The highest goal of Taoism

"Ancient Taoist sages believed we were born to be immortal. We become mortal by draining ourselves of chi through engaging in excessive sexual activity, indulging in negative emotions, and depending only on material sources to supply our life force. The masters recognized that different levels of immortality can be achieved through Inner Alchemy, and they devised many practices for this purpose.The ability to transcend even death through the transmutation of one's physicality into the immortal spirit body is the highest goal of Taoism. This level, known as physical immortality, takes the longest to achieve."

Mantak Chia, The Inner Smile. Increasing Chi through the Cultivation of Joy, Rochester Vermont 2008, p. 14-15