Daoism Series 37:
赤松子
Master Red Pine
Chisong Zi [赤松子], or Master Red Pine, appears in a short chapter in Hong Yingming [洪应明], The Supernatural Traces of Immortals and Buddhas [xian fo qi zong 仙佛奇踪], which is reproduced here in full:
赤松子，神农雨师。炼神服气，能入水不濡，入火不焚。至昆仑山常止西王母石室中。随风雨上下。炎帝少女追之，亦得仙，俱去。高辛时为雨师，间游人间。
Master Red Pine was the Spirit Farmer’s [i.e Shennong] master of the rains. He refined his spirit and ingested qi. He could enter water without getting wet and could enter fire without being burned. When visiting Mount Kunlun, he frequently stayed at the Stone Chamber of the Queen Mother of the West. By following the wind and rain, he ascended and descended. He was pursued by the youngest daughter of Emperor Yan [i.e. the Spirit Farmer]. He also obtained immortality and completely disappeared. At the time of [Emperor] Gaoxin [i.e. Di Ku], he served as master of the rains, and roamed in the human world from time to time.
Post-Scriptum: This article will be published as part of a book, entitled ‘The Arts of Daoism’ about meditation, stillness cultivation, abstention from grains [bi gu辟谷], sleeping gong [shui gong睡功], dreams, vegetarianism and diet in Daoism, formulae for fasting and meditation incense, including several chapters from the alchemical classic The Essentials of the Shortcut to the Great Achievement [da cheng jie yao 大成捷要]. It will be a mixture of anecdotal and oral transmissions from master Li Shi Fu, supported by translations of a number of chapters from ancient texts. It is set to be released March 2021, and a first draft has been already finalized.
Post-Post-Scriptum: The best way not to miss the release date is to register for free for the member area and newsletter:
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