The Xingming guizhi (Chinese: 性命圭旨; trans. "Principles of Inner Nature and Vital Force") is a comprehensive Ming dynasty (1368-1644) text on neidan ("internal alchemy") self-cultivation techniques, which syncretistically quotes sources from the Three teachings of Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism (particularly the Yogachara school), and is richly illustrated with over fifty illustrations that later texts widely copied. The classic Xingming guizhi has been republished for over four centuries, fr…