In our complex modern life, people often feel anxious and lost. Ancient Daoist wisdom lights a path to inner brightness. The Scripture of Inner Observation by the Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun Neiguan Jing), as an important Daoist classic, reveals the truth that "Cultivating the mind is cultivating the Dao" with its profound wisdom.

This article starts from the core tenets of the scripture, systematically analyzes the methods of Inner Observation practice, and leads readers to understand the health preservation philosophy that "If the mind is pure and quiet, then no calamities arise," mastering the practical methods to achieve body-mind harmony and clarify the mind to see one's true nature through Inner Observation.

1. Origin and Value of the Scripture of Inner Observation
The Scripture of Inner Observation by the Most High Lord Lao appeared around the Wei and Jin dynasties, inheriting and developing the health preservation thoughts of the Daoist master Liezi. It profoundly influenced later Daoism, especially the Quanzhen school. The scripture's text is concise yet profound, its principles clear and bright; it is both a guide for spiritual practice and the ultimate embodiment of the beauty of Chinese language.

2. The Core Tenet: Cultivating the Mind as the Foundation
The scripture emphasizes that "The mind is the master of the whole body," and "Teaching people to cultivate the Dao is to cultivate the mind; teaching people to cultivate the mind is to cultivate the Dao." The mind can restrain, preventing the body and spirit from becoming deviant; if the mind is pure and quiet, then no calamities arise. By observing inwardly one's own body and clarifying the heart-mind, one reaches a state of clear spirit and vital energy, and peace of body and mind.

3. Practical Methods for Inner Observation Cultivation

1. Calm the Spirit and Stabilize the Mind: No random thoughts arise, no evil falsehoods invade; close the eyes and contemplate, inwardly and outwardly empty and tranquil.

2. Empty the Mind and Fill the Belly: Disperse distracting thoughts, let Qi return to the dantian; weaken desires, strengthen the foundation.

3. Close the Six Senses: Reduce the attachment of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind to external objects, maintaining inner purity and quiet.

4. Harmonize the Hun and Po Souls: Let the Spirit, Hun, Po, Essence, and Will each rest in its proper place, harmonizing the five viscera.

4. The State of Cultivation for Longevity and Vision
Through Inner Observation practice, one achieves the state of "Body and Spirit uniting with the Dao," realizing the life state where essence and Qi do not scatter, and pure wholeness remains undivided. Lord Lao said: "If humans can preserve life and guard the Dao, they will long exist without perishing"; "If humans can constantly purify and quiet their mind, the Dao will come and reside of itself."

5. Stages of Practice and Points for Attention
Practice should be gradual: Knowing the Dao → Believing in the Dao → Practicing the Dao → Attaining the Dao → Guarding the Dao. Among these, "Guarding the Dao" is most critical, requiring perseverance and guarding without loss. During practice, one should avoid seeking quick success and instant benefits, maintaining a mindset of natural non-action.

Conclusion:
The wisdom of the Scripture of Inner Observation lies not in a superficial understanding of the text, but in the genuine cultivation and verification within the body and mind. Only through continuous Inner Observation practice can one appreciate the true meaning of "The Dao is attained by the mind, the mind is illuminated by the Dao," and obtain true freedom and liberation in life. Although this scripture speaks of being easy to know and easy to practice, it truly requires a sincere person to carefully contemplate it to grasp its essence.