Six Precepts of Sun Simiao: Unveiling the Secrets to Longevity and Health

Six Precepts of Sun Simiao: Unveiling the Secrets to Longevity and HealthAs the ancient saying goes, "Whether one lives long or short is not determined by fate, but by one's own cultivation." This means that the length of a person's life is not predetermined but rather determined by the level of their personal cultivation

Six Precepts of Sun Simiao: Unveiling the Secrets to Longevity and Health

As the ancient saying goes, "Whether one lives long or short is not determined by fate, but by one's own cultivation." This means that the length of a person's life is not predetermined but rather determined by the level of their personal cultivation. Longevity and health do not come from destiny, but from one's own efforts.

Sun Simiao, the "Medicine King" of the Tang Dynasty, was a prominent medical practitioner who dedicated his life to researching the principles of health preservation. He condensed his wisdom into six precepts, guiding people towards a path of longevity and health.

1. The Way of Health Preservation: Always Seek Moderate Labor, But Never Overexertion.

This precept emphasizes the importance of adequate exercise. Being too idle can lead to mental emptiness, physical lethargy, and weakness that invites illness. However, overexertion can deplete energy reserves, ultimately damaging health.

In the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor of Shu Han, toiled day and night, personally handling every matter. This led to his body's exhaustion, and he eventually died at the age of 54 at Wuzhangyuan due to illness. Sima Yi, keenly aware of Zhuge Liang's unhealthy routine, predicted that his life would be short.

This example warns us that while being busy is good, it cannot be excessive. We must learn to balance work and rest, finding a point of equilibrium between health and life.

2. If One's Character is Deficient, Even Consuming Jade Elixir and Gold Pills Will Not Lead to Longevity.

This precept highlights the significance of virtue. Cultivating oneself not only involves nurturing the physical body but also involves cultivating the inner mind.

Mr. Yuan Liaofan of the Ming Dynasty, initially living a life of aimlessness, was later guided by Master Yun Gu to mend his ways. He dedicated himself to doing good deeds and accumulated virtue, ultimately attaining long life.

The Book of Zhou states: "Without fate and without constancy, cultivating virtue is the key." Having benevolent thoughts and accumulating virtue through good deeds is the best way to preserve health. Cultivating virtue elevates one's spiritual realm, nourishes bodily functions, and ultimately achieves harmony between mind and body.

3. Being Content with Simplicity and Feeling Abundant in Spirit Is Like the Elixir of Immortality.

This precept emphasizes the importance of living with fewer desires. Excessive desires can lead individuals to become lost in a world of material pursuits, ultimately consumed by their cravings.

Bai Juyi, at the age of 50, was forced to resign from office and retire due to injuries sustained from a fall. During this time, he resisted numerous temptations and focused solely on recuperation, ultimately living to the age of 75.

Zhuangzi said: "Those who deeply crave desires have shallow life force." With fewer desires, the mind becomes tranquil, and one naturally achieves longevity and health.

4. The Foundation of Well-being Rests Upon Sustenance.

This precept underlines the importance of diet. As the saying goes, "Illness enters through the mouth." Irregular and unbalanced eating habits can damage the spleen and stomach, affecting nutrient absorption, resulting in weakened health.

The great literary figure Su Shi was highly knowledgeable about diet. He emphasized healthy eating, consuming only one bowl of rice and one dish per meal, never overeating. This allowed him to maintain good health and live a long life.

The Compendium of Materia Medica states: "Indiscreet eating habits can harm one in an instant." A balanced diet is the best way to preserve health.

5. Heaven Has Its Fills and Empties, People Have Their Fortunes and Misfortunes; If One Does Not Exercise Caution, One Cannot Overcome Them. Therefore, Cultivating One's Nature Requires Knowing One's Limits and Exercising Self-Discipline.

This precept underscores the importance of being cautious and self-reliant. Individuals need to know how to restrain themselves, stop when they reach their goal, and avoid overreaching, preventing accidents.

In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Sima Yi, amidst a chaotic world, consistently maintained caution, controlling his desires, and ultimately lived to the age of 73.

The Analects says: "A lack of small mindfulness leads to the ruin of great plans." The same applies to health preservation. We must start with small things, control desires, and prevent problems before they arise.

6. Running Water Does Not Rot, Hinges Do Not Decay, Because They Are Constantly in Motion.

This precept emphasizes the importance of exercise. Regular exercise can promote blood circulation, strengthen the body, and delay aging.

Confucius, not only a scholar but a man of diverse talents, enjoyed archery, horseback riding, and chariot driving, all of which are physical activities. Even when facing difficult situations during his travels across the various states, he maintained an optimistic and positive attitude, a testament to his robust physique.

Exercise strengthens the body, and it is the key to a long and healthy life.

Sun Simiao's six precepts encompass all aspects of health preservation. Not only are they traditional wisdom, but they also serve as guiding principles for modern individuals seeking longevity and well-being.

Longevity and health are not unattainable goals. By following Sun Simiao's six precepts, nurturing our health with diligence, we can achieve a healthy and fulfilling life.

Let us begin with ourselves and actively put Sun Simiao's principles of health preservation into practice, enabling us to attain a life of longevity and health.

Here's a deeper analysis and expansion of the content:

1. "Always Seek Moderate Labor, But Never Overexertion": Work-life balance is crucial.

"Always seek moderate labor" refers to light exercise, not strenuous activity. Exercise can promote blood circulation, strengthen the body, but strenuous exercise can easily lead to injuries.

How to find the right amount of exercise? Choose exercise forms suitable for your individual situation, such as jogging, swimming, tai chi, etc. Exercise time should not be excessive, and the goal is to avoid feeling fatigued.

2. "If One's Character is Deficient, Even Consuming Jade Elixir and Gold Pills Will Not Lead to Longevity": Cultivating virtue is fundamental.

Cultivating virtue is not a vague concept but is reflected in our daily actions. For instance, respecting the elderly and loving children, being kind and helpful, and being honest and trustworthy.

Cultivating virtue can help individuals develop a positive and optimistic attitude, reducing negative emotions, thereby maintaining physical and mental health.

3. "Being Content with Simplicity and Feeling Abundant in Spirit Is Like the Elixir of Immortality": Living with fewer desires is a good medicine.

Desire is a natural human instinct, but excessive desires can lead individuals to lose themselves and harm their physical and mental health.

How to control desires? You can try the following methods:

• Cultivate hobbies and interests, diverting attention.

• Learn to be grateful and cherish the beauty you have.

• Engage in philanthropy, helping others, and elevating your spiritual realm.

4. "The Foundation of Well-being Rests Upon Sustenance": A balanced diet is indispensable.

A balanced diet should include various nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Here are some suggestions for reference:

• Control total calorie intake to avoid excessive obesity.

• Eat a balanced diet, consume plenty of vegetables and fruits to replenish vitamins and minerals.

• Eat less processed food and more natural foods.

• Pay attention to eating habits, chew slowly and thoroughly, and avoid overeating.

5. "Heaven Has Its Fills and Empties, People Have Their Fortunes and Misfortunes; If One Does Not Exercise Caution, One Cannot Overcome Them. Therefore, Cultivating One's Nature Requires Knowing One's Limits and Exercising Self-Discipline": Being cautious and self-reliant, prevention is better than cure.

Life inevitably brings setbacks and difficulties, but we must learn to face them calmly and respond actively.

How to be cautious and self-reliant? You can try the following methods:

• Maintain an optimistic attitude, believing you can overcome difficulties.

• Learn new knowledge and skills to enhance your capabilities.

• Communicate with others, seek help, and work together to solve problems.

6. "Running Water Does Not Rot, Hinges Do Not Decay, Because They Are Constantly in Motion": Exercise is the key to longevity and health.

Exercise can promote blood circulation, enhance cardiovascular function, improve immunity, and delay aging.

How to choose the right exercise form for you? You can select based on your individual situation and interests, such as jogging, swimming, yoga, tai chi, etc.

Conclusion:

Sun Simiao's six precepts are the essence of traditional Chinese health preservation culture and a valuable treasure for modern individuals pursuing longevity and health.

By putting Sun Simiao's principles of health preservation into practice, we can not only improve our physical well-being but also develop a more positive and optimistic attitude, leading to a more fulfilling life.

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