Daoist Inner Alchemy Atlas: Practice and Related Medicine, Thunder Rites and Iconology

Dear Colleagues,

Daoism as a philosophy and spiritual tradition is diverse, with many different schools of thought and practices. Inner Alchemy, or neidan, is specific to certain Daoist traditions and is the essence of Daoist culture and thought, which represents a profound understanding of the nature of life, the universe, and the human body, and has been central to Daoism for thousands of years. It is based on the principle of “the unity of nature and man”, adhering to the idea of “the human body is a small universe (人身一小天地)” corresponding to “the cosmos is a large universe (宇宙一大天地)”. It regards humans as a set of tripods and stoves for refining and enhancing one's own life energy (jing 精, qi 气, and shen 神) in the body, achieving dual cultivation of spiritual and physical life (性命双修)。The purpose is to enable Daoists to transcend the mortal realm and achieving true harmony with the Dao by grasping the creation of yin and yang.

This issue focuses on the study of inner alchemy, paying special attention to the practice of Dandao丹道, and it conducts related research on Daoist medicine, thunder rites, iconography, etc. “Atlas” could be viewed as a metaphor for the integration of various Daoist practices into a cohesive system of cultivation. It provides a roadmap to navigate through the inner alchemical processes and understand how each aspect (physical health, energy work, ritual practice, and spiritual observation) contributes to the overall goal of transforming the self.

As the medical knowledge accumulated by Daoists in the process of internal training and external cultivation, Daoist medicine provides a systematic theory of physiology and psychiatry for the practice of Dandao; the Daoist thunder rites, which takes “the mind's nature as the key”, integrates various techniques such as keeping thinking, preserving spirit, internal alchemy, a ceremonial prayer for blessings and eliminating disasters, and talismans and incantations. It emphasizes “internal cultivation to achieve inner alchemy crystallization, and external use of talismans and incantations”, so as to summon wind and call for thunder, subdue demons and defeat monsters, refine the sprites of the dead, pray for sunshine and rain, cure diseases and perform exorcisms, and prevent floods and droughts; Daoist iconology based on the two sets of visual systems inside and outside the human body is the embodiment of the connotation of all categories of Daoism. It is the broad hermeneutics of Daoist theology. Through the medium of images, Daoists understand the mystery of the Dao expressed by them. Therefore, they can enter and practice the Dao and finally achieve unity with nature. In the practice of Dandao, images provide reference and guidance for practitioners to observe themselves and the outside world. Relevant opics for discussion are as follows:

1. The history, theory, and practice of inner alchemy.

Daoist inner alchemy is a practice rooted in the goal of refining the body and spirit to achieve longevity, spiritual enlightenment, and unity with the Dao (the Way). The theory behind inner alchemy involves cultivating and harmonizing the body’s vital energy (qi), focusing on techniques like meditation, breath control, and visualization. Practices such as qi cultivation and the transformation of jing, qi, and shen are central to the process.

2. Research on Daoist medicine and the physiological basis of Dandao.

Daoist medicine is deeply intertwined with the principles of inner alchemy, focusing on the balance of qi, the Five Elements, and the yin-yang dynamic. Research in this area delves into how Daoist medicine offers a unique understanding of the body’s energy system and its link to spiritual practices.

3. The relationship between thunder rites and inner alchemy.

Thunder rites are an important Daoist ritual practice believed to invoke the power of thunder to expel harmful energies, heal ailments, and foster spiritual growth. The use of ritual sounds, symbols, and the invocation of cosmic forces in thunder rites is explored in relation to the energetic shifts and spiritual purification promoted by inner alchemy.

4. The Inner Visual Study of Dandao Practice.

In Daoist alchemical practice, visual imagery plays a crucial role in guiding practitioners through meditative and transformative states. Visualization techniques, such as imagining the flow of qi through the body or the transformation of jing into qi and shen, are vital in directing the practitioner’s energy. The research examines the role of these inner visualizations in fostering physical and spiritual alignment, enhancing meditative concentration and aiding in the attainment of the alchemical goal of immortality.

5. Other related content.

This Special Issue also touches upon a range of other related topics, expanding on the broader Daoist worldview and practices that influence inner alchemy, including Daoist cosmology, the philosophy of the Dao, the role of Daoist clergy, and how Daoist arts such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and Daoist Feng Shui are intertwined with alchemical practices. Additionally, articles examining how these ancient traditions are being adapted or integrated into modern holistic health practices and spiritual disciplines are welcomed too.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200–300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send this to the Guest Editors or to the Assistant Editor Sandee Pan (sandee.pan@mdpi.com) of Religions. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Wenhua Shen
Dr. Yuhao Wu
Dr. Lu Zhang
Guest Editors

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• inner alchemy
• daoist medicine
• thunder rites
• iconology