The true essence of cultivation is to comprehend the Dao and seek the truth. This truth is the truth of one's original nature, the truth of the Great Dao, also known as Tathata (suchness) or truth.

All living beings have desires, indulge in them, and sink into the vast sea of desires. Only through moderation, rationality, analyzing the true self, and understanding one's original nature can one break free from the shackles of the mortal world and comprehend the Tathata of one's own nature.

What is an immortal (Xian)? A person who lives in the mountains. Why do people live in the mountains? Nothing else but tranquility and moderation of desires. Cultivators do not lack desires, but they must know how to separate the desires in their hearts from the instincts of their bodies: I control desire, rather than letting desire control me.

Those who control desires with humanity and possess thorough wisdom are cultivators; those whose humanity is controlled by desires are beasts, demons, and not human.