Reference

Daoist masters are believed to have achieved transcendence without leaving behind a real corpse through a technique known as "Shijie" or "Liberation from the Corpse." This esoteric practice involves the adept's ability to separate their spiritual body from the physical one, allowing them to ascend to higher realms while leaving behind an illusory or ethereal form that dissolves after their departure. The concept is deeply rooted in Daoist beliefs about the immortality of the spirit and the refinement of bodily spirits to achieve transcendence.

The technique of Liberation from the Corpse is not merely about physical immortality but signifies a fundamental transformation that enables one to experience a life transcending the ordinary world. This practice is part of the broader Daoist pursuit of self-cultivation and the attainment of spiritual immortality, often associated with the development of internal energy through qigong, meditation, and alchemical practices.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Shijie (Taoism) and scholarly articles such as "the daoist body in the liturgy of salvation through" available on Colorado Scholar.