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Thomas Cleary – The Taoist Classics
The Manuals of Taoist Sexual Practise – Ten Questions 08

Yu asked Shi Gui, "I have clarified the cognition of my ears and eyes to govern the land. Levelling the flooded lands above, following the Long River below to the Mountain of Accounts, I spent ten years on waterworks. Now my limbs are useless and my home is broken up. How should I take care of this?"

Shi Gui replied, "The structure of government always begins with oneself. When blood and energy do not circulate as they should, this is called pathological blockage, which is the source of six extreme afflictions.

"The continuity of blood and energy, the coordination of the muscles and vessels, are not to be neglected. Let the brain relax, eat a varied diet; use intelligence for guidance, use work for exercise. Without food, there is no way to fill the stomach and develop the frame.

Without intelligence, there is no way of discerning whether one is inwardly empty or full. Without work, there is no way to exercise the limbs to get rid of their afflictions.

"So, when you are going to sleep, draw your energy into your genitals; this is called exercising the tendons. Stretch and scrunch; this is called exercising the bones. Let your actions and functions be appropriate, and vitality will flow forth like a spring. In what age would this method not work?"

Now Yu took to drinking milk, and comforted his wife, so tranquillity was restored to his home.

This is Shi Gui's method of managing mind and energy.