Ontological Philosophy and Philosophical Origin of Bao Pu Zi Nei Pian

Bao Pu Zi Nei Pian by Ge Hong is a landmark scripture in the history of Taoism.It is a vintage work of the philosophies in immortality-seeking Taoism in Wei and Jin Dynasties.It also collects the quintessence of all Taoist sorcery and theories between the Warring States Period and Jin Dynasty.In particular,its ontological philosophy is a crucial link in the evolution of Taoism.This article illustrates the importance of Xuan(the Mysterious and Nature of the Universe) in Ge Hong's immortality-seeking Taosim,and explains howXuan,Tao(the Way) andYi(the Unity) relate to each other in this philosophical system.It also points out Ge Hong's ontological inheritance from earlier Taoists,such as Lao Zi,Wen Zi,Guan Yin Zi and Zhuang Zi,and his development on their basis.