Alchemy, Medicine and Religion in the China of A.D. 320: The Nei P'ien of Ko Hung. This is the most widely cited English translation of the Inner Chapters. Ware’s work is essential for those studying early Chinese science and "External Alchemy" (Waidan).
The text is divided into two primary sections: the Neipian (Inner Chapters) and the Waipian (Outer Chapters). While the Inner Chapters focus on the quest for immortality, alchemy, and esoteric techniques, the Outer Chapters deal with Confucian social ethics and political philosophy. Key English Translations of the Baopuzi
Uses the Wade-Giles romanization system instead of modern Pinyin. It is highly literal but sometimes replaces Daoist spiritual terms with Western theological equivalents (like using "God" for Dao ). 2. Jay Sailey (1978) baopuzi english translation pdf
The most common translation for the (1–20). Focus: Alchemy, medicine, and the search for immortality.
Ge Hong’s Shenxian Zhuan (Biographies of Divine Immortals). Alchemy, Medicine and Religion in the China of A
If you are searching online for a downloadable version of the text, you can find public domain and open-access copies through several reputable digital archives:
For a more targeted search in these databases or via a search engine, use advanced operators: Ware’s work is essential for those studying early
Ge Hong defines Xuan as the root of the universe, a deep spiritual mechanism that practitioners must connect with to transcend the physical world.
Translates 20 selected chapters from the Outer Chapters ( Waipian ).
Focuses on secular governance, social decay, and the practical application of Confucian virtues to resolve real-world chaos. Major English Translations
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