《元始五老赤书玉篇真文天书经》

The scripture governed by the Eastern Anbao Hualin Qingling Shilao is called “The Profound Chapter of the Cavern of Life-Giving Spirit and Precious Truth.” The scripture governed by the Southern Fanbao Changyang Danling Zhenlao is called “The Precious Spiritual Collar of the Southern Clouds, Reaching to Heaven.” The scripture governed by the Central Yubao Yuanling Yuanlao is called “The Spiritual Book of the Nine Heavens, Clear within the Cavern of the Precious Kalpa.” The scripture governed by the Western Qibao Jinmen Haoling Huanglao is called “The Subtle Chapter of the Cavern of the Golden True and Precious Radiance.” The scripture governed by the Northern Dongyin Shuodan Yujue Wuling Xuanlao is called “The Writ of the Primordial Spirit, Life-Giving True and Precious Radiance.”

These five jade scriptures are celestial writings that arose spontaneously from the void. They are kept in secret on the Seven-Treasure Mysterious Terrace in the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Nine Heavens Spiritual Capital, guarded by divine officials who attend the Five Emperors. According to the Mysterious Regulations—the celestial precepts and laws of Daoism—they appear only once every forty thousand kalpas.

The Jade Chapters of the True Writings of the Scarlet Script of the Numinous Treasure of the Cavern of Mystery of the Primordial Beginning—the celestial scripture of the Numinous Treasure transmitted by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning—already existed in the empty cavern before Primordial Beginning. At that time, Heaven and Earth had not yet taken shape, and the sun and moon had not yet shone. All around was dark and chaotic, without origin or sovereign ancestor. The numinous script was faint and hard to see, appearing and disappearing in turn. Heaven and Earth differentiated through it, and the sun shone by means of it.

As the numinous diagram turned and the celestial patterns changed, the numinous script appeared in response to the proper time. Heaven and Earth were thereby divided, and the three luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—shone forth from it. The numinous script flourished in beauty, illuminating the celestial realm of Highest Clarity. It emerged from the Heaven of Primordial Blue; its colors had no fixed form, and the strokes of its characters curled and turned, making them difficult to trace and examine in detail.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning tempered it in the Hall of Cavern Yang and smelted it in the Court of Flowing Fire, making the central text vivid and its radiance pure and clear. Because the Qi of Cavern Yang is red, it was called the “Scarlet Script.” After the numinous diagram appeared, the myriad emperors came to pay homage to the true Dao. They flew through the air and walked upon emptiness, circling the Upper Palace. They burned incense, scattered flowers, and chanted the numinous verses. At that time, Heaven sent down twelve kinds of wondrous auspicious signs, while twenty-four responses appeared on Earth. Above, the profound numinous mysteries of the Nine Heavens were celebrated; below, the precious scriptures of the Three Heavens were praised.

The divine wind rose, and the Imperial Way opened wide. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning gave the command; Tai Zhen took up the brush, and the Jade Consort brushed clean the mat. Tablets were cast in gold, and the scripture was engraved upon jade chapters. The Five Elders, august gods who govern the five directions, were charged with recording it and storing it away in the Palace of the Numinous Capital of the Nine Heavens. The Jade Maidens tended the incense, Taihua held the cloth, and Jade Youths stood guard nearby. The assembled immortals paid court before the jade steps. Even ghosts and spirits could not hear of the celestial book kept in the Nine Heavens.

Heaven treasures it and thereby rises buoyantly; Earth keeps it secret and thereby remains stable. The Five Emperors hold it in their hands and can thus guard the four directions. The sun, moon, and stars rely on it to hang high and shine. The Highest Sages practice it and thereby attain the true Dao; the Five Sacred Peaks follow it and thereby manifest numinous efficacy. When the Son of Heaven receives it, he can govern the world and bring peace to the state.

Such are the wondrous merits of the numinous script and the mysterious foundation of Heaven and Earth. Its numinous power is vast and boundless, extending everywhere. The great, surging transformation unfolds through it; it is the source of all divine beings. Its breadth cannot be measured, and it towers like the empty expanse of space.

The Jade Chapters of the Red Writ of the Five Elders of the Primordial Beginning arose from “Emptiness and Vastness of De.” They are the foundation from which Heaven and Earth came into being. Their divine power is boundless: they set the transformation and nurturing of Heaven and Earth in motion and are the source of all spirits and gods. Their realm cannot be measured; it is as vast as space.

The Jade Chapters of the Red Writ of the Five Elders of the Primordial Beginning arose from natural emptiness and vastness. They generate Heaven and Earth and bring the gods into being. Above, they are called “numinous”: they guard the Five Marchmounts, the five sacred mountains, keeping the realm stable and enduring. Below, they are called “treasure”: wondrous and numinous treasures, they are the foundation revered by all things. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning unfurled the celestial chart. In Heaven, twelve numinous portents appeared; on Earth, twenty-four auspicious signs emerged.

The twelve numinous portents were these:

First, at that time Heaven and Earth had not yet taken shape, and all around was dark and lightless. The numinous writings appeared faintly, with no source before them. Moving of themselves, they became the root of the Qi of all things. True Qi gathered within emptiness and vastness; clear Qi rose, pure and bright, forming the immense vault of Heaven, which suddenly emerged from the profound darkness.

Second, the two forms of Heaven and Earth separated. Qi gathered below, and the Earth opened to bear all things; thus forms came into being.

Third, thirty-six thousand suns and moons shone at once, illuminating the heavens so that no dark place remained unlit.

Fourth, the great gods and supreme sages, the perfected ones of subtle cultivation, and countless beings came together to pay homage in the Jade Court. They traveled through the Great Void and chanted the numinous writings in praise.

Fifth, countless kinds of music arose spontaneously in Heaven. Its sounds rang out, clear and bright, carried through the cloud palaces to celebrate the gods and perfected ones.

Sixth, numinous winds rose from the four directions, sounding in a hundred different ways. Music arose naturally from the air; the notes of gong, shang, and the other tones blended in harmony and became the Grotto Chapters, sacred Daoist compositions.

Seventh, the pivot of the Northern Dipper ceased to turn, and the constellations stopped their courses. Heaven had no distinction between day and night, and the four seasons seemed to remain in an eternal dawn.

Eighth, purple clouds gave off radiance that streamed through the heavens, shining everywhere upon all things.

Ninth, spring, summer, autumn, and winter were no longer hot or cold. The Qi of the four seasons became gentle and balanced, and even withered things came back to life.

Tenth, the Five Sacred Powers that guard the five directions or the Five Marchmounts were established in peace. Talismanic charts and scriptures unfolded together, making the profound principles clear and teaching all beings.

Eleventh, divine objects of the Seven Treasures descended from Heaven and spread throughout the land, providing offerings for the people.

Twelfth, wondrous groves of the Seven Treasures appeared together in the sky, shining brightly. Their branches and leaves hung down in shade, spreading across the vast reaches of Heaven and Earth.

These twelve numinous portents arose through the mysterious power of nature. They signaled the beginning of the movement of the mysterious chart and revealed the power of the numinous writings.

The twenty-four auspicious signs that appeared on Earth were celebrations offered to the gods and perfected ones:

First, while the Qi of Heaven and Earth remained muddled and indistinct, the rooster crowed at dawn. The scenes in the four directions grew clear, the vault of Heaven and the Earth unfolded, and the Five Phases—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—came into being.

Second, thirty-six thousand suns and moons shone above and below at once, illuminating even the darkness of night.

Third, a blue bird carried a message to the Five Emperors, informing them so that the order of Heaven and the proper measures of its movements could be set right.

Fourth, a white tiger spat out a golden object to bring the Five Numinous Powers into harmony.

Fifth, a Azure Dragon presented a talismanic mandate to the Water Emperor, informing him so that the rivers and seas might expand and the flow of water and the seasons be properly regulated.

Sixth, a jade dragon carried a jade seal to present to the emperor, bringing peace to the realm, preserving the fortunes of the state, and securing the Five Sacred Powers for all time.

Seventh, luan birds called, and phoenixes answered; their voices were harmonious and pleasing.

Eighth, flocks of birds flew and danced, rising straight into the sky.

Ninth, horned dragons leaped up, stirring waves in deep waters and great marshes.

Tenth, the rivers stopped flowing, and schools of fish gathered together.

Eleventh, sweet dew appeared spontaneously, and numinous fungus grew in abundance.

Twelfth, there was no frost or ice in winter, and withered trees flourished together.

Thirteenth, trees and crops flowered and bore fruit in every season, winter and summer alike. They grew abundantly without withering or being harmed.

Fourteenth, the Qi of the four seasons was balanced. Plagues and disasters no longer spread, and Heaven, humanity, and all beings lived in peace and celebration, no longer suffering untimely death.

Fifteenth, venomous creatures withdrew their stingers and closed their sharp teeth, no longer forming thoughts of harming others.

Sixteenth, lions and fierce beasts drew near to people and lived alongside them.

Seventeenth, blind, deaf, lame, and ill people throughout the world recovered their original bodies. Their afflictions disappeared, and their bodies became strong and sound.

Eighteenth, the old returned to youth, while the young were slow to age. Their appearances were handsome and healthy, and their spirits were radiant.

Nineteenth, birds, wild animals, and domestic livestock, whether pregnant or not yet having given birth, reproduced safely and without harm.

Twentieth, when women became pregnant, every child born throughout the world was a boy.

Twenty-first, treasures hidden deep within the Earth came to light. Gold and jade appeared at the surface and lay scattered along the roads; nothing remained concealed or out of sight.

Twenty-second, after thunder shook Heaven and the Earth split open, withered bones came back to life. Bodies sunk beneath the water and scattered souls reunited, taking human form again. People throughout the world sang in celebration of the peace of the realm.

Twenty-third, lotuses grew from the Earth. The people of Heaven celebrated together, and everyone rejoiced.

Twenty-fourth, the grotto realms of the Five Marchmounts opened, and talismans and scriptures appeared together to instruct the people of Heaven and all beings. At that time, all who studied the Way could ascend to immortality.

Together, these twenty-four auspicious signs praised the numinous chart of Primordial Beginning and celebrated the Five Elders’ opening of the light. Once the numinous writings were set in motion, the Dao began to circulate. Heaven and Earth unfolded, and the true teaching flourished; sacred instruction spread far and wide, and the Qi of all things flowed freely. The Five Emperors assisted Heaven and Earth, dispatching celestial immortals and directing divine officials as they set Yin-Yang Qi in motion and guided it. They made the sun, moon, and stars stable by anchoring them in the profound source, and ensured that Heaven and Earth would endure. They guarded the numinous realms of the Five Marchmounts, held the passages through which the cycles of calamity unfold, established the foundations of states in accord with Heaven’s mandate, and directed the Five Qi to nourish the people. The Dao’s transformation spread throughout the heavenly realm and taught all ten directions. Its numinous power was boundless, reaching every hidden place; its wonders and greatness are beyond complete description.

At this time, the supreme sage, the Great Lord of the Great Dao, dwelt in the Palace of the Numinous. At the Three Passes—the three strategic points governing the movement of Heaven and Earth—he arranged the cycles of tribulation and established the fortunes of the realm in accord with celestial patterns. He harmonized the Five Qi to nurture the people. He proclaimed the Way of Heaven and taught throughout the ten directions. His divine majesty was vast and boundless; there was no dark place beyond its reach. His numinous mystery and awe-inspiring dignity were beyond words.

At that time, the Great Lord of the Great Dao, the High Jade Emperor, and the Perfected Ones of the Ten Directions rode together in treasured carriages: five-colored jade wheels, jade canopies, and green-jade chariots, drawn by black dragons of nine colors. Their carriages were adorned with canopies of tenfold plumes and flowing clouds of three hues. The great sages of the heavens and the Perfected Ones of wondrous practice rode flying cloud chariots of jade, encircled by green mists and illumined by nine numinous lights. They gathered at the Celebrated Empyrean. The Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars of Heaven—sent forth fragrance, which converged from the eight directions. Lightning coursed like beacon fires; splendid radiance outshone the sun. The sun, moon, and stars shone in concert, while sacred clouds and rosy mists blazed with light, their brilliance streaming across the sky.

Among the procession were the divine immortals of the Five Emperors, a thousand Perfected Ones of the Mulberry Grove, and numinous beings and wondrous creatures: lions, white swans, tigers, leopards, dragons, and qilin. Numinous consorts scattered flowers, while golden boys raised clouds of rosy mist. The Five Roads opened, and the crossings between the Three Realms—the distinct domains of Heaven, Earth, and Water—became passable. The assembly wandered along the cloud road, summoning the spirits of the heavenly realms in the ten directions. Together they went to the Cold Numinous Elixir Hall in the Purple Tenuity Upper Palace, at the Upper Clarity Great Mystery Jade Capital. Clad in feathered robes of heavenly treasure, they came beneath the Golden Gate of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and requested permission to receive the True Writings of the Jade Chapters of the Numinous Treasure in Red Script of Primordial Beginning.

Thereupon the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning ordered the Perfected Ones to be led into the Ninefold Radiant Chamber of the Palace of Golden Terrace and Jade Treasure in the Great Void. Numinous boys and jade maidens attended and guarded them on either side, numbering ninety million. Flying dragons and fierce beasts guarded the eight gates. Serpents brandished weapons; tusked beasts struck the bells; divine tigers roared up toward the sky, and lions growled low. Qilin danced and phoenixes sang in answer, their songs and cries harmonious and far-reaching. The celestial court music sounded the ceremonial airs, and clear, jade-like tones echoed through the cloud hall.

The Five Elders, supreme among the sages, and the Great Lord of the Great Dao bowed before the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and said: “We have heard that the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning alters the cycles of tribulation; that wondrous celestial patterns reveal the images of the Dao of Heaven; that numinous scriptures shine forth in splendor; and that sacred signs correspond to the five directions. Heaven and Earth take shape in accordance with them, and the sun, moon, and stars are thereby made manifest. This is the foundational work of the Daoist teaching. Might we be permitted to look briefly into its numinous mysteries?

“We have received the grace of the precelestial realm. Amid the great tribulations, we nurtured our true nature in the Palace of Nine Numinous Powers, received numinous fluid at the Pass of Five Essences, and were born within the womb of mysterious gestation. Through souls responsive to the netherworld, we came to see the light of day. We rose from the Great Void and set out upon the long road of the Dao. At the Three Assemblies we revealed our clarity and were cleansed in the realm of the Supreme Mystery. Our divine radiance streamed through the capital of dark splendor, and we set our aspirations among the heavenly realms of the eight directions. Fortunate are we to have received the office of opening the light, and to have been deeply blessed by the transmission of the Mysterious Master.

“We keep all living beings in our thoughts and grieve over the changes of the times. Now the royal Dao has become accessible, and the True Dao is already at work in hidden depths. We earnestly hope that cloud shade will cover distant lands in all eight directions and that gentle breezes will sweep through orchid groves, so that withered branches may look toward the radiant sun and flourish, and even decayed bodies may be nourished by the wondrous, subtle teachings. Could the Five Jade Texts of the Numinous Treasure be bestowed upon us, so that we may pass them on to those who have not yet heard the Great Dao?”

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), one of Daoism’s highest deities, was absorbed in thought, resting a hand on his table, his expression lofty and far-seeing. He summoned the Five Emperors, the Celestial Emperors who govern the five directions, to deliberate on Yin-Yang, calculate the cycles of cosmic calamity, set the source of the River in order, examine the celestial calendar, and choose those fit to receive the Dao. He pointed to Great Nonbeing, the formless and imageless origin, and with a cry opened a path through the Nine Profundities, the deep and mysterious heavens. For a long time he refused to hear anyone speak, and so the path to seeking the Dao was closed.

The Lord of the Dao, the Great One (Taishang Daojun), continued to ask questions. After a long while, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning finally lowered his eyes to look at him and said with feeling, “What you ask about is truly profound. It is the mysterious root of Primordial Beginning, the empty and natural writing. By following the workings of Heaven, it can preserve the cycles of calamity; with the Five Spirits guarding it, the true Dao can be established. Now the Three Heavens are setting the course of fate in order, while the way of the Six Heavens is in circulation. Various methods are being used to teach and transform the people, and there should be thirty-six thousand Dao methods to open the minds of those who come later. When this cycle of the teaching comes to an end, after the Three Dragons, in the year gengzi, disordered Qi will dissipate everywhere, and only then will my true Dao be put into practice. You may now receive this method, but it must be kept in the Upper Repository, the celestial storehouse for sacred texts. It cannot yet be transmitted to people in the lower world or used to teach beginners. The Mysterious Precepts, the secret Daoist rules of discipline, forbid its casual transmission. You may go to the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Numinous Capital, consult the celestial sounds recorded in the Golden Registers, and ask the Divine Kings about the rites of advancing, withdrawing, bowing, and looking up. Only after that may you assemble the celestial writings to govern the Heaven of Primordial Beginning.”

Thereupon, the Lord of the Great Dao, the Great One, and the assembled Perfected Ones fasted and purified themselves for three months, then went to the Palace of the Numinous Capital to receive the rules governing the rites of advancing, withdrawing, bowing, and looking up. Only then did they understand that the true methods of Heaven were so precious they could not be heard lightly. Afterward, they again paid their respects to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, sought instruction in the prohibitions and rites, and apologized for not having understood them fully. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning compassionately revealed the teachings, opened the Numinous Gate, the entrance to the spirit realm, and ordered the Five Elders, the Supreme Perfected Ones, to take from its storehouse the Upper Scripture of the Numinous Treasure: True Writings of the Jade Chapters of the Red Book of Primordial Beginning, kept in a brocade-like pouch of clouds, radiant with nine lights and eight colors. He transmitted it to the Lord of the Great Dao, the Great One; the High Jade Emperor; the Perfected Ones of the Ten Directions; the Great Sages of the various heavens; and the Perfected Ones of wondrous practice. He instructed them to follow the Mysterious Precepts and, once the Qi of the Six Heavens had dissipated, transmit it in accordance with the prescribed rules.

The Nine-Qi Azure Heaven governed by the Eastern Peaceful Treasure, Flowery Forest, Azure Spirit Primordial Elder Lord (the Eastern Azure Emperor) has the following Red Script and Jade Chapters of True Writing.

The Eastern Azure Emperor’s Numinous Treasure Red Script and Jade Chapters contains 120 characters. The first 24 are inscribed on the Primordial Terrace of the Nine Heavens. They are used to summon the Lords of the Nine Heavens and verify the registers of the immortals. The next 32 are inscribed in the Eastern Hall of the Purple Tenuity Palace. They summon the star officials and correct the divisions of the celestial realm. The following 32 are inscribed in the Hall of the Eastern Mulberry, where spirits are administered. They subdue ghosts and demons and regulate the Qi of the Nine Heavens. The remaining 32 are inscribed on the Cinnabar Terrace of the Jade Gate in the northeast of the Nine Heavens. They govern the Water Emperor of the Eastern Sea, oversee the count of the floodwaters during the great calamity, and summon flood dragons and water spirits. All 120 characters of this scripture are celestial writing formed spontaneously by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning.

This scripture has two other names: Chapter of Numinous Mystery for Generating Spirits and Treasuring the True and Eastern Mountain Spirit Incantation, Text of the Eight Mighty Powers.

“Eastern Azure Emperor talisman: the Numinous Treasure celestial writing of the Nine Qi transforms and generates the Qi of the Red Emperor” means that the Eastern Azure Emperor’s talisman, through the celestial writing of the Numinous Treasure’s Nine Qi, transforms and generates the Red Emperor’s Qi.

The passage on the right refers to the Qi of Lesser Yang. The Qi of Lesser Yang transforms and generates the three Qi of the Sun, forming Cinnabar Heaven. It governs minor calamities occurring in Si years and great calamities during the circulation of the Wu period. The Red Emperor wears this text to pass through the corresponding disasters. To wear it, write the talisman in cinnabar on a nine-inch length of blue silk and carry it on your person.

“Eastern Peaceful Treasure, Flowery Forest, Azure Spirit Primordial Elder Lord’s talisman mandate” refers to the talisman mandate issued by the Eastern Azure Spirit Primordial Elder Lord.

The passage on the right refers to the Qi of Primordial Yang, which generates the Nine-Qi Azure Heaven. After the Eastern Azure Emperor has governed for eighty-one cycles, the Qi of the Nine Heavens converges, and the great calamity begins anew. Wearing this text allows one to pass through floods as the cycles of fortune shift. Write this talisman in blue ink.

The Jade Chapters of Red Writings of the Numinous Treasure of the Southern Red Emperor is divided into several sections, each serving a different sacred office. The uppermost thirty-two characters are written in the Hall of Grotto Yang in the Nine Heavens, where they govern the registers and name rolls of the divine immortals of the Nine Heavens. The next thirty-two characters are written on the Cinnabar Terrace of the Three Qi, where they summon star officials, distinguish the measures of the heavens, and correct the celestial divisions. The next forty characters are used to subdue Northern Feng—the realm governing ghosts and spirits of the underworld—and to bring ghostly Qi under control. The following forty-eight characters govern the Water Emperor of the Southern Sea. When a great cosmic cycle turns and floods rage, they may be used to summon dragons and water spirits.

This text is inscribed at the Jade Gate of Yangzheng in the southwest and consists of one hundred and fifty-two characters. All were formed naturally by the True Elder Lord of Cinnabar Numinous Spirit of Changyang, the Brahma Treasure of the South. It is also known as The Precious Collar of the Southern Clouds That Reaches Heaven, The Divine Spell of the Nine Heavens, and The Red Emperor’s Eight-Power Talisman Text.

Talisman of the Southern Red Emperor: Celestial Script of the Three Qi of the Numinous Treasure, Transforming into the Qi of the Yellow Emperor

This talisman text draws on the Qi of the sun and transforms to generate the Middle Origin. It governs the years of Chou and Wei in minor calamities and the years of Chen and Xu in major calamities. When the Qi of the Nine Heavens converges, the Yellow Emperor makes his rounds wearing this text to guard against the calamity of Yang Nine, the disasters symbolized by the number nine in its yang aspect. Write the talisman on yellow paper with a red silk backing, make it three inches in size, and wear it on the person.

Talisman Decree of the True Elder Lord of Cinnabar Numinous Spirit of Changyang, the Brahma Treasure of the South

This talisman text draws on the Qi of Grotto Yang and is born in the Cinnabar Heaven of the Three Qi. It is the precious text through which the Southern Red Emperor governs the Nine Heavens and maintains their continuous circulation. When yang Qi surges and a major calamity arises, it may be used to guard against the calamity of Yang Nine. Write the talisman on yellow paper with a red silk backing, make it three inches in size, and wear it on the person.

Talisman Decree of the True Elder Lord of Cinnabar Numinous Spirit of Changyang, the Brahma Treasure of the South

This talisman text draws on the Qi of Grotto Yang and is born in the Cinnabar Heaven of the Three Qi. It is the precious text through which the Southern Red Emperor governs the Nine Heavens and maintains their continuous circulation. When yang Qi surges and a major calamity is nearing its end, wearing this text enables one to pass through disasters and sudden misfortune and reach a time of peace. Write the talisman with a cinnabar brush.

True Text of the Jade Chapters of Red Writings of the Yellow Heaven, the Central Jade Treasure, the Primordial Numinous Elder, and the Twelve Qi

The forty characters above in the Jade Chapters of the Scarlet Writ of the Central Yellow Emperor’s Numinous Treasure are written on the Jade Terrace of Great Mystery. They govern the registers of names in the immortals’ jade tablets, enabling those with an affinity for immortality to return to immortal Qi. The forty characters below govern the assembly of the star officials and the correction of the degrees of celestial movement. The next sixteen govern the Northern Emperor, regulate the weather, and inspect ghosts and spirits. The following forty-eight govern the Water Emperor of the Central Sea and the springs in the four directions. They control the measure of floodwaters and concern the summoning of water spirits and flood dragons. These characters are inscribed on the four walls of the Terrace of the Mysterious Capital. All 144 characters are naturally formed writings of the Central Jade Treasure, Primordial Spirit, Primordial Elder Lord. The text is also known as the Scripture of the Nine Heavens, Cavern of Clarity, from the Treasure Kalpa, the Great Incantation of the Yellow Spirit, and the Strategic Text of the Yellow Emperor’s Majestic Power.

Central Yellow Emperor Talisman: The Heaven of Numinous Treasure’s Single Qi, from which the Qi of the White Emperor takes form

This passage says that the Qi of Primordial Oneness gives rise to the seven Qi of Lesser Yin and the Plain Heaven. This talismanic text is connected with the Lesser Kalpa of the Shen year, the Great Kalpa of the You year, and the convergence of great cycles. When the flood disaster sweeps through Heaven and Earth, the White Emperor wears this text and can thus pass through the Nine Suns. The talisman is written in white on a strip of yellow silk three cun wide and worn on the person.

Talismanic Mandate of the Central Jade Treasure, Primordial Spirit, Primordial Elder Lord

This passage says that the Qi of the Primordial Sovereign gives rise to the Heaven of Primordial Oneness’s yellow Qi. The Central Yellow Emperor presides over the end of the nine-nine cycles, when Yang Qi surges and Yin Qi flourishes. Great calamities bring floods, whose waters spread across Heaven and Earth and wash away filth. Wearing this text enables one to pass through celestial calamities and behold the Lord of Peace. The talisman is written with a yellow brush.

The True Writ of the Scarlet Text of the Seven Qi of the Western Heaven of the Bright-Spirited Emperor, Elder of the Seven Treasures’ Golden Gate

The upper section of the Western White Emperor’s Numinous Treasure Red Script and Jade Text consists of forty-eight characters. It is inscribed on a pavilion north of the Nine Heavens Palace of Pure Numinous Radiance to summon immortal Qi. The next twenty-four characters are inscribed on the dark window of the Golden Gate Tower, the Heavenly Emperor’s palace, to govern the star officials of the White Emperor and set the order of celestial movements aright. The sixteen characters below them govern the ghostly Qi of the Six Heavens. The following forty-eight characters govern the Water Emperor of the Western Sea and all the numinous beings in its waters, and summon cloud dragons to prevent floods. The next twenty-four and sixteen characters serve, respectively, to govern the star officials of the White Emperor and set the celestial measures aright, and to govern the ghostly Qi of the Six Heavens.

The whole text, comprising one hundred and thirty-six characters, is inscribed in the Hall of the Three Diagrams in the Golden Gate of the Nine Heavens. It is a text that arose spontaneously from the Numinous Radiance Sovereign Elder Lord of the Western Seven-Treasure Golden Gate. It is also known as the Text of the Golden Perfected Treasure Radiance and Subtle Cavern, the Divine Incantation of the Western Mountain, and the Text for Summoning Dragons with the Eight Powers.

The Western White Emperor’s Talisman of the Numinous Treasure, the Seven Qi of Heaven Giving Birth to the Black Emperor’s Qi

The passage above speaks of the Qi of lesser Yin. It transforms into the five Qi of the great Yin, the Dark Heaven, and governs the minor calamities in Hai years and the great calamities in Zi years. This is when Yang Qi reaches its utmost, and the number one hundred and six is multiplied by nine. Wearing this text, the Black Emperor, the ruler of the northern heavens, can survive the great flood that occurs in a Jia-Shen year. It should be written in black ink on white silk seven inches long and worn on one’s person.

The Command of the Talisman of the Lord of Numinous Radiance, Sovereign Elder Lord of the Western Seven-Treasure Golden Gate

The passage above speaks of the primordial Yin Qi, which gives rise to the seven Qi of the Plain Heaven and protects the White Emperor of the West. This talisman governs the great Yang-nine calamity, which arises when Yin Qi surges, Yang Qi is blocked, and the Qi of the Nine Heavens becomes entangled. In Daoist accounts of cosmic calamities, this is a period of disaster at its most intense. Wearing this text makes one light and buoyant as a swan’s down when walking, able to look down from the sky upon the floods. It should be written in white ink.

The True Text of the Red Script and Jade Text of the Northern Dark Cavern: the Five Spirits of Shuo-Dan Yu-Jue, the Five Qi of the Mysterious Elder, and the Dark Heaven

The Jade Chapters of the Red Script of the Numinous Treasure of the Northern Black Emperor comprises 120 characters, divided into several parts. The first 40 characters come from the Northern Pavilion of the Purple Tenuity Terrace in Yudan Wuliang Xuanyuan. They serve as a chart and register governing the perfected beings and immortals. The next 32 characters are writings from the Northern Celestial Dipper of the Primordial Mystery; they govern the northern star officials and regulate the Qi of the seasons. The following 24 characters govern the affairs of celestial demons, the Northern Emperor, and the myriad ghosts. The final 24 govern the Northern Sea Water Emperor, subdue water spirits and monsters, and summon flood dragons to carry those who wear the talisman.

These writings are all inscribed on the Terrace of Yujuet in the north. The 120 characters are writings that formed naturally from the Lord of the Five Spirits, the Mysterious Elder of Northern Dongyin Shuo and Yujuet. The text is also known as the Writings of Primordial Spirit Giving Birth to the True and Precious Radiance, the Divine Incantation of the Northern Mountain, and the Celestial Writings of the Eight Awe-Inspiring Powers.

The Northern Black Emperor’s Numinous Treasure: The Five Qi of Heaven’s Writings Transform into the Qi of the Azure Emperor

This passage says that the Qi of Great Yin, the Yin-type Qi, transforms into the nine Qi of Lesser Yang, the nine forms of Qi in which Yang first arises, thereby forming the azure sky. It governs minor calamities in years of the Hai branch and major calamities in years of the Zi branch. When Yin Qi flourishes and the Qi of Heaven and Earth turns through its cycles, the Azure Emperor can wear these writings to pass through the disaster of floods. The talisman should be written in blue ink on black silk, cut to a size of five inches, and worn on the body.

The Talisman Decree of the Lord of the Five Spirits, the Mysterious Elder of Northern Dongyin Shuo and Yujuet

This talisman decree says that the Qi of Dongyin gives rise to the five Qi of the Mysterious Heaven. The Northern Black Emperor governs the turning point between the great cycles of nine times nine. When Yin Qi flourishes, Yang Qi surges, and the Qi of the Nine Heavens converges, great disasters of Heaven and Earth will occur. Wearing these writings can ward off floods and all manner of epidemics. They should be written with a cinnabar brush.

The Jade Chapters of the True Writings in Vermilion Script of the Primordial Beginning (the sacred true writings transmitted by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning) is a numinous text that arose naturally within the Shangqing School. It came into being at the beginning of the Nine Heavens’ creation and is a mysterious document born within the void. It can bring Heaven and Earth into being and summon all perfected beings; calm the spirits and nourish the myriad people; and regulate and sustain the workings of Heaven and Earth, keeping them stable for ages.

Above, it governs the workings of Heaven; in the middle, it examines the Five Spirits; below, it commands the terrestrial deities, the gods of the earth. It can summon the god of the river’s source and set Yin-Yang in motion, so that spirits receive commands and immortals carry out their missions. This is a truly supreme scripture, whose wondrous responses arise naturally: it makes Heaven lofty and clear, Earth firm and peaceful, guards the Five Sacred Peaks, and enables all things to live.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning once engraved this text in a pavilion within the numinous capital of the Supreme Emperor. Through immeasurable cycles of kalpas, it has continued to sustain the foundations of Heaven and Earth, never to be destroyed or sink into oblivion. It moves and changes with the turning of the ages, yet mingles with them without becoming turbid; when stained with impurity, it grows ever clearer. Even when destroyed, it does not vanish; when it has vanished completely, it reveals its radiance.

This is the writing of “Great Being,” revered by the Celestial Perfected. Through its own radiance it reveals its true name, which is inscribed on the diagrams, books, and bamboo records of emperors, to be made known to later generations. The text is kept deeply concealed and may not be seen or heard. Whoever is fortunate enough to obtain it can endure alongside the Three Qi. By diligently cultivating its methods, one can attain the state of the immortals. If one devotes oneself to practicing it, one can bring peace to family and state, preserve life, pass through calamities, and dispel every kind of ill omen.

If the Son of Heaven, the lords, or the kings uphold this text, the state will be peaceful, and fierce evildoers and bandits will subside of their own accord. There will be no more fighting at the borders; the people will sing with joy, and the whole realm will flourish. When the cycles of fortune turn and the allotted span of Qi nears its end, the true Way will arise. Those who obtain this text can attract the natural Way even while sitting in stillness. The wondrous methods of the Celestial Perfected are supremely precious: the Nine Heavens guard this secret text closely. It must not be disclosed lightly, or the one who reveals it will undergo trials and punishment.

Official Titles of the Five Numinous Elders of Primordial Beginning and the Lingbao Deities (the names and titles of the Five Numinous Elders of Primordial Beginning and the various Lingbao deities)

In the East is the Azure Emperor, Anbao Hualin Qingling Shilao. His surname is Yan, his personal name is Kaiming, and his courtesy name is Lingwei Yang. He wears a crown of blue essence jade and a feathered robe woven from nine kinds of azure qi. He often rides a blue dragon and carries a banner bearing a quail; at his side follow nine hundred thousand divine officers and generals of the Jia and Yi.

When his vital essence first came into being, it was revered as the Heaven of the Nine Qi of the Eastern Azure Fang. In the human realm, it corresponds to the Year Star (Jupiter) and Mount Tai. His qi is like spring grass just beginning to sprout, and his radiance like the rising morning sun. Below him lies the Abyss of Morning Blossoms; above him, the Palace of Flowing Blossoms. In its chambers dwell the Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens, and in its halls resides the Supreme True King. The Jade Maidens ride beasts of the nine mountains, while the True King commands divine dragons ringed by nine rays of light. They guide the harmonious qi of the nine heavens downward and draw up the fragrance of the nine springs, sustaining Heaven and Earth and protecting the flourishing of Yin-Yang.

Within the Taiji, Heaven bestows the primal essence of the Origin. On Earth, Goumang, the Eastern deity of Wood, guards the mountains. The spirits move the wondrous qi at the Silent Terrace, while human beings tend the five viscera at the edge of the lips. Nourished and irrigated by boundless Yang qi, all things can flourish for ages; preserve this life-giving vitality, and life will not cease.

In this way, the cycles of countless kalpas can turn back and begin anew, and the state can be brought to peace and prosperity. One can also gather flowing rosy mists from the Upper Palace, escape old age, and return to a state as fresh as a young child. Then one may soar like a great roc to the far reaches of the nine directions, ascend to the profound and mysterious realm of immortals, and look up in search of the True and Primordial Spirit Officers—the celestial court where the most authentic immortals dwell—taking immortal treasures as one’s foundation. The Great Way of Lingbao enables the Eastern Azure Fang to endure forever: this is the efficacy of the Nine Qi of Qingling Shilao.

The Venerable True Elder of Southern Burning Treasure, Changyang, and the Elixir Spirit governs the Qi of the South’s Elixir Spirit. He is called the Red Emperor; his surname is Dongfu, his personal name Jiyan, and his courtesy name Chibiaonu. He wears a red essence jade crown and a cinnabar-colored feather robe formed from the Three Qi, the three primordial energies that make up all things between Heaven and Earth. He often rides a cinnabar dragon and raises a vermilion banner, accompanied by three hundred thousand generals and officers of Bing and Ding.

When his essence and Qi first came into being, above they formed the southern heaven of the Three Qi of vermilion elixir; in the middle they formed the planet Yinghuo, or Mars; and below they formed Mount Huo. His breath is like clouds and mist veiling the sun, while his radiance is like black jade reflected in a deep pool. Beneath the earth lies a red spring and cinnabar pool; above the heavens stands the Vermilion Palace of Long Life. Within the palace is the Great Cinnabar Jade Maiden, who dwells atop the Three Mountains of the Sun. In its halls is the Elder of Primordial Qi, riding a three-horned qilin. Above, he guides the wondrous transformations of the mysterious origin of Great Clarity; below, he harmonizes the Three Qi, enabling all things to be nourished and brought to life.

All things endure because, in the South, the essence of Heaven moves through summer and nourishes human essence, filling the cinnabar lips—a reference to the lips, also associated with the circulation of essence and Qi in cultivation. Those who gather and refine this essence may live long without end; those who cultivate it may endure for ages. In this way, they can cast off old age and return to the state of an infant, make what has withered flourish again, undo the decline of autumn frost and falling leaves, and restore radiance throughout the four seasons.

Thus the cultivator, like a dragon gazing down into the realm of emptiness or a luan bird soaring among the clouds, finds the mind suddenly opening into clarity and no longer clings to the worldly realm. The Elixir Spirit of the South is the true, profound source and the key to opening the wondrous gate of the Origin. How vast is the Way of Numinous Treasure: the long life of the vermilion elixir arises from the movement of the Three Qi of the True Elder.

The Central Jade Treasure, Primordial Spirit, and Primordial Elder is called the Yellow Emperor. His surname is Tongban, his personal name is Yuan, and his courtesy name is Hanzhuniu. He wears a crown made of yellow essence-jade and a five-colored flying robe. He often rides a yellow dragon and raises a yellow banner. His retinue includes 120,000 officers and generals of the Wu and Ji.

When his essence and Qi first came into being, they were called in Heaven the Central Primordial Cavern Great Emperor’s Heaven. On earth, they corresponded to the Planet of Stability (Saturn) and Mount Songgao. Yellow Qi rises upward from him, while he rules the Gate of Earth below. His vapor is like clouds, billowing up until it reaches the Nine Heavens. The primordial essence moves back and forth, linking the Central Primordial Cavern Great Emperor’s Heaven, the Planet of Stability, and Mount Songgao. Its essence and Qi are true and continuous, stretching out like a taut string.

Within the limitless Great Highest, divine beings are generated below. Its radiance is like the sun racing across the sky to shine on the morning light, bright as the full moon illuminating a dark place. Within the body is the Gate of the Nine Windows of the Mysterious Chest, through which inner Qi enters and leaves; outside the body is the Pool of Sweet Spring and Jade Nectar, a symbol of the sweet spring that nourishes life. A Perfected One named Zidan resides there. In the central Yellow Court of Heaven, the region of cultivation associated with the central palace and spleen-Earth, there is Wu-Ji Qi. The Jade Maiden of the Heavenly Granary governs the repelling of death and the nurturing of life.

His official title is Great Emperor. He commands the troops and generals of the Nine Heavens and rides in a chariot on the axis of the earth, attended by the Six Bing and Six Ding, Daoist fire and Ding deities. He rewards those who have merit in cultivating the Dao and punishes demonic essences. He harmonizes the Qi of nature and sets in motion the spirits of the lands in the Five Directions. Thus Heaven and Earth remain whole, and the movement of Yin-Yang does not fall out of balance. The Qi of Heaven flows gently and smoothly without end; through practices for nurturing life, such as rinsing the mouth and tapping the teeth, people keep their bodies from declining.

Thus he lifts the setting sun, about to sink into the Abyss of Yu, and returns it to the state of the first rising glow of dawn. He prolongs lives dimmed by age and decline, restoring clarity to those on the verge of passing away. The face shines with renewed radiance, as if returned to its first beginning; the breath is abundant, flowing everywhere and filling the body.

The cultivator then travels through the eight directions with rainbow steps, a method of walking that symbolizes moving through the air. Ascending the path of clouds, rising above the multitude, and surveying the four quarters, the cultivator takes in the Qi of the heavenly realm to transcend the self. The Perfected Immortal then returns to Taiwei, the celestial palace of stars, until the Three Lights—the sun, moon, and stars—have all reached dusk. The Great Void is vast and boundless; its wondrous workings seem to abide in lasting good fortune. The secret of the Lingbao and Yellow Court paths to longevity lies in drawing on the One Qi, the primordial Qi of the cosmos, to endure and remain secure.

The Radiant Elder of the Western Seven Treasures Golden Gate is known as the White Emperor. His surname is Shangjin, his personal name Chang Kai, and his courtesy name Yaopo Bao; he also has the name Bai Zhaoju. He wears a crown of white essence-jade and a robe of white feathers. He often travels riding a white dragon, raises a white banner, and is attended by the divine officers Geng and Xin and an army of seven hundred thousand.

When his vital energy first took form, it was called the Heaven of the Bright Stone’s Seven Qi in the sky. On earth, he dwells within the planet Venus and corresponds to the region beneath Mount Huayin. His breath is like the bright moon reflected on colorful clouds; his radiance is like a luminous pearl glimpsed in the dark of night. A white dragon bears a sacred fungus in its mouth and soars into the air, while perfected spirits—deities who have attained the Dao—send down pure white sweet dew to nourish all things. This is the numinous bounty Heaven grants to the human realm, and the jade-like nectar and delicacy of the perfected ones. Its taste is sweet and mild, delicate and subtle; even the rarest delicacies cooked in a cauldron cannot compare.

Beneath the earth flows a long river of jade spring water; in the heavens stands a tower of streaming blossoms. In the chambers is the Supreme Plain Maiden, and in the hall is the Physician of Primordial Qi. Riding a fierce tiger that can split mountains and driving a cloud chariot, he speeds through the empty sky. Above, he guides vast vital energy up to Heaven; below, he harmonizes all beings and opens for them the subtle and wondrous Dao.

Practitioners draw cloud-dew from the luminous sacred fungus and drink the numinous liquid from the dragon’s whiskers. They tap the Celestial Pool and sound the drum, then gather sweet saliva on the tongue. This describes visualization and internal cultivation: practitioners envision deities and numinous beings while regulating the saliva in the mouth. By visualizing and cultivating these things, they can attain what they seek and dwell for a long time. White hair turns black, and a withered body regains the vitality of an infant.

Then phoenixes dance in the clear sky, vast as the celestial river, while practitioners give voice to long cries in the realm of pure emptiness. They lean against cloud-wreathed mountains to cultivate the spirit and nurture their essence and Qi, returning them to the Primordial Beginning. With perfected beings as friends, they cease to dwell on honor and disgrace, gain and loss.

Great Lingbao—the honored name for Daoist scriptures and methods—the realm of Bright Stone brings long life, all through the nourishment of the Seven Qi, the seven subtle and numinous vital energies.

In the northern land of Cavern Yin, there is the Mysterious Elder of the Five Numina, Shuo Dan Yu Jue, known as the Black Emperor, ruler of the north. His surname is Hei Jie, his personal name is Ling Hui, and his courtesy name is Yin Hou Ju; he is also called Ye Guang Ji. He wears a dark jade crown of mysterious essence and a robe of dark feathers. He often rides a black dragon and raises a black banner, attended by fifty thousand divine officials and soldiers who govern Ren and Gui.

When the Black Emperor’s vital essence first comes into being, it is called the “Heaven of Mysterious Nourishment and the Five Qi” in the heavens. Among the celestial bodies, it corresponds to Chenxing, the planet Mercury; on earth, it corresponds to Mount Chang. His force is like a fierce wind sweeping through a blazing forest, and his radiance like a meteor plunging into deep water. He brews jade syrup in a dragon cauldron and draws mysterious Qi from the Heavenly Lake. Below lies the Abyss of Long Life; in the midst of it stands the dwelling of the Most High.

In the palace is the Jade Maiden of Night Radiance, dressed in a green silk robe like a forest veiled in clouds. Riding a cloud dragon, she opens the true Dao; in a deer-drawn chariot, she travels along the Celestial River. She roams freely at the root of the Mysterious Origin and, in the Nine Mysteries, guards and harmonizes the primordial Qi from which life begins.

The Black Emperor guides the Qi of the Five Emperors above and aids all living beings below, keeping heaven and earth from collapsing and granting lasting peace to the myriad forms of life. Heaven bestows primordial essence upon the Perfected of Great Mystery, who uses the teeth to nourish the Six Viscera. Those who cultivate in this way can endure for a long time; those who apply this method can prolong their years. They hold and rinse the divine fluid produced through cultivation in the mouth, allowing an inner Qi of pure harmony to fill them without escaping outward.

In this way, the setting sun can be turned back, and darkness can recede from the Eastern Ridge. Signs of decline and exhaustion are dispelled, and the body regains its youth and begins to grow anew. The Qi of the Cloud Pool is stirred until it surges upward; in an instant, one rises like a soaring dragon. Befriending the Perfected brings long life; accompanying the numinous immortals, one ascends to roam the heights. Their De is vast and beyond compare.

How wondrous, the Lingbao—the supreme scriptures and teachings revered in Daoism! Mysterious nourishment brings long life, arising from the flourishing of the Five Qi.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning sent the Five Elders—the gods of the five directions—to proclaim the true talismans of the Five Emperors and pass them to the disciples of the Five Directional Emperors. The light of Heaven was thereby opened. These writings come from the Palace of the Mysterious Capital.

True Talisman of the Primordial Beginning Azure Emperor

These are writings of true heavenly light, drawn from the True Writings of the Azure Emperor, ruler of the East. They are used to pacify the Heaven of the Nine Qi of the East. The Azure Emperor uses these writings to guard the Eastern Peak, the sacred mountain of the east, and has one copy sealed in the Grotto Chamber of the Nine Spirits, opening it only once every forty thousand kalpas.

A Daoist whose destiny belongs to the Eastern Peak should write the azure characters on red silk and wear them on the body. On the day corresponding to their birth year, they should write the talisman in cinnabar, face east, and swallow nine copies. The Registrar of the Talisman, Qu Gengsheng, enters the body with the talisman and resides in the palace of the liver. After nine years, nine layers of azure precious blossoms of refined Qi will arise within the body, their radiance shining beyond it.

The azure characters should also be written on red silk, placed inside the upper section of a sacred staff, and covered with a divine robe. Nine Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens will guard it nearby. In carrying out the practice, one must be wholly sincere; otherwise, one will be punished by the inspectors.

True Talisman of the Primordial Beginning Vermilion Emperor

These are writings of true Yang Brightness, drawn from the True Writings of the Vermilion Emperor, ruler of the South. They are used to pacify the Heaven of the Three Qi of the South. The Vermilion Emperor uses these writings to guard the Southern Peak, the sacred mountain of the south, and has one copy sealed in a mountain hollow on Southern Huo Mountain, opening it only once every forty thousand kalpas.

A Daoist whose destiny belongs to the Southern Peak should write the vermilion characters on yellow silk and wear them on the body. On the day corresponding to their birth year, they should write the talisman in cinnabar, face south, and swallow three copies. The Registrar of the Talisman, Zhu Changzhong, enters the body with the talisman and resides in the palace of the heart. After three years, three layers of vermilion precious blossoms of refined Qi will arise within the body, their radiance shining beyond it.

The vermilion characters should also be written on yellow silk and placed in the second section of the sacred staff, beneath the position of the Azure Emperor. Three Great Cinnabar Jade Maidens will guard it. In carrying out the practice, one must be wholly sincere; otherwise, one will be punished by the inspectors.

True Talisman of the Primordial Beginning Yellow Emperor

This general exposition of the numinous text comes from the “True Writings” chapter of the Yellow Emperor. It is used to stabilize the central “heaven of One Qi,” the celestial realm formed from One Qi. When the Yellow Emperor received this text, the workings of Heaven’s Qi began to move, turning with the celestial wheel. Later, the Celestial Gate appeared and the wheel stopped; from then on, there was no distinction between day and night.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning took back this True Writing and returned it to the Qi of the Upper Origin. For this reason, the ritual text of Mount Zhong, transmitted by the Yellow Emperor, lacks this chapter. It is now copied into the old scripture so that it may be preserved and not lost. The four sovereign emperors jointly safeguard this document, placing it in the Upper Palace, where no dedicated officials stand guard.

A Daoist whose allotted fate belongs to Mount Zhong may write this document in yellow characters on white silk and wear it on the body. Alternatively, on the day corresponding to the stem and branch of the year of one’s birth, one may write it in cinnabar, face the deity governing that day, and swallow twelve copies. No officials need accompany or protect the practitioner. After twelve years, twelve layers of “treasured blossoms of Yellow Essence” will grow within the spleen, symbolizing numinous blossoms formed from the gathering of inner Jing and Qi.

One may also write the text in yellow characters on white silk and place it inside the spirit staff, at the lower section belonging to the Red Emperor. Daoists are especially able to wear this document because the Yellow Emperor once descended into the human world and used it to accord with Heaven’s Qi. Even so, no officials stand guard over it; one must not become careless on that account, for the inspecting officials continue to keep watch.

The True Talisman of the White Emperor of Primordial Beginning.

The “Numinous Text of Radiant Origin” mentioned above comes from the True Text of the White Emperor. It is used to stabilize the celestial realm inhabited by the Seven Qi of the West—the seven kinds of primordial vital energy. The White Emperor used this text to guard the Western Sacred Mountain and sealed a copy in the Nine Chambers of the Golden Grotto, opening it only once every forty thousand kalpas, an immensely long span of time.

Daoist practitioners whose destiny is associated with the Western Sacred Mountain should write the text in white ink on black cloth and wear it on their person. On their natal day—the day corresponding to their birth year—they should also write it in cinnabar, face west, and swallow seven talismans. The scripture says that the Talisman Officer Zhi and the Corrector Qu will enter the lungs in the abdomen along with the talismans. After seven years, seven layers of white, refined precious radiance will arise within the body and shine beyond it. The text should also be written in white ink on black cloth and placed inside the divine staff, in the section below the Yellow Emperor’s, where it will be guarded by seven Jade Maidens of Grand Simplicity. The scripture warns that these instructions must be followed, or inspecting and punishing officials will hold the practitioner accountable.

The “Illuminating Text” beneath the “Primordial Beginning Black Emperor’s True Talisman” comes from the True Text of the Black Emperor. It is used to stabilize the celestial realm inhabited by the Five Qi of the North. The Black Emperor used it to guard the Northern Sacred Mountain and sealed a copy in the Dark Yin Grotto Chamber, opening it only once every forty thousand kalpas.

Daoist practitioners whose destiny is associated with the Northern Sacred Mountain should write the text in black ink on blue-green cloth and wear it on their person. On their natal day, they should also write it in cinnabar, face north, and swallow five talismans. The scripture says that the Talisman Officer Zhi and Yin Feng will enter the kidneys in the abdomen along with the talismans. After five years, five layers of black, refined precious radiance will arise within the body and shine beyond it. The text should also be written in black ink on blue-green cloth and placed inside the divine staff, in the section below the White Emperor’s, where it will be guarded by five Jade Maidens of Great Mystery. The scripture again requires these instructions to be followed, or inspecting officials will hold the practitioner accountable.

The True Talismans of the Five Emperors, which correspond to the sovereigns of the five directions, express this pattern: the essence and Qi of the upper realm transform in heaven into the five planets; in the middle realm, they transform within the human body into the five organs; and in the lower realm, they transform on earth into the Five Great Mountains. Thus, the Qi of the Three Realms—heaven, earth, and humanity—each has its corresponding place. Without the five talismans in heaven, the sun, moon, and stars could not shine brightly; without them in the human body, a physical form could not take shape; and without them on earth, the Five Great Mountains would lose their spiritual power.

The True Talismans of the Five Emperors came into being together with the Primordial Origin. The original talismans are now kept secret in the Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Mysterious Capital, a celestial palace in Daoist cosmology. They are guarded by the divine officials of the Five Emperors and five hundred million attendant immortals. The gods of the heavens pay homage to these true writings three times each month. Anyone who reveals them is investigated and punished by the officials of fire and water, Yin and Yang. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Origin sealed the talismans inside a divine staff and always carried it with him. In this way, the true methods of heaven remained secret and never left his person, even for an instant.

The divine staff of Primordial Origin must be made from bamboo growing on a sunny slope of a numinous mountain. It should be seven feet long, with seven joints, and straight from top to bottom. Place the five talismans inside the bamboo in sequence, leaving one joint empty at each end to correspond to heaven and earth.

When Daoist practitioners withdraw from the world to study and cultivate, they should write out the talismans and place them in the east; then the immortal officials of the Eastern Peak will descend. After fasting for a hundred days and focusing their thoughts on the Venerable Divine Ones of Lingbao, true gods from heaven will descend and bestow nine Jade Maidens with Azure Waists, the divine herbs of the Eastern Peak, and the elixir of immortality. Demons and spirits under the rule of the Azure Emperor will retreat ninety thousand li. Evil forces and poisonous creatures in the east will neither harm people nor threaten them; instead, they will draw near to those who are benevolent and kind.

Those who fast and cultivate for twenty-four years will attain immortality. Simply wearing this talisman can also enable one to become an immortal through corpse liberation, in which the body is shed and the spirit ascends. If disaster strikes in the east or during the three months of spring, and one wishes to bring peace to the region, write the talisman in red on a piece of green stone and set it in the east for nine days. The disaster will then dissipate, and evil and rebellious disturbances will be quelled. The people of the east will become benevolent, the Azure Dragon will appear, auspicious signs will descend, and the state will be peaceful and secure. Writing out the talisman and wearing it on the body can ward off misfortune and protect a person from sudden calamity. It keeps one in constant harmony with the gods and can safeguard the state and family, bringing lasting blessings.

When a Daoist writes out this scripture and places it in the south, the immortal officials of Mount Heng will descend. If one observes purification for a hundred days and devotes oneself to meditating on the honored spirits of Lingbao, the Perfected Ones of Heaven will descend, bestow eight Jade Maidens of Zhuling, and enable one to obtain the sacred fungus and elixir of immortality born among the immortals of Mount Heng.

The Red Emperor, ghosts, demons, and malign spirits will retreat eighty thousand li into the distance. Fierce beasts and venomous creatures in the region will not only refrain from harming people, but will become benevolent.

After twenty-four years of sustained purification and cultivation, one can attain immortality. Simply wearing this scripture can also bring one to immortality through corpse liberation, the Daoist art of shedding the mortal body and transforming one’s form and spirit.

If calamity strikes the southern part of the realm or during the three months of summer, and one wishes to bring peace to the south, the scripture can be written in cinnabar on red stone and set up in the south for eight days. The calamity will then disperse, and violence and rebellion will subside. The people of the region will become benevolent, auspicious signs will appear, phoenixes will roam, white luan birds will sing in flight, and celestial beings will sing in celebration of peace throughout the realm.

Writing out the scripture and wearing it on one’s person can prevent all manner of calamity, drive away evil forces and impurity, and naturally summon the spirits. It brings blessings without end, prolongs life, prospers the household, and secures peace in the realm.

When a Daoist priest has written this talismanic text and placed it at the central position, the immortal officials of Central Peak will arrive. After fasting for a hundred days and concentrating on the revered spirit deities of the Lingbao tradition, the perfected beings of Heaven will descend, bestowing twelve Jade Maidens in yellow silk and granting the immortal fungus and elixir of immortality of Central Peak.

The demons of the Yellow Emperor will retreat twelve thousand li. The baleful energies of the central position, along with fierce beasts and poisonous insects, will no longer harbor thoughts of harming people; instead, they will become benevolent. After fasting and cultivating diligently for twenty-four years, one can attain immortal status. Simply wearing this talismanic text allows one, even after death, to be reborn as an immortal through corpse liberation—the Daoist transformation in which one sheds the mortal body.

When calamities threaten the center of the state or the transitions between the four seasons, the text may be written in cinnabar on yellow stone to stabilize the central region. Place it in the center to suppress the calamity for twelve days. The disaster will then dissipate, and acts of violence and rebellion will subside. Harmony will prevail in all four directions; auspicious signs will appear each day; the qilin will come to pledge its allegiance, and a white tiger will stroll through the courtyard. The state will prosper, its people will be well provided for, and peace will reign throughout the realm.

Write the talismanic text and wear it on your person to avoid all manner of calamity, keep the body healthy and vigorous, and bring clarity to the five organs. It will also protect your family and state for a long time, granting them the blessings of peace and good fortune.

When a Daoist priest writes down this Perfected Text and places it in the west, the immortal officials of the Western Peak will arrive. If one can observe a long fast for a hundred days, concentrating one’s thoughts on the revered spirits of Lingbao, the perfected beings of Heaven will descend and bestow six Taiji Jade Maidens (female immortals of the celestial realm), along with the immortal herbs of the Western Peak and the medicine of immortality.

The demons of the White Emperor will flee far away, sixty thousand li. The west’s baleful influences, fierce beasts, and poisonous creatures will no longer harbor thoughts of harming people; instead, they will become benevolent.

After twenty-four years of sustained fasting and practice, one can become an immortal. Simply wearing this Perfected Text can also enable one to become an immortal through shijie (the Daoist practice of shedding the body and ascending as spirit).

If disasters occur in the western part of the realm or during the three months of autumn, and one wishes to secure and protect the west, write the Perfected Text in cinnabar on a white stone and place it in the west for six days. The disasters will then dissipate, and violent rebellion will be brought to an end. The west will be at peace, auspicious events will naturally gather, and numinous creatures will take flight. Golden sparrows will bring talismanic commands, and elders of the Di people will submit and come to court. The realm will be peaceful, and the people will be able to rest and recover.

Write down the Perfected Text and wear it on your person, and you will be able to commune with the spirits. Disasters will not befall you; you will rank alongside the Five Emperors, and your descendants will prosper, enjoying the good fortune of lords and nobles for generations. With good karmic affinities as your companions, you will have nothing to worry about.

When a Daoist adept has finished writing this True Text and places it in the north, the immortal officials of the Northern Peak—the mountain deity of the north—will descend. If the adept observes a long fast for one hundred days and focuses their thoughts on the revered spirits of the Numinous Treasure, the celestial perfected spirits spoken of in Daoism will descend. They will bestow the Five Supreme Mysterious Jade Maidens and grant the adept the lingzhi mushrooms and elixir of immortality of the Northern Peak immortals. The Black Emperor, who governs the north, and demons will flee fifty thousand li away. The fierce and vicious beasts and venomous creatures of the north will have no wish to harm people; instead, they will treat the humane and kind with goodwill. After practicing the long fast for twenty-four years, one can become an immortal. Simply wearing this True Text can also bring about transformation into an immortal through corpse liberation, the Daoist method by which the body sheds its mortal form and the adept ascends to immortality.

If calamities occur in the north of a country, or during the three months of winter, this True Text may be written in cinnabar on a black stone and placed in the north for five days to bring peace to the region. Calamities will recede, and violent rebellion will be quelled. The north will become peaceful and compliant; auspicious signs will flourish, treasures buried underground will come to light, and gold and jade will appear on the earth. Celestial beings and people alike will sing its praises; the country will grow prosperous and its people abundant. Writing and wearing the True Text can dispel every kind of calamity, bring a lifespan as long as Heaven and Earth, and ensure flourishing good fortune. Wherever one goes and whatever one seeks will proceed auspiciously; descendants will thrive, and worthy people will arise in every generation.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning established a method of using the Five Emperors of the Numinous Treasure to protect official residences and homes. He transmitted it to those who study the highest Daoist teachings and love the practice of the Dao, but not to ordinary people. To practice this method, master and disciple must fast together for nine days, prepare five taels of fine gold and five lengths of patterned silk depicting the Five Emperors, swear an oath before the Five Elders and the Supreme Emperors, and pledge themselves before the divine powers of the Five Sacred Peaks. They then receive the True Text, wear it on their person, and protect their dwelling according to the prescribed rules. In this way, they can draw great blessings from the natural Dao, pass through the dangers and calamities of a lifetime, bring peace to the country and household, and enjoy good fortune for a long time.

The Supreme One’s Eightfold Authority Register for Summoning and Subduing Flood Dragons, Tigers, Leopards, and Mountain Spirits of the Cavern Mystery and Numinous Treasure (a ritual text used within the Supreme One’s Cavern Mystery and Numinous Treasure tradition to summon and subdue flood dragons, tigers, leopards, and mountain spirits), together with the True Writ of the Jade Chapters of the Primordial Beginning, both originate in the Red Heaven. They appear amid the manifestations of nature’s workings and reveal the wondrous spiritual visions of the Great Void. This text opens the Three Diagrams to communicate the True Dao, transforms the Five Phases within the hidden and mysterious treasury, and sets the Qi of the four seasons in motion to accord with the divine spirits. It uses the Jade Chapters to guard against cycles of calamity and keep the world secure; relies on the root of the Primordial Beginning to protect the earth; employs the spiritual register to subdue demons and monsters; proclaims divine invocations so that its power may reach far; enacts the Eightfold Authority to restore the proper order of the laws; and summons the Five Emperors with a whistle to call forth dragon-kind. Thus, the strategic passes and pivotal gateways are protected from collapse, the Five Sacred Peaks endure, and mountains and rivers are spared from sinking. Those among humans and spirits who receive this text can endure without end.

The Lord of the Great Dao received this method from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and bestowed its registers at the Purple Tenuity Upper Palace in the Mysterious Capital of the Upper Three Heavens. According to the Mysterious Regulations—the secret precepts and ritual rules of Daoism—after forty thousand kalpas have passed and the Qi of the Six Heavens has been exhausted, the True Dao is to be put into practice. If a worthy person follows the regulations and transmits the method, it will not be lost, and humans and spirits alike can endure without end. The Lord of the Great Dao received this method from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and bestowed its registers at the Purple Tenuity Upper Palace in the Mysterious Capital of the Upper Three Heavens. According to the Mysterious Regulations, after forty thousand kalpas have passed and the Qi of the Six Heavens has been exhausted, the True Dao is to be put into practice. If someone transmits, in accordance with the regulations, this Eightfold Authority Register of the Three Heavens and the Supreme One for Summoning and Subduing Flood Dragons, Tigers, Leopards, and Mountain Spirits, it can be passed down without interruption. This is how the Red Essence, having received the Qi of Heaven, caused its written characters to appear beneath the forest of the Numinous Tortoise in the Southern Elixir Cavern.

On a certain year, month, and day, a certain lord, the Red Emperor of the Numinous Treasure, carried the Eightfold Authority Register for the Six Heavens and the Entire Earth, formulated by the Supreme One, the Great Dao Lord of the Upper Three Heavens, Primordial Beginning. With it, he summoned the gods of the world, governed the earth spirits, sealed off the sacred mountains, called forth clouds and Qi, and subdued the river dragons. This text was inherited from the Master Lord, a certain emperor, a certain Jia; it is a formal writ bestowed by Primordial Beginning.

A Cavern Mystery disciple, Master Certain Peak, from a certain prefecture, commandery, county, township, and village—or a female Daoist; a Daoist of Certain Peak, a certain Jia—was born under a certain zodiac sign and is a certain age, having been born in a certain month. On the first day of a certain month in the year of a certain Zi under the Grand Duke of the Year, at the Zi hour, he or she respectfully requests three copies of the Supreme One’s Numinous Treasure Eightfold Authority Register from within a certain Qi Heaven. This text was transmitted by the Supreme One and received by the Yellow Emperor; joined together and sealed, it forms a register for carrying out the ritual of bowing and raising the hands.

On the first day of the first month, at the Zi hour, in a certain year of the Nine Heavens, reverently request three copies of the document known as the Eight Awe-Inspiring Instructions of the Most High Lingbao from within a certain qi heaven. These documents were bestowed by the Most High upon the Yellow Emperor. Sealed together as a set of instructions, they reveal the laws governing one’s relation to Heaven and Earth.

Nine Heavens Taisu Yang-Life Talisman: The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning bestowed it upon the Most High Elder. Its text is recorded in the age of calamity following the Red Writ, and it appears on the sun-facing side of the Sun Palace.

The old rules of the Purple Tenuity Palace in the Mysterious Capital prescribe writing the talisman on white silk, in a square five inches on each side. After a hundred days of fasting and purification, enter a quiet chamber and visualize the vital essence of the sun. Then place the talisman in the mouth and swallow it. This is said to enable one to share the sun’s lifespan and endure alongside Heaven and Earth. With undivided attention, contemplate the numinous and hold fast to the true Dao; the body will naturally be able to ascend. If turbid qi remains in the heart, then once the talisman leaves the mouth, the person will die. This talisman is also called the “Life-Truth Warrant” and the “Dragon Script of Eight Awe-Inspiring Powers.” After a woman swallows it, she changes from female to male.

Three Heavens Taixuan Yin-Life Talisman: The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning bestowed it upon the Most High Lord of the Great Dao. Its text is recorded in the second age of calamity following the Red Writ, and it appears in the Upper Moon Lodge.

The old rules of the Purple Tenuity Palace in the Mysterious Capital prescribe writing the talisman on yellow silk, in a square five inches on each side. After a hundred days of fasting and purification, enter a quiet chamber and visualize the vital essence of the moon. Then place the talisman in the mouth and swallow it. This is said to enable one to share the moon’s lifespan. A Daoist who wishes to leave the world through “corpse liberation”—a practice of transformation in which one leaves behind a corpse or substitute body—may write the talisman on a wooden knife or sword and lie down holding it. A substitute body will then remain behind while the practitioner transforms and departs. The practice demands undivided attention: if the mind is distracted or the mouth holds impure qi, the body will die once the talisman leaves the mouth. This talisman is also called the “Form-Transformation Warrant” and the “Numinous Script of Nine Yin.” After a man swallows it, he changes from male to female.

The two talismans correspond respectively to Yin and Yang qi and to the essences of the sun and moon. Those who do not practice with undivided attention and cannot maintain their discipline diligently must not take them casually. Only by following the prescribed fasts and purifications and practicing with single-minded devotion are practitioners believed to be able to endure forever without perishing.

Nine Heavens Jade Truth, Everlasting Peace, Spirit-Flight Talisman: It comes from the qi of the Primordial Beginning’s azure radiance and upper light. It appeared in the fourth age of calamity following the Red Writ, above the Jade Pass of the Northern Origin in the Three Heavens.

According to the ancient regulations of the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Mysterious Capital, there was once a talisman written in cinnabar on white silk and worn on the person. When the great Yang Nine, the great Hundred Six, and the Great Calamities came in succession, those who wore it amid disasters such as floods could keep a thousand kinds of poison from touching them and pass through the perils of water and fire. They would live to see peace and become subjects of a wise and enlightened ruler. This talisman is now sealed away in a stone chamber on Southern Huo, and appears only once every forty thousand kalpas.

The True Spirit-Generating Talisman of the Three Heavens was written in red script after the Qi of Primordial Beginning’s penetrating, luminous mystery had appeared. After five kalpas, it manifested in the Upper Hall of the Jade Capital in the Mysterious Capital.

According to the ancient regulations of the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Mysterious Capital, there was also a talisman written in black on yellow silk and worn on the person. When the minor Yang Nine, the minor Hundred Six, and the Minor Calamities came in succession, those who wore it as ten thousand kinds of calamity struck at once could escape harm and preserve themselves amid countless epidemics. They would live to see peace and become subjects of a wise and enlightened ruler. This talisman is now sealed away in a stone chamber within the Broadnuminous Grotto of Northern Dan, and appears only once every forty thousand kalpas.

The Most High Lord of the Great Dao received these two talismans from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, then passed them on to the Queen Mother of the West. At the beginning, the Five Venerable Elders of Primordial Beginning—the five numinous deities manifested by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning—generated the Five Emperors and thereby established the divisions and measures of the Heavenly Origin’s cycles.

In the east is the blue heaven of the Nine Qi.

In the east are nine layers of blue heaven, known as the Nine Qi Blue Heaven. Heaven is divided into nine origins, which turn the Gate of Heaven, revolving in their courses and covering the thirty-two layers of heaven. After thirty days and nights, the heavenly Qi converges once; twelve convergences make one cycle, and the full course comprises three hundred and thirty cycles. During this period, the Qi of the heavens belongs to Wood, and the Blue Emperor presides over it.

In the years of Yin and Mao, the Perfected Blue Emperor descends among humankind, teaching people at Mount Tai and saving nine people, who are appointed to fill vacancies among the ranks of the immortal officials. In those years and places, crops thrive, calamities do not arise, and wars and fires subside.

When the course reaches three thousand three hundred cycles, blue Qi flourishes while yellow Qi wanes and closes away. This condition, in which the yang number reaches the limit of nine, is called the “Lesser Yang Nine”; when the “Qi of the Six Heavens” rises and the officials gather, it is called the “Lesser Hundred-Six.” At this time, heavenly Qi flourishes in the Palace of Fire, and epidemics are likely in the years of Si and Wu. Although the five grains may yield a good harvest, the people may still have no food to eat.

When the course reaches nine thousand nine hundred cycles, blue Qi is stirred and yellow Qi is depleted. When the yang number reaches the limit of nine, this is called the “Greater Yang Nine”; when the “Qi of the Six Heavens” returns and the officials draw in their Qi, this is called the “Greater Hundred-Six.” At this time, heavenly Qi is stirred in the Palace of Metal. In the years of Shen and You, crops are likely to be destroyed, and war, disease, and epidemics arise together. Pestilential Qi fills heaven and earth, and scarcely one person or animal in ten thousand survives. At that time, a divine being of the Blue Emperor should arrive riding a blue dragon, bearing a talismanic mandate, and suppress the heavenly Qi at Mount Tai. Those who wear this talisman can escape the calamity.

The southern region is formed from three kinds of primordial Qi and constitutes the Cinnabar Heaven, which governs a celestial domain of 330 degrees. The Qi of the heavens is ruled by Fire, and the Red Emperor, the sovereign of southern Fire virtue, holds power. In years of the Snake and Horse, the perfected Red Emperor descends to the world and teaches people on Mount Huo, guiding three people into the ranks of immortal officials. In that year, this region enjoys abundant harvests, a stable state, and a flourishing people.

When Red Qi, the Qi of the color red, reaches 3,300 degrees in its course, it flourishes and White Qi declines. This is the Lesser Yang Nine and Lesser Hundred-Six, the smaller calamity cycle governed by the Red Emperor. At this time, the Qi of Heaven flourishes in the Earth Palace, the palace corresponding to Earth among the Five Phases. In years of the Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Goat, the Qi of the four directions will drive away calamities and malign forces, and the times will prosper.

When Red Qi reaches 3,300 degrees in its course, it flourishes and White Qi declines; this too is the Lesser Yang Nine and Lesser Hundred-Six governed by the Red Emperor. At this time, the Qi of Heaven rises in the Earth Palace. In years of the Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Goat, the Qi of the four directions clash with one another, and the calamities of war spread. Fire arises from the earth, gold and jade reveal themselves of their own accord, and all things under Heaven wither and burn.

When Red Qi reaches 9,900 degrees in its course, it surges and White Qi is consumed. This is the Greater Yang Nine and Greater Hundred-Six, the larger calamity cycle governed by the Red Emperor. At this time, the Qi of Heaven surges in the Water Palace. In years of the Pig and Rat, the essence of Fire is extinguished, and no cooking smoke can be seen for ten thousand miles. Floodwaters overwhelm the sky; humans and beasts alike can scarcely escape, and only one in ten thousand survives.

At that time, a great bird will fly southeast. The divine being of the Red Emperor will ride a Vermilion Phoenix, carrying a talismanic mandate to Mount Huo to subdue and restrain the Qi of Heaven. Wearing this revealed text will enable one to escape this calamity.

When the Qi of the Central Yellow Heaven circulates, every three hundred and thirty degrees the Qi of the various heavens is governed by Earth, with the Yellow Emperor in charge. In years of the Dragon, Dog, Ox, and Goat, the Perfected One Yellow Emperor will descend among humanity and teach people on Mount Song. He will also guide twelve people to join the ranks of the immortal officials. That year, the Central Plains will enjoy a great harvest, and peace will prevail in all four regions.

When the Yellow Qi has circulated to three thousand three hundred degrees, it will grow strong and the Black Qi will wane. This is the Yellow Emperor’s minor calamity of the nine and the hundred and six, when the Qi of Heaven rises in the Metal Palace—the celestial palace associated with Metal among the Five Phases. In years of the Monkey and Rooster, an earth mist will veil the sky, making day and night hard to distinguish. It will not disperse until seven years later. According to different accounts in the text, when this obscuring Qi prevails, the Central Plains may enjoy a great harvest and peace may prevail in all four regions; alternatively, pestilence may kill people and livestock, leaving only three in ten alive.

When the Yellow Qi has circulated to nine thousand nine hundred degrees, it will surge, and the Black Qi will encroach and grow strong. This is the Yellow Emperor’s major calamity of the nine and the hundred and six, when the Qi of Heaven surges in the Wood Palace—the celestial palace associated with Wood among the Five Phases. In years of the Tiger and Hare, the land of the Nine Provinces will collapse and sink, leaving the people nowhere to stand. Pestilence will spread widely, and almost no one will escape.

At that time, a divine being of the Yellow Emperor should ride a Yellow Dragon and carry a talismanic mandate to Mount Zhongyue to subdue the Qi of Heaven. Those who wear this True Text will be spared the disaster.

The West belongs to the Heaven of the Seven Qi Elements (the celestial realm corresponding to the pure white Qi of the West). The measure governing the movement of the Heavenly Way is 330 degrees. The Qi of the heavens is dominated by Metal, and the White Emperor, deity who governs the West and Metal Qi, holds sway. In the years of the Monkey and Rooster, the Perfected White Emperor will descend into the world, teach the people on Mount Hua, and deliver seven people, enabling them to join the ranks of the immortal officials. That region will have abundant harvests, a peaceful realm, and prosperous people that year.

When White Qi (white energy) flourishes and Green Qi is obstructed, this is the White Emperor’s minor calamity of the Nine Yangs and the Hundred and Six: Heavenly Qi surges in the Water Palace, the celestial palace associated with Water. In the years of the Pig and Rat, gold and jade will be depleted, corpses will lie strewn across rivers and seas, people will devour one another, and the sea itself will turn into a river of blood.

When White Qi surges and Green Qi is eroded, this is the White Emperor’s great calamity of the Nine Yangs and the Hundred and Six: Heavenly Qi rages in the Fire Palace, the celestial palace associated with Fire. In the years of the Snake and Horse, metal and stone will melt of their own accord, wars will break out everywhere, and humans and animals alike will perish. At that time, a divine being of the White Emperor should arrive riding a white dragon or white tiger, bearing a talismanic mandate, and subdue Heavenly Qi on Mount Hua. Wearing this revealed scripture will protect one from these calamities.

In the north, five kinds of primordial Qi (vital energy) circulate, governing the celestial gate at 330 degrees. Among the Qi of the heavens, Water is supreme, and the Black Emperor—the celestial sovereign who rules the north, Water, and the color black—holds sway. In the years of Hai and Zi, the Perfected One of the Black Emperor descends to the world, teaching and transforming people on Mount Heng and saving five people, who are then added to the ranks of the immortal officials. In that region, the five grains yield a plentiful harvest that year. Crops grow of their own accord without being sown; there is no warfare, and the people live in peace.

When the cycles reach 3,300 degrees, black Qi flourishes and red Qi wanes. This is the Black Emperor’s minor Yang Nine and minor Hundred-Six, Daoist terms for lesser cycles of calamity. The Qi of Heaven rises in the Wood Palace, the celestial region associated with Wood in the Five Phases. In the years of Yin and Mao, crops are damaged and wither, grain becomes extremely costly, rivers swell and burst their banks, and floods cover the land. The people’s bodies drift in the waters, and families are torn apart.

When the cycles reach 9,900 degrees, black Qi flourishes and red Qi wanes. This too is the Black Emperor’s minor Yang Nine and minor Hundred-Six. The Qi of Heaven rises in the Wood Palace. In the years of Yin and Mao, crops are damaged and wither, grain becomes extremely costly, rivers swell and burst their banks, and floods cover the land. The people’s bodies drift in the waters, and families are torn apart.

When the cycles reach 9,900 degrees, black Qi surges and red Qi vanishes. This is the Black Emperor’s great Yang Nine and great Hundred-Six, a larger cycle of calamity. The Qi of Heaven surges in the Earth Palace, the celestial region associated with Earth in the Five Phases. In the years of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, rivers run dry and dust forms on the seabed. People and birds and beasts alike are burned to death by the scorching heat, until not one remains. At that time, a divine being of the Black Emperor should ride a black dragon, bearing a talismanic mandate, to Mount Heng and restore balance to the Qi of Heaven. Wearing this scripture will enable one to escape the calamity.

When the Qi of the five directions has completed thirty-two cycles of reversal and reaches 9,900 degrees, the Qi of all five directions rises upward, carrying the primordial blue Yang Qi. It turns through the central gate of the Jade Mountain in the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao, then circles the heavens, the sun, moon, and stars, and the regions beyond the Ten Directions, completing 999,999,999 degrees. Afterward, the Qi of Heaven returns to unity, turns through the central gate of the Jade Mountain in the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao, and again circles the heavens, the sun, moon, and stars, and the regions beyond the Ten Directions, completing 999,999,999 degrees.

When the calamity of the Qi of Heaven returning to unity occurs, all things between Heaven and Earth—mountains, rivers, seas, metals, stones, and the people—vanish in an instant. At that time, Heaven and Earth are replaced, and the transformation comes too swiftly to be reversed. Only by wearing the Lingbao Jade Text, a Lingbao scripture or talismanic text, can one be reborn as Heaven and Earth divide anew; the whole process is like sleeping through the night. Without this text, it cannot be done.

As Yang Qi circulates, it governs the portals of Heaven; as Yin Qi circulates, it governs the pivots of Earth. The outlets of the nine rivers and the rise and fall of their waters correspond to the divisions of celestial time, as do the cycles of calamity. Thus, nine is the limit of the Yang number, called “Yang Nine”; eight is the limit of the Yin number, called “Eight Calamities.” People, too, undergo the cycles that govern Heaven and Earth.

The Lingbao Mysterious Capital Jade Mountain stands at the center of the celestial realm, its seven-jeweled trees shading the eight directions. The Perfected and Revered Gods of the Ten Directions—the supreme divinities of the heavens in each direction—and the Perfected Ones of Wondrous Practice gather at Jade Mountain to pay homage to and guard the sacred writings. They soar through the air, recite the Cavern Chapters, and circle the mountain once. All the heavens praise them.

Countless great gods who revere the Dao and are perfectly true all bow their heads on the day of the Great Lingbao Retreat, an important purification ritual of the Lingbao tradition, and sing praises to the jade-toned melodies from afar. The music and dances of the heavens, in hundreds of thousands of forms, gather together in the Cloud Court. At that moment, what joy!

When the great calamity of Heaven and Earth is about to arrive, the Perfected and Revered Gods of the heavens and the Perfected Ones of Wondrous Practice descend to the Five Sacred Peaks and look out over all who study and cultivate the Dao. When the floods surge to the sky, they welcome these people on five dragons and escort them to the Hall of Blessing, so that they may pass through the calamity and live on together with the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning.

The Azure Heaven of Nine Qi in the East, a celestial realm formed of nine kinds of azure heavenly Qi, is due to undergo the minor Yang Nine and minor Hundred-Six calamities of the lower cycle. A talismanic decree of the Lingbao Azure Emperor’s lower cycle is therefore issued to the Eastern Sacred Peak. It sets out the divisions of the Azure Heaven of Nine Qi and promulgates this text to save and deliver those who cultivate the Dao. This text is issued at the Eastern Sacred Peak once every nine thousand years.

The Eastern Emperor Lord, the Azure Spirit, Primordial Elder of the Peaceful Treasure and Flowery Forest, issues the decree of the lower cycle.

The minor Yang Nine occurs in years of the Snake, and the minor Hundred-Six in years of the Horse. When great disasters strike in these years, this text is to be used to dispel calamities and safeguard the heavenly Qi. Whenever the corresponding cycle comes around, the talismanic text is issued at the Eastern Sacred Peak.

The Eastern Emperor Lord, the Azure Spirit, Primordial Elder of the Peaceful Treasure and Flowery Forest, issues the decree of the lower cycle.

When the lesser Yang Nine cycle, a minor calamity cycle, falls in a Si year, and the Great Hundred-and-Six cycle, another kind of calamity cycle, falls in a Wu year, great disasters will occur. This text must be used to stabilize the Qi of Heaven, pacify the state, preserve the people, and help them pass through the calamities of the Yang Nine and Hundred-and-Six cycles. It is written in blue characters on white silk.

In the Central Origin of the Eastern Nine-Qi Blue Heaven, when the calamities of the Great Yang Nine and Great Hundred-and-Six occur, the Azure Emperor, the Eastern Celestial Emperor, issues the Lingbao Azure Emperor Central-Origin Talisman Mandate and sends it down to the Eastern Peak, Mount Tai, to establish the order and boundaries of the celestial realm and protect those who cultivate and study the Dao. This text appears once every nine thousand years.

The Great Yang Nine cycle falls in a Shen year, and the Great Hundred-and-Six cycle in a You year. In these years, violent natural disasters occur: forests and crops are destroyed together, and the people suffer calamity. At such a time, bringing out this text can stabilize the Qi of Heaven, pacify the state, and help the people survive the great disaster. It is written in blue characters on white silk.

When the great calamity cycle of the Upper Origin of the Eastern Nine-Qi Blue Heaven arrives, Heaven and Earth will undergo transformation. The Azure Emperor issues the Lingbao Azure Emperor Upper-Origin Talisman Mandate and sends it down to the Eastern Peak to stabilize the primordial Qi of the Blue Heaven, the original generative energy from which it first arose. This text appears once every nine thousand years and is written in blue characters on white silk.

When the great calamity cycle of the Upper Origin of the Eastern Nine-Qi Blue Heaven arrives, Heaven and Earth will undergo transformation. The Azure Emperor issues the Lingbao Azure Emperor Upper-Origin Talisman Mandate and sends it down to the Eastern Peak to stabilize the primordial Qi of the Blue Heaven. This text appears once every nine thousand years.

At the turning from one great calamity cycle to the next, Heaven and Earth are transformed, and gold, jade, mountains, seas, humans, birds, and beasts are all destroyed together. Heaven and Earth become murky and dark, without light. This text can stabilize the primordial Qi of Heaven. Those who wear it will survive when Heaven and Earth are formed anew and begin to divide into the myriad things. It should be engraved on a gold tablet and worn on the person.

When the calamities of the lesser Yang Nine and lesser Hundred-and-Six cycles occur in the Lower Origin of the Southern Three-Qi Vermilion Heaven, the Vermilion Emperor, the Southern Celestial Emperor, issues the Lingbao Vermilion Emperor Lower-Origin Talisman Mandate and sends it down to the Southern Peak, Mount Heng, to establish the order and boundaries of the Southern Three-Qi Vermilion Heaven. Bringing out this text can preserve the lives of those who cultivate and study the Dao. It appears at the Southern Peak once every nine thousand years.

The Lord of the True, Aged Spirit of Vermilion, Fánbǎo Chāngyáng of the South, issues the Vermilion Emperor Lower-Origin Talisman Mandate.

The lesser Yang Nine cycle falls in a Chen or Xu year, and the lesser Hundred-and-Six cycle in a Chou or Wei year. In these years, fire rises from the earth and gold and jade spontaneously catch fire; the land under Heaven is scorched, and the people die in the disaster. Bringing out this Lower-Origin talisman can stabilize the Qi of Heaven and avert the calamities foretold by the Vermilion Emperor Lower-Origin Talisman Mandate.

Minor Yang Nine corresponds to the Years of the Dragon and the Dog; Minor Hundred and Six corresponds to the Years of the Ox and the Goat. In these years, fire arises from within the earth, and gold and jade emerge of their own accord. The world is consumed by flames, and the people die. At this time, the Lower Origin Talisman (a talismanic decree used in the Lower Origin period) is to be issued to stabilize the Heavenly Qi (the energy governing the movement of Heaven and Earth), dispel calamity, and help people survive the tribulations of Yang Nine and Hundred and Six. The talisman is written in cinnabar on black silk.

When the Three Qi of the Vermilion Heaven of the South (the threefold red celestial realm of the South) faces the calamities of Great Yang Nine and Great Hundred and Six during the Middle Origin period, the Lingbao Red Emperor’s Middle Origin talismanic decree (the talismanic decree issued by the Red Emperor in the Middle Origin period according to the Lingbao teachings and methods) is to be issued and sent to Mount Heng in the South. It stabilizes the allotment of Qi in the Vermilion Heaven and enables the practitioner to survive the tribulation. This talisman appears once every nine thousand years.

Great Yang Nine corresponds to the Year of the Pig; Great Hundred and Six corresponds to the Year of the Rat. In these years, the essence of fire dissipates, and no cooking smoke can be seen for ten thousand li. Floodwaters surge in from every direction, and natural disasters drown the people. During the Middle Origin period, this talisman is to be issued to stabilize the Heavenly Qi and dispel calamity. It is written in cinnabar on black silk.

When the Great Tribulation of the Upper Origin comes to an end and Heaven and Earth are renewed, the Three Qi of the Vermilion Heaven of the South is to issue the Lingbao Red Emperor’s Upper Origin talismanic decree (the talismanic decree issued by the Red Emperor in the Upper Origin period) and send it to Mount Heng in the South. It stabilizes the primordial Qi of the Vermilion Heaven (the original, primordial energy of Heaven and Earth). This talisman appears once every nine thousand years.

At the turning point between great tribulations, the talisman for the transition between tribulations is to be used to stabilize the Heavenly Qi and dispel calamity. It is written in cinnabar on black silk.

When the Great Tribulation of the Upper Origin comes to an end and Heaven and Earth are renewed, the Three Qi of the Vermilion Heaven of the South is to issue the Lingbao Red Emperor’s Upper Origin talismanic decree and send it to Mount Heng in the South. It stabilizes the primordial Qi of the Vermilion Heaven. This talisman appears once every nine thousand years.

At the turning point between great tribulations, when Heaven and Earth are renewed, gold and jade, mountains and seas, and humans and birds and beasts all perish at the same moment. Heaven and Earth become utterly dark and chaotic, with no light remaining. This talisman is used to stabilize the primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth. Those who wear it can be reborn at the beginning of Heaven and Earth’s regeneration and separation into distinct forms. The talisman is to be engraved on a gold tablet (a thin sheet of gold) and worn on the person.

When the One Qi of the Yellow Heaven of the Center (the single yellow celestial realm at the center) faces the calamities of Minor Yang Nine and Minor Hundred and Six during the Lower Origin period, the Lingbao Yellow Emperor’s Lower Origin talismanic decree (the talismanic decree issued by the Yellow Emperor in the Lower Origin period) is to be issued and sent to Mount Song in the Center. It sets the allotment of Qi for the One Qi of the Yellow Heaven of the Center. Issuing this talisman enables the practitioner to survive the tribulation. It appears at Mount Song once every nine thousand years.

The Central Jade Treasure Original Spirit, the Ancient Sovereign, issues the Yellow Emperor’s Lower Origin talismanic decree and sends it to Mount Song in the Center. It sets the allotment of Qi for the One Qi of the Yellow Heaven of the Center, and the talisman is issued to enable the practitioner to survive the tribulation. It appears at Mount Song once every nine thousand years.

The Central Jade Treasure Original Spirit, the Ancient Sovereign, issues the Lower Origin talismanic decree.

The Minor Yang Nine occurs in the year of the Monkey, and the Minor Hundred and Sixty in the year of the Rooster. At that time, the earth’s Qi rises and mist spreads across the sky, obscuring it. Day and night become hard to distinguish, and calamity continues for seven years, bringing the people great hardship. For this reason, the Lower Prime talisman decree should be issued to stabilize Heavenly Qi, avert disaster, and help people pass through the calamity of the Yang Nine and Hundred and Sixty. The talisman is written on yellow paper and wrapped in blue silk.

During the Central Qi Yellow Heaven’s Middle Prime Great Yang Nine and Great Hundred and Sixty, the Lingbao Yellow Emperor’s Middle Prime talisman decree will be issued and revealed at the Central Peak, Mount Song. It will establish the measures governing the movements of Heaven and Earth, and enable practitioners to pass through the calamity. This talisman appears once every nine thousand years.

The Great Yang Nine occurs in the year of the Tiger, and the Great Hundred and Sixty in the year of the Rabbit. At that time, ridges, hills, and burial mounds collapse, the land sinks, and the people have nowhere to stand. During the Middle Prime, this text is issued to stabilize Earthly Qi and avert disaster. The talisman is written on yellow paper and wrapped in blue silk.

At the end of the Central Qi Yellow Heaven’s Upper Prime great calamity cycle, Heaven and Earth will undergo transformation. At that time, the Lingbao Yellow Emperor’s Upper Prime talisman decree will be issued and revealed at the Central Peak, to stabilize the primordial Qi of the Yellow Heaven. This talisman appears once every nine thousand years.

When the great calamity cycle turns, Heaven and Earth will undergo transformation, and gold, jade, mountains, seas, the people, birds, beasts, and all things will face calamity. At that time, the Lingbao Yellow Emperor’s Upper Prime talisman decree will be issued and revealed at the Central Peak, to stabilize the primordial Qi of the Yellow Heaven. This talisman appears once every nine thousand years.

When the great calamity cycle turns, Heaven and Earth will undergo transformation. Gold, jade, mountains, seas, the people, birds, beasts, and all things will be destroyed at once. Heaven and Earth will sink into chaos and darkness, with no light remaining. This text stabilizes Heaven’s primordial Qi. Carrying it on one’s person enables one to be protected through the rebirth and first division of Heaven and Earth. The text should be engraved on a gold tablet and worn on the body.

During the Western Seven Qi Plain Heaven’s Lower Prime Minor Yang Nine and Minor Hundred and Sixty, the Lingbao White Emperor’s Lower Prime talisman decree will be issued and revealed at the Western Peak, Mount Hua. It will establish the measures governing the movements of the Western Seven Qi Plain Heaven, and, through this text, enable practitioners’ bodies to pass through the calamity. This text appears at the Western Peak once every nine thousand years.

The Lord Emperor, the Radiant Numina, the Ancient Sovereign of the Bright Spirit, of the Western Seven-Treasure Golden Gate, issues the Lower Prime talisman decree.

The Minor Yang Nine occurs in the year of the Pig, and the Minor Hundred and Sixty in the year of the Rat. At that time, gold and jade melt away, and the people can live only in water. Corpses float in the floodwaters, and blood flows together to form rivers and seas. For this reason, the Lower Prime talisman should be issued to stabilize Heavenly Qi, avert disaster, and help people pass through the calamity of the Yang Nine and Hundred and Sixty. The talisman is written on white paper and wrapped in red silk.

When the Western Seven-Qi Plain Heaven—the celestial realm corresponding to the Metal Qi of the West—enters the Central Era’s period of calamity, the Great Yang Nine and Great Hundred Six, the Lingbao White Emperor, chief deity of the western heavens, sends down a Central Era talismanic mandate to Mount Xi. It is used to regulate the celestial realm’s allotted degrees and enable those who cultivate and study to pass through the calamity. This text appears once every nine thousand years.

The Great Yang Nine falls in the year of the Snake, and the Great Hundred Six in the year of the Horse. At that time, metal and stone spontaneously disintegrate, and the turmoil of war brings disaster upon the people. The text sent down in the Central Era can stabilize the celestial Qi—the primordial energy that sustains the movement of Heaven and Earth—and dispel this calamity. The words should be written on white silk and then tied to red silk.

The great calamity of the Upper Era in the Western Seven-Qi Plain Heaven will descend upon those who cultivate and study. This text appears once every nine thousand years.

The Great Yang Nine falls in the year of the Snake, and the Great Hundred Six in the year of the Horse. At that time, metal and stone spontaneously disintegrate, and the turmoil of war brings disaster upon the people. The text sent down in the Central Era can stabilize the celestial Qi and dispel this calamity. The words should be written on white silk and then tied to red silk.

The great calamity of the Upper Era in the Western Seven-Qi Plain Heaven is a calamity in which Heaven and Earth are transformed. The Lingbao White Emperor sends down an Upper Era talismanic mandate to Mount Xi to stabilize the Primordial Qi of the White Heaven, the original primordial energy of the western heavens. This text appears once every nine thousand years.

At the turning of the great calamity, Heaven and Earth are transformed, and gold and jade, mountains and seas, people, birds and beasts, and all things are destroyed at once. Heaven and Earth sink into dark chaos, with no light remaining. This text stabilizes the Primordial Qi of Heaven; wearing it protects one when all things are born anew and Heaven and Earth first separate. It should be engraved on a gold tablet and worn on the body.

When the Northern Five-Qi Dark Heaven—the celestial realm corresponding to the Water Qi of the North—enters the Lower Era’s period of calamity, the Minor Yang Nine and Minor Hundred Six, the Lingbao Black Emperor, chief deity of the northern heavens, sends down a Lower Era talismanic mandate to Mount Bei. It is used to regulate the allotted degrees of the Fivefold Dark Heaven and enable those who cultivate and study to pass through the calamity by means of this text. This text appears at Mount Bei once every nine thousand years.

The Northern Cave-Yin Shuo Dan Yu Jue Five-Spirits Dark Elder Emperor Lord, a revered deity of the northern heavens, sends down a Lower Era talismanic mandate.

The Minor Yang Nine falls in the year of the Tiger, and the Minor Hundred Six in the year of the Rabbit. At that time, floods surge everywhere and water disasters inundate the land. The people are displaced, and many die. This Lower Era talisman, when sent down, can stabilize the celestial Qi and dispel calamity, enabling people to pass through the conjunction of the Yang Nine and Hundred Six—the cycle of recurring great calamities. The words should be written on black silk and then tied to yellow silk.

The Northern Five-Qi Dark Heaven [Central Era] Great Yang Nine and Great Hundred Six … [the text is damaged here, and the meaning that follows is incoherent]. The Lingbao Black Emperor sends down a Central Era talismanic mandate to Mount Bei … many die. This Lower Era talisman, when sent down, can stabilize the celestial Qi and dispel calamity, enabling people to pass through the conjunction of the Yang Nine and Hundred Six. The words should be written on black silk and then tied to yellow silk.

In the Middle Era of the Northern Heaven of the Five Qi, when the years of the Great Yang Nine and Great Hundred and Six calamities arrive, the Black Emperor of Lingbao, the Northern Celestial Emperor, sends down the Middle Era Talisman Mandate. It is transmitted to Northern Mount to stabilize the order and laws of the celestial realm and allow practitioners to pass through calamity. This text appears once every nine thousand years.

The Great Yang Nine corresponds to the years of Chen and Xu; the Great Hundred and Six corresponds to the years of Chou and Wei. In these years, Heaven and Earth become parched and depleted, rivers and seas dry up, dust rises from the seabed, and the people perish in the scorching heat, with almost no one surviving. The text appears in the Middle Era to secure Heaven’s original Qi and dispel these calamities. It is written in black characters on yellow silk.

In the Upper Era of the Northern Heaven of the Five Qi, at the turning of a great tribulation, when Heaven and Earth undergo transformation, the Black Emperor of Lingbao sends down the Upper Era Talisman Mandate and transmits it to Northern Mount to secure the primordial Qi of the Mysterious Heaven. This text appears once every nine thousand years.

When great tribulations turn and alternate, Heaven and Earth are transformed. Gold and jade, mountains and seas, people, birds and beasts, and all things are destroyed at once. Heaven and Earth become murky and dark, with no light remaining. Securing Heaven’s primordial Qi with this text and wearing it on one’s person preserves one through the time when Heaven and Earth are born anew and begin to divide. The text is engraved on a gold tablet, a talismanic plaque made of metal, and worn on the body.

The Jade Talismans of the Five Elders of Primordial Beginning and the Three Eras, corresponding to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Eras, together with the talisman mandates concerning great and lesser tribulations in the True Writings of the Jade Chapters of Lingbao, all come from the Upper Palace of Ziwei on Mount Yujing in the Great Mysterious Capital. This text can secure Heaven’s Qi of the Three Origins and dispel the calamities brought by the great and lesser Yang Nine, the great and lesser Hundred and Six, and the great and lesser tribulations, enabling practitioners to pass through these ordeals. All whose names are inscribed in gold in the registers of the Mysterious Capital can see this text. Wearing it protects them from great calamities and makes them seed people of the Sage Sovereign—those sheltered and preserved by him. They can ascend to Heaven in broad daylight and go to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital to pay their respects. If their merit is not yet complete, they can continue cultivating through corpse liberation, casting off the bodily form to become an immortal; they will become immortals in turn, rise and fall with the cycles of tribulation, and form affinities with the Perfected.

The Five Venerable Gods of the Primordial Beginning and Numinous Treasure (the Venerable Gods of the Five Directions transformed from the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning), the emperors of the various heavens, and the perfected beings who cultivate the wondrous Dao gather six times each year, in the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh months, at the Primordial Yang Purple Tenuity Terrace in the Palace of the Numinous Capital of the Three Heavens of the Most High. There they assemble the heavenly calculations, work out the sequence of celestial movements, and verify its timing.

The various heavens dispatch their Celestial Emperors, the Taiyi Envoys (messengers of the celestial realm), the gods of the sun, moon, and constellations, and the spirits who summon and examine people on behalf of the Three Offices of the Three Departments. The great gods of the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Rivers, and the rivers and seas also travel throughout the world, investigating people’s merits and faults and seeking out those with an affinity for the cultivation of the Dao. Thus, in each of these months, Heaven and Earth are solemnly on guard. People observe purification and keep the precepts, reverently serving the true gods of Heaven. If cultivators undertake purification in these months as prescribed, their merits are recorded under the names of the Three Offices and Five Emperors, and their names are entered in the celestial registers. After persevering for six years, they will be able to pay their respects to the Most High. Their ancestors for seven generations will ascend to the Hall of Blessing and receive the protection of the spirits, and no calamity will be able to trouble them.

The Scripture of the Heavenly Writings, the True Text of the Jade Chapters in Vermilion Script of the Five Elders of Primordial Beginning, juan 2

The character “du” has been supplied on the basis of the parallel passage.

The character “chu” has been supplied on the basis of the parallel passage.

The two characters “Zhongyuan” have been supplied on the basis of the parallel passage.

The Scripture of the Heavenly Writings, the True Text of the Jade Chapters in Vermilion Script of the Five Elders of Primordial Beginning, juan 3

The Great Sage of the Northwestern Heaven of Primordial Beginning and Numinous Treasure, the assembled Venerable Gods of the Most Perfect, the Supreme Emperor of the Boundless Great Dao, and the True Sovereign Elder…

The two characters “Zhongyuan” have been supplied on the basis of the parallel passage.

The Scripture of the Heavenly Writings, the True Text of the Jade Chapters in Vermilion Script of the Five Elders of Primordial Beginning, juan 3

On the first day of each month, the Great Sages of the Primordial Beginning and the Lingbao Heavenly Court of the Northwest, the many Perfected and Venerable Spirits, the Supreme Emperor of the Boundless Great Dao, and the True August Elder gather at the Purple Tenuity Upper Palace on Jade Mountain, northwest of the Lingbao Mysterious Capital. They observe purification and abstinence, pay homage to the celestial patterns, and examine the merits and faults of living beings and spirits among humankind. On this day, they order the Northern Dipper to descend to the human realm and join the Three Officials—the divine offices governing Heaven, Earth, and Water—in examining and recording people’s deeds. They also dispatch divine officials from four divisions to patrol for treachery and wrongdoing, traveling throughout the world to investigate everyone’s conduct and record and report good and evil deeds according to their severity. If a person observes purification and abstinence on this day and keeps the precepts, the Three Officials will erase that person’s offenses, enter their name in the register of the Mysterious Capital, and have the myriad spirits protect them. In this way, the person may become one of the “seed people” of Daoism—someone who has attained the Dao and receives its protection. If a person commits evil and wrongdoing, their name will instead be transferred to the register of the Earth Official.

On the eighth day of each month, the Great Sages of the Primordial Beginning and the Lingbao Northern Heaven, the Perfected and Venerable Spirits, the Boundless Great Dao, the Most High Lord Lao, and the Perfected Ones of the Wondrous Practice of Lingbao gather at the Yin Origin Terrace on Jade Mountain, north of the Lingbao Mysterious Capital. They observe purification and abstinence, pay homage to the celestial patterns, and examine the registers, lifespans, and allotted destinies of living beings among humankind. The scripture says that on this day the Northern Dipper’s spirits of death descend to the human realm and patrol the world together with the Eight Directions’ officials, who guard its extremities. They inspect good and evil deeds and merits and faults, then report them according to their severity. Anyone who commits evil and wrongdoing on this day will be handed over to the Earth Official. But if a person sincerely observes purification and abstinence and keeps the precepts, the Three Officials will erase their offenses, and the Three Heavens will enter their name in the register of the Highest Immortals. The celestial spirits and earthly deities will then be instructed to protect them, so that no calamity can harm them.

The Great Assembly of the Primordial Beginning and Lingbao—the original Celestial Venerables and Lingbao tradition revered in Daoism—includes the Great Holy Ones of the northeastern heaven, the Perfectly True and Venerable Spirits, the Realized Ones of wondrous practice, the boundless Great Dao, as well as the Divine Emperor of the Most High, who transforms and brings forth all beings, the Elder of the Highest Mystery, and the Primordial Spirit Lord. They regularly gather on the fourteenth day of each month at the Tongyang Qingwei Palace on Jade Mountain, the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao. There they observe purification and abstinence, pay homage to the celestial documents, and examine the years and months of cultivation, the merits and faults of Dao practitioners throughout the world, and affairs concerning ghosts and spirits.

On this day, they command the Taiyi Envoys to descend to the human realm and patrol heaven and earth with the envoys of the Northern Fengdu Lord. They investigate the merits and faults of humans and spirits, as well as the depth of their cultivation, then report each matter in detail to the Celestial Palace. Those who observe purification and precepts, accumulate De, and do good deeds are entered into the registers of the Nine Heavens and recorded in the registers of immortals. Ghosts and spirits are promoted in rank according to their merits. Anyone, human or spirit, who has committed an offense is sent back to the realm of ghosts.

The assembled Great Sages and supremely perfected deities of the Primordial Beginning and Numinous Treasure of the Eastern Heaven, together with the Limitless Great Dao of the three upper heavens of the Great Clarity and Mysterious Origin, the Supreme Mysterious Elder, the Most High Lord Lao, the Most High Elder, the August High Lord Lao, the August High Elder, the Azure Spirit Supreme Perfected Heavenly Sovereign, the Heavenly Elder, the Great Sovereign, the Great Elder, the Nine Elders and Immortal Capital Lords, the Elders of the Nine Qi, the countless layers of Dao Qi, the twelve hundred official lords, and other divine perfected beings, will gather on the fifteenth day of every month at the Green Radiance Jade Hall of the Numinous Treasure Supreme Mystery Capital on Jade Mountain. They are joined by the Jade Steps of Great Clarity, the Elder of the Eastern Pole, the Great Spirit of Green Radiance, the Assistant Minister Sima Qing Tong, the Imperial Lord and Sage of the Golden Tower, the True Yang Primordial Azure Spirit, the Nine Immortal Lords of the Numinous Treasure, and others.

On this day, they observe purification and the precepts, pay homage to the celestial patterns, and together review the registers of those cultivating immortality, assessing the extent of their merit and the depth of their practice. The Heavenly Sovereign also descends in person. When he arrives, the sun, moon, and stars, along with the spirits of heaven and earth, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Great Rivers, and the rivers and seas, solemnly descend. They travel throughout heaven and earth, examine the weight of the merits and offenses of those cultivating immortality and of ordinary people, and report their findings to the Green Palace, the dwelling place of the Immortals of the East.

Those who observe purification and uphold the precepts on this day will be recommended by the Five Emperors and reported to Donghua, the divine office of the Eastern Immortal Realm, so that after death they may become immortals. The heavenly realm will also dispatch divine guardians from the Three Realms to protect them, preventing every kind of calamity from disturbing them. Anyone who violates the precepts and laws will be handed over to the Earthly Official, the divine authority responsible for the underworld, for judgment.

The holy assembly and perfectly true deities of the Primordial Beginning’s Lingbao Southern Heaven, the supreme Southern Red Emperor of the boundless Great Dao, the Old Lord of the Cinnabar Terrace, the Jade Maiden of Great Harmony, the Marshal Sima of Long Life, the Lord Who Loves Life, the Director of Destiny, the Director of Origin, the Director of Records, the Lord of the Southern Pole Who Delivers the World, and the Lord of Ten Thousand Blessings gather on the eighteenth day of each month at the Hall of Dongling Yuanyang on Jade Capital Mountain, in the Great Mystery Capital of Lingbao. They fast and pay homage to the celestial patterns, jointly reviewing and assessing the length of the people’s allotted lifespans and distinguishing good from evil.

On this day, Heaven commands the envoys of the Eight Spirits of Taiyi to descend to the world and assist the Three Officials—the deities who govern the affairs of Heaven, Earth, and Water—in conducting inspections and inquiries. They travel throughout the land, overseeing good and evil in Heaven and among humankind, and report their findings to the Cinnabar Terrace. If someone cultivates and honors the Lingbao True Scripture, burns incense and performs the Way, fasts and prays, and avoids violating the prohibitions, the Director of Destiny and the Marshal Sima of Long Life will enter the person’s name in the Register of Life, extending their lifespan and increasing their allotted years. The Earth Official will also be ordered to protect them and list them among the good people. If they violate the regulations and break the precepts, their years of life will be reduced and shortened, and they will be handed over to the Earth Official for punishment.

The holy assembly and perfectly true deities of the Primordial Beginning’s Lingbao Southern Heaven, the supreme Southern Old Lord of the boundless Great Dao, the True Person of the Cinnabar Spirit and Southern Pole, and the Jade Maiden of Great Harmony gather on the twenty-third day of each month at the Cinnabar Terrace of Dongling on Jade Mountain, in the Great Mystery Capital of Lingbao. They fast and pay homage to the celestial patterns, jointly reviewing the people’s registers and records and distinguishing good from evil.

On this day, Heaven commands the Spirit of Tianyi to travel through the land and oversee the weight of the people’s merits and faults, then report the findings to the Lingbao Dongling Cinnabar Terrace. If someone cultivates and honors the Lingbao True Scripture, burns incense and performs the Way, fasts and prays, and does not violate the regulations or prohibitions, the Director of Destiny will enter their name in the Register of Life. The Earth Spirits—the deities who govern the land—will also be ordered to protect them, so that their blessings grow day by day and their wishes are fulfilled. If they violate the regulations and prohibitions, their name will be removed from the Register of Life and transferred to the jurisdiction of the officials of the dead.

The great assembly of the Primordial Beginning Lingbao, the Perfect and True Venerable Gods, the limitless Great Dao, the Heavenly Emperor and Old Man, the Southern Pole Primordial Perfected Lord, and the Great Spirit Lord of Dongyang meets on the twenty-fourth day of every lunar month at the Vermilion Palace in the Jade Capital of the Great Mystery of Lingbao. Together they inspect registers of crimes and punishments kept at the Three Offices, the Nine Courts, the Five Sacred Peaks, Northern Fengdu, and the twenty-four prisons of Mount Tai, and examine the severity of the duties assigned to spirits and humans.

On this day, the Southern Pole Primordial Perfected Lord and the Great Spirit Lord of Dongyang command Beichen, the deity of the northern stars, to work with the Three Offices in conducting inspections and investigations. The northern authorities are charged with exposing treachery and wrongdoing, touring the world, reviewing the records of each bureau, and overseeing the good and evil deeds of the people, before reporting their findings to the Vermilion Palace.

If someone on this day practices and honors the Lingbao True Scripture, burns incense and performs the Dao, observes a vegetarian fast, and keeps the precepts, Beichen will report that person’s good deeds. The Upper Palace will also enter their name in its register and strike it from the register of the guilty, allowing them to become one of the Seed People—those saved through attaining the Dao. But if they violate the precepts, they will serve as a ghostly laborer for a long time and find it difficult to escape the Three Paths and Five Sufferings, the realms of hardship described in Daoism.

The gathered assembly of the Primordial Beginning and Numinous Treasure in the Western Heaven, the supremely true and revered spirits, the boundless Great Dao, the perfected Queen Mother of the Jade Immortals in the Golden Hall of the Western Florescence, the Imperial Lord who is the Supreme Minister of the Sage of the Rear Palace in the Golden Gate, and the perfected beings of the Four Poles all assemble on the twenty-eighth day of each month at the Seven-Treasure Palace in the Jade Capital of the Great Mystery of the Numinous Treasure. There they observe purification and abstinence, pay homage to the celestial patterns, and together calculate and verify the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. They also examine the names of those who have attained the Dao.

On this day, the Great One (Taiyi), the deity who governs the order of the heavens, makes an inspection of the celestial realm. Taiyi checks the movements of the constellations, examines the good and evil deeds of those cultivating the Dao, and reports the findings to the Golden Hall. The sun, moon, and stars, along with the Jade Pivot and Jade Balance—the ancient instruments used to observe celestial phenomena and calculate the movements of the stars—gather solemnly at the Gate of Heaven.

Anyone cultivating the Dao who observes purification and keeps the precepts, with thoughts devoted to the immortal Dao, will be recommended by Taiyi. Their name will be entered in the Register of Immortals, enabling them to become a perfected being. Those who violate the precepts and break the rules will be investigated by the Three Officials (the Heavenly Official, the Earthly Official, and the Water Official) and handed over to the Earthly Official, remaining condemned subjects for a long time.

The sacred assembly of the Primordial Beginning Lingbao Lower Heaven—the Lingbao heaven that governs the lower realm—together with the supremely true and revered deities and the boundless Great Dao, as well as the myriads of immortals, the Five Emperors, and the perfected beings of the Four Offices in the Xuanhuang Dongyuan Dongling heavens of the Lower Origin, regularly gathers on the twenty-ninth day of each month at the Yellow Chamber of the Jade Capital in the Great Dark City of the High Sovereign Heaven. There they purify themselves and pay homage to the celestial perfected ones, while reviewing matters concerning the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Great Rivers, the river and sea water emperors, earth spirits, and ghosts and gods, and judging the severity of the people’s offenses.

On this day, they send the Central Great One (Zhong Taiyi) down to the realm below. Together with the divine officials of the Three Offices, the Nine Palaces, and the Nine Departments, he travels through the Five Sacred Peaks and the water palaces of the Three Offices, investigating and setting right the affairs of ghosts and gods. They record the good and bad deeds of people in the world, determine the causes and severity of their offenses, and report their findings to the Dark City. Those who cultivate the true Lingbao scriptures, burn incense and practice the Way, observe purification, and keep the precepts receive the protection of the Three Offices and Nine Palaces. Their good deeds are reported, their records of guilt are erased, and their names are entered above the Three Heavens and placed under divine protection, so that no calamity can harm them. Those who violate the precepts and transgress the prohibitions have their names transferred to the register of the Earthly Office, where they remain for a long time as people condemned for their offenses.

The sacred assembly of the Primordial Beginning Lingbao Upper Heaven—the Lingbao heaven that governs the upper realm—together with the supremely true and revered deities and the boundless Great Dao, as well as the lords and elders of the Supreme Wuwei Great Dao, which extends throughout the upper, lower, and central realms and in all directions, is supremely revered, without summit or limit, boundless and inexhaustible. It can shine everywhere and discern all things without measure; it occupies the highest position and presides over those condemned for their offenses.

The holy assembly of the Primordial Beginning and Numinous Treasure in the Upper Heaven, the perfected and venerable spirits, and the lords and elders of the Supreme Wuwei Great Dao (the Way of non-action), who fill the realms above and below, the center, and all four directions, are supreme and boundless beings. They shine universally upon all things and possess immeasurable wisdom, arising from the true and upright Great Dao. The Dao existed before Heaven and Earth: vast and without beginning, undifferentiated and without form, natural and spontaneous, deep and still, mysterious yet all-pervading. It is the source of wisdom.

Within the Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Alliance’s Supreme Wuwei Great Dao are the Dao within the Dao, the Divine Luminary Lord, and countless lords and elders of Dao and De (Virtue/Power), including the Supreme Lord of Dao and De, the Elder of Dao and De, the Lord of the Myriad Lives, the Lord of the Myriad Qi, the Lord of the Myriad Origins, the Lord of the Myriad Blessings, the lords and elders who are the Great Protectors and Heavenly Spirits, and the Venerable Lord of Dark Origin. There are also many lords and elders named Great Clarity, Great Mystery, Central Yellow, Great Origin, Great Beginning, Primordial Beginning, Great Simplicity, Great Void, Great Unity, Great Pattern, Great Peace, and Great Abyss, as well as the Heavenly Emperor Lord, the Lord of the Nine Elders of the Immortal Capital, the Lord of the Jade Calendar, the Lord of the Nine Qi, and many other divinities.

In addition, there are the twelve hundred lords and official elders, the Jade Steps of Great Clarity, the Supreme Jade Perfected Lord, the Five Immortal Lords, the Nine Numinous Lords, the Twelve Perfected Lords of Great Clarity, the twenty-four Lords of the Spirit Beings, the thirty-six Perfected Lords, the Lords of the Five Qi, the Lord of Life-Giving Qi, the Lord of Great Unity, the August Heavenly Supreme Emperor, the Limitless Supreme Primordial Lord, the Lord of the Divine Treasure, the Lord of the Perfect Treasure, the Lord of the Heavenly Treasure, the Lord of the Numinous Treasure, and many lords and elders of primordial spirits, primordial perfected beings, and primordial numinous beings. The Venerable Lord of the Celestial Sovereign, the Venerable Lord of the Southern Pole, the Venerable Lord of the Yellow Spirit, the Venerable Lord of the Yellow Elder, the Lord of Great Harmony, the Supreme Sovereign Perfected Dao Lord, and the Lord of the Ancient Celestial Masters are also among them. The parents of the myriad Dao and myriad De, the parents of Heaven and Earth, are where the immortals are born and gather. The Duke of the East, the Queen Mother of the West, the Lord of the Sun, the Lady of the Moon, the Perfected Lords of the Five Planets, the assembled immortals, the Heavenly Officials, the great spirits, and others also belong to this vast heavenly host.

On the thirtieth day of each month, these divinities routinely gather at the Seven-Treasure Purple Tenuity Palace in the Numinous Treasure Great Mystery Capital of Jade Capital. Those who observe the fast pay homage to the Celestial Perfected, the myriad emperors and divinities, and the spirits of all the heavens and earths. Once assembled, the gods calculate the great and lesser cosmic cycles and the fortunes of Heaven and Earth, examine good and evil, and record whether those who study the Dao should be entered into the registers of the immortals.

On this day, the deity Great Unity sends his attendants down to the world, and Great Unity descends in person as well. The stars of the heavens, the sun and moon, the Celestial Pivot, and the Northern Dipper solemnly descend together with the Five Emperors, the Five Sacred Peaks, the Four Rivers (the gods of the four great rivers), the water deities of the Yangtze, Yellow, Huai, and Ji rivers, the gods of the Nine Bureaus who investigate treachery and evil, the gods of the Three Offices who summon and examine, and the deities of the earth. Together they travel throughout the world, inspecting people’s good and evil and weighing their merits and faults, then report their findings to the Celestial Court.

If someone upholds the Numinous Treasure True Scripture on this day, observes the fast and precepts, burns incense, and recites the Dao, they will be recommended by Great Unity. Their good deeds will be reported to the Celestial Court, their name entered in the register of the High Immortals, and the earth deities will be commanded to protect them. If someone violates the precepts and regulations, their name will be transferred to the Earthly Office. The matter will be reported to the Celestial Court according to its severity, and they will remain condemned and punished for a long time.

The Northern Emperor of the Supreme Palace of Great Mystery, the celestial palace, regularly inspects the Three Corpses, the soul spirits within people who monitor and report their faults, on each Gengshen day. He records people’s offenses one by one and submits them to the Lord Emperor. On this day, if someone observes purification and precepts and keeps the spirits in mind day and night, the Three Corpses cannot ascend to Heaven to report their faults. Instead, the officials who govern the underworld submit a report of the person’s good deeds to the Lord Emperor. The Great One, a revered Daoist deity, is pleased and records the person’s name on the Left Contract, so that they may remain forever among the people of the seed recognized by Heaven.

The Most True and Venerable Spirit of the Supreme Palace of Great Mystery regularly sends the Great Envoy of the Central Terrace of the Great One to patrol Heaven and Earth on each Jiazi day. The envoy inspects the deities in every place and drives away the disorderly ghosts and spirits of the world. On this day, if someone observes a purification rite and burns incense, the Great Envoy of the Central Terrace records their good deeds and submits them to the Three Heavenly Emperors. The Emperors then appoint the person as Inspector of Heaven, placing the kings of the ghosts and spirits on Earth under their command. They also enter the person’s name in the Jade Register, Heaven’s roster, so that they may remain forever a Perfected One.

The Great Spirit of High Perfection of the Supreme Palace of Great Mystery regularly gathers with the venerable deities, great sages, and immortals at the Supreme Palace of the Taiji on the day Beginning of Spring. They review the jade tallies and golden names in Heaven’s registers, select those destined to attain the Dao and become immortals, and submit their names one by one to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao.

The Perfected One of Great Simplicity of the Supreme Palace of Great Mystery regularly gathers with the immortal officials at the Jade Terrace of Kunlun on the day of the Spring Equinox. They assess the merits and shortcomings of those who practice the True Scripture of Lingbao, then report their findings to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao.

The Five Emperors of the Supreme Palace of Great Mystery regularly gather with the immortals at the Palace of Purple Tenuity on the day Beginning of Summer. They assess the merits and faults of those who cultivate the Dao, then report their findings to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao.

The Three Heavenly Officials of the Supreme Palace of Great Mystery regularly gather at the Upper Palace of the Director of Destinies on the day of the Summer Solstice. They review the people’s registers of names and records of merit and fault, then report their findings to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao.

The Perfected Ones of the Five Sacred Peaks of the Supreme Palace of Great Mystery regularly go to the Yellow Chamber of the Numinous Court on the day Beginning of Autumn to pay their respects to the Venerable Lord of Central Yellow. Together with the immortal officials, they inspect the divine charts and numinous medicines throughout the world, then report their findings to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of Lingbao.

The Great Emperor of the Highest Sovereign of the Great Mystery Upper Palace, who resides in the Upper Palace of the Great Mystery, often ascends to the Hall of Supreme Subtlety at the Gate of Pure Clarity on the day of the autumn equinox. There he meets with the Venerable Spirit Treasure Deity, the Five Lords of the Most High, the True Lord of the Northern Pole, and the Great Deities of the Eight Seas. Together they compile records of the people’s offenses throughout the world, weigh and assess the relative severity of merit and fault, and report their findings to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of the Spirit Treasure.

The Perfected One of the Sun Terrace in the Great Mystery Upper Palace, who dwells on its Sun Terrace, often meets with immortal officials and Jade Maidens atop the Spirit Treasure Sun Terrace on the day of the Beginning of Winter. They examine the registers of those who study the Dao and assess the extent and depth of their cultivation, then report their findings to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of the Spirit Treasure.

The many Celestial Perfected Immortals of the Great Mystery Upper Palace often travel on the day of the winter solstice to the Azure Palace of Eastern Florescence at Fangzhu. There they meet with the Great Deity, the Most High Minister of the Golden Tower of the Azure Lad of the Eastern Sea, and review the registers of the immortals before reporting their findings to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital of the Spirit Treasure.

In this text, “checking” and “reviewing” refer to examining and assessing registers and records; “submitting a report” means presenting the matters that have been verified to a higher authority.

At each of the Eight Seasonal Festivals—eight important observances in the Daoist calendar—Heaven holds a grand celebration. At these times, the great and holy deities of the various heavens and the perfected beings of profound cultivation gather at the upper palace on Jade Capital Mountain, the sacred city of Lingbao. They pay homage to and celebrate the true spirits of the celestial realm, observe the precepts, purify themselves through fasting, and circumambulate while reciting scriptures. The awe-inspiring celestial spirits are also commanded to inspect the world, the Four Seas, and the eight directions; to visit those who cultivate the Dao in the Five Sacred Mountains and other famous mountains, as well as virtuous people and ordinary folk; to weigh their merits and faults; and to report their findings to the upper palace.

On this day, the stars, sun and moon, and the revolving celestial sphere—all the signs of the heavens—as well as the gods of the earth, are solemnly arrayed. Those who undertake purification and observe the precepts, reverently upholding the scriptures of the Heavenly Dao, are recommended by the Five Emperors. Heaven then records them separately, enters their names in the Jade Register, and counts them among the seed people—those eligible to attain the Dao and receive deliverance. Heaven also commands the divine officials of the Three Offices, who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, to send attendants to protect them, keeping their homes peaceful and orderly and barring calamities from intruding. When cultivators have succeeded in their practice, the officials of the Three Realms welcome them, enabling them to transcend the world and become immortals, and to ascend as perfected beings. Those who commit evil and break the precepts are investigated and arraigned by the officials in charge, then handed over to the Earthly Office and listed among the guilty for all time.

By cultivating the Five True Writings of the Elders and Lingbao—five sacred scriptures associated with the Elders and Lingbao—one may be welcomed by the celestial officials, delivered from the world by the immortals, and ultimately ascend as a perfected being. Those who commit evil and break the precepts, however, will be investigated by the officials, handed over to the Earthly Office, and listed among the guilty for all time.

The Five True Writings of the Five Elders and the Numinous Treasure are the celestial text of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. They arose within the empty void and are the foundation of Heaven and Earth. Their numinous subtlety is supremely noble, and the teachings transmitted through them are solemn and majestic. The Three Origins—the Daoist triad of Heaven, Earth, and Water—are revealed through them, and their virtue surpasses that of all the heavens.

The fourteen virtues embodied in these True Writings should each be honored through the Three Origins Retreat, a purification rite held at the appointed times of the Three Origins, and upheld as models for exalted spiritual practice.

First, their virtue is like the great void: formless and boundless, the source of every beginning. Second, it is like nothingness: able to bring being forth from nonbeing and return being to nonbeing. Third, it is like the Great Dao: vast in its numinous power, a treasured sacred teaching cherished by the spirits and gods. Fourth, it is like Heaven: clear and lofty, covering all without limit. Fifth, it is like Earth: broad and embracing, able to bear everything. Sixth, it is like the sun, moon, and stars, bringing light to all the heavens. Seventh, it is like the exalted Perfected Ones revered in Daoism: they expound profound teachings and are honored in the celestial realm. Eighth, it is like the divine beings who save all far and wide, allowing every thing to receive the natural Way.

Ninth, it is like the Great Mystery, the profound and subtle realm of the Dao: clear and spacious, it becomes a dwelling place for the immortals. Tenth, it is like clouds and rain, sheltering and nourishing all things. Eleventh, it is like the wind, allowing all things to circulate and unfold. Twelfth, it is like the four seasons, enabling all things to grow and transform. Thirteenth, it is like Mount Tai, safeguarding the foundations of fortune, bringing peace to the state and stability to the regalia that symbolize its sovereign authority. Fourteenth, it is like a great river: vast and unobstructed, embracing all things.

These numinous writings are subtle and precious. The fourteen virtues described above are so exalted that they cannot be measured; they spread blessings far and wide through countless kalpas. The beginning and transformation of all things in Heaven and Earth arise from them.

Reciting and upholding the Five True Writings of the Numinous Treasure brings fourteen kinds of blessings:

First, body and spirit become clear and upright. One is spared every kind of sudden calamity, remains free from suffering and distress, and has no illness.

Second, one subdues all demonic obstacles and earns the respect of the Five Emperors. Earth spirits guard and protect one, and the heart remains upright and calm.

Third, one receives the hidden scrutiny of the High Sages. The celestial gods record one’s name and enter it in the registers of the spirits. One’s name is therefore erased from the register of the dead, allowing one to be reborn.

Fourth, virtue and wisdom continue to grow. One can command ghosts and spirits, attain what one desires, and naturally receive blessings in response.

Fifth, divine youths and jade maidens guard one’s body. They attend at one’s side whenever one comes or goes, and spirits welcome one wherever one arrives.

Sixth, heavenly calamities recede, while blessings and joyful events increase day by day. The household flourishes, and its virtue grows ever greater.

Seventh, the family becomes upright and prosperous, and lives in peace from generation to generation. Everyone within and beyond the household enjoys blessings and celebrations, and its beneficence endures.

Eighth, the Five Emperors recommend one for inclusion among the Perfected. Spirits from the Three Realms come to welcome one, and a radiant treasure light encircles one’s neck.

Ninth, all defilement is swept away. Within and without, one becomes clear and pure; the body is fragrant and clean, pure as a vajra.

Tenth, whatever the heart sets its mind on is accomplished, and every wish is fulfilled. One can act as one chooses, moving freely without obstruction. The mind is keen, the body bears the nature of a sage, and one communicates with the spirits.

Eleventh, one becomes an object of reverence to the great holy and honored deities of the heavens, the Perfected Ones of wondrous practice, and the flying immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks.

Twelfth, when one’s merit and virtue are complete, the Dao naturally grants its reward: clothed in feathered robes, one ascends to heaven in broad daylight.

Thirteenth, one’s merit and virtue become so vast that they benefit the seven generations of ancestors above, freeing them from the Three Paths of Misery—hell, the realm of hungry ghosts, and the realm of beasts—as well as the Five Sufferings and Eight Difficulties. They rise to heaven and receive blessings in the Southern Palace of the immortals. These blessings also pass down to one’s descendants, and the family prospers for generations.

Fourteenth, one’s merit and virtue benefit all living creatures, including flying insects and crawling things, as well as domestic animals already born or yet to be born. All are granted longer lives. Those who uphold this Numinous Writ, observe purification rites, and make offerings accumulate especially profound merit, and their blessings naturally come to light. The Three Officials, who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, record every merit without the slightest omission. The retribution for good and evil follows like a shadow and answers each deed in kind: this principle is perfectly clear.

The Twenty-Eight Articles on Virtue and Blessings presents twenty-eight teachings about virtuous conduct and the blessings it brings. It comes from the middle-grade section of the Palace of Purple Tenuity at the Mysterious Capital, a celestial palace in Daoist belief. Those who cultivate the utmost true Way should follow these teachings.

The True Writ of the Numinous Treasure records that when the perfected beings observe purification and precepts and pay homage to the celestial writings, they should arouse twelve intentions and vows:

First, to cultivate diligently, never violate the scriptural precepts, and honor the rules of the Dao in all things.

Second, to revere the Great Dao and cherish virtue; to understand the vastness of the Dao’s transformative power; and always to keep the wish to follow the Dao in one’s heart.

Third, to repent and atone for one’s offenses, conceal no faults, set one’s heart straight, cultivate with reverence, and devote oneself wholeheartedly.

Fourth, to seek the immortals, behold the Perfected Lords, escape the world’s calamities, and witness the age of Great Peace.

Fifth, to wish that all beings be freed from every kind of suffering, kept far from the Three Evil Paths—hell, hungry ghosts, and animals—and spared the Five Calamities.

Sixth, to wish for the power of flight and to ride upon clouds and dragons.

Seventh, to pray on behalf of countless ancestors, parents of earlier generations, and deceased relatives, that they may be released from karmic burdens, freed from confinement and punishment, and ascend to the Hall of Blessings.

Eighth, to wish that the elders and young people of one’s household, along with fellow practitioners, receive ever greater blessings and joy, and that their thoughts of goodness continually grow.

Ninth, to pray for all the people and for descendants in generations to come, that they may escape calamities and turn danger into safety.

Tenth, to pray for all beings, including livestock, flying insects, crawling creatures, and every living thing with breath, that they may all receive kindness, nourishment, and protection.

Eleventh, to resolve to turn away from wealth and honor, from crooked and corrupt customs, deceit and hypocrisy, demons and spirits, strange apparitions and bewitching forces, and disordered forms of magic.

Twelfth, to wish for the power to command ghosts and spirits and subdue evil, so that neither celestial beings nor people in the human world are harmed. May all be kept far from every evil deed, the Three Calamities and Nine Misfortunes, the Ten Sufferings, and the Eight Disasters; may they ultimately attain the rank of a High Immortal and ascend to heaven in broad daylight. Even after ascending to immortality, may they remain in accord with the Great Dao.

These twelve intentions and vows arise from the natural heart of Heaven and embody the virtue of great compassion. Their merit is vast and can reach and move the heavens. Older liturgical forms place them in the middle-grade section of the Numinous Treasure and assign them to the Palace of the Mysterious Capital.

The middle-grade section of the Palace of Purple Tenuity at the Mysterious Capital also says that carrying out these twelve intentions and vows brings twelve responses. First, the body becomes strong and its form secure. Second, one’s reputation spreads far, and one is granted a place in the Palace of the Mysterious Capital.

According to the laws of the Middle Primordial era in the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Dark Capital, practicing twelve kinds of good intention brings twelve kinds of reward.

First, the body becomes strong and healthy, and the physical form is at peace. Second, one’s reputation spreads far and wide, and people are eager to hear of one’s deeds. Third, one is cherished and revered by the great sacred deities of the heavens and the Perfected Ones of wondrous practice. One also receives the blessings of the sun, moon, and stars, and is honored by immortals and sages, looked up to by earthly spirits, and held in awe by ghosts and gods. Fourth, people throughout the world pay homage to one and call one a Perfected One. All undertakings become auspicious and go smoothly, bringing lasting peace. All kinds of living beings hope to rely on one. Countless numinous beings, evil spirits, demons, and ghosts and gods are dispelled at once, and when one forms a wish, it comes true as one intends.

Fifth, wherever one goes, officials and troops protect one when coming and going; celestial officials lead the way, and earth deities come to welcome one. Sixth, one can subdue all the ghosts and gods between Heaven and Earth. When one sits in stillness, Jade Maidens of the Celestial Kitchens attend and guard one. Seventh, one can command the Six Jia—the six groups of Jiazi deities in Daoist teaching—set the stars in motion, and command the Three Sovereigns and ghosts and gods. Whether walking, sitting, rising, eating, or resting, one is protected by celestial deities and guarded by earth deities. Eighth, wherever one lives, within a radius of 3,600 li, demons, false beings, deceitful people, and wangliang—spirits of mountains and rivers—are dispelled at once. Ninth, one can associate with those who have attained the Dao through cultivation, guide immortals, and roam among the Five Sacred Peaks. Even when coming and going among ordinary people, one suffers no harm. Tenth, one can cut down evil spirits and defeat adversaries, leaving them afraid to cause trouble on their own. Eleventh, one’s lifespan and immortal bones increase day by day, and one’s progress along the immortal path deepens. When one’s cultivation of the Dao is complete, one can ascend to Heaven in broad daylight. Twelfth, one can become a friend of the High Sages and the Lords and Elders—noble deities of the celestial realm—ascend to the realm beyond form, and unite with the Dao.

These twelve rewards are blessings that continue to flow from practicing De, and are treasured by the Supreme Emperor. By sitting quietly and keeping still, one can receive them naturally.

The second section lists twenty-four rewards for practicing good intentions. Recorded in the Rules of the Middle Primordial era in the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Dark Capital, they are virtuous practices that those who truly cultivate the Dao should follow.

The Lower Register of the Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Mysterious Capital (the name of a celestial palace) records that the True Writings of the Numinous Treasure (authentic texts in the Numinous Treasure scriptures) reveal twelve blessings that the perfected immortals may receive by observing purification rites and paying reverence to the celestial writings (authentic texts of the heavenly realm). These are the blessings that arise when practitioners put virtuous conduct into practice.

The twelve blessings are: first, to dispel calamities left from past lives and sins committed in this life; second, to attract good fortune and avoid disaster; third, to prolong life in future existences and escape death; fourth, to attract wealth and official emoluments; fifth, to benefit descendants in later generations; sixth, to extend blessings to ancestors who have already died; seventh, to bring prosperity and smooth progress in this life; eighth, to form bonds of kinship with Heaven and Earth; ninth, to befriend perfected beings (immortals who have attained the Dao); tenth, ultimately to become a high immortal and ascend to Heaven in broad daylight; eleventh, after becoming an immortal, to ascend to the Hall of the Dao; and twelfth, to bring blessings to all and become a bridge by which all living beings in the world may reach good fortune and virtue. These twelve blessings all arise from diligent cultivation, through which one’s virtuous conduct resonates with the immortals of the heavenly realm.

The Lower Register of the Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Mysterious Capital also records that the True Writings of the Numinous Treasure reveal fourteen merits that the perfected immortals may achieve by observing purification rites and paying reverence to the celestial writings. These fourteen merits benefit ancestors, descendants, those living in the world, those who cultivate in the mountains, Dao practitioners, those who seek immortality, officials, those who govern the people, living beings, the world, the heavenly realm, spirits, human beings, and all things.

Purification rites are a gateway to the realm of the highest sages. Their practice should be tranquil, empty, clear, simple, and pure; one should cast off impurity to welcome the true spirits. In this way, one accords above with the constellations, in the middle with human nature, and below with the hearts of all things. When sages see this, they call it sagehood; when the benevolent see it, they call it benevolence; when the wise see it, they call it wisdom; when the worthy see it, they call it worthiness. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning established this method, making it a venerable gateway among the Daoist teachings, a dwelling place of the Supreme Emperor, and a bridge by which practitioners may reach the realm of the Dao.

The two passages describe twenty-six ways of bestowing blessings and establishing merit. They come from the Lower Register of the Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Mysterious Capital and are virtuous practices that those who study and cultivate the utmost truth should undertake.

The primordial natural sacred writings known as the Red Script and Jade Chapters appeared after Heaven and Earth had opened. Each chapter was placed in its own location to guard the Five Sacred Peaks: Mount Tai in the east, Mount Heng in the south, Mount Hua in the west, Mount Heng in the north, and Mount Song in the center. The original texts were sealed away in the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Mysterious Capital, a celestial palace, and guarded by the assembled perfected beings—immortals who had attained the Dao. The associated rites were established in accordance with the sacred laws.

Only as the five cosmic kalpas, a Daoist term for vast cycles of time, neared their end were these numinous writings transmitted to the Lord of the Great Dao, the Supreme Great Sages, and the perfected beings of the heavens. They received and practiced the writings, expounded their profound meanings, and explained them in detail. From this came the Ten Wondrous Scriptures, thirty-six scripture scrolls, and two scrolls of Jade Instructions, which served as guides to cultivation. All were sealed in the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity. On auspicious days aligned with the timing of Heaven, the perfected beings would purify their minds, observe ritual abstinence and precepts, and travel together to the Mysterious Capital to pay homage to the celestial writings, recite scriptures, and perform the Dao. Above, they praised the chapters of primordial nature; in the middle, they harmonized the illuminating Qi of the Three Origins; below, they celebrated the teaching of the divine perfected beings’ great compassion. When the Dao is made manifest, it is revered; purity is most precious, so ritual abstinence serves to discipline conduct.

On days of ritual abstinence, the great sage deities of the heavens, perfected beings of wondrous practice, and the sun, moon, and stars would gather at the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity, on the Jade Capital Terrace of the Mysterious Capital. They observed the precepts, paid their respects, and circumambulated while reciting scriptures. The immortal perfected beings of the Five Sacred Peaks on Earth, the Water Emperors of the Four Seas, the Three Officials of Northern Feng who governed the underworld in the north, the Earth Deities of the Three Realms, and all other spirits would also set their attire in order, observe ritual abstinence with reverence, and honor the Dao and its laws, thereby venerating the celestial perfected beings. The regulations for these rites are detailed in the Lingbao Middle Register of Gold and Purple, which records examinations, statutes, rewards, and punishments for both Yin and Yang.

The true writings of Lingbao appeared at the beginning of the Red Brightness era, when the Mystery was opened. They were called the “Scenic Imperial True Writings of the Empty, Undifferentiated Red Script.” After Heaven and Earth separated, Heaven was called “Ling” and Earth “Bao”; hence the name “Lingbao.” In the time of the Yellow Emperor, after the five kalpas, an edict was issued establishing the Register of Gold and Purple, which included examinations, statutes, rewards, and punishments for both Yin and Yang.

The sacred texts of Lingbao (numinous treasure), found in the Lingbao scriptures, appeared at the beginning of the Chiming era, when the wondrous and mysterious world was first brought into being. They were called the “Imperial True Text of the Radiant Red Script of Primordial Chaos.” After Heaven and Earth separated, Heaven was called “Ling” (numinous) and Earth “Bao” (treasure), hence the combined name “Lingbao.” In the fifth kalpa, during the time of the Yellow Emperor, teachings descended from the celestial realm, enabling those who attained the Dao to ascend beyond the ordinary world into the mysterious realm.

The Lower Volume of the Scripture of the Heavenly Texts: The Jade Chapters of the Red Writings of the Five Elders of Primordial Beginning.