三教平心論 1.13

1.13

The teaching of Daoism extends from one's own person to penetrate the unseen realms, from the human world to transcend into the heavens, and from mountain forests and rocky caverns to reach the vast Daluo and the towering Golden Gate. It can be said to transcend the ordinary and enter the sacred. Yet what of that which lies beyond heaven, earth, and the creative transformation? Its teachings say: “Broadly, it encompasses the realm of heaven; finely, it enters a minute speck of dust.” Thus, its greatest extent reaches no further than encompassing the realm of heaven; its realm is limited to this, and whatever lies outside this is not within its knowledge. Such is the teaching of Daoism. Therefore, those who study Daoism concentrate their spirit in singleness of purpose, their movements harmonizing with the formless, rising high into the realm of purity and few desires. Inhaling the new and exhaling the old, accumulating merit and multiplying deeds, they can achieve release by means of a corpse or ascend by flight; they can command ghosts and spirits and summon wind and rain; they can assist creation and establish profound merit. With limitless lifespan, they abide in joyous ease and self-mastery. The ultimate achievement of Daoism is just this. The Huangtingjing says: “With long life and enduring vision, one then flies away.” Truly, upon reaching long life, it has reached its limit.