The Art of Body Refinement through the Element of Water (xing qi shui guan xueshou) belongs to the School of the Heavenly Teachers. It is directed towards understanding of the body systems through one of the natural types of effort.
In Daoist Alchemy the physical body (or the visible body) (xing) is a body which has form, and thus represents a vessel in which Dao can develop. The body has a source (quan), that defines the development of the body as a whole.
This source consists of five basic systems, which are constructed according to certain laws. Body Refinement through the Element of Water represents one of the laws of body formation.
The practice has five levels:
Level 1
Work on Level 1 aims to achieve internal coherence expressed in the achievement of correct breathing, the overcoming of the physical nature of the breath (yuan zhi qi), as well as understanding of our initial nature. This level is oriented towards understanding of the form of Yin nature.
Level 2
Work on Level 2 is directed towards understanding of one of the five cyclical changes, governed by the Macrocosmic laws. This level is oriented towards understanding the nature of feelings and fulfillment
Level 3
Work on Level 3 is directed towards understanding of the body as a formed substance. If form is present the spirit can be strengthened.
Level 4
Work on Level 4 is directed towards understanding of one of the five cyclical changes, governed by the Macrocosmic laws. This level is oriented towards understanding of the body as capable of forming energy structure.
Level 5
Work on Level 5 is directed towards understanding of one of the five cyclical changes, governed by the Macrocosmic laws. This level is oriented towards achieving coherence between form and mind, and the attainment of state beyond form, when semen and spirit become one whole.
Classes
