Wu-shih Chi-hou

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Wu-shih Ch'i-hou (Chin., ‘five periods, seven stages’). Taoist analysis of progress to the goal. First: (i) the mind is always on the move; (ii) the mind calms down; (iii) calm and movement are in balance; (iv) calm predominates by concentration on an object of meditation; (v) the mind rests and is not ‘kept going’ by external inputs. Next: (i) anxiety then subsides; (ii) the appearance reverts to that of a child at rest, but supernatural powers develop; (iii) the condition of immortal (hsien) is attained; (iv) ch'i is perfected, and the perfect being (chen-jen) emerges; (v) shen-jen is attained; (vi) harmony with all forms is attained; (vii) perfect harmony with Tao is realized in the practice of life.

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