49%
Confidence
Belief overview
Immortality and spiritual longevity
Some currents seek life extension, spiritual transfiguration, or immortality in diverse senses.
1
Supportive
0
Contrary
1
Neutral
What it is: The theme of immortality can designate physical longevity, spiritual refinement, ritual transcendence, or the state of being immortal in Taoist literature and practice.
How the tradition understands it: Not every Taoist current treats the theme in literally identical ways. In many cases, the search involves purification, harmony, health, and inner transformation.
Textual basis and context: Alchemical texts, hagiography, and the tradition of popular immortals fed this dimension of the religion.
Debates and variations: The theme is one of the most variable and also one of the most stereotyped when presented simplistically.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Baopuzi on cultivation and longevity
An important work on techniques of longevity and immortality.
Reference: Ge Hong, Baopuzi.
Content: The text deals with alchemy, self-cultivation, diet, immortality, and techniques of vital preservation.
Use in debate: It is one of the best-known sources on Taoism of longevity and immortality.
Neutral
Cantong qi
A classical text associated with inner and outer alchemy.
Reference: Cantong qi.
Content: The text integrates cosmological and alchemical language around transformation and refinement.
Use in debate: It is highly relevant for Taoist alchemical traditions.