Question

While many forms of internal alchemy (neidan) focus on transforming the male vital essence of sperm into qi in an effort to achieve longevity, Sun Bu'er pioneered the development of "female alchemy," in which the female vital essence of menstrual blood was transformed into qi.

A) True
B) False

Answer 1

The claim that Sun Bu'er developed a form of alchemy that transformed menstrual blood into qi is false. The traditional Chinese yin and yang concept does involve gender associations but not specific alchemical practices related to menstrual blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that Sun Bu'er pioneered the development of "female alchemy," in which the female vital essence of menstrual blood was transformed into qi, is false. Traditional Chinese beliefs in yin and yang ascribed yin with femininity and yang with masculinity, but this did not translate into a direct alchemical practice of transforming menstrual blood into qi.

The concept of internal alchemy (neidan) typically centers on cultivating one's internal energy and achieving a form of spiritual immortality, but it does not specifically highlight a practice based on transforming menstrual blood. Instead, both yin and yang energies were seen as essential for balance in health and the universe, without strict gendered practices in alchemical transformation.