《上清太上八素真经》

The Taishang Yinshu Basu Zhenjing (True Scripture of the Eight Essences of the Hidden Book of the Most High; “Eight Essences” refers to the secret Daoist writings named in the title) is a teaching of the Dao transmitted by the Jade Emperor of Mysterious Clarity. The Supreme Heavenly Emperor bestowed this scripture upon the Heavenly Emperor Lord of Great Subtlety, the Purple Essence Dao Lord of the Three Origins, and the Elder Lord of True Yang. After the three venerable deities received the scripture, cultivated according to it, and attained the Dao, they transmitted it to the Most High Dao Lord. The Most High Dao Lord then passed it to Lord Li, the Later Sage of the Golden Palace. Lord Li entrusted it to the Perfected of Great Vacuity and the Red Lord of the Southern Marchmount so that they might transmit it downward to those who study the Dao. Only those whose golden names and jade characters have already been recorded in the registers of the Heavenly Court, whose names are inscribed in the high pavilions, and who are predestined to become Zhenren (Perfected Ones) are qualified to receive the transmission. The hidden scriptures of the Most High are never given to earthly immortals, nor can earthly immortals obtain them by themselves.

The Most High said: “The Five Stars (the stars of the Five Phases of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) are the numinous roots of the sun and moon, and they are also the five viscera by which the celestial bodies gestate and nourish all things. The jing (essence) and qi (vital energy) of Heaven condense and intertwine to form the Five Stars; Heaven and Earth rely upon them to govern the breath, and the sun and moon thereby run their courses.”

The Most High said: The Five Stars (the five planets of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) are the source of the numinous Qi (vital energy) of the sun and moon, and they are also the five inner powers by which the celestial bodies nurture all things. The Jing (essence) of Heaven intertwines to form the Five Stars; Heaven and Earth rely on them to govern the mechanisms of Qi, and the sun and moon shine brightly because of their illumination.

If Heaven’s Qi cannot generate and nourish normally, the Qi mechanisms between Heaven and Earth will become unbalanced; if Earth’s Qi cannot generate and nourish normally, all things will wither and stagnate. When the Qi mechanisms are unbalanced, there will be heavenly tremors and earthly quakes. If the arrayed lodges (the stellar lodges arranged in the heavens) move abnormally, the sun and moon will suffer partial eclipses; if the Five Stars deviate from their regular courses, the two luminaries of sun and moon will also lose their radiance. When Heaven and Earth are at peace, the Five Stars are clear and brilliant; when Heaven’s Jing is in harmonious union, the Five Stars shine brightly.

The numinous and marvelous Dao (the Way) of the stars corresponds above with Mount Tai and is governed by the De (Virtue/Power) spirit of Jade Clarity: they shine upward into the Great Void and illuminate all things below. Gains and losses in the human world can cause the Five Stars to move in disorder; when the human world is harmonious and auspicious, the stars follow the Dao in their movements. The stars can reflect fortune and misfortune, making even the subtlest omens appear, and they can also secretly observe people’s merits and faults. The Five Emperors report to the True Sovereign among the stars, and the True Sovereign then memorializes to the Most High Jade Lord. Therefore, the radiance, movements, and changes of the stars serve to warn all living beings; if the stars travel transversely or occupy deviant positions, they announce disaster or good fortune.

The great earth is provided with the Five Sacred Peaks to symbolize the stars of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water); the human body has the spirits of the five viscera to embody the functions of the Five Phases. When the three Qi intermingle, the myriad phenomena of Heaven and Earth are thereby complete. The Jing-Qi of the stars penetrate upward through the Jing of all things and gather downward as luminous fluids; they inhale and exhale numinous Qi, causing the Three Flowers to moisten the myriad spirits, and they communicate laterally with the Three Spirits, embodying the functions of the Five Phases. When the three Qi intermingle, the myriad phenomena of Heaven and Earth are thereby complete. The functions of the Jing-Qi of the stars are profound and subtle, vast and boundless.

Some immortals know only how to fly the elixir, summon frost, and refine numinous substances such as cloud vermilion and water jade in the furnace fire to produce the Golden Elixir; they laboriously manage the offerings and diligently keep watch, and even if they achieve something, it is merely to ascend bodily to Heaven and fly across the Mysterious Continent. This can only be counted as becoming an immortal; although they can roam far among the Nine Palaces, they have not yet obtained the gateway of the True Persons.

I now possess a Great Dao, which is the method of cultivation of the Upper True Persons, not merely a dharma-gate at the Middle True level. You may summon the Five Stars and ride together with them in the same carriage, mount the Three Su (the three kinds of pure Qi spoken of in Daoism) and ascend, sit amid the Eight Sceneries (the auspicious lights of the eight directions) to gaze about, climb the western wall of the Great Emperor, stretch your form in the Great Emptiness, and ascend to Heaven in broad daylight. I formerly received this method from the Jade Emperor and have cultivated it without interruption for four hundred and sixty thousand years until now; I appreciate the marvelousness of this Great Dao and also delight in connecting with the Five Stars. After attaining the Dao, one can divide the body into hundreds of millions, generate clouds and spread moisture; one may roam above in Jade Clarity and observe Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) below, ultimately becoming a Most High True Person. This is because one has obtained the Jing-Qi of the Five Stars.

This wondrous method is secretly stored in the Cloud Pavilion, and the numinous formula is treasured and carried on the person. You ought to proclaim it to all living beings so that they become emperors of the Ten Heavens; their mysterious names should be recorded in azure writing and promptly engraved in the Jade Pavilion. You should let beginning students of the Dao who are True Persons receive this secret text, transmit and put it into practice yourself, and pass it to suitable people. This is a secret formula of the Upper True Persons and must not be transmitted to earthly immortals.

When first transmitting this book, there must be mysterious and wondrous responses and numinous signs of efficacy; only after confirming that the other party has insight may one purify, fast, establish a covenant, and swear an oath to the Three Heavens. Within seven hundred years it may be transmitted only three times; when the term is reached, the book must be stored in the Five Sacred Peaks and not taken out again. Those who leak the hidden books of celestial writing have already been reported to the Heavenly Emperor: their ancestors of three generations will suffer execution, and the Three Officials will also cut off their lifespan; while alive they will suffer disasters of water and fire, and after death they will become ghosts of the lower realms.

All those who study the Dao and receive this book will have their names registered by the Great Emperor in the Western Flower Palace, and there will also be records on langgan slips and pistil writings in the Purple Palace. Only those destined to become True Persons can obtain this text. In fact, five thousand years before your birth, your mysterious name was already predestined and registered, which is why you encounter this Jing (scripture/classic). Do not, because you have only just received the book, think that you have no predestined affinity with it.

The Jade Emperor looks down upon all living beings; seeing someone obtain this book, he reports it to the Most High and dispatches thirty-six flying numinous jade lads to guard the place where the book is stored; he also reports to Taiji and dispatches thirty-two jade maidens of the Southern Mound to guard the titles of the True Lords of the Five Stars and their consorts. The jade lads and jade maidens will also jointly protect the person who holds this book. The book should be placed in a dedicated book-case; when opening it to consult, one must face the book and bow twice, and burn incense on both sides. The jade lads and jade maidens will supervise people’s merits and faults and observe whether they are sincere or not; any transgression or good deed will be reported directly to the Most High. Therefore one cannot but be cautious.

By cultivating this set of methods of the Dao (the Way), within five years the jade youths and jade maidens (boy and girl attendants who serve the immortal perfected ones) will appear and follow the practitioner’s commands. After fourteen years of cultivation the methods will be accomplished, allowing one to share a carriage with the Five Stars (stellar bodies of the five directions) and travel together to the Palace of Jade Clarity (the celestial palaces of the heavenly realm in Daoism).

The highest level of the True Dao comprises seven kinds, the Most High (Taishang) level of methods of the Dao comprises three kinds, the middle level of the True Dao comprises six kinds, and the lower level of the True Dao comprises eight kinds.

The seven kinds of the highest-level True Dao have these titles: the Most High Text of Yuyi Racing to the Sun, the Most High Chapter of Jielin Racing to the Moon, the Most High Hidden Book of the Eight Purities Racing to the Chronograms, the Upper Scripture of the Thearch of Grand Tenuity Flying the Celestial Net, the Thirty-Nine Chapters of the High Supreme Scripture of the Great Cavern Perfected, the Upper Scripture of the Purple Texts from the Numinous Book of the Golden Towers, and the Central Scripture of Huang-Lao’s Eight Daos and Nine Perfected.

Combining these highest-level methods of the Dao in practice, one becomes a Perfected of Highest Clarity, with three thousand jade youths and three thousand jade maidens in attendance, ranking among the honored of the various heavenly emperors. Upon traveling, three-colored divine staffs (ritual insignia carried in the processions of the divine immortals) accompany, with the host of gods and the myriad perfected following: phoenixes singing in harmony to lead the way in front, mysterious music accompanying from behind, white tigers opening the path, and flying dragons guarding the carriage.

The three kinds of Most High level methods of the Dao have these titles: the Hidden Book of Jade Clarity, the Great Talisman of the Divine Tiger, and the True Talisman of the Golden Tiger.

Combining these Most High methods of the Dao in practice, one accomplishes the Most High Dao, obtaining the honored position of the Lord Jade Emperor of Upper Perfection, attended by two thousand jade youths and two thousand jade maidens. Upon traveling, five-colored divine staffs accompany, with a thousand perfected immortals in company: heavenly music leading in front, the songs of luan birds following behind, three perfected immortals attending the carriage, soaring aloft and roaming above the Nine Heavens.

The Dao of the Middle Perfected consists of six categories, with the chapter titles listed below: the Hidden Book of the Great Elixir, the Upper Scripture of Morning Audience with the Perfected, and the Divine Talismans of the Jade Emperor; the Orthodox Method of the Three Heavens, the Writings of the Phoenix Perfected, and the Texts of the Nine Perfected Ascending to Mystery; the Scripture of the Arrangement of the Three Primes, the Chapters of the Four Perfected, and the Golden Registers of the Most High; the Upper Scripture of Jade Characters of the Fangzhu Cavern Chamber and the Numinous Flight of the Six Jia; Lingbao six, the titles listed on the left: the Hidden Book of the Great Elixir, the Upper Scripture of Morning Audience with the Perfected, and the Divine Talismans of the Jade Emperor; the Orthodox Method of the Three Heavens, the Writings of the Phoenix Perfected, and the Texts of the Nine Perfected Ascending to Mystery; the Scripture of the Arrangement of the Three Primes, the Chapters of the Four Perfected, and the Golden Registers of the Most High; the Upper Scripture of Jade Characters of the Fangzhu Cavern Chamber and the Numinous Flight of the Six Jia; the Secret Texts of Lingbao, the Inner Texts of the Three Sovereigns, and the Great Characters of Celestial Writing; the Purple Book of Qingyao, the Formulaic Words of Qusu, and the Sequential Practice of the Three and Five.

By cultivating the Dao of the Middle Perfected and thoroughly integrating these methods, one becomes a Shangqing Middle Way Perfected (the middle rank among the Shangqing immortal Perfected), granted one thousand jade youths and one thousand jade maidens, serving as teacher to the left and right high ministers of Shangqing. When traveling, one carries a purple banner and staff, accompanied by ten thousand spirits and a thousand Perfected; phoenixes call out ahead to clear the path, celestial music plays behind, a mysterious dragon leads the way in front, and the Five Emperors provide verification for the carriage. The Perfected soars through the great void, wandering the cinnabar heavens (the celestial realm).

The Dao of the Lower Perfected consists of eight categories, with the chapter titles listed below: the Shangqing Nine Transformations and Ten Mutations together with the Three-Nine Plain Words; the Eight Arts of Hidden Earth, Essence of the Dao of Cinnabar Radiance; the Three Charts of the Heavenly Pass, Jade Book of the Mysterious Sovereign; the Cavern Scripture of Seven Transformations and Seven Revolutions of the Divine Land; the Mother of the Jade Horse of Stone Essence in the Central Method of Purple Crossing; the Various Texts of Dragon Writings with Jade Eyes on the Crimson Registers of the Yellow Path; the Secret Talismans of the Five Phases in the Central Chapters of Plain Memorials; the Five Books of the Upper Origin of Jade Mystery of the Five Emperors.

By cultivating the Dao of the Lower Perfected and thoroughly integrating these methods, one becomes a Shangqing Lower Origin Perfected (the lower rank among the Shangqing immortal Perfected), granted five hundred jade youths and five hundred jade maidens, serving as left and right senior officials of Shangqing. When traveling, one carries five-colored banners and staffs, accompanied by numerous spirits and jade maidens; nine phoenixes cry out long ahead, eight luan birds play music behind, a white hornless dragon leads the way, and Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) provides verification for the carriage. The Perfected soars through the inverted radiance (the heavenly scene of inverted light and shadows), wandering the purple palaces (celestial chambers).

The Daoist Jing (scriptures) used in the cultivation of the Upper Zhenren, the Middle Way Zhenren, and the Lower Origin Zhenren of Shangqing each have their own catalogues of chapters and sections, and have been compiled by category into matching volumes that correspond with one another. If one wishes to fully cultivate the methods of a given Zhenren, one should obtain all the scriptures belonging to that Zhenren and cultivate their contents in complementary fashion; only then can one become a Shangqing Zhenren.

If the scriptures obtained are incomplete, and one receives only a portion of the upper Jing, the middle chapters, or the lower texts, then even with concentrated cultivation, because the remaining contents are lacking, one can become only a flying immortal (an immortal who attains aerial ascent), traveling far to the realm of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) and roaming the Five Sacred Mountains, unable to become one of the Three Zhenren of Shangqing. You should diligently cultivate the Dao (the Way) with a devoted heart, pray to Heaven and Earth and the mysterious spirits of the unseen, travel far to famous mountains, invoke the assembled deities, and seek out precious scriptures, so that your cultivation of Dao and De (Virtue/Power) may become complete. After completing the cultivation of one Jing method, upon ascending into Shangqing, the jade youths and jade maidens assigned to attend and protect one number in the hundreds or thousands. If one obtains only a single scripture without gathering the complete set, the number of jade youths and jade maidens is assigned according to the regulations of the scriptures one has received.

If one cultivates only the Taishang Yuyi Benri Wen (the text on visualization and rushing to the sun), the Jielin Benyue Zhang (the chapter on rushing to the moon), and the Basu Benchen Yinshu (the hidden scripture on rushing to the stars), one can still ascend into Shangqing and become a Lower Origin Zhenren; this is because one has not yet completed all the methods required of the Upper Zhenren. Apart from these, all remaining Jing methods should be cultivated in complementary fashion; only when complementary cultivation is accomplished can one ascend into Shangqing.

If one completely cultivates the Jing of all three Zhenren (the Upper Zhenren, the Middle Way Zhenren, and the Lower Origin Zhenren), and further obtains the opportunity to read the hidden scriptures of Yuqing, and wears the Divine Tiger Great Fulu (talismans and registers of protective and spirit-communicating significance), one can ascend to become a Lord of the Jade Emperor, a Zhenren of the Most High, receiving thirty thousand jade youths and jade maidens to attend and protect one, coming and going among the palaces of the Highest, entering and exiting the palaces of Yuqing. At that time, the Heavenly Emperor, the Lord of Taiwei, will also come to serve the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Clarity Hidden Scripture consists of four volumes. It is a secret classic received by the High Jade Emperor from the Jade Mystery Grand Emperor Dao Lord, and it is also a precious book treasured by the Jade Emperor Lord. The Jade Emperor Lord entrusted it to the Four Perfected Ones of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) for safekeeping, stipulating that it may be transmitted only three times within five thousand years to the Jade Perfected Ones of Shangqing; transmitting it to three people within one thousand years is also permitted. After the allotted number of transmissions and the time period have been exhausted, it can no longer be transmitted.

Among tens of millions of people in the world, occasionally one person will receive the transmission of the Heavenly Perfected and obtain this book. This is because that person has already registered their jade name on the Mysterious Terrace of the Most High and is destined to become a High Perfected One. Even if the possessor of this book still lives at home in the secular world, three hundred jade youths and three hundred jade maidens will serve at their command. Morning and evening, the multitude of perfected immortals, spirits, and the numina of famous mountains will come to their bedchamber to discuss the Dao (the Way) and expound upon De (Virtue/Power). This refers to those who hold this book but have not yet left home to cultivate the Dao. If they enter the mountains to seek the true Dao and study the numinous and marvelous scriptures, they can awe and subdue the Six Heavens, command the mountain gods, and cause the Five Sacred Peaks to come and pay homage; the jade youths and jade maidens will also appear to serve the Perfected One and offer incense.

The Most High Divine Tiger Talisman was transmitted by the Most High Void Emperor Dao Lord to the Most High. The Most High Dao Lord then gave it to the Three Heavenly Perfected Emperors to transmit to the various Perfected Ones and the officials of the Heavenly Emperors. All those whose perfected names are listed in Shangqing must receive and wear this talisman. However, those who have only this talisman but lack the Jade Clarity Hidden Scripture cannot become Perfected Immortals of Shangqing; they can only be considered High Perfected Ones of Taiji.

The Grand Tenuity Heavenly Emperor Golden Tiger Talisman was transmitted by the Most High Jade Perfected Protector Emperor Dao Lord to the Most High Grand Tenuity Heavenly Emperor Lord. The thirty-six Heavenly Emperors all possess this talisman, yet they still cannot become Perfected Immortals of Shangqing and can only be considered High Perfected Ones of Taiji.

The Golden Tiger Talisman of the Taiwei Celestial Emperor, a secret Shangqing talisman, was bestowed by the Most High Jade Perfected Preserving Emperor Dao Lord upon the Most High Taiwei Celestial Emperor Lord. There are thirty-six Celestial Emperors in all, among whom the Taiwei Celestial Emperor is the most exalted; the other Celestial Emperors must all go to him to receive their offices. One who obtains this talisman can awe and command the myriad gods, employ the host of spirits, and be escorted by dragon and tiger guards. Riding the Three Pristine Clouds, the recipient ascends to Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Shangqing and is appointed Left Duke, a title of Shangqing immortal officials.

The Hidden Book of Yuqing, a secret classic stored in the Palace of Jade Clarity, is mysterious and profound. Those of the lower Perfected and the flying immortals can only gather their minds and cherish a lasting aspiration toward it. The Divine Tiger Talisman and the Golden Tiger Talisman are likewise objects that the flying immortals diligently seek without cease, and some among them may perhaps grasp the principles within. Those who lack the mysterious names and spirit Fulu (talismans and registers that record the names of the Perfected) and who have not encountered this Jing (scripture) are as numerous as people standing shoulder to shoulder; how much more so is this true of the Dao (the Way) of Yuqing?

The Most High said: In former times some believed that Taiqing could not be ascended, let alone Taiji. They also held that the Dao of Shangqing could not even be heard of, let alone Yuqing. One must understand that the realms of the Perfected have distinctions of high and low, and the mysterious Dao likewise possesses different grades and stages. Realms still higher than these are not to be further discussed.

The Perfected of lower rank in the Palace of Yuqing are the Perfected of higher rank in the Palace of Shangqing; the Perfected of higher rank in the Palace of Taiji are the Perfected of lower rank in the Palace of Shangqing. The Perfected of higher rank in the Palace of Taiqing, together with the Perfected of lower rank in the Palace of Yuqing, are the Perfected of higher rank in the Palace of Shangqing; the Perfected of higher rank in the Palace of Taiji are the Perfected of lower rank in the Palace of Shangqing. The Perfected of higher rank in the Palace of Taiqing are the Perfected of lower rank in the Palace of Taiji. Descending from this point, there follow in succession the flying immortals of the Nine Palaces. These relationships of rank among the different celestial palaces illustrate that the Perfected immortals themselves possess grades and stages.

When the Hidden Book of Yuqing is transmitted, the Four Perfected of Taiji each hold one scroll and present it to the four Dao Lords: the Upper Emperor, the High One, the Jade Emperor, and the Jade Mystery. They examine the Golden Registers and Jade Names, the records of the names and ranks of the Perfected, and only after confirming that the recipient is destined to become an Upper Perfected Jade Lord do they transmit the scripture. One who obtains this book immediately draws a host of Perfected immortals to the dwelling; as long as the recipient cultivates the ultimate Dao, the Most High no longer examines the circumstances. This is because the recipient already possesses Golden Registers and Jade Names and is predestined to become an Upper Perfected. The marvelous Dao of the Hidden Book of Yuqing surpasses that of the Yuyi Text, one of the Shangqing scriptures.

When one cultivates the Taishang Yuyi Benri Wen (Most High Text of the Luxuriant Ceremony for Fleeing to the Sun), the Jielin Benyue Zhang (Chapter of Binding Jasper for Fleeing to the Moon), and the Basu Benchen Jing (Scripture of the Eightfold Simplicity for Fleeing to the Stars) and attains the realm of the ultimate Dao (the Way), the Most High (Taishang) no longer tests the practitioner’s resolve and inner state. This is because such a person originally possesses the destiny of a Highest Perfected (Shangzhen) and is fated to become an immortal. The Yuqing Yinshu (Hidden Book of Jade Purity) states that the wondrousness of the Dao in the Yuyi Wen lies precisely in this.

When one cultivates the methods contained in the Taishang Yuyi Benri Wen, the Jielin Benyue Zhang, and the Basu Benchen Jing, the Perfected of Taiji (Taiji Zhenren) no longer descends to administer tests.

Cultivating the Dadong Zhenjing (Great Cavern True Scripture) enables one’s ancestors of seven generations and one’s parents to leave the ghost registers, be exempted from examination and punishment by the Three Officials (Sanguan, the deities governing Heaven, Earth, and Water), and be granted entry into the registers of the immortal palaces. The practitioner can also dissolve difficult obstacles and proceed to the Palace of Vermilion Fire and Cinnabar Mound to study the immortal Dao. After attaining immortality, one will assist the Five Emperors and become an immortal official of the Nine Palaces. This refers to those who cultivate and thoroughly comprehend the Dadong Zhenjing.

This scripture, following the established laws of the Four Extremes (the ultimate realms of the four directions), uniquely enables the practitioner’s ancestors of seven generations to attain immortality, unlike other scriptures, and therefore must not go unpracticed. If one has already begun cultivation yet still undergoes tests, it may be because one has practiced only a single method or stopped halfway; such a person has no time even to save himself, nor can he enable his ancestors of seven generations to become immortals. Ghosts too can study immortality, just as humans can study the Dao; if seven generations accumulate De (Virtue/Power), blessings flow to descendants and enable them finally to attain immortality. If one’s own cultivation of the Dao is not yet complete, one cannot enable the ancestors of seven generations to become immortals. When a person cultivates the Dao and thoroughly understands the Dadong Zhenjing, the blessings extend to the ancestors of seven generations, and thus he should shed the mortal body and become an immortal official.

The Central Yellow Elder Lord (Zhongyang Huanglao Jun) regarded the Dadong Zhenjing as able to confer blessings upon ancestors of seven generations, its wondrous efficacy being profound, and therefore kept it strictly hidden and treasured, placing it in the same book-chest as the Yuyi Wen. The many Perfected of Shangqing (Highest Clarity) also value this method of the Dao, because its merit benefits the ancestors of seven generations and causes their De to rise and become manifest in the upper realms.

After the Later Sage Lord Li (Housheng Lijun, an immortal Perfected of Daoist legend) received the Basu Zhenjing Benchen Yinshu (Hidden Book of Fleeing to the Stars of the Eightfold Simplicity True Scripture) and put its methods into practice, the Heavenly Emperor of Taiwei personally descended to welcome him; the Five Stars rode together in one chariot, and he mounted the Flowery Three Simplicities (Hua Sansu, the magnificent celestial cloud-vapors), ascending into Yuqing (Jade Purity), receiving bestowed scriptures, and becoming the Sovereign Lord of the Golden Towers of Shangqing.

The method of cultivation for ascending to Jupiter: The Year Star (Jupiter) is the abode of the perfectly luminous Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of Wood, appearing clearly and brightly upon the highlands of the East. Within the star there are nine gates, and from each gate nine sharp rays of light are emitted, the radiance hanging down to shine for nine million zhang. Each gate is guarded by a Qingdi (Azure Emperor), and the nine gates together protect the Qinghuang Zhenjun (Azure Sovereign True Lord) at the center.

Dwelling in the center is the Shiyang Shangzhen Qinghuang Daojun (Initial Yang Highest Perfected Azure Sovereign Dao Lord), named Chenglan with the courtesy name Qingning; his consort is named Baorong with the courtesy name Feiyun. They reside within Jupiter, guarding the nine gates, circulating the azure radiance and the flowing sharp lights, and illuminating the various Perfected Ones above and below.

Those who wish to fly and ascend to the place of the Qinghuang Zhenjun should constantly visualize the Year Star. One should rectify the mind and intention, gaze upon the star, place the right hand upon the heart and bow in reverence toward the star, cover both eyes with the left hand, then hold the breath nine times, knock the teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow the saliva nine times. With the eyes closed beneath the covering palm, silently invoke three times the name, taboo name, and courtesy name of the True Sovereign Lord and his Lady within the Year Star. Then recite: “May I ride together with the Shiyang Qinghuang Zhenjun and his Lady in the Eight-Scenery Azure Carriage (the cyan-green immortal chariot spoken of in Daoism) and ascend to the Taishang Palace.”

After reciting, keep the eyes closed under the palm, face the star, and softly offer a prayer:

The Qi (vital energy) of Heaven and Earth blends and unites in harmony, with Jing (essence) Qi flowing toward the east. Raising one's gaze to the Nine Gates (the ninefold portals leading to the celestial realms), one sees flying rosy mists scattering their sharp gleams. In the midst of the Shiyang Azure Terrace (the azure terrace-pavilion in the eastern immortal realm) stands the Qinghuang (Green Sovereign, the honored deity of the east). Azure tusk-light descends in radiance, shining upon the nine directions. Lady Yucha, styled Feiyun, is clad in a spiritual brocade ceremonial garment, wearing a dragon-patterned cape and a tiger-patterned skirt, with a phoenix talisman at her waist and a floral crown upon her head. She enters and exits the void, wandering the Taiyuan heavenly realm, with the Qingdi (Azure Emperor) holding a staff to guide the way in front and a host of deities following behind, coming to receive the practitioner of the Dao (the Way), transforming them into a Flying Zhenren (one who attains the Dao and ascends as an immortal) who mounts the High Superior Chamber in Yuqing (Jade Clarity, a venerable heavenly realm of Daoism).

After completing the prayer, lower the hands, close the eyes while facing the stars, and swallow the starlight twenty-seven times. Visualize the nine rays of light from the stars, drawing them all into the throat. When this is done, knock the teeth three times more.

By cultivating this method over a long period of fourteen years, the Qinghuang Great Lord of Jupiter (the Wood Star) will report to the High Superior Yuqing Palace, engraving the practitioner's name upon the Taiwei Ruijian (the celestial name-register of Grand Tenuity) and inscribing it in the Jade Book, ranking them among the Upper Flying Zhenren of Shangqing (Upper Clarity).

Jupiter possesses nine gates, each containing a Qingdi (Azure Emperor) who oversees one gate; together they serve the central Qinghuang Shangzhen Great Lord. The Qinghuang is the Shangzhen (supreme true deity) of the east and the honored spirit of the primordial Jing Qi; he comes and goes from Yuqing and is a companion to the High Superior deities. The Qingdi within the gates are sometimes known as Qingling Gong (Lord of Azure Numen), Qingshen (Azure Spirit), Qingjing (Azure Essence), or Qingdi Jun (Lord Qingdi), all governed by the central Qinghuang. Cultivating the Eight Su Secret Dao (a secretly transmitted method of Daoist cultivation) can bring about the descent of the Qinghuang; having practiced the outer methods of the Five Ling (external practices related to the Five Spirits), one can invoke the Qingshen to come and bestow the writings. Thus, the methods of the Dao vary in depth, and the deities one evokes correspondingly differ in rank from lofty to humble.

When there are no stars in the sky, or on overcast evenings, one may face east in the bedchamber to practice visualization cultivation and offer prayers. The Dao (the Way) of Heaven is subtle, and its mysterious ordinances are extremely fine and intricate, so it is not strictly necessary to face the stars in order to cultivate. When stars are visible, one may go into the courtyard, sitting or standing as one wishes. This so-called Dao of the Highest Perfected, which is the method of ascending the eastern stars, is not transmitted to earthly immortals or similar persons.

The Dao of Flying Ascent to Mars: Mars, also known as the Yinghuo Star, is a mysterious mirror that emits cinnabar-colored radiance, illuminating the southern pavilion. Within the star there are three gates, each extending three sharp rays whose light hangs down for three million zhang. Each gate contains one Red Emperor, making three Red Emperors in all, who together guard the Southern Perfected Supreme Emperor True Lord of the south.

In the center of Mars resides the Cinnabar Fire Vermilion Yang Red Emperor Highest Dao True Lord, named Weiting, courtesy name Sanrong; his consort is named Huaping, courtesy name Xuanluo. They dwell within Mars, guarding the three star gates and circulating the red radiance and flying clouds so that the Perfected of the world may manifest with clarity.

To cultivate the method of flying ascent to Mars, visualize the Yinghuo Star, compose the mind, and gaze upon the star. Press the left hand over the heart while bowing to the star, cover the mouth with the right hand, then hold the breath three times, knock the teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow the saliva nine times. Next, with eyes closed, silently invoke the names and courtesy names of the Yinghuo True Emperor Lord and Yinghuo Consort three times. After reciting, say: “May I ride together with the Cinnabar Fire Red Emperor Lord and Consort in the Eight Scenery Cinnabar Carriage (an immortal vehicle formed of cinnabar-colored scenic lights) and ascend to the Jade Clarity Palace.” Having spoken, face the star and offer a low-voiced prayer:

Mysterious celestial phenomena flow and gleam, revealing a cinnabar-colored radiance in the remote southern regions. Gazing upward at the three gates of Yinghuo Xing (Mars), one sees vermilion cloud-qi and deep crimson city walls. Within the city dwells the Cinnabar Sovereign named Weiting; his consort, who contemplates inwardly, is called Huaping. She wears garments as neat as clouds and frost, adorned with phoenix-patterned ornaments and dragon-shaped bells, a tiger-script talisman book at her waist, and a flying-green headscarf on her head. She comes and goes between the realms of Yuanshi and Youxuan, soaring through five cities; the Red Emperor leads ahead, followed by the Six Ding (Liuding, the six yin deities of Daoism). She arrives to welcome and invite the cultivator, granting the name of Zhenren (Perfected One), allowing ascent to the mysterious void, and listing the name in the Golden Book of Yuqing.

After the prayer is completed, lower the hands and do not cover the mouth again. Then close the eyes and look upward at the stars, swallowing the starlight twenty-seven times while visualizing all three rays of light from the stars entering the throat. Upon finishing, knock the teeth three more times. Here “cun” refers to visualization and contemplation, while “swallowing the light of the stars” is a cultivation method that combines breathing with visualization to ingest the starlight.

After fourteen years of continuous practice, the Red Sovereign Upper Perfected Dao Lord of Yinghuo Xing will report the matter to the Three Origins Mysterious Upper Palace (Sanyuan Xuanshang Gong, the dwelling of heavenly immortals), inscribing the practitioner’s name on the jade tablets of Xuanpu (a legendary immortal realm) and entering it into the Golden Book, ranking the person among the Upper Flying Zhenren of Shangqing.

Yinghuo Xing has three gates, each containing a Red Emperor who guards one gate and serves the central Red Sovereign Lord. The Red Sovereign is the Upper Perfected of the South and a venerable deity of the Cinnabar Palace, who comes and goes in the Yuqing heavenly realm and maintains close relations with the Three Origins Upper Sovereigns. The Red Emperor Lords within the star, sometimes called the Duke of Red Numen, Red God, Red Essence, or Red Emperor, are all dispatched by the central Red Sovereign Upper Perfected Great Lord. Practicing inner-transmission secret methods such as the Eight Su can summon the Red Sovereign to descend; practicing the outer methods of the Five Numina can summon the Red God to confer scriptures. Thus Daoist methods distinguish inner from outer transmissions, and scriptures distinguish secret from public versions; inviting true deities involves differences of rank, and seeking audience with spirits follows an order of high and low.

When there are no stars, or on overcast nights, one may face south and practice visualization in the bedchamber; when stars are visible, one may go into the courtyard and sit to practice.

If there are no stars, or on a cloudy night, one may face south and visualize the stars within the bedchamber through mental concentration (cunxiang). If the stars are visible, one may practice in the courtyard, either seated or standing. This is what is known as the "Method of Racing to the Southern Star." This method is not to be transmitted to the Earth Immortals (dixian); anyone who divulges it commits the offense of leaking secrets.

The Earth Immortals have their own separate scripture, the Eight Plain Scripture (Basu Jing), which teaches methods for ingesting the qi of kings and for regulating breath through exhalation and inhalation. There is also the Nine Plain Scripture (Jiusu Jing), which covers arts such as summoning ghosts and spirits, commanding numinous beings, conjuring food and drink (xingchu), and inspecting the souls. Its aim is to roam the famous mountains on land and to attain immortality without death. Appended to the Eight Plain Scripture transmitted by the Earth Immortals are nine chapters of the "Song of Tianjun on Upper Quyang," and appended to the Nine Plain Scripture are eight chapters of the "Yin Songs of the Phoenix's Breath and Dragon's Cry." These are all texts secretly transmitted among the Earth Immortals.

The Supreme Eight Plain Scripture of Racing to the Stars now under discussion concerns the path of cultivation of the Shangqing school, and is not the Eight Plain Scripture transmitted by the Earth Immortals. The chanting songs of the Earth Immortals are meant to await the Shangqing practitioners as they set out to roam.

The "Way of Flying Up to Venus" means this: Taibai, the planet Venus, is round and bright like a mirror, containing the essential qi of metal, its radiance shining forth. This is the path of cultivation of the Shangqing school, and is not the Eight Plain Scripture transmitted by the Earth Immortals. The chanting songs of the Earth Immortals are meant to await the Shangqing practitioners as they set out to roam.

The cultivation method for flying ascent into Venus is as follows. The Taibai Star (Taibai Xing, that is Venus) resembles a circular bright mirror containing the Jing (essence) Qi of Metal and shines in the western starry sky. Within the Taibai Star there are seven layers of portals, each containing seven rays of sharp light whose radiance hangs down illuminating seven million zhang. In each portal dwells one White Emperor, making seven White Emperors in all, who respectively guard the Western True Supreme Emperor Daojun.

At the center of the star body resides the Great Su Lesser Yang White Emperor Supreme True Daojun, whose taboo name is Liaoling and courtesy name Zhenxun; his consort’s taboo name is Biaoying and courtesy name Ling’en. They dwell within Venus, guarding the seven gates and circulating white light-Qi and Jing in order to illuminate the Shangyuan Zhenren.

To practice the method of flying ascent, first visualize the Taibai Star, rectify the mind and intention, and gaze upon the star. Press the right hand to the chest in salute, cover both nostrils with the left hand, hold the breath seven times, then knock the teeth twenty-seven times and swallow saliva nine times. Thereafter close both eyes and silently recite in the heart the taboo names and courtesy names of the Taibai True Emperor Lord and his consort three times. After recitation pray: “May I ride together with the Great Su Lesser Yang Lord and his consort upon the Eight Scenery Plain Carriage (a white carriage formed of scenic lights from the eight directions) and ascend to the Yuqing Palace (the heavenly palaces spoken of in Daoism).” When the prayer is finished, face the star and softly recite the invocation:

Seven rays of luminous Qi (vital energy) soar in splendid radiance, illuminating the West. Gazing upward at the seven-layered portals, one sees the Lingque (the palaces inhabited by the immortal perfected) with surging sharp gleams, pure white brilliance reflecting upon one another and revealing the ancestral source of Metal De (Virtue/Power). Within the portals dwells Shaoyang, titled the White Sovereign. Lady Ling’en resides in the Jade Chamber, dressed in orderly garments of pure white brocade, wearing flowing bells and tiger-shaped talismanic insignia, a Fuchen scarf upon her head and a golden ornament at her waist. She comes and goes through the empty void and walks before the Jade Firmament; the White Emperor leads the way in front while the Six Geng follow behind. She descends to receive the practitioner and proceeds northward to ascend the Yong Palace. The practitioner’s name is entered in the Shangqing (register of Daoist immortal realms), enabling them to become a True Duke.

After the incantation has been recited, lower the hands and no longer cover the nose. Then raise both eyes toward the stars, swallow the starlight twenty-seven times, and visualize all seven rays of light entering the throat. When this is fully completed, knock the teeth three times.

After fourteen years of uninterrupted practice, the Shaoyang White Perfected Upper Sovereign Lord of the Tai Bai star will submit a memorial to the Grand Emperor’s Jade Emperor Palace, inscribe the practitioner’s name in the Golden Pavilion of Shangqing, register it upon the Jade Slips, and confer the rank of Left True Duke of Shangqing so that they may oversee the affairs of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate).

The Tai Bai star possesses seven layers of portals; within each portal stands a White Emperor who guards that gate, and together they serve the central White Sovereign Dao Lord. The White Sovereign is the Upper Perfected of the West and the honored sovereign of Taisu, who comes and goes in the realm of mysterious clarity and is a companion of the Huangchu Dao Lord. The White Emperor Lords within the gates are known variously as the Duke of White Spirit, White Shen (spirit), White Jing (essence), or White Emperor Lord; all of them obey the central White Sovereign Upper Perfected Great Lord.

Cultivating the secret method of the Eight Su can cause the White Sovereign to descend; once the Five Spirits outer path has already been practiced, the White Shen will come to confer documents. Because the ranks of the immortal perfected differ in height, the cultivation of the Dao likewise possesses varying levels of depth and shallowness.

If there are no stars, or on an overcast night, one may face west in the bedroom and practice visualization. When stars are visible at night, one may go into the courtyard and practice sitting or standing. Daoists who observe fasting while cultivating the Dao (the Way) may also, indoors, visualize the true forms of the five stars according to the directions corresponding to each, and cultivate them together. These are all methods of the Higher Perfected (high-ranking true immortals), namely the practice of hastening to the western stars; they are not transmitted to Earth Immortals (immortals of a lower rank).

In the course of a single night one must successively ingest and receive the radiance of the five stars so that it circulates and pervades the entire body. In spring begin with the starlight of the east; in summer begin with the starlight of the south. When a particular star is in its season of command, take that commanding star first; this is the oral formula. When the so-called “Mo star” is in motion, one need not be bound to a fixed direction, but should follow its actual position and face toward that star to practice the oral formula.

When practicing, do not let others see; it should be done in a concealed place. This is the hidden Dao of the Most High, also known as the “Hidden Book” (a secretly transmitted method of cultivation). The Jing (scripture) repeatedly emphasizes that the method must be deeply concealed, even fearing that ghosts and spirits might peek at the title of the scripture chapter; still less should worldly people who transmit teachings lightly and casually be allowed to hear this content or see related markings. Even a blind and ignorant person must not on that account be permitted to see the title, because the human body also contains Seven Spirits (the deities that guard and protect the body); letting a person see it still counts as a leak, and one must be especially cautious.

To cultivate the Dao of the Hidden Book yet leak the names of the Hidden Book will bring investigation and punishment by the Three Officials (the deities in charge of Heaven, Earth, and Water) and will also invite misfortune. Each time one wishes to look at or study this material, first have those nearby withdraw, and also keep away from living creatures such as chickens and dogs; then burn incense, bow twice, and only afterward read.

The cultivation method of “Flying Ascent to Mercury” is as follows: Chenxing (Mercury, the Water Star) resembles a circular mirror condensed from the Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of water, reflecting the profound and secluded northern realm. Within the star are five gates, from each of which a sharp ray of light issues forth, shining downward for five million zhang. Each gate is guarded by one Black Emperor, so that five Black Emperors together protect the Northern Perfected Supreme Sovereign.

At the center of Mercury dwells the Tai Xuan Yin Yuan Hei Huang Daojun (Great Mystery Yin Prime Black Sovereign Lord of the Dao), named Qixuan with the courtesy name Jingchun; his consort is named Xuanhua with the courtesy name Longe. They reside within Mercury, watching over the Northern Perfected Supreme Sovereign among the five gates and circulating the mysterious luminous Qi so that the courtyard of the Northern Prime becomes bright and clear. Practitioners who attain the corresponding level may become Zhenren (Perfected Persons).

To practice the method of flying ascent, first visualize Mercury, compose the heart-Shen (spirit), and gaze fixedly upon the star while pressing both hands against the chest. Then raise the hands to cover the ears, perform the breath-holding method five times, knock the teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow saliva nine times. Just before closing the eyes, silently invoke the names of the True Sovereign Lord of Chenxing and his Lady three times in the heart, then reciting inwardly: “May I ride together with the Lord and Lady in the Eight Scenes Azure Carriage (the vehicle that bears immortals in flight) and ascend to the Shangqing Shangyuan Palace.”

After speaking these words, face the star and softly offer this prayer:

“The five Qi mysteriously and wondrously fly and ascend, their radiance spreading throughout the north. I look up at the five gates and see only flourishing, secluded azure palaces whose light shoots forth, reaching far into the distance, numinous radiance reflecting upon the cloudy vapors. Within is the Black Sovereign, courtesy name Jingyuan; Longe’s countenance is radiant. Together the two preside over the mysterious portals.”

He wears a cyan cape and a purple-brocade red skirt, with a tiger tally at the waist and a lotus crown upon the head. Rising from beyond the Nine Heavens, before he enters the Jade Ford of the immortal realm, the Black Emperor leads the way in front while the Six Ren spirit generals follow behind. The assembled gods come forth to welcome him, causing him to ascend the Purple Chamber (an immortal palace), registering his name in the register of the Most High and making him a Jade Perfected (a realized immortal True One).

When the prayer is finished, lower the hands so that they no longer cover the ears, then slightly open the eyes to gaze at the stars, absorbing the radiance of the stars twenty-seven times, and visualize the light of the five-pointed star entirely entering the body. Next, visualize the Six Ren spirit generals in attendance and the assembled gods coming to welcome, causing oneself to ascend the Purple Chamber, with the name registered in the register of the Most High, becoming a Jade Perfected. When the prayer is finished, lower the hands so that they no longer cover the ears, then again slightly open the eyes to look at the stars, absorbing the starlight twenty-seven times, and visualize the light of the five-pointed star entirely entering the throat. After everything is completed, knock the teeth three times. Knocking the teeth is a common action in Daoist cultivation, ordinarily used to gather and settle body and mind and to coordinate with the performance of the method.

If one continues to practice for fourteen years, the Supreme Mysterious Upper Emperor True Lord within Chenxing (the northern star) will report to the High Upper Palace and inscribe the practitioner’s name upon the jade tablets of the Linlang Immortal Chamber, confirming the name-register of the Jade Clarity Purple Script and ranking the practitioner among the True Dukes of Upper Clarity.

Chenxing has five gates; within each gate there is a Black Emperor who separately guards one gate and obeys the Mysterious Emperor Lord at the center. The Mysterious Emperor Lord is the Upper Perfected of the north, the Supreme Mysterious Honored Deity, who comes and goes in the realm of Upper Void and is a friend of the Purple Essence Dao Lord (Dao, the Way). These Black Emperors who guard the portals are sometimes called the Duke of Black Spirit, the Black God, Black Essence One, or the Black Emperor Lord; all of them obey the central Supreme Mysterious Black Perfected Upper Emperor Lord. Cultivating the secret Dao methods of the Eight Su can summon the Northern Emperor to descend; those who have already cultivated the outer methods of the Five Spirits can summon the Black Emperor Lord to come and confer a title or transmit a method-book. Because there are differences of high and low in levels of cultivation and status, the Dao methods likewise have distinctions between the hidden and the revealed.

If one encounters overcast weather or nights when the stars cannot be seen, one may practice as usual while resting peacefully indoors. This is a secret method transmitted from the High Upper, and it is also a method for flying in ascent to the Northern Chronogram; it is not something that earthly immortals (immortals who still walk in the human world) are permitted to hear.

In the Nine Palaces of Yuqing (Jade Purity), Shangqing (Highest Clarity), Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), and Taiqing (Great Clarity), each is provided with official residences and attendant officials. The ranks include high ministers, grandees, marquises, and earls. The arrangement of these offices is identical in each palace; they oversee one another and stand in successive subordination to those of higher station. The layout of the palaces is generally similar, yet the ranks of the Dao (the Way) distinguish honor from humility, and the De (Virtue/Power) and attainments of those who cultivate the Dao likewise vary in degree.

The cultivation method for flying ascent to the Earth Star: Zhenxing (Saturn) resembles a round mirror, formed from the condensed Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of Earth and radiating yellow light. Within Zhenxing are four gates; inside each gate are four pointed rays of brilliance whose light hangs down for four million zhang. Each gate is guarded by one Yellow Thearch, four in all, who protect Zhenyuan Huang Zhenjun.

At the center of Zhenxing dwells Zhonghuang Zhenhuang Daojun, named Cangmu and styled Danyan; his consort is named Kongyao and styled Feixian. They reside within Zhenxing, guarding and surveying the four gates, circulating yellow floral radiance so that a breath like a yellow robe flows and spreads, brightly illuminating the Central Origin and shining upon those who cultivate the Dao in search of the True.

To fly-ascend to the Earth Star, visualize Zhenxing, rectify the mind, gaze upon the star, and press both hands over the heart. After the visualization, raise the left hand and cover it over the Dongfang (the cavern chamber in the head associated with visualization of the spirits), then hold the breath four times, knock the teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow saliva nine times. Close the eyes and silently invoke the names and styles of Zhenxing Zhenjun and his consort, three times each. After this recitation say: “May I ride together with the Central Taihuang Daojun and his consort in the Eight-Scenery Golden Chariot and ascend to the Shangqing Palace.” Finally, facing the star, recite in a low voice the prayer saying:

Four types of Qi (vital energy) swirl back and forth through the air and gather at the Zhongyuan, the middle Dantian (energy center) within the human body. The practitioner gazes upward toward the Nine Heavens while observing the gates of the four directions, beholding the Yellow Terrace and Purple Chamber whose radiances intermingle, their splendor streaming forth as numinous light fills the space and celestial flowers fall into the vessels. Therein appears the Yellow Sovereign, whose courtesy name is Danyan. Only when the lady cultivates De (Virtue/Power) in secret is she reckoned a worthy one. She harmonizes body, mind, and the Qi of life, guiding mysterious Qi to infuse primordial Qi. Arrayed in a yellow cloud-patterned robe, a dragon-brocade garment, and a tiger-patterned skirt, a golden Fulu (talismans and registers) at her waist and a purple crown upon her head, she soars forth through the void and reveals her radiance before the Golden Gate. The Yellow Emperor leads the way ahead while the Six Ji spirits guard the carriage; together they descend to receive her. The practitioner then ascends the Heavenly Palaces, where the Most High inscribes his name in golden books and upon jade slips, enabling him to fly through the Great Void and become a Jade Minister, a celestial immortal official.

When the prayer is finished, the hands are withdrawn so they no longer cover the space above the Dongfang; then, facing the two eyes, one inhales starlight twenty-seven times while visualizing the radiances of the four directions all entering the throat. Afterward the teeth are clicked together three times.

After fourteen years of unbroken practice, the Central Yellow Supreme True Emperor Lord within Zhenxing reports to the Palace of the Most High, inscribes the practitioner’s name upon the azure slips of the Xiaotai, and assigns him a station in the Nine Mysterious Elixir Texts, making him a Perfected Lord of Highest Clarity who forms ties with the Supreme Perfected Ones of the Four Poles.

Zhenxing contains four gates, each housing a Yellow Emperor; each Yellow Emperor guards one gate and serves the Central Yellow True Emperor Lord. This Central Yellow True Supreme Sovereign is the highest deity of the Central Pole, moving in and out of the Taiwei Heavenly Palace and keeping company with the Huangchu Dao Lord. The gate-keeping Yellow Emperors are sometimes called Lord of Yellow Numen, Yellow Shen (spirit), Yellow Jing (essence), or Yellow Emperor Lord; all obey the Lord of the Central Yellow Supreme True. Those who cultivate the secret Dao of the Eight Whites are welcomed by the Yellow True Dao Lord; those who practice the outer methods of the Five Numina receive the Jing (scriptures) from the Yellow Emperor himself.

Even when the sky is overcast and the stars cannot be seen, one should still practice cultivation in the bedchamber while visualizing the stars of the five directions. The Perfected One said that visualizing the stars indoors is no different from seeing them with one's own eyes; do not cease cultivation simply because the stars are not visible. This is the way of hidden cultivation secretly transmitted by the Most High (Taishang), and also the secret method of ascending the stars.

When visualizing and ingesting the radiance of the stars, one must fully visualize the Star Perfected Supreme Sovereigns and the Sovereign Ladies riding the radiance as they descend, entering the mouth, and then swallowing them. During visualization, it is as if their forms can be seen before one's eyes. This is the oral formula transmitted by Lord Li.

Through long-term practice of the Most High's hidden cultivation method, by summoning and visualizing the Supreme Sovereigns of the five stars, within five years their forms will faintly appear; after seven years one will be able to see them completely and travel together with them. After fourteen years of cultivation, the Five Sovereigns will descend together, riding in carriages of mysterious florescence amid the purple clouds of the Three Primes; the Five Emperors lead the way in front, and the myriad Perfected Ones follow behind. The Five Sovereigns take the practitioner along in the carriage, ascending the stars in broad daylight, touring the heavenly realms, paying court at Jade Purity (Yuqing, the Qingwei Heaven of Daoism), and conferring immortal scriptures, making one a Supreme Perfected One of Highest Clarity (Shangqing).

The Most High (the supreme Dao) has secretly concealed the dates of the “Days of Five Communications” belonging to the Five August Highest Perfected Ones, withholding them from the immortals and Perfected Ones of the Nine Palaces. Only those who have received the Jade Book of Supreme Mystery and whose names are engraved in the Golden Pavilion will recognize these days when they arrive.

The so-called “Five Communications” are auspicious occasions when the jing (essence) and qi (vital energy) of the heavens flow freely and the Highest Perfected Ones assemble; they are likewise days on which the host of gods and the myriad immortals exchange congratulations. The scripture enumerates the dates and hours for each of the twelve months: the sixth of the first month at midday, the first of the second month at the Shen hour, the seventh of the third month at midnight, the ninth of the fourth month at mealtime, the fifteenth of the fifth month at midnight, the third of the sixth month at midday, the seventh of the seventh month at midnight, the fourth of the eighth month at midday, the twentieth of the ninth month at dawn, the first of the tenth month at dawn, the sixth of the eleventh month at midnight, and the twelfth of the twelfth month at midnight.

On these days the Highest August Great Perfected Dao Lords of the Five Stars, together with other deities, jointly ascend to Shangqing and Yuqing to pay homage to the Nine Mystery Most High Dao Lord. The thousand Perfected Ones, the thirty-six Celestial Emperors, and all immortal Perfected of Taiqing flying-immortal rank and above likewise gather in the Upper Palace of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) for celebration.

The heavenly realm also inspects whether seekers of the Dao on earth are diligent, records the names of those studying the Dao, and inscribes the registers in the Golden Pavilion as well as in the Rui Jian (the name-slips of the immortal realm). At the same time it evaluates the merits and faults of the seeker’s seven generations of ancestors, together with the gravity of their sins and banishments, and thereby grades those who cultivate perfection. If the seven generations of ancestors are without transgression and the seeker himself practices with concentrated diligence, he is entered in the Rui Jian, inscribed with jade writing, and granted the immortal office of Left Perfected Duke of Shangqing. If the ancestors’ sins are numerous, even diligent personal practice can only place the seeker among the lower ranks of true immortals. If the ancestors have accumulated guilt and the seeker himself bears many faults, even insufficiently diligent cultivation may still result in the status of a lesser immortal. The scripture stresses that once sins are recorded they cannot be cancelled by later merit, nor can deep faults be erased by diligence alone.

Nevertheless the Days of Five Communications constitute an auspicious assembly for the dissolution of guilt. Knowledge of the dates therefore affords an opportunity to petition for pardon. When the Five Perfected Ones hold court and the gods communicate freely, even distant sounds are heard and the most minute places are illumined. On that day a seeker of the Dao may pray for remission of the sins of seven generations of ancestors as well as of his own past faults. The scripture states that one may then report to the Three Officials (the divine offices administering Heaven, Earth, and Water), requesting exemption from punishment and banishment, or may address the Celestial Emperor directly, asking that the registers of sin be struck out, corvée labour remitted, and misfortunes dispersed, so that the seven generations of ancestors obtain ease and joy. The seeker’s own attainment of the Dao likewise brings blessing upon the ancestors. This practice, in which a single person’s kowtowing prayer extends its benefit to seven generations, is regarded as an important method of cultivating the Dao.

The scripture warns that unauthorized disclosure of the Days of Five Communications increases guilt by four degrees; even a thousand or a hundred repentances cannot reverse it. The Perfected One must therefore keep silent, write the contents out with his own hand, and store the document securely in an empty place, lest insects or other accidents damage or leak the writing and thereby violate the prohibition. Repeated caution is indispensable.

Lord Li said: On the appointed day, enter a secluded and hidden quiet chamber, burn incense, face north and bow five times, silently recite in the heart the names of the Highest Perfected Sovereign Lords of the Five Stars and their Ladies three times each, then knock the teeth five times. Next, remove the headcloth, kneel long on the ground, and respectfully report to the Five Stars, the Highest Sovereign High Perfected Dao Lords of the sun and moon and their Ladies, as well as Yuqing (Jade Purity), Taishang (the Most High), Shangqing (Highest Clarity), the Highest Sovereign, the Highest Emperor, and the Sage Lord of the Great Dao (Dao, the Way).

Then recount the thousandfold sins committed from the seven ancestors and parents down to one’s own person, praying that all karmic offenses since the distant ancestors may be dissolved; request the Three Officials (the divine offices governing Heaven, Earth, and Water) to transmit the report to the Heavenly Emperor so that the charges may be eliminated and deleted from the black slips that record the sins. Also pray that one may fly together with the Perfected of the Five Stars to Huachen, ascend to Shangqing (Highest Clarity), and come and go through the Jade Gate. Recall the origins of the faults committed, list each crime along with its gravity and quantity, and frankly declare them according to one’s own will; so long as the words are sincere, one should confess all the sins completely.

On this day of repentance and seeking pardon, the report can reach directly to Taishang (the Most High). It is the auspicious assembly period of Taishang, and also the day when celestial immortals celebrate the Highest Sovereign. The assembled Perfected Ones and Highest Emperors present on this day to the Highest Sovereign dragon robes, phoenix capes, tiger sashes, and flying garments; therefore this day is extremely precious and also suitable for seeking the dissolution of charges. If one does not know this Five Communications Day, one cannot request the release from sins according to the manner of this ritual. Those who cultivate the Dao should regularly practice this method and keep this day secret, not letting others know.

The Later Sage Lord Li further said: On this day one should contemplate auspicious matters, with the heart’s wish to fly up and become an immortal, and not be disturbed by various worries, lest the Jing (essence) soul fall into sorrow. Establish De (Virtue), bestow kindness, relieve the poor and destitute, do good and spread grace, and do not impose punishments of force. This is an auspicious day of Taishang. Taishang on this day sends Jade Boys and Jade Girls to secretly observe whether the cultivator is sincere. Even unspoken intentions, as well as thoughts of good and evil in the heart, are all already known and will be reported to the Highest Sovereign. Therefore on this day one should purify the heart, observe zhai (purification ritual), and do good; this is a matter of great importance.

The Later Sage Lord Li (an immortal perfected being who had been granted the Shangqing methods of the Dao and achieved success in cultivation) completely received the mysterious and wondrous teachings, practiced according to the instructions, and thereby attained the Dao (the Way). Later, he mounted the Eight Scenes chariot (the cloud-and-mist vehicle ridden by immortals) and ascended into the Shangqing Palace, where he received the heavenly books and was appointed as the Golden Portal Emperor Lord.

Before setting out, he personally transcribed the names of the Five Stars Central Emperor Upper Perfected Dao Lord and his consort, as well as the auspicious days of the Supreme Five Communications. These materials were written on jade slips of differing substances, placed into corresponding jade boxes, sealed with seals, and then stored in the stone caskets of the Five Sacred Mountains, with identifying inscriptions carved on the boxes.

The first was composed of white jade slips inscribed with cinnabar jade, enclosed in a Cloud Pistil box, sealed with the Three Lights seal, and hidden within the plain stone casket of Huayin Mountain at the Western Peak. The box was engraved with the words: “Precious treasure of heaven and earth, ultimate storehouse of famous mountains.” This means it is a precious treasure of heaven and earth, concealed in the most secret location of a renowned mountain.

The second consisted of green jade slips written with yellow jade, enclosed in a Phoenix Jade box, sealed with the Audience with the Perfected seal, and deposited in the green stone casket of Mount Tai at the Eastern Peak. Its inscription read: “Profound chapter of the Ten Heavens, secluded cavern of the Upper Spirits.” This signifies that it is the esoteric scripture of the ten heavenly realms, hidden in the deep cave dwellings of the spirits of the upper world.

The third used dark jade slips inscribed with bluish jade, enclosed in a Qiong Rigid box, sealed with the Grand Mystery seal, and stored in the yellow stone casket of Mount Heng at the Southern Peak. The box carried the same inscription: “Profound chapter of the Ten Heavens, secluded cavern of the Upper Spirits.” The meaning is likewise that this secret text pertains to the ten heavenly directions and is kept in the secluded places of the upper spirits.

A subsequent record mentions another document made in the same way with dark jade slips and bluish jade writing, enclosed in a Qiong Rigid box and sealed with the Grand Mystery seal, likewise hidden in the yellow stone casket of Mount Heng at the Southern Peak. Upon this box was carved: “Lofty treasure of the Eight Mysteries, numinous garden of the Upper Perfected.” This indicates it is the noble treasure of the eight mysterious heavens and constitutes the elegant spiritual domain of the Upper Perfected.

The last was fashioned from gold slips inscribed with green jade, enclosed in a Vermilion Gem box, sealed with the High Emperor seal, and concealed in the white stone casket of Mount Heng at the Northern Peak. The inscription stated: “Superior Dao of the Seven Numina, exceptional palace of the Grand Perfected.” This means it is the advanced method of the Dao transmitted by the Seven Numinous deities, preserved in the special palaces of the Grand Perfected immortals.

Another copy is also to be transcribed, fashioning the bamboo slips from jasper and inscribing them in gold, then placing them into an ornate langgan jade casket, sealing it with the Zhonghuang seal (a Daoist seal), and depositing it within the mysterious stone casket of Mount Song, the Central Peak. Upon the casket the words are to be engraved: “The separate treasury of the Nine Heavens, the deep repository of the Five Peaks.” This phrase indicates that the site serves as a special storehouse in which the Nine Heavens collect scriptures and likewise as a profound treasury in which the Five Peaks preserve their canonical texts.

A further copy is to be made and distributed separately to the Five Peaks, to be guarded by the Lords of the Five Peaks (the spirits who govern the Five Sacred Mountains). When the auspicious assembly of the Renchen day arrives and the Sage Lord descends, the deities of the Five Peaks are to be summoned, the scriptures withdrawn from the caskets, and handed over to the Upper Ministers and Four Assistants (the immortal officials who assist the honored deities of heaven), so that they may instruct those qualified to cultivate the Way of the Highest Perfected.

Yet another copy is to be prepared, taking white silk as the writing surface and inscribing it personally with brushes of eight colors. The invocations and expositions are written in sequence, explaining the methods that lead to the True Realm; also recorded are the essential points of cultivation such as tu-na (the regulation of breathing), advancing and withdrawing, together with the way of seeking ascent to the Five Chen (the immortal realms corresponding to the celestial stars). It is copied in five portions. On the day when sins and faults are remitted, it is titled “The Eightfold Unadorned True Scripture, the hidden scripture of the Most High.” The scripture is then entrusted to the Perfected of Great Vacuity, the Red Lord of the Southern Peak (the Perfected who dwells on Nanyue and transmits the methods of the Dao), so that he may descend into the world and transmit it to those who study the Dao. Those who from former lives possess the true gold and jade graphs (symbolizing the innate credentials of being destined to cultivate the Dao), whose names are inscribed in the Golden Pavilion, and who are fated to become Perfected Ones, must not transmit the scripture beyond rank to earthly immortals.

Those who obtain the Most High’s Hidden Book of the Eightfold Unadorned have already been registered in the Mysterious Register (the immortal register that records the names of those who cultivate the Dao). The scripture should be given to the Perfected of Great Vacuity, the Red Lord of the Southern Peak, so that he may descend and transmit it to students of the Dao. Those who from former lives possess the true gold and jade graphs, whose names are inscribed in the Golden Pavilion, and who are destined to become Perfected Ones, must not transmit it out of rank to earthly immortals.

All who obtain the Taishang Basu Yinshu have their names already recorded in the mysterious registers of the Purple Palace in the heavens and inscribed on the jade tablets of Shangqing. They are destined to receive the mandate to become Zhenren, and that is why they are able to acquire this Jing (scripture). Among worldly people, only one in ten million by chance receives this Jing granted by celestial deities. Some obtain it yet do not cultivate; this is because they have the karmic affinity to receive the mandate merely to transmit the classic for a time, serving as messengers of the Shangzhen (high-ranking immortal Zhenren). Do not doubt it: even if one does not practice after receiving the Jing, one will still become a Shijie xian (an immortal who leaves the mundane world by abandoning the physical form or feigning death), though one cannot become a flying immortal Zhenren. After Shijie, one will gradually embark on a still more wondrous path of cultivation, coming to understand the deluded thoughts that once possessed the mind; this takes some years, but after a little while one can return to original authenticity and transcend the dusty world. Strive diligently in cultivation, and also keep this secret with care.

After receiving the teachings, the Perfected of Great Vacuity (Taixu Zhenren) transmitted them downward, saying: “This is the numinous and wondrous scripture of the Most High, a marvelous method for attaining the Way of the immortal Perfected. Within seven hundred years, it may be transmitted only three times.”

Lord Wang the Upper Steward (Shangzai Wangjun) said: “Within every hundred years it may be transmitted to two people; if someone obtains a true spiritual response, it may also be transmitted to him. Yet within seven hundred years transmission is permitted only three times in total. Before transmission both parties must observe a seven-day purification fast, after which the scripture may be delivered; the recipient must do likewise. They must also form an alliance, take a vow, and make a solemn declaration in order to firm the resolve of the one receiving the method.

“Those who receive and cultivate the Way of ‘the Five Stars Bringing Forth the Highest Perfected’ should prepare forty feet of white silk and two pairs of silver rings for the transmitting master. Those who receive and practice the method of the Five Penetrations should prepare thirty-two feet of blue cloth for the transmitting master, taking as their pledge a lifelong covenant never to disclose it.

“Thereafter the Three Officials (Sanguan, the divine offices in charge of Heaven, Earth, and Water) will report the matter directly to the Celestial Emperor. The Celestial Emperor will then invite Jade Maidens to come and serve at the disposal of the one who received the writing; the Three Officials will also report to Highest Clarity (Shangqing, the celestial realm honored in Daoism), and Highest Clarity will invite Jade Lads to come and attend upon this Numinous Text of the Eight Purities. There are thirty-two Jade Maidens and thirty-two Jade Lads, whose duty is to record the faults and merits of the holder of the text; even something as minute as a hair’s breadth is immediately reported to the heavenly palaces.

“If the scripture is transmitted to an unsuitable person or beyond the prescribed time; if one openly discusses the hidden scriptures, leaks the auspicious days, fails to keep the sworn covenant, or does not believe the secretly transmitted words, all of these constitute the crime of leaking forbidden secrets as set forth in the Illustrious Code of the Four Poles. The ancestors of three generations and the parents will also be examined by the Three Officials. The offender himself will sink to become a ghostly laborer in the lower realms, be flogged with stones from Mount Meng, serve at the Five Peaks, draw water from the Nether Sea to fill the Four Waterways (the four great rivers), lose all hope of attaining immortality, and undergo seven examinations in the underworld.

“When transmitting the scriptures and in your cultivation you must be grave and cautious, always treasuring them in secrecy. The Most High repeatedly enjoined Lord Li precisely out of fear that he would lose the orthodox Way. This scripture also records the taboo names of the Five Sovereign Highest Perfected Dao Lords and their consorts, as well as the dates for practicing the Five Penetrations; these ought not be known to ordinary mortals and therefore must be concealed even more strictly.”

The Later Sage Lord Li said: You live in a secular household and have not yet cultivated the supreme Dao (the Way). If you worry that various worldly evil influences and demons might invade your Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy), you may, at midnight, face the five directions. First hold your breath five times; then silently recite the incantation three times. The words of the incantation are those I have inscribed on the stone caskets of the Five Sacred Peaks. The text of the Western Peak is made into slips of white jade, and a copy is likewise carved for each of the other four peaks; at first there is no need to involve the White Silk Chapter. After reciting the incantation three times, knock the teeth thirty-six times. This can drive away all kinds of evil influences, restrain the three hun souls, and control the seven po souls. (The three hun and seven po are Daoist designations for the spiritual and vital activities of the human body; knocking the teeth, visualization, and reciting incantations are all common methods of Daoist cultivation.)

This formulation of the incantation does not come from the Daoist Jing (scriptures) of the outer residences; it has no fixed chapters or verses, and the hundred evils, the three hun, and the seven po would not fear such a formulation. The marvels of the Dao are hidden and secret, true and mysteriously remote, beyond ordinary knowledge. Even mere external title-texts can subdue evil influences. If they can drive away the hundred evils and restrain the hun and po souls, how much more the superior scriptures treasured in the stone caskets? The hundred ghosts, the myriad Jing (essences), and all manner of evil influences and monsters wander among the famous mountains, dispatched by the host of spirits. When they see the characters carved on the stone caskets of Lord Li of the Five Sacred Peaks, although they do not know what Daoist scriptures are actually stored inside the caskets, they feel fear in their hearts. A Daoist should often recite these inscribed texts; the ghosts and monsters will assume that this person is cultivating the scriptures within the caskets, and therefore they grow afraid and dare not come near.

Oral Instructions of the Perfected of the Grand Void

The Perfected of the Grand Void said: My former teacher once taught me that on the days of the Five Penetrations, when the sun has risen about three or four zhang high, stand upright and visualize in your mind that you are facing the sun; then visualize the spirits of the three hun souls entering the heart together with the sunlight. After a little while, hold the breath three times, swallow the saliva in the mouth three times, and then softly recite the incantation:

The sun radiates its brilliance in a purple-cyan glow that enters my Hun souls, illuminating my five forms (the physical body) and driving away the intrusion of ghosts and evils upon the heart-spirit, thereby making the mind peaceful and upright. This brilliance inwardly penetrates the nine Qi (vital energies within the body) and outwardly reaches the fetal mandate (the Qi mechanism related to the root of life), allowing me to ascend in flight to Shangqing (the pure and empty immortal realm of Daoism), with the Jade Register (the roster of immortal names) already determined for me.

Once the prayer is finished, wipe the eyes fourteen times with the hands and then knock the teeth fourteen times to complete the ritual. This method enables the three Hun souls to condense and become clear, rectifies the inner mind so that ghosts and evils cannot disturb the heart-spirit and the heart-spirit remains free from tempting interference. It is an important method for cultivating the Dao, and you should practice it regularly.

On the Five Communications days (specific days suitable for this practice), face the sun and try to sneeze as much as possible. If a sneeze cannot be produced, gently induce it in the nose with something soft while facing the sun, which can also elicit a sneeze. After sneezing, recite the prayer: “Heavenly light enters the body, the six fetal Qi (inner vital energy mechanisms related to the root of life) penetrate upward, the three Hun souls guard the spirit, and the seven Po souls (the souls constituting human spiritual activity) do not disperse. Receiving the sun’s light, I sneeze and shine together with the sun, flying up to Shangqing and taking my place among the True Lords.”

After completing this prayer, wipe the eyes twenty-seven times. This practice causes the Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) within the body to intermingle with the sunlight, allowing the three Hun souls to emit light internally, opening and brightening the mind, making the spirit unobstructed, and circulating the various Jing-Qi through the inner palaces (the viscera of the body). This need not be done except on Five Communications days.

It is also said: On the Yimao day of spring...

In spring one selects a Yimao day, in summer a Bingwu day, in autumn a Gengshen day, and in winter a Renzi day. On the night of that day, just before falling asleep, first grind equal amounts of cinnabar, realgar and orpiment into a fine powder, wrap it in cotton cloth to form a pellet the size of a jujube, and insert it into both ears before retiring. This is known as the method for eliminating the Three Corpses and refining the Seven Po; it is a secret technique that must not be disclosed to others.

At noon the next day bathe with eastward-flowing water. After washing, rearrange the bedding, change clothes and wash the discarded garments; put on shoes and bathe once more. Then sweep beneath the bed and throughout the chamber so that the room is clean. Reset the pillow, lie supine, close off the breath, and clench both hands in the grasping-firmly posture. After a short while recite this prayer softly:

“The Dao (the Way) of Heaven operates with constancy, causing the old to depart and the new to arrive. The High God bestows an auspicious day; bathing returns one to the true realm. The three Qi (vital energy) eliminate corpse impurities; cinnabar and the yellow medicines stabilize the hun and po. The precious method of cultivation refines the Seven Po, making them intimate with me.”

When the prayer is finished, this method is regarded as a superior dharma-gate for eliminating corpse impurities and an important secret for transforming the old form and renewing the body. It suffices to perform it once on the chosen day of each season.

When transmitting the Jing (scripture/classic), the Jade Boys and Jade Girls of Upper Jing (essence) (legendary Shen (spirits) who attend the perfected and inspect the transmission) must be present to observe, examining whether the recipient sincerely grasps the fundamental purport of the oral instructions and has received them completely. You should understand the meaning of this. Recipients of the precious Jing must be cautious: they must not privately disseminate them, still less use them to obtain wealth or relieve hunger and cold. Violators will die, their souls returning to the Three Officials (the divine offices that examine human sins and blessings) and becoming lowly filthy ghosts; the Three Officials will also impose this guilt upon their ancestors for three generations. This is the oath established by the Most High, a precious covenant sealed in blood.

When a cultivator of the Dao enters a famous mountain and is about to achieve immortality, the Jing should be cast into rivers, mountain forests or caverns, or distributed among recluses cultivating in the mountains. If after death one is to enter Taiyin (the netherworld) and if before passing there is no efficacious sign indicating to whom the Jing should be entrusted, then the Jing should be carried on one’s person. Transmission of Jing follows the same rules. At that time the Mysterious Center will surely manifest verification through dreams, and the Jade Boys of the Upper Perfected will confirm it through form and speech, after which arrangements may be made accordingly.