Calling the Rain. Two women gazing into each other's eyes. Ancient character for Wu: Chinese Magician/Physician.
IMMORTAL SISTERS: Secret Teachings of Taoist Women
A classic exposition of the humanitarian aspect of Taoism is to be found in the story of the distinguished Immortal Sister Zhao of the Song dynasty (960-1278 AD) After overhearing her receiving esoteric instructions on rainmaking, her brother asked her why spiritual immortals, who had transcended the mundane world, would bother to do such things as make rain. Immortal Sister Zhao replied, “Those who have now attained spiritual immortality but cannot as yet live in heaven number in the thousands. They are all in various places on earth accumulating virtue, carrying out practical undertakings so that they may eventually make the ascent. Some of them take care of rivers and lakes, some of them manage the hidden government, some are in charge of mountains. They work to benefit ten thousand generations, to rid the earth of what is harmful, to heal the sick and eliminate problems, acting mercifully toward the troubled and uplifting the fallen, rescuing the weak and helpless.
“Their hidden works are carried out in secret, their virtuous deeds are practiced covertly. Such is their range that they cannot be encompassed in one generalization. But the spiritual immortals do not take pride in themselves, and are want of becoming known to the public; therefore worldly people do not get to hear about them.”
Introduction pp.xiii Translated and edited by Thomas Cleary
The 13 Appearances
Heaven within me is Virtue.
Earth within me is the Breaths.
Virtue flows, the Breaths expand, and there is life.
The coming forth of living beings indicates the Essences.
The embrace of the two Essences indicates the Spirits.
That which follows the Spirits in their going and coming indicates the hun.
That which associates with the Essences in their exiting and entering indicates the po.When something takes charge of the beings, we speak of the Heart.
When the Heart applies itself, we speak of Intent.
When Intent becomes permanent, we speak of Will.
When the persevering Will changes, we speak of Thought.
When Thought extends itself powerfully and far, we speak of Reflection.
When Reflection can have all beings at its disposal, we speak of Knowing-How.
Rooted in Spirit The Heart of Chinese Medicine Claude Larre & Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee1995 Institut Ricci p.13
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