Yijing Internal Alchemy Analysis
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Toward the end of the Tang and beginning of the Song, traditions of internal alchemy (neidan) became systematized. The roots of these movements can be found in a number of earlier Daoist movements such as “inner observation” (neiguan) meditation practices, longevity techniques (yangsheng), laboratory alchemy (waidan), and Yijing (Classic of Changes) symbolism. Internal alchemy, alternatively referred to as the “golden elixir,” uses a highly symbolic language to describe a process of spiritual refinement whereby a shift occurs from an ordinary human being to a more cosmological being. The goal was the attainment of “immortality” or “transcend- ence” as a form of ecstatic otherworldly existence through a series of energetic mutations of the body,