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Lu Tsu - Sowing the seed and reaping the return
Identifier
016283
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
This quote came originally from a book by William Alexander Parsons Martin (April 10, 1827 – December 17, 1916), also known as Ding Weiliang (丁韙良),
Martin was an American Presbyterian missionary to China and translator, who translated a number of important Western treatises into Chinese. This however is a translation from a Chinese text and the source remains exceptionally confusing. There are some indications he could be referring to Lao Tzu, some to Liu Shou. The most important piece of information, however, is that he was an alchemist
A description of the experience
Lu Tsu [or Lui Shou] – Chinese alchemist as quoted by Idries Shah from The Lore of Cathay by William A P Martin 1901
I must diligently plant my own field. There is within it a spiritual germ that may live a thousand years. Its flower is like yellow gold. Its bud is not large, but its seeds are round and like unto a spotless gem. Its growth depends upon the soil of the central palace, but its irrigation must proceed from a higher fountain. After nine years of cultivation, root and branch may be transplanted to the heaven of the higher genii.