong qi") hides the exposition of the teachings that gave birth to Taoist Internal Alchemy, or Neidan. Traditionally attributed to Wei Boyang and dated to about 150 CE, the text is concerned with three major subjects, namely Cosmology (the system of the "Book of Changes"), Taoism (the way of "non-doing"), and Alchemy, and joins them to one another into a unique doctrine. One of its prefaces opens by saying, ""The Seal of the Unity of the Three" is the forefather of the scriptures on the Elixir of all times. Its words are ancient and profound, arcane and subtle. No one can fathom their meaning." The charm of its verses, the depth of its discourse, and its enigmatic language inspired a large number of commentaries and other works, and attracted the attention not only of Taoist masters and adepts, but also of philosophers, cosmologists, and poets. In addition to a complete translation, this book contains a detailed introduction to the history and the teachings of "The Seal of the Unity of the Three," explanations of each of its sections, and notes on its verses.