In Daoist beliefs, "Shijie" is a complex concept that can be translated in various ways, such as "liberation from the corpse," "release by means of a corpse," or "corpse deliverance." It refers to an esoteric technique for an adept to achieve a form of physical death that simulates the process of dying, allowing the individual to be freed from the constraints of the physical body and attain a higher state of existence. This concept reflects a unique Daoist perception and pursuit of the body and life, embodying the belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the natural order.
Shijie is considered a lower form of liberation due to its temporary nature compared to other more permanent forms of immortality in Daoism. It is also associated with the idea of transformation and immortality after death. The concept is multifaceted and has been a subject of scholarly debate and interpretation, with some viewing it as "confusing" and "puzzling" due to its various implications and practices within Daoist traditions.
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