The Secret of the Golden Flower Chapter 5 Errors in Returning the Light 回光差谬

This Chapter from Lü Dongbin's The Secret of the Golden Flower details potential pitfalls in Daoist meditative practice. It contrasts Daoist methods with Chan Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to achieving stillness. The text warns against extremes, such as excessive effort leading to rigidity or complete passivity resulting in stagnation and entrapment in the realm of sensual desire. Specific examples of erroneous practices and their consequences, such as becoming a fox spirit, are given to illustrate these dangers. Ultimately, the passage aims to guide practitioners toward successful cultivation by identifying and avoiding common errors.