《上清外国放品青童内文》

The Great Commander, the Supreme Minister of the Shangqing Taizhen Jade Protector, commanded the Master of High Dawn to receive the Inner Writ of Hidden Origins in the Foreign Realm’s Liberated Hymns from the Jade Emperor Above, the Highest One. The principles of this scripture are supremely profound. It came into being before the Nine Mysteries, formed naturally into written chapters from the purple Qi of Flying Mystery. It reveals extraordinary signs of spiritual marvel and shines with the radiance of Shangqing. After ninety thousand kalpas, it was carved into stone walls on the peaks of Donghua Mountain and above the gardens of Lingniao Mountain in the Green Na Kingdom. Its flowing light shines in every direction, illuminating the Great Void. The sun, moon, and stars of the five directions shine together; spiritual Qi from the eight directions interweaves, clouds and vapors gather, and immortal Qi fills the empty courtyards. Three hundred Golden Flower Immortal Maidens and three hundred Jade Dawn Youths guard the sacred text. The Celestial Consort burns incense; numinous winds disperse primal Qi. Flying dragons and running beasts line up before the Jade Gate, vermilion phoenixes spread their wings, and divine luan birds stand guard. Xihua holds a banquet, and the assembled sages come to pay homage.

On the first day of the third month, a jiazi day in the first year of the Central Emperor, when Heavenly De and the celestial influences aligned, the Supreme Minister, the Azure Youth Lord, fasted in the Empty Mountain and swore an oath to Heaven under the covenant of gold and azure. From the Jade Emperor Above, the Highest One, he received this text. He then traveled throughout the Six Kingdoms, climbed famous mountains and the Five Sacred Peaks, and sought out the sources of the rivers. The Five Emperors protected him and sent a numinous carriage to meet him; the assembled sages of the ten directions welcomed him with a banquet in the great courtyard. He ventured deep into distant realms and investigated the principles of the formless. With the radiance of refined essence, he communicated with the Great Dao; with the sunlike majesty of his brilliance, he made divine power manifest. The Seven Luminaries moved through the purple heavens, and the Eight Radiances carried him aloft. In the Foreign Realm he chanted the Jade Sounds, revealing wondrous categories in hidden depths. He instructed the Five Elders to arrange the divine ranks and summoned the perfected beings to return, bringing the Nine Numinous Ones into harmony and the Three Radiances into shared brilliance. The Elixir’s numinous power revealed auspicious signs, and the Jade Emperor Above, the Highest One, personally observed them.

The Azure Youth Lord was therefore elevated to the rank of Supreme Minister and entered the register of Purple Dawn. He wore a nine-colored robe of frosty gauze, carried the Radiant Spirit Chapter of Flowing Light and Cavernous Origins, and wore the Numinous Treasure Crown of a Hundred Transformations. Chimes of flowing bells hung from him, and cinnabar clouds encircled the nine heavens. Three thousand Golden Flower Jade Maidens and three thousand Purple Dawn Youths served as his guard. The Heavenly Dao opened its wondrous music; his De accorded with the True Dao. By imperial command, the Azure Youth Lord governed the Nine Heavens, presided over all under Heaven, and led the myriad immortals. No register concerning life or death lay beyond his jurisdiction.

The Azure Youth Lord’s De was profound and his Dao arts complete. Transcendent and luminous, he dwelt in Jade Clarity. The Seven Luminaries shone upon him, the Five Elders attended him, the Three Lights of sun, moon, and stars illuminated him, and the Nine Emperors followed in their carriages. Flying vapors formed a purple canopy, while mysterious clouds arose from the Void. Jade Maidens played music, the assembled spirits struck chimes, and dragons roared and phoenixes sang as immortal music rang through the empty courtyards. Flying mists circled the sun; streaming lightning surged, splendid light scattered in crossing patterns, and divine torches shone as one. Riding alone on a numinous talismanic staff and holding the spirit banner that subdues demons, he traveled between the Purple Cloud Lodge and the Azure Flower Chamber, aweing the Six Heavens and cutting down evil spirits and malevolent beings.

From the golden slips he selected those who would study after him, and in every direction he examined and corrected the Azure Registers. He welcomed the myriad Emperors and explained the wondrous chapters of the Precious Instructions. He clarified the courses of the Nine Mysteries and taught those who were unenlightened. He established the principles of solitary cultivation of the Real, put the four quarters in order, and investigated transgressions. He commanded the Four Offices to carry out punishments and directed the Five Emperors to inspect wrongdoing, governing the boundless realms of the myriad worlds. The Six Kingdoms, the famous mountains of the Five Sacred Peaks, and the myriad perfected immortals all belonged to the Azure Palace and submitted to the Supreme Minister’s command.

This Precious Text is a chapter of the Highest One’s mysterious Void and natural order, formed from the purple Qi of Flying Mystery into hidden writing. It contains thirty-six kinds of sounds called “the Foreign Realm’s Liberated Hymns,” and assigns the Six Kingdoms to the offices governed by the Five Elders. It is transmitted to Dao-attuned flying immortals. Its sounds ring clear as jade and stone; its meaning is subtle and mysterious, revealing the ancient rhythms of the High Sovereign. The four quarters converge and the eight directions connect, weaving these sounds together. Its true intent cannot be fully described, nor are its principles easy to investigate. Only those with deep foundations, clear understanding of the jade treasury, and nine apertures able to receive numinous Qi can grasp its subtle rhythms and hear the Jade Sounds.

The Jade Emperor Above, the Highest One, keeps this text under strict seal, transmitting it only by word of mouth from master to disciple. In the Nine Heavens, the Left Assistant is appointed to hold the talismanic insignia of the Immortal Metropolis. At his right stand the attendant immortal Jade Lords and the spirit officers of the five directions, each with fifty thousand guards to protect the Precious Text. Jade Youths and Jade Maidens carry cloths and attend to the incense. Mysterious numinous purple canopies spread their vapors, and the assembled perfected beings gather, making the realm of Shangqing shine with brilliance.

On each of the eight seasonal festivals, the Sage Emperor Jade Emperor ascends to the Jade Chamber to perform the rites and recite the scripture. The clear, ringing Jade Sounds resound and shake the Nine Heavens. On the day this text was written, the Five Planets appeared among the constellations, the Seven Luminaries halted their radiance, the Five Emperors revealed their divine ranks, and the myriad immortals came to the courtyard. Demons and evil spirits lost their sight; the host of devils lost their vital essence. The text’s authority subdued the Six Kingdoms, making the myriad realms solemn and pure. Its wondrous transformations cannot be put into words. It will not perish even after myriad kalpas; though the Great Transformation of Heaven and Earth changes and the seasons turn, it remains ever fresh and radiant. Its numinous elegance and lofty reach defy description.

If one is able to obtain this scripture, it is as though one’s name had been inscribed in the heavenly registers before birth, and one’s destiny had already been set to accord with the Dao of the immortals. At times, a Perfected One from heaven descends and transmits the scripture to someone. At other times, through an encounter shaped by worldly circumstances, one meets a master who transmits it; a response appears in a dream, and one’s spiritual nature resonates with that of a Perfected One, allowing one to receive this precious text.

After receiving the scripture, one should burn incense, bow in reverence, and make a vow to practice in a quiet, pure chamber. Reciting it once can summon ten thousand Perfected Ones to gather and bring the Divine Lords of the Five Elders before one. The heavenly demons are subdued, and the many fiends lose their vital energy. Its power shakes the six directions, summoning immortals and Perfected Ones. After nine years of practice, the Three Primordial Spirits—divinities associated with the Three Primordials of heaven—come to one’s dwelling and send down a cloud chariot, enabling one to ascend to the heavenly realm of Highest Clarity.

Even if one possesses this scripture but does not practice in the world, wholehearted devotion alone will bring twelve jade youths and twelve jade maidens to serve and protect one. They guard the scripture’s holder, drive away every kind of calamity, and quell the turmoil of war. A thousand worries and ten thousand harms dare not approach; the Five Emperors also provide protection, so that one may ultimately become a lower-ranking immortal. One may also enter the wondrous celestial palaces through transformation at death and successive cycles of ascent. However, one cannot thereby take up an office in Jade Void, nor travel among the realms of the Three Pure Ones.

Inscriptions on the Six Kingdoms: Thirty-Six Hymns

In each of the five directions of Heaven and Earth, forces govern the energies of firmness and gentleness and their colors, preventing them from dispersing. That place lies twenty billion myriad li deep and can receive nourishment; beneath this nourishing layer is a numinous chamber.

In all four quarters of Heaven and Earth, forces govern the movements of the cosmos, regulating the Qi of firmness and softness and the many colors, so that each remains in its proper place and does not fall away. Two hundred million li beneath the ground lies the Moisture Marsh. Another two hundred million li below it is the Golden Millet Marsh; another two hundred million li down is the Diamond-Iron Marsh. Two hundred million li beneath the Diamond-Iron Marsh lies the Water Marsh, and eight hundred million li below the Water Marsh is the Great Wind Marsh. Another five billion two hundred million li beneath the Great Wind Marsh are the cords and supports that hold Heaven and Earth together and keep them from collapsing. The sun, moon, and stars as they are today are also borne aloft by the wind. If practitioners of the Dao do not understand the nature and depths of the layers beneath the ground, they cannot understand the foreign realms where the Five Emperors dwell.

In the east lies Fuyudai. Ninety thousand li beyond the farthest boundary is the Wilderness of Luxuriant Forests. There stands a country whose name is pronounced “Heluoti.” Its territory is evenly shaped and round, and its land is bright in color and lustrous like jade. It has no hills and extends nine hundred thousand li in every direction. Its people are two zhang tall and live for four hundred years. The country has six classes of inscribed sounds. These are sacred sounds set among the foreign Hu elders by the Qi of the Highest Origin—the primordial vital energy of the Most High. The Highest One often chants these sounds to teach the Hu elders, showing them that a teaching of immortality exists even in foreign lands. If the people there all observe the rites and recite these sounds, they can live to four hundred years without dying before their time.

If practitioners of the highest attainment understand the nature of foreign lands and regularly chant the six classes of inscribed sounds, immortal officials among the Hu elders will come to protect them. After nine years of cultivation, they will naturally be able to travel to the country of Heluoti, speak with the Hu elders, transform and fly, and roam the farthest reaches of the eastern lands.

The inscribed sounds of Heluoti, in the eastern land:

First class: Shana Yitinawei.

Second class: Yuejia Moxuyunchi.

Third class: Danzhen Shizheyuan’tuo.

Fourth class: Gaobo Junyun Wuzhi.

Fourth class: Xijin Lingfa Boyi.

The inscriptional sounds of the Sixth Section are “Sheli Dingqu Nitai.”

The sounds of the Sixth Section were transmitted from the eastern land of Heluoti, an eastern immortal realm described in the scripture. They are known by the name “Hulao.” Those who know these sounds may live as long as Heaven and Earth. If they practice the method contained in them, immortal officials from foreign lands will come to protect them.

Practice on a day of Tai Sui, on the day of one’s birth year, or 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. Write the inscription of the Sixth Section in blue and swallow one copy. Face east, click the teeth nine times, and chant the Sixth Section six times. Then close the eyes and sit quietly, keeping the body steady and the mind focused, and dispelling distracting thoughts. Visualize the boundless realm in the east and the land of Heluoti. See everything clearly: the many Hulao immortal officials all coming before you to bow, and chanting the sounds of foreign lands.

Then pray softly:

“Heaven and Earth open and establish the realm; the eight directions are accessible, bright and pure. I behold the boundless realm and know the names of foreign lands. Sounds of the immortal ranks issue forth, gathering primordial Qi into wondrous spiritual forms. I summon immortals and welcome perfected beings; countless immortal and perfected ones descend together. I probe deeply into the mysterious and subtle, discern and illuminate what is formless, and bring what is above and below into mutual resonance, purifying what is within and without. May the wheel of azure clouds come to aid and protect my body, bearing me upward as I go north to pay homage at Yujing, the celestial capital of the immortals.”

When the prayer is finished, swallow the breath nine times, and the practice is complete. The scripture says this is the supreme immortal method for releasing foreign-land sections. After nine years of practice, one can summon immortal officials, penetrate the numinous and perceive the subtle, converse with spirits, fly through the air, and ascend to Heaven in broad daylight.

Thirty thousand li beyond the southern reaches of Jambudvipa, the southern world as conceived in traditional geography, lies a plain called Dongyang. There is a country there named Ishata. Its land is broad and level, without rises or dips. The soil is the color of cinnabar, and the country extends eight hundred and ten thousand li in every direction. Its people are all about twenty-four chi tall and live for three hundred and sixty years.

The country has six sound-inscriptions, mysterious phrases used in chanting. Gaoshang, a revered deity of the Upper Realm, transmitted them to foreign lands and called them “the Verses of the Yue Lao.” Gaoshang often chants these phrases to instruct the people of Yue Lao, teaching them that this country has a way of practice that makes people immortal. The people of the country all bow and recite the phrases; thus they enjoy a lifespan of three hundred and sixty years and do not die before their time.

If practitioners learn about the geography of foreign lands and regularly chant these six verses, they can summon immortal officials to guard them. After nine years, they will naturally be able to travel to Ishata, speak with the people of Yue Lao, transform their forms in the Vermilion Palace, and fly across the southern domain.

The six sound-inscriptions of Ishata in the South:

First verse: Nanwei na bie hanluo.

Second verse: Huanmolu yulanbo.

Third verse: Lefengle yumingsha.

Fourth verse: Huisu jieqi feituo.

Fifth verse: Gen zhi sui baiwu he.

Sixth verse: Yingchong du xuanjingche.

In the south lies a country called Yishata, where the “Six Grades of Sound” and the title “Yuelao” have been handed down. Those who understand their principles can live as long as Heaven and Earth. Practicing this Way can bring foreign flying immortals and officials to protect the practitioner.

On one of these days—the day of Tai Sui, one’s birth-year day, or one 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 inscription of the Six Grades in cinnabar. Enter a room, face south, and hold and recite the inscription. Click the teeth together nine times, then chant each of the six sounds six times. When finished, close the eyes, settle the mind and breath, and cast aside distracting thoughts. Visualize the boundless, clear, and open realm of the south; then visualize countless immortal officials of Yuelao coming to pay homage to you.

Next, recite softly:

“May the High Spirit send down its radiance, transforming itself within the Vermilion Palace; may the immortal sounds of the Six Grades spread forth and congeal into a countenance like cinnabar clouds. May the assembled immortals come to pay homage, joining me to my true destiny. May I see in all eight directions and behold the splendid immortal palaces; may my forms divide and ascend to the heavens of Pure Subtlety, passing from the azure realm into the yellow realm. May the essences of the five colors flow and become a light that shines upon me, allowing me to roam the realm of the Six Grades of Flowing Sound. May I congeal into a countenance like cinnabar clouds, and may the assembled immortals come to pay homage, joining me to my true destiny. May I see in all eight directions and behold the splendid immortal palaces; may my forms divide and ascend to the heavens of Pure Subtlety, passing from the azure realm into the yellow realm. May the essences of the five colors flow and become a light that shines upon me, allowing me to roam the six kingdoms, ascend to the Jade Hall, receive the immortals’ ritual robes, don a blue feathered garment, gird myself with a belt interwoven with flowing gold, and wear a purple seal bearing a phoenix design. May I attain truth together with the Celestial Emperor and shine forth in the Jade Capital.”

After the incantation, swallow the breath nine times, then stop. Practice in this way for nine years, and the immortal officials of Yuelao in the south will come to protect the practitioner’s body, enabling them to discern the hidden and perceive the void, and to converse with the spirits. They will also summon flying clouds and mysterious dragons to receive them.

The western country of Junayi lies in the farthest west, seven hundred thousand li from here. There is a highland there, pure white in color. The country is called Mingniweilüna. Its land is full of high ridges that reach the western gate of Heaven. The earth is white as jade, extending roughly six hundred and eighty thousand li in every direction.

The people there are sixteen chi tall and live for six hundred years. The country has six passages of inscribed sounds and words. These are sacred teachings that the Exalted High Venerable Deity established among the foreign class of Dila elders. The Exalted High Venerable Deity often chants these sounds and words to teach the Dila elders, so that they know this country has a teaching of immortality. The local people recite them with proper ritual observance, and so enjoy lifespans of six hundred years without dying prematurely.

If practitioners know the color of the lands beyond, and regularly chant and cultivate these sounds and words, Dila immortal officials will naturally protect them. After nine years of cultivation, they will naturally be able to travel to the country of Niweilüna, speak with Dila immortal officials, and fly through the wondrous, mysterious emptiness, roaming freely across the bright white highland.

The Western Country of Lüna

The first passage of inscribed sounds and words is pronounced: Tuoyi Asenhegen.

The second passage is pronounced: Jinluo Guojiamoqian.

The third passage is pronounced: Poyini Fanbaozhen.

The fourth passage is pronounced: Likui Tilanpozhen.

The fifth passage is pronounced: Shifennamao Lüchen.

The sixth passage is pronounced: Tiwosha Ruhuatian.

The western country of Niweilüna has passed down six passages of sounds and words to establish the names of the Dila elders. Those who know and cultivate them can live as long as the sun and moon shine.

In the Western kingdom of Nivilo, six sounds are uttered to establish the titles of the Dilaos, the perfected immortals of the West. Those who understand their secret can live as long as the sun and moon. Practicing this method can summon flying immortal officials from foreign lands to protect you.

The rite should be performed on a day of the Grand Year, on your birth-year day, or 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, and Winter Solstice. Write the inscription of the six ranks in white. Enter a room, face due west, and hold the inscription reverently. Click your teeth nine times, then chant each of the six sounds six times. When you have finished, close your eyes, calm your spirit, steady your mind, and set aside distractions from the outside world. Imagine yourself in the boundless realm of the West, where everything is clear and open. Then visualize countless Dilaos immortal officials coming to pay audience to you. Afterward, softly recite the spell:

“The sounds of Heaven are subtle and efficacious; in the emptiness, the spirit of destiny appears. The Jade Kingdom is divided into six ranks; returning to the One, they become perfected. I transform within foreign lands, display the ranks, and delight the immortals. The high spirits shine upon me, and I attain the natural Dao. Riding through the air, I alight upon a dragon chariot and wander at will. Mysteriously ascending to the Five Mornings, I shine together with the primal Qi of Heaven and Earth. I govern matters of life and rise aloft. Through billions of aeons, I remain forever whole and enduring.”

After reciting the spell, swallow your Qi nine times, and the rite is complete. Practice in this way for nine years, and you will summon the Dilaos immortal officials of the West to protect you. You will foresee what has not yet occurred, communicate and respond efficaciously with perfected beings, summon a blue carriage, and ascend to Yuqing, one of the highest heavens in Daoism.

Northern Yudan is located in a place extremely far away, five hundred thousand li from here. It is the Court of Northern Yin, the cold and shadowy land of the north. The sound inscription of this country is called “The Country of Xuntaluo.” Its land is flat and vast, with black, moist soil, and covers about five hundred and eighty thousand li. The people there are twelve chi tall and live for three hundred years.

This country has six sound inscriptions established by the High and Exalted One, a revered Daoist deity, and included among the teachings for the foreign Qiang elders. The High and Exalted One often chants these inscriptions to guide the Qiang elders and teach them that this country holds a way to long life and immortality. If the people there can all perform the rites and chant these inscriptions, they may live for three hundred years without dying prematurely. If practitioners understand the colors of foreign lands and chant and cultivate regularly, then after nine years they will naturally become guards of the immortal officials of the Qiang elders. They will travel to the Country of Xuntaluo, converse with the Qiang elders, fly through the dark and mysterious void, and roam and feast in the Court of Northern Yin.

The cultivation method of the northern Country of Xuntaluo likewise says that after nine years of practice, one will naturally become a guard of the immortal officials of the Qiang elders, travel to the Country of Xuntaluo, converse with the Qiang elders, fly through the dark and mysterious void, and roam and feast in the Court of Northern Yin.

The six sound inscriptions of the northern Country of Xuntaluo are as follows:

First grade sound inscription: Youluo Youtuotuo’e.

Second grade sound inscription: Youzhen Shiwei Guangna.

Third grade sound inscription: Pin Yu Dingjue Shihe.

Fourth grade sound inscription: Yinye Baokai Lusha.

Fifth grade sound inscription: Faguang Jingliang Guoluo.

Sixth grade sound inscription: Bomi Weijiahe.

In the north there is a kingdom called Xunthalo. Practitioners recite and release the “sounds of the Six Grades,” thereby establishing the title “Qianglao.” Those who understand this method may live as long as the spirits of the Seven Origins. If they practice according to the method, immortal officials from foreign lands will come to pay court.

Enter a quiet room to practice on the day of the Grand Year, on your birth-year day, or 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. Face north and swallow the “inscription of the Six Grades,” written in black characters. Click your teeth nine times, then chant each of the six sounds six times. When you are finished, close your eyes, calm your spirit, and focus your intention without thinking of anything else. Visualize the boundless, clear, luminous realm of the north, and countless Qianglao immortal officials coming to pay court to you. Then softly recite the incantation:

“In the north, constraint gathers into a net; the Seven Origins breathe forth essence and Qi. The graded Qi of purification is released, establishing titles for the Six Kingdoms. The Way of the Qianglao grows ever purer; its transformed law receives numinous Qi. High immortals bestow a charter of command, and I receive the formless Way. Breath follows breath in its course, illuminating the hidden darkness in all eight directions. Flying immortals come to pay court; clouds gather thickly in the Purple Court. Immortals ride cloud chariots and wear feather canopies, driving green mists and vermilion carriages. They help me ascend to heaven and reach Jade Clarity.”

When you have finished reciting, swallow your breath nine times, and stop. Practice in this way for nine years, and the Qianglao immortal officials of the north will come to protect you. They will enable you to trace the depths of hidden mysteries, see all that has yet to occur, communicate with perfected beings, and pass into the spirit realm. You will fly through the realm of dark mystery and ascend to Purple Dawn.

“Above, beyond the Nine Heavens, within the pure, bright void: without color or form, without any sign of a body.” (This passage describes a pure, empty realm that transcends form and color and has no visible body.)

Above the nine heavens, within the clear and luminous void, lies a hollow realm without color, image, form, or shadow. It is called the “Realm of Original Essence, Azure Chaos, and Natural Being.” Here, Azure Qi is the breath of the world. It extends upward without limit and covers all the heavens. This realm is the source from which the High Jade Emperor, the many sacred emperors, and the perfected beings came into existence. Here, lifespans are not measured as long or short; the years are counted only by cosmic kalpas.

Within the hollow realm are also six sets of inscribed sounds, placed by the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning in the Natural Grade of the True Emperor. Those of the highest rank chant these sounds to prolong the lives of the assembled immortals and to reveal that immeasurable true realms exist within the mysterious void. The Jade Emperor and the other emperors of this realm all honor and chant these sounds, thereby attaining immeasurably long life.

If a Dao cultivator can apprehend the forms and appearances of the hollow realm, and chant and cultivate them, the Three Origins will descend and the Five Emperors will come to their dwelling, imparting wondrous sounds. After nine years of practice, the cultivator will be able to ride the void and soar aloft, ascending into the Great Void of Jade Clarity and attaining long life.

The six grades of inscribed sounds in the upper Realm of Original Essence, Azure Chaos, and Natural Being are:

The first grade of inscription is called “Qiongyáo Fēnlù Dìngyīn.”

The second grade of inscription is called “Fèngyún Lándān Bǎolín.”

The third grade of inscription is called “Yǎoliàng Guāngdòng Zǐsēn.”

The fourth grade of inscription is called “Yuánnà Jìng Rùkōng Qióng.”

The fifth grade of inscription is called “Hē Ā Fáng Bì Hú Píng.”

The sixth grade of inscription is called “Qīyào Qì Fēi Yuán Qīng.”

The realm of primordial essence, the azure chaos above, is where the “sounds of the six grades” issue forth. These sounds mark the true realm of the Jade Emperor of Shangqing. Those who understand and practice this method can fly through the Jade Void, and the myriad immortals will come to pay homage.

On certain days, such as one’s birth-cycle day, the day of the Grand Year (Tai Sui), or one of the Eight Seasonal Nodes (the beginnings and middles of spring, summer, autumn, and winter), first write the six-grade inscription on blue paper. Then enter a quiet chamber, face the direction of the Grand Year, and practice absorbing Qi. Click the teeth together nine times, then chant each of the six sounds six times. When finished, close the eyes, gather the spirit, settle the mind, and release all thoughts. Visualize yourself in the supreme expanse of Shangqing’s Yang Heavens: there are no colors, images, forms, or traces; it is vast and clear, while dense blue Qi coils around you, enveloping you from above. Then chant softly:

“Primordial Beginning, natural and unbounded: the Qi of Blue Yang is deep and abundant. Mysterious transformations arise within the hollow void, immeasurable and formless. Qi gathers to form a realm; its fragrance spreads throughout the world, and from this it takes its name. It gathers in and covers all the heavens, nourishing every living spirit. Cloud chambers stand in splendor like golden nets, towering in the realm of Shangqing. The six grades each take their proper place, marking primordial essence. The Jade Sounds are subtle yet penetrating; their mysterious echoes ring clear as fine jade. As the chant rises, the Imperial Perfected descend into the courtyard, their radiance bending, shining, and cascading down. I receive the grace of the highest spirits and take my place alongside Heaven. The Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—join in radiance. I shall forever preserve the realm of the Great Void, which will not collapse through the cycles of the kalpas.”

After chanting, swallow the Qi nine times; only then may the practice end. If you persist in this practice for nine years, the Three Primes—the system of perfected spirits governed by the officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water—will descend, teach you the true sounds, and bestow the Flying-Rosiness Cinnabar Carriage, a celestial vehicle for riding through the clouds, along with the corresponding immortal body. You will then fly through the Great Cavern Heaven and ascend to Jade Clarity.

This is a supreme and secret method. It must not be practiced by anyone who is not eligible for registration in the immortal registers, such as the Golden Name and Purple Tablets or the Green Script of Shangqing. If anyone divulges it and teaches it to others without authorization, calamity will extend to seven generations of ancestors. The person will also be examined and punished by the Three Officials, may lose their life, and will have no further hope of becoming immortal. Therefore, follow the precepts and practice with care.

The Chinese Secret Method of the Great Wind that Descends Straight Down may likewise be practiced only by those listed in the immortal registers, such as the Golden Name and Purple Tablets or the Green Script of Shangqing. If anyone divulges it to others without authorization, calamity will extend to seven generations of ancestors. The person will be punished by the Three Officials, lose their life, and have no further hope of becoming immortal. It must be practiced with care in accordance with the precepts.

Beneath China lies an immense wind-filled marsh, 52 billion li below the surface. It supports the foundations of the earth and keeps it from falling. Its soil is the color of refined gold. In the language of China, this place is called the “Land of Great Harmony, Precious Truth, and Boundless Measure.”

Mount Kunlun, the central peak of the Five Sacred Mountains, stands at the heart of this land. It is one of the heavens and is also known by other names. Above Kunlun is the Palace of Seven Treasures in the Dark Garden, whose halls reach into the celestial realm. It is where the Highest Perfected and flying immortals dwell.

The land extends 12 billion li in every direction. Its people are about nine chi tall. They practice the arts of Daoyin—methods of preserving health through regulated breathing and bodily movement—and can live for up to 1,200 years. The land has six “inscribed tones,” classifications of China established by the Highest. The Jade Emperor Lord of the Highest chants these tones to teach China’s elderly, so they may learn that this land has a teaching of long life and immortality.

Everyone in the land practices the Way of Highest Clarity, performs rites, and chants the inscribed tones. In this way, they can live for up to 1,200 years without dying prematurely in an accident. If those who cultivate the Dao understand the color of China’s soil, and chant and practice these teachings, immortal officials will guard them. After nine years, cultivators will naturally be able to speak with the immortal officials, then ascend into the vast heavens and fly through the realm of Highest Clarity.

The Six Inscribed Tones of the Land of Great Harmony, Precious Truth, and Boundless Measure:

The first tone is: “Settle the world; Yin binds, and flourishing harmony arises.”

The second tone is: “The central precious pearl comes forth in splendor.”

The third tone is: “The vast plain follows principle; clouds gather at A.”

The fourth tone is: “Jade branches and fragrant blossoms advance through the generations.”

The fifth tone is: “The numinous sound of the grotto releases the world from suffering.”

The sixth tone is: “The golden root, precious vermilion, and Yang Po.”

In the land of Taihe Baozhen Wuliang, six grades of sound were transmitted, and the title “Canglao” was established. Those who know this Daoist method can live as long as Heaven and Earth. By practicing it, they can summon Canglao immortal officials to come and pay them homage.

Practice on a day of Tai Sui, on your birth-year day, or on one of the Eight Seasonal Nodes. Write the six-grade inscription on yellow paper. Enter a quiet room, face the direction associated with your birth year, and breathe in Qi. Click your teeth nine times, then chant the sounds of the six lands six times. When you have finished, close your eyes, focus your spirit, settle your mind, and clear away distracting thoughts. Visualize the great wind marsh at the deepest point of China: an abyss extending 52 billion li beneath the earth, whose scene is bright and distinct. At this moment, countless Canglao immortal officials come to pay you homage. Then recite this invocation:

“The Central Plain gathers and commands the true spirits; the mystery of the myriad emperors responds with numinous power. The Nine Heavens send down their ordinances, condensing primordial Qi and essence. The Great Yellow is vast and boundless, with a court ten thousand zhang high. China gives forth the sounds of its grades, divided into six tones. The sound of jade illuminates the sky, penetrates the hidden depths, and reaches the blue heavens. True Qi spreads through me and nourishes my body; may it transform me and return me to Taihe, precious and true, in accord with the Way. Below, may I enter the bottomless depths; above, may I ascend to Yuqing.”

When you have finished reciting, swallow your breath nine times to complete the practice. After practicing this way for nine years, a Perfected One will descend and transmit the true sounds to you. You will then be able to converse with the Canglao immortal officials, fly upward through the air, and enter the Court of the Emperor of Dawn.

The phrase “The Most High sets the six lands’ grade inscriptions in place, transforming them into thirty-six sounds, of the Primordial Beginning” means: the Most High establishes the grade inscriptions of the six lands and transforms them into thirty-six kinds of sound, returning them to the Primordial Beginning.

The Most High established grades and inscriptions in the Six Kingdoms (the six directions or realms), transforming them into thirty-six kinds of sounds. At the beginning of the Primordial era, these writings were engraved on golden tablets and placed in their respective kingdoms. Now they are all sealed away within the Six Kingdoms, though some are sealed in grottoes in the famous mountains and the Five Sacred Peaks. For example, the sound representing China corresponds to the northern side of Mount Jishi in the Dark Garden.

These divine writings are served and guarded by three hundred Purple Dawn Jade Youths and three hundred Great Hua Jade Maidens, who also tend the incense offerings. According to the ancient regulations, they will not be transmitted to the world and bestowed upon the Perfected Ones of the Highest Rank until ten thousand kalpas have passed. Those whose names are not entered in the Golden Register of the Emperor’s Tablets and inscribed in green characters in the Jade Clarity realm cannot obtain these writings. Whoever obtains and upholds the sounds of the Six Kingdoms’ graded inscriptions can travel freely through all six kingdoms, ascending to Heaven and descending into the abyss, and perform all manner of transformations. When climbing the Five Sacred Peaks or visiting famous mountains, immortal officials from the lands of the Hu, Yue, Di, and Qiang will guard and escort them. Demons will bow down, and military calamities and misfortunes will be dispelled. They can then travel throughout the Six Kingdoms, going wherever they please. After reciting the writings ten thousand times, the Three Origins—the divine beings of the upper, middle, and lower realms in Daoist belief—will come to their dwelling, granting them a green-canopied immortal carriage and raising them to Jade Dawn.

These are writings that arise naturally from the Most High, composed by the High Minister in the script of flying, mysterious purple Qi. Write them in orpiment on green jade and wear them on the body: one can then visit the Five Sacred Peaks, enter the Three Pure Ones’ highest celestial realm, subdue the demons, command the myriad spirits, bring the Six Kingdoms to submission, and put an end to weapons and warfare. After nine years of cultivation, a Perfected One will come to the courtyard; the practitioner will be able to fly through the void and ascend to Great Clarity.

The Lord of the Green Youths said: “The Jade Perfected One of the Supreme Emperor and the high immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks all recite these writings and sounds, wear them on their bodies, and use them to cultivate themselves into Perfected Ones. If those who study the Dao lack these writings, they cannot visit famous mountains, subdue the Six Kingdoms, or quell warfare, and the officials of the Five Elders will not guard them. The foundation of studying the Dao lies in diligently cultivating at the Five Sacred Peaks and seeking out and upholding these writings. Through the response of numinous power, one can naturally attain the wondrous and sublime True Dao. Even without special study, one can become an immortal.”

Lord Qing Tong, an immortal of the Supreme Clarity tradition, received from the Most High the inner text for entering the Six Kingdoms. Later practitioners of the Dao who wish to roam famous mountains, visit the Five Peaks, enter the Six Kingdoms, summon the assembled immortals, subdue the myriad demons, and quell the Five Weapons should receive the Inner Text of the Five Emperors’ Interwoven Sounds and carry it on their person for six years. They will then be able to converse with the immortal officials of the Six Kingdoms and understand the languages of the thirty-six kingdoms.

The Yellow Emperor received the Three Practices of Hidden Origin. Thus he ruled all under Heaven, attained communion with the spirits, commanded ghosts and spirits, and subdued all numinous beings. Xia Yu received the Three Practices of Interwoven Sounds. He could make the ghosts and spirits throughout the land report good and ill fortune, enable people to know their destiny from a previous life, and attain the rank of an Assistant Numinous Immortal. Zeng Xuan received the Three Practices of the Azure Cavern Text and was able to assist the Five Dragons and roam the Cloud Palace. An Yang received the Three Practices of the Nine Numinous Sounds, ascended to the imperial court, and rose in rank to Immortal King. Chi Jing received the Treasure of the True Text and rose in rank to the Assistant Numinous Immortals. Zeng Xuan received the Three Practices of the Azure Cavern Text and was able to assist the Five Dragons and roam the Cloud Palace. An Yang received the Three Practices of the Nine Numinous Sounds, ascended to the imperial court, and rose in rank to Immortal King. Chi Jing received the Treasure of the True Text and rose in rank to the Four Extremes, entering and leaving the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the three exalted realms revered in Daoism. Wang Qiao received the Three Practices of the Hidden Registers Embracing the Origin, attained the rank of Supreme Perfected, presided over the assembled immortals, and entered and left the Flowery Chamber. At the Golden Flower Palace on the western ridge of the Dark Garden, the Most High bestowed upon Lord Qing Tong, High Chancellor, an inner text capable of nurturing numinous beings and commanding the assembled immortals.

The True Book of Hidden Texts of Eastern Meng comprises three practices, written in orpiment on blue silk. Carried on one’s person, it enables one to roam the Eastern Kingdom of Heluoti, subdue all numinous beings, slay the heavenly demons, quell the Five Weapons, and visit famous mountains. Old Hu will come to assist and welcome the bearer. The bearer will also be able to understand the languages of the Six Kingdoms on their own and converse with the spirits.

The Inner Text of Interwoven Sounds of the South comprises three practices, written in orpiment on blue silk. Carried on one’s person, it enables one to roam the Kingdom of Yishata, subdue all numinous beings, slay the heavenly demons, quell the Five Weapons, and visit famous mountains. The officials of Old Yue will assist and escort the bearer; the bearer will also be able to understand the languages of the Six Kingdoms on their own and converse with the spirits.

The Inner Text of Hidden Origin in the Western Azure Cavern comprises three practices, written in orpiment on blue silk. Carried on one’s person, it enables one to enter and roam Ni, subdue all numinous beings, slay the heavenly demons, quell the Five Weapons, and visit famous mountains. The officials of Old Yue will assist and escort the bearer; the bearer will also be able to understand the languages of the Six Kingdoms on their own and converse with the spirits.

Write the three lines of “Hidden Inner Text of the Origin in the Azure Grotto of the West” in orpiment on blue-green silk and wear them on your person. You will then be able to travel into the land of Niweiluo Lüna, subdue the assembled spirits, slay heavenly demons, overcome the five weapons, travel along the subtle and mysterious path, enter the realms of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and visit famous mountains. The Elder of the Di will come to guide and welcome you. The wearer will naturally understand the languages of the Six Kingdoms and be able to converse with divine beings.

Write the three lines of “Golden Light and Sound of the Ninefold Numinous North” in orpiment on blue-green silk and wear them on your person. You will then be able to enter the land of Xuntaluo, subdue the assembled spirits, slay heavenly demons, overcome the five weapons, ascend to Guanghan, pay homage to the Northern Essence, and visit famous mountains. The Elder of the Qiang will come to guide and welcome you. The wearer will naturally understand the languages of the Six Kingdoms and be able to converse with divine beings.

Write the three lines of “Hidden Register of the Primordial Concealment, Yang-Encompassing of the Highest Clarity” in orpiment on blue-green silk and wear them on your person. You will then be able to travel above the land of Primordial Essence, Azure Chaos, and Nature, subdue the assembled spirits, slay heavenly demons, overcome the five weapons, walk through the air, ascend into Jade Clarity, and visit famous mountains. The assembled perfected beings will come to guide and welcome you. The wearer will naturally understand the languages of the Six Kingdoms and be able to converse with the spirits.

Write the three lines of “Inner Text of the Central Transformation, Gathering the Numinous and All Perfected Beings” in orpiment on blue-green silk and wear them on your person. You will then be able to travel through the boundless land of Great Harmony and Precious Perfection, subdue the assembled spirits, slay heavenly demons, overcome the five weapons, enter the Grotto Abyss, ascend to Dark Mystery, roam through the Northern Origin, pay homage to the Purple Court, and visit famous mountains. The Five Elders will come to guide and welcome you. The wearer will naturally understand the languages of the Six Kingdoms and be able to converse with the spirits.

The phrase “writing in orpiment on blue-green silk” refers to a talismanic practice in which secret texts are written with yellow orpiment pigment on blue-green silk and then worn on the body. The lands, heavenly realms, and divine perfected beings named here are sacred domains and divine figures in Daoist belief.

The High God entered the Six Realms, obtained the hidden true writings, and bestowed them upon the High Minister, Lord Azure Lad. Lord Azure Lad wrote the characters in orpiment on blue silk and wore it on his person. A precious radiance arose from his neck, illuminating the celestial realms in all ten directions. He commanded thirty-six jade lads and thirty-six jade maidens, journeyed around the Five Sacred Peaks, visited famous mountains, entered the Six Realms, and traveled to the source of the Yellow River. Along the way, the assembled immortals and officials of the five directions came to bow before him, while the guardian spirits of the borders came out to welcome him. He could subdue the myriad demons and command the thousand spirits, bring the Six Realms into submission, and quell calamities of war. His transformations had no fixed form, and his actions followed his will. He could summon flying wheels and cinnabar-cloud purple carriages—the conveyances of the immortals—to escort him as he ascended to the Azure Palace of Eastern Florescence, took the rank of High Minister, and governed all true immortals.

This mysterious and profound Daoist method is a precious text kept in the Emperor’s collection. Now the High God has carved it in characters shaped like humans and birds, placing it on the peaks of Penglai, above the Dark Garden, and north of Mount Jishi. The radiant, subtle and mysterious talismanic writings shine in one another’s light, illuminating the broad sky as layers of purple cloud encircle them and their brilliant patterns stand out clearly.

According to ancient precepts, this precious text is transmitted only once in ten thousand kalpas, to immortals who have already attained perfection. Those who obtain it may rise to the rank of Immortal Minister, travel throughout the Six Realms, converse with the Five Elders—the revered spirits of the five directions or Five Phases—and penetrate profound and mysterious principles. They can command the myriad spirits and naturally acquire the immortal body of jade bone. Their names are inscribed in the purple registers of the immortals before they are born. Even without this precious text, those who obtain it can become middle-ranking immortals without any study.

If anyone carelessly reveals this precious scripture, seven generations of their ancestors will be punished, made to carry stones from the mountains, and denied release even after ten thousand kalpas. The offender will suffer the calamities of weapons in this life and fall into hell after death, never to become an immortal again.

When wearing this precious text while traveling through the Six Realms, climbing and crossing the Five Sacred Peaks, or visiting famous mountains, one should, upon reaching the boundary of each place, first click the teeth thirty-six times, hold the breath for thirty-six counts, and then recite the spell:

The Jade Perfected wander through the air, while cloud chariots travel high above. This day is supremely auspicious: dragons soar and phoenixes dance; ceremonial guards advance in formation, and the roads in all four directions lie open. The Six Armies lead the way, and beings from the ten directions come to welcome them. Immortal youths carry banners, Jade Maidens scatter fragrant flowers, and the Five Elders of the Five Directions bow in reverence. The procession is magnificent and solemn. The sun and moon shine upon one another, while numinous immortals escort and support the travelers.

They journey through the Six Kingdoms and roam the four quarters; the four great rivers and five sacred mountains all become bridges for me. The Lord Emperor dispatches envoys to sweep away every ill omen. Wherever they go, all is auspicious and goes smoothly. In wondrous and distant lands, the methods of immortal cultivation flourish within the heart; foreign realms are clear and vast, and at last one ascends to the Jade Capital, the dwelling of the Heavenly Emperor.

After reciting the text, the practitioner guides the Qi and swallows thirty-six times, then stops. This is the mighty divine incantation used when the High Minister travels abroad. Practicing it can subdue the Six Kingdoms and bring the myriad spirits under control; it can cause immortal officials to come and pay homage, grant limitless transformations, and raise one to the Great Clarity, the highest heaven in Daoist teaching.

Those who receive this teaching should observe purification for seven or thirty days. During this period, they should prepare thirty-two feet of blue-patterned silk, one gold fish and one jade dragon, nine pairs of gold rings, and five taels of fine gold, as substitutes for the rite of cutting hair and tearing silk to swear an oath. Facing north, the master proclaims the covenant and transmits the scripture and its methods. The disciple receives them with reverence, carefully observes the precepts of the Four Extremes, and practices them in secrecy.

The High Minister of the Great Marshal, Wang, of the Jade Preserve of the Supreme Perfected of Shangqing, commands the Azure Radiant Youth Lord of the Jade Gate in the Eastern Sea, Master Gaochen. The Azure Radiant Youth received this teaching from the High Jade Emperor and then transmitted it to the Perfected Ones of the Four Extremes. If anyone reveals the scripture or breaks the covenant and its oath, the divine armies of the Five Emperors will punish them. Their ancestors for seven generations will also bear the guilt, and the person will lose their life and suffer the five torments of the three paths; even after ten thousand kalpas, they will not be pardoned.

End of the first scroll of The Inner Writings of the Azure Youth on the Unfolding of the Foreign Lands of Shangqing.

The Inner Writings of the Azure Youth on the Unfolding of the Foreign Lands of Shangqing, second scroll

The Inner Sounds of the High Ninefold Mystery and the Thirty-Six Heavens

The “Sacred Inner Sounds of the Supreme Ninefold Mystery: The Thirty-Six Heavens of the Empty Cavern and the Outer Manifestations of the Nine Earths of the Abyssal Cavern,” a divine scripture of the Shangqing tradition, came into being before the formation of the Ninefold Mystery of the Great Void—the wondrous realm at the beginning of the cosmos. It coalesced into natural verses of flying, mysterious purple Qi. Its numinous writing appeared in profusion among the highest heavens, and its true light shone brilliantly in Shangqing, the subtle and pure celestial realm of Daoism. Its marvels appeared within the Great Han, while its jade tones rang clearly through the Golden Court. Whirling winds moved amid purple mists, spreading fragrance across the remote reaches of the eight directions. Vermilion radiance illuminated trunks like carved jade, and the crimson sun poured its light upon the divine perfected ones.

This numinous writing endured through countless kalpas before descending, empty and still, into the void mystery. The Three Essences—the energies of the celestial realms—set transformation in motion, while the Nine Degrees, the successive stages of the Dao’s operation, shifted and turned. Once the sacred sounds had appeared, they were inscribed on the Mysterious Garden of Mount Kunlun, north of Jishi Mountain. The scripture’s colored radiance streamed down; its essence illuminated the heavens. Its brilliance rivaled the sun and moon, and its splendor matched the Five Planets. The four quarters converged and the eight directions opened, reaching through to the Jade Clarity Heaven.

The flying immortals and purple youths numbered three hundred each. They tended the incense and awaited the divine beings. Adorned with the divine beast Juetian, they were guarded by ten thousand layers of golden ornaments. Nine-colored flowing clouds enveloped the mountain peak, while divine luan birds and vermilion phoenixes perched on the galleries. The Five Emperors watched over the true Dao, and the Four Poles governed the affairs of immortals. The Seven Luminaries—the collective name for seven celestial bodies—released their essence, making its radiance brighter; jade blossoms scattered true Qi, adorning the mortal world. Through cycles of prosperity and decline, and through all reversals of fortune, it never wearied; after ten thousand kalpas, it remained as brilliant as ever.

On the first day of the third month of the first year of the Middle Sovereign, a Jiazi day when Heaven’s virtue was in accord, the Supreme Shangqing Perfected Jade Protector, the King and High Minister, Grand Marshal, commanded the High Dawn Master, the Lord of the Eastern Sea’s Jade Gate and the Azure Flower Youth, to observe pure retreat in the Upper Palace for nine hundred days and swear an oath to Heaven with blue gold. He then received this scripture from the Supreme Jade Emperor. The Youth traveled throughout the heavens and penetrated the void, his gaze sweeping across countless crossings. He looked up over the boundless celestial regions and roamed the vast expanse, traversing the Six Lands and circling the Ninefold Mystery. The Four Offices examined and confirmed his standing, and the Upper Origin assigned him an immortal rank. Jade Void sent down its radiance, the Tortoise Mother descended to reveal the truth, and the Eight Luminaries provided his carriage and steeds. The Five Elders guarded the carriage, while the flying immortals raced alongside one another.

The Eight Winds played among the clouds and rosy mists; streaming lightning stirred divine power. The Hundred Suns released vital essence, and wheels of jade illuminated the void, while a canopy adorned with feathers spread over the dark celestial vault. Golden youths scattered flowers, jade maidens brushed away dust, and the gathered spirits bowed their heads. The Five Sacred Peaks paid homage to the true immortal, the heavens offered their greetings in peace, and divine officials from the ten directions came to welcome him. The Youth took charge of countless followers of the Dao and watched over all the immortals. Ranked among the High Ministers, he governed the affairs of High Dawn. All this arose from the mysterious will of the Jade Emperor and the precious celestial sounds of the Thirty-Six Heavens.

In the registers and charts, he presided over life and death; in the Azure Palace, he kept the names of the immortals. In the records of the Mystery, he registered the golden names, and in the Jade Chapters, he administered the white tablets. Above, he ruled the boundless, limitless, and infinite heavens; below, he governed the myriad spirits of the Nine Earths of the Abyssal Cavern. The immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Poles, of the rivers and seas, and of the Thirty-Six Lands all fell under the authority of the Azure Youth.

According to the old liturgical regulations, this scripture was to be transmitted only once in ten thousand kalpas. At the turning of the Nine-Five cycle, when three generations converged, thirty-six people were to have their jade names entered in the register of the Celestial Emperor. Those who obtained the scripture and carried these sacred sounds could conceal themselves in the Nine Earths and be summoned by the Six Lands. Their names would be entered among the Thirty-Six Heavens; the Three Origins of the Upper Palace would descend, and they would naturally attain immortality.

This mysterious canon contains the source of the Caverns. Its sacred laws are too exalted to describe, its jade mysteries too deep to fathom, and its transformations too wondrous to recount again and again. What has been said above is only a brief outline, one part in a thousand, and a rough glimpse of its myriad marvels.

The inner reaches of the heavens bear inscriptions on the secret principles of the descent of the Nine Palaces and Three Origins. By cultivating in accordance with them, one can naturally become an immortal. Mysterious scriptures are concealed within the source of the Grotto-Heavens; their sacred laws are so profound that they defy explanation. The Jade Depths, a realm where mysteries lie hidden, are deep and unfathomable, and the many wondrous transformations cannot all be described. Here, we offer only a thousandth of a thousandth, sketching one small truth among countless marvels.

The inner reaches of the heavens also bear inscriptions of thirty-six kinds of sacred sounds or formulas from the Nine Earths. They exist together with the Primordial Origin, the supreme source revered in Daoism. These sounds establish names for the numinous realm of emptiness, give rise to names that arise naturally, appear in the Nine Profundities, and spread to the thirty-six kinds of sounds in foreign lands. Each of these realms of heaven and earth is divided into thirty-six parts: above are thirty-six Heavenly Kings, corresponding to thirty-six lands; below are thirty-six Earth Emperors, corresponding to the thirty-six layers of heaven. The Heavenly Kings and the True Earth Emperors govern matters concerning immortals. If cultivators do not understand the inner sounds of heaven, the Heavenly Kings will not enter their names in the register. If they do not understand the sounds of earth, the Earth Emperors will not erase their traces as mortals, preventing them from concealing their tracks and attaining the immortal Way.

If someone sees these writings and receives and keeps the corresponding formulas, the Heavenly Kings will examine them with a mysterious mirror; the Seven Sages will inscribe a text for them, the Western Tortoise will determine their place in the register of immortals, and Donghua will record their name. The Earth Emperors will erase their mortal traces, so that they leave no mark in the human world. The Nine Yin, spirits of the netherworld, will recommend their ascent to Shangqing, the upper heavens of Daoism; the Five Numina will respectfully protect them, and the Ten Realms will welcome them together. They will travel through the Six Lands, pacify the wicked, subdue weapons, and bind the celestial demons. After nine years, they will ride the empty sky upward and enter Shangqing.

The true methods of the Dao are profound and mysterious and must not be proclaimed carelessly. If one recklessly reveals these precious immortal sounds, one’s ancestors for seven generations will be punished, and one will perish, falling into the Three Paths and Five Sufferings, realms of tribulation described in Daoism. Even after ten thousand kalpas, one will not be forgiven. Those who seek the Way of the Highest Perfected must carefully observe the precepts and follow the prescribed rules.

The Heavenly Kings of the various heavens often travel through the boundless celestial realms on the eight major festival days of the four seasons and on the first day of each month. They wander among cloud palaces, roam freely in Yuqing (the celestial realm of Shangqing), and gaze in all four directions. Upon luminous clouds and rosy mists, they continually chant the inner tones of the heavens and the “Hymn of Flying Mystery,” offering congratulations to the Celestial Perfected and delighting their hearts. Their voices ring clear, their rhythms sound like jade chimes, and their chants accord with the music of the heavens.

On each of these days, the Five Elders (revered gods of the five celestial directions) take their appointed places, the Nine Emperors hold court, the Four Offices inspect and assess, the Five Emperors guard the spirits, and the assembled Immortals and Perfected chant together. The myriad Immortals pay homage to the celestial music. The three lights of the sun, moon, and stars draw in their radiance; the seven luminaries of the Northern Dipper shine brilliantly; the waves of mountains and seas grow still; and the heavens become solemn and clear. The Eight Su (the pure, numinous Qi of the heavens) shine forth, the Four Emperors brush away dust and impurity, numinous winds carry fragrance, and green clouds release sweet dew. The Celestial Origin lies deep and remote, while the Jade Void (the pure, empty realm of the heavens) is filled with joy. Whether in bright, lofty Immortal palaces or within the distant vastness of the Great Void, chanting this text penetrates the hidden and illuminates the boundless. Those who attain this Way can become companions of the Celestial Emperor. By diligently chanting this hymn, they may attain a rank equal to that of the Immortal Kings, embody De that accords with the heavens, and live as long as the sun, moon, and stars.

Those who study the Way of the High Immortals, aspire to ascend to Yuqing, and honor the Emperor and the Venerable Ones will not have their names entered and accepted by the Thirty-Six Heavenly Kings if they do not know the celestial tones of the Thirty-Six Heavens and the “Hymn of Flying Mystery.” However diligently they may practice in vain, the heavens will not send down their true spirits; the Four Offices will not honor them, and the Five Emperors will not welcome them. Heavenly demons will also harass their cultivation of the Way, and in the end they will fail to become Immortals. Those who wish to fly through the mysterious void and feast as they roam the Five Sacred Peaks, yet do not know the inner names of the Nine Yin Spirits and the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors, will not be released from their corpse by the gods of the Nine Yin, nor will the Nine Earths erase the traces they left in the human world. Even if they withdraw in vain to remote mountains in hopes of ascending, they will instead sink into ruin.

To practice this method, on the eight seasonal festivals of the four seasons and on the first day of each month, bathe and observe ritual purity. Enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and pay homage to the heavens. Then face north, click your teeth thirty-six times, and softly recite the incantation:

I, your servant Jiazi, resolve to revere and aspire to become an immortal. On the day of the Eighth Celebration, I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy and make five vows:

My highest vow is to rise up in radiant splendor, travel through the air, transform into clouds and mist, ascend beyond Yuqing—the subtle and sublime realm called the Pure and Tenuous in Daoist teaching—and wander through the heavens.

My middle vow is to transform my body, summon the Five Spirits, ascend through the Moon Gate, and gaze upward as I drink in the wondrous substances known as Baqian, Stone Radiance, Water Mother, Jade Womb, and Flying Root. May I receive the light of the Vermilion Sun for a long time and dwell with its radiance.

My lowest vow is to ask the Four Extremities—the spirits of the farthest reaches in the four directions—to grant me their oral instructions. May the attendants of Xihua guard and support me; may they heed my command to dispatch Jinchen and escort the Five Elders. May the Eight Radiances travel together, transforming their forms and summoning the Five Spirits. May they ascend through the Moon Gate and gaze upward as they drink in Baqian, Stone Radiance, Water Mother, Jade Womb, and Flying Root, receiving the light of the Vermilion Sun for a long time and dwelling with its radiance. I ask the Four Extremities to grant me their oral instructions, that the attendants of Xihua may guard and support me, heed my command to dispatch Jinchen, and escort the Five Elders.

May the Eight Radiances travel together, and may all blessings converge. I have stated each of my five vows; may every wish be fulfilled. May my body unite with nature, may the true spirits descend, and may they grant me a place among the immortals.

When the homage is complete, perform six bows and, with head raised, swallow the six Qi. Then face west, perform six bows, and swallow the six Qi. Next face south, east, northwest, and southeast, performing six bows and swallowing the six Qi in each direction. In all, perform thirty-six bows toward the six directions. After completing the homage to the thirty-six heavens, return to the north, sit upright, and chant once the “Mystic Song of Flight through the Thirty-Six Heavens.” When the recitation is finished, perform six more bows and swallow the six Qi. The rite is then complete.

This is the supreme method for paying homage to the thirty-six heavens. Practice it for nine years, and a cloud chariot will descend from heaven. The Three Primes—the energies or divinities of Heaven, Earth, and Water in Daoist teaching—will come to your dwelling. Your name will be entered in Yuqing and inscribed in the register of the Azure Palace, a celestial hall. The Four Offices, the four kinds of celestial departments, will each record it; the Ten Realms, the various realms of Heaven and Earth, will respectfully welcome you. Then the practitioner may travel through the air and ascend to Yuchen, the Daoist celestial realm.

This method is exceedingly sublime. Do not proclaim it indiscriminately or carelessly disclose this precious scripture. Otherwise, seven generations of your ancestors will be implicated and punished. After death, the practitioner too will enter the service of the ghost officials, be confined for a long time among the Three Paths of suffering, and remain unforgiven through ten thousand kalpas.

Inner Sounds of the Thirty-Six Heavens of the Supreme Nine Mysteries

First Heaven: Wujing Wuse Yudan Wuliang Heaven.

Yingbo.

The Heavenly King’s surname is Hun; his taboo name is Minlin.

Second Heaven: Miao.

Do not proclaim this precious scripture indiscriminately or disclose it carelessly. Otherwise, seven generations of your ancestors will be implicated and punished. After death, the practitioner will enter the service of the ghost officials and be confined for a long time among the Three Paths of suffering, remaining unforgiven through ten thousand kalpas.

Inner Sounds of the Thirty-Six Heavens of the Supreme Nine Mysteries

The first heaven is called the Heaven of Boundless Measure, Dense with Obscurity and Without Image or Color. Its Heavenly King is named Yingbo, his surname is Hun, and his taboo name is Minlin.

The second heaven is called the Clear and Subtle Heaven Without Form. Its Heavenly King is named Huasheng, his surname is Feng, and his taboo name is Ti’asha.

The third heaven is called the Heaven of Pararou, Without Essence. Its Heavenly King is named Xuanhei, his surname is Yun, and his taboo name is Kuiling.

The fourth heaven is called the Heaven of Boundless Billions of Waters, Entering Form. Its Heavenly King is named Feizong, his surname is Wang, and his taboo name is Awei.

The sounds transmitted by the four heavens originate in the primordial, self-so natural Qi, and are located above the High Jade Clarity. The kings of the four heavens often travel and gaze upon the boundless, limitless, formless, colorless heights of space above the High Jade Clarity on the eight seasonal nodes—the Start of Spring, Spring Equinox, Start of Summer, Summer Solstice, Start of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Start of Winter, and Winter Solstice—and on the first day of each month. They chant the sounds of the four heavens and the Chapters of Flying Mystery (Flying Mystery refers to verses praising the celestial realms in Daoism). On these days, talismanic decrees are carried throughout the world by the Four Offices. Those who study the immortals, if they can observe purification and abstinence with reverence, recite the scriptures, and bow in worship to the heavens, will have their names entered on the Mysterious Register, the celestial roll, and be recorded in the Green Palace. Their lifespans will match those of the beings of the four heavens. After nine years of cultivation, they will be able to fly and ascend to heaven in broad daylight.

The Natural Chapter of Flying Mystery of the Four Heavens says:

Dense and clear, the Brahma realm; precious meditation, the king in harmony. The Three Realms turn together; the nine images raise and subdue demons. Bound by the Mysterious Register, recorded in the Green Palace: lifespan equal to that of the beings of the four heavens; after nine years, fly and ascend to heaven in broad daylight.

The Natural Chapter of Flying Mystery of the Four Heavens also says:

Dense and clear, the Brahma realm; precious meditation, the king in harmony. The Three Realms turn together; the nine images raise and subdue demons. From this, the names on the register are bound together, illuminated and made clear. Splendor and beauty flourish, like branches spreading and drooping. Within layers of celebratory clouds, one rises upward; vermilion orchids send forth blossoms. Flowing cinnabar Qi spirals upward, while vital essence pours into jade-colored rosy clouds. Phoenixes call from sheer peaks, and dragons stir in the deep, mysterious valleys. Sounds like gold and jade ring clear from afar; the rhythms of the void gather and converge. The sun, moon, and stars shine forth, their vermilion patterns interweaving like a net. Mists from the ninefold heavens rise swiftly, while the winds of the eight directions lift their radiance. Golden carriages and jade wheels, phoenix-drawn chariots, proceed slowly; golden tones flow and fragrance fills the air. Clouds tower high, sweet fluids fall in intersecting streams, and wondrous elixirs brim in abundance. The jade spring in the mysterious valley travels like a boat upon a river. When a cultivator’s body and mind are joined with nature, what can a lifespan of billions of years matter? Wandering at the Golden Gate, one enjoys the radiant scenery of the immortal realm and preserves the land of Jade Emptiness for all time, never to fall or stray.

The fifth heaven is called the Heaven of Boundless Longevity, the Uppermost Heaven of Cave Clarity, Limitless and Good in Meditation. Its Heavenly King is named Yunluo, his surname is Shan, and his taboo name is corrupted in the source text.

The sixth heaven is called the Heaven of Yu-Yu, the Upper Void of Mysterious Subtlety and Naturalness. Its Heavenly King is named Fanshi.

The Heavenly King’s surname is Luo, and his taboo name is Bolitu.

The Seventh Heaven: the Heaven of Mysterious Purity, Supreme Meditation, and Boundless Longevity, whose sound is “Yunluo.”

The Heavenly King’s surname is Shan Mu, and his taboo name is Wanke.

The Sixth Heaven: the Heaven of Mysterious Subtlety, Naturalness, Supreme Emptiness, and Yu Yu, whose sound is “Fanyan.”

The Heavenly King’s surname is Luo, and his taboo name is Bolitu.

The Seventh Heaven: the Heaven of Mysterious Purity Above, the Unbound, the First Covenant, and Contention, whose sound is “Xuanna.”

The Heavenly King’s surname is Fan, and his taboo name is Mashoubo.

The Eighth Heaven: the Heaven of Brahma Practice, Supreme Purity, Qi, and the Pure Realm at the Border of Jina, whose sound is “Yunxie.”

The Heavenly King’s surname is Qian, and his taboo name is Shouke.

The sounds of the four heavens originate in the primordial, inherited Qi of Brahma, natural in its source, and issue from the Jade Purity realm in the lofty, distant void. The four Heavenly Kings often roam on 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 on the first day of each month. They survey the boundless summit of the nameless, mysterious void, chanting the sounds of the four heavens and the chapters of Flying Mystery. On these days, the true emissaries of the Talisman Heaven travel throughout the world.

If those who study immortality can endure hardship, observe purification and fasting, cultivate with sincere hearts, recite the chapters of Flying Mystery, and pay homage to the heavens, the heavenly court will register their names among the four heavens and inscribe them in the sovereign’s records. Their lifespans will then equal those of the beings of the four heavens. After nine years of cultivation, they will be able to ascend to the heavenly palace.

The Chapters of Flying Mystery of the Four Heavens:

“Boyin heni, mysterious radiance scatters its light; crimson clouds spread out the tablets; luminous spirits shine with jade-like subtlety. The wind of Brahma bears its sound; the vermilion sun turns to the left. Jade echoes ring in the mysterious chamber; golden skies descend on every side. The lofty one soars, brushing away essence; the stone radiance rises in flight. The heavens are reflected in mystery; the Jade Emperor wanders among them. Tablets shine with jade-like radiance; the wind of Brahma bears its sound; the vermilion sun turns to the left. Jade echoes ring in the mysterious chamber; golden skies descend on every side. The lofty one soars, brushing away essence; the stone radiance rises in flight. The heavens are reflected in mystery; the Jade Emperor wanders among them. A green carriage with vermilion wheels, robes of brocade with emerald plumes: I roam freely across the Nine Cliffs, parting Heaven’s gates with my hand. I flourish with the sun and wane with the moon. Bathed at the golden gate, crowned and girded in divine radiance, I learn alongside the heavenly beings and reach the utmost span of life between Heaven and Earth. Those of the heights unite in joy; the myriad immortals all return. Jade Void seals the talisman, forever secure from collapse. The perfected ones of Heaven set forth their teachings above, in Purple Tenuity. May this wish descend in answer, as I pay homage at the jade steps.”

This passage is a Daoist chant. It mainly depicts scenes of the celestial realm, the retinues and regalia of the immortals, and the aspiration to ascend. Many of its phrases have the character of incantations.

The Ninth Heaven: the Heaven of Boundless Caverns, the Utmost Above, and Xuyan, whose sound is “Huimo.”

The Heavenly King’s surname is Ze, and his taboo name is You’ao.

The Tenth Heaven: the Heaven of Mysterious Brahma, Jade Void, the Unformed Qi, and Luojia’s Floating Moon, whose sound is “Yun’a.”

The Heavenly King’s surname is Zhou, and his name is Ajiaxu.

The eleventh heaven is called “The Heaven of Dark Qi Reaching the Supreme Spirit of the Red Heaven.”

Zhongmu.

The Heavenly King’s surname is Dan, and his name is Qingfu.

The twelfth heaven is called “The Heaven of Great Brahma, Dark Origin, Qi of Separation and Harmony, and Suchness in Action.”

Shibi.

The Heavenly King’s surname is Gu, and his name is Fenruo.

The sound of the Four Heavens is the breath of the nine empty spaces’ first Yang, penetrating to the hidden realms below. It lies beneath the Dark Void and Jade Clarity. The four Heavenly Kings often travel through the realms of constant emptiness, boundless space, and the empty void on the Eight Seasonal Nodes and the first day of each month, chanting the sound of the Four Heavens and the “Verses of Flying Mystery.” On these days, Heaven dispatches a Great Perfected emissary to travel throughout the world. All who seek to study the Way of the immortals, observe pure fasting, recite scriptures, and make ritual bows are reported to the Four Heavens and entered into the imperial register of immortals; their lifespans may equal those of the people of the Four Heavens. After nine years of practice, they can ascend by flight to the heavenly palace.

The “Verses of Flying Mystery” of the Four Heavens say:

“Precious treasures of Heluoye, high and splendid Jade Brahma; Weina Mieluo, perceiving the hidden and subtle, the world’s truth. Struck jade and agate ring out; the sounds of precious jade flow forth of their own accord. Vermilion gems shine brightly, their blossoms vivid in color; within, the auspicious clouds glow. Flowing rosy clouds exhale the fragrance of orchids; cinnabar Qi swirls and transforms into purple mist. The Three Heavens shine together, and the Seven Luminaries usher in the morning light. The spirit chariot of the Eight Radiances turns, carrying the nine Heavenly Emperors. They lead forth the High Perfected, immortal artisans, and supreme immortals of the Purple Void. Their voices rise together in song, joining in harmony to govern the Jade Perfected. The numinous and wondrous scriptures reach into the unfathomable depths; the immortal sounds, like carved jade, summon the spirits. The Old Lords of the Five Directions fasten their sashes, while spirits from the four farthest reaches stand in ranks all around. The nine Qi flow back and forth in circling coils, gathering in the void and forming into mist. The Three Numinous Ones pour down their radiance, and the Seven Essences infuse their fluids, making the body moist as jade and removing its mysterious roots. Transcend the boundless realms, travel through the heavens, enter the realm without color, and return me to the karmic ties of my former lives.”

The thirteenth heaven is called “The Heaven of the Limitless Supreme Spirit, Jade Void, Dark Cavern, and Stillness.”

Jiāzhu.

The Heavenly King’s surname is Jin, and his name is Qian.

The fourteenth heaven is called “The Heaven of Precious Brahma, the Supreme True Qi of the Celestial Realm, and Panluo’s Mystery.”

Cloud-Holder.

The Heavenly King (ruler of the celestial realm) had the surname Sui and the personal name Limuyin.

The fifteenth heaven: the Heaven of Flying Brahma, True Conduct, and the Upper Mystery, called the Answering Blissful Heaven.

Part-Surplus.

The Heavenly King had the surname Wang and the personal name Weiboli.

The sixteenth heaven: the Heaven of Cloud-Brahma, Flowing Essence, the Central Origin, and Nearing Delusion.

World-Refuge.

The Heavenly King had the surname Zhu and the personal name Liaiai.

The sounds of the Four Heavens (the four celestial tiers) mark the beginning of the Qi of Brahmanic conduct. They belong to the Qi of the Cavern of Emptiness and lie above the Highest Clarity of the Empty Sovereign. The Kings of the Four Heavens regularly travel through the boundless, empty realm of the Highest Clarity of the Empty Sovereign on 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 on the first day of each month. There they chant the sounds of the Four Heavens and the “Chapter of Flying Mystery.” On these days, the Highest Immortals’ Jade Inspectors are ordered to tour the world. Those who cultivate the Way of the Immortals, pay homage to the heavens, burn incense, and recite scriptures have their names reported to the Four Heavens and inscribed in the registers. They may then share the longevity of the people of the Four Heavens; after nine years, they can fly through the void and ascend to the Mysterious Palace.

“The Chapter of Flying Mystery” of the Four Heavens

The four sheets of Moyi harmonize with the six tones. Their numinous, wondrous sound spreads outward, and the void transforms into palaces. Jade Mystery rises beyond the clouds; the sound of Tihe reverberates like a ringing bell. Clear as jade, the sound echoes far and wide. The spirits hear it and cry out, summoning immortal youths. The Eight Radiances gather with the Perfected, and the Nine Emperors become their companions. Nanyue Fuli, Beiluo Cold Palace; the True Spirits circle in every direction, and the Hall of Vast Numinous Presence appears. Above, it receives and upholds the numinous scrolls; below, it subdues demons, monsters, and evil forces. Clouds fly across layer upon layer of mysterious realms, and roads in the four directions connect with one another. Fluids surge forth amid rosy clouds, spreading throughout the vast firmament. Purple void condenses into mist and rosy clouds; clouds linger around the Cinnabar Chamber. The three lights—the sun, moon, and stars—shine with penetrating brilliance, while the Seven Luminaries revolve and gleam.

The phrases “Vermilion Sun Yuli,” “Beiluo Cold Palace,” “the True Ones circling in every direction,” and “the Hall of Vast Numinous Presence” recur in the original. The text continues: Vermilion Sun Yuma; the sound of Green Brahma surges on without end, commanding sixteen divine Perfected. Jade orchids pour forth their fragrance, and the nine regions of heaven answer as one. The assembled gods honor me as their king; my radiance illuminates the ten heavens, and the myriad immortals come to return to the source. The lucid, clear sound of jade brings the Mysterious Way to completion and makes one an Immortal Lord. This Way is bound to the cycles of the kalpas; it is preserved forever, without end.

The seventeenth heaven is the “Heaven of Mysterious Heights, Cavernous Extremity, Boundless Expanse, and Untroubled Joy,” also called the “Heaven of Fragrant Flow.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Ning, and his personal name is Xuni.

The eighteenth heaven is the “Heaven of Great Brahma, Mysterious Azure, Essence-Less Response, and Nearing the Farthest Boundary,” also called the “Heaven of Deep Origins.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is A, and his personal name is Mingxiu.

The nineteenth heaven is the “Heaven of Moving Brahma, Purple Void, Supreme Origin, and the First Bearer of Swift Vision,” also called the “Heaven of Cavernous Firmament.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Liu, and his personal name is Qieshan.

The twentieth heaven is the “Heaven of Empty Brahma, Supreme Clarity, Transforming Spirit, and the Boundless Union of Sorrow and Love,” also called the “Heaven of Flying Garments.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Peng, and his personal name is Yina.

The heavenly sounds of these four heavens are soaring Brahma tones, moving within the Qi of the Upper Void and Purple Origin. They lie in the realm of the Void Emperor and Supreme Clarity. On the Eight Nodes of the year—the beginning of spring, spring equinox, beginning of summer, summer solstice, beginning of autumn, autumn equinox, beginning of winter, and winter solstice—and on the first day of each month, the four Heavenly Kings travel through the boundless, empty, and profound realm of the Void Emperor and Supreme Clarity, chanting the sounds of the four heavens and the verses of Flying Mystery. On these days, they send the Jade Perfected and Settled Immortals to tour the world. For those who study immortality and cultivate the Dao, pay reverence to the heavens, burn incense, and recite scriptures, the Heavenly Kings report their names to the court above and enter them in the blue register of immortals. Such people may then live as long as the inhabitants of the four heavens and, after nine years, ascend to Supreme Clarity.

The verses of Flying Mystery from the four heavens say:

Clouds unfurl, and vermilion radiance rises; the subtle, wondrous spirit Qi spreads everywhere, while purple Qi fills the tiers of heaven. Emerald orchids flourish, and dense vermilion clouds coil and gather, circling and reflecting one another in the courts among the clouds. The world’s Dharma wheel turns, and gathered Qi grows clear and bright. Green branches extend, their blossoms shimmering like fine jade. The winds of the eight directions dance among the pavilions, while six dragons soar and cry out. Golden sounds ring clear and far through the void; jade tones arise from stillness. The consorts appear together with the Four Emperors, shining with spiritual light. The August Cliff rides peacefully in his carriage; Jade Immortals drive their celestial chariots and tour the heavens in every direction, revealing in full the realms of the Three Pure Ones. They roam freely through the boundless expanse, their light shining high above the Great Darkness. Spiritual radiance fills all places, and the stars of the Seven Origins breathe out essence and Qi. Immortal officials wear caps and girdles, and their bodies are forged and shaped. They enjoy the blessings of the Primordial Beginning for ages, and their lives reach the span of the Perfected Immortals.

The twenty-first heaven is the “Heaven of Supreme Extremity, Unshadowed Cavern, Subtle Transformation, and Responsive Sound,” also called the “Heaven of Jade Carriage.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Hui, and his personal name is Rang.

The twenty-first heaven is called the “Heaven of the Utmost, Unseen Mystery and Transformation in Response to Sound”; it is also known as “Jade Pendant.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Hui, and his personal name is Rang.

The twenty-second heaven is called the “Heaven of Great Brahma, the Nine Mysteries, the Central Origin Qi, and the Dao and De of Anage”; it is also known as “Heavenly Mallow.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Jie, and his personal name is Nigou.

The twenty-third heaven is called the “Heaven of Brahma’s Procession, Primal Clarity, and the Lower Spirit Qi of Xuda”; it is also known as “Total Pivot.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Zhou, and his personal name is Nanshou.

The twenty-fourth heaven is called the “Heaven of the Utmost Brahma, the Mysterious Mystery, the Nine Spirits, and the Unbound Anage”; it is also known as “Nine Turns.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Zhu, and his personal name is Minghe.

The divine sounds of these four heavens are the utmost precious, Brahmic, upper, numinous, and mysterious pure Qi. They lie beneath the Upper Clarity of the Vacuous Emperor. The four Heavenly Kings regularly travel together through the boundless, empty realm of the Upper Clarity of the Vacuous Emperor on 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 on the first day of each month. They chant the divine sounds of the four heavens and the Chapters of Flying Mystery, Daoist hymns in praise of the scriptures. On these days, they send the Jade Gentlemen Who Lead the True Ones to travel throughout the world. The Heavenly Kings record the names of all who cultivate the Dao and seek to become immortals, pay homage to the heavens, burn incense, and recite scriptures. They inscribe those names in the Mysterious Writ, granting these practitioners lifespans equal to those of the beings of the four heavens; after nine years, they ascend to Upper Clarity.

The Chapter of Flying Mystery of the Four Heavens says:

The cords of fate are joined; golden roots plant numinous power.

The world’s wheel turns through the Dharma Flower; the nine forms shine complete.

The Dharma drum sounds in vermilion tones; the flowing chimes ring in the cold courtyard.

The eight winds dance through the halls; a net of clouds exhales jade.

Jade and precious stone gleam in the empty expanse; jade wisdom resounds through the caverns.

The Emperor’s radiance holds the orchid; vermilion blossoms flourish.

Jade branches rise in splendor to the skies; the layered void is purple and clear.

The high morning reveals its canopy; it wanders through the golden city.

The eight luminous realms harmonize as one; the nine Emperors gather together.

Fragrant vapors stream through the air; their rich scent scatters through the Great Darkness.

On flying wheels beneath feathered canopies, we ascend into the formless.

We merge with Qi, finding eternal peace and the utmost span of life.

This hymn depicts the Dao’s primordial Qi filling the cosmos, divine radiance appearing, and the spirits of the various heavens gathering in harmony. It also expresses the wish that practitioners ascend on flying wheels beneath feathered canopies into the formless realm, unite with the Dao’s Qi, and enjoy lasting peace and the utmost span of life.

The twenty-fifth heaven is called the “Heaven of the Nameless Utmost, Mysterious Mystery, and Brahmic Treasure.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Jing, and his personal name is Wuyun.

The twenty-sixth heaven is called the “Heaven of Subtle Brahma, Mysterious Heaven Qi, and the Dao and De of Daishange.” Its Heavenly King’s surname is Luo, and his personal name is Xu’amo.

The twenty-seventh heaven is called “Heaven of Empty Brahma, Cicada-Like Qi, and Clear Awareness.”

Its Heavenly King’s surname is Yun, and his personal name is Wutuo.

The twenty-eighth heaven is called “Heaven of the Void Brahma Central Heaven, Accomplished Origin, and Yitan.”

Its Heavenly King’s surname is Zhu, and his personal name is Zhongsheng.

The sounds of the four heavenly realms are profound and subtle. The Heavenly King of the Upper Origin Brahma Heaven has the surname Yun and the personal name Wutuo; the Heavenly King of the twenty-eighth heaven, the Void Brahma Central Heaven, has the surname Zhu and the personal name Zhongsheng.

The sounds of the four heavenly realms and the Qi of the Upper Origin Brahma Heaven lie above the Great Purity of the Void. On 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 on other set days such as the first day of each month, the four Heavenly Kings journey together through the boundless expanse of the Great Purity of the Void, chanting the sounds of the four heavens and the “Verses of Flying Mystery.” On these days they send the Eight Numinous Immortals of the Central Truth to inspect the world. For anyone who studies the Way of the immortals, practices Daoist methods, pays homage to the heavens, recites scriptures, or performs good deeds, the Heavenly Kings will report that person’s name above and have it inscribed in the writings of mystery. Such people can attain the same lifespan as those of the four heavens; after nine years of practice, they can also ascend to the Palace of Great Purity.

The “Verses of Flying Mystery” of the Four Heavens:

Tanle Huansha: jade tones give rise to song; vermilion orchids shine within, and luminous clouds send forth their crests. The eight winds raise the essence, while jade sounds soar into the distance. Shaded and far-reaching are the structures; stately and ordered, the vast firmament. Purple phoenixes fill the void, their finest blooms gathered in deep recesses. Towering are the layers of clouds, opening in all directions and crossing at every point. The Celestial Elder assigns the immortals; the Five Emperors look down upon the court. The Jade Emperor turns the numinous forces; the jade carriage rides the green wind. The Four Primordials hold the reins, while the Six Marshals guide the horned dragons. They roam and behold the four heavens, their penetrating radiance illuminating the nine distant reaches. The Celestial Perfected set forth their teachings; may I share in their blessed celebration. Engrave the bamboo slips with the chart of mystery; write the name upon the purple register. One may then join the August Sovereign, together preserving life through countless ages; one’s radiance will equal that of the sun and moon, enduring forever without decline.

The twenty-ninth heaven is called “Heaven of the Boundless Supreme Ultimate, Purple Void, Hidden Brahma, and Jia-moyi.”

Its Heavenly King’s surname is Xuan, and his personal name is Deng.

The thirtieth heaven is called “Heaven of Green Brahma, Natural Awareness, and Entry.”

Its Heavenly King’s surname is Jia, and his personal name is Shiwenzhu.

The thirty-first heaven is called “Heaven of Mysterious Brahma, Great Practice, No Form, No Thought, and Wisdom.” Its sect title is “Zongti.” Its heavenly king’s surname is Yi, and his personal name is Tan’a.

The thirty-second heaven is called “Heaven of Cloud Brahma, Supreme Practice, Weixian Adantan.” Its sect title is “Zhengqun.” Its heavenly king’s surname is Zhu, and his personal name is Yun Xunbo.

The sounds that issue from the four heavens are the precious Brahma Qi of purity, mystery, primordial emptiness, and void. They exist within the Great Clarity of the Void. On 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 on the first day of every month, the kings and emperors of the four heavens travel together across the boundless, empty expanse of the Great Clarity of the Void, chanting the sounds of the four heavens and the verses of Flying Mystery. On these days, the Transcendent King of the Jade Office of the Upper Perfected Ones, a celestial immortal official, is ordered to travel throughout the world. For those who study the way of the immortals and cultivate the Dao, pay reverence to the heavens, recite scriptures and do good deeds, or sincerely observe purification and uphold the teachings, the Transcendent King submits their names to the heavenly king and inscribes them in the Mysterious Writings. Such people may attain lifespans equal to those of the immortals of the four heavens, and after nine years fly upward into the Great Clarity.

The verses of Flying Mystery of the four heavens say:

“The words begin in the celestial realm; Cloud Brahma is subtle, mysterious, and far-reaching. The six Qi exhale their essences, and nine forms of radiance weave together like a net. The sound, bright and clear as jade, rings out in a pure song. The rhythms of the void fall into harmony; they can subdue numinous demons, protect primordial Qi, stabilize the mysterious Dao, and bring the six kinds of malign spirits to peace and order. The Celestial Elder descends to uphold the righteous way, and all things begin to bud. The Jade Perfected nourishes and irrigates; the Qi of the Flying Emperor spreads far and wide. The Eight Pure Ones link together like a forest, while the radiance of the upper realm shines forth. Golden essence overflows, and Jade Li rises in towering splendor. The spirits of the four directions appear in light: there is the home where the imperial immortals dwell. Vermilion palaces rise through nine tiers, and immortals walk slowly in their shoes. Thirty-six kinds of immortal music gather at Ti’a. Those who understand the rhythm of these verses can ascend into the purple clouds, enjoy the same lifespan as celestial immortals, and live ten thousand years without decline.”

The thirty-third heaven is called “Heaven of Colorless Mysterious Clarity, Subtle Caverns, and Waves of Bolidahe.” No sect title is recorded. Its heavenly king’s surname is Wang, and his personal name is Linghong.

The thirty-fourth heaven is called “Heaven of Subtle Caverns, Supreme Mysterious Brahma Qi, and Ajiehanna.” No sect title is recorded.

The Celestial King’s surname is Bai, and his personal name is Duoshizong.

The thirty-fifth heaven is called “Heaven of Dark Supreme Green Brahma, Extinguishing and Still.”

□□

The Celestial King’s surname is Zhu, and his personal name is Tuoyunmi.

The thirty-sixth heaven is called “Heaven of Supreme Form, Ascending Brahma, Mud-Weili-Xianna.”

□□

The Celestial King’s surname is Yuan, and his personal name is Yuanzhu.

The sounds of the Four Heavens come from the Brahma Heaven, far beyond the depths, empty, still, and without form. It lies beneath what the world calls the Great Clarity of Emptiness, within a realm that is vast, hidden, dark, and boundlessly still. The Four Celestial Kings often travel through the boundless, empty, colorless heavens on two kinds of days: 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 the first day of each month. In the hollow, mysterious expanse, they chant the sounds of the Four Heavens and proclaim the verses of Flying Mystery.

On these days, the Four Celestial Kings dispatch the Supreme Perfect Jade Officials, the Immortal Kings of the Four Extremes, who govern the farthest reaches of the four directions, to travel throughout the world. The names of those who study immortality and cultivate the Dao, pay homage to the various heavens, recite scriptures and do good, sincerely observe purification and keep the teachings are reported to the Celestial Kings and entered in the registers of the Nine Heavens. They may share the longevity of the beings of the Four Heavens, and after nine years of cultivation ascend to the realm of Great Clarity.

The verses of Flying Mystery from the Four Heavens say:

Vast and flowing, jade-colored vapors turn and stream; fragrant Qi rises and spreads. The Three Radiances, spiritual lights symbolizing brightness in Daoism, shine upon the sunlit sky, and the Scarlet Chambers of the Entwined Net, dwellings of the immortals, appear. Golden towers rise ten thousand fathoms high; nine tiers of vermilion clouds surge and float. Floating abundance gives forth spiritual splendor; pure Qi pours into the Cold Palace. The Jade Immortals wheel to the left, their three heads meeting one another; the sovereign’s radiance shines forth, and the Jade Blossom Dragon, a spirit of the heavens, leaps aloft. Riding with six reins, we cross the void and wander freely through the firmament; hand in hand with the Eight Perfected, eight realized immortals, we meet in joy with the Celestial Kings. Our gaze sweeps across the Purple Empyrean, passing through ages without end; we chant of jade and precious stone, and the sound of precious gems carries far. Through prolonged purification, we reach the Nine Origins; the two lights of sun and moon shine together. The teachings of the upper realm and the transformations of the lower realm extend through the seventy-four regions. May I complete the number of six times six, accompany the Perfected, and stand equal among them.

The inner names of the thirty-six heavens came into being before the “empty-cavern primordial Qi.” They appeared in wondrous writing on Mount Kunlun. The High Gods chanted the jade texts—the sacred writings—and the High Ministers gathered them into subtle chapters. These chapters inherit the natural laws of the Great Void and bear mysterious diagrams and inscriptions.

The inner names of sixteen of these heavens also came into being before the empty-cavern primordial Qi. They likewise appeared in wondrous writing on Mount Kunlun; the High Gods chanted the jade texts, the High Ministers gathered them into chapters, and they inherited the natural laws of the Great Void, bearing mysterious diagrams. Above, they govern the Six Realms and the thirty-six kinds of heavenly sound; below, they command the Nine Earths and the thirty-six Earth Emperors.

These numinous chapters reach into the hidden depths. Their jade-like wisdom is clear, empty, and pure. They are both songs chanted by the Heavenly Kings as they roam and precious scriptures of the realm of empty mystery. Six sixes join to form their rhyme; four fours harmonize and return to the Real. The Nine Emperors give names to the thirty-six heavens, each governing the myriad kinds of primordial Qi and ruling all the immortals. They extend upward to the boundless, formless heavens and downward to the abyss at the source of the caverns. Even perfected beings and flying immortals cannot roam the boundless, formless heavens unless they have received the jade sounds.

If someone obtains these chapters, the Heavenly King will record their name, inscribe it on a purple bamboo slip, and enter it in the Jade Dawn register. After thirty-six years, they will be able to ascend to the formless heaven and descend to explore the source of the Nine Earths. The highest and most subtle Daoist teachings are not passed on to low-ranking immortals. If anyone carelessly reveals the precious heavenly sounds, seven generations of their ancestors will be held to account. They themselves will suffer the torments of the sword mountain and undergo calamities such as the Three Paths and Five Sufferings; even after ten thousand kalpas, they will not be pardoned.

Thirty-Six Inscriptions of the Nine Earths of the Cavernous Abyss (a text recording the names of the Nine Earths)

First: Layered Color, the proper sound of the Moist Earth. The Earth Emperor’s surname is Qin; his taboo name is Xiaojingchun.

First: Layered Color, the traveling sound of the Moist Earth. The Earth Emperor’s surname is Huang; his taboo name is Changshangwen.

First: Layer, the proper sound of the Moist Earth. The Earth Emperor’s surname is Qin; his taboo name is Xiaojingchun.

First: Layered Color, the traveling sound of the Moist Earth. The Earth Emperor’s surname is Huang; his taboo name is Changshangwen.

First: Layered Color, the roaming sound of the Moist Earth. The Earth Emperor’s surname is Qing; his taboo name is Xuanwenji.

First: Layered Color, the Brahmā sound of the Moist Earth. The Earth Emperor’s surname is Fei; his taboo name is Zhongzhenhuang.

The land of the First Layer is governed by the Four Earth Emperors of the Four Colored Soils. The earth bears all that lies around it, with neither end nor boundary. It is formed from colorless Qi and lies ninety-nine hundred million li from Heaven. Each year, on the day Beginning of Spring, the Earth Emperor rides in a chariot drawn by a Green Dragon and carries a nine-colored banner. Accompanied by the officials of the Azure Emperor Hu Lao and nine thousand attendants riding giant scaled creatures, he travels to the Heaven of Limitless Abundance, where he reports to the Kings of the Four Heavens on the earth immortals, those who have attained the Dao, and those still cultivating, submitting their names as well.

Those who practice the highest arts should enter a quiet chamber at dawn on Beginning of Spring and face east. With a green brush, they should write “Inner Sounds of the Supreme Emperor” on white paper, then swallow it. Next, they should click their teeth nine times and, gazing upward, visualize the surnames and personal names of the Four Earth Emperors written on a headscarf made of blue feathers. They should see themselves wearing a Cap of the Nine Origins that Reaches Heaven, riding a feathered chariot drawn by a Green Dragon as they ascend to the Heaven of Limitless Abundance. Then they should recite this incantation:

“Azure Yang rises upward. The Earth Emperor observes the affairs of the dawn, commands the Four Offices, and governs all the immortals. The Old Man of Heaven determines my place in the registers and reports it above. With a diligent heart, I establish my highest vow; among those who attain the Dao, there is no distinction between kin and stranger. May my name be entered on the imperial tablets and engraved in the Jade Texts. May my traces be erased in the Nine Layers, and may I ascend in a carriage of precious jade. May my lifespan equal that of the Four Emperors, and may I forever retain the office of overseeing the heavens of Qian.”

After reciting, they should face east and bow sincerely nine times, swallow Qi nine times, and then stop. If they practice in this way, the Earth Emperor will enter their name among the Nine Heavens and Nine Earths, erasing their traces in the lands of the Nine Yin. The Earth Official will protect them, and Hu Lao will come to welcome them. After thirty-six years, they will be able to ride a flying carriage of blue feathers and ascend to the Heaven of Limitless Abundance.

The Second Layer is called “Gang.” Its land has four sounds—Correct Sound, Moving Sound, Wandering Sound, and Brahma Sound—each corresponding to one of the Four Earth Emperors:

• The Earth Emperor of Correct Sound has the surname Wu and the personal name Kun Wenguang.
• The Earth Emperor of Moving Sound has the surname Yu and the personal name Huang Musheng.
• The Earth Emperor of Wandering Sound has the surname Xuan and the personal name Qian Dewei.
• The Earth Emperor of Brahma Sound has the surname Chang and the personal name Huang Meng.

The land of the second tier is governed by the Four Earth Emperors of the four colors. The earth is vast and boundless, stretching in all directions without end or border. Colorless Qi fills this place, which lies eight hundred and ten billion li from the first tier.

On the day of the spring equinox, the Earth Emperors of the second tier often ride clouds of yellow and blue-green Qi. Twelve dark tortoises carry the sacred imperial register of the Nine Origins. Accompanied by the officials of the Azure Emperor Hu Lao, they lead eight thousand flying armored soldiers to the Heaven of Boundless Life in the Highest Highest Meditation of Goodness. There they report on the earthly immortals who have attained the Dao, and submit the names of those pursuing higher learning to the Kings of the Four Heavens. The original text repeats this account of the report.

Those who practice the higher methods should enter a quiet chamber at dawn on the spring equinox and face east. With a green brush, write the inner invocations of the Earth Emperors on yellow paper, then swallow it. Next, click the teeth nine times and, gazing upward, visualize the names and titles of the Four Earth Emperors. They all wear flying robes of yellow brocade and flat-topped crowns. They ride cloud chariots of yellow and blue-green, while twelve dark tortoises carry the register of the Nine Heavens. Accompanied by the officials of the Azure Emperor Hu Lao, they lead flying armored soldiers as they ascend to the Heaven of Boundless Life in the Highest Highest Meditation of Goodness. Then recite the incantation:

“The Three Paths move; the appointed time arrives at the beginning of the Origin. The Nine Tiers interweave, governing the gates of the eight directions. They oversee all matters of earthly immortals and report above to the Lord Emperor. The Celestial Elder verifies the register of names; the Earth Emperor records the documents. On the day the report is submitted, my path of cultivation has long been determined. My bodily traces sink into the Nine Yin; riding bright white clouds, I ascend. The Qi of the four seasons joins with me, and I take my place among the august immortals.”

When the recitation is complete, face east and bow sincerely eight times, then swallow the Qi eight times. The ritual is then finished. Practice in this way for thirty-six years, and you will be able to ride a flying cloud chariot and ascend to the Heaven of Boundless Life in the Meditation of Goodness.

The third tier is called the “Land of Stone Grease and Luster.” The Earth Emperor of Correct Tone has the surname Zhang and the title Weishenbao; the Earth Emperor of Moving Tone has the surname Zhou and the title Boshangren. The final section repeats these names and titles.

The Earth Sovereign of Wandering Sound in the Third Layer, the Land of Stone Grease and Lustrous Color, had the surname Zhu and the personal name Mingchezi.

The Earth Sovereign of Brahma Sound in the Third Layer, the Land of Stone Grease and Lustrous Color, had the surname Geng and the personal name Wenjingshi.

These are the four Earth Sovereigns of the Third Layer. The Third Layer is vast and boundless, with the four Earth Sovereigns of the four colors governing it. This land bears the four directions, its boundaries have no end, and it is filled with colorless Qi. It lies one hundred and ten billion myriad li from the Second Layer. On the day of the Beginning of Summer, the Earth Sovereigns of the Third Layer regularly ride clouds of crimson glow. Twelve phoenixes carry five-colored tally tokens, accompanied by the official Yuelao. They lead eight thousand flying warriors to Xuyan Heaven, where they report to the Kings of the Four Heavens the names of Earth Immortals who have attained the Dao through practice but are still pursuing their studies.

Those who practice the highest methods should enter a room after the meal on the day of the Beginning of Summer and face south. In vermilion ink, write the inner names of the Earth Sovereigns on white paper, then swallow it, so that your name may be reported to the Kings of the Four Heavens.

Those who practice the highest methods should enter a room after the meal on the day of the Beginning of Summer and face south. In vermilion ink, write the inner names of the Earth Sovereigns on white paper and swallow it. Then click the teeth nine times. Look upward and visualize the four Earth Sovereigns, their surnames and personal names: they are all dressed in flying robes patterned in crimson, wear Wuji Xianjin caps, and ride clouds of crimson glow. The twelve phoenixes carry five-colored tally tokens as they fly upward to Xuyan Heaven. Then recite the incantation:

“The four Qi converge at the center; from the eight directions they come to pay homage. The auspicious hour takes its proper place; the ninefold earth opens and rises. They govern the registers of immortals’ names and destinies, ascending to the Purple Empyrean. Their names are entered in the documents of the August Heaven, and they are appointed to high office in the immortal realm. They may ride the red light of the sun and roam freely on the wind. Their lifespans match the sun, moon, and stars, and they endure without decline to the edge of the firmament.”

After reciting, face south and bow inwardly eight times, then swallow Qi eight times and stop. If you practice in this way for thirty-six years, you will be able to ride a flying cloud carriage and ascend to Xuyan Heaven.

The Earth Sovereign of Correct Sound in the Fourth Layer, the Land of Moist Abundance, had the surname Jia and the personal name Yunzi Gao.

The Earth Sovereign of Moving Sound in the Fourth Layer, the Land of Moist Abundance, had the surname Xie and the personal name Bowo Yuan.

The wandering tone of the fourth layer, “Moistening Expanse Earth”: the Earth Sovereign’s surname is Yi, and his personal name is Wen Qin Zhen.

The Brahma tone of the fourth layer, “Moistening Expanse Earth”: the Earth Sovereign’s surname is Xing, and his personal name is Ji Zheng Fang.

These are the four earth tones of the fourth layer and the names of its Earth Sovereigns. This earth is vast and boundless, bearing the endless lands around it. It has no end or border and belongs to the formless Qi. It lies two billion myriad li from the third layer. On the day of the summer solstice, the Earth Sovereign of the fourth layer often rides a crimson-cloud carriage toward the Silent Heaven to report to the Kings of the Four Heavens the names of those who have perfected the cultivation of Earth Immortals, attained the Dao, and advanced in their studies. Twelve vermilion birds accompany him, bearing banners that command demons, along with the immortal official Yue Lao and eight thousand mounted warriors.

Those who practice the highest methods should enter a room at noon on the summer solstice and face south. With a vermilion brush, they should write the Earth Sovereign’s inner tone on yellow paper and swallow it. Then they should click their teeth nine times, look up in thought to the four Earth Sovereigns, and report their own names to the Kings of the Four Heavens.

Those who practice the highest methods should enter a room at noon on the summer solstice and face south. With a vermilion brush, they should write the Earth Sovereign’s inner tone on yellow paper and swallow it. Then they should click their teeth nine times and visualize the surnames and personal names of the four Earth Sovereigns. They all wear yellow-green skirts and distant-travel crowns, and ride crimson-cloud carriages. Twelve vermilion birds accompany them, bearing banners that command demons, as they ascend to the Silent Heaven. Then recite the incantation:

“Heaven is clear and Earth is still; the nine layers of earth are deep and mysterious. The four seasons turn, and above we pay our respects to Purple Heaven. Cloud carriages fly to and fro, resting in peace amid boundless vistas. Immortals gather from the eight directions and exchange congratulations; the Jade Void Palace opens, displaying the registers of the immortals. The august elders enter the names, and the Heavenly Kings inscribe them in the books. The nine layers erase the records of the dead, while the Director of Destiny records the years of life. The body enters a realm of immortal light and forever keeps its place among the high immortals.”

After reciting this, face south and worship with focused attention eight times, then swallow breath eight times, and stop. If one practices in this way for thirty-six years, one can ride a crimson-cloud carriage up to the Silent Heaven.

The correct tone of the fifth layer, “Golden Millet Marsh Earth”: the Earth Sovereign’s surname is Hua, and his personal name is Yan Qi Ming.

The common tone of the fifth layer, “Golden Millet Marsh Earth”: the Earth Sovereign’s surname is Huang, and his personal name is Ling Wo Rong.

In the Fifth Layer (Golden Millet Marsh Earth), there are two Brahma sounds. In the You pronunciation, the Earth Emperor’s surname is Yun and his tabooed name is Tanyuan Yuan. In the Brahma pronunciation, the Earth Emperor’s surname is Jiang and his tabooed name is Tongbaguang.

The land of the Fifth Layer is governed by four Earth Emperors. The earth bears all things and stretches in every direction without end or boundary, existing within formless Qi. The Fifth Layer lies two billion myriad li from the Fourth Layer. On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, the Earth Emperors of the Fifth Layer regularly ride plain-cloud chariots, accompanied by twelve White Tiger Spirits Who Guard Life, the Ninefold Origin Seal, the immortal official Di Lao, and six thousand flying tiger riders. Together they travel to the Heaven of No Arrogance and Bliss, where they present to the Kings of the Four Heavens the registers of earth immortals, those who have attained the Dao, and those pursuing higher learning.

Those who practice the highest Daoist methods should enter a quiet room at the hour of the Monkey on the day of the Beginning of Autumn and face west. With a white brush, they should write the inner sounds of the Earth Emperor on blue paper and swallow it. Then they should click their teeth nine times and visualize the surnames and tabooed names of the four Earth Emperors: all are dressed in flying robes of plain silk gauze, wear precious crowns of the Ninefold Origin and Illumination, and ride plain-cloud chariots, accompanied by twelve White Tiger Spirits Who Guard Life and the Ninefold Origin Seal as they ascend to the Heaven of No Arrogance and Bliss. Next, they should chant the inner sounds of the Earth Emperor written on the blue paper, click their teeth nine times, and visualize the four Earth Emperors and their retinue before ascending to the Heaven of No Arrogance and Bliss. Then they should recite this incantation:

“Pure white radiance shines in all directions; white palaces rise in tier upon tier. The four seasons turn, and Brahma Qi fills the expanse. The auspicious hour has come; report to the sovereign. Yuanjing governs destiny, and the Heavenly King keeps the records. Enter the name in the imperial registers and present it to the Azure Palace. The Nine Yin destroy the corpse’s filth, raising the body to splendid palaces. May the rank of a high immortal be held forever, shining together with the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars as understood in Daoism.”

After reciting, they should face west and bow sincerely six times, swallow their breath six times, and then stop. After practicing in this way for thirty-six years, they may ride a jade chariot of plain clouds and ascend to the Heaven of No Arrogance and Bliss.

In the Sixth Layer (Vajra Sandalwood), there are three Brahma sounds. In the You pronunciation, the Earth Emperor’s surname is Li and his tabooed name is Shang Shaojun. In the Guixing pronunciation, the Earth Emperor’s surname is Fan and his tabooed name is Laili’an. In the Shan pronunciation, the Earth Emperor’s surname is Chang and his tabooed name is Li Jiyuan.

The Earth Sovereign of the First Great Mound of the Vajra Realm of Zhansha Wangli Deng bears the surname Wang and the personal name Si Nü Rong.

The land of the Sixth Mound mentioned above bears the surname Fan and the personal name Lai Li’an.

The Earth Sovereign of the Sixth Mound of the Vajra Realm of Zhansha Yan bears the surname Chang and the personal name Li Jiyuan.

The Earth Sovereign of the First Great Mound of the Vajra Realm of Zhansha Wangli Deng bears the surname Wang and the personal name Si Nü Rong.

The land of the Sixth Mound described above falls under the jurisdiction of the Earth Sovereigns of the Four Tones. The earth bears the four directions, its boundaries extending without end or limit. It is formed from Qi without shape or color, and lies two billion myriad li from the land of the Fifth Mound. At each autumn equinox, the Earth Sovereign of the Sixth Mound rides a flying carriage among the white clouds. Twelve White Tiger Spirits carry nine-colored banners for subduing spirits, led by the immortal official Di Lao and six thousand flying tiger riders. They travel to the Heaven of Transforming Responses, where they report to the Kings of the Four Heavens the names of the terrestrial immortals who have attained the Dao and continue their studies.

Those who practice the highest teachings of the Dao should enter a chamber at the hour of the Monkey on the day of the autumn equinox and face west. With a white brush, write the Earth Sovereign’s inner intonation on blue paper and swallow it. Then click the teeth nine times and envision the surnames and personal names of the four Earth Sovereigns. They all wear flying robes of white brocade and caps of office without beginning or end. Riding flying carriages among the white clouds, they are accompanied by twelve White Tiger Spirits bearing nine-colored banners for subduing spirits as they ascend to the Heaven of Transforming Responses. Then recite the incantation:

White earth, nine mounds; its Qi reaches the Great Tenuity. The August Elders descend at dawn, their radiant forms soaring and circling. Vermilion orchids shine in array; the eight blossoms spread their radiance. Ascend into the imperial court, passing beneath the jade gates. The five vows unite in mystery, bringing down feathered robes. The eight radiances join the perfected; the body rises in flight. Your life is one with Heaven and Earth; may you forever preserve the Two Forms.

When the incantation is finished, face west and bow reverently six times. Then swallow the six breaths, and the practice is complete. After practicing in this way for thirty-six years, you will be able to ride a jade carriage among the white clouds and ascend to the Heaven of Transforming Responses.

The Water-Regulated Marsh Land of the Seventh Mound falls under the jurisdiction of the Earth Sovereign of the Correct Tone, whose surname is Tang and personal name Chusheng Ying.

The Water-Regulated Marsh Land of the Seventh Mound falls under the jurisdiction of the Earth Sovereign of the Moving Tone, whose surname is Wu and personal name Zhengfatu.

The wandering resonance of the seventh layer, called “Water Governing the Marshland,” has an Earth Sovereign—the deity who governs the land at this level—whose surname is Han and given name is Gaowenche.

The Brahma resonance of the seventh layer, called “Water Governing the Marshland,” has an Earth Sovereign whose surname is Jing and given name is Zhonglongshou.

These are the four kinds of sound and the Earth Sovereign of the seventh layer of land. This layer bears the four directions and stretches without limit. It is listed in the Diagram of the Correct Dharma.

The wandering resonance of the seventh layer, called “Water Governing the Marshland,” has an Earth Sovereign whose surname is Han and given name is Gaowenche.

The Brahma resonance of the seventh layer, called “Water Governing the Marshland,” has an Earth Sovereign whose surname is Jing and given name is Zhonglongshou.

These are the four kinds of sound and the Earth Sovereign of the seventh layer of land. This layer bears the four directions and stretches boundlessly, without end. It is formed from formless Qi and lies two billion myriad li from the sixth layer. On the day of the Beginning of Winter, the Earth Sovereign of the seventh layer regularly rides a flying chariot of dark clouds. Twenty-four Xuanwu attendants, bearing five-colored banners of life and spirit, accompany him. The immortal official Qianglao and five thousand celestial riders also follow him to Brahma-Treasure Heaven, where he reports to the Kings of the Four Heavens the names of the terrestrial immortals and those who practice the higher Dao.

Those who practice the higher Dao should enter a room at midnight on the day of the Beginning of Winter and face north. They should write the inner sound of the Earth Sovereign in ink on white paper and swallow it. Then they should knock their teeth nine times and, gazing upward in meditation, visualize the surnames and given names of the four Earth Sovereigns. They are all dressed in flying robes of dark spiritual brocade and wear caps of worthy advancement of the Limitless. Riding a flying chariot of dark clouds, accompanied by twenty-four Xuanwu attendants bearing five-colored banners of life and spirit, they ascend to Brahma-Treasure Heaven. Then recite the incantation:

“The Five Qi converge; the Eight Spirits return to the courtyard. The Three Primordials descend to their rightful places; the Earth Sovereign’s spirit of life descends. Riding a cloud chariot and unfurling a feathered canopy, I ascend to the heights of the Pure and Clear. I declare my great aspiration and receive formless Qi. The traces of the nine layers of earth’s ramparts disappear; the Heavenly Perfect Ones inscribe my name and enter it in the mysterious registers. Grant me the title Huaqing, so that I may ride the chariot of flying radiance and transform my form within the imperial court.”

After reciting, make five bows inwardly, recite the incantation once more, and make another five inward bows. Then swallow saliva five times, and the practice is complete. After practicing in this way for thirty-six years, one will be able to ride a chariot of dark clouds and ascend to Brahma-Treasure Heaven.

The standard resonance of the eighth layer, called “Great Wind Marshland,” has an Earth Sovereign whose surname is Ge and given name is Xuanshengxian.

The eighth layer of the earth is called the Great Wind Marsh Land. Its common sound is called “Traveling Sound.” The Earth Emperor who governs this layer is surnamed Hua, with the personal name Maoyun Chang.

The traveling sound of the eighth layer, the Great Wind Marsh Land, is called “Wandering Sound.” Its Earth Emperor is surnamed Yang, with the personal name Zhen Dongxuan.

The Brahma sound of the eighth layer, the Great Wind Marsh Land, is called “Brahma Sound.” Its Earth Emperor is surnamed Zhou, with the personal name Shang Jingyuan.

These are the four kinds of sound and the Earth Emperors of the eighth layer of the earth. The earth bears and surrounds the four directions. It is vast and boundless, filled with formless, colorless Qi, and lies eighty billion myriad li from the seventh layer. On the winter solstice, the Earth Emperor of the eighth layer often rides a flying chariot formed from dark clouds. Five-Colored Flying Lin carry nine-colored pennants, accompanying the immortal official Qiang Lao and five thousand riders who drive the heavens. Together they ascend to the Heaven of Fanjiamoyi, where they report the names of perfected earth immortals and those who practice the highest Dao arts to the Kings of the Four Heavens.

On the winter solstice, those who practice the highest Dao arts may also ride a flying chariot formed from dark clouds. With Five-Colored Flying Lin bearing nine-colored pennants, they accompany the immortal official Qiang Lao and five thousand riders who drive the heavens as they ascend to the Heaven of Fanjiamoyi, to report the names of perfected earth immortals and practitioners to the Kings of the Four Heavens.

Those who practice the highest Dao arts should enter a room at midnight on the winter solstice and face north. Write the “Inner Tones of the Earth Emperor” in ink on white paper and swallow it. Then click the teeth nine times, gaze upward in contemplation of the surnames and personal names of the four Earth Emperors, and imagine them all wearing dark-cloud brocade skirts and crowns that reach through the heavens. They ride feathered chariots formed from dark clouds, led by Five-Colored Flying Lin carrying nine-colored pennants, and ascend to the Heaven of Fanjiamoyi. Then recite the spell:

“Heaven spreads out; earth is laid open. The nine forms follow the mysterious law. The four seasons rise and descend; the Qi of the eight directions shines anew. The Earth Emperor selects the register; the Jade Emperor determines the true record. My name is entered in the charts, and I become a high immortal. I fly through the Great Void, freely following nature; I unite with the spirits and endure with primordial Qi. Through three transformations and nine metamorphoses, I ascend to the realm of the Imperial Dawn.”

After reciting, bow to the four directions four times, tilt the head back and swallow the breath four times, then stop. Practice in this way for thirty-six years, and you will be able to ride a dark-cloud chariot and ascend to the Heaven of Fanjiamoyi.

The ninth layer of the earth is called the Cave Abyss, Colorless, Firmly Enclosed Land. Its proper sound, formed by the Qi of that land, is called “Proper Sound.” Its Earth Emperor is surnamed Ji, with the personal name Wushang Xuan.

In the ninth layer, the land called “Dongyuan Wuse Gangwei,” there are four sounds of terrestrial Qi, corresponding to four Earth Sovereigns, the deities of the land:

The Earth Sovereign of the Zheng sound has the surname Ji and the personal name Wushang Xuan; the Earth Sovereign of the Xing sound has the surname Sheng and the personal name Xuyuan Hao; the Earth Sovereign of the You sound has the surname Zhao and the personal name Shangbo Xuan; and the Earth Sovereign of the Fan sound has the surname Nong and the personal name Leyuan Bo.

These four are the Earth Sovereigns who dwell in the deepest part of the ninth layer of the terrestrial realm, at the bottom of Dongyuan. The Qi of Gangwei holds Heaven and Earth together, preventing them from falling. The first layer of the terrestrial realm lies five hundred and twenty billion myriad li above; below, there is no end, and in every direction there are no boundaries. All of it is filled with the Qi of Gangwei.

The Earth Sovereigns of the ninth layer make their rounds four times a year: on the first day of the third month, the second day of the sixth month, the third day of the ninth month, and the fourth day of the twelfth month. They ride a five-colored cloud carriage driven by nine-colored flying dragons and carry the seal of the Divine Lord of the Central Origin. Accompanying them are the aged immortal official Cang Lao and twelve thousand heavenly cavalry. They travel to the Heaven of Bolidahe to report the names of those in the nine terrestrial realms who cultivate the Dao and attain immortality, and to present their report to the Kings of the Four Heavens.

Those who cultivate the highest teachings of the Dao should enter a quiet chamber on these days and face Tai Sui, the direction of the year’s spirit. Write the inner sounds of the four Earth Sovereigns in yellow characters on white paper, then swallow it. Next, click the teeth twelve times, look upward, and visualize the surnames and personal names of the four Earth Sovereigns. Picture them all wearing five-colored robes of dark and yellow, and crowns of the Nine Origins that reach through Heaven.

Also visualize yourself wearing five-colored robes of dark and yellow, wearing a crown of the Nine Origins that reaches through Heaven, and shod in shoes patterned with interlaced five-colored lions. Hold the talisman of patterned writing that preserves life, and ride a flying carriage of yellow clouds, accompanied by thirty-six Jade Maidens of the Five Emperors, ascending to the Heaven of Bolidahe. Then recite the incantation:

The sun and moon revolve in their two forms, while the nine kinds of vital essence and Qi flow through to spiritual clarity. The August Elder (a revered Daoist deity) descends in accordance with a talismanic mandate, enabling the practitioner to rise into the air and enter a pure, tranquil immortal realm. The four directions open wide. Before the practitioner’s eyes, rosy clouds dance and purple jade gleams. The practitioner ascends Golden Radiance, pays homage to the Imperial Lord, is entered in the register of immortals, and has their name inscribed in the Azure Palace. They receive the white certificate of immortality, and their name is confirmed by the Seven Spirits.

Thereafter, the corpse’s defilements are dissolved within the Ninefold Abyss (the nine levels of the netherworld). The practitioner refines the body at the Eastern Well (a constellation, and also a place associated with bodily refinement), where the Three Origins (the upper, middle, and lower origins, often referring to Heaven, Earth, and humanity or to the three Qi) descend and bestow the Real. The practitioner’s Daoist powers are thereby made manifest, allowing them to ride the flying radiance and ascend to the Jade Court. When the rite is complete, they sincerely perform nine bows and swallow their breath twelve times.

Practice in this way for thirty-six years, and one will be able to ride the corpse borne by yellow clouds (achieving liberation from the corpse and ascent through the power of cloud radiance), refine the body at the Eastern Well, receive the Three Origins’ descent and bestowal of the Real, and finally ride the flying radiance to the Jade Court. When the rite is complete, sincerely perform nine bows and swallow the breath twelve times. After completing thirty-six years of practice, one will be able to ride an immortal carriage formed from yellow clouds and ascend to the Heaven of Bolidahe.

The Nine Earths and Nine Layers, the nine regions beneath the ground, extend straight downward. Together they have thirty-six tonal names and thirty-six Earth Sovereigns, deities who govern the terrestrial realms. They correspond above to the Thirty-Six Heavens and in the middle to the thirty-six kingdoms. The titles of these Earth Sovereigns rank equally with that of the Jade Emperor. They differ only in the Qi they each receive and in the higher or lower regions under their rule, which accounts for their different names. Every thirty-six years, the Earth Sovereigns change their titles and ascend to the palaces of Shangqing, where they succeed the rulers of the Thirty-Six Heavens.

The Jade Bureau officials beneath the Nine Layers report the names of those who have studied the Dao and attained immortality to the kings of the Nine Heavens. If a student of the Dao does not know the earth tones of the Nine Layers and the secret names of the thirty-six Earth Sovereigns, the Nine Earths cannot erase their traces, the chancellor of the Nine Heavens will not accept their name, the spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks will not send cloud chariots to welcome them, and the Five Emperors will not protect their body. Knowing only the tonal names of foreign realms, without the secret names, brings no aid and prevents ascent into the void. Heaven, Earth, and humanity each receive three portions of Qi; only when the three unite can one become perfected and then attain immortality.

For anyone who knows the earth tones of the Nine Earths and the secret names of the thirty-six Earth Sovereigns, the Elder of the Nine Qi, a deity who governs the Nine Qi, will send spirit officials of the four directions and five colors to guard their body. When this person travels from place to place or climbs the Five Sacred Peaks, immortal officials will accompany and escort them. Demonic obstacles and trials will be dispelled, and spirits and perfected beings will descend to help them. After nine years of cultivation, they can ascend through the air and travel and transform at will, seated or standing. After thirty years of cultivation, they can ascend to Great Clarity.

If someone in the world obtains this scripture, their ancestors of seven generations will become officials serving as Earth Sovereigns of the Nine Qi and Fate. Charged with guarding their bodies and pacifying their souls, these ancestors will be joined by the elders of Haoli, spirits associated with the realm of the dead, and by the Earth Chancellor and others. They will drive away calamities on the ancestors’ behalf, so they will no longer suffer confinement, forced labor, or punishment. While the person lives in this world, they will receive the protection of the earth and live safely, free from misfortune. Twelve guardian generals will protect the gateways in the eight directions, enabling them to reach perfected beings and summon spirits. If they seek wealth and rank, they will obtain them; if they seek office, they will attain it; if they seek immortality, they will become immortal; if they seek to become spirits, they will become spirits.

This Dao is secret and wondrous and must not be spoken of freely. The High Minister, Azure Youth, an immortal official of Shangqing, received the precious volume of oral instructions from the heights above. If anyone recklessly reveals these numinous writings, their ancestors of seven generations will become servants, and they will not be pardoned even after ten thousand kalpas.

If you wish to live in the mountains or choose a site for a home, you must examine whether the land is auspicious or inauspicious. This Dao is secret and wondrous and must not be spoken of freely. The High Minister, Azure Youth, received the precious volume of oral instructions from the heights above. If anyone recklessly reveals these numinous writings, their ancestors of seven generations will become servants, and they will not be pardoned even after ten thousand kalpas.

If you wish to live in the mountains, or to choose a dwelling site and determine whether it is auspicious, select a day of Wu or Ji. Write “The Thirty-Six Sounds of the Nine Earths” in yellow on white paper, place it at the center of the dwelling, and cover it with a basin. After three days and three nights, uncover it and inspect the paper. If it has turned yellow and looks moist, this is greatly auspicious. If it appears blue-green, it indicates that the remains of the dead or spirits of the deceased lie beneath the ground. White is inauspicious; red foretells alarm; black foretells treasure; and purple suggests that you may encounter an immortal. If none of these color changes appears, you may live there for three years. Staying longer than three years may bring harm. “The Thirty-Six Sounds of the Nine Earths” is a kind of secret script mentioned in the scripture; “yellow writing” means writing in yellow.

The Six Grades of Correct Pronunciation from the High and Lofty Foreign Lands

In the east lies the kingdom of Heluoti. Its six grades of inscriptions and their correct pronunciations are as follows: the first-grade inscription is read “Wuyi”; the second, “Boni”; the third, “Jiunan”; the fourth, “Jiwei”; the fifth, “Wusi”; and the sixth, “Yunzhi.”

Ninety thousand li east of China lies a country called Heluodi, also known as the Land of Stars. Beyond the Land of Stars is Fusang, situated amid a blue sea and spanning ten thousand li in every direction. There stands the Palace of the Great Thearch, an auxiliary palace of the Supreme Perfect King, an immortal of the Daoist tradition. Inside the palace is an upper-growth grove of trees resembling mulberries. They rise thousands of zhang high, and the largest trunks measure three thousand wei around. The trees grow in pairs from a shared root and bear fruit as red as mulberries, food for the immortals. They are golden in color and bear fruit only once every nine thousand years.

Beyond Fusang lies Shengzhou, with Penglai joined to its western side. It spans two thousand five hundred li and lies two hundred thirty thousand li from the shore. Tens of thousands of immortal families live there. The climate is mild throughout the year, without severe cold or heat, and many wondrous fungi grow there. Those who eat them can soar through the air.

In the Eastern Sea, east of Fusang, lies another island, Zuzhou. It spans five hundred li and is seventy thousand li from the shore. An herb of immortality grows on the island. It resembles young shoots of wild rice and stands three or four chi tall. It is also called the Spirit-Nourishing Fungus. Its leaves look like wild-rice leaves, and it does not grow in clumps. Eating a single plant enables one to fly to Shangqing, the Daoist celestial realm. Covering a dead person with the herb brings them back to life. It is a wondrous medicinal plant.

When entering Zuzhou, one should know the herb’s name and visualize the immortal official Hu Lao, imagining him gathering the herb on the island. When taking it, one should contemplate the herb’s color in the mind. After practicing in this way for three years, one’s face will become radiant and one’s lifespan can be extended by ten thousand years. With prolonged practice, an immortal will naturally bring this miraculous medicine to one’s side.

In the south lies a country called Yishatuo:

The correct pronunciation of the first grade of inscription is “Yinghua.”

The correct pronunciation of the second grade of inscription is “Wangjia.”

The correct pronunciation of the third grade of inscription is “Womo.”

The correct pronunciation of the fourth grade of inscription is “Yaopa.”

The correct pronunciation of the fifth grade of inscription is “Wudu.”

The correct pronunciation of the sixth grade of inscription is “Feipu.”

Far to the south, eighty-one thousand li beyond the Central Plains, lies a place called “the Outer Extremity of Yanfuli,” known as the Wilds of Dongyang. There is a kingdom there called the Kingdom of Yishatuo, also known as the Fire Court of Tianzhu.

Beyond this kingdom is a vast island, also called Qingqiu, southeast of the South Sea. It stretches five thousand li in every direction and lies two hundred and fifty thousand li from the shore. A great tree grows on the island, three thousand zhang tall and so broad that two thousand people linking arms could encircle its trunk. The island also abounds in numinous medicines, sweet sap, and the essence of jade; it contains almost everything imaginable. People live there, and each can reach the age of three hundred and sixty. The island is also home to a numinous fox, as large as a dog and marked with five colors. Its cry carries four thousand li, and its might is enough to subdue tigers, leopards, and all kinds of birds. Whoever obtains its fur and wears it, they say, can live as long as Heaven and Earth.

To the left of Changzhou stands Wind Mountain, which often resounds with thunderous noise. On the mountain is the Purple Mansion Palace, a place where the celestial immortals and jade maidens roam and take in the sights.

In the middle of the South Sea lies another island, Yanzhou. It stretches two thousand li in every direction and lies ninety thousand li from the shore. The island is home to a wind-born beast shaped like a leopard, blue in color and about the size of a wildcat. It can endure in a raging fire for months without dying; its fur does not singe, and neither swords nor axes can wound it. Only after it has been struck thousands of times with the implement described in the text can it be killed. It opens its mouth to catch the wind and revives in an instant. It dies only when its nostrils are blocked with the calamus that grows on rocks. Take its brain together with chrysanthemum, and, it is said, one may live long and endure as long as Heaven and Earth.

There is also Fire Forest Mountain, home to a firelight beast about the size of a mouse, with fur three or four inches long, red or white in color. Seen from afar at midnight, the mountain’s woods and these beasts shine like flames. Their fur can be woven into cloth called “fire-washed cloth.” When the cloth becomes stained, burning it in a fire cleans it. It is said that the people of the Kingdom of Yishatuo wear this cloth. If one obtains the fur of this beast, an immortal will reveal their true form.

Those who cultivate the Dao should remember the name and sound of the Kingdom of Yishatuo, and hold this immortal realm in their mind’s vision. After thirty-six years, a divine being will present the cultivator with this beast and the kingdom’s wondrous treasures.

The Western Kingdom of Nivaro Green:

The inscription of the first section is read “Hualian.”

The inscription of the second section is read “Gaoxuan.”

The inscription of the third section is read “Mingshen.”

The inscription of the fourth section is read “Tuchan.”

The inscription of the fifth section is read “Xingzhen.”

The inscription of the sixth section is read “Gaoxuan.”

The inscription of the third section is read “Mingshen.”

The inscription of the fourth section is read “Tuchan.”

The inscription of the fifth section is read “Xingzhen.”

The inscription of the sixth section is read “Zhutian.”

The Kingdom of Nivaro Green lies sixty thousand li west of China, beyond the border of Juxieni, in the region of the Ridge of Bright Purity and the Plains of Cold Desolation. This kingdom is also called the Kingdom of the Hu-Yuezhi. Its people can live for six hundred years.

Beyond its borders lies Liuzhou, south of the Western Sea. It covers three thousand li and is one hundred and ninety thousand li from the eastern shore. Tens of thousands of immortals live on the island. There is also a mountain there that produces Kunwu stone. When worked into iron, this stone can be made into precious swords. Their gleaming blades shine through like crystal and are so sharp that they can cut through jade as easily as slicing earth.

Fenglin Isle lies in the middle of the sea. It covers fifteen hundred li and is surrounded by Weak Water, on which even a swan’s down cannot float. Thousands of immortals live on the island, along with flocks of phoenixes and qilin. The island is also home to a beast called Jiguang. It resembles a wildcat, can speak ancient languages, and has a voice like Sanskrit, allowing it to converse with the local people. Its fur shines with brilliant colors and is worn as clothing by immortals. Whoever obtains and wears the pelt of a Jiguang beast can live as long as Heaven and Earth.

If a practitioner of the Dao can hold this kingdom’s sounds in mind and recite them, then after thirty-six years the immortal official Dilaoweng will present him with a Kunwu sword and the pelt of a Jiguang beast.

The Northern Kingdom of Xunhe Luo:

The inscription of the first section is read “Xuanjia.”

The inscription of the second section is read “Wenduo.”

The inscription of the third section is read “Shanlu.”

The inscription of the fourth section is read “Wudu.”

The inscription for the fourth rank is pronounced “Wudu.”

The inscription for the fifth rank is pronounced “Yingjia.”

The inscription for the sixth rank is pronounced “Xuanmo.”

Fifty thousand li north of China lies a place called “The Court of Yuduan, the Utmost Northern Pole, the Dark Yin, and Hooked Chen.” It belongs to the state of Xuntaluo, also known as the “Kingdom of the Celestial Mirror.” Its people can live for three hundred years. Beyond this state lies Xuanzhou, extending 7,200 li in every direction and surrounded on all sides by the sea. It is 360,000 li from the shore. On Xuanzhou stands the Great Mystery Capital, governed by the Immortal Earl and True Lord. There is a bird there called the Longevity Mandarin Duck, whose form resembles drifting clouds. The land is full of hills, one of which is called Wind Mountain and joins to the northwest gate of Heaven. There are halls of gold and chambers of jade, palaces and offices; gold, jade, and purple lingzhi grow there. This is a place governed by the immortals of the Three Heavens.

Beyond Xuanzhou lies Yuanzhou, extending 3,000 li in every direction and 100,000 li from the southern shore. Five kinds of lingzhi grow there, and the water of the Dark Ravine is like honey. Whoever drinks it can live as long as Heaven and Earth. Yuanzhou is home to thirty thousand immortal households, all of whom drink this water and thereby attain the Dao, become immortals, and live forever. If a practitioner visualizes and memorizes the sounds of that kingdom, the immortal official Qiang Lao will descend after thirty-six years and present the water of the five lingzhi from the Dark Ravine.

The water of Yuanzhou enables people to live as long as Heaven and Earth. The thirty thousand immortal households there all drink it, attain the Dao, become immortals, and live forever. If a practitioner visualizes and memorizes the sounds of that kingdom, the immortal official Qiang Lao will descend after thirty-six years and present the water of the five lingzhi from the Dark Ravine.

The Kingdom of Original Essence, Azure Chaos, and Natural Spontaneity Above:

The inscription for the first rank is pronounced “Chonghuan.”

The inscription for the second rank is pronounced “Yujin.”

The inscription for the third rank is pronounced “Sanlin.”

The inscription for the fourth rank is pronounced “Zhengjing.”

The inscription for the fifth rank is pronounced “Xiqian.”

The inscription for the sixth rank is pronounced “Luying.”

Above the Nine Heavens, within the vast, clear Yang expanse of emptiness, there is a realm of hollow inscriptions without color, form, substance, or shadow. It is called the “Kingdom of Original Essence, Clear Chaos, and Natural Spontaneity,” and is also known as the “Kingdom of the Clear Expanse of Dong’ao.” There, clear Qi is its fragrance, extending upward without limit and covering the heavens. Within it stands only the Jade Void Purple Pavilion, coalesced amid the hollow mists and situated within the empty, mysterious Azure Chaos. If a practitioner visualizes and memorizes this exalted sound, the celestial beings will transmit to them the method of flying immortality.

Zhongfang is the direction or designation of the Land of Supreme Harmony, Treasure, Truth, and Boundless Measure. “Pinming” refers to the titles or markers of the various grades.

The first grade is titled “Shanlu,” and the second “Shijia.” The correct pronunciation for the third grade is “Within Qingdun,” meaning within Qingdun. If practitioners can visualize and experience these exalted sounds, the heavenly beings will transmit to them the methods of flying immortals.

The text below also lists the correct pronunciations for each grade: the first is “Shanlu,” the second “Shijia,” the third “Cu’e,” the fourth “Yinghua,” the fifth “Zhaihua,” and the sixth “Luona.” These names are specialized sound designations in the scripture and are retained as they appear in the original.

China’s four borders extend for twelve hundred billion li, and below them, to the Great Wind Marsh, lie another five hundred twenty billion li. Mount Kunlun stands at the center, surrounded on every side by Weak Water. It rises thirty-six thousand li above the plains. Its summit is triangular, each side measuring ten thousand li, and shaped like an overturned basin: narrow at the top and broad at the base.

One corner faces north and corresponds to the vital essence of the Qianchen star; it is called Langfeng Terrace. One faces west and is called Xuanpu Terrace. The other faces east and is called Kunlun Palace. On the mountain is a place piled with gold, known as the Heavenly Rampart City. Each side of the city stretches a thousand li. Five golden terraces and twelve jade towers stand above it. To the north are Mount Hu, Mount Chengyuan, and their adjoining Mount Fu.

There are also Rampart City, Golden Terraces, and Jade Towers, similar in scale and design: the city walls likewise extend a thousand li, with five golden terraces and twelve jade towers above them. To the north are Mount Hu, Mount Chengyuan, and their adjoining Mount Fu. There too are the Gate of Flowing Essence, the Hall of Radiant Jade, the Chamber of Jade Blossoms, and the Purple and Emerald Cinnabar Rooms. Luminous clouds shine upon the sun, and vermilion clouds cast forth nine-colored radiance. This is where the Queen Mother of the West, a supreme Daoist goddess, resides and rules.

Kunlun rises upward to join the Jade Pivot, the hub of the celestial movements, where primordial Qi circulates. The Five Constant Jade Balances, symbols of the order governing Heaven and Earth, universally guide the essence of the Nine Heavens to pour into this place. It is the source of all immortals, the link between Heaven and Earth, and the sovereign that governs the patterns by which all things move.

Golden and silver trees grow on the mountain, along with forests of jade branches and cinnabar treasures. Their branches hang with precious stones such as sugai, and they bear fruits like jade essence. The trees are inscribed with the languages of the Thirty-Six Kingdoms and the inner writings of the heavens, secret texts transmitted in the celestial realm. Among their branches are purple parrots, phoenixes and luan birds, white sparrows, vermilion eagles, wild geese, numinous swans, red birds, and blue magpies. Beneath the trees live flying creatures and wild beasts. Born together with Kunlun, they never die or decline.

The treasured scriptures of the Mysterious Writings are composed in ancient secret characters and contain twelve hundred billion words. They are kept above Xuanpu, north of Mount Jishi. Ninety thousand immortals dwell on the Numinous Mountain. If those who study the Dao regularly recite the inner sounds of the heavens, the thirty-six kinds of sounds from foreign lands, and the sounds of the nine levels beneath the earth, then after nine years of cultivation, immortals will naturally descend and bring numinous wonders from the Numinous Mountain. After thirty-six years of cultivation, they will be able to ride a five-colored cloud carriage and ascend Mount Kunlun.

The Most High told the Lord of the Azure Lad of the Upper Ministerial Rank: The sound writings used in the thirty-six kingdoms of the heavenly realms and the nine lands are scriptural texts that have arisen naturally from the empty void since ancient times. The Supreme Perfected, emperors, and those who study the Immortals and attain the Dao have all received these sound writings from the Great Perfected. They carry them on their person and rely on them to travel everywhere, awe the myriad spirits, subdue demons and monsters, and summon numinous beings. When ascending the Five Sacred Peaks or entering military camps, they are also greeted by divine guards of the Nine Heavens and protected by the spirit officials of the Four Offices. After nine years of cultivation, the spirit officials of the Three Origins will come to the practitioner’s dwelling. After thirty-six years, a cloud chariot will descend from heaven to escort the practitioner up to the Highest Clarity.

When transmitting these sound writings, use blue silk as the base and write on it with a yellow brush. Choose the midnight hour of a Jiazi day and hold an open-air offering ritual in the courtyard. Prepare fresh seasonal fruits and three dou of clear wine; set out nine plates and nine cups, and arrange the writings within nine feet of blue gauze. The disciple brings nine liang of gold and thirty-six feet of patterned silk, then bows facing south. The master faces north, clicks the teeth thirty-six times, and then reports above to the Chancellors of the Nine Heavens, in the middle to the Five Emperors and Five Numinous Ones, and below to the Elders of the Nine Lands and Nine Qi, while also informing the deities of the Eight Assemblies.

The report says: The heavens are clear and bright; the Jade Emperor watches over us. The August Sovereign of the Void descends into the courtyard. The Immortal Registrar is responsible for checking the names, and Donghua for recording them in the registers of the Immortals. The Dao-seeking disciple, so-and-so, yearns for the Immortals, swears an oath of alliance before the numinous powers, and respectfully receives the thirty-six sound writings of the celestial script. The disciple will guard them in secret and cultivate them without disclosure. With sweet wine, the disciple expresses sincerity and asks to summon from above the primordial numinous Qi of the High Dawn, and to have the deities below watch over them. Should the disciple ever break the alliance or its precepts, may seven generations of ancestors bear the punishment; after death, may the disciple sink into the source of the river and suffer forever on the mountain of blades. The disciple dares not presumptuously seek to become an Immortal. The Three Offices and Nine Courts will all know of this sworn pledge.

Once the ritual is complete, the disciple sets the token aside and holds the writings in the left hand. First, the disciple bows nine times toward the northwest, then turns and bows nine times toward the southeast, and finally bows nine times toward the direction of their birth destiny.

The Inner Text of the Blue Youth on the Grades of Release in the Shangqing Outer Realm, Lower Volume.