《太上洞玄灵宝飞行三界通微内思妙经》

The Perfected of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) said: In cultivating the supreme Dao (the Way) of the Most High Lingbao, that of flight through the Three Realms and of concealment and preservation, so long as one can maintain the fast and the practice over a long period, within a hundred days every kind of illness can be eliminated, the countenance becomes radiant and bright, white hair turns black, and teeth that have fallen out grow in again. After two hundred days of practice, the marrow is full and the bones are strong, and the intestines are transformed into sinews; scars and moxibustion burns disappear, and those who once moved only with difficulty, who bent and stretched only with effort, or who had lost their voice, fallen ill, gone blind, or gone deaf, can likewise recover their sight and hearing. After three hundred days of practice, one can come and go without hindrance, command ghosts and spirits, send the body soaring through the air with feet treading the floating clouds, and proceed at will to Kunlun. After three years of practice, one can attain the Dao and become a Perfected, roaming in delight through heaven and earth in the eight directions, riding a qilin, protected by a white tiger, with an azure dragon following in attendance and raising the dust. After five years of practice, one can summon and roam the Three Realms and be ranked among the immortal kings.

The subtle excellence of these words lies in this: the Dao must rely on human beings if it is to be spread. This is not empty talk; the great Dao is truly to be propagated and carried on. Though people die, the Dao can long endure. How vast and profound are the principles contained in the Most High Lingbao!

The Perfected of Taiji said: The Lingbao Taizhen Jingyang Danyang Ganyang Jade Talisman for Ascending to Heaven is a secret talisman that the Most High has hidden away in the Upper Palace of the Golden Towers on Mount Yujing. Only those who bear the signs of an immortal, and who are fated to become an immortal king, an immortal duke, or an immortal minister, may receive its transmission. If you have the affinity to encounter it, then the destiny allotted from former lives has coincided with a mysterious opportunity, and your name has already been registered in the immortal realm of Shangqing. You must prepare a pledge-token, and only after declaring an oath and establishing a covenant may you receive it.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Master and disciple must each first observe the fast for thirty days, and then fast together for three days, so that evil thoughts are wholly cleared from the mind and one seeks within the state of emptiness, stillness, and numinous clarity. There must also be a response at that time. Only then may one write the Fulu (talismans and registers), wear them on the body, and act according to the rite.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Ingest medicinal substances, refine and nurture the breath, and expel and draw in Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy); visualize the divine spirits, abide in silence and settled calm, and wear the talisman of Taizhen.

The Perfected of Taiji (Taiji zhenren) said: Enter a quiet chamber and cultivate for twenty-one days, and you will be able to see the true spirits. Transformation can occur in an instant, and it can alter the length and shortness of things. Block the source and cut off the flow, then take the substance of Jingyang.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Use water to refine eight kinds of minerals until they become gold. Decoct sand and stone so that they rise and manifest, and then swallow the elixir.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Concentrate your mind on the Shen (spirit) and the Dao (the Way), and let the Shen roam through the realms of the immortals. Hope to leave immortal traces behind; focus your longing and visualize yourself sensing and responding to the Yang qi.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Within the vast emptiness, visualize the Fulu (talismans and registers) and gaze far toward the radiant sacred peaks. Look up to the clouded heavens and think of the favor bestowed by Heaven. Wish to rise into the clouds, connect with the heavenly road, and ascend to Heaven.

After the elixir has risen and manifested, swallow it.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Concentrate your mind on the Shen and the Dao, and let the Shen roam through the realms of the immortals. Hope to leave immortal traces behind; focus your longing and visualize yourself sensing and responding to the Yang qi.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Within the vast emptiness, visualize the Fulu and gaze far toward the radiant sacred peaks. Look up to the clouded heavens and think of the favor bestowed by Heaven. Wish to rise into the clouds, connect with the heavenly road, and ascend to Heaven.

The Perfected of Taiji said: Once the Dao has been accomplished, always wear the object of Linghua Mountain. After you have climbed the heavenly steps, take it at once. Through ingesting substances, refining the breath, and exhaling and inhaling the essence (Jing), visualize the divine spirits, practice in silence, and wear the object of Taizhen. Enter a quiet chamber and cultivate for twenty-one days, and you will be able to see the true spirits.

Lingbao Taizhen Yin (Lingbao, Supreme Perfected, Yin).

The Perfected of Taiji said: This method must be kept in a jade pouch. Wear it on your body, and do not step into defiled places.

The Perfected of Taiji said: To cultivate the Lingbao way of flying through the Three Realms, enter the purification hall on the days jiazi, jiaxu, jiashen, jiawu, jiachen, and jiayin. Face east, knock the teeth, and silently recite in your heart: "Dark forest, mysterious image, how fares the flowing water? Blazing fire surrounds the body; how could one know it? Dao, return to me, and let the harmonious qi of emptiness settle into its natural balance."

The Perfected of Taiji said: To cultivate the Lingbao way of flying through the Three Realms, enter the purification hall on the days renshen, renwu, renchen, renyin, renzi, renxu, guiyou, guiwei, guisi, guichou, guihai, and guimao. Face north, knock the teeth, and silently recite in your heart: "May I see the Heavenly Mirror." Then the mysterious, nourishing qi flows into the Jade Pool; black hair turns white and white hair turns black, and one preserves the state of an infant. The spirits return to me, and the qi of the five organs comes into accord with them.

(Note: "knocking the teeth" is an inner-cultivation rite commonly used in Daoist visualization and practice; "visualization" means concentrating the mind on specific images or deities. Some sentences in the original are repeated, and the meaning of certain terms is unclear, so the above has been translated literally.)

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Zhenren) says: To practice the Dao (the Way) of Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) flight through the Three Realms—a method of cultivation in Lingbao Daoism—one should, on the days Gengwu, Gengchen, Gengyin, Gengzi, Gengxu, Gengshen, Xinwei, Xinsi, Xinmao, Xinchou, Xinyou, and Xinhai, enter the zhai hall (the quiet chamber for purification and cultivation), face west, click the teeth, and then silently recite within the mind: “Benzi, benzi; white clouds arise from the root; white clouds arise from the root; mist spreads for ten thousand li. May the spirits descend and remain for me to command; may the workings of the myriad things move in recurring cycles, and after coming to an end begin again.”

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: To practice this Dao, one should, on the days Bingyin, Bingzi, Bingxu, Bingshen, Bingwu, Bingchen, Dingmao, Dingchou, Dinghai, Dingyou, Dingwei, and Dingsi, enter the zhai hall, face south, click the teeth, and then silently recite within the mind: “Vermilion Bird and Cinnabar Pool (Zhuque and Danchi, symbolizing the spirit of the south and the cinnabar pool), the seas of Heaven and the rivers of Earth—may I gain long life without death, may food and drink be harmonized and pure, may my lifespan match Heaven and Earth, and may the longevity I hope for have no end.”

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: To practice the Dao of Lingbao flight, face south and click the teeth, silently reciting within the mind: “Vermilion Bird and Cinnabar Pool, the seas of Heaven and the rivers of Earth—may I gain long life without death, may food and drink be harmonized and pure, may my lifespan match Heaven and Earth, and may the longevity I hope for have no end.” This section of the original text does not note conditions such as choosing the day or entering the chamber.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: To practice this Dao, one should, on the days Wuchen, Wuyin, Wuzi, Wuxu, Wushen, Wuwu, Jisi, Jimao, Jichou, Jihai, Jiyou, and Jiwei, enter the zhai hall, lie at rest facing east with the pillow set level, click the teeth, and then silently recite within the mind: “O Dao of Heaven, O Dao of Heaven—may I enjoy long life without growing old, may my lifespan stand shoulder to shoulder with the Central Yellow (Zhonghuang, a Daoist deity or a symbol of longevity), and may I soon ascend into the heavenly realms. May my life be extended, and may I long keep company with the Dao.”

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: In practicing this Dao, on the six Jia days (the six days, in the system of dating by heavenly stems and earthly branches, that begin with Jia), a person’s po (corporeal soul) roams through the Mysterious Palace (Xuangong, a deep and mysterious palace). At this time, one should visualize in the mind a divine being clothed in white light, whose form resembles a Jade Maiden (Yunü).

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: In practicing this Dao, on the six Gui days (the six days, in the system of dating by heavenly stems and earthly branches, that end with Gui), a person’s hun (ethereal soul) resides in the bladder. At this time one should quietly visualize the divine being within the kidneys: clothed in white light, with a form resembling a Jade Maiden.

Taiji Zhenren (the Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate) says: When practicing the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) Dao (the Way) of Flying through the Three Realms, on the six Gui days (days whose heavenly stem is Gui), the soul’s Shen (spirit) resides in the bladder. One should quiet the mind and silently visualize the divine person Zhu Guang within the kidneys, imagining him as a jade lad.

Taiji Zhenren says: When practicing this method, one must recognize the five places in the body where the heart-spirits dwell. Hidden yet vital, they are known together as the “Five Gate Children” (Wumenzi). One should often visualize a divine person in the heart who governs the root of the gods and immortals: the left hand represents Taichu (Grand Inception), the right hand represents Taisu (Grand Simplicity), the left foot represents morning, and the right foot represents evening. All these places bear red Qi (vital energy), called “Yuangong.” This is where the Five Emperors dwell. The lungs are regarded as a stone chamber, and the liver as the Orchid Terrace; the heart has a golden seal, and the kidneys have a silver seal.

Taiji Zhenren says: One who practices this method should, on the day of the Beginning of Spring, fast and purify the body, face east, and recite the incantation: “Azure Sprout of the East, ingest the azure sprout, eat and drink the morning florescence.” Visualize the morning florescence (the quintessence of early morning) just outside the lips, then swallow it in three portions.

Taiji Zhenren says: On the day of the Beginning of Summer, one should fast and purify the body, face south, and recite the incantation: “Vermilion Cinnabar of the South, ingest the vermilion cinnabar, drink from the Cinnabar Pool.” Visualize the Cinnabar Pool (the cinnabar-colored numinous fluid) in the mouth, then swallow it in three portions.

Taiji Zhenren says: In the months of the four seasons (the last month of each season), one should fast and purify the body, face the center, and recite the incantation “Yellow Wilds of the Center,” and swallow the visualized Jing (essence) and Qi in three portions.

Taiji Zhenren says: In the months of the four seasons, one should fast and purify the body, face the center, and recite the incantation: “Yellow Wilds of the Center, lofty and towering is the Great Mountain; ingest primordial Qi, and drink from the Sweet Spring.” Visualize the Sweet Spring (the sweet numinous spring) suspended at the root of the tongue, then swallow it in three portions.

Taiji Zhenren says: On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, one should fast and purify the body, face west, and recite the incantation: “Bright Stone of the West, ingest the bright stone, drink the numinous fluid.” Visualize the numinous fluid upon the teeth, then swallow it in three portions.

Taiji Zhenren says: On the day of the Beginning of Winter, one should fast and purify the body, face north, and recite the incantation: “Dark Nourishment of the North, ingest the dark nourishment, drink the Jade Syrup.” Visualize the Jade Syrup (sweet dew like jade) beneath the tongue, then swallow it in three portions.

The Perfected of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) says: In cultivating the Dao (the Way) of the Lingbao text Flying through the Three Realms, at every midnight one must visualize in the mind the divine water of the elixir pool (the divine water contemplated in internal refinement) and the Qi (vital energy) of five-colored white clouds. One visualizes them emerging from the Mysterious Gate (the portal within the body through which breath enters and leaves), descending into the three channels in the kidneys, then rising straight to the Crimson Palace (the place where the heart is located), drifting within the Canopy (the covering Qi contemplated in the chest), and finally returning to the Mud Pellet (the site of internal refinement in the head).

The Perfected of Taiji says: In cultivating this Dao, at midnight on the first day of each month one must visualize the divine water of the elixir pool and the Qi of five-colored white clouds, moving them along the path already described: they emerge from the Mysterious Gate, descend into the three channels of the kidneys, then ascend into the Crimson Palace, drift within the Canopy, and finally return to the Mud Pellet.

The Perfected of Taiji says: This Dao is to be cultivated on the first, fifth, fifteenth, and twenty-fifth days of each month, and also on the days Jiawu, Bingwu, and Wuwu. On ordinary days one may practice from morning until noon. Facing the sun, with the hair unbound, one lies supine and closes the eyes, visualizes the sun in the mind, and then lets it return to the Crimson Palace, where it unites with oneself and together they nourish the Crimson Palace. Next one visualizes a Mysterious Canopy within the heart; beneath the canopy is the sun, and within the sun is a person named the Taiyi Jade Maiden, whose form is that of a young child, her whole body encircled by red Qi. She circles the sun thirty times and finally comes to rest at the center of the sun.

The Perfected of Taiji says: In cultivating this Dao, one should take in the Jing (essence) and Qi of the sun. One constantly visualizes the heart as pure red, like the sun, with red Qi dispersing in the four directions and spreading throughout the whole body. One then visualizes a sun within the heart, and within the sun a Mysterious Canopy; beneath the canopy are three spirits: on the left is Taichu Yuanxian, on the right is Taiyi Nanji Yuanyang, and in the center is the Infant Child. The Jade Maiden, Lady of Laozi, often holds a golden tray and a jade bowl, giving me divine wine to drink and divine elixir and lingzhi herbs to eat. Cultivated in this way over a long time, the Six Ding deities (the six guardian deities of which Daoism speaks) will arrive.

Cultivation should be carried out in the early morning and cease at noon. One visualizes the spirit of Taixuan ascending into the Mud Pellet; red Qi passes through the head, enters the mouth, circles the mouth nine times, and then stops. Thereafter the red Qi descends into the Crimson Palace, goes straight to the Dantian (energy center), and merges with the red Qi within the Dantian.

The Perfected of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), a transcendent in Daoist legend, said: To cultivate the Lingbao way of flying through the Three Realms, one should regularly visualize and absorb the essence of the moon.

Regularly visualize the Xuanguang Jade Maiden (a deity of contemplative visualization) coming to stand upright above the divine water, with white Qi (vital energy) resting upon the divine tortoise. She wears a great star upon her head, and its radiance illuminates her whole body. Begin the practice at midnight and stop at noon. Visualize yourself entering Taiyuan (a deep, secluded body of water) and uniting with Taiyi (a Daoist deity); the numinous Qi then descends once more. When the night is deep and still, visualize yourself entering the Weak Waters and then ascending Mount Kunlun, and at midnight bathe again in the Cinnabar Pool. The primordial Qi circulates in a steady course, and one breathes upon the divine tortoise. This is called “Yuanyi” (Primordial Unity).

On the last day of the lunar month, the day of the new moon, and the day of the full moon, visualize in the same way. Regularly visualize, between the kidneys, a great divine tortoise bearing patterns of the five colors, its form like a bundle of silk. Above the tortoise is mysterious light, and below it is divine water. The white Qi between the kidneys circles the body once, with the sun on the left and the moon on the right, and then rises in sequence to the Upper Prime (the region of Qi transformation in the upper body). On every last day of the month, new-moon day, and the Eight Nodes (Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice), recite the incantation in the established way: “Jade Maidens of the Six Ding who keep the registers, please delete so-and-so’s name from the register of the dead.” The Twelve Great Officers (referring here to the relevant deities) should all respond. The particulars follow the prescriptions of the Keyi (liturgy) in the Great Rites of Lingbao.

The Perfected of Taiji said: To cultivate the Lingbao way of flying through the Three Realms, one should also visualize and absorb the essence of the Northern Dipper. Regularly visualize yellow Qi within the spleen. Above this Qi are the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, together with the Yellow Spirit Mysterious Woman (a Daoist goddess). She is three inches tall. Visualize upward the seven stars of the Northern Dipper in Great Clarity; the yellow Qi enters the mouth and then circles downward around the whole body, so that body and mind become one with the Qi of primordial chaos.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Zhenren, an immortal perfected being in Daoist scriptures) says: In cultivating the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao) Way (Dao) of flying through the Three Realms, one should absorb the essence (Jing) of the stars—that is, the Jing of the bright star at the center of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji). One should regularly visualize the young boys in the Crimson Palace (Jianggong, the inner-landscape palace where the heart resides), red as the sun; three young boys stand side by side, and the red vital energy (Qi) of the Great Unity (Taiyi) rises to the Mud Pellet (Niwan, the inner-landscape site in the head). One then visualizes three stars upon the forehead, each the size of a chicken’s egg and red as the sun. The red Qi enters the sun and connects with the spirit (Shen); the yellow Jing enters the mouth and reaches the Great Mystery (Taixuan, a subtle site within the body’s inner landscape). This is usually practiced at noon on the days Jiawu and Bingwu.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: In cultivating the Lingbao Way of flying through the Three Realms, one should visualize at midnight as follows: within the stars of the Supreme Ultimate there are eight stars; the Eight Chiefs (Bakui) are arranged in a perfect circle, and within the circle is a person dressed in red, bearing five-colored patterns on the body—this is one’s own bodily form. One then visualizes the young boy of Taiyi in the Crimson Palace and recites the incantation: “I, so-and-so, a minor devotee and disciple of the Three Luminaries, delight in the methods of the Dao and seek long life; the Eight Chiefs are arranged in a perfect circle, and within the circle is a person dressed in red and bearing five-colored patterns—this is my bodily form. One then visualizes the young boy of Taiyi in the Crimson Palace and recites the incantation: I, so-and-so, a minor devotee and disciple of the Three Luminaries, delight in the methods of the Dao and seek long life, ascend to roam the Three Realms, and have already returned in triumph and attainment.” Here, “minor devotee so-and-so” (xiaozhao mou) is the practitioner’s self-designation; when reciting, one should insert one’s own name.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: In cultivating the Lingbao Way of flying through the Three Realms, on the days Jiazi, Jiaxu, Jiashen, Jiawu, Jiachen, Jiayin, Yichou, Yihai, Yiyou, Yiwei, Yisi, and Yimao, at dawn just as the sky grows light, one should face east and sit upright in the purification hall (Zhaitang, the quiet chamber for fasting and cultivation). Visualize the blue-green liver spirit, Lord Lao, within one’s own body; the blue-green Qi rises and joins with Heaven, while the primordial Qi of Great Clarity (Taiqing) enters the body from below. Then visualize the circulation of a certain Qi so that it flows throughout the whole body; once the sun has risen, one stops.

The Perfected Person of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) says: When cultivating the Dao (the Way) of Lingbao flight through the Three Realms—a visualization practice of the Lingbao tradition—one should choose the days Bingyin, Bingzi, Bingxu, Bingshen, Bingwu, Bingchen, Dingmao, Dingchou, Dinghai, Dingyou, Dingwei, and Dingsi. At the yuzhong hour (a period in the morning), enter the purification hall, gather the mind and Shen (spirit), and concentrate in quiet contemplation. Then visualize in the heart a Taiyi youth, a deity within the body, red like the sun, the whole body filled with pure red Qi (vital energy) that connects upward with the celestial realm. The red Qi descends from above into the body; visualize it circulating throughout the entire body until the practice stops at noon.

The Perfected Person of Taiji says: In cultivating this method, one should also choose the days Wuchen, Wuyin, Wuzi, Wuxu, Wushen, Wuwu, Jisi, Jimao, Jichou, Jihai, Jiyou, and Jiwei. At the shishi hour (the period around breakfast), enter the purification hall and gather the mind and spirit. Then visualize the yellow Qi in the spleen connecting upward with the celestial realm; the yellow Qi descends from above into the body and circulates throughout the entire body until the practice stops when the sun declines toward the west.

The Perfected Person of Taiji says: In cultivating this method, one should further choose the days Gengwu, Gengchen, Gengyin, Gengzi, Gengxu, Gengshen, Xinwei, Xinsi, Xinmao, Xinchou, Xinhai, and Xinyou. At the zhongbu hour (a period in the afternoon), enter the purification hall and gather the mind and spirit. Then visualize the lung spirit Taihe, the deity dwelling in the lungs, manifesting pure white Qi and connecting upward with the celestial realm; the primordial Qi of Taishi, the original vital energy at the beginning of the cosmos, descends from above into the body. Then visualize the white Qi circulating throughout the entire body until the practice stops at sunset.

(The last two passages of the scripture show clear repetition or omission, and the third passage in particular breaks off after the character zhi, “until.” The rendering above restores the general sense from context.)

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Zhenren) says: To cultivate the Lingbao Way of flying through the Three Realms (the visualization method in Lingbao Daoist practice for roaming the Three Realms), one should, on the days Ren-Shen, Ren-Wu, Ren-Chen, Ren-Yin, Ren-Zi, Ren-Xu, Gui-Chou, Gui-You, Gui-Wei, Gui-Si, Gui-Mao, and Gui-Hai, wait until the hour of rending (when the night is deep and still and one is about to fall asleep), enter the purification hall, collect the mind, and contemplate in quiet. Then visualize the black breath transformed from the Weak Waters (a mythical name for water) rising thick and dense until it joins Heaven; the primordial Qi (vital energy) of the Great Mystery (the Qi of the origin) enters the body from below. Further visualize this Qi circulating throughout the whole body, and stop at midnight.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: To cultivate the Lingbao Way of flying through the Three Realms, one should practice the Mud Pellet (Niwan, the site of inner refinement in the head). Constantly visualize a purple cloud rising within the head, like a purple canopy, gradually expanding until it fills the heavens. The purple canopy drifts lightly, and its breath enters directly into the Supreme Ultimate. Visualize the Crimson Palace (Jianggong, the region of the heart), the Little Lad, and the Jade Maiden of the Great One (Taiyi), three persons in all, seated beneath the purple canopy, holding jade platters, pouring wine with golden cups, and eating the divine elixir and the lingzhi herb. If one constantly visualizes in this way, one can remain unaging, roam upward through the Three Realms, and become an Immortal Sovereign Zhaikao (Xianhuang Zhaikao, the name in the scripture of an exalted station in the immortal realm).

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: To cultivate the Lingbao Way of flying through the Three Realms, one should practice the Three Sovereigns of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Sanhuang, the three divinities within the Supreme Ultimate). Constantly visualize the Northern Dipper upon the forehead; upon the Northern Dipper are three stars, shaped like linked pearls, each the size of a chicken’s egg, showing the three colors of chaos not yet divided. Yellow Essence (Huangjing, the essential Qi or a divine object in Daoist visualization) enters the mouth and descends to the Crimson Palace, the Purple Chamber, and the Dantian (energy center). The essential Qi appears a pure crimson, then rises and enters the eyes; after visualizing for ninety breaths (one inhalation and exhalation counting as one breath), one stops.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: To cultivate the Lingbao Way of flying through the Three Realms, one should practice the Way of Great Clarity (Taiqing, one of the Three Pure Realms of Daoism). Regularly, on a Jia-Zi day just as the sky grows light, enter the purification hall and quietly visualize the crimson Qi in the heart coming out through the mouth, striking the roots of the upper teeth, drifting on in an unbroken stream. Of the Qi of the five colors, the azure and the yellow enter directly into the canopy within the realm of Great Clarity; visualize for ninety breaths and then stop. One should regularly begin the practice at daybreak and stop at noon; one should also constantly visualize one person within each of the two ears.

The Perfected of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) says: To cultivate the Dao (the Way) of Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) flight through the Three Realms—the Lingbao methods of practice concerned with visualization and with setting Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy) in motion—one should practice the method of Taichu (the Great Beginning). On the first, third, fifth, fifteenth, and twenty-fifth days of each month, as well as on the days Jiawu, Bingwu, and Wuwu, and on ordinary days as well, enter the fasting hall (the place of purification and quiet cultivation) once each day. Face east; at noon, sit upright facing south. One may also let the hair hang loose, bow the body, and still the mind, reciting the incantation: “The young lad and jade maiden of Taiyi dwell constantly in the Crimson Palace (the inner palace in which the heart resides).”

Close the eyes and visualize red Qi within the heart, uniting with the radiance of the sun. The Jing (essence) of the sun transforms into red Qi and descends, entering the body through the nose and mouth; swallow it twenty-seven times. Then recite: “Lord of the Sun, Great Yang—Shen, oh Shen! Please return to the Crimson Palace, become one with me, and together nourish the young lad within the Crimson Palace.” With this, the practice is complete.

The Perfected of Taiji says: To cultivate the Dao of Lingbao flight through the Three Realms, on the seventh and eighth days of each month, and in the afternoon on the days Gengshen and Wushen, visualize the essence-Qi of the lungs entering the fasting hall. In the mind, visualize the white Qi in the lungs rising upward to the mouth, then swallow it twenty-one times. With this, the practice is complete.

The Perfected of Taiji says: To cultivate the Dao of Lingbao flight through the Three Realms, on the days Jiazi and Guihai, and at midnight on the last day of the month, the first day, and the day of the full moon (around the fifteenth of the lunar month), enter the fasting hall. Visualize white Qi between the two kidneys, rising out through the apertures of the kidneys, ascending like clouds, passing through the Canopy (Huagai, a traditional term of internal cultivation referring to the inner region of the chest), entering directly into the Mud Pellet (Niwan, the upper Dantian [energy center] within the head), then descending to the Bubbling Spring (Yongquan, the point on the sole of the foot), and circulating throughout the whole body. With this, the practice is complete.

The Perfected of Taiji says: To cultivate the Dao of Lingbao flight through the Three Realms, one should practice the method of Lord Lao (Laojun). On the days Jiazi, Jiayin, Renzi, Renyin, Bingzi, and Bingyin, enter the fasting hall in the early morning and visualize the Qi of the liver as blue-green, rising upward out of the Mud Pellet and entering directly into the Grand Clarity (Taiqing, the realm of pure emptiness spoken of in Daoism). The primordial Qi of the Grand Clarity (the original essence-Qi of heaven and earth) descends and enters the body. Then visualize the blue-green Qi circulating throughout the whole body, continuing until the morning meal.

In the original text some passages are repeated, and the final section also contains overlapping wording and omissions; the above follows, in sequence, what can be discerned from the context.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Zhenren) says: When cultivating the Lingbao way of flight through the Three Realms—a visualization and cultivation method of the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao) tradition—one should, on the days wuchen, wuyin, wuzi, wuxu, wushen, and wuwu, enter the purification hall (the place for observing ritual abstinence and cultivation). Visualize the yellow primordial vital energy (Qi) in the spleen transforming into a person who stands upright and composed, three inches in height. The yellow Qi rises upward and enters directly into the star of the Central Pole, the Northern Chronogram; afterward, the yellow Qi within the Northern Chronogram descends and enters the body. The visualization is complete.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: When cultivating the Lingbao way of flight through the Three Realms, one should, on the days jiazi and jiawu, and on the last day and the first day of the lunar month, enter the purification hall at midnight. Visualize the energy center (Dantian) located at the navel, a space six inches square, pure red in color like the sun. Visualize the Five Lads of Primordial Yang entering the body. The visualization is complete.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: When cultivating the Lingbao way of flight through the Three Realms, one should, on the days jiazi and jiawu, and on the last day and the first day of the lunar month, enter the purification hall at midnight. Visualize the Dantian located at the navel, a space six inches square, pure red in color like the sun. Then visualize the Qi of the Five Lads of Primordial Yang as billowing clouds: blue-green on the left, white on the right, and yellow in the center. In the center is a small red person, nine fen in height. White Qi covers this figure, red Qi encircles it, and black Qi surrounds it once more on the outside. Visualize this person inwardly, so that the essence (Jing) and Qi reach the Crimson Palace, the Qi residence of the heart. The visualization ends at this point.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: In cultivating the Lingbao way of flight through the Three Realms, one should practice the way of the Hall of Light. Each day, at cockcrow, at mealtimes, and when the sun declines in the west, enter the purification hall and perform the visualization three times a day. Visualize the Great Granary—the stomach—and the stomach cavity as pure white like fat or ointment, filled to abundance with yellow primordial Qi. The visualization is complete.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: In cultivating the Lingbao way of flight, one should practice the method of the Central Pole, visualizing constantly in ordinary times as follows: the Great Granary and the stomach cavity are pure white like fat or ointment, filled to abundance with yellow primordial Qi. The visualization is complete.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate says: In cultivating the Lingbao way of flight, one should practice the method of the Central Pole. 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—as well as on the La day, the first day of the first lunar month, and New Year’s Eve, enter the purification hall in the quiet of the deep night, face north, and ascend the high seat to pay reverence to the Three Treasures and the ten directions. First pay respects to the north, then to the east, the south, the west, the northwest, and above, and next to the east… The original text breaks off at this point.

Then, in turn, face north, the southeast, downward, and the southwest, bowing once toward each direction. Next, pay homage to the great assembly of sages, facing the four quarters and bowing three times in each direction. When you have finished turning and making these salutations, recite:

“I, so-and-so, a disciple of the Three Luminaries, have from youth delighted in the great Dao (the Way) and have wished to seek long life. Today I earnestly beg the Northern Lord of Taiyi, the Director of Destiny, and the Director of Records to strike my name from the register of the dead and enter it instead in the register of long life.”

Then lie down and visualize the Five Cities and the Twelve Towers, with twelve grandees dressed in red stationed at the center; visualize river water flowing and circulating, spread through the four limbs. Recite once more the entreaty asking the Northern Lord of Taiyi, the Director of Destiny, and the Director of Records to delete the register of death and transfer you into the register of long life. Then intone this invocation:

“Jade Maidens of the Six Ding who serve the Director of Records, please erase my name-slip of death and place me instead on the jade register of the long-lived immortals. Enter my name in the Azure Register (the register of immortals spoken of in Daoism), and today I shall surely transcend the Three Realms and roam beyond the Nine Outer Regions.”

The ritual ends here.

The Perfected of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) says: In cultivating the Lingbao way of flying through the Three Realms, one should first practice visualizing the rivers within the body. One should often visualize furious clouds massing thickly and swirling until they turn into rivers: the large intestine is the great river, the small intestine is the lesser river, and the bladder is the Weak Water (in legend, a water difficult to cross; here it also refers to water within the body). The root of human life lies in these. The jade water within the body is mysterious and subtle, and the rivers likewise possess a numinous efficacy.

The Perfected of Taiji says: In cultivating the Lingbao way of flying through the Three Realms, one should also cultivate the Primordial Qi (vital energy), the qi that is the source of life. On the days guihai and jiazi, and on the last day and the first day of the month, at midnight visualize the Weak Water and the furious clouds surging up together from between the kidneys. Once the white Qi has gathered, it continues upward, passing through the Five Palaces (five palace-sites within the body), rising to the Muddy Pellet (the upper Dantian (energy center) in the head), then descending to the Bubbling Spring (the point on the sole of the foot) and circulating through the whole body. Then visualize the Jade Maiden of Mysterious Light coming along the central path and moving upward, a bright star upon her head. The body thereby becomes luminous, and the Primordial Qi spreads throughout the body. The visualization continues until cockcrow, when it ends.

The Perfected of the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) says: In practicing the “Way of Ease and Increase” (Dao, the Way—a visualization method that harmonizes body and mind and brings augmentation), one should choose a jiazi day, a guihai day, and the days of the eight solar terms of the year: Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice. At midnight, enter the fasting hall (a place for quiet cultivation and ritual abstinence). Visualize the primordial Qi (vital energy) in the Weak Waters flowing thick and dense, rising above the canopy overhead, and circulating through the whole body as clouds travel and rain spreads. Next, visualize the Taiyi youth and the jade maidens, three figures in all; the Dao Lord of the Purple Chamber (the divine lord who dwells in the purple chamber) descends from above and pours Qi into the Dantian (energy center). The blue-green water in the Jade Pool rises upward and transforms into radiant light. Then visualize the primordial Qi of Great Clarity descending in profusion like clouds and mist, entering the body, so dense that it resembles cloud-vapor entering the mountains, so that life may long endure. The visualization is complete.

The Perfected of the Taiji says: In practicing the Lingbao Way of flight through the Three Realms (the method, within Lingbao cultivation, by which the spirit roams the Three Realms), one should cultivate the method of the “portals.” From the first to the fifteenth day of each month, enter the fasting hall and quietly visualize, taking the ten fingers of both hands as portals and letting primordial Qi pour directly into the ten fingers until the fingers grow warm. Then visualize the hun soul passing in and out at the fingertips, guide it back and forth, and stop after ninety breaths. From the sixteenth day until the end of the month, visualize the primordial Qi in the ten fingers descending to the ten toes of both feet until the toes grow warm, and stop after nine breaths.

The Perfected of the Taiji says: In practicing the Lingbao Way of flight through the Three Realms, one should also cultivate the method of “mysterious transformation.” On every guihai day, at night when people have retired to rest, enter the fasting hall and visualize the inverted figure in the “Xuantai Text,” square and regular in form and seven cun in height; then visualize it, as it moves, dark in color, dry, and turning yellow; afterward visualize the dark color turning pure black, and guide this color until it becomes moist and lustrous, stopping at midnight.

The Perfected of the Taiji says: When practicing Lingbao flight, enter the fasting hall and visualize the inverted figure in the “Xuantai Text,” square and regular in form and seven cun in height; then visualize it, as it moves, dark and dry, appearing yellow; next visualize the dark color turning pure black, and guide it until it becomes moist and radiant, stopping at midnight.

The Perfected Person of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) says: When cultivating the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) Dao (the Way) of flight through the Three Realms, one should visualize the yellow Jing (essence) Qi (vital energy) and the red Qi at the center of the sun descending, entering the mouth, and being swallowed, twenty-seven times in all. After the swallowing is finished, recite the incantation: “Imperial Lord of the Sun, Lady of the Moon, O Shen (spirit), O Shen, please return to the Crimson Palace (the dwelling place of the heart) and together nourish the young child. Jade Maiden of Taiyi (the Great One), do not leave your own palace.” Recite this incantation three times. Then visualize the white Qi in the lungs rising into the mouth and swallow it twenty-one times. Next recite the incantation: “Hongda has attained the Dao; Taibai Ziqi, sharing the same De (Virtue/Power) with you, lives long and does not die.” Recite it three times.

The Perfected Person of Taiji says: When cultivating this Dao, one should regularly visualize twelve stalks of zhi-grass in the heart, pure red and like jade, connecting upward to the lungs, named “Sijian” (Thought Arrow). Grasp it with the mind, so that Taiyi (the great deity venerated in Daoism) arouses the power within the heart. In the heart there is a perfectly round mass of Qi named “Weixi.” What is referred to here is the celestial deity Taiyi and the Taiyi of the Dao. In daily life one should continually maintain this contemplation and visualize it with single-minded concentration.

The Perfected Person of Taiji says: When cultivating this Dao, one should regularly visualize the red Qi in the heart moving downward to join the kidneys, and at the same time visualize the white Qi between the kidneys rising and entering the heart, while the red Qi in the heart again moves downward to the space between the kidneys. One should concentrate on experiencing this rising and falling movement of the breath.

The Perfected Person of Taiji says: When cultivating this Dao, one should regularly visualize the red Qi in the heart moving downward to join the kidneys, and at the same time visualize the white Qi between the kidneys rising and entering the heart, while the red Qi in the heart again moves downward to the space between the kidneys. From between the kidneys, white Qi also moves upward, continuing unbroken generation after generation; this is called the primordial Qi of Yin-Yang.

The Perfected Person of Taiji says: When cultivating this Dao, one should regularly visualize Taiyi’s purple sash, golden seal, and the Jade-Blossom Talisman that is worn. This seal is named “Weixi” and is the credential seal of the Celestial Emperor. Visualize seven persons wearing swords and holding talismans: when one is walking they are in front, when one stops they are behind, when one is sitting they are on the left, and when one is lying down they are on the right, and always keep them held in contemplation within the heart.

The Perfected of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) says: When cultivating the Dao (the Way) of Lingbao flight through the Three Realms, one should regularly practice the method of the “Central Extremity.” Visualize above the spleen a small yellow figure three cun in height, and likewise a small yellow figure in each of one’s two hands. Yellow Qi (vital energy) reaches upward to the sky and enters downward into the body. Once these spirits have been clearly visualized, recite the incantation: “Child in yellow robes, child in yellow robes, the Perfected of the Yellow Court is within my body; please fetch for me sweet wine, dried fatty meat, the divine lingzhi herb of the immortals, and every kind of thing that may be drunk or eaten.” Then draw them into the mouth and swallow them, repeating this three or five times, and the rite is complete.

The Perfected of Taiji says: The supreme Dao of the Most High Lingbao, that of roaming unseen and flying through the Three Realms, cannot be obtained unless one truly possesses the requisite capacity; without a mind devoted to the Dao, it cannot be cultivated and studied either. If one can practice with single-minded concentration for five years, one may hope to roam beyond the Three Realms and ascend to the Jade Capital (the celestial court within the realm of the immortals). This scripture is regarded as an exceedingly subtle method among the Three Caverns (the three great divisions of the Daoist scriptures), worthy to stand supreme over all other Jing (scriptures/classics). Those who cultivate it should keep the heart plain and detached and sever every external entanglement. If they cannot do this, then even after many years of accumulated practice they will gain nothing, merely wasting a lifetime and looking on in vain. How lamentable that would be.

The Perfected of Taiji says: When this method is transmitted, one should follow the established Keyi (liturgy), taking five cheng as the covenant pledge (the token used at transmission to swear an oath and establish trust), and observe the regulations set forth in the Essential Words of the Jade Instructions. In addition, one must separately prepare three liang of the finest gold, together with patterned silk of one’s natal destiny (patterned polychrome silk prepared according to age) in a length corresponding to one’s own years. If you can study diligently, you may hope to become a guest of the Most High, to come and go beholding and roaming the Golden Towers (the palaces of the immortals), and to be ranked among the higher immortals. How could one fail to encourage oneself and cultivate with diligence?

The Perfected of Taiji says: If one violates the covenant oath and transmits the method without authorization, or transmits it otherwise than after the prescribed term of years, or recklessly transmits it without any covenant oath, the guilt will extend to seven generations of ancestors. One will also be bound with chains and locks and made to fill the River of Accumulated Night with the stones of Mount Meng, and even after ten thousand kalpas there will be no pardon; one will oneself lose one’s life as well. How, then, could one hope to become an immortal? In this one must be perfectly clear and proceed with caution.