《上清天关三图经》

Those who cultivate the Dao (the Way) of the “Seven Stars Shifting Degrees” must pray upward to the Jade Dang Nine Lords (the nine divine lords connected with the seven stars of the Big Dipper and their transformations), allowing the mysterious Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) to shine into the body and thereby cut off the root leading to death. During cultivation one should still the mind and remain alone in an inner chamber, free from interference by worldly affairs, facing the visualized scene, gazing upward at the heavens, burning incense as an offering so that the smoke permeates the courtyard; with a focused and earnest heart one contemplates the true spirits (Shen) without cease, even remaining sleepless. After seven years of such persistence, immortal vehicles including the jade chariot, flying canopy, and cinnabar shafts will come to welcome the practitioner, enabling ascent to the Heavenly Pass, blocking the northeastern path of death, and recording the name in the register of life in the southern immortal realm. The Jing (scripture) describes this as a cultivation path that is difficult to attain, yet capable of summoning the descent of the true spirits.

If one’s destiny contains a golden rank and jade name (a fate and name entered upon the immortal registers), making it possible to practice this Dao, one should choose the six assembly days of Renyin, Bingyin, Jiazi, Jiawu, Xinwei, and Xinchou. These are the times when the “High and Supreme” deities stand watch and assemble. On these days the Jade Emperor regularly sends the Attendant Immortal Jade Officials (divine officers who serve the true immortals) to inspect and verify the golden ranks and jade names in the Qinghua Eastern Palace, that is, the name registers of immortality practitioners. If someone at this time cultivates with diligence, conveys sincerity upward, and thereby moves the Jade Emperor, the Jade Emperor will order the Six Palaces of Fengdu belonging to the Northern Emperor (the divine offices that administer netherworld affairs) to cut off the source of that person’s death register, confirm the name in the living register of the human world, and then by secret methods place the Seven Stars upon the Ghost Gate so that the practitioner may pass the Mysterious Pivot and open the Heavenly Pass.

Whenever a time of pure fasting arrives, the practitioner should earnestly contemplate and concentrate on the mysterious and wondrous realm, close the eyes to visualize inwardly, and knock the teeth thirty-six times. Next one visualizes the First Great Star, the Mysterious Pivot Yangming Heavenly Pivot Soul-Spirit Upper Mysterious Nine Lords (one of the Big Dipper star deities) clad in a flying-cloud brocade skirt and wearing the crown of Mysterious Dawn, descending from the Mysterious Dipper into one’s own body. Then one offers the prayer, saying:

The Nine Perfected Lords of the Mysterious Pivot, Solar Brilliance, and Heavenly Pivot Soul-Spirit (the nine Perfected Ones who govern the Heavenly Pivot and the Soul-Spirit) merge and transform with the myriad things, becoming one spirit (Shen). May you cut off for me the road of death leading to the Gate of Ghosts, and let the register of the living reach the Southern Pavilion. May you erase the sins of my seven generations of ancestors in the Three Evil Paths, so that after I am reborn I may still cultivate myself and become an immortal. With your mysterious protection, call back my seven essences (Jing), so that my body may pass through the Heavenly Gate. When the prayer is finished, swallow the Qi (vital energy) fourteen times. If you persevere in your practice and do not grow lax, you will summon the guests of the Jade Emperor above. The Heavenly Emperor will send down clouds of purple mist and dispatch twelve Jade Maidens of Precious Splendor and twelve Jade Youths of Golden Dawn to guard your body.

Next, visualize the second primary star: the Nine Lords of Supreme Jade of the Northern Womb, Yin Essence, and Celestial Rotator Soul-Spirit (the nine Perfected Ones who govern the northern Yin essence and the Soul-Spirit). All of them wear flying skirts of yellow brocade and crowns of the Mysterious Dawn, and they descend from the Mysterious Dipper and enter my body. Then swallow the Qi and recite this incantation:

The Nine Lords of Supreme Jade of the Northern Womb, Yin Essence, and Celestial Rotator Soul merge and transform with the myriad things, becoming one spirit (Shen). May you remove for me, in the realm of Great Yin, the sins incurred in the world of the living, and let the Yin energy reach the Great Yang. Shift the Seven Primes to sever death; open the Six Directions so that I may pass through the Heavenly Gate; pull out the entanglements of my seven generations of ancestors in the Three Evil Paths; and let me obtain the root of the embryo in the Southern Pavilion. The prayer is complete.

When you have finished reciting, swallow the Qi fourteen times at once.

Next, visualize the third true star: the Nine Lords of Supreme Simplicity of the Nine Poles, the Perfected Lady of the Supreme Origin, and the Celestial Jade Pivot Corporeal-Soul Essence (the Perfected Ones who govern the Jade Pivot star and the corporeal soul's essence). All of them wear flying skirts of green brocade and crowns of the Mysterious Dawn, and they descend from the Mysterious Dipper and enter my body. Then recite this incantation:

The Nine Lords of Supreme Simplicity of the Nine Poles, the Perfected Lady of the Supreme Origin, and the Celestial Jade Pivot Corporeal-Soul Essence merge and transform with the myriad things, becoming one spirit (Shen). May you untie for me the roots of the grievances and enmities of past lives and cut off the road leading to death. Make my eyes bright, able to see through all things and perceive the boundless. Let the mysterious true Qi pour downward, so that essence and Qi fill my body. Let me climb upward to the Imperial Chief Star, fly beyond the Seven Primes, and rise into the sky on the light of the sun, standing level with Heaven. When the prayer is finished, swallow the Qi fourteen times at once.

Note: Expressions such as "seven mysteries" and "seven ancestors" refer to one's ancestors and the burden passed down across generations. "Santu" (the Three Paths) is the Daoist name for the three evil paths of existence. The phrase "swallow the Qi two times seven" in the original means swallowing the Qi fourteen times as part of the ritual.

Next, visualize "Digen" (the name of a star position in the Northern Dipper), so that the root of the Way of death is severed, my eyes become bright and clear, able to perceive the limitless; the qi (vital energy) of Xuanzhen pours in from above, and the jing (essence) and qi fill my body. I ascend to Huangkui, stride through the Seven Primes, and rise into the sky riding on light and shadow, united with Heaven. When the visualization is complete, swallow the breath fourteen times.

Next, visualize the fourth star, "Zongji," that is, the Ninth Lord of Upper Emptiness, Soul-Essence of Tianquan, Xuanming (one of the spirits of the Northern Dipper). Wearing a flying skirt of purple brocade and a crown of Xuanchen, he descends from the Mysterious Dipper and enters my body. Then recite the incantation:

"Zongji, Xuanming, Tianquan, Soul-Essence, Ninth Lord of Upper Emptiness, you transform in ten thousand ways and unite as a single spirit. May you turn the Seven Stars for me, block the Gate of Ghosts, cut off the qi of death, and open the Gate of Heaven; may the Northern Dipper return to the Mysterious Pivot, may the qi of life descend upon the Kun position in the west, and may the Northern Emperor depart from Fengdu (the legendary realm of the underworld), so that I may be registered by name at Nanxuan."

When the recitation is finished, swallow the breath fourteen times.

Next, visualize the fifth star, "Gangxing," that is, the Ninth Sovereign Lord of Upper Mystery, Soul-Spirit of Yuheng, Danyuan of Tianping. Wearing a cinnabar-colored brocade cape and skirt and a crown of Xuanchen, he descends from the Mysterious Dipper and enters my body. Then recite the incantation:

"Tianping, Danyuan, Yuheng, Soul-Spirit, Ninth Sovereign Lord of Upper Mystery, you transform in ten thousand ways and unite as a single spirit. May you cause the Seven Essences to descend from above and pour into my body; may you turn four into three and open wide the Seven Primes; may you block the Gate of Death in the northeast and grant me the Palace of Life in the Nine Mysteries; let me be registered by name at Donghua, that I may serve the Jade Dawn."

When the recitation is finished, swallow the breath fourteen times.

Next, visualize the sixth star, "Jixing," that is, the Ninth Lord of Upper Cinnabar Sovereignty, Soul-Spirit of Kaiyang, Beiji of Mingji. Wearing a flying skirt of vermilion brocade and a crown of Xuanchen, he descends from the Mysterious Dipper and enters my body. Then recite the incantation:

"Mingji, Beiji, Kaiyang, Soul-Spirit, Ninth Lord of Upper Cinnabar Sovereignty, you transform in ten thousand ways and unite as a single spirit. May you open for me the Mysterious Gate of the Three Diagrams of Tianyi from above, and turn the Six Palaces of the Northern Emperor at Fengdu from below, governing and restraining the officials of the underworld..."

Lord of the Nine Voids of the Upper Cinnabar Sovereign, who Opens the Yang Soul-Spirit at the Northern Culmen (the deity in the Pole Star who governs souls and spirits), merge your myriad transformations and become one spirit. I beseech you to open for me, above, the mysterious pass of the Three Charts of Heavenly Unity, and to turn, below, the Six Palaces of Fengdu ruled by the Northern Emperor (the six palaces and offices of Fengdu under the Northern Emperor's command). Govern the officials of the underworld and eradicate the nine roots of death. Let me revolve the three and restore the four, let my name be listed among the Seven Primes, and let me be preserved for long ages, with a lifespan equal to that of the Northern Dipper. After reciting this, swallow the Qi (vital energy) twice seven times (fourteen times).

Next, visualize the seventh pass: the Supreme Jade Sovereign, Lord of the Dao, of the Mysterious Yang Heavenly Pass and Radiant Brilliance of Yaoguang (the deity governing the star Yaoguang). They wear a flying gauze skirt of cinnabar brocade and a crown of the mysterious dawn, descend from within the Mysterious Dipper, and enter my body. Then recite the incantation:

"Supreme Jade Sovereign, Lord of the Dao, of the Mysterious Yang Heavenly Pass and Radiant Brilliance of Yaoguang, merge your myriad transformations and become one spirit. I beseech you to summon for me, above, the Nine True Lords of the Imperial Dawn (the nine true lords within the Imperial Dawn), so that the Qi of the nine Yin may unite and the gates of Heaven be turned open. Release me from the bonds of my seven generations of ancestors, so that I may roam freely among the mysterious clouds. Strike away my root of death in the Northern Yin, and record my name in the Jade Registers of Eastern Florescence (the jade tablets recording the names of immortals and perfected beings)."

After reciting this, swallow the Qi twice seven times.

When the visualization of the Seven Primes (the divine perfected beings corresponding to the seven stars of the Northern Dipper) is complete, knock the teeth twelve times, close the eyes, and visualize the seven stars of the north. Their light is brilliant and illuminates the northern sky, and the essential Qi of the stars shines inward, descending to cover my body. The True Lords within the Dipper, ever changing in form, come together riding clouds of green mist to welcome me, and raise me into the seven stars. I visualize myself beneath the canopy at the center of the Northern Dipper, surrounded on all sides by dazzling, radiant light, and turning with the Dipper's revolutions like the wheel of a carriage.

In a moment, the Heavenly Pass has opened. The Nine Lords of the seven stars each bestow upon me the Huoluo Talisman of the Seven Primes for Opening the Passes (a Fulu, or talisman and register, used to open barriers and command divine powers), with which I subdue the Six Palaces of the Northern Emperor and cut off the root of the Qi of death. Having received the talismans, I return at once to my original prime, back within the Northern Dipper. The light of the seven talismans blazes as bright as fire and carries me downward. Suddenly I walk upon the empty air, and in the blink of an eye I am safely back on my sleeping couch.

Knock the teeth thirty-six times, lift the head, and recite the incantation:

Mysterious radiance illuminates the Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy), while flowing lights and shadows vibrate the bodily form. The practitioner rides the rosy glow, conceals the form and transforms, and ascends to the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper. Xuanji (a star name among those of the Big Dipper) seems to urge the carriage onward, swift as lightning. Tianyi (here referring to the spirit in charge of the Heavenly Pass) opens the Heavenly Pass, enabling me to escape death and obtain life; the Northern Emperor (the ruling deity of the north) removes my death register from the palaces of the underworld. If I am not delivered and the death register is not removed, I then look upward to pay homage to the Seven Stars, wear the Seven Primes (deities or symbols related to the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper), apply the Flowing Gold Fire Bells, shake open the bodily form, ride the rosy clouds to conceal and transform, and again ascend to the Seven Stars. Xuanji urges the carriage onward, swift as lightning; Tianyi opens the Heavenly Pass, enabling me to escape death and obtain life, and the Northern Emperor removes my death register from the palaces of the underworld.

The Flowing Gold Fire Bells (divine bells used in Daoist magical arts to expel evil and open passages) suddenly shake the celestial mechanism, their power spreading through the eight directions of the netherworld; they dispatch the Six Jia (spirit generals of the Six Jia) and command the Six Ding (spirit generals of the Six Ding). Heaven above sends down mysterious protection, and the Celestial Emperor grants divine troops. I pray that Donghua Dijun (the honored deity of the east) records my jade name (the appellation in the immortal registers), allowing me to fly through emptiness and ride the void, proceeding to the Realm of Jade Clarity (Yuqing, a high heavenly realm in Daoism).

After the ritual is completed, swallow Qi in sets of thirty-six times, then stop. The method of opening the Heavenly Pass, cutting off the root of death, and uniting oneself with the Dao (the Way) of myriad transformations concludes here. After seven years of cultivation, wearing the Huoluo Seven Primes Talisman, a flying rosy-cloud green-curtained carriage (an immortal vehicle with green curtains) will come to receive the practitioner. This method should be cultivated only in secret; one must be cautious and not transmit it lightly.

Emperor Lord's Huoluo Seven Primes Talisman

The Talisman for Opening the Heavenly Pass is collected in the following volume. After completing the ritual of traversing and being delivered by the Seven Stars, cultivate for seven years and wear the Huoluo Seven Primes Talisman.

The volume contains images of Perfected Ones (Zhenren). The content concerning the Perfected Ones coming to receive the practitioner should be cultivated only in secret and not transmitted lightly.

Emperor Lord's Huoluo Seven Primes Talisman

The Talisman for Opening the Heavenly Pass is collected in the following volume. After completing the ritual of traversing and being delivered by the Seven Stars, cultivate for seven years and wear the Huoluo Seven Primes Talisman.

The Perfected Ones depicted in the volume, apart from what has already been described, all wear azure crowns, green draped silks, crimson garments, and red shoes, and ride five-colored clouds. When visualizing these Perfected Ones, each wears an azure crown, yellow garments, a green cape, and a cyan skirt; the colors and decorations of the remaining palaces and such places may be arranged as appropriate.

Northern Emperor's Method of Transcending Death in the Six Palaces of Fengdu

Mount Fengdu is located in the Gui position of the north, so the northeast is regarded as the ghost gate and the source of death Qi. Mount Fengdu rises 1,600 li high and measures 30,000 li in circumference; beneath the mountain lies a cavern named Dongyuan with a circumference of 15,000 li. Palaces inhabited by ghosts and spirits stand both on the mountain and inside the cavern: six palaces on the mountain and six more within the cavern, each 1,000 li in circumference. These twelve palaces are the residences of ghosts and spirits belonging to the six heavens.

The six heavenly palaces, in sequence, are Zhoujue Yintian Palace, Taishe Liangshi Zongtian Palace, Mingchen Naifan Wucheng Tian Palace, Tianzhao Zuiqi Tian Palace, Zongling Qifei Tian Palace, and Gansi Lianwanlü Tian Palace.

These six palaces are administered by the Northern Emperor and serve as the seats of governance for the ghosts and spirits of the six heavens; they also hold the death-name registers of human beings. The scriptures maintain that every deceased person must pass through the six palaces of Fengdu. Consequently the Emperor Lord frequently employs the stellar degrees of the seven stars of the Big Dipper to transfer the fate registers of those who cultivate the Dao, enabling them to pass through the Heavenly Pass, open the palace of the Southern Pole, and thereby seal the northeastern ghost gate that symbolizes death.

Once the ritual of transferring the stellar degrees is completed, one knocks the teeth on the left side nine times, calls the names of the six palaces, and recites the incantation:

“I am a minister of the Emperor Lord, my name registered in Yuqing (the highest heavenly realm of Daoism). I command the six heavens; the ghost-and-spirit palaces of the Northern Emperor all fall under my jurisdiction and are my subordinates. Which ghost or spirit dares to rebel? On my right I wear the Huoluo, on my left I carry the fire bell; the flames I cast reach ten thousand li and my might subdues the ten thousand spirits. Offenders shall be slain, violators shall be punished. The Emperor Lord has already issued the command: seize them at once, without delay.”

When the ritual and the recitation of the incantation are finished, heavenly light is said to tremble and the ten thousand demons are subdued. The lines “throwing fire ten thousand li, might subduing the ten thousand spirits, offenders slain, violators punished, the Emperor Lord has the command, capture without pause” reiterate the fire’s might and the imperial decree, declaring that all who transgress will be punished and apprehended.

After these steps are completed, reciting the incantation once causes the heavenly light to tremble and binds the myriad demons. Reciting it three times extinguishes ghosts and evil influences, and severs the death-names in the Six Palaces. The Heavenly Pass is thereby opened for the practitioner, enabling the South Pole to generate life. If those studying the Dao do not know the names and functions of the Fengdu Palaces (the official residences of the netherworld) and do not learn the method of cutting off the roots of death, they have no possibility whatsoever of attaining immortality.

After completing the rite of transference and passage through the Seven Stars, one next visualizes the two Imperial Lords and the two stars. Sit upright facing east, knock the teeth thirty-six times, and visualize the Imperial Lords together with the two stars: the High Supreme Jade Emperor Eight-Scenes Primordial Lord of the Nine Honored Ones, and the Taiwei Jade Emperor Lord, Taisu Seven-Stars Primordial Lord. Both wear flying-cloud purple brocade skirts and Mysterious Dawn crowns, descending from the Mysterious Dipper into one’s own body. Then recite the incantation:

High Supreme Jade Emperor Eight-Scenes Primordial Lord of the Nine Honored Ones, Taiwei Emperor Lord Taisu Seven-Stars Primordial Lord, the nine transformations unite into one and become the two honored deities of the High God. Open the Upper Heavenly Pass for me and transfer my jade name (the name registered in the heavenly registers). Sever the Ghost Gate and the death-roots of the Northern Emperor’s Six Palaces so that they are completely cut off. Let me ascend into the Seven Origins; bestow upon me the flying chariot and green carriage of the Eight Scenes, the Seven Essences, and the Nine Sovereigns, that I may ascend to the heavenly realm together with the Imperial Dawn, pay court collectively to the Imperial Consort, and command the myriad spirits. After reciting, swallow Qi (vital energy) twenty-one times.

Next visualize the two talismans of the Imperial Lords rising into the Floral Canopy of the Seven Stars. The two honored deities dwell beneath the Floral Canopy, which constantly veils the two stars so that their essential light is not revealed; therefore ordinary people cannot see them. The golden books and jade characters record that if one is able to see these two stars, one can extend one’s life by six hundred years. Without the two emperors’ soaring-void superior talismans, one cannot rise beneath the Floral Canopy and thus cannot see the two stars. After wearing these two talismans, the two Imperial Lords illuminate the practitioner with mysterious and wondrous radiance. After nine years of cultivation, one may ascend to the heavenly realm in broad daylight.

This is the “supreme method of the Five Separations for resolving transgressions, cutting off death, and delivering people to longevity.”

Practicing the method of “Six Assemblies and One Opening of Salvation” is to be undertaken on five “Li days”: Renshen, Bingshen, Wushen, Jiashen, and Gengshen. These days are known as the “Five Li.” The Jing (scripture) states that at such times the Imperial Lord holds a banquet, mounting the chariot of the luminous dragon and the green-canopied flying carriage, and together with immortal officials and jade maidens tours the ten directions, descending into the human realm to inspect the practice of those who study immortality.

At this time the Northern Thearch and the Five Lords of Great Cang carry the registers of the dead to the Palace of the Master of Reckoning at Pingdu in order to examine the records of life and death. The True Sovereign Dao Lords of the Five Directions and Five Stars each govern one quarter, administering the name registers of the various immortals and of those who are due to attain the Dao. A person’s yin sins and yin faults as well as yang sins and yang faults are likewise recorded with the Northern Thearch, Lord of Great Yin, and reported to the Palace of Fengdu so that good and evil may be distinguished and life and death arranged.

For this reason, on the Five Li days one ought to confess one’s sins to the Lord of Great Yin, pray to the Great Yang for the extension of life, request the Northern Thearch to remove one’s name from the register of the dead, and seek immortality from the True Sovereign Dao Lords of the Five Stars. On each of these days one should prepare the provisions required for fasting and purification together with clean clothing, burn incense and enter the chamber, repent of faults and perform good actions, still the mind and visualize the deities, concentrate on the mysterious principles, and give rise to no wandering thoughts. The Jing states that when the Imperial Lord tours the Three Realms the spirit officials will record one’s merits and report the name to the Jade Emperor. Cultivating in this manner for five years, one may hope to move the True Sovereign Dao Lords of the Five Stars to descend into the chamber of practice.

On every Five Li day, at the three times of dawn, midday, and midnight, one should enter the chamber, burn incense, face north and perform two bows, knock the teeth three times, and then recite:

“Most High Jade Emperor Lord, I earnestly request that you forgive and remove all the yin-evil and Dao-violating sins I have committed from my seven generations of ancestors down to myself, including the taking of life, sexual misconduct, disrespect, and every sort of fault, as well as the thousand and ten thousand transgressions. All yang sins and yin faults already reported to the Northern Thearch I likewise beg to have eliminated, so that the charges are extinguished, the root of death is cut off, that I may pass the Heavenly Pass, and that my name be entered in the Jade Register of Donghua. May my seven generations of ancestors and my parents be reborn as immortals of the South.”

Thereupon one prays for the lifting of calamities and the erasure of recorded offenses, for the severing of the roots that lead to death, so that one may enter the Heavenly Pass and have one’s name inscribed in the jade registers of the Eastern Florescence immortal realm; one also prays that the ancestors of seven generations and one’s parents may leave their former bodily forms and be reborn as immortals of the south.

After the ritual is completed, visualize the primordial Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of the True Sovereign Dao Lord of the Northern Chronogram Star (the honoured deity of the northern stellar mansions): he wears a flying skirt of purple brocade, a tiger tally at his waist, and a splendid crown upon his head; he rides a flying cloud formed of green auroral light, leading twelve immortal officials as he descends from the north to envelop one’s body. The arriving presence is dense with radiance, its light brilliant and bright. Then, looking upward, recite:

“O Supreme True Sovereign of the North, who commands the flying immortals, come riding upon a cloud chariot and confer the crown upon me. I earnestly request that you seal the Ghost Gate for me, sever the roots of death, register my name in the Jade Clarity, and open and dissolve the barriers of the Heavenly Pass. I shall then leave the territory governed by the Northern Emperor, ascend into the southern immortal realm, share longevity with the True Sovereign, and forever receive the protection of the northern stellar mansions.”

Then swallow Qi twenty-five times; the ritual ends here.

Facing east, bow twice, knock the teeth three times, and visualize while silently reciting:

“O Jade Dawn Lord of the Most High, O Primordial Scenery Lord of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), I earnestly request that you pardon the hidden offenses and open faults committed by so-and-so from such-and-such a year onward; and that you also pardon the accumulated old grievances and grave sins of the ancestors of seven generations. All such sins that have coagulated within the Three Yin, please dissolve them together, so that the charges disperse and the roots of death are sealed and blocked. I earnestly request that the Northern Emperor remove my accumulated old grievances, that the Eastern Florescence immortal realm enter my name into the jade registers, and that the ancestors of seven generations together with my parents ascend as one into the Imperial Dawn immortal realm.”

Next, visualize the True Sovereign Lord Azure Sprout of the Eastern Year Star (the honoured deity of the eastern Year Star): he wears a cloud-brocade skirt patterned with dragons, a tiger tally at his waist, and a splendid crown upon his head; he rides a jade chariot of flying cloud formed of azure auroral light, leading twelve immortal officials as he descends from the east to envelop one’s body. The arriving presence is dense with radiance, brilliant and dazzling. Then, facing east and looking upward, recite:

O Central True Lord of the East (the true immortal of the East), please let the flowing rosy light illuminate the nine-layered heavenly gates, so that the radiance shines within and without, enveloping my body. I earnestly request blessings and report to the Northern Emperor (the deity who governs the underworld): please uproot the root that leads me to death and register my jade name for immortal ascension. I am a practitioner of the Inner Truth of Donghua; may I be delivered and ascend, forever leaving the path of death. May my seven generations of ancestors and parents together enjoy blessings, live as long as the moon, and become emperors together with the sun; please uproot the root that leads me to death and register my jade name for immortal ascension. I am a practitioner of the Inner Truth of Donghua; may I be delivered and ascend, forever leaving the path of death. May seven generations of ancestors and parents together enjoy blessings, live as long as the moon, and spend their later years together with the sun. May I ride the void and float in emptiness, stepping forth to fly and ascend. Then swallow the breath nine times and conclude.

Facing south once more, bow again, knock the teeth three times, then visualize and recite:

Lords of the Three Primes of Shangqing, Upper Prime Lord of the South Pole, Jade Worthy Prime Lord of the Nine Qi of the Great Sun, please bear witness for me—so-and-so: from the time I possessed awareness, the various evil deeds I have committed, including unfiliality, violation of ethical relations, adultery, theft, as well as sins committed in secret and faults revealed outwardly; these sins also implicate my seven generations of ancestors, continuing on account of former karmic connections. My records of guilt are kept in Taiyin (the divine bureau of the underworld), and the charges are bound to Beichen (the northern divine bureau that governs the underworld offices). I earnestly request all of you to release me from culpability, so that I may escape the karmic sins recorded by the Three Officials (the divine bureaus in charge of Heaven, Earth, and Water), sever the root that leads to death; help me cross the northeastern gate and ascend the heavenly pass that opens in the southwest. May my seven generations of ancestors and parents all receive the grace of the Heavenly Emperor.

After reciting, next visualize the True Emperor Lord of the Southern Yinghuo Star, Huaiting (the true deity of the Yinghuo Star). He wears a skirt of cloud-frost phoenix-splendor dragon-bells, a tiger-script tied at the waist, a crown of Mysterious Dawn on his head, clad in flying-cyan brocade robes, riding a red rosy-cloud chariot, accompanied by twelve immortal officials, descending from the south to arrive above me, enveloping me with bright dazzling radiance like the rising sun.

Then raise the head and recite:

O True Emperor Lord of the South, mysterious heavenly phenomena spread their radiance, lingering among the triple heavenly gates, arriving in a cinnabar chariot, ascending the Seven Origins (the celestial realm corresponding to the seven stars of the Northern Dipper). Light shines through from within, covering my entire body. May you descend for me, eliminate the charges recorded by the Northern Emperor, come above my person, and envelop me with bright dazzling radiance like the rising sun.

Then raise the head and recite:

The Southern True Emperor (the True Divine Sovereign of the South) manifests a mysterious radiance, lingering between the Three Gates, riding a cinnabar-colored chariot, and together with the assembled deities ascends to the Seven Origins (the celestial stars or divine realm). The light shines from within outward, penetrating and covering my body. May he eliminate for me the recorded offenses in the registers of the Northern Emperor (the Northern Sovereign who governs the netherworld), unravel entanglements, disperse blockages, and remove the bindings of Taiyin (the shadowy netherworld), so that I may leave the Ghost Gate and sever the roots of karmic enmities from previous lives. I ascend from the Heavenly Pass (the gate of the celestial realm) and enter the Southern Pavilion (the southern immortal realm), bringing my seven generations of ancestors and parents to pay homage before the Sovereign. Then swallow Qi (vital energy) eight times, and stop.

Facing west, bow again, knock the teeth three times, and silently recite the incantation in the heart:

The Lords of the Three Origins of Great Simplicity, the Four Elders Lords Amidst the Dao, I request forgiveness for the deeds I have done and the faults I have committed since I first had awareness (the original text here has garbled wording that cannot be accurately translated), as well as sins such as carelessly leaking the Jing (scripture), treading on filth, becoming stained with dust and dirt, and profaning the sun, moon, and stars. I once swore oaths with tears, offending the Sovereign; old karmic enmities are entangled in Taiyin, and offenses are registered with the ghost officials. I earnestly request all you lords to release me from guilt, eliminate the roots of punishment, block the path leading to death, enter my name in the Gate of Life, and let my seven generations of ancestors and parents ascend to the Hall of Blessings. Recitation complete.

Then visualize the True Emperor Lord of the Western Venus (the deity of the western white star): he wears white brocade robes, with flowing bells attached to his skirt, a tiger-form talismanic seal at his waist, a Fuchen crown on his head, riding a flying chariot of white mist, accompanied by twelve immortal officials, descending from the west and covering my body. The light is thoroughly penetrating, illuminating the west. Then, looking upward, recite the incantation:

Western True Emperor, manifesting pure white radiance and mysterious bearing, riding a jade chariot, white luminous splendor filling the sky. Please turn back the morning light and descend here, let the true body inter-reflect, turn open the Nine Doors (the gates leading to the netherworld) for me, ferry my body into the imperial immortal realm, so that I leave the registers of Taiyin, ascend to the Mysterious Palace, and sing together with the assembled immortals. May my lifespan equal that of heaven and earth, never declining for a hundred million years; may my seven generations of ancestors and parents all ascend to the immortal realm. After reciting, swallow Qi (vital energy) six times, and stop.

Then facing the center, bow again, knock the teeth three times, and silently recite the incantation in the heart:

The High Supreme Great Emperor Lord, the Jade Emperor Lord, I request forgiveness for what I have received...

From the day of my birth until today, all the sins I have committed, together with the old grievances and residual karma left by seven generations of ancestors that still entangle me and have not been released—everything connected with Taiyin (the yin realm of the netherworld)—I pray that they be dissolved and dispersed all at once. Cut off the mysterious name recorded by Beidi (the Northern Emperor who governs the netherworld), and sever the root of death Qi (vital energy) that leads to the ghost-gate of Gui-earth, so that my name may be entered at the Heavenly Pass (the gateway leading to the celestial realm) and pass through the Five Dawns (celestial hours in Daoist ritual). May the fathers and mothers of seven generations of ancestors thereby be delivered and become immortals. This is complete.

Next, visualize the True Sovereign Lord of the Central Stabilizing Star (the star-spirit who presides over the center and guards the five directions), Dan Chengyan: he wears a brocade robe patterned with yellow-cloud dragons and a tiger-striped skirt, a golden tally at his waist and a purple crown on his head, and he rides a flying chariot of yellow aurora (a carriage drawn by yellow mist). Twelve immortal officials follow behind him as he descends from the center. He covers and protects my body with the light of his crown; the radiance shines through completely, making the middle origin (here referring to the central region of the body) brilliantly luminous. Then, looking upward, recite the incantation:

True Sovereign Lord of the Central Stabilizing Star, you who gather and command the Five Emperors, who set in motion the mysterious net, who arrive upon yellow aurora and patrol the four directions: cut off for me the root of death Qi, and register my name in the Palace of Nanyang. Let me leave the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and enter the sixth realm of transcendence, to fly together with you, transforming throughout the ten thousand directions, forever enjoying boundless blessings and longevity; and at last ascend to the Golden Towers and Jade Halls of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate)—the celestial palaces of Daoism. May the fathers and mothers of seven generations of ancestors likewise receive benefit and flourish. When finished, swallow Qi twelve times.

The “Five Separations” (the ritual of confessing faults performed according to the five directions and the Five Emperors) is conducted before the Five Emperors. One visualizes the Five Dawn Deities (the dawn gods of the five directions) in order to deliver life. When this is accomplished, the ritual is complete. If one always performs it on the corresponding days without interruption, after seven years one will achieve communion with the True Sovereigns of the Five Dawns, who will appear in bodily form within one’s sleeping chamber. The Great Emperor will personally dispatch five Jade Maidens of the five directions to protect the body. The Northern Emperor Taiyin will also come to one’s gate to pay homage, not daring to arrest or prosecute one’s faults. Those who study immortality and seek the True should practice diligently.

The method of confessing faults to seek immortality and attain the Dao is a teaching that the Supreme Chancellor Lord Azure Youth (a Daoist deity) requested from the Sage Lord of the Golden Tower. It establishes precepts specifically for later practitioners seeking to preserve life, and is not the method of repentance used by the Great Emperor Lord himself. In practicing this teaching, the Emperor Lord will also examine one’s mind. Even if former faults have not been completely eradicated, the palaces of the Six Heavens (the divine realm overseeing underworld culpability) will not enter one’s name in the register of death, nor will the Palace of Opening and Closing (the divine office governing the passes of life and death) allow one to perish. Therefore the Palace of Separation and Union is the palace that fills in the heavens of death, while the Gate of Opening and Closing is the palace-gate that enables deliverance and survival. This passage in the scripture is somewhat repetitive. The key to practice lies in single-minded diligence, whereby one obtains the genuine teaching.

The Supreme Method of the Emperor Lord for Seeking Immortality through Inner Visualization of the Bright Lamp

Transmitted by the Upper Prime Lord of the Southern Pole.

The Emperor Lord constantly resides at the Bright Mysterious Terrace, within the Golden Chamber and Purple Doors, lighting the Bright Mysterious Lamp to illuminate himself so that rosy light reaches through the eight windows. In the mind one visualizes the Supreme True (the most authentic deity) dwelling within the Five Forms (the five bodily forms or parts of the person), and presents three vows within the palace chamber where the Emperor Lord resides. The Numinous True descends from above onto the Purple Canopy, and the Upper Prime Sovereign bestows a Golden Youth. Thereupon one naturally receives the honored title of Emperor Lord and takes overall command of the Mysterious Palace. The highest ranks arise from the initial wondrous realm, and the Dao (the Way) exists in the obscure and subtle. These teachings are now transmitted to you; you should practice them diligently.

The Southern Pole Upper Origin Lord (a high Daoist deity) said: “You study the true Dao (the Way) of the immortals and dwell in the numinous palaces and jade chambers, yet you do not know to light a bright lamp to illuminate your own person so that mysterious radiance may penetrate the five viscera and thereby bring illumination and insight; the Shen (spirits) within the physical form thus return to their proper places.

If each evening you light a lamp at the site of your natal destiny, each morning at the site of your current year’s destiny (the yearly fate corresponding to the present year), and constantly at the location of Tai Sui, concentrating the mind in prayer, you can render the body limpid and the Qi (vital energy) upright, so that true light enters within and all the Shen become bright and lucid. After the Upper Origin Lord practiced this regulation for three years, twenty-four Night-Radiance Lads were summoned and mysterious light appeared of itself; thereafter lamps need not be lit yet luminosity is still attained, the body remaining limpid, the Qi upright, true light shining within, and all Shen bright and lucid.

This, however, is a subtle method of the Upper Perfected (high-ranking immortal Perfected Ones) and is not transmitted to ordinary people of the world. Should a person have a golden name and jade characters inscribed in the mysterious registers and possess the corresponding qualifications of a Perfected immortal, obtain this Dao and cultivate it for nine years, the body will become luminous, able to see through ten thousand li and clearly contemplate the natural world; the Night-Radiance Lads will descend to his dwelling, transmit the true writings, and enable him to ascend to heaven in daylight.”

In the quiet chamber of one’s residence, light a lamp at the position corresponding to the natal destiny. Toward evening enter the chamber, kneel at length facing the lamp, knock the teeth twelve times, and then recite the incantation:

“Mysterious light illuminates the Great Yin (the yin realm or the moon according to Daoist teaching), penetrating the eight directions in brightness and clarity. In the secluded chamber clarify the mind and Shen, gazing upward to penetrate the Highest Clarity realm (a Daoist celestial realm). Five-colored radiance issues from the Bright Terrace, and jade zhi mushrooms grow of themselves. The light shines through, reaching directly the Great Perfected; the various Shen inspect my physical form. Eliminate the Qi of the Nine Yin and inscribe my name in the Eastern Flower immortal registers. Protect me so that I endure forever without perishing, shining long together with the sun and moon. Deliver the seven generations of ancestors from calamity so that they regain honor in the Southern Palace. I serve the Jade Emperor with bright light and receive the Jing (scripture) of Internal Observation. Heaven sends down a flying cloudy palanquin; I mount a green carriage and soar aloft. Thus I may visit the palaces of the Great Emperor and enter the court of the Jade Emperor to pay homage.”

After reciting, bow twice more, then face the location of the natal destiny, raise the head, and swallow the saliva of the mouth in seven successive swallows.

Ordinarily one should light a lamp in the direction of one's own xingnian (the natal year position calculated according to age). In the morning, facing the lamp, knock the teeth twelve times, then recite the incantation: The bright lamp illuminates my xingnian, its radiance scattering toward the eight directions; the infant-like bodily form is clear, pure and luminous, the inner contemplation bright and penetrating, communicating with the void. I open my heart-spirit, connecting with Yuzhen (the immortal true ones spoken of in Daoism); I look up in admiration to the supreme Dao (the Way), remote and profound, its traces difficult to find. I wish for mysterious clouds to descend, that I may ride a flying dragon; I wish to transcend the limit of a hundred years of life, restoring the posture and appearance of an infant. Grant me the Xihua Maiden and the Jinchen Lad (divine youths who serve the immortal true ones), that they may tend the incense and protect my longevity. I kowtow toward the palaces of the Jade Emperor. When Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy) are at peace, the Dao flows unobstructed; I wish to dwell comfortably amid the incense smoke, rectifying my thoughts and concentrating on Taixuan (the profound and mysterious Dao). With sincere devotion I attain communication, enabling me to penetrate emptiness; in my dwelling I invite the descent of Shenxiao. Closing my eyes I gaze upon the Immortal Lord, eliminating the calamities of the seven ancestors (seven generations of ancestors), so that form and spirit may attain deliverance and return to the Southern Palace (the celestial palaces of the immortal realm spoken of in Daoism). After reciting, bow twice more, facing the lamp and swallow Qi fourteen times, and this is sufficient.

Regularly light a bright lamp in the direction where Taisui (the stellar deity of the year) is located, thereby communicating with the spirits, realizing one's wishes, and seeking the true Dao. Cultivating for three years, mysterious light will appear from within the heart, immortals will descend and transmit the methods of longevity, at which time there will naturally be a response. Every morning and evening burn incense, knock the teeth twelve times, facing the lamp recite the incantation: The lamplight reflects Tai Zhen (the supreme immortal true ones), the bright radiance penetrating the profound and mysterious realm, communicating with the spirits; realizing wishes, seeking the true Dao. Cultivating for three years, mysterious light will appear from within the heart, immortals will descend and transmit the methods of longevity, at which time there will naturally be a response. Every morning and evening burn incense, knock the teeth twelve times, facing the lamp recite the incantation: The lamplight reflects Tai Zhen, the bright light communicating with the mysterious void. I open my heart-spirit, looking up in admiration to the supreme Dao, my thoughts concentrating on the palaces of the Jade Emperor; perceiving the depths of emptiness and stillness, the spirits see my form unfolding freely. Accumulating sincerity, I induce the numinous spirits to descend; the inner heart is tranquil, quietly guarding the profound mysterious principles. In the morning I pay homage at the halls of the Great Emperor, in the evening I recite the Golden True scriptures; freely roaming in Xuandu (the capital of the immortal realm), after ten thousand years restoring the infant-like state. Wearing a heavenly crown on the head, clad in the rosy cloud garments of Zixiao, the Heavenly Emperor bestows a green jade carriage; roaming the summits of the Five Sacred Mountains, going wherever the heart desires. The seven generations of ancestors are spared falling into the Three Paths (hell, hungry ghosts, animals and other places of suffering), blessings extending without end. After reciting, bow twice more, swallow the saliva in the mouth fourteen times, and this is sufficient.

If the bright lamps in the three places can be kept constantly alight, the Seven Mysteries and Nine Ancestors (generally referring to ancestors and clan forebears) will be released from the ten kinds of hardship and ascend to the Southern Immortal Realm. The practitioner’s own Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy) will become clear, luminous, and upright. The eyes will be able to see a distance of ten thousand li, the ears will hear sounds from far away, and the mind will have prior knowledge of events yet to occur. Divine Perfected Ones (Shen Zhen, immortals and Perfected Beings) will descend as well, and the Night-Radiance Youth (the immortal true being mentioned in the scripture) will teach you the path of seeking immortality. Maintain this for nine years, and numinous light will spontaneously manifest, connecting inner and outer. The Five Li Shou (cultivation practices enumerated in the scripture) will exceed the Five Emperors; by visualizing the Five Dawn Lights (the morning radiance of the five directions contemplated in practice) one lives out one’s life, and cultivation is thereby accomplished.

The Sovereign Lord’s Supreme Method of Seeking Immortality through the Five Vows

The Sovereign Lord regularly, during the “Five Vows and Ten Assemblies” held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, the fifth of the tenth, the third of the third, the eighth of the fourth, and the seventh of the seventh, ascends the Jade Terrace of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate). Within the Golden Chamber of the High Jade Hall of the Supreme, he visualizes the Five Vows and prays for the Mysterious Perfected to descend. The Void is thereby opened, and the Jade Emperor’s golden tones fill the Great Void; the protective spirits of the Five Emperors are called forth, gathering myriad blessings and good fortune in the Elixir Chamber (the location of the practitioner’s visualization and ritual practice). Thus, once resonance is established, Perfected Ones can be summoned, and they in turn respond by descending.

On this day, one should frequently bathe and observe fasting and purification, enter the inner chamber to burn incense, perform salutations toward the four directions, then compose the body and sit facing east in an even posture. The east is the direction in which the sun first rises and morning light begins to shine. Next, click the teeth thirty-six times. The prayers are as follows.

The first wish is that I be born of the Qi (vital energy) of nature, this Qi gathering to form my body; that my body and life stand alongside the sun, moon, and stars, forever enjoying an inexhaustible root.

The second wish is that my body constantly dwell above the great void, residing in palaces of jasper and chambers of jade; that in the morning I feast together with the Jade Emperor and at night dwell together with the Mysterious Mother. When thirsty, may I drink the waters of the Wave Well and Vast Spring along with jade mushrooms; when hungry, may I eat such immortal treasures as dragon embryo, jade marrow, and the red fruit of the crimson tree.

The third wish is that my body manifest ten thousand auspicious omens and seventy-two rays of light, grow extraordinary hair and bones, wear feathered robes, ride the clouds and traverse the void, entering and leaving imperial palaces; that all manner of blessings and celebrations descend, with good fruits without end.

The fourth wish is that I live and die together with Wu (Non-being), and after death be reborn, becoming a True Sovereign, enfeoffed to govern the ten directions of the heavens and command all the immortals.

The fifth wish is that all sentient beings, whether already born or not yet born, jointly protect and uphold the Three Luminaries of sun, moon, and stars; that those who possess the Dao (the Way) and seven generations of ancestors ascend to the Southern Palace, with all the blessings under heaven returning to them.

The five wishes sent forth toward the four directions all gather in the Jade Hall.

Then one prays further: May the Nine Mysterious ancestors assist and nourish my body and mind; may the hun and po souls and the true Shen (spirit) constantly reside in the palaces within my body, connecting above to the celestial immortals and reaching down to the cavernous abyss. May Heaven, may Earth, may Wind, may Shen, may Immortal—these five wishes unite as one, confirming me in the register of long life. May Heaven send down purple mist, and may Earth guard me with the Five Numina; may I ride the clouds and drive through emptiness, seated in a flying palanquin and a green-curtained carriage, ascending to the Golden Towers and then climbing to Jade Clarity (Yuqing); may blessings and celebrations extend to seven generations of ancestors and grant them again the opportunity to enter a womb and receive birth. With the five wishes united, may I long enjoy smooth and beautiful fortune.

The bathing, fasting and purification, incense burning, teeth-clicking, and salutations toward the four directions described here are all rites of purifying body and mind and of worship in Daoist cultivation. The “Three Luminaries” refer to the sun, moon, and stars; the “Nine Mysterious” refers to ancestral lineages; “Jade Clarity,” “Golden Towers,” “Southern Palace,” and similar terms are designations of the Daoist celestial realms. In the original text, a passage of the “Fourth Wish” and “Fifth Wish” appears repeatedly; the above has been arranged as a single recitation according to its meaning.

The middle vows comprise five items: the wish to obtain the root of the Dao (the Way), the wish for Yin, the wish for Yang, the wish for Great Space, the wish for Great Non-being, and the wish for Great Mystery. One wishes to host a banquet in the Jade Chamber (a palace of the immortal realm) and form a bond with the Emperor Lord; to roam the Palace of Life (immortal palaces), illuminating the Nine Heavens throughout; to have the Primordial Father register one’s name in the records and the Mysterious Mother record one’s years of longevity; to have Taokang (a Daoist deity) condense Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) so as to stabilize the Dantian (energy center); and for the body to soar up to the Golden Palace (heavenly palaces) with one’s name inscribed in the Jade Register (roster of the immortal realm). One further wishes that the ancestors of seven generations be freed from suffering and that blessings and felicity descend. This passage of the middle vows is repeated once in the original text.

The lower vows likewise comprise five items: the wish for Great Void, the wish for Great Existence, the wish for the Supreme, the wish for Great Perfection, and the wish for the divine immortals. One wishes for the body to tread the peaks of the Five Sacred Mountains, to drift among the Nine Empyreans, to pass in and out of the barriers of the Heavenly Gate, and to leave behind the Gate of Death. One wishes that Heaven and Earth become one’s parents, that the sun, moon, and stars (the Three Luminaries) protect one for ten thousand years; that the deities guard the apertures of the Nine Origins (the passages leading to the netherworld), and that numinous Qi descends of its own accord. The five vows of the eight directions all assemble in response.

After the five vows have been recited, one knocks the teeth fourteen times and then recites the incantation: The Great Emperor of Upper Origin, the Mysterious Scripture of Emperor One, five-colored clouds and rosy mists scatter their brilliance, the atmosphere of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) (the pure realms where the supreme Daoist deities reside) is deep and abundant. Jade youths and jade maidens burn incense in attendance upon the deities. I wish to declare the upper vows and merge into one body with the deities, that I may attain immortality and ascend to the court of the Emperor Lord. I wish that the Northern Emperor (the deity in charge of the netherworld and death) cancel the death register, that the Southern Pass (the divine pass in charge of vitality) record the lifespan; I wish that the Eastern Floriate Golden Register (the roster of the immortal realm) include my name, that I may endure together with inexhaustible wishes.

After the incantation is finished, one knocks the teeth a further twenty-one times, looks upward and swallows Qi five times, and then may stop. This is the method transmitted by the Emperor Lord for declaring the upper vows and uniting form with the deities. If one constantly practices according to this, there will be Jade Floriate attendants and jade youths dispersing incense; the wishes will reach up to the Nine Heavens and communicate with the Emperor Lord. If this continues for five years, the Dao will naturally descend.

In the ten directions under heaven, whenever a person who possesses the Dao (the Way) makes a vow, the Dao will respond and descend. When uttering a vow with the mouth, one must keep the mind and intention concentrated and unified, without other thoughts or miscellaneous imaginings. If the true Shen (spirit) is scattered and disordered, the true Dao will not descend. If one is in a filthy place or stained with filth, the true Dao will also keep away. The method of the supreme vows of the Way of the Five Assemblies, transmitted by the Sovereign Lord, is here concluded.

On each corresponding day, if one can concentrate and, according to the regulations, make vows and practice visualizations, the Heavenly Emperor will dispatch jade youths to guard one’s body, summon the vows of the five directions, and cause the way of the immortals to descend upon one’s physical form. Cultivating in this way for five years, one will be able to ride the clouds and ascend to the Nine Heavens, with one’s name listed in the immortal registers. The parents of seven generations of ancestors will also receive blessings and good fortune, escaping the Three Paths (the three realms of suffering spoken of in Daoism) and entering the Southern Palace immortal realm to enjoy immortal blessings.

The Supreme Primordial Lord of the Southern Pole said: People of the world who cultivate the Dao know only to seek in the morning and expect to obtain it by evening, hoping the Dao will descend with just a single thought, expecting immediate fulfillment after reciting a few incantations. They do not know that to climb a high mountain one must start from the foot, and that a tree a thousand zhang high grows from a tiny sapling. The Great Dao is lofty and distant, its true wonders difficult to fathom; how could one possibly ascend the cloud ladder in a single step? The Sovereign Lord received the primordial Qi (vital energy) and governs the true Dao, yet still uses bright lamps to achieve penetration and prays for blessings with the five vows; how much more so for ordinary people? In the way of seeking immortality, one should first make vows and then cultivate and seek according to those vows. When the heart’s vow communicates, the numinous response will come.

The five vows are vast and boundless. Wishes can encompass all things, blessings can extend to all sentient beings, and auspiciousness can be widely disseminated. This may be called clearing away false vows and initiating good vows. If one can concentrate on keeping the vows, there is nothing that will not receive a response. Later people who have the mind to cultivate the Dao should seek this method once more and comprehend it with their hearts.

The Supreme Minister, Lord Qingtong (an immortal revered by the Shangqing school), said: "I once left home to seek teachers and the Dao (the Way). It took seven hundred years. I crossed steep mountain ranges and climbed lofty peaks, traveling east and west, north and south, and wandered at leisure across the Central Plains. I studied under thirty-two teachers and received more than three hundred techniques in all. Even so, I could not ascend to the Golden Gate Tower (the palace where the Celestial Emperor dwells), have an audience with the Sage Lord, or receive the Numinous Writings in Purple Script (secret talismanic texts and characters of the immortal Dao). Nor had I learned the methods of ingesting the yellow bloom of the sun and moon or of binding the spirit-souls, nor the arts of Jielin, Yuyi, the Nine Perfected, the Eight Ways, Releasing the Form and Transforming Shapes, and the Purple Degree and Flaming Light. Afterward I went on to learn the Flowing Gold and Fire Bell, the exhalation and inhalation of flying mist, soaring through the void and walking on clouds, as well as the precious scripture on treading the Seven Primes (the celestial realm corresponding to the seven stars of the Big Dipper)."

The Sage Lord taught the method of shifting the transit of the seven stars, a technique treasured by the Supreme Emperor. Only after the Sage Lord had admonished me and bound me by oath did he transmit it to me. First one must erase the registers of death from the Six Palaces and seal the Ghost Gate in the northeast. Then one memorializes the Heavenly Pass, petitioning to shift one's stellar position and alter one's fate. Only after this is it possible to ascend and cultivate in the Three Primes (the upper, middle, and lower heavens of Daoism). Later I was able to assume the post of Supreme Minister, governing all the immortals. The seven stars wax and wane in the heavens, turning the essential Qi of the Nine Primes. Above, they receive the Qi of the Three Primes; below, they command the registers of the Six Heavens. The life and death, union and parting of human beings are all governed by the seven stars. Thus, when a person is lit by the Dipper's glow, they die; when the Dipper moves away, they pass from danger to safety. The seven stars are the ministers of Heaven, and opening the Heavenly Pass is the path by which life is prolonged.

Those who study the Dao but do not know how to use the Dipper to cut off the gate of death, or how to use the Southern Pass (the heavenly gate of granting life) to enter their names in the registers of life, cannot preserve their lives. The Supreme Emperor placed this scripture in the Chamber of the Six Conjunctions (the celestial hall where scriptures are stored) and charged three hundred guardians, including the Jade Maiden of Western Florescence and the Golden Lad of the Golden Dawn, with protecting it. Later it was passed to the various Perfected Ones, and only then did it spread from the famous mountains.

Lord Wang of Xicheng later found this text in a stone chamber on Mount Wangwu. He first fasted for three months, then went to the mountain bearing his pledge tokens, and received and read it with reverence. Following the method of shifting the transit of the seven stars, Lord Wang eventually became a Perfected One. Anyone whose name has not been entered in the immortal registers and who is not destined to become an immortal could neither hear of nor see this teaching. For one who possesses this scripture, the Six Palaces of Fengdu will record his name and transfer his register to the Southern Pass. How much more so if he goes on to cultivate it!

Lord Wang said: "This scripture originally had three scrolls. Two of them, the Heavenly Pass and the Heavenly Diagram, have not circulated in the world; they were received by Lady Nanyue. Only one scroll, the Transit of the Seven Stars, has been handed down today."