《太上洞玄灵宝诸天内音自然玉字》

The Natural Jade Characters of the Inner Sounds of the Heavens of Dongxuan Lingbao, transmitted by the Supreme One (the highest Dao), are sacred writings that formed naturally in the celestial realm. The Perfected Celestial Emperor says: These heavenly books and jade characters gathered the qi of Flying Mystery to form sacred writings, joined the qi of the Eight Assemblies to produce their tones, and harmonized the qi of the Five Phases to compose their chapters. When a great cycle begins, the jade characters appear of themselves, as though fine jade were striking against fine jade. Deep and wondrous sounds issue from the spirit wind, illuminating the heavens and the depths of the Great Void.

These sacred writings circulate with the cycles of tribulation known as Longhan, Chiming, and Yankang. Through transformations of life and death, they refine Water and Fire, and endure through countless eons. They open the eight realms in the depths of the netherworld and plant sacred light within the sun. Through them, the two forms of Heaven and Earth are distinguished, as are the three luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars. The highest sages reveal their radiance through these writings; the Five Sacred Peaks treasure them and gain spiritual efficacy; all things depend on them to grow, and kingdoms on them to endure in peace.

The laws of this Great Dao are vast and profound, lofty and revered. It brings “nonbeing” forth from “being” and is the foundation of Heaven and Earth. Whoever attains it does not die; whoever follows it endures; whoever treasures it can draw the Perfected Spirits to descend; whoever cultivates it can become an immortal. It frees the remains of the dead from the long night and refines living souls in the Vermilion Palace, the abode of the spirits. Its wondrous writings of transformation arise naturally: when mixed, they are not sullied; when clarified, they do not appear clear; when destroyed, they are not extinguished; once extinguished, they are reborn. They rise above the Great Void and are the foundation of the Myriad Emperors. Their awe-inspiring spiritual power is vast and beyond words.

The Natural Jade Characters of the Inner Sounds of the Eight Assemblies of the Eastern Azure Emperor

The Nine Qi that Govern the Writings of the Heavens

In the Heaven of Great Yellow and Imperial Commencement, there are thirty-two jade youths of five colors, thirty-two embroidered-robed jade maidens, and thirty-two duty talisman officials for each of the Five Directional Heavenly Emperors.

In the Heaven of Great Brightness and Jade Perfection, there are thirty-two jade youths of five colors, as well as embroidered-robed jade maidens.

The Great Yellow Sovereign Zeng Heaven has thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials—divine functionaries who carry out the commands of the Celestial Emperors of the Five Directions—numbers thirty-two.

The Great Bright Jade Perfection Heaven has thirty-two multicolored Jade Youths, attendants of the celestial realm dressed in five colors, and thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two.

The Clear Bright He Tong Heaven has thirty-two multicolored Jade Youths and thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two.

The Mysterious Womb Equal Nurture Heaven has thirty-two multicolored Jade Youths and thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two.

The Primordial Bright Literary Elevation Heaven has thirty-two multicolored Jade Youths and thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two.

The Seven Luminaries Mo Yi Heaven has two beings. The embroidered-robed Jade Maidens of the Primordial Bright Literary Elevation Heaven number thirty-two, and each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two. The Seven Luminaries Mo Yi Heaven has thirty-two multicolored Jade Youths and thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two.

The Vacuity Without Limit Heaven has thirty-two multicolored Jade Youths and thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two.

The Supreme Ultimate Veiled Darkness Heaven has thirty-two multicolored Jade Youths and thirty-two embroidered-robed Jade Maidens. Each of the Five Emperors’ Directing Officials numbers thirty-two.

The Nine Qi Azure Heaven, the celestial realm corresponding to the nine kinds of azure primordial Qi, has thirty-two Immortal-Aiding Merit Officers, celestial functionaries who oversee people’s attainment of immortality. It also has thirty-two Natural-Deliverance Transcendence Officers, celestial functionaries who oversee the natural return to the Dao and transcendence of life and death. There are thirty-two Nine Qi Azure talismans. The Immortal-Aiding Merit Officers number thirty-two, as do the Natural-Deliverance Transcendence Officers.

In the Azure Heaven of the Nine Qi, formed from nine kinds of primordial Qi, there are the Officers of Natural Renewal, the Flying-Heaven Attendants of the Perfect Ones, the Flying-Heaven Guards of the Perfect Ones, the Flying-Heaven Inspectors of the Perfect Ones, the Duty Officers, the Officers Who Transmit Messages and Submit Reports, and the Dragon-Riding Officers. There are thirty-two of each kind. They are responsible for affairs in the celestial realm, attending and guarding, inspection, transmitting messages and reports, and carrying out duties while riding dragons.

The Naturally Formed Jade Characters of the Eightfold Assembly’s Inner Sounds of the Southern Red Emperor are celestial script belonging to the Southern Red Emperor’s system and to the Inner Sounds of the “Eightfold Assembly.” “The Three Qi that Govern the Writings of All Heavens” means the Three Qi that oversee the documents of all the heavens.

In the Crimson Radiance and Harmonious Yang Heaven, there are Jade Boys of Five Colors, Jade Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Direct Talismans of the Five Emperors, thirty-two of each kind. The Direct Talismans of the Five Emperors are talisman officers who carry out the commands of the Celestial Emperors of the Five Directions.

The Mysterious Brightness and Reverent Splendor Heaven also has Jade Boys of Five Colors, Jade Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Direct Talismans of the Five Emperors, thirty-two of each kind.

The Shining Brightness and Ancestral Fluttering Heaven has Jade Boys of Five Colors, Jade Maidens in Robes, and Direct Talismans of the Five Emperors, thirty-two of each kind. This group is then listed again in the scripture; in the second listing, the Jade Maidens are called “Jade Maidens in Embroidered Robes.” Both listings give thirty-two of each kind.

The Heaven of Bamboo Falling and Imperial Eggplant has Jade Boys of Five Colors, Jade Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Direct Talismans of the Five Emperors, thirty-two of each kind.

The Heaven of Empty Brightness and Hall Radiance has Jade Boys of Five Colors, Jade Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Direct Talismans of the Five Emperors, thirty-two of each kind.

The Heaven of Observant Brightness and Proper Serenity has Jade Boys of Five Colors, Jade Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Direct Talismans of the Five Emperors, thirty-two of each kind.

The Heaven of Mysterious Brightness and Reverent Celebration has Jade Boys of Five Colors, thirty-two of them.

In Mysterious Brightness and Reverent Celebration Heaven, there are thirty-two jade maidens in embroidered robes. Each of the Five Emperors’ Direct Talisman Officials—divine officers charged by the emperors of the five directions with conveying their talismanic commands—also numbers thirty-two.

In Great Radiance, Ultimate and Jasper Heaven, there are thirty-two jade youths in five colors and thirty-two jade maidens in embroidered robes. Each of the Five Emperors’ Direct Talisman Officials also numbers thirty-two.

In Three Qi Cinnabar Heaven, there are thirty-two each of the following: Merit Officers Who Bring People to Immortality, divine officers overseeing the path to the Dao and immortal life; Merit Officers Who Bring the Dead to Natural Release, who oversee the deliverance of the deceased and their return to the natural state; Merit Officers Who Bring Natural Rebirth, who oversee rebirth; attendants of the perfected who fly through heaven; guards of the perfected who fly through heaven; emissaries who inspect the perfected as they fly through heaven; officers on duty; officers who convey messages and present reports; and officers who ride flying dragons.

These are the Eightfold Assembly’s natural jade characters of inner sound, under the authority of the Western White Emperor, ruler of the celestial realm of the west. They govern the celestial documents formed from the Seven Qi, the seven kinds of primordial energy of heaven.

In Prime Origin, Ascent and Rise Heaven, there are thirty-two jade youths in five colors and thirty-two jade maidens in embroidered robes. Each of the Five Emperors’ Direct Talisman Officials also numbers thirty-two.

In Great Peace, Imperial Cliff Heaven, there are thirty-two jade youths in five colors and thirty-two jade maidens in embroidered robes. Each of the Five Emperors’ Direct Talisman Officials also numbers thirty-two.

In Manifested Stability, Ultimate Wind Heaven, there are thirty-two jade youths in five colors.

In Xian Ding Ji Feng Heaven, there are thirty-two Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and thirty-two Imperial Talisman Officers of the Five Emperors (divine officials who carry out the Five Directional Emperors’ commands and proclamations).

In Shi Huang Xiao Mang Heaven, there are thirty-two Jade Boys in Five Colors, thirty-two Maidens in Embroidered Robes, thirty-two Maidens Clad in Jade, and thirty-two Imperial Talisman Officers of the Five Emperors.

In Tai Huang Weng Zhong Fu Rong Heaven, there are thirty-two each of Jade Boys in Five Colors, Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Imperial Talisman Officers of the Five Emperors.

In Wu Si Jiang You Heaven, there are thirty-two each of Jade Boys in Five Colors, Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Imperial Talisman Officers of the Five Emperors.

In Shang Die Ruan Le Heaven, there are thirty-two each of Jade Boys in Five Colors, Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Imperial Talisman Officers of the Five Emperors.

In Wu Ji Tan Shi Heaven, there are thirty-two each of Jade Boys in Five Colors, Maidens in Embroidered Robes, and Imperial Talisman Officers of the Five Emperors.

In Qi Xi Su Heaven, there are thirty-two Immortal-Aiding Merit Officers (divine officials responsible for helping people attain immortality). In Qi Qi Su Heaven, there are thirty-two Natural Liberation Officers (divine officials responsible for release from life and death and return to the natural state), thirty-two Jade Boys, thirty-two Natural Rebirth Officers, and thirty-two Flying-Heaven Attendants of the Perfected (divine officials who serve the Perfected Ones and fly through the heavens).

The Feitian Guardians of Truth, Feitian Envoys Who Inspect the Truth, duty officers, officers who convey messages and report affairs, and Feilong mounted officers of the Seven Qi Pure Heaven each number thirty-two.

The “Natural Jade Characters of the Eight Assemblies and Inner Sounds,” governed by the Northern Black Emperor, are celestial patterns through which the Five Qi govern the heavens.

The officers who convey messages and report affairs, and the Feilong mounted officers of the Bright Court Seven Qi Pure Heaven each number thirty-two.

The “Natural Jade Characters of the Eight Assemblies and Inner Sounds,” governed by the Northern Black Emperor, are celestial patterns through which the Five Qi govern the heavens.

The Heaven of Bright Court and Firmament Crossing has thirty-two jade youths of the five colors, jade maidens in embroidered robes, and direct talisman officers of the Five Emperors. The direct talisman officers of the Five Emperors are divine officials who convey talismanic commands on behalf of the celestial emperors of the five directions.

The Heaven of Abyssal Passage and Primordial Cavern has thirty-two jade youths of the five colors, jade maidens in embroidered robes, and direct talisman officers of the Five Emperors.

The Heaven of Great Pattern, Exalted Favor, and Wondrous Completion has thirty-two jade youths of the five colors, jade maidens in embroidered robes, and direct talisman officers of the Five Emperors.

The Heaven of Great Purity, Elegant Joy, and Forbidden Heights has thirty-two jade youths of the five colors, jade maidens in embroidered robes, and direct talisman officers of the Five Emperors.

The Heaven of Great Emptiness, Supreme Constancy, and Harmonious Fusion has thirty-two jade youths of the five colors, jade maidens in embroidered robes, and direct talisman officers of the Five Emperors.

The Heaven of Great Release, Jade Abundance, and Soaring Triumph has thirty-two jade youths.

In the Heaven of Great Release, Jade Radiance, and Ascendant Triumph (Yulong Tengsheng Tian), there are thirty-two Jade Maidens in embroidered robes. Each of the Five Emperors’ appointed talisman officials—who carry out the commands of the Heavenly Emperors of the Five Directions—has thirty-two attendants.

In the Heaven of Dragon Transformation and Brahma Deliverance, there are thirty-two Jade Youths in five-colored robes, thirty-two Jade Maidens in embroidered robes, and thirty-two attendants for each of the Five Emperors’ appointed talisman officials.

In the Heaven of Great Ultimate, Balanced Nurturing, and Jia Yi, there are thirty-two Jade Youths in five-colored robes, thirty-two Jade Maidens in embroidered robes, and thirty-two attendants for each of the Five Emperors’ appointed talisman officials.

In the Heaven of the Five Qi (named for the five primordial vital energies), there are thirty-two Merit Officers who give rise to immortals, thirty-two Merit Officers who bring about transcendence and natural release, and thirty-two Merit Officers who enable natural renewal. There are also thirty-two each of the Flying-Heaven Attendants of the True, the Flying-Heaven Guardians of the True, and the Flying-Heaven Inspectors of the True. In addition, there are thirty-two Duty Officers, thirty-two Officers who transmit messages and submit reports, and thirty-two Flying Dragon Cavalry Officers.

The names and numbers listed here refer to divine officials and attendants in the heavens. “Merit Officers,” “Duty Officers,” and “Officers who transmit messages and submit reports” are all divine posts responsible for carrying out commands, relaying messages, or submitting reports.

On a certain day in a certain month of a certain year, the Perfected One of a certain mountain (a person who cultivates the Dao), a certain Jia, born in the Jiazi year and a certain month, belonged to the celestial realm governed by a certain Lord of Qi Heaven. Now, in a certain Qi Heaven, a certain Jia receives the teaching from a certain lord, a Daoist master of a certain mountain. He accepts a talismanic text and wears it on his person, uses the Seven Treasures to guard and protect his innate nature, and pledges sincere devotion with gold and silk. He reports to the spirits and makes an oath before Heaven, cherishes this Dharma treasure as his own precious possession, respectfully carries out the methods of the Great Dao, and follows the established rites of old.

A certain Jia reports to the deities who inspect and record the laws and registers of life in the Thirty-Two Heavens, as well as to the immortal officials who serve the scriptures, the Han Office in charge of the registers, the Flying-Heaven Perfected Ones, and the divine kings of the Three Realms: remove his name from the register of the dead and enter his immortal name in the Golden Register and Jade Register (the immortal registers of the Three Realms), placing him among the grades of the Three Origins. In accordance with celestial ritual, send down the Qi of the Perfected Immortals to enter his body.

The Celestial Inspectors and the feather-robed officials who oversee the scriptures in the Thirty-Two Heavens should, according to regulations, dispatch one Jade Boy, one Jade Maiden, and one portion of the Qi of the divine perfected ones to protect this sacred text and bestow it upon a certain Jia. Let this be proclaimed throughout all heavens and earths, the boundless worlds, the sun, moon, and stars, the officials of the Three Realms, the famous mountains of the Five Peaks, the palaces beneath the Nine Rivers, and the Three Officials who govern rewards and punishments. Let it also be made known to every spirit in the Ninefold Darkness, the long night, the Yellow Springs, and the netherworld—whether visible or invisible, named or nameless, able or unable to hear, great or small, high or low, honored or humble.

May all the spirits understand that a certain Jia carries out the methods of the Great Dao, wears a celestial talisman, and has his name entered among the immortal grades of the Three Origins. Wherever he goes, let each place receive him according to established precedent, with an audience three times each day, as though he were in the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity (a celestial palace). Remove his name from the documents of the underworld and the registers of the Ninefold Darkness; cut off the roots of his past offenses and gradually dispel his harmful karmic ties, so that he is no longer detained or called to account and remains untouched through countless kalpas.

May the seven generations of a certain Jia’s ancestors receive blessings together and all ascend to the realm of immortals, at ease and free in the Seven-Treasure Grove of the Mysterious Capital. May their souls undergo refinement and deliverance, and in due time be reborn. A certain Jia, too, should have his name removed from the registers of the underworld; may the roots of his past offenses be cut off, his harmful karmic ties gradually fade, and he no longer be detained or implicated through countless kalpas. May his seven generations of ancestors receive blessings together, ascend to the realm of immortals, roam freely in the Seven-Treasure Grove of the Mysterious Capital, and gain new life through the refinement and deliverance of their souls.

Having sworn to carry out the methods of the Great Dao, a certain Jia should discipline himself according to the methods of Illuminating the Perfected, and carefully remain sincere and steadfast. In the end, he should pass from the ordinary to the immortal, consort with the Five Emperors, and roam through the heavens. If he breaks his oath, reveals the celestial talisman, or transmits it without authorization before the prescribed time, he must bear the consequences for his offenses in life and death and incur a burden of guilt as heavy as the source of a great river. He must also endure the punishment of wind-blades through ten thousand kalpas, and suffer suppression and beating through the long night. All consequences of sin and blessing shall be carried out according to the written oath.

The Perfected Sovereign of Heaven says: To receive and uphold the Jade Characters of the Natural Inner Sounds of the Heavens, follow the regulations set out in the Canon of Illuminating the Real. Write them in cinnabar on white silk, and offer the Seven Treasures, along with spirit metal and silk for consecrating the altar. With sincere devotion, present memorials made of yellow silk, reporting to the heavens the text of deliverance and transformation. Display the text at the center of the altar for three days and three nights. If no wind or rain strikes it and the characters do not scatter, it accords with the true Dao and may be transmitted.

Jade Instructions on the Hidden Brahmic Words and Measureless Cavern Chapters of the Natural Jade Characters of the Inner Sounds of All the Heavens

First Jade Instructions on the Sounds of Great Yellow Emperor Zeng Heaven

The Eightfold Script and Sounds of the Azure Heaven of the Nine Qi in the East

In Emperor Zeng Heaven, the first, second, and third characters are written facing upward on the lofty towers of the Mysterious Capital. They are used to rectify the measures of Heaven and Earth and summon the perfected ones and great spirits of the ten directions. The fourth and fifth characters are written on the southern gallery of the Emperor Lord’s roaming terrace, where they cause natural spirits and perfected beings to arise from empty space. The sixth, seventh, and eighth characters are written at the gates of the Sun and Moon, where they allow light to reach the Ninefold Darkness—the deepest regions of the netherworld—and open the mansions of the long night. Each character is one zhang square, shining with eight corners, and is located in Emperor Zeng Heaven.

The Perfected Heavenly Immortal (a Daoist immortal) said: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals, on the ten purification days of each month—the first, eighth, fourteenth, fifteenth, eighteenth, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, and thirtieth—write the first, second, and third characters of “Huang Zeng Heaven” in cinnabar. Facing north, swallow them and recite the prescribed incantation. After practicing this for one hundred days, the myriad spirits will come to pay homage.

On the fifteenth and thirtieth days of each month, write the fourth and fifth characters in cinnabar. Facing east, swallow them and recite the prescribed incantation. After twenty-four years of this practice, spirits and Perfected Beings will appear together. Whether living or dead, one can ascend to the imperial lord’s celestial terrace.

On the waxing quarter, waning quarter, and full moon of each month, write the sixth and seventh characters in cinnabar. Facing east, swallow them and recite the prescribed incantation. After twenty-four years of this practice, spirits and Perfected Beings will appear together. Whether living or dead, one can ascend to the imperial lord’s celestial terrace.

On the waxing quarter, waning quarter, and full moon of each month, write the sixth, seventh, and eighth characters in cinnabar. Facing the moon, swallow them and continue this practice for eight years. The body will shine from within, and the face will take on a golden hue. Whether living or dead, one can ascend to the halls of the sun and moon, undergo refinement and deliverance, and become an immortal. Wearing this text will free one from the registers of evil retribution kept by the Three Officials, the divine administrators of Heaven, Earth, and Water, and one’s name will be entered in Huang Zeng Heaven. Thereafter, as one passes through life and death according to the cycles of fate, one will endure for countless kalpas without perishing. This method is profound and precious, and its efficacy is equal to the Way of Flying to Heaven.

The Second Jade Formula of the Sound of Tai Ming Yu Wan Heaven

The first and second characters of Yu Wan Heaven are to be written together upon the Jade Gate in the northwest of the celestial realm, where they govern the limits of the kalpas of Heaven and Earth. The third and fourth characters are then written upon the jade fan at the gate of the Three Realms, where they govern the initial opening of Heaven and Earth and the setting of its divisions and measures.

The fifth and sixth characters are written in the Upper Purple Tenuity Palace, where judgments of sin and merit are made and the gates of life and death are opened. The seventh and eighth characters are written within the Northern Origin’s Mysterious Dipper, where they govern the movement of the Celestial Pass and the cycles of reincarnation.

Each character in the celestial book is one zhang square. In Yu Wan Heaven, its eight corners shine brightly, radiant with color.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: Those who cultivate the Way of flying immortals should, on the days Wuchen and Wuxu, write the first and second characters of Yuwan Heaven in cinnabar. Facing northwest, they should swallow them and recite the prescribed incantation. In this way, they can follow the course of destiny through life and death, be reborn in successive generations, and ultimately take their place among the flying immortals.

On the day corresponding to their birth-year sign, they should write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar, face the direction associated with that sign, swallow them, and recite the prescribed incantation. After one hundred days, the Earth Official will remove their names from the register of the dead, and the Three Realms will protect them as they become immortals. At the moment of death, they will be able to ascend directly through the Gate of the Three Transformations. Then, on a Jiazi day, they should write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar, face north, swallow them, and recite the incantation as before. After one hundred days, the Three Officials will strike their offenses from the register of sins and record their names in Heaven. For wandering souls listed by the Office of the Director of Destinies, this will free them from the place of the Long Night and bring them to the Hall of Blessings and Virtue, where they will receive deliverance and be reborn.

Then, on the days of the Beginning of Spring and the Autumnal Equinox, they should write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar, face the sovereign, swallow them, and recite the prescribed incantation. After seven years, the Dark Dipper will record their names, admitting them among the ranks of the assembled immortals and the Imperial Lords of Dawn. Their ancestors of seven generations will also be able to ride chariots of dark feathers and ascend to the Palace of Jade Dawn. Those who wear these written characters will release the souls of the Ninefold Darkness from unresolved debts of resentment carried over from past lives, and remove the causes of the Eight Calamities from the Long Night. The living and the dead alike will receive universal deliverance, attain liberation and freedom, and enter the Seven-Treasure Grove of the Dark Terrace.

The celestial sound of Qingming He Tong says: Ride chariots of dark feathers and ascend to the Palace of Jade Dawn. Those who wear these written characters will release the souls of the Ninefold Darkness from unresolved debts of resentment carried over from past lives, and remove the causes of the Eight Calamities from the Long Night. The living and the dead alike will receive universal deliverance, attain liberation and freedom, and enter the Seven-Treasure Grove of the Dark Terrace.

The Third Jade Formula.

In Hetong Heaven, the first of the Six Heavens of the Desire Realm, the first and second characters are inscribed on the Golden Radiance Upper Palace. They govern the registers of the living and the dead, along with the roots of merit and transgression. The third and fourth characters are inscribed on the Seven-Treasure Mysterious Terrace of the Jade Capital, where they govern the rites for the myriad immortals paying homage. The fifth and sixth characters are inscribed in the Hall of the Nine Numina. They govern the cycles marking the great limits of Heaven and Earth, open the source of mysterious transformation, and carry out the work of widely saving living beings. The seventh and eighth characters are inscribed above the Mysterious Pass of the Northern Origin, where they govern the beginnings of the movement, flourishing, and decline of the Qi of Heaven and Earth. Each side of the celestial text measures one zhang; it is octagonal and shines brilliantly within Hetong Heaven.

The Venerable Celestial Emperor says: Those who cultivate the Way of flying immortals should, on the seventh day of the seventh month, write in cinnabar the first and second characters of Hetong Heaven. Facing south, they should swallow them and recite the prescribed incantation. After one hundred days, the Nine Offices, which oversee the affairs of the underworld, will remove their record of transgressions from the registers of the netherworld, and the Mysterious Capital will record in golden script that they have returned to life.

If the dead cultivate in this way, they can escape the Ninefold Darkness, the depths of the underworld, and their hun and shen will ascend to the Palace of the Southern Pole. They should also, on the days of the Eight Seasonal Nodes—Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar, face north, and swallow them. After one hundred days, divine perfected beings from the Three Realms will come to pay homage to the cultivator, enabling them to roam freely between life and death and dwell in the Seven-Treasure Grove. Then, on a day of Wuxu or Wuchen, they should write the fifth through eighth characters in cinnabar and swallow them facing northwest. This will allow them to pass through calamities in the great cycle and perils of water and fire, and, as the cycles turn, to be born anew in the Heaven of Primordial Azure.

The Jade Formula of Sound in the Mysterious Womb and Balanced Peaceful Heaven, Part Four

In the Mysterious Womb and Balanced Peaceful Heaven, write the first through fourth characters together with the seventh and eighth characters, then swallow them facing northwest. This will allow you to pass through calamities in the great cycle and perils of water and fire, and, as the cycles turn, to be born anew in the Heaven of Primordial Azure.

The Jade Formula of Sound in the Mysterious Womb and Balanced Peaceful Heaven, Part Four

The first through fourth characters in Pingyu Heaven, four characters in all, are inscribed side by side above the Gate of Azure Radiance in the Supreme Palace of Taiji. They govern the assembly of perfected immortals and jade maidens as they chant the sounds of the Five Harmonies. The fifth and sixth characters are inscribed on the Terrace of the Cavern of Origin. They govern the radiance of auspicious clouds in Heaven and are used to compose music that harmonizes the Eight Tones. The seventh and eighth characters are inscribed in the Upper Lodge of the Cavern of Spirit. They govern the imperial lord’s journeys to behold the eight directions, subdue the heavenly demons, and open the way for perfected beings to be transformed and guided. Each character in the heavenly script is one zhang square, has eight corners, and shines brightly in Pingyu Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Emperor said: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality should write the first four characters in cinnabar on the Eight Seasonal Nodes and on jiazi days, then face north and swallow them. After one hundred days, jade maidens will appear and play in the cultivator’s chamber. Their chanting will resonate with the upper realm and summon the emperors. On the days of the spring and autumn equinoxes, write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar, gaze up at the sky, visualize white clouds, and then swallow the characters. After one hundred days, the face will take on a jade-like luster, and one will be able to communicate with the immortals. On days of purification, write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar, face north, and swallow them. After twenty-four years, one will ascend together with those in the realms of life and death, roam the eight directions, transform throughout them, and wander freely in the Seven-Treasure Grove of the Mysterious Capital.

Wenju Heaven’s Celestial Sounds and Jade Instructions of Yuanming, Chapter Five

The first through fourth characters in Wenju Heaven are written on the Gate of the Three Celestial Conveniences. They govern the Qi of the Heavenly Origin’s numbers, open the passage of Great Abundance, and connect with the perfected beings of Longhan. The fifth and sixth characters are written on the Terrace of Harmonious Life. This terrace is a roaming platform of the Southern Pole’s Upper Origin. It governs the perfected beings and jade maidens as they scatter the fragrance of the Five Harmonies, spreading celestial splendor throughout Heaven. The seventh and eighth characters are written in the Lodge of Purple Yang. They govern the Qi of numinous winds and the swift conveyance of auspicious clouds. Each character in the heavenly script is one zhang square, has eight corners, and shines brightly in Wenju Heaven.

The Perfected Sovereign of Heaven said: To cultivate the path of flying transcendence, on a Wuxu or Wuchen day, write the four characters “Wenju in the Midheaven” in cinnabar and hang them in the Midheaven. They govern the energy of numinous winds and cause auspicious clouds to gather swiftly. Each character in the heavenly script is one zhang square, radiates light from its eight corners, and manifests in the Midheaven of Wenju.

The Perfected Sovereign of Heaven also said: To cultivate the path of flying transcendence, on a Wuxu or Wuchen day, write the four characters “Wenju in the Midheaven” in cinnabar, face the Gate of Heaven, and swallow them. In this way, whether alive or dead, one can pass through the calamity of Yang Nine, a period of disaster in Daoist teaching. While alive, one can enter a renewed realm, wander above the court of the Three Realms, and enter the “Gate of Three Conveniences.” In addition, on a day of fasting, write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar, face the direction of one’s birth destiny, and swallow them. After one hundred days, a Jade Maiden, a Daoist deity, will descend, and the myriad spirits will gather within the body. Then, on the day when the Grand Year (Tai Sui) is in charge, write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar, face south, and swallow them. After eight years, the body will shine with a jade-like radiance and give off a natural fragrance. One will be able to consort with the perfected beings; a Jade Maiden will dwell in one’s chamber, and one’s seven generations of ancestors will all roam in the Hall of Purple Yang.

The Jade Instructions on the Heavenly Sounds of the Seven Luminaries and Moyi, Part Six

The first and second characters in Moyi Heaven should be written above the Jade Gate of the Dark Capital. They govern the opening of the great light of Great Being during ascension and the scattering of innate numinous power. The third and fourth characters should be inscribed on the Terrace of Purple Tenuity. They govern the opening of the Ninefold Netherworld’s gates, allowing souls from the long night to emerge. The fifth and sixth characters should be written at the Northern Numinous Knot. They govern the opening of the Eight Books in the Void Cavern and the subjugation of the myriad demons in the imperial court. The seventh and eighth characters should be written at the Northern Pole. They govern the registers of life and death and the recording and accounting of the books of good and evil. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square, radiate light from their eight corners, and manifest in the Heaven of the Seven Luminaries.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals may, on their natal day—the day corresponding to their birth year—write the first two characters in cinnabar, face their natal direction, and swallow them. If they persist for a year, whether in life or after death they will share in the achievements of the flying immortals. After death, they will bypass the Earth Official’s examination and ascend directly to the Upper Palace of the Mysterious Capital.

On a Gengshen or Jiashen day, they may also write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar, face northwest, and swallow them. In this way, within a hundred days, their ancestors of seven generations will all escape the Long Night—that is, the darkness of the underworld—and ascend to the Eight Gates of Zhu Ling Palace.

Then, at noon on the fifth day of the fifth month, they should write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar, face south, and swallow them. After twenty-four years, they will be able to travel through the Moyi Heaven, summon and dispatch demonic hosts, subdue numinous beings, and command the awe of a million.

On the seventh day of the seventh month, they should write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar, face their natal direction, and swallow them. Within a hundred days, the Northern Emperor, who oversees the registers of the underworld, will erase their name from the register of the dead, while the Southern Palace will enter it in the register of the living. From then on, the Director of Destinies will oversee the registers of life and death and the allotment of years, enabling them to become an immortal and ultimately a Perfected Person.

Jade Instructions on the Celestial Sounds of Void and Beyond-Heng Heaven, Chapter Seven

The first and second characters of Beyond-Heng Heaven should be written on the Mysterious Terrace of Primordial Beginning. They govern the order by which Heaven and Earth open and close, and are the essential formula for sustaining the Dao’s operation in the farthest reaches of the eight directions. The third and fourth characters should be written on the gate of the Mysterious Pass in the Northern Upper Realm; they govern the movement and transformation of Qi. The fifth and sixth characters should be written on the northwestern gate of Heaven; they govern the changes through which the Five True Texts are concealed, revealed, and set in motion, and open the appointed times of life and death. The seventh and eighth characters should be inscribed on the Terrace of the Nine Nights; they govern the return of the souls of the dead to their numinous nature, their reception of new life and rebirth as human beings, and the registers of life and death, the allotment of years, and the roots of karmic ties across successive lifetimes.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals may, on their natal day, write the first and second characters in cinnabar, face the Gate of Heaven, and swallow them. In this way, they will govern their bodily spirits and the fortunes of life and death, and their blessings will endure. After death, they will be reborn as human beings, and will be linked to the registers of life and death and to the roots of karmic ties across successive lifetimes.

The Celestial Immortal Tianzhen Huangren (a transcendent being in Daoist legend) said: Those who cultivate the Way of flying immortals should, on the day of their natal cycle (the day whose Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch correspond to their birth year), write the first and second characters in cinnabar, face the Gate of Heaven, and swallow them. This will bind the spirits within the body and give them command over life and death, keeping them long within the shelter of blessings so that they do not depart.

They should also, on the day corresponding to their age in the current year, write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar, face the Earthly Portal, and swallow them. This will bind the Jing and Qi within the body and give them command over life and death, allowing them to dwell forever in the Southern Palace (the Daoist palace of immortality) without leaving the body.

Then, on the day of the Grand Year (the day corresponding to the Grand Year deity for that year), write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar, face the Grand Year deity, and swallow them. Persevere for eight years, and purple light will emerge from the Five Viscera. All the spirits will undergo refinement together, and in the end one will transcend life and death and become an immortal.

One should also, on the winter solstice, write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar, face north, and swallow them. Then the Nine Ancestors (ancestors across nine generations) will all escape the realm of darkness and ascend to the Southern Palace. One’s own destiny will also move in accord with the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (a revered Daoist deity), enduring through kalpas without end. Purple light will arise from the body, all the spirits will undergo refinement together, and in the end one will transcend life and death, become an immortal, and attain the merit of a flying immortal.

The Eighth Jade Formula of the Sound of the Heaven of Veiled Obscurity of the Taiji

The first through fourth characters of the Heaven of Veiled Obscurity should be inscribed on the Long Tower at the Bend of the Nine Turns of Dragon Mountain, where they preside over the rites for the Sovereign’s excursions and inspections. The fifth and sixth characters should be inscribed on the Dark Terrace of the Northern Dipper, where they govern the registers of life, death, and destiny. The seventh and eighth characters should be inscribed in the Palace of Long Life of the Southern Dipper, where they govern the deliverance of departed souls into the Southern Palace, the ordering of spirits undergoing refinement, and the registers of their rebirth.

The Perfected Sovereign of Heaven says: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals should write the “first four characters” in cinnabar on the eight seasonal festivals—Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—and swallow them while facing the royal direction. After practicing in this way for twenty-four years, the Imperial Lord will descend, and the Highest Perfected—immortals who have attained the Dao—will come to the practitioner’s dwelling.

On the fifth day of the fifth month, write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing north. The Lords of the Northern Dipper will then remove the practitioner’s name from the register of the dead and transfer it to the immortal palace where the living reside. On the seventh day of the seventh month, write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing south. The Lords of the Southern Dipper will then draw out the practitioner’s dead soul and refine and deliver it, enabling it to enter the immortal palace of the living and the Hall of Natural Blessings, where it will receive a heavenly register and sustenance.

The Sounds of the Eight Assemblies of Writing in the Southern Cinnabar Heaven of the Three Qi

The first through fourth characters in the Heaven of Harmonious Yang are written in the Hall of Grotto Yang. They record the registers of Perfected Ones and Dao adepts who have received refinement and deliverance. The fifth through eighth characters are written in the Upper Palace of the Southern Pole. They record the registers of those who have undergone refinement, received feathered regalia—the ceremonial retinue of immortals—and ascended to the rank of the Perfected.

The Perfected Sovereign of Heaven says: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals should write the first four characters in cinnabar on the fifth day of the fifth month and swallow them while facing the direction of their birth destiny. After five years of practice, the deities within the body will become clear and well ordered; the inner and outer realms will grow bright, impurities will recede, and the practitioner will attain communion with the Dao. The spirits will also communicate with them. On the seventh day of the seventh month, write the fifth through eighth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the direction of the Grand Year. Through this cultivation, immortal Qi will gather within the five internal organs, a round halo will appear at the back of the neck, and the deities will stand guard. The immortal retinue will form of its own accord, and the practitioner will ultimately attain the rank of a Perfected One, able to wander, feast, and dwell in the Heaven of Great Clarity, a high celestial realm in Daoism.

The first four characters in Gonghua Heaven are written on the Mysterious Terrace atop Jade Capital Mountain. They govern the opening of the Heavenly Origin, the movement of fortune, and the hidden workings behind the changes of things. The last four characters are written together in the Upper Primordial Palace of the Southern Pole. They govern life and death, merit and fault, and the registers that record the span of life. Together, the eight characters are each one square zhang in size, shining with light from eight corners and illuminating Gonghua Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals may write the first four characters in cinnabar on the day of the Beginning of Spring, then face east and swallow them. Persist for eight years, and they will see the gods appear in boundless transformations. Whatever turns fate may take, and however life and death alternate, they will endure through countless kalpas. They may also write the last four characters in cinnabar on their natal day—the day corresponding to the zodiac animal of their birth year—then face the Grand Year deity, who governs the fortunes of the current year, and swallow them. After one hundred days, the Three Officials, deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, will erase their names from the register of the dead, and the Southern Palace will enter them in the register of the living. The Ninefold Darkness, the land of the netherworld, will release the souls of their nine ancestors, and Vermilion Mound, an immortal realm in Daoist mythology, will welcome the bodies they regain. After ten thousand kalpas, they will all dwell in peace within the Forest of Seven Treasures.

Third: The Jade Formula of the Luminous Origin, the Drifting Heaven Sound

The first four characters in Zongpiao Heaven are written in the Yellow Chamber on Dragon Marsh Mountain, in the southwest of Heaven. They govern the opening of the light of the sun and moon, as well as the karmic affinities and merits of Flying-Heaven Perfected Ones as they cultivate the Dao and attain immortality. The fifth and sixth characters are written in the Upper Lodge of the Sun and Moon. They govern the courses of the three lights—the sun, moon, and stars—and the patterns of waxing, waning, increase, and decline. The seventh and eighth characters are written above the Mysterious Pass at the center of Heaven. They govern the limits of time within which the worlds without end in the four directions proceed. Together, the eight characters are each one square zhang in size, shining with light from eight corners and illuminating Zongpiao Heaven.

The Celestial Immortal Tianzhen Huangren, a perfected immortal in Daoist scriptures, says: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality may write the first four characters in cinnabar on the day corresponding to their birth and destiny, then face south and swallow them. This can help them pass through the calamity of the Sun’s Nine and dispel the misfortunes associated with it. On the days of the first and last quarter of the moon, they may also write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar, then face the sun and moon and swallow them. In this way, they can transcend the darkness of both the living and the dead and remain always in the light. No impurity can encroach upon them, and no demon or spirit can harm them.

They may also write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar on the day of the Grand Year (the day corresponding to the Grand Year of that year), then face the Grand Year and swallow them. In this way, whether living or dead, they can move freely through the realm of Limitlessness, unbound by life and death. They will be far from the suffering of the Five Pains and dwell in carefree joy. They can also transcend the darkness and remain always in the light, untouched by impurity and unharmed by demons or spirits.

The Fourth Secret of the Jade Formula on the Celestial Sounds of Zhuluo Huangjia Heaven

In Huangjia Heaven, the first and second characters are written together in the Upper Palace of Ziwei, where they govern the revelation of celestial records and documents, as well as the registers of those to be saved. The third and fourth characters are written on the window of the Northern Emperor Hanling, where they govern the spirits of the myriad demons. The fifth and sixth characters are written at the Gate of the Three Conveniences, where they govern the subjugation of the cloud-dwelling ghosts who sing. The seventh and eighth characters are written at the gates of the Northern and Southern Dippers, where they govern the registers of life and death, merit and fault, good and evil.

Together, these eight characters are each one zhang in height and width, radiating light from their eight corners and illuminating Huangjia Heaven. At the end, the text also mentions the two characters “Tianzhen,” written at the gates of the Northern and Southern Dippers, where they govern the registers of life and death, merit and fault, good and evil.

The Perfected One of Heaven said: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals, on the day of the spring equinox write the two characters above in cinnabar and swallow them while facing east. In this way, whether in life or after death, you will be delivered and enter Zhuling, a palace in the immortal realm, where you will receive an immortal title.

You may also write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar on the day of the beginning of winter and swallow them while facing northeast, continuing for one hundred days. Then all ghosts will conceal themselves and dare not offend you. The cultivator will bring their own conduct into proper order, and divine spirits and Perfected Ones will come to descend.

You may also write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar on one of the Eight Seasonal Nodes—the beginning of spring, spring equinox, beginning of summer, summer solstice, beginning of autumn, autumn equinox, beginning of winter, or winter solstice—and swallow them while facing the Gate of Heaven. Then, when you recite, your voice will ring clear and carry far, reaching up to the Nine Heavens. All demons will submit, your cultivation and merit will be complete, and in the end you will become an immortal.

You may also write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar on the fifth day of the fifth month or the seventh day of the seventh month, and swallow them while facing the ruler, continuing for one hundred days. Then the Northern Emperor, the deity who governs the underworld, will strike your name from the register of the dead, while the Southern Dipper, the deity who governs longevity and the registers of immortals, will enter your name in the immortal register. Thus you will be delivered in both life and death and become a Flying-Heaven Perfected One.

Jade Instructions on the Celestial Sound of Xuming Tangyao, Fifth

The first four characters, “Within Tangyao Heaven,” are written atop the nine-tiered platform in Jade Capital, the immortal realm’s capital, where they govern the rites for the court audience of Flying-Heaven Perfected Ones. The four characters below are written in the Upper Lodge of Nanfudongyang, where they govern the grades of deliverance granted to cultivators. Each of these eight characters is one zhang high and one zhang wide. Their eight corners shine brightly, illuminating the heavens of Tangyao.

The Perfected One of Heaven said: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals, on one of the Eight Seasonal Nodes write the four characters above in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the ruler. In this way, whether in life or after death, you will ascend to Xuandu Palace to pay court, receive the five-colored auspicious radiance poured down by the Flying Heavens, and become a Flying-Heaven Perfected One.

You may also write the four characters below in cinnabar on the fifth day of the fifth month or the seventh day of the seventh month, and swallow them while facing south. Then your hun and shen will be refined, your Qi will naturally become clear and properly ordered, and the Eight Radiances—deities that protect the body and mind—will gather to guard you. Together they will bear up your body and raise you to Qianlin, above Xuandu.

Jade Instructions on the Celestial Sound of Guanming Duanjing, Sixth

The first character is located at the center of Duanjing Heaven, written above the Heavenly Pass, and governs the Qi of the four seasons. The second, third, and fourth characters are written within the Northern Dipper’s Mysterious Pass and govern the rites at which the assembled perfected immortals attend court and feast. The fifth and sixth characters are written on the northern wall of the Golden Gate and govern the subjugation of heavenly demons. The seventh and eighth characters are written at the Gate of the Three Transformations and govern matters concerning the deliverance of those who cultivate the Dao. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang in circumference, and all eight corners shine brightly within Duanjing Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: Those who cultivate the path of flying immortals should write the first character in cinnabar on the days of the Eight Seasonal Nodes—the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—and swallow it while facing the royal direction. Persist for one hundred days, and no calamity will harm you; poisonous influences and epidemics will not dare approach. You will also harmonize with the Qi of the four seasons and attain clear insight into the natural Dao.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign also says: Those who cultivate the path of flying immortals should write the first character in cinnabar on the days of the Eight Seasonal Nodes and swallow it while facing the royal direction. After one hundred days, no calamity will harm you, and poisonous influences and epidemics will not dare approach. On the days of the Eight Seasonal Nodes, also write the second, third, and fourth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the royal direction; then the myriad spirits will come to your door and attend court. On the day of the Beginning of Winter, write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing northeast; this will subdue the myriad demons and bind ghosts and spirits. On the seventh day of the seventh month, write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the direction of your birth destiny. Then your immortal name will be entered in the southern Jade Register, the register of the immortal realm; departed souls will be freed from beneath the earth, and you yourself will be able to enter the Gate of the Dharma Wheel and wander and feast within the Portal of Illumination.

“Jade Instructions on the Celestial Sounds of Xuanming Gongqing,” fascicle seven.

In Gongqing Heaven, the first character is written on the north wall of Ziwei Palace and governs the command of the myriad gods. The second character is written in Donghua Palace and is used to establish the rites for divine dragons and Dragon Kings. The third through sixth characters are written at the Gate of the Three Conveniences and govern the registers of life and death, as well as the ranks through which immortals deliver people from the world. The seventh and eighth characters are written in the Southern Pole Palace and govern the rites for refining and delivering the spirits of the dead through the Five Qi. Each of these eight characters is one zhang square, radiant with light from its eight corners, and appears in Gongqing Heaven.

The Celestial Worthy Emperor said: Those who practice the Way of Flying Immortals should write the first character in cinnabar on the first day of the first lunar month, face east, and swallow it. In this way, the myriad gods will attend and guard them, and their might will subdue the ten directions. On the day of the Start of Spring, they should write the second character in cinnabar, face east, and swallow it; after eight years, divine dragons will become their messengers. Then, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, they should write the third through sixth characters in cinnabar, face south, and swallow them. After one hundred days, the Northern Emperor will remove the practitioner’s name from the register of the dead and place them among the ranks of immortals in the Three Realms. On the day of the summer solstice, they should write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar, face south, and swallow them. After one hundred days, their face will shine with a jade-like radiance, the myriad gods will be settled and stationed in their defense, and five days later they will attain the Way of the Immortals.

The Eighth Section of the Jade Formula of the Celestial Sounds of Taihuan Jiyao

In Jiyao Heaven, the first through fourth characters are written on the Seven-Treasure Terrace of Mount Yujing and govern the rites for the Perfected Ones when they travel abroad. The remaining four characters are written in Ziwei Palace and govern the registers of life and death, as well as the lists of those who have attained the Way and received immortal rank. Each of these eight characters is one zhang square, radiant with light from its eight corners, and appears in Jiyao Heaven.

The Celestial Worthy Emperor said: The characters written on the Seven-Treasure Terrace of Mount Yujing govern the rites for the Perfected Ones when they travel abroad. The remaining four characters are written in Ziwei Palace and govern the registers of life and death, as well as the lists of those who have attained the Way and received immortal rank. Each of these eight characters is one zhang square, radiant with light from its eight corners, and appears in Jiyao Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality, on the days when the eight seasonal nodes shift through the four seasons, write the four characters above in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the direction of the Northern Dipper. Afterward, observe purification and cultivate the Dao, and the myriad spirits will guard you. Recite the scriptures in a clear, resonant voice, and the assembled perfected immortals will descend as well. On your own natal day, write the four characters below in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the Grand Year. Then the Three Officials will erase your name from the registers of the underworld, and the Purple Tenuity Enclosure will enter it in the registers of immortals. Whether in life or after death, you will ascend to the Jade Capital Terrace and roam freely in the Palace of Purple Tenuity in the Mysterious Capital.

First Jade Formula of the Eightfold Script of the Primordial Era, Kongsheng Heaven

This is the script and sound of the Eightfold Assembly of the White Heaven of the Seven Qi in the west.

In Kongsheng Heaven, the four characters above are to be written together above the Southern Pole’s Mysterious Window. They govern the refinement and ranking of those who have attained the Dao. The fifth and sixth characters are to be written in the Southern Pole’s Hall of Dongyang. They govern the refinement and elevation in the ranks of immortals of those who have attained the Dao. The seventh and eighth characters are to be written above the north-facing window on the southern side. They govern the Qi that subdues the myriad demons’ invasions and trials. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square, and shine in eight directions throughout Kongsheng Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality, on the fifth day of the fifth month or the seventh day of the seventh month, write the four characters above in cinnabar and swallow them while facing south. This will cause the eight directions to shine brightly in Kongsheng Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign also says: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality, on the fifth day of the fifth month or the seventh day of the seventh month, write the four characters above in cinnabar and swallow them while facing south. Then the body will be nourished by fluids, bright within and without, and the myriad spirits will guard the body’s palace. On your own natal day, write the fifth and sixth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the direction of your birth destiny. The Three Officials will then erase your name from the registers of the underworld, and the immortal realm of the Southern Pole will enter it in the register of those delivered into immortality. Then, on the day of the Beginning of Spring, write the seventh and eighth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing north. The myriad demons will be subdued, and ghosts and spirits will be destroyed; the divine immortals and perfected numinous beings will all gather around you, and your body will ascend to the realm of Great Clarity.

Second Jade Formula of the Script and Sound of Tai’an Huangya Heaven

The first two characters of “Emperor Cliff Heaven” are written on the southern side of the Golden Watchtower. They govern the workings by which Heaven and Earth are brought into being. The third and fourth characters are written in the Chamber of Communicating with the True One, in the Great Luo Heaven. They govern the cleansing of all dust, filth, and foul energy, and also oversee the registers of those who may be delivered from suffering. The fifth through eighth characters are written together in the Hall of Blessings in the Southern Palace. They govern the ranks and grades of the immortals who attain the Way and fly through Heaven. Taken together, the eight characters are each one zhang across; their eight corners radiate brilliant light, appearing in Emperor Cliff Heaven.

The three characters “True Sovereign Man” are also written in the Hall of Blessings in the Southern Palace. They govern the ranks and grades of the immortals who attain the Way and fly through Heaven. Taken together, the eight characters are each one zhang across; their eight corners radiate brilliant light, appearing in Emperor Cliff Heaven.

The True Sovereign Man says: Those who cultivate the Way of the Flying Immortal should write the first two characters in cinnabar on the day ruled by the Grand Year, face east, and swallow them. Then, whether alive or dead, they can travel back and forth with the workings of Heaven and Earth, their radiance never extinguished. On each of the Eight Seasonal Nodes—the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar, face “Wang,” and swallow them. This will cleanse all foul energy, purify and rectify the spirit and vital energy, enter one’s name in the Vermilion Palace, and bring the immortal officials to welcome one. Then, on the seventh day of the seventh month, write the final four characters in cinnabar, face south, and swallow them. One will thereby be admitted to the ranks of those delivered to immortality in Taiji, with the Nine Numina recording one’s name in the Hall of Blessings. In both life and death, one can enjoy food bestowed by nature and delight in the Forest of Seven Treasures.

Jade Instructions on the Sounds of Manifested Stability, Ultimate Wind Heaven, Part Three

In Ultimate Wind Heaven, the first two characters are written on the shaded side of the Moon Palace. They govern the ceremonial rites of the Heavenly King’s travels and banquets, and regulate the radiance cast by moonlight. The third and fourth characters are written in the Purple Chamber of the Mysterious Capital. They govern the appointed times when the kalpas of Heaven and Earth converge. The final four characters are written together on the Mysterious Terrace of the Jade Capital. They govern the registers of life and death, recording good and evil, merit and fault. Taken together, the eight characters are each one zhang across; their eight corners radiate brilliant light, appearing in Ultimate Wind Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: Those who cultivate the Way of flying immortals should, on the third day after the new moon appears, write the upper two characters of the scripture in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing the moon. Persist for three hundred days, and your face will take on a golden sheen and your body will shine. Then, on the days of the Eight Seasonal Nodes (the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice), write the next two characters in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing northwest. In this way, you will pass through the time of great calamity and the disasters of Heaven and Earth. Then, on the day corresponding to the Grand Year Star (Tai Sui) for that year, write the next four characters in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing the direction of your birth destiny. Persist for one hundred days, and the Three Offices—divine authorities governing the affairs of Heaven, Earth, and Water—will remove your name from the registers of the underworld, while the Southern Palace records your immortal name. After twenty-four years, clouds of three colors will appear three times to welcome you. You will ascend to the Court of the Radiant Sovereign, roam freely in the Great Nonbeing, and become a Perfected of the Radiant Empyrean.

The Fourth Jade Formula of the Celestial Sounds of the Xiaomang Heaven of the First Sovereign

The four characters above in the Xiaomang Heaven concern “the Court of the Radiant Sovereign, roaming freely in the Great Nonbeing, and holding the rank of a Perfected of the Radiant Empyrean.”

The Fourth Jade Formula of the Celestial Sounds of the Xiaomang Heaven of the First Sovereign

The four characters above in the Xiaomang Heaven are also inscribed on the Vermilion Gate of the Upper Zhu Ling in the south, the palace gate of the southern immortal realm. They govern life and death, the deliverance of the dead, and the Red Register, which records the correspondence between good and evil deeds and their karmic consequences. The four characters below are inscribed on the Sun’s Upper Lodge. They govern the bodies of those who have attained deliverance as they undergo refining and deliverance, opening the gates of the Ninefold Darkness and entering the Gate of Rebirth. Together, the eight characters above and below are each one zhang square, their eight corners shining brilliantly as they appear in the Xiaomang Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: Those who cultivate the Way of flying immortals should, on the day of their birth destiny, write the four characters above in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing the direction of their birth destiny. Persist for one hundred days, and the Ninefold Darkness will remove your name from the registers of past lives, while the Southern Palace records your immortal name. Your name will then be erased from the registers of life and death, and you will be reborn in a blessed realm. Then, at midday on the fifteenth day of each month, write the four characters below in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing the sun. Persist for three years, and the Solar Youth—a deity within the sun—will descend, and sunlight will appear on your face. After death, you will undergo refining and deliverance and be reborn. When your great destiny is fulfilled, you will ride the Chariot of Flying Radiance, roam above the Three Realms and in the Court of Great Stillness, and share its blessings with your ancestors for seven generations. In every generation, you will become an immortal king.

The Fifth Jade Formula of the Celestial Sounds of the Great Yellow Elder of the Repeatedly Floating Rong Heaven

The upper two characters in the Repeatedly Floating Heaven are inscribed on the nine-tiered tall tower of the Dark Capital, where they summon the demonic beings of Heaven. The third and fourth characters are inscribed on the Gate of the Three Passages, where they silence the ballads sung by the demon kings of Heaven. The four characters below are inscribed on the Upper Lodge of the Northern Spirit.

In Wengzhong Heaven, the first two characters are inscribed on the nine-tiered tower of Xuandu, where they summon the demons of the heavenly realm. The third and fourth characters are inscribed on the Gate of the Three Conveniences, where they silence the songs of the heavenly demon kings. The final four characters are inscribed in the Upper Hall of Northern Numinous Heaven, where they govern the prisons holding forty thousand ghosts. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square, and their eight corners shine with brilliant light, illuminating Wengzhong Heaven.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the Way of flying immortality should write the first two characters in cinnabar on days of purification, when performing Daoist rites, and when seeking immortality. Swallow them while facing north, and they will not be troubled by demonic obstacles; the True Numinous will at once descend. When entering the mountains to pray or recite scriptures, write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing northeast. Then recitation will become clear and fluent, as if the distant heavenly realms were echoing in response. The mind and spirit will also become clear and upright, and after seven years one will become an immortal. If one has a nightmare or is harmed by the hundred ghosts, write the final four characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing northeast. This will bring the myriad ghosts under control, while the Three Officials—the deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water—subdue evil spirits. Demonic essences will be destroyed day by day, the divine Perfected will descend to one’s side, and fortune and blessings will gradually grow abundant, ultimately bringing one to the Way of the Highest Immortal.

Jiangyou Heavenly Sound Jade Instructions for Yuan Si, Part Six

In Jiangyou Heaven, the first four characters are written above the Jade Gate of the Nine Heavens. They govern the Qi of the four seasons and determine the patterns by which Yin and Yang move. The final four characters are written on the Terrace of Bright Perfection. They govern the registers of the dead who are to be liberated and lead those who have received renewed life. Used together, the eight characters can bring one to the Way of the Highest Immortal.

Jiangyou Heavenly Sound Jade Instructions for Yuan Si, Part Six

In Jiangyou Heaven, the first four characters are written above the Jade Gate of the Nine Heavens. They govern the Qi of the four seasons and determine the patterns by which Yin and Yang move. The final four characters are written on the Terrace of Bright Perfection. They govern the registers of the dead who are to be liberated and lead those who have received renewed life. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square, and their eight corners shine with brilliant light, illuminating Jiangyou Heaven.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the Way of flying immortality should write the first four characters in cinnabar on the days of the Eight Seasonal Festivals. Swallow them while facing the royal direction, and they will merge with the Qi of the four seasons, naturally enduring calamities without perishing and suffering no harm when injury befalls them. On the day of one’s birth sign, write the final four characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing the direction of that sign. One’s name will then be removed from the registers of the Ninefold Abyss, the old record erased from the documents of the underworld, and one’s name entered in Nanyang. One’s ancestors of seven generations will receive blessings along with oneself, and all will enter the Hall of Joy for a long time.

The Seventh Jade Formula for the Sound of Ruan Letian

The eight jade characters of Ruan Letian each have a corresponding place where they are written and a specific function. The top two characters are written on Xuantai, north of the Purple Tenuity Terrace, and govern the ranks of those who have completed the immortal path. The third, fourth, and fifth characters are written on Nanyang Terrace. They govern the checking of the registers of the underworld and open the path of rebirth for departed souls, enabling them to ascend to Zhuling Lodge, where souls are delivered and granted new life. There they naturally receive clothing and food and dwell in the Hall of Blessings. The bottom three characters are written on Shiyang Terrace in the Great Luo Heaven. They enable those of the highest rank to deliver beings throughout the vast world and ascend to a hall beyond form and image. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square and shine with eight-cornered radiance throughout Ruan Letian.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the path of flying immortals should write the top two characters in cinnabar on the first day of the first lunar month and swallow them while facing east. After one hundred days, the Eastern Florescence Palace will register their names and enter them among the ranks of the High Immortals. Then, at the hour of the Rat on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, they should write the bottom three characters in cinnabar and swallow them while facing north. This can remove their names from the registers of the long night of the Nine Darknesses and have the Southern Palace register their names for rebirth. In this way, their nine generations of ancestors can escape the Five Sufferings and ascend to the Hall of Blessings in the Mysterious Realm. They may also write the bottom three characters in cinnabar during the Eight Seasonal Nodes—important traditional dates marking shifts in Yin-Yang and the seasons—and swallow them while facing north. All the dead will thereby receive deliverance and ascend to the Great Luo Heaven, where they may roam freely among the Seven-Treasure Grove.

The Eighth Jade Formula for the Sound of Yuanji Tanshi Heaven

The eight jade characters of Tanshi Heaven are written as follows: the top six characters are written together in the Green Grove Lodge of the Eastern Florescence Palace and govern the formless sounds that arise naturally in the heavens. The bottom two ascend to the Great Luo Heaven, where they may roam freely among the Seven-Treasure Grove.

The eight jade characters of Tanshi Heaven are written as follows: the top six characters are written together in the Green Grove Lodge of the Eastern Florescence Palace and govern the formless sounds that arise naturally in the heavens. The bottom two characters are written on the Jade Terrace of the Mysterious Capital and govern the Perfected Ones as they take in the essence of the Five Clouds and the light of the sun and moon. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square and shine with eight-cornered radiance throughout Tanshi Heaven.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals should, on days when they observe purification and perform the Dao, write the uppermost six characters in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing north. In this way, their voices will resonate above with the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji), their breath will enter the Divine Empyrean, and the God on High, far away in heaven, will respond. On the appointed day, they will become immortals.

At cockcrow, write the next two characters in cinnabar ink. After swallowing them, swallow cloud teeth—the Daoist cultivation term for cloud qi and vital essence. Persist for one hundred days, and your face will shine with radiance, the qi of your five viscera and six bowels will be full, and your whole body will thereby be refined into an immortal body. Your ancestors across nine generations will also escape the torments of the netherworld and be reborn among the living. When your merit is complete, you will be able to ride a chariot of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), swallow cloud teeth, and feast in the Purple Tenuity Palace, the celestial palace where the God on High resides.

First Jade Formula of the Heavenly Sounds of the Hao Ting Xiao Du Heaven

The Eightfold Script and Sounds of the Mysterious Heaven of the Five Qi of the North

In the Xiao Du Heaven, the uppermost two characters are written on the Long Tower of the Mysterious Capital. They govern the opening and closing of Heaven and Earth and reveal the truth of the natural order. The four characters from the third through the sixth are written on the Divine Tower. They govern the turning of the cosmic tribulations of Heaven and Earth, guiding those who have attained the Dao and refining them with the qi of Great Harmony so that they may enter the true realm of nature. The two lowest characters are written on the panels of the Heavenly Gate. They govern the guidance of those who have crossed over to the gate of Heaven, where they are refined and then return. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square. Their eight corners shine with light, illuminating the Xiao Du Heaven.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: Those who cultivate the Way of Flying Immortals should write the uppermost two characters in cinnabar ink on the first day of the first month and swallow them while facing east. In this way, they will change along with the turning of Heaven and Earth without losing their original form. Then, on the first day of the first month, write the next four characters in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing east. After death, they will be refined by the qi of Great Harmony and enter the true realm of nature. Then, on the ninth day of the ninth month, write the two lowest characters in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing northwest. After death, they will ascend together with their ancestors across nine generations to the Gate of the Nine Heavens, where they will be refined and granted life anew.

The first two characters of the upper section in Yuandong Heaven are inscribed in the Hall of the Fusang Spirit Officials. The two characters of the lower section are inscribed in the Eastern Well Hall of Flowery Groves, where they govern the flooding of waters in all directions and the patterns of their rising and falling. The four characters from the fifth through the eighth are inscribed together in the Taiji Palace. They govern the Register of Life-Mandating Officials—the gods who control people’s lifespans—who review the rolls when great floods overflow, and guide those who cultivate the Dao toward becoming immortals. Each of these eight characters is one zhang tall, and its eight corners shine with light as it appears in Yuandong Heaven.

The Perfected Celestial Sovereign said: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality, on a jiazi day after the winter solstice, write the first four characters above in cinnabar ink, face north, and swallow them. After twenty-four years, you will be able to walk on water. The River Earl, the god who governs rivers, will come to welcome you, and the spirits and gods will attend and protect you; no natural calamity will be able to harm you. Also write the four characters below in cinnabar ink and wear them on your person. Your name will then be entered in the register of the Celestial Emperor. After twenty-four years, you will be able to walk on water; the River Earl will come to welcome you, and the spirits and gods will attend and protect you. Natural calamities will not be able to harm you. When great floods overflow, write these four characters in cinnabar ink, face north, and swallow them. The Black Mother will then arrive in a phoenix-drawn carriage to welcome you and take you up Mount Kunlun, where you may freely wander and survey the waters’ edge.

“The Jade Instructions on the Heavenly Sounds of the Marvelous Fulfillment of the Great Writ,” Part Three

The first two characters of the upper section in Marvelous Fulfillment Heaven are inscribed in the Moon’s Abode. They govern the illumination of Yin-Yang in Heaven and Earth, bringing light even to the long night. The third and fourth characters are inscribed at the Gate of the Three Passages. They govern the registers of life and death and guide those who have attained the Dao. The four characters from the fifth through the eighth are inscribed in the Purple Tenuity Cloud Palace. They govern the deliverance of the living and the dead, as well as the rites by which they don feathered robes and fly. Each of these eight characters is one zhang tall, and its eight corners shine with light as it appears in Marvelous Fulfillment Heaven.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality, on the third day of each lunar month, write the top two characters in cinnabar. Face the moon, bow twice, and then swallow them. Continue for seven years, and the inside of your body will become bright and clear, allowing you to see the five viscera and six bowels distinctly. On the eight seasonal nodes of the year, write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar, face the King, and swallow them. This will let you escape great calamities, become a subject of the Sage King, receive the Five Emperors’ recommendation, and take your place among the Immortal Kings.

Also on the eight seasonal nodes, write the four characters below in cinnabar, face the King, and swallow them. This will let you escape great calamities, become a subject of the Sage King, receive the Five Emperors’ recommendation, and take your place among the Immortal Kings. After death, you will be able to travel to Vermilion Mound, where immortals receive the dead and confer immortal offices, accept immortal robes and feathered garments, and roam through the heavens.

Jade Instructions on the Celestial Sounds of Taosu Xiule, Forbidden to Be Sent Above Heaven, Part Four

The first and second characters in “Forbidden to Be Sent Above Heaven” are to be written on the Jade Terrace, where they represent the book of empty, natural being. The third and fourth characters are to be written at the Gate of Three Passages, which governs the registers of life and death and tests those who have attained the Way. The fifth through eighth characters are to be written in the Purple Tenuity Long Tower, which oversees and inspects the Qi of all the heavens and records the registers of advancement for those who have attained the Way. Taken together, the eight characters are each ten zhang square, and their radiance illuminates all of Forbidden Heaven Above.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: To cultivate the Way of Flying Immortality, on the first day of the first lunar month, write the top two characters in cinnabar, face the King, and swallow them. Your body will then correspond with the seasonal cycles; reciting the numinous sounds will let you communicate upward with Morning Heaven. At noon on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, write the third and fourth characters in cinnabar, face the star governing your birth, and swallow them. Continue for one hundred days, and the Northern Emperor will erase your name from the register of the dead, the Southern Palace will enter you in the register of immortals, and the Demon King will recommend and protect you, enabling you to attain the Way in life and after death.

Also on the eight seasonal nodes, write the four characters below in cinnabar, face the King, and swallow them; at the same time, face the star governing your birth and take them. Continue for one hundred days, and the Northern Emperor will remove your name from the register of the dead, the Southern Palace will enter you in the register of immortals, and the Demon King will recommend and protect you, enabling you to attain the Way in life and after death. Also on the eight seasonal nodes, write the four characters below in cinnabar, face the King, and swallow them. After eight years, even your ancestors of seven generations will ascend to the Abode of Vermilion Mound. You yourself will become companions with the immortals of the heavens and travel to and from the realm of Highest Clarity.

The four characters above, in the Heaven of Changrong, are written in the Hall of Communing with Yang in the Upper Palace of Ziwei. They govern the level of merit and virtue of those who receive ordination. The four characters below are written within the Northern Celestial Dipper of Yuanxuan. They govern the bodies of those who attain the Dao after refinement and deliverance, enabling them to move into the Hall of Naturalness. Together, the upper and lower characters form eight characters. Each is one zhang square, radiant with light from its eight corners, illuminating the Heaven of Changrong.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the way of flying immortals should, on the seventh day of the seventh month, write the four characters above in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing north. After persisting for one hundred days, their achievements will be recorded throughout the Three Realms; their names will be entered in the Office of Zhu Ling, and after seven years they may rank among the Perfected Ones. They should also, on the first day of the first month, write the four characters below in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing east. In this way, both the living and the dead can receive the protection of the Way of Naturalness, escape the roots of the Ninefold Darkness in radiant light, and ascend to the Hall of Blessings Without Limit.

The Sound Formula of the Heaven of Supreme Release, Jade Vastness, and Rising Triumph, Part Six

The four characters above, in the Heaven of Jade Vastness, are written in the Cloud Palace of Jade Purity. They govern the ceremonial rites and regulations of the assembly of the assembled sages, as well as the gathering of clouds and rosy mists. The four characters below are written in the Upper Lodge of Purple Yang. They govern the sounds of Nature, harmonizing them with the hymns of the Empty Cavern. Together, the upper and lower characters form eight characters. Each is one zhang square, radiant with light from its eight corners, illuminating the Heaven of Jade Vastness.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: Those who cultivate the way of flying immortals should, at dawn, noon, and sunset on each of the eight seasonal nodes—Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—write the four characters above in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing north. After persisting for one hundred days, the myriad spirits will come to pay them homage; after twenty-four years, they will be able to summon the beings of the Azure Rosy Clouds and ascend to the Cloud Palace of the Seven Treasures. They should also, at noon on each of the eight seasonal nodes, write the four characters below in cinnabar ink and swallow them while facing north. After persisting for eight years, they will naturally understand the sounds of the various heavens, perceive the wondrous and mysterious emptiness, and become one with the Dao.

The Sound Formula of the Heaven of Dragon Transformation and Brahma Deliverance, Part Seven

In the Heaven of Fandu, the two characters above are written in the Palace of Purple Tenuity and Great Emptiness, where they govern the salvation and ascension to Heaven of those who have attained the Dao. The six characters below are written together in the south. They enable one naturally to understand the voices of the heavens, grasp the mysteries of emptiness, and unite with the Dao.

Jade Formula for the Heavenly Sounds of Dragon Transformation in the Heaven of Fandu, Seventh

In the Heaven of Fandu, the two characters above are written in the Palace of Purple Tenuity and Great Emptiness, where they govern the salvation and ascension to Heaven of those who have attained the Dao. The six characters below are written in the Pavilion of the Purple Terrace of the Upper Official of Nanyang, a heavenly palace pavilion, where they govern the weighing of the merits of those who have attained the Dao. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square; light streams from their eight corners, illuminating the Heaven of Fandu.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign (Tianzhen Huangren), an immortal figure in Daoist legend, said: “Those who cultivate the way of flying immortals should write the two characters above in cinnabar on the first day of the first month, then face the royal direction and ingest them. After eight years of practice, the Vermilion Palace will record your name, and your merit will equal that of the flying immortals. Then, on the seventh day of the seventh month, write the six characters below in cinnabar, face south, and ingest them. After twenty-four years of practice, you will naturally come to know the fate and karmic roots of your previous lives. Whether before or after death, you will ascend to the Heaven of Jade Clarity and dwell in the Palace of Joy.”

Jade Formula for the Heavenly Sounds of Taiji Pingyu Jiayi Heaven, Eighth

In Jiayi Heaven, the four characters above are written in the Yang Terrace of Taiji in the Upper Palace of Jade Clarity, serving as the names of true immortals born of emptiness and spontaneity. The four characters below are written at the Gate of the Mysterious Womb in the Northern Watchtower, a portal in the northern gate of Heaven that symbolizes the subtle workings of generation and transformation. They govern the Qi of the Six Brahma Heavens and are used to refine and deliver those who have attained the Dao. Together, the eight characters are each one zhang square; light streams from their eight corners, illuminating Jiayi Heaven.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: “Those who cultivate the way of flying immortals should write the four characters above in cinnabar on the first day of the first month, then face east and ingest them. After nine years of practice, you will be able to sit quietly and know what is happening in the natural world, and Taiji will enter your name in the register of immortals. Then, on the day Winter Begins, write the four characters below in cinnabar, face north, and ingest them. After one hundred days, the six inner organs will receive true Qi, and light will arise within the body. After twenty-four years of practice, whether before or after death, you will ascend and roam above the Great Luo Heaven, carefree among the forests of seven treasures.”

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: To cultivate the Way of flying immortals and learn how to transcend death, one may leave the body and transform away through corpse liberation or hidden transformation. In the cycle of life and death, one then follows the flow of time freely and at ease, unbound by the dark realm below.

After writing the jade characters of the heavens and the immeasurable inner sounds—the sacred tones contained within the scriptures—in vermilion, copy them onto white silk, wear them on your person, and cultivate and ingest them according to their written instructions. In this way, the heart is undisturbed by defilement, the five organs are clear and harmonious, the six viscera are at peace, and the mind becomes empty and still, practicing Wuwei (non-action). After eight years of cultivation, you will be able to communicate with the heavens. Seated in stillness, you will see the worlds in the ten directions; spirit beings and perfected ones will come down together; your body will shine like jade; and you will ride a dragon chariot through the sky, ascending to immortality in broad daylight. By means of the jade talisman, you will enter the immortal path. These scriptures of inner sounds should be worn on white silk and cultivated according to their instructions. The scriptures say that after eight years, one can communicate with the heavens, see the ten directions, and summon the descent of spirits and perfected beings, ultimately ascending to immortality in broad daylight. This method is transmitted once every forty thousand kalpas.

In practice, follow the instructions given above: write in vermilion and observe the seasons.

In spring, during the first, second, and third months, write the scripture in vermilion. Face north—“facing the sovereign” means facing north—click your teeth nine times, then recite the incantation:

Great Brahma who flies through heaven, governing the eight directions; the nine Qi of the azure heavens, all under the command of the spirit kings. The five unions and eight assemblies spread their radiance throughout the vast emptiness; they reach back to the Longhan age above, becoming the foundation of the immortals. Below, they rescue suffering souls from the long night of the underworld, freeing them from the nine hidden realms. They deliver the souls of the dead from their suffering and bring light again to decayed remains. The body transforms, sprouting feathers, and wears robes of five colors; riding the azure dragon and the green bei—a divine beast or immortal conveyance named in the scripture—it flies through the sky. Today I report to the azure heavens, at the moment when spring’s Yang energy first arises. May all my wishes be fulfilled, and may I unite with the primordial Qi of Heaven and Earth. May I rise into the formless realm and endure forever.

When the incantation is complete, ingest the scripture, then tilt your head back and swallow eight breaths. This concludes the rite.

In summer, during the fourth, fifth, and sixth months, write the scripture in vermilion. Face north, click your teeth three times, then recite the incantation:

The heavenly scripture is widely spread, and the Brahma practice appears in the age of Red Clarity. Above, it connects with the eight paths; through it, the Qi of the five unions reaches the spirits. When the great cycle opens its appointed moment, the Qi of Grotto Yang refines and nourishes Jing (essence). The jade text shines brightly, and the three luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—appear of their own accord.

Relieve the suffering of birth and death, and deliver every embodied being from it. Today is an auspicious day; the Great Sage descends to the ritual altar.

The gates of the Ninefold Abyss, the realm of the underworld, swing open. The shadowed dwellings grow bright and pure. The Three Evil Paths—hell, hungry ghosts, and beasts, realms of suffering—are stilled for a time. Through this, the Daoist practice I have cultivated comes to completion.

The Five Emperors protect and deliver living beings, enabling them to ascend to the Celestial Capital. In the grove of seven treasures, they enjoy a long life beyond the reach of the kalpas.

When the rite is over, swallow the talisman, then tilt your head back and swallow the Eight Qi—the primal energies of the eight directions, visualized and gathered in cultivation. Thus the rite is complete.

In the seventh, eighth, and ninth months of autumn, write the talisman in cinnabar. Facing the sovereign of the season, click your teeth seven times, then recite:

The Eight Assemblies of Flying Mystery, the sacred talismanic script of the Lingbao scriptures, coalesce from primal Qi and become the Real. Their sixty-four characters gather the fundamental numinous power of Heaven and Earth.

Open the gate that delivers beings from birth and death; restore vitality to withered, decaying bones. Let the dark souls cast off their delusion, receive primal Qi, and ascend to the upper realm.

Today is auspicious and harmonious. I present, one by one, all the wishes in my heart. May the Perfected Ones gather together; may I cultivate the path to immortality.

The light of the sun unites with the Great Dao.

Open the gate that delivers beings from birth and death; restore vitality to withered, decaying bones. Let the dark souls cast off their delusion, receive primal Qi, and ascend to the upper realm.

Today is auspicious and harmonious. I present, one by one, all the wishes in my heart. May the Perfected Ones gather together; may I cultivate the path to immortality.

The light of the sun unites with the Great Dao, and my heart and spirit respond in kind. May I ride the white clouds and ascend to the celestial dawn realm where the Emperor resides.

The realm of seven treasures is filled with joy. I shall befriend the Perfected Ones.

When the rite is over, swallow the talisman, then tilt your head back and swallow the Eight Qi. Thus the rite is complete.

In the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth months of winter, write the talisman in cinnabar. Facing the sovereign of the season, click your teeth five times, then recite:

The jade characters shine forth, their radiance spreading across Heaven’s Gate. The primal Qi of the eight directions coalesces and becomes the Real; pure cultivation takes the form of auspicious clouds.

The Divine King opens the light, and the Three Powers—Heaven, Earth, and humanity—stand clearly revealed. Five-colored clouds wheel about, illuminating my soul.

Today, at this auspicious moment of harmony, I look up and pray for the Emperor’s protection.

May the celestial palace be opened and its True Writ bestowed upon me. A jade-like fluid pours forth in intermingling streams, nurturing warmth within the palaces of my five organs.

My body undergoes a transformation like feathered ascent; borne by sunlight and the energy of dawn, I rise. Moving between being and nonbeing, I naturally receive deliverance into immortality.

May my ancestors of seven generations all return to the celestial realm above and share in its joy.

When the rite is over, swallow the talisman, then tilt your head back and swallow the Eight Qi. Thus the rite is complete.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: The phrases of these incantations arose naturally from the primordial Qi (vital energy) converging from the four directions and the sounds harmonizing from the eight quarters. They are compositions formed by Heaven itself. Those who practice and recite them will hear the distant chants of the heavens. The Three Realms—the Realm of Desire, the Realm of Form, and the Formless Realm—will bow in reverence, while all the spirits don their official caps and robes to serve and protect these sacred texts.

Take and recite the incantations at their appointed seasons, and for one hundred consecutive days swallow and receive Qi-breath, practicing the drawing in of breath while chanting. The heavens will then record your merit, and the Earthly Official will strike your offenses from the register of sins. After eight years of practice, the divine Perfected Ones—those who have attained the Dao—will naturally descend. Your body will shine like jade, and you will be able to pass into the hidden spirit realms. Sitting in stillness, you will see the realm of nature itself. Even after death, the body can be restored to life and return to the human world, turning through life without end, transcending life and death, and becoming an immortal.

This exalted and subtle method is transmitted only once every forty thousand kalpas. If it is carelessly revealed or treated with disrespect, the offender will bear the sin of the River Source, endure the torment of wind-blades through ten thousand kalpas, and ultimately fail to become an immortal. Those who understand this method have their own precepts and prohibitions and must guard it with care.

“The Chapter of Limitless Caverns in the Hidden Words of Great Brahma”

At that time, the Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) came together with the Five Old Emperors (the Emperors of the Five Directions), the great sages of the ten directions, and the lords and elders of the infinite perfected ones. They arrived at the Cypress Mound Lodge in the World of Red Radiance and sat beneath a long-lived mulberry tree in the Fragrant Grove Garden.

When the Heavenly Worthy set out, the gods of the heavens all rose from their seats and followed. Then thick clouds and mist covered the sky, obscuring the light of the sun, moon, and stars for three days and three nights. Darkness lingered between Heaven and Earth, with not a glimmer of light, as though they had returned to the Longhan kalpa—the age of primordial chaos before Heaven and Earth were formed—where all was dim and indistinct.

The Five Old Emperors stepped forward, bowed, and reported to the Heavenly Worthy: “What we witnessed while serving you today has never happened before. Whenever the Heavenly Worthy journeys out, the heavens follow in procession. The High Perfected Emperors, the divine immortals and jade maidens, the sun, moon, and stars, the vertical and horizontal jade stars and instruments used to observe the heavens, the officials of the three realms, the immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks, the river and sea deities, and all the spirits—every one of them stood solemnly and respectfully to attend and guard the Heavenly Worthy. At that time, the sky was clear and bright; the wind did not stir the branches, no dust rose from the ground, the rivers and seas were silent, and clouds and mist had dispersed from the mountains. The seasons were harmonious and the vital energy settled, bringing peace to both the living and the dead.

“Now the light of Heaven is obscured and daylight has grown dim. The people of Heaven and the many gods are alarmed and unsettled, and those gathered here cannot sit at ease. We do not know the reason for this, or why such a thing has occurred. We beg you to instruct us, so that everyone may understand its cause and all living beings may benefit and find peace.”

The Celestial Worthy said, “It is a rare and precious opportunity for us all to gather here today in joyful assembly. Auspicious signs have appeared throughout the heavens, and wondrous responses have arisen of themselves. The jade characters—sacred script revealed in the celestial realm—shine brilliantly, veiling the light of heaven. When they first appeared, the sky grew dim, as though day had turned to night. Such a sight occurs only at auspicious times and is exceedingly rare. Now I shall reveal the wondrous signs of the celestial realm to this assembly and deliver all beings. Let the four groups gathered here—the four kinds of listeners—close their eyes and bow to the ground to receive my command.”

At once, the holy beings of the heavens all closed their eyes and bowed to the ground. In a moment, the sky brightened again, the darkened Qi dispersed, and five-colored radiance illuminated the five directions. Suddenly, above the five-colored light in the sky, a scroll of celestial writing appeared of its own accord, its characters each a zhang across. The writing dazzled with light; radiance streamed from its eight corners, and its brilliant essence was so blinding that no one could look directly at it. The Celestial Worthy addressed the assembly: “This numinous scripture is composed of the Eight Assemblies, its characters without fixed forms and its meaning profound and mysterious, beyond exhaustive inquiry. Now Heaven has sent down a response, and this wondrous Dao should be made clear. Take up the brush and annotate it; explain its proper sounds, so that the Sovereign Way may flourish and its grace extend throughout the ten directions.”

The Celestial Perfected Emperor, the True Person of the heavens, bowed low and reported to the Celestial Worthy: “I was born in accordance with the transformations of Heaven and Earth and have passed through countless kalpas. I have often served in your presence, yet never before today have I encountered the opening of the sacred Dao and its many gates, or been able to behold this naturally perfect celestial scripture. The Qi of the Eight Assemblies and the sounds of the Five Harmonies cannot be fully understood by a dull and limited mind. Now I am fortunate enough to sit among the assembly and look up at this mystery. Yet you have also commanded me to explain it, and I am filled with unease; I dare not conceal what I know. I will do my utmost to provide its pronunciations and meanings, hoping they accord with the celestial scripture’s intent and reveal to beings of later generations what they have not yet understood. I ask the Celestial Worthy to regard me with compassion and understanding.”

At this time, the Numinous Consort held the brush and wrote, the Great Perfected wiped the mat, the Jade Maiden held a cloth, and the Golden Boy burned incense and wafted its fragrance. Immortals from the Moon Palace scattered flowers, while the Essence of the Sun infused everyone with fluid. The Five Elders observed the examination, the Three Realms guarded the true Dao, and each assigned its own duties and ranks.

In the Thirty-Two Heavens, each heaven has eight characters. The eight heavens governed by the Nine Qi of the East’s Azure Heaven—Taihuang Huangzeng Heaven, Taiming Yuwan Heaven, Qingming Hetong Heaven, Xuantai Pingyu Heaven, Yuanming Wenju Heaven, Shangming Qiyao Moyi Heaven, Xuwu Yueheng Heaven, and Taiji Mengyi Heaven—have sixty-four characters in all.

The eight heavens governed by the Three Qi of the South’s Cinnabar Heaven—Chiming Heyang Heaven, Xuanming Gonghua Heaven, Yaoming Zongpiao Heaven, Zhuluo Huangjia Heaven, Xuming Tangyao Heaven, Guanming Duanjing Heaven, Xuanming Gongqing Heaven, and Taihuan Jiyao Heaven—also have sixty-four characters.

The eight heavens governed by the Seven Qi of the West’s White Heaven—Yuanzai Kongsheng Heaven, Tai’an Huangya Heaven, Xianding Jifeng Heaven, Shihuang Xiaomang Heaven, Taihuang Wengzhong Fuyong Heaven, Wusi Jiangyou Heaven, Shangdie Ruanle Heaven, and Wuji Tanshi Heaven—have sixty-four characters in all.

The eight heavens governed by the Five Qi of the North’s Dark Heaven—Haoting Xiaodu Heaven, Yuantong Yuandong Heaven, Taiwen Hanchong Miaocheng Heaven, Taisu Xiule Jinshang Heaven, Taixu Wushang Changrong Heaven, Taishi Yulong Tengsheng Heaven, Longbian Fandu Heaven, and Taiji Pingyu Jiayi Heaven—also have sixty-four characters.

The four groups each contain eight heavens, making thirty-two heavens and 256 characters in total. These characters are all the Great Brahma’s hidden words of the Thirty-Two Heavens, containing immeasurable celestial sounds. In the heavens there is the Qi of Flying Mystery and Spontaneity—Qi that arises naturally and moves through the celestial realm—which resonates with these hidden words.

These six words are all secret expressions of Great Brahmā Heaven among the thirty-two heavens—the levels of the celestial realm in Daoist teaching—and contain an immeasurable wealth of sounds. In the heavens there is the Qi of flying mystery and spontaneity, the primal energy that moves naturally. It accords with the five tones and gives rise to the heavens’ immeasurable “cavernous hymns,” mysterious celestial music and scriptural verses. These hymns illuminate the mysteries of the heavens above and praise the clarity of the Great Being realm. In the middle, they harmonize the Qi of spontaneity and universally save those who seek immortality and study the Dao. Below, they save beings caught in life and death and deliver the souls of the dead from the long night. The wondrous teaching of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning endures through countless kalpas. Once the celestial music sounds, the Daoist teaching spreads with it.

The Great Teaching is revealed in its brilliance, and all the heavens celebrate together. The assembly of supreme sages and perfected beings of the Limitless, the lords and venerable elders, the Five Elders and August Emperors, the revered gods of the ten directions, and the immortal maidens all offer incense in reverence, circle three times, and chant:

The Celestial Worthy rides in his jade carriage, turning back to take his seat in the fragrant garden. The supreme sages and perfected beings are the heavenly kings of the Limitless Heaven.

Immortals guide the movements of the sun and moon; auspicious light fills the cloud palace. The Five Emperors guard the splendid carriage, while the Three Realms and ten directions gather to welcome it.

Today the perfected beings meet; their joy is beyond compare. The wondrous assembly of the teaching responds naturally and brings spiritual efficacy, as auspicious signs appear from the void.

Brilliant light opens the hidden depths and dispels the gloom that veils the sun and moon. Dark Yin disperses, and the long night comes to an end; the Four Forms settle together in reverent peace.

The wondrous movement of Qi naturally accords with the celestial patterns; Tiaoqin shines clearly in the great void. The eight-meeting characters in the numinous script, formed through eight modes of conjunction, combine with the five tones to create scripture.

The celestial perfected beings grasp the mystery of its melody; its clear, ringing sound reaches the Great Being realm. No sound can compare with the jade tones, which bring the work of Heaven and Earth to completion everywhere.

Above, they cultivate the roots of the heavens and become the foundation of the immortal lineage. In the middle, they unfold mysterious grottoes, so that the hidden depths in all eight directions suddenly grow bright.

They open a way of deliverance for beings caught in life and death and draw the souls of the dead from the long night. They release beings from the Five Sufferings of hell, so that blades no longer grow on the sword mountain. The solitary souls among the Five Destinies no longer suffer; through countless kalpas they remain at peace, as innocent as children.

This great Mahayana teaching extends its merit to all, favoring no direction over another.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning reveals the jade script: this is the numinous text of the king of the heavens. The assembly can scarcely contain its joy as they take flying steps and chant the numinous verses.

The Celestial Worthy opens the Great Being realm, causing the heavens to shine with radiance. Wondrous indeed is the Way of Longhan, the Daoist teaching of the primordial kalpas, brought into form through the method of the eight meetings.

The sacred radiance shines brilliantly in the sky, its light flowing through the palaces of the Three Realms: Heaven, the human world, and the underworld. Sacred images and texts reveal the wondrous Dharma assembly, and the Jade Books (sacred scriptures) appear in response to the appointed time. The Heavenly Perfected spirits grasp their subtle principles, and five elements harmonize to form the scripture. Clear, resonant jade-like tones echo through the pure, lofty realm of Shangqing, the Daoist celestial realm of pristine stillness.

This scripture can guide and deliver living beings through endless kalpas, bringing light even to the dead in the Ninefold Depths, the far reaches of the underworld. It is a supreme great Dharma that teaches all beings. Its merit is beyond measure, and living beings may joyfully pass ten thousand years in peace.

Thus its grace spreads everywhere, reaching the ten directions. All who believe in and turn toward this Dharma may attain longevity: the old regain their youth, the sick recover at once, dry bones regain vitality, and the dead in the underworld receive light. The supreme great Dharma teaches all beings; its merit is beyond measure, and living beings joyfully pass ten thousand years in peace.

Thus its grace spreads everywhere, reaching the ten directions. All who hold faith and turn toward the Dao may attain longevity; the old regain their youth, the sick recover at once, dry bones regain vitality, and departed souls return to human life. They are freed from the Five Sufferings, the many forms of hardship, and the hells become peaceful and still. All who first hold faith and set their hearts on the Dao may become immortals.

The Celestial Worthy addresses the four assemblies gathered here: “Today, all of you are together in this age of calamity. I reveal the profound mysteries of the heavens and transmit the Jade Writings of Nature, sacred characters that manifest spontaneously in the celestial realm, to save all living beings. This blessing is vast and boundless, bringing benefit to all. The teaching of the Great Dao has been put into effect, and its grace reaches everywhere. The worlds beyond measure will be illuminated; pardon will be granted in the depths of the Nine Hells, and the souls of the dead who have endured the long night will be absolved. The living will know joy and peace, while the dead, too, will receive grace and return to life.

“Among the beings of the heavens are enemies bound by resentments from past lives and kin connected by ties from ages past, women and men alike. From time without beginning until this present life, their good and evil deeds and the roots of their destinies have turned through the cycle of birth and death, with calamities and grievances entangled between them. As Heaven and Earth pass through periods of flourishing and decline, the merit and faults accumulated by living beings have also become difficult to discern.

“Now, in accordance with the Great Being method, the teaching in Daoist scriptures concerning the cosmos and the divine realm, let word be proclaimed throughout the heavens. The sun, moon, and stars; the Jade Balance and the Celestial Pivot, the stars and the instruments used to observe them; the Southern and Northern Dippers; the Lords of Destiny and Record, who govern lifespan and keep accounts of merit and fault; Lord Han, Keeper of the Registers; the Upper Palace of Nanchang; the local gods of every place and body of water; the numinous mountains of the Five Marchmounts; the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus; the sources of the twelve rivers; the Court of the Long Night; the depths of the Nine Hells; the Four Departments and Five Emperors; and all other spirits and deities—all are to examine and record the registers of living beings and trace their origins. Whether their deeds are good or evil and their offenses light or grave, determine each one’s fate in life and death, listing every name and circumstance in turn. Then erase everything and sever the karmic ties that bind them to one another, so that all living beings may be saved together.

“From this day onward, let everything begin anew, so that all living beings may attain the true realm of the Dao. Bestow the great blessing everywhere, leaving no one without their due.”

The Heavenly Worthy issued a command, and all the heavens reverently obeyed. Then the four assemblies—the four kinds of listeners present—rose together and paid their respects. They raised their hands to point upward, then lowered them to point downward, signifying that the light reached everywhere above and below. It had no bounds or end; no depth or distant place lay beyond its reach, and no hidden darkness remained untouched. Whether great or small, at the beginning or the end, all could be universally delivered, so that every living being might share in the light. The Heavenly Worthy snapped his fingers to inform the assembly, and everyone heard.

At that moment, the four assemblies raised their hands together and, gazing up at the sky, snapped their fingers. The thirty-two heavens, along with the sun, moon, and stars, at once shone brightly as one. Below, the Nine Hells—the dark and distant underworld—were illuminated all the way to the utmost depths, leaving no darkness. Every concealed place came into view, and things buried deep beneath the earth revealed their forms. Mountains, rivers, streams, and ravines all became level and open. Flowers bloomed and fruit ripened in winter; withered trees grew lush again. Auspicious blessings descended upon all living beings, and merit reached them all. Fish and dragons leapt with joy; birds and beasts sang out in delight. Wonderful songs rang out in harmony, and no sorrowful cries remained along the roads. Heaven and earth grew still; the Three Officials, who oversee the affairs of Heaven, Earth, and Water, settled into quiet peace. Their investigations and records ceased, and the Five Destinies—the five realms into which beings are reborn—no longer arose. Humans and spirits lived in ease and harmony, and the world of the sacred Way was peaceful throughout.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: “The Natural Jade Characters of the Inner Sounds of the Heavens—the wondrous sounds and writings contained in the heavens—are all hidden Great Brahma speech from within the heavens. They are condensed from Flying Mystery Qi, the subtle and numinous vital energy, and joined with the sounds of the Five Directions. They came into being before the Origin, emerged from the empty void, and, as the times opened to instruction, brought the work of Heaven and Earth to completion throughout the world.

This scripture is supremely honored and mysterious, beyond comparison with ordinary things. Thus, at the beginning of the opening of the Great Being World, the light of Heaven was gathered in, its Dao methods treasured, and its writings held in reverence. The forms of its characters are profound and mysterious; they are not a formless celestial text. Their preciousness lies in their subtle forms, which conceal the Dao in its utmost truth. Their wondrous efficacy responds through images, while their patterns follow the course of movement.

The Celestial Worthy did not disdain me for my limited learning. Instead, he commanded me to explain their meaning and understand these Jade Sounds. The mysterious precepts had already been laid down, and I dared not disobey. On the day I took up my brush, I felt as though my body and soul were shaken. I could only rely on what I had seen and offer, for the time being, a commentary on the scripture. I have given all my strength to making the commentary fitting. Now that the Imperial Dao has been made clear, all the heavens have come to celebrate. Between Heaven and Earth, the living and the dead rejoice together, and great blessings descend everywhere. My heart is content; I only hope that the Four Assemblies—all those who take part in Daoist study and practice—may understand and realize this Dao.”

Then the Four Assemblies and the supremely true, honored spirits all praised him. In Heaven, above and below the world, and beneath the earth—even throughout the boundless Miro Worlds, the vast and limitless realms—every spirit followed the Dao and De, honored the Great Sage, and rejoiced that the Great Dao had been made clear. They hoped only that this grand Dao teaching would widely save the inexhaustible multitude of living beings, that its blessings would continue for billions of kalpas and endure through every generation, and that everyone gathered at this celebration would attain the Dao and become perfected. Their gratitude could not be expressed in words. The Four Assemblies rose together, bowed and prostrated themselves, and received the command.

First: The Celestial Sound of Taihuang Huangzeng Heaven

Taihuang Huangzeng Heaven, the first of the Six Heavens of the Desire Realm, has eight natural characters. They can widely save the inexhaustible multitude of living beings, allowing blessings to pass through billions of kalpas and endure through every generation. May all those gathered at this celebration attain the Dao and become perfected; their gratitude cannot be expressed in words. The Four Assemblies rose together, bowed and prostrated themselves, and received the command.

In Taihuang Huangzeng Heaven, one of the Daoist Thirty-Six Heavens, eight characters came into being naturally. They are written “Danlou Ahui Wuhe Guanyin.” The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: “These eight characters are a scripture of flying mystery, formed by nature. Each character is ten feet square, vivid in color, and shines in every direction.” The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued a decree to have the characters compiled and their sounds explained, combining them into the Great Brahma Hidden Words of Huangzeng Heaven—that is, the sounds without limit. He then entrusted them to the Dao Lord, who taught them to those in Huangzeng Heaven who already bore immortal names and were destined to attain the Dao.

The Dan era of Huangzeng Heaven,

Loudu stands as the capital above the boundary.

Ahna stirs; jade chimes ring,

green and beautiful, the scene stretching far.

From the emptiness of Primordial Beginning, a true realm arises;

harmonious sounds answer, reaching the bright beams.

Contemplation awakens, illuminating the darkness in every direction;

the sounds and rhythms form their own natural verses.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign said: “These verses were formed in Huangzeng Heaven by gathering the Qi of flying mystery from the Five Directions, to harmonize the sounds naturally uttered by the eight characters. These sounds answer and reach the bright beams; contemplation awakens and illuminates the darkness in every direction; the sounds and rhythms form their own natural verses.”

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign also said: “These verses were formed in Huangzeng Heaven by gathering the Qi of flying mystery from the Five Directions to harmonize the natural sounds of the eight characters. They are called the ‘Limitless Cavern Verses.’ Huangzeng Heaven lies nine hundred million and ninety thousand Qi from Taiming Yuwan Heaven. The Yuan era circles the Eight Directions and lies at the farthest reaches. Loudu is the name of a tall tower at the center of Heaven, above which stand the Palace of Great Mystery and Jade Capital Mountain. Ahna oversees Loudu and governs the numbers of the Six Brahma Heavens. When the numbers converge, Loudu sounds like a drum, and the assembled Perfected Ones come to court. Huixiu is the terrace pavilion where the Lord Emperor roams; Hehe is the gateway through which the sun and moon enter and leave. Perfected Beings ride golden wheels to open the darkness. Jade Maidens carry splendid banners, opening and surveying the realm of contemplation and perception. Guanjue governs the registers of those in the long night. The Four Darknesses can draw living beings out of the courts of the Ninefold Abyss.

“If one observes purification rites on the Eight Seasonal Nodes, recites the Cavern Verses, and thereby harmonizes the hun and po souls, one’s ancestors for seven generations will be revealed and delivered, and even withered bones will return to their source. Wearing a red script inscribed with these eight characters enables one to understand the sounds without limit. In time, one will ride a cloud carriage and ascend to the carefree Forest of Seven Treasures, attended and protected by immortal youths and jade maidens.”

The Second Tone of Taiming Yuwan Heaven.

In the Heaven of Great Clarity and Jade Perfection, eight naturally formed characters hold the power to open the gate through which decayed bodies return to their source. Wear a vermilion talisman bearing these eight characters, and you will understand and penetrate the limitless sounds. Then ride a cloud chariot to the carefree forest of seven treasures, where immortal youths and jade maidens attend and protect you.

The Second Heavenly Sound of the Heaven of Great Clarity and Jade Perfection

In the Heaven of Great Clarity and Jade Perfection, eight naturally formed characters are written as “Xuyan Mingshou Falan Putan.” The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: These eight characters are a script of flying mystery and spontaneity. Each character is one zhang square, its bright patterns shining through all eight directions. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued a decree, commanding that the characters be written and their sounds and meanings explained, so that they might be joined into the limitless sounds of the Great Brahma hidden language of the Heaven of Jade Perfection. He then entrusted them to the Dao Lord, instructing him to teach them to those in the Heaven of Jade Perfection whose names had long been inscribed among the immortals and whose destiny was to attain the Dao.

The light of great illumination gathers and summons attendants to open the gate of Jade Truth; understanding the Great Dao, one steps onto the path of Brahma mystery. In countless transformations, one enters the threefold realm of mystery.

The Dharma Wheel, symbol of the laws by which the Great Dao turns, reaches into distant, hidden places, gathers awakening, and opens a vast new realm. Bodhi, or awakening, sets the guiding principles in motion; Tanyi, meaning long life, turns back naturally, like wood reviving in spring.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: This chapter joins the central position of Yuwan Heaven with the mysterious Qi (vital energy) flying in from the five directions, harmonizing the natural sounds of the eight characters. It is therefore called the “Wuliang Cavern Chapter.”

Yuwan Heaven lies eight hundred million myriads of Qi from Qingming Hetong Heaven. Xuyan is the name of Yuwan Heaven’s northwest gate. When a great kalpa turns, Xuyan opens, and the Great Sage of Jade Perfection returns through it. Mingdao is the capital of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, awaiting that deity’s opening of transformation and circulation. The Du Hou opens the way, allowing the various pure, flowing Qis of Brahma to descend swiftly from heaven and reveal their radiance.

The Three Conveniences are the gates of the Three Realms. Whoever understands the sounds of the eight characters can pass through the Three Conveniences and ascend to the Great Luo Heaven. The Dharma Wheel is where sins and blessings gather; Grasped Awareness is the root of life and death. Reciting the numinous sounds in the Cavern Chapter enters one’s name into the Dharma Wheel of the Purple Palace and places it on the register of the Director of Destiny and Grasped Awareness. The soul is thereby delivered and given new life.

Putan, the Supreme Sage of the Three Origins, holds a pennant of nine colors; Puyi carries the Ten Severances. The High Perfected turns the wheel of nine colors, setting it in motion, while Tanyi turns the Ten Severances and brings the wheel to a halt. Heaven and earth are secured by them, and the myriad ways endure. When immortals recite them, they can ascend by flight; the Five Sacred Peaks are thereby at peace, and the fortunes of the state endure. During a great kalpa, they can preserve life and bring death to its proper conclusion. Upholding them prolongs one’s years; cultivating them enables one to become an immortal and ascend by flight.

The Sounds of Qingming Hetong Heaven, Third

In Qingming Hetong Heaven is a book of eight characters formed naturally. Life and death can be brought to their proper conclusion; upholding it prolongs one’s years, and cultivating it enables one to become an immortal and ascend by flight.

In the Heaven of He Tong, within the Clear and Bright realm—the celestial world spoken of in Daoism—there are eight naturally formed characters, written as “Jia Na A Yi Hu He Liu Yin.” The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning said: “These eight characters are a text of Flying Mystery, formed spontaneously by nature. Each side of each character measures one zhang; their radiant light shines in all eight directions. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued a command: have these forms of writing recorded and their sounds and meanings explained, then combine them into the ‘Great Brahma Hidden Utterances’—the wondrous language of the celestial realm—and its countless sounds. Entrust them to the Lord of the Dao, and charge him to teach them to those in the Heaven of He Tong who are already listed in the registers of immortals and destined to attain the Dao and become immortal.”

The Qi of Clear and Bright brings the crops to flourishing growth; that road leads to Dragon Mountain. A Xiu stands tall like a jade tree, its branches luxuriant and spreading in layers in every direction.

Suddenly, the wondrous transformations of the cosmic cycle are felt. The Qi of He Mo spreads out, ushering in the dawn. Flowing True Qi fills the courtyards of the Three Realms; cries of song and exultation arise, as all beings diligently welcome the turning of the times.

The Sovereign of Heavenly Truth said, “This chapter was formed in He Tong Heaven by harmonizing the flying, mysterious Qi of the five directions—the primordial Qi that rises and transforms—with the natural sounds of the eight characters. It is called the Wuliang Dongzhang (Chapter of the Boundless Cavern). He Tong Heaven lies seven hundred million myriads of Qi-journeys from Xuantai Pingyu Heaven.

“Jiana is the Master of the Jade Chart in Heaven. He dwells in the Golden Flower Palace, where writings linked to Dragon Mountain shine brilliantly above Jade Clarity and appear in profusion within the Cavern of Emptiness. He oversees the registers of human life and death and directs the affairs of the immortals.

“Ayi is the name of a tree in the Seven-Treasure Grove. Its branches and leaves spread over the four directions. It is a garden where the highest sages wander and admire the scenery, and a woodland where the perfected ones roam for pleasure.

“Yuanshi is a flying celestial spirit who governs the cycles and transitions of great kalpas. Hemo is a being without a title. When the cycles of the kalpas come to an end, Hemo opens the netherworld, spreads the teachings of the Law far and wide, and saves all beings in Heaven and among humanity.

“In that age, all under Heaven rejoiced, and the Dao spread widely. But the cycles of Heaven were drawing to a close, moral teachings among humankind were declining, and the destiny of the final age was about to collapse. That is why this chant was passed down. Only those who have continued to do good through countless kalpas and whose past lives have earned them a place in the mysterious registers of the immortals can encounter the celestial sound and practice reciting the Dongzhang. The Master of the Jade Chart will then erase their offenses from the registers of the long night and enter their names in the Palace of Long Life at the Southern Pole. Their seven imprisoned ancestors will also be reborn, and the dead will pass into a beautiful, radiant realm. This blessing will endure without end, and their descendants, generation after generation, will become immortal kings.”

The Celestial Sounds of Xuantai Pingyu Heaven, Fourth

In Xuantai Pingyu Heaven, there is a naturally formed celestial text of eight characters, which reads: “Huadu Quli Xian Puyu Zhen.”

The Sovereign of Heavenly Truth said, “These eight characters are a text of flying mystery, formed naturally. Each character is one zhang square, its patterns bright and its light shining in all eight directions. Yuanshi issued a command to have the eight characters arranged and their sounds and meanings explained. Together they form the Great Brahma Hidden Utterance of Xuantai Pingyu Heaven—the sacred sounds of the celestial realm—and serve as a sound without measure. He entrusted them to the Dao Lord, who uses them to teach those in Pingyu Heaven who were given immortal names in past lives and whose fate is to attain the Dao.”

“Flowery Capital” is another name for the Azure Radiance Gate in the Eastern Palace of Pingyu Heaven. There, divine beings of Brahma Heaven soar above the Supreme Ultimate, chanting the “Infinite Cavern Hymn.” The Qi of the numinous wind is clear and pure, and constantly wafts through this song. Liwan, a Jade Maiden of Great Harmony, joins in with the divine beings’ singing before the gate of the Flowery Capital. Auspicious clouds unfurl, enveloping the numinous palace and spreading above the eight musical tones.

The Emperor of Pingyu Heaven sometimes rides the Wheel of the Eight Luminaries, touring beyond the Supreme Ultimate. He waves the Banner of the Ten Severances and summons the kings of the great demons. The celestial music of Pingyu Heaven is revered by the Perfected Ones. Those who practice by reciting and carrying this scripture will hear the flying immortals singing in response from afar. The Three Realms will all welcome them, and their ancestors of seven generations will be released from the dark, endless night and ascend to the Southern Palace, where they will be reborn and transformed. For generations, they will belong to families of nobility. Immortal youths and Jade Maidens will guard the practitioners. Once they have perfected their cultivation of the Dao, they will ascend by flight and enter Pingyu Heaven.

“Celestial Music of Yuanming Wenju, Fifth” is the title and sequence number of this piece of celestial music.

In Wenyu Heaven, there is a naturally formed text consisting of eight characters: “Da-luo, Great Brahma, scattering mist and auspicious clouds.” The Heavenly Perfected One said: These eight characters are a script of flying mystery and nature. Each character is one zhang square, radiant and bright, illuminating all eight directions. The Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning issued a decree to have the characters set down and their pronunciations explained, then joined them into the secret, boundless sounds of Great Brahma in Wenyu Heaven and entrusted them to the Dao Lord. The Dao Lord used them to teach those whose immortal names had long been recorded in Wenyu Heaven and who were destined to attain the Dao.

In Wenyu Heaven, the sound of “da-he” reverberates among the palace towers. Their lofty halls rise high, crowning the three tiers of Heaven’s gates. The age of Great Being opens the Kalpa of Long Han, a dating system used in ancient Daoism to mark the succession of cosmic cycles, while Brahma Heaven spreads auspicious clouds.

Fragrance wafts upward to the lofty celestial steps; clouds gather and flowers spring forth of themselves. A wondrous wind carries the fragrance, and above the clouds, flying immortals dance upon the wheel of the Dharma suspended in the sky.

The Heavenly Perfected One said: This chapter uses the words of Wenyu Heaven to harmonize the flying mystery Qi of the Five Directions—the primordial spiritual energies that move through the five directions—so that the sounds naturally uttered by the eight characters flow together in harmony, their fragrance spreads far, and flying immortals dance upon the wheel in the cloud-filled sky.

The Heavenly Perfected One said: This chapter uses the words of Wenyu Heaven to gather the flying mystery Qi of the Five Directions and harmonize the sounds naturally uttered by the eight characters. It is called the “Boundless Cavern Chapter.” Wenyu Heaven lies five hundred million myriad Qi away from Moyitian. “Da-he” refers to the jade towers in Heaven, which divide and link the three tiers of Heaven’s gates. Once the sound of Great Brahma circulates, the Qi of the Primordial Beginning becomes clear and unobstructed. Thus, the age of Long Han opens in accordance with the turning of the cosmic cycles, while the age of Red Brilliance awaits its appointed time to spread the dawn. Perfected Ones scatter fragrance in the jade court, where it billows upward to brush away the auspicious clouds. The clouds settle at the purple immortal halls, while flying immortals dance upon the wheel of the Dharma in the sky. The immortals celebrate the Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning for granting a universal pardon, rejoicing in the eight characters born of nature. They explain the mysterious writing to deliver all beings and, through chapters of sound that reach throughout the boundless, attain the immortal Way. Those who uphold these scriptures escape suffering; those who cultivate them become perfected. Their ancestors across seven generations rejoice together, and their descendants in generations to come may enter the gates of the immortals.

The Sound of the Seven Luminaries Above, in Moyitian, Chapter Six

In Moyitian, above the seven luminaries, there is a naturally formed text consisting of eight characters: “Seven generations of ancestors rejoice together; those born in this world enter the gates of the immortals.”

The Sound of the Seven Luminaries Above, in Moyitian, Chapter Six

In the Heaven of the Seven Luminaries and Moyi, one of the celestial realms in Daoism, there is a heavenly text that arose naturally. It bears eight characters: “Fly, scatter, Jade Capital, illumine, demons, approach the gate.” The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says that these eight characters form the “Script of Flying Mystery and Naturalness.” Each character is one zhang square, brilliant with light that shines in all directions. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued a command to arrange the characters, explain their pronunciations, and combine them into the “Great Brahma Hidden Language” of Moyi Heaven, a secret and sacred celestial language containing immeasurable sounds. The heavenly text was then entrusted to the Dao Lord, who used it to teach those in Moyi Heaven already listed in the registers of immortals and fated to attain the Dao, so that they might be delivered and saved.

The verses below explain the meaning of the eight characters:

“Above, brightness flies to Yan Kang” means that light shines in heaven and ascends to the age of Yan Kang. “Scattered through the capital, it emerges in Long Han” means that it is spread throughout the capital and appears in the age of Long Han. “The Jade Perfected opens the dark night” means that the Jade Perfected opens the shadowy night. “At Fengdu, the eight calamities are overcome” means that, at Fengdu—the underworld in Daoism—the souls of the dead who suffer the eight kinds of hardship are delivered and saved.

“The Dao is illuminated and forms a numinous text in the void” means that the Great Dao is made manifest and takes shape as a text in the empty and numinous realm. “The Demon King bows his head and praises” means that even the Demon King bows in reverence and offers praise. “Above are beings at the beginning of creation” means that in the upper realm are living beings newly brought into existence. “Beneath the gate, registers and destinies are administered” means that those under the gate keep records of names and fated lifespans.

The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: This scripture was formed in the Moyi Heaven by gathering the flying, mysterious Qi of the five directions, to harmonize the natural sounds of the eight characters. It is called the Wuliang Dongzhang (“Measureless Cavern Chapter”). Moyi Heaven lies four hundred million measures of Qi from Yueheng Heaven. “Flying” is a title for the divine beings who fly through the heavens.

When Heaven and Earth changed their courses and fell into the age of Yan’kang, all around was dark, and no light shone between Heaven and Earth. The flying divine beings opened the light from scattered radiance. The heavens received primordial Qi, and its brilliance spread throughout the capital of the hidden and profound. At an assembly during the Longhan era, the gods suddenly came and went, circling in all four directions.

“Jade Perfected” is a title for a great sage. The great sage governs the Ninefold Darkness of Fengdu, the underworld realm of the dead. When people accumulate good deeds, the great sage opens the gates of darkness, making Fengdu a place where the eight kinds of suffering can be transcended. In this way, ancestors of seven generations may return, and wandering spirits may regain the light. This scripture reveals the Cavern Chapter through eight characters, delivering departed souls and restoring them to peace. Thus spirits and demons are subdued, and people take in clouds of five-colored Qi as nourishment. The Supreme Emperor nurtures newly born spirits, while Lord Han, his subordinate, oversees in the Southern Palace the records of merit and fault, the reckoning of lifespans, and the work of delivering beings.

Those who have not endured myriad tribulations in past lives and already accumulated a reputation for goodness have no chance to encounter this scripture or study the Cavern Chapter. By upholding it, blessings extend to nine generations of kin, benefiting both the living and the dead. By cultivating it, one can unite the body with Water and Fire and ascend to Heaven in broad daylight.

The Sound of the Voidless Yueheng Heaven, Chapter Seven

In the Voidless Yueheng Heaven there is a natural text of eight characters: “Wu Xing Shang Shou Hui Ba Liu Xuan.” The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign says: These eight characters are a text of Flying Mystery and Nature. Each character is ten feet square, shining brightly and illuminating all eight directions. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued a command to have the characters arranged and their sounds explained, forming the “Great Brahma Hidden Words, Measureless Sounds” of Yueheng Heaven. He then entrusted them to the Lord of the Dao, commanding him to transmit them to those in Yueheng Heaven whose names were already recorded among the immortals and whose destiny was to attain the Dao.

The Seven Luminaries honor the Supreme Dao. They set in motion the laws that order the cosmos and its hidden mysteries. Turning above, they move the Gate of Heaven, setting all things in motion; in an instant, it opens.

The numinous mechanism turns back; this is not the moment it first sets out. Once the feet press down, it can soar into the sky. Morning light flows and turns, overcoming the long night; naturally, it returns to the mysterious tower.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign says: This chapter is formed from the convergence of the five directions’ flying, mysterious Qi in Yueheng Heaven, harmonized with the natural sounds of eight characters. It is called the “Cavernous Chapter of Measureless Vastness.” Yueheng Heaven lies three hundred million myriads of Qi from Mengyi Heaven. Here, “nonbeing” refers to primordial Qi, which opens and reveals the supreme Dao; “movement” refers to the fundamental order of all beginnings, sustaining and extending to the farthest reaches of the eight directions. “The foremost above” refers to the four regions of the Northern Dipper, the palaces of the netherworld. Turning the Gate of Heaven and calculating the measures of their conjunction means following the workings of the Dao of Heaven. When the heavenly cycles reach their end, the great calamity begins to turn anew. Turning back and spreading the teachings of the five true texts: when the great cycle comes to its close, the five true texts will become manifest.

Emerging from emptiness, Heaven and Earth naturally take shape. Those who have performed good deeds and accumulated merit, and whose names have long been entered in the Mysterious Capital, can leave the long night behind and truly emerge from the Ninefold Darkness. They enter the good path, leave obscurity behind forever, and attain a blessed destiny in life and death.

In the capital above Yueheng Heaven stands Empty Peak Mountain, where all the sages travel and where the lives and deaths of all beings find their destination. Those who study the Dao of the Cavernous Mystery and complete their cultivation to become immortals can ascend directly to Empty Peak, receive an immortal title, and soar away. Those whose cultivation is not yet complete and whose physical bodies are destined to perish have their souls ascend to Empty Peak to receive refinement and deliverance, then proceed to the Southern Palace, the underworld office that oversees deliverance. This is the teaching of Yueheng Heaven; here lies the heart of its meaning.

The Sound of Taiji Mengyi Heaven, Chapter Eight.

In the Heaven of Taiji’s Veiled Radiance, one of the celestial realms in Daoism, eight characters appeared spontaneously: “A-tuo Long-luo Si-xiang Xu-yuan.” The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign said that these eight characters formed a text of flying, mysterious spontaneity, a divine script of the celestial realms. Each character was a zhang square, its radiance shifting and changing as it illuminated all eight directions.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued a command: have the characters set down, explain their pronunciations, and combine them into the vast, profound hidden expressions and immeasurable sounds of the Heaven of Veiled Radiance. Then present them to the Dao Lord. The Dao Lord used them to guide those in that heaven who already held immortal registers and were destined to attain the Dao, helping them cross over and become immortals.

The mountains and ridges of Veiled Radiance stretched without limit. Mound upon mound crossed and intermingled, their spiritual energy linked together; Dragon Mound rose high in the sky, its rows of radiance casting their light across the clouds.

Palaces in the four directions gave rise to wondrous true visions, whose symbolic principles explained the three realms of Brahma Heaven, the Daoist levels of the celestial realms. The character “Xu” could nourish and refine worn-out souls, while the Immortal Boy Yuan, a title for a Daoist divinity or perfected immortal, could grant beings the opportunity to cross over.

The Celestial Worthy of Heavenly Truth says: This scripture was formed in the Heaven of Veiled Obscurity by gathering the mysterious Qi of the Five Directions and harmonizing the natural sounds of the eight syllables. It is called the Wuliang Dongzhang (Boundless Cavern Chapter). The Heaven of Veiled Obscurity lies two hundred million myriads of Qi from the Red Radiance Heaven of Yang Harmony.

“E” refers to the nine tiers of winding ridges in the heavens, with mountain ranges joined together. “Tuo” refers to the towers built on the mountains. Their upper reaches connect with the Qi of Jade Clarity, the high celestial realm in Daoist teaching, and from there one can look out over all the regions of the Three Realms. The Imperial Lord rides three-colored clouds and drives a chariot drawn by nine dragons, touring the ridges of Mount Aqiu above while surveying the sins and blessings of living beings below.

“Long” refers to Mount Long. It lies nine hundred million li from Mount Atuoa. The two mountains’ slopes meet, and the sun and moon shine between them; hence they are called “Luoyingyao,” names for the sun and moon.

“Si” refers to the Palace of the Four Extremes. The palace is home to the Perfected Ones of the Four Extremes, who oversee people’s registers of life and destiny. The Perfected Ones often travel through the Three Realms in chariots with elephant-shaped wheels, checking the records of living beings’ deaths, births, and offenses, and saving those who cultivate the Dao.

Those who wear this scripture and recite the Dongzhang will have their names reported one by one by the officials of the Three Realms. After being entered in the registers of the Ninefold Abyss, their names will be removed from the underworld’s records, freeing their souls from the long night of darkness. Their jade names will then be entered in the Imperial Lord’s register, while matters of life and death are arranged by the Southern Palace.

“Xuyuan” is the lord in charge of granting life among the officials of longevity. With his guidance, one can enter the Southern Palace; Xuyuan also refines and delivers souls that have withered away. “Yuantong” is the life-giving youth in the sun. He pours vital fluids into souls, restoring their vitality, and registers a life covenant at the Four Extremes—a document symbolizing the restoration of life—so that it may accord with the natural feathered writ. In this way, seven generations of ancestors can celebrate in the Hall of Blessings, while the cultivator gains ten thousand years of life and becomes an Immortal King in every generation. The cultivator escapes the three evil paths and crosses beyond the realm of the eight hardships. The gods of the Three Realms bow and stand guard, while the Five Emperors receive the cultivator with solemn respect.

These eight heavens each belong to the primordial azure Qi of the East. Qi gives rise to Qi, filling the heavens arrayed in the eight directions. Thus the heavens have eight kinds of sound, all of them chapters formed by the congealing Qi of the Eight Assemblies.

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning told the Lord of the Great Dao: When the Red Radiance era first began, the primordial Qi of the Eight Heavens divided and took form, and their laws all belonged to the Eastern Azure Heaven. Each heaven had eight characters, making sixty-four sounds in all. These were the “Great Brahma hidden words” of the heavenly realm—the secret words of the Great Dao—formed into passages by the gathering Qi of the Eight Assemblies. Their sounds are limitless.

Those who practice the Way of the Nine-Qi Heavenly Lords should wear the corresponding celestial sounds and recite the scripture passages. When coming and going, they should click their teeth nine times and visualize nine-colored dragons guiding them from before and behind, while nine layers of azure clouds surround and cover their whole body. Then they should silently recite the incantation:

Red Radiance opens the celestial chart; the primordial Qi of the eight directions returns to the true Dao. It gathers and governs the hidden, mysterious gateways; the imperial spirits are mighty and numinous.

Its teachings spread through the Nine Heavens and encircle my body. The wondrous, numinous sounds of the Eight August Heavens transform into sixty-four passages.

It opens Heaven and Earth, bringing me into accord with the immortal Way. It conveys the dragon chariot, raising me to the palace of the Celestial Emperor.

After reciting, draw in the Qi and swallow it nine times; then stop. After nine years of practice, each of the Eight Heavens will send eight azure-sashed jade maidens and eight Jade Youths of Azure Florescence to guard the practitioner. They will enable the practitioner to obtain the essence of the Azure Sprout Nine Qi. Light will arise within the body, allowing clear vision into emptiness. Once the text has been recited and held in memory ten thousand times, the work of the Dao will be complete, and the practitioner will be able to fly.

This Daoist method is exalted and spreads the teachings. It can deliver beings without end, bringing blessings to seven generations of ancestors, who will all ascend to the Southern Palace in the heavenly realm. After nine years of practice, beings too can be reborn through the gate of goodness. One should diligently preserve and widely transmit this method, receiving it with reverence and keeping it firmly in mind. The Lord of the Great Dao bowed once and received the teaching by command.

The Celestial Sound of Red Radiance and Yang Harmony, First.

In Chiming Heyang Heaven, one of the southern heavens, eight characters arose naturally. They read: “Nan Yan Dong Fu Yu Mou Shen Shen.” The Celestial Immortal Sovereign said: These eight characters are a book of Flying Mystery, arising spontaneously. Each is one zhang square, bright with radiance that shines in all eight directions. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued an order to have the characters arranged and their pronunciations explained. Together, they form the “Boundless Sounds of Hidden Brahma” in Heyang Heaven. He then entrusted them to the Dao Lord, commanding him to teach them to those in Heyang Heaven who were already listed in the registers of immortals and destined to attain the Dao.

The Qi of the southern heights of Chiming spreads its essence in eight directions through Yan’s radiance. The gate of Dongyang breathes forth red light; the scenes of the spirits are naturally lofty and bright.

Jade-like moisture fills the Crimson Palace, the abode of the spirits within the body, and the light of the eyes appears as transformation unfolds. Wash away defilement and make the mind clear and still; proclaim the wondrous principles and walk among the Three Spirits, the realms or states of Heaven, Earth, and humanity.

The Celestial Immortal Sovereign said: This scripture brings together the Flying Mystery Qi of the five directions in Heyang Heaven and makes it accord with the natural sounds of the eight characters. It is called the “Boundless Cavern Chapter.” Heyang Heaven lies ninety million Qi-stages from Xuanming Gonghua Heaven, another level of Heaven.

“Nan Yan” refers to a Court of Flowing Fire in Heyang Heaven, whose flames shine in all eight directions. “Dong Fu” refers to the Palace of Dongyang, where the Perfected One of the Southern Pole governs. After first attaining the Dao, practitioners must go to the Court of Flowing Fire to undergo refinement by fire. Only after they have been refined into Perfected Ones may they enter the Palace of Dongyang. “Yu Mou” refers to the essence formed through refinement by fire. After undergoing this refinement, the body gives rise to a jade-like radiance. The Crimson Palace fills, the myriad spirits gather, and they protect the body and assist the feathered robes. Thus one ascends to the rank of the Highest Perfected and feasts in the Purple Tenuity, the heavenly palace.

If a practitioner’s work has not yet been brought to completion, but fate decrees that they must pass away, their hun and po souls will be washed and refined as they pass through Dongyang. Dust and defilement are swept away so that they may be reborn sooner. In this way, they pass through the Three Realms without obstruction; hence the phrase “walk freely among the Three Spirits.” Without good affinities accumulated over past lives, one cannot hear this scripture.

The Sounds of Xuanming Gonghua Heaven, Part Two

In Xuanming Gonghua Heaven, eight sound-characters arose naturally. They read: “Fan Xing Luo Kong Jiu Ling Tui Qian.” The Celestial Immortal Sovereign said:

These eight characters are the “Script of Flying Mystery and Spontaneity,” a kind of sacred writing revealed from the celestial realm. Each character is one zhang square, its bright patterning shining in all directions. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issued a decree to have these forms set down and their sounds explained, bringing them together as the “Endless Sounds of the Great Brahma’s Hidden Words” in Gonghua Heaven—the sacred secret language of the celestial realm. It was then transmitted to the Dao Lord, who taught it to those in Gonghua Heaven already listed in the registers of immortals, so that they could be delivered and become those destined to attain the Dao.

“Supreme perfected beings unite with the Brahma of Primordial Beginning; their forms transform and reveal wondrous sounds. Light and shadow turn with the cycles of change; in the air, voices praise the Jade Grove.” This hymn praises how the highest perfected beings unite with the Qi of Primordial Beginning, transform their forms, and reveal subtle sounds. Light and shadow flow with the transformations of Heaven and Earth, while praises of the “Jade Grove”—precious and majestic things in the immortal realm—resound in the air.

The “Endless Sounds of the Great Brahma’s Hidden Words” were transmitted to the Dao Lord, who taught them to those in Gonghua Heaven already listed in the registers of immortals, so that they could be delivered and become those destined to attain the Dao.

“Supreme perfected beings unite with the Brahma of Primordial Beginning; their forms transform and reveal wondrous sounds. Light and shadow turn with the cycles of change; in the air, voices praise the Jade Grove.” This hymn praises how the highest perfected beings unite with the Qi of Primordial Beginning, transform their forms, and reveal subtle sounds. Light and shadow flow with the transformations of Heaven and Earth, while praises of the Jade Grove resound in the air.

“The Nine Profundities guide the first glimmer of light; the numinous child renews the withered heart. Tracing the source, dispelling darkness, they guide the soul from a former life, which flies up to the heavens and chants.” This hymn says that the Nine Profundities, the hidden levels of the celestial realm, guide the beginning of illumination, while the numinous child causes a withered heart to sprout anew. By tracing the source, dispelling darkness, and guiding the soul from a former life, they enable it to rise into the clouds and chant.

The Celestial Perfected Emperor says: This scripture was formed in Gonghua Heaven, where the flying, mysterious Qi of the Five Directions was blended and brought into accord with the natural sounds of the eight characters. It is called the Wuliang Dongzhang (“Limitless Cavern Chapter”). Gonghua Heaven lies eighty million “units of One Qi” from Zongpiao Heaven.

“Brahma-form” refers to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. When the Longhan Kalpa opened and the era of Chiming arose, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning appeared in response to the age and was called “Primordial Beginning.” He was also called “the August Sovereign Who Opens the Era,” with the title “Venerable Man of Primordial Beginning.” He took form in response to the world’s transformations; therefore, he is said to be a single spirit.

“Emerging from emptiness” means that the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning appeared from the void. Once Heaven and Earth had taken shape, the sun, moon, and other three lights became visible, and people came to know that true writings had always existed within the void.

“Spirit” refers to the Perfected One of Nine Radiances. He governs the Southern Upper Palace and oversees the dead souls beneath the Nine Hells whose fated ties from past lives have come due; he also calculates the merits and faults of the living and the dead. When a person has accumulated good works, the Three Officials submit a report. The Ninefold Spirit then orders the Registrar to record and assess that person’s merits, and rescues the souls of their seven generations of ancestors from the Nine Hells. Once freed, these souls ascend to the Southern Palace, where they rejoice in ease and freedom, soaring into the clouds and singing.

In Heaven stands a Terrace of Scattered Blossoms, home to the Perfected Ones of the Four Dippers. Beneath the terrace is a forest of the Three Treasures, where the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning once wrote the Dongzhang. The Perfected Ones of the Four Dippers, meanwhile, wrote the talisman of welcome and prolongation in the terrace pavilion. Wearing this talisman grants one the sounds of Heaven. If a Perfected One can receive and behold the talisman of welcome and prolongation, they may roam freely on the Terrace of Gonghua. The talisman causes a radiance of treasure to appear above one’s head and a jade-colored glow to shine from one’s body; one’s Qi harmonizes with the Three Sublimities, and one’s spirit reaches through to the Great Void. The music of Gonghua Heaven is naturally subtle in its meaning.

The Sound of the Radiant Brightness of Zongpiao Heaven, Part Three

In Zongpiao Heaven, eight characters arose naturally: “Ze Luo Pu Tai Lü Luo Da Qian.” The Heavenly Perfected Sovereign said that these eight characters formed a text of flying mystery and natural spontaneity. Each character was one zhang square, radiant and bright, its light reaching in all eight directions. The Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning issued a command to have the characters compiled and their pronunciations explained, then joined them into the “Great Brahma Hidden Language” of Zongpiao Heaven—the sacred, secret language of the celestial realm—and its countless sounds, and presented them to the Dao Lord. The Dao Lord used these sounds to instruct those in Zongpiao Heaven who already bore immortal names and were destined to attain the Dao.

“Radiant and bright, Ze’s dragon steps; Luo awakens and shines, illuminating the eight directions” describes the brilliant scene created by these characters and sounds: they gleam with light, as if illuminating all eight directions. The Celestial Worthy of the Primordial Beginning issued a command to have the characters compiled and their pronunciations explained, forming the Great Brahma Hidden Language of Zongpiao Heaven and its countless sounds, then entrusted them to the Dao Lord.