《上清河图宝箓》

The palaces of the Perfected of the Nine Heavens should have decorations that are suitable, using the colors black and cyan.

The Yangming Grand Commandant Palace is established with nine hundred twenty ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people. The Yin Essence Supreme Minister Palace is established with five hundred fifty ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people. The Perfected Minister of Works Palace is established with seven hundred seventy ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people. The Xuanming Guerrilla Palace is established with eight hundred ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people.

The Cinnabar Origin Dipper Lord Palace is established with seven hundred twenty ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people. The Northern Pole Grand Constant Palace is established with seven hundred seventy ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people. The Heavenly Pass Supreme Thearch Palace is established with seven hundred ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people.

The Assisting Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor Palace is established with nine hundred ninety ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people. The Assisting Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor Palace is established with nine hundred ninety ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people. The Assisting Heavenly Emperor Perfected Palace is established with nine hundred ninety ranks of officials, commanding nine trillion various spirit officials, flying-dragon cavalry officers, embroidered-robe envoys, and jade youths and jade maidens; each category has nine trillion people.

The following Fulu (talismans and registers) are all written with cinnabar.

The Yangming Star is the Grand Commandant of Heaven, in charge of right and wrong. It commands the Upper Perfected of the Nine Heavens (the high Perfected deities of the celestial realm), oversees the Flying Immortals of the Five Sacred Mountains, administers later-generation practitioners who have become Perfected through cultivating the Dao, and examines the relative weight of merits and faults among the spirits of Heaven and Earth. Its stellar domain measures nine hundred twenty li in circumference. There stands an Azure City Jade Tower inhabited by the Perfected Occupying the Dipper, titled Lord of the Nine Dawns, surnamed Shangling and named Yaotianchui. He wears a Nine Dawns jade crown, a flying robe of azure feathers, and holds the Mysterious Chart of the Dipper. Those who know his inner taboo name (the secretly transmitted name) can thereby attune to the descent of the Jade Dawn’s divine radiance and fly through the Great Void.

The Yinjing Star is the Supreme Steward of Heaven, in charge of ranks and emoluments. It commands the stellar lodges of Heaven and administers the myriad spirits as well as those who study immortality. Its stellar domain measures five hundred fifty-five li in circumference. There stands a Five-Colored Jade Tower inhabited by the Perfected Raising the Kui, titled Lord of the Northern Upper Dawn, surnamed Yuying and named Jimingguang. He wears a Mysterious Essence jade crown, a flying robe of dark feathers, and holds a five-colored feathered staff (a ceremonial insignia fashioned from colored feathers).

The Zhenren Star is the Minister of Works of Heaven, in charge of divine immortals. It commands the high Perfected of the Nine Heavens, oversees the numinous immortals of the Five Sacred Mountains, and administers those who cultivate the Dao. Its stellar domain measures seven hundred seventy li in circumference. There stands a Yellow Terrace Jade Tower inhabited by the Perfected Treading the Dipper, titled Divine Lord of the Immortal Flower, surnamed Gui and named Duzhongji. He wears a Flying Dawn precious crown, a flying robe of azure feathers, and holds the Cyan Register of the Dipper (a cyan Fulu associated with the Dipper constellation).

The Xuanming Star is the Mobile Commander of Heaven, in charge of suppressing rebels. It commands the ghosts and spirits of the Nine Heavens, administers the Three Officials of the Northern Emperor (the three divine officials under the Heavenly Emperor of the North), and oversees all living beings. Its stellar domain measures eight hundred li in circumference. There stands a Vermilion Terrace Jade Tower inhabited by the Perfected Pacing the Dipper, titled Dawn Lord of the Mysterious Upper Flying Canopy, surnamed Mingshu and named Yaotianzhu. He wears a Three Flowers precious dawn crown, a flying robe of cinnabar brocade, and holds the staff of the Radiant Spirit.

The Fifth Danyuan Star is the Doujun of heaven (the honored deity who oversees the Dipper stars and the registers of fate), governing human lifespan and the registers (the books that record the bestowal of registers upon immortals and the ranks of those who cultivate the Dao). Above it oversees the various registers of the Nine Heavens, in the middle it oversees the name registers of ghosts and spirits, and below it oversees the name registers of those who cultivate perfection; throughout all the heavens and all the earths there is nothing that does not fall under its overall administration. Around the star, spanning seven hundred twenty li, there is a Perfected One who dwells in the Plain Terrace Golden Tower and treads the principles of order, titled Jinkui Qichen Jun, with the surname Shangkai and the taboo name Bianwudao. He wears a Seven Treasures Flying Heaven Crown, is clad in a white brocade flying skirt, and holds the Qingyuan registers.

The Sixth Beiji Star is the Taichang of heaven (the honored deity in charge of promotions and advancements), who governs advancement in rank. Above it oversees the Highest Perfected of the Nine Heavens, in the middle it oversees the flying immortals of the Five Peaks, and below it oversees the ranks of those who cultivate the Dao. Around the star, spanning seven hundred seventy li, there is a Perfected One who dwells in the Mysterious Terrace Jade Tower and walks the Dipper Outline, titled Beichen Feihua Jun, with the surname Mingling and the taboo name Changshangyuan. He wears a Flying Essence Splendor Crown, is clad in purple brocade flying robes, and holds the Nine Dipper Jade Records.

The Seventh Tianguan Star is the Shangdi of heaven, who governs the pivotal mechanism of the movement of heaven and earth and also oversees the lengths of the four seasons, the flourishing and decline of temporal fortunes, and the cycles of kalpas. Around the star, spanning nine hundred li, there is a Perfected One who dwells in the Nine-Layer Jade Tower and travels by riding a dragon, titled Zongling Jiuyuan Beigai Chenjun, with the surname Xuanshu and the taboo name Kaitiantu. He wears a Nine Origins Treasure Crown, is clad in nine-colored brocade robes, and holds the Seal of the Radiant Spirit.

The Eighth Fu Star is the star of the Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor, belonging to the Daily Constant Yang (the stellar body corresponding to the sun and yang qi), and governs flying immortals. Above it oversees the Nine Heavens, below it administers the Nine Earths, and it also commands the immortal official subordinates of the Five Peaks and the Four Waterways (the four great rivers). Around the star, spanning nine hundred ninety li, there is a Perfected One who dwells in the Purple Qi Jade Tower and travels through the Three Destinies, titled Dizun Jiuchen Jun, with the surname Jingchang and the taboo name Kongshangkaizhengyan. He wears a Flying Essence Jade Crown, is clad in nine-colored phoenix robes, and holds a fire bell.

The Nine Assistant Stars are the stars of the Great Thearch Perfected One. They remain hidden in the void during the day and preside over the transformations of the primordial directions. Surrounding them for nine hundred and ninety li stand jade terraces and purple lodges. The Perfected Ones of the Three Yangs linger here; they are titled Lord of the Primordial Dawn of the Imperial Perfected, surnamed Youkong and named Mingyanghui Youliao. He wears a flying-heaven jade crown, is clad in nine-heaven dragon robes, and holds the imperial insignia.

The First Heavenly Pivot Star is the star occupied by the Lady of the Mysterious Upper Perfected Sovereign of Kui Essence in the Primordial Dipper Palace. The lady’s surname is Mingtong and her given name is Yuying. The phrases that follow—“true name Youkong, taboo name Mingyanghui Youliao, flying-heaven jade crown, nine-heaven dragon robes, holding the imperial insignia”—are identical to the earlier account of the Lord of the Primordial Dawn of the Imperial Perfected. The original text is semantically incoherent at this point and may contain errors or omissions.

The First Heavenly Pivot Star is the star occupied by the Lady of the Mysterious Upper Perfected Sovereign of Kui Essence in the Primordial Dipper Palace. The lady’s surname is Mingtong and her given name is Yuying. She wears her hair in a flying-cloud florid receding chignon and is clothed in garments of purple, yellow, and azure\ldots [the original text here is garbled and cannot be deciphered]. She constantly emits azure Qi (vital energy) from her mouth, whose radiance shines upon the Yangming Star.

The Second Heavenly Whirl Star is the star occupied by the Lady of the Upper Mysterious Sovereign of Numinous Essence in the Mysterious Kui Palace. The lady’s surname is Xuanjing and her given name is Yuboguang. She wears a phoenix-patterned brocade cape adorned with numinous-flying purple sashes. She constantly emits black Qi from her mouth, whose radiance shines upon the Yinjing Star.

The Third Heavenly Mechanism Star is the star occupied by the Lady of the Primordial Sovereign, the Numinous Consort, in the Upper Essence Palace. The lady’s surname is Changyang and her given name is Huazhen. She wears an establishing-dawn infant-treasure crown and is dressed in\ldots [the original text here is garbled and cannot be deciphered], and she wears flying-dawn sashes. She constantly emits yellow Qi from her mouth, whose radiance shines upon the Perfected Star.

The Fourth Heavenly Power Star is the star occupied by the Lady of the Florid Sovereign, the Upper Numinous Divine Consort, in the Polar Outline Palace. The lady’s surname is Kaisheng and her given name is Yunming. She wears a seven-tier jade crown and gauze robes patterned with phoenixes and ornamented with “Golden Perfected Jade Radiance.” She constantly emits crimson Qi from her mouth, whose radiance shines upon the Xuanming Star.

The Fifth Jade Transverse Star is the star occupied by the Lady of the Central Sovereign of the Northern Upper Golden Canopy in the Numinous Opening Palace. The lady’s surname is Yuanfang and her given name is Shenwu. She wears a purple-dawn flying-florid crown and is adorned with nine-colored\ldots [the original text here is garbled and cannot be deciphered]. She constantly emits white Qi from her mouth, whose radiance shines upon the Danyuan Star.

The Sixth Yueyang Star is the Flying Extreme Nether Star.

At the end the text once more records the Fifth Jade Transverse Star and the Lady of the Central Sovereign of the Northern Upper Golden Canopy in the Numinous Opening Palace, the wording being essentially the same as that given earlier.

The sixth is the Yueyang Star, located in the Feiji Palace. Dwelling in the palace is the Upper Chenhua Yuanhuang Lady, whose surname is Wangyuan and whose personal name is Genhua (the rendering of the name and taboo name is retained as in the original). She wears the Jade Dawn Advancing Worthy Crown and is clad in flying cyan plumage... (here the original contains numerous garbled characters, rendering the names of her garments unidentifiable). From her mouth she constantly emits green Qi (vital energy), whose radiance shines toward the North Star.

The seventh is the Yaoguang Star, which courses through the heavenly palaces. Within the palace is the Yuhua Linghuang Lady, surnamed Qingwu, with the personal name Zhonghui. She arranges her hair in a flying-splendor cloud-sloping chignon, wears a seven-colored night-luminous cloud-brocade skirt, is draped in a nine-colored brocade cape, and wears the Heavenly Might Numinous Jade Tablet. From her mouth she constantly emits red Qi, whose radiance shines toward the Tianguan Star.

The eighth is the Dongming Star, located in the Kongying Palace. Within the palace is the Taichang Huang Lady, surnamed Yousheng, with the personal name Yuanyun. She wears a sloping-cloud chignon and is adorned with luo-patterned... nine-radiance ribbons (one of the designations is garbled in the original). From her mouth she constantly emits azure Qi, whose radiance shines toward the Fu Star.

The ninth is the Kongxuan Bianling Shanghuang Lady, surnamed Mingtong, with the personal name Wanguang. She wears a seven-cheng jade crown, is dressed in a cyan-patterned brocade skirt, and wears the nine-radiance night candles. From her mouth she constantly emits black Qi, whose radiance shines toward the Bi Star.

In the original text a passage concerning the eighth Taichang Huang Lady appears more than once.

The following are the matters for which one petitions the Jade Emperor Lords of the heavenly realm.

One recounts the faults of others and explains one’s own correctness; one stops the wicked actions of others and declares one’s own good deeds. One reproaches oneself and does not harbor resentment toward others; having understood the principles involved, one prays for the protection of the deities so as to eradicate offenses and prolong good fortune. For this purpose one petitions Heaven’s Grand Commandant, the First Jade Emperor Lord.

One studies the arts of Yin-Yang in order to obtain official salary and rank, and petitions Heaven’s High Steward, the Second Jade Emperor Lord.

One studies the methods of the Dao, aspiring to immortality and to communion with the deities and sagely realms, and petitions Heaven’s Minister of Works, the Third Jade Emperor Lord.

One subdues the fierce and rebellious among ghosts and spirits and slays the ferocious evils of both the netherworld and the human realm, petitioning Heaven’s Guerrilla Commander, the Fourth Jade Emperor Lord.

One establishes meritorious achievements and De, increases one’s span of life and extends one’s years, petitioning Heaven’s Dipper Lord, the Fifth Jade Emperor Lord.

When one encounters hardship, illness, and disaster, one prays for the redress of grievances, for liberation, and for exemption from calamity, petitioning Heaven’s Grand Constant, the Sixth Jade Emperor Lord.

When the Yin-Yang of heaven and earth falls out of balance and the climate turns abnormal, one should pray to the Celestial Lord on high, the Dipper Lords of Heaven, and the Fifth Jade Sovereign Lord. When Qi (vital energy) and blood are obstructed and one faces illness or calamity, seeking to dispel disaster, pray to the Taichang in heaven and the Sixth Jade Sovereign Lord. When the Yin-Yang of heaven and earth is unbalanced and the climate abnormal, pray to the Celestial Lord on high and the Seventh Jade Sovereign Lord. To avert all manner of disasters and protect those above and below, pray to the Heavenly Worthy Jade Emperor and the Eighth Jade Sovereign Lord. To make transformation flexible and unobstructed, responding to and rescuing all things, pray to the Taichang and the Ninth Jade Sovereign Lord.

The inner surnames and hidden names (secretly transmitted titles) of these Nine Sovereign Lords and Nine Ladies, once known and firmly remembered, can extend years and confer longevity. Every night, frequently visualize them, imagining the forms, appearances, and majestic radiance of the Sovereign Lords and Ladies, keeping their surnames and hidden names firmly in the heart while concentrating on the visualization. If one is able to see the Eighth and Ninth stars, longevity will be without end.

The Nine Sovereign Lords and Nine Ladies are the hun-essence of the Nine Qi, the po-spirits of the Nine Heavens, as well as the wondrous images of the Nine Sovereigns and the awe-inspiring deities whose transformations are boundless. Male and female cultivators of the Dao may wear these Fulu (talismans and registers) and employ them in Zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremonies. Whether coming or going, sitting or lying in quiet contemplation, or encountering sorrow, anger, illness, and calamity, one should always visualize and remember them, seeking to heal disease, support the weak, cultivate oneself, and aid others, so that disasters dissipate, blessings are enjoyed, and one communicates with the divine.

In emergencies, according to the ritual method, write the Fulu with a vermilion brush on bamboo slips or plain silk, bow twice toward the north, then ingest them with jinghua water (well water drawn at dawn). Begin with the first and proceed in sequence to the ninth, then start again; if after one to three times the worries are eliminated and the illness cured, one may stop. There is no need to recite other incantations; simply concentrate on visualizing the secret names of the Nine.

Diligently perform good deeds and persist for nine years without interruption, and spiritual powers will surely be obtained. This is an important decree of the Jade Emperor; never leak it casually, but keep it secret and cultivate accordingly. In this way one may become a Zhenren or Yuanjun, traveling among the Upper Sages, the Yuanjun of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and the Zhenren. When receiving the transmission, draw the images on plain silk, report it, and then transmit; secretly storing these names in the heart, one can become an immortal.

Anyone who is to receive the Hetu (River Chart) must first invoke the inner names of the Nine Sovereigns (the secret names of the nine Celestial Sovereigns). The recipient of the Fulu (talismans and registers) should observe a purification fast of nine, seven, five, three, or one day, composing the wording according to the actual length of the fast and reporting it to the deities. After the fasting period has ended, one should seclude oneself behind closed doors in quietude in a mountain lodge or altar hall, then present a memorial according to the format given below. (The following text is missing.)

The Shangqing Hetu Baolu (Precious Register of the River Chart of Highest Clarity) ends here.