Now most people don't understand what practice is. Just blindly following. I don't know what faith and practice are. I only know how to read a few verses and do a few good things. I think I can get good results. What's more, those stubborn people sit at home all day, thinking that they can achieve positive results by worshipping God and burning incense every day! Don't you know that doing good can't be done, and there is merit? If there is no merit, how can you become a Taoist? There is a saying in Sanfeng's true story: "Metaphysics takes merit as its body, and then it can become immortal." The so-called first step of spiritual practice is to know your own roots. How to cultivate, only by choosing the right cultivation method can we step into the right path. There are 3,000 Taoist ways, so you can always choose one that suits your own practice. If you just blindly follow the trend, you may not be able to walk the right path all your life!
You don't have to have religious beliefs to practice. For thousands of years, Confucianism's "nourishing qi and calming down peace" is a kind of practice, Taoism's "being alone" is a kind of practice, and Buddhism's "concurrently practicing" is also a kind of practice. In fact, everyone is practicing, even if they don't fall into the ranks of Buddhism and Taoism, they can't escape the indoctrination of Confucianism.
The first category is to cultivate immortals.
In other words, the ancient immortal family originated from Fang in the Spring and Autumn Period. This practice is mainly based on Taoist techniques, such as alchemy and Ji Fang, so those who practice this method are also called alchemists. His research fields include astronomy, medicine, immortals, divination, physiognomy, feng shui and other skills. In ancient times, it also advocated avoiding the valley, feeding and offering sacrifices to people who can live forever. According to the records of historians, the earliest alchemist was Changhong of Zhou Lingwang (5765438 BC+0 BC-545 BC). It is said that he can understand yin and yang and know ghosts and gods.
The second category is Dandao health preservation.
Dan Dao means practicing inner and outer Dan. External Dan was common in ancient times, and there were many Taoist priests of Dan in history, such as Ge Hong in the Eastern Jin Dynasty. However, with the progress of science and technology and our understanding of human body, the ancient external alchemy of taking lead and mercury gradually withdrew from people's sight, and then evolved into taking medicinal materials for health care and longevity. In addition, Taoism also practices the inner alchemy, that is, through meditation, meditation, piling and other ways to get through the heavens and the earth, so as to achieve the effect of harmony between man and nature. At present, many Taoists have passed on the achievement method, especially the Quanzhen school, which mainly practices Neidan, and many works on Neidan have been handed down.
The third category is the spell of character seal.
In fact, this category should be classified into the first category, but it is special, so it is discussed separately. Fu You's spells originated from Shi Tian Taoism in the early period of Taoism. At that time, Taoist priests were supported by the poor by providing water to treat diseases, drive away plagues and make sacrifices. Therefore, charm and magic power have become the biggest characteristics of Shi Tian Dao, which is used to exorcise demons and help heaven. In just one day, Taoism has been divided into different sects, and there are many mysterious spells, such as Maoshan, which is familiar to everyone. Of course, Quanzhen Daoism also has the inheritance of runes and spells, so I don't need to say it here.
The fourth category is the classic category.
Taoism is a native religion in China, with a history of more than 2,500 years. According to the ancestors' description of Huang Lao, it has a history of more than 4,700 years. Historically, different Taoists and Taoists have many works handed down from generation to generation, which have been compiled into Taoist Collection. There are numerous Taoist books, which are the crystallization of Taoist cultivation and wisdom in past dynasties. Therefore, many monks and nuns should study the classics, familiarize themselves with rhymes, learn manners and pray for believers. Yi Ke is a treasure of Taoist culture and a compulsory course for Taoist priests. Of course, monks or laymen must also do their homework in the morning and evening, and Buddha's birthday must be celebrated by fasting. This kind of practice requires abstinence, renouncing the world of mortals, and is very adaptable.
The fifth practice is the world of mortals.
The so-called world of mortals practice is to practice in the secular world. On weekdays, I need to work to solve the livelihood problem, and then I take cultivating my mind, practicing, doing good deeds and giving alms as the main ways of practice. However, due to secular affairs, there are many hardships and setbacks in practice. However, because practicing in the world of mortals needs to face all sentient beings, if you practice properly, your merits will be boundless.
However, in the early days of practice, it is best to convert to the Taoist priest, so as to get the inheritance of his legacy, such as the inheritance of dharma vein. In this way, it can not only carry forward the avenue and accumulate virtue in the world, but also practice the Xuanmen Buddhism, which is a mode of achieving positive results. Because since ancient times, people who have reached the Tao not only have to practice martial arts, but also spend some time on earth to be complete.
The sixth category is casual repair.
The so-called "Sanshi" is not inherited by the authentic method of Xuanmen, but people generally use Xuanshu to pray for people to eliminate disasters. These practitioners are literate and suddenly gain some abilities after their initial recovery from a serious illness, claiming to be guided by the gods or asking them to possess themselves, and diagnosing and solving disasters for people. Most of these practitioners also have the tradition of Buddhism, but they should belong to the hermit school.
In fact, no matter which school you choose to practice, you need to be firm in your mind, be brave in taking responsibility, and spare no effort to practice, in order to achieve the cause of Taoism. Greater China should have a place for sincere practitioners. As long as they are sincere enough, they will certainly be able to understand the heavens and the earth, should be in the spirit, and will not worry about getting positive results.
Avenue to Jane, Tao gives birth to one, life gives birth to two, life gives birth to three, and life gives birth to everything. We belong to all things, and we practice for three to two, two to one, and one to the Tao, which is bound to go through this complicated and simple process. I hope you can always reflect on yourself, correct yourself, honor your parents, be determined to be good, and practice Xiu De. No matter how you become a monk at home, you have reached the Tao. Even if you have Jinshan Yinshan, no amount of power and strength in the secular world can buy half a life.