Taoist practice has always emphasized the secret transmission of oral formulas, which are never lightly taught except to those truly capable of carrying the Dao. This text delves deeply into the profound reasons behind the secrecy of oral formulas in Taoist cultivation, revealing the wisdom and caution inherent in the transmission of Taoist methods and practices.

Firstly, the workings of nature (造化 - Zao Hua) play with humanity, having life and death, and cultivation is essentially resisting this natural order. Without exceptional perseverance, supreme intelligence, and profound virtue, one will ultimately fail. When disciples fail, they often blame the master for false teachings rather than their own lack of qualification, causing the master unnecessary trouble. Therefore, formulas are not transmitted unless one encounters a true vessel capable of carrying the Dao.

Secondly, anything obtained easily is not valued. Cultivation is the noblest undertaking; if treated with a casual attitude, it cannot yield good results. Therefore, transmitters often impose considerable difficulties on seekers to observe the sincerity of their commitment.

The Dao is shared by all things in the universe, Methods (法 - Fa) are divided into superior, middle, and inferior grades, and Techniques (术 - Shu) further differ in their ancient/modern, orthodox/heterodox nature. The Dao can be explained publicly, Methods should be taught according to the three grades of capacity, while Techniques require selecting the right time, place, person, and considering the social environment. Some secret techniques, although capable of producing rapid, miraculous effects, can shock conventional society and attract slander, so they are better kept secret.

Masters are divided into three qualifications: those who have completely succeeded in cultivation, those half-successful, and those who have obtained the oral formulas but have not yet cultivated them. The first two transmit selflessly, while the third needs to find someone with financial means to assist, but still requires the person to have excellent character before transmission is permitted.

Furthermore, when learning the formulas, masters must swear heavy oaths, such as "transmitting to the unworthy will inevitably bring disaster," causing them to be tremulous when transmitting later. Added to this, obtaining the formulas themselves was difficult, involving hardship and personal experience, so they use their own experience as a benchmark. If a seeker's process is too smooth, it is deemed not fitting for the fundamental duty of learning the Dao.

Other reasons include: disclosing Earth Element Elixir (地元丹 - Di Yuan Dan) secrets would disrupt finance; Sword Techniques (剑术 - Jian Shu) require specific conditions; transmitting talismanic spells and magical arts to the wrong person endangers society; healing and martial arts provide livelihood. More importantly, Taoist learning and arts of immortality are the unique heritage of the Chinese people, fearing that foreigners might obtain them and harm China.

These reasons reflect the rigor and wisdom of Taoist transmission, with each layer of consideration embodying a deep sense of responsibility towards the Dharma, the student, and society.