《上清洞真天宝大洞三景宝箓》

Scroll One of the Supreme Clarity Cavern of Truth Heavenly Treasure Great Cavern Threefold Radiance Treasure Registers: The Supreme Lord’s Golden Tiger Talisman and Register, ranked first in the Jade Clarity section.

On the following year, month, day, and hour, the male and female disciples from a village in a county of a certain prefecture—whose names, ages, and dates and times of birth are as follows: …—have now prepared the appropriate gifts and are going to the residence of the Three Caverns Master, Lord So-and-so, to request transmission of the Supreme Lord’s Golden Tiger Talisman and Register. After receiving and wearing the talisman, they must cultivate and practice in accordance with the prescribed rules. They must not reveal it carelessly or defile its sacred markings. Anyone who violates these rules will incur the punishment of the divine beings and will not be pardoned, even after countless eons. Those who cultivate and practice according to the rules may become immortals in life and in death. All must be carried out in accordance with the covenant and precepts.

The True Talisman of Golden Tiger and Jade Essence of the Great Lord of the Subtle Empyrean is an inner incantation contained within the naturally formed Golden Writ of the Primordial Origin’s Supreme Radiance. It can command and direct Golden Immortals, seal off mountains, summon divine beings, and wield a power that shakes the Six Heavens. Those who violate the prohibitions will not be pardoned, even after countless eons; those who cultivate and practice according to the rules may become immortals in life and in death. All must be carried out in accordance with the covenant and precepts.

Here, “talisms and registers” refers to the sacred markings transmitted, received, and worn in Daoism; the “Six Heavens” refers to the celestial realm in Daoist thought.

The True Talisman of the Golden Tiger and Jade Essence of the Heavenly Emperor of Taiwei is an inner sound-text contained within the Natural Golden Register of the Supreme Radiance of the Great Origin. It can command and direct Golden Immortals, seal and subdue mountains, and summon spirits. Its power shakes the Six Heavens and cuts down the demons. The Supreme One regularly dispatches the Four Spirits, the Six Jia, and seven hundred thousand divine soldiers to guard this talisman in the Jade Palace of Taiwei.

Those who wear this talisman can awe Heaven and Earth and rebuke the assembled spirits. They can ride the Radiant Dragon and take their place among the exalted immortals. As soon as the jade sound within the talisman is released, Jade Radiance attends at their side, while Golden Perfected beings lead troops to guard them. A thousand kinds of demons and spirits lose their courage; ten thousand ghosts vanish without a trace; the Nine Demons bow down together, and even the Six Heavens are subdued. The talisman contains the wondrous principles of the Dao and enables one to reach the utmost perfection. Spirits gather the numinous Qi of the Five Directions; the Mysterious Youth answers from the left, and Golden Dawn is summoned from the right. This is a great and precious text that embodies the numinous power of the Great Emperor. It is used not only to ward off poison, avert disasters, and destroy demons and spirits, but also serves as a wondrous method and proof for seeking immortality and cultivating the Dao.

Twenty-seven attendant Jade Maidens guard the body of anyone who holds the scripture. By observing the rules for revering talismans and registers, one may ascend to the palaces of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). But if one breaks or neglects these rules, or passes the talisman to someone unworthy, one will suffer calamities of wind and fire and will never be pardoned. The talisman is written in cinnabar on white silk and worn on the head. It must also be tied at the right side of the waist with a yellow and blue-green sash. Everything must be done according to the regulations of the Supreme One’s covenant and ritual code.

All the talismans in this volume are written in cinnabar.

The True Talisman of the Golden Elixir of the Supreme Radiance of the Great Origin possesses numinous power. Its inner invocation, spoken silently or aloud, can summon divine soldiers and destroy wicked souls. Enter a quiet chamber and burn incense. Click the teeth together thirty-six times, then sit or lie down and recite:

The King of the Poisons of Biqu (the name of a ghost spirit) rises up and shakes the Shiluo standard (the name of a banner). The Eight Immortals hold axes and battle-axes in their hands, and the Five Spirits of the August Emperor appear. The light of Great Mystery descends, and the Seven Mornings guard the courtyard. The talisman of Yellow Truth shines brilliantly; the fire bell flares and is cast forth. The divine tiger surges up in might, and poisonous blades appear in profusion. Purple clouds display their grandeur, while the spirits of the four quarters lift their heads and cry out. The four heavenly powers blaze with authority and can discern the names of ghosts. Outside the body, mysterious Qi flows; within the heart, I uphold the methods of the master and the troops of the spirits. On the left I display my might; on the right I keep watch. I attack with wind and subdue with fire. I cry out against and slay ten thousand kinds of evil, cutting down a thousand sorts of demons. Golden Truth displays its might; the Nine Demons are bound and subdued, and the Northern Feng (the northern underworld) collapses and falls. Wherever they go, all is swept away. They can discern the names of ghosts; outside the body, mysterious Qi flows; within the heart, I uphold the methods of the master and the troops of the spirits. On the left I display my might; on the right I keep watch. I attack with wind and subdue with fire, crying out against and slaying ten thousand kinds of evil, cutting down a thousand sorts of demons. Golden Truth displays its might; the Nine Demons are bound and subdued, the Northern Feng collapses and falls, and all they encounter is destroyed. I wear the true talisman and command the myriad spirits. The Three Offices (the celestial, terrestrial, and aquatic officials) report to the true gods, joining my sincerity with that of the Emperor of Heaven. August Emperor of Taiwei, may I ascend into the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the highest heavens of Daoism.

The Method of Inner Invocation to the Awesome Spirit of the Supreme Primordial High Radiance is a secret scripture of the Shangqing school, its use restricted by taboos. “King of the Poisons of Biqu” is the secret inner name of one of the ghost spirits among the Great Ghosts of the Six Heavens. “Shaking the Shiluo standard” is the hidden name of the Northern Emperor’s demon king. “The four heavens blaze with authority” is the soul name of the ghost marshal of the Northern Feng. Knowing the names of these three kinds of spirits can send a thousand kinds of evil fleeing and make ten thousand ghosts hide their forms; the Nine Demons will not dare to intrude, and a hundred evils will be unable to reveal themselves and cause harm. Whether alone in the mountains and forests or among officials, ancestral temples, and places where ghosts and spirits gather, one may carry out this method without burning incense or entering a chamber. If one wishes to fast and enter a chamber to pay homage to and attend the Eight Primordial Spirits, and to perform rites for subduing demons, summoning spirit officials, and commanding divine beings, one should wear the talismans and registers before carrying out the rites.

The Supreme One’s Divine Tiger Talisman

The Lord, the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei, said to the High Minister, the Azure Lad, and the Queen Mother of the West: “To perform rites for subduing demons, summoning spirit officials, and commanding divine beings, one should wear the talismans and registers before carrying out the rites.”

The Supreme One’s Divine Tiger Talisman

The Lord of Heaven Taiwei said to Lord Qing Tong, the High Minister, and the Queen Mother of the West: “The Jing of Perfect Truth: The Shangqing Text of Wisdom That Dispels Demons is a precious scripture of the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate). It is also the true formula of the exalted Dao (the Way) and the numinous talisman of the spirit tiger, a classic treasured by the Perfect Ones of the Nine Heavens. Practicing the Text of Wisdom can cleanse defilement; using the method for dispelling demons can subdue evil spirits; and employing the true talisman can restrain demons and destroy uncanny beings. Those whose names appear on jade slips and in the register of purple names, and who are able to practice the highest methods, will not be disturbed by various evil spirits or subjected to the trials of the myriad demons. This is why the ten thousand kinds of calamity cannot harm them, and it is the power of the spirit tiger talisman and the efficacy of the wondrous methods in this true scripture.

“Now I pass this scripture on to you. You may transmit it to those who come after you and are destined to become Perfected Ones. In transmitting it, you must follow the rules established by the Perfect Ones: it may be transmitted only three times in seven hundred years. Do not pass it on to the unworthy, and do not casually reveal this true text. Otherwise, you will face a trial in which windlike blades cut the body.

“Those who cherish and seek the true meaning of the Dao, devote themselves to practicing its mysteries, do not begrudge their possessions, regard wealth lightly, and honor the Dao’s methods will find the Dao everywhere. Transmission must likewise follow the rules of the Perfect Ones: it may be passed on only three times in seven hundred years. Do not transmit it to the unworthy or casually reveal the true text, or you will face the trial of wind blades. Only with such people may you discuss this scripture. If someone inwardly covets treasures and outwardly is restless and enamored of empty display, then even though the Dao has already seen through their heart, you must seal the scripture in a jade casket and lock it away in the Golden Palace. After ascending and attaining deliverance yourself, hide it in a famous mountain.

“The foregoing is the Jade Invocation of the Majestic Spirit of the Golden Empyrean of the Nine Heavens at the Jade Capital of the Most High. It is also the Great Spirit Tiger Talisman from the Most High’s Primordial Scripture.”

The large Divine Tiger characters on the right, along with the incantation used when wielding the Divine Tiger talisman, were placed by the Most High in the Chamber of the Primordial Beginning and are not transmitted among human beings. Only perfected adepts who have attained the Dao may see them. According to the regulations of the Taiji prohibitions, a practitioner may transmit them to only one person on the day he is about to ascend to immortality. After that day, they may not be transmitted again. The transmission ceremony follows the procedure described earlier.

The preceding text also stipulates that during the transmission, the disciple must personally copy a version and hand it to the master. Under the regulations of the Hundred Prohibitions, a practitioner may transmit it to only one person on the day he is about to ascend to immortality; after the appointed day, it may not be transmitted again. The ceremony is the same as described above. During the transmission, the disciple must also personally copy a version and hand it to the master. A hundred days later, the master must sink this document into flowing water that runs eastward, where no one else can see it. The document is called “Crossing Over to the Way of Humanity.” By means of it, the master solemnly swears an oath binding the Three Officials, the Daoist deities who govern Heaven, Earth, and Water.

The Formula and Incantation for Wielding the Most High’s Great Divine Tiger Talisman

Anyone who receives the Most High’s Secret of the Jade Essence Divine Tiger Great Talisman must, after completing purification, swearing the oath, and receiving the method, cross their hands, draw a talisman, and hand it to the master. Once a hundred days have passed since the disciple received the scripture, the master must observe purification for three days, then seal together the talisman drawn by the disciple, the oath document, and the incantation. The master must close and seal them in an iron document case, then sink it into the depths of the Eastern Sea. A document case is an implement used to seal and mark documents.

As the case is being lowered, the master must look up to Heaven and pray:

“True talisman of the Most High, Divine Tiger of Jade Essence: whoever receives this method will have their name inscribed in the registers of immortals. May their punishments and trials be reduced, so that they are certain to attain perfection; may sorrow and suffering be dispelled. This method must not be disclosed. Ten thousand years pass as an instant. I solemnly swear an oath to the Water Official and urgently pledge myself to Houtu, the deity who governs the Earth.”

After the prayer, the master must return directly and be sure not to look back. This is called “completing the oath.” It is a ceremony in which one swears an oath to the Three Officials and begins the process of entering one’s name in the registers of immortals. If those in the world receive this method but fail to complete the prescribed ceremony, they may never wear the Divine Tiger talisman, and their names cannot be entered in the registers of Shangqing immortals. After three years, their bodies will die, and they will be subjected for a long time to punishment and examination by the Water Official.

After renewing the oath, the beginning of the entry in the registers of immortals should be recorded under the name of the relevant season. If those in the world receive this method but fail to complete the prescribed ceremony, they may never wear the Divine Tiger talisman, and their names cannot be entered in the registers of Shangqing immortals. After three years, their bodies will die, and they will be subjected for a long time to punishment and examination by the Water Official.

After renewing the oath of alliance, choose a Wushen day in one of the four seasonal months. With a vermilion brush, draw the talisman on white cloth; it should be three chi and two cun long. Write it according to ritual procedure while facing west, toward the “White King.” Knock the teeth together seven times, then pray:

“Spirit of the Supreme One’s divine tiger, gather into purple talismanic script, containing the radiance of jade essence. Subdue mighty demons and command the myriad spirits. Divine youths come to attend me; jade maidens support my body. Wearing this talisman, I can command the golden soldiers, become an Immortal King, and ascend to Shangqing, the high celestial realm in Daoist teaching.”

After the prayer, knock the teeth together seven more times and swallow the saliva in the mouth three times. That same day, place the talisman in a purple silk pouch or a white brocade pouch and wear it on your person.

According to the Four Extremes Precepts, this talisman is of utmost importance and must not be passed on casually among people in the earthly realm. Earlier accounts say that only those already entered in the registers of the immortals and listed among the Jade Court may be qualified to hear of it and behold it. On the day of transmission, write it in vermilion on white silk, roll it into a shape of any size, and place it in a pouch. It may be worn as long as it has not been defiled. All related matters must be kept secret. Do not mix it with other scriptures, and do not make its title public. This is forbidden by Taiji, the Supreme Ultimate, so be especially cautious.

The numinous Qi and luminous essence of the Great Origin Supreme Talisman gather into seven divine tigers, which constantly accompany and guard the person who wears it. They are used to subdue evil demons and dispel misfortune. Once protected by the divine tigers, you must not tell anyone that you possess a Celestial Talisman or disclose its title. Tell one person, and one tiger will leave; tell two, and two will leave; tell three, and all seven divine tigers will withdraw. Then no troops or generals will guard the wearer’s body, and evil demons, wicked ghosts, the Three Offices, and the Northern Emperor will come to test and harass them. If you have not yet become an immortal, keep the secret strictly. The Four Alliances Precepts repeatedly warn you to be especially cautious.

Recommender

Supervising ordainer

Ordination master (the teacher who transmits Daoist methods)

Taishang Feibu Kongchang Lu (the name of a talismanic register transmitted by the Supreme One)

Rank of the Jade Clarity division

The Register of the Great High One’s Steps Through the Void and the Constant

Second Rank of the Jade Clarity Division

On a certain year, month, and day, a person from a certain prefecture, commandery, county, and village—male or female, named …, aged …, born in the year, month, day, and hour …—now prepares ritual offerings and tokens of faith and goes to the household of the Three Caverns Master of the Dao, Lord …, to request transmission of the Register of the Great High One’s Steps Through the Void and the Constant. The person vows to follow and cultivate in accordance with the register, and never to disclose or publicize its true writings carelessly. Should the person ever violate its precepts, they willingly accept the divine powers’ judgment and punishment, and will not seek pardon even after enduring ten thousand kalpas. If they receive and uphold the register according to the Dao, they can become an immortal in life and in death. All the vows above shall be carried out in accordance with the statutes and commands of the covenant.

The Lord of the Great High Dao said: “Void and Constant are the souls of Heaven and Earth, and the manifestation of Yin-Yang majesty and radiance. ‘Void’ is the soul-essence of the Nine Heavens; ‘Constant’ is the spirit-soul of the Nine Earths. The two Qi of Yin and Yang join in the Central Dipper and become exalted imperial gods. Through their might, they assist and manifest radiance. With the aid of their attendant powers, Void and Constant observe the ten directions, set the light of Heaven in motion, survey all quarters, and oversee the registers of the stars in Heaven. They set the constant course of the Five Phases in motion through its cycles of transformation, summon and direct the gods, and drive the workings of Heaven’s mysteries.

“When Heaven and Earth are peaceful and at rest, Void and Constant remain hidden. When Heaven and Earth are blocked and in turmoil, Void and Constant become manifest. Good and ill fortune, blessing and calamity, are revealed through the radiance of their attendant powers, and omens of disaster are immediately signaled. Changes in the Qi of the myriad things, the regulation of Yin and Yang, and the succession of the four seasons all arise from them.

“The two stars Void and Constant are exalted and concealed amid the splendor of the celestial dawn. Those who can see these stars may extend their years and prolong their lives; those who maintain them in visualization and cultivate their Dao can ascend to Highest Clarity. Only those whose names were inscribed in jade in a former life and entered in the Mysterious Register are qualified to see the writing within.

“Those who receive this method and put it into practice cultivate it seven times each month. On the days of the Six Ding and the eight seasonal nodes, they may also enter the chamber and burn incense. Set out the diagram and mat on the left and right. Facing south, click the teeth twenty-four times. Close the eyes and visualize the Five Stars entering the palaces of the five organs within the body, their radiance shining through the entire body until it feels warm. Next, visualize the Sovereign Lady of the Five Stars and the twenty-five Lords of the Void and Constant Dawn. Imagine each one’s surname, name, and clothing color according to the direction in which they are situated. When all this is complete, silently pray:”

The Five Phases—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—govern the primordial Qi of the four directions. Clear, mysterious Qi flows and reflects, its radiance illuminating the gateways of the five directions. Among them are the numinous lords and ladies of the Five Stars, along with the twenty-five Point-Empty Everlasting Most High Ones. They transform their forms, garments, and colors, each dwelling in the direction that corresponds to them. When the ritual is complete, silently recite the prayer:

The Five Phases—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—govern the primordial Qi of the four directions. Clear, mysterious Qi flows and reflects, its radiance illuminating the gateways of the five directions. Among them are the numinous lords and ladies of the Five Stars and the twenty-five Point-Empty Everlasting Most High Ones. They transform their forms and appearances, multiplying into countless manifestations and descending into my five viscera, where they congeal into Jade Immortals. They refine my seven Po souls, nourish my three Hun souls, and cause my whole body to rise up and fly into the Gate of the Dipper. There, in the celestial realm, I roam freely and meet the assembled immortals of the Five Stars. Today I pray for mysterious blessings and protection; may my stated wishes be carried out. When you have finished reciting, draw in the radiance of the Five Stars and swallow it twenty-five times, then stop.

Next, take seven steps forward, bring your feet together, and stand upon the planet Venus, the Metal Star of the west. Hold your breath for seven counts and pray facing west:

In the west are seven gates, where white Qi soars and shines. Above dwell the Bright Emperor Hao and the Radiant Emperor Shaoyin, whose sacred name is Essence of Metal Above. He wears feathered robes, around which colored radiance flows and shimmers; his Metal Palace gleams with splendor. He is known as the patriarch of the Five Point-Empty Everlasting Ones. Wearing talismans and registers and holding a ceremonial staff, he can summon and command Yin-Yang, transform Water and Fire, and reach the seventy-four directions. May he enable me to tread the empty air, conceal my form, and enter the void; to ride in a white carriage and soar among palaces in the clouds; and to enjoy a lifespan as enduring as Heaven and Earth, without end. When you have finished reciting, tilt your head back and swallow seven breaths, then stop.

Next, take twelve steps forward and recite: “Summon and command Yin-Yang, transform Water and Fire, and reach the seventy-four directions; enable me to tread the empty air, conceal my form, and enter the void; to ride in a white carriage and soar among palaces in the clouds; and to enjoy a lifespan as enduring as Heaven and Earth, without end.” When you have finished reciting, tilt your head back and swallow seven breaths, then stop.

Next, take twelve steps forward, bring your feet together, and stand upon Saturn. Hold your breath for twelve counts and pray facing southwest:

The Central Sovereign commands the Qi of the four directions and leads the spirits of the eight regions. Within the Jade Terrace and Purple Chamber, the spirits are transformed and brought forth. Among them is the Primordial Sovereign, while the spirits of the Five Constants conceal their names. Each day, the spirits patrol along the gates of their appointed paths, settling and guarding the Yellow Court (the central palace within the human body). Their sashes and robes flow like flying clouds; they wear crowns of radiant essence and hold Fulu (talismans and registers) and tally staffs. Their brilliance shines forth, and their fire bells gleam.

May the spirits enable me to stride through the air and ascend, and tell me their divine names. May they descend into my Spleen Palace, steady my soul and spirit, and settle my Jing and Qi; enable me to ascend to Heaven and enter the clouds, conceal my traces and transform my form, hide myself and transform all things, roam through Jade Clarity (the immortal realm of Highest Clarity), and preserve my radiance forever alongside the Sovereign Lord. When the prayer is finished, raise the head and swallow twelve breaths.

Next, take three steps, treading on the position of Mars. Face south, hold the breath three times, and pray:

The three gates open wide, their light shining forth; crimson radiance flows, and essence and Qi appear. Mysterious Qi surges and flourishes, its brilliance illuminating the southern sea. Above is the Crimson Sovereign (the divine lord of the south), the Five…

Next, take three steps, treading on the position of Mars. Face south, hold the breath three times, and pray:

The three gates open wide, their light shining forth; crimson radiance flows, and essence and Qi appear. Mysterious Qi surges and flourishes, its brilliance illuminating the southern sea. Above are the Crimson Sovereign and the luminous spirits of the Five Emperors; his divine name is Youguang Yao. He wears embroidered robes, a jeweled crown, and a jade bell at his waist. He enters and leaves the Vermilion Palace, Purple Chamber, and Crimson City. He protects my register of life and records my birth year in the Southern Palace, enabling me to stride through the air and ascend, transform my breath, and conceal my traces. May I choose an auspicious day to practice the Way, bringing peace and purity to all under Heaven; may my mind and spirit coalesce into the Real, and the Five Souls become clear and unimpeded; may I shine together with the Three Qi (the three primal energies of Heaven, Earth, and humanity), and unite my radiance with that of Mars. When the prayer is finished, raise the head and swallow three breaths.

Next, take nine steps, treading on the position of Jupiter. Face east, hold the breath nine times, and pray:

Above the ninth heaven of the eastern azure realm—its nine Qi, or nine kinds of heavenly energy—stands the Jade Gate of the Azure Heaven. Within the gate is the Lord of the Mysterious Heights of Azure Dawn, the most exalted among Heaven and Earth. His essence and energy flow, flourishing in abundance. He is the Heavenly Soul, named Great Bright Radiance. He wears a robe patterned with phoenixes and a tiger skirt adorned with variegated designs. He manifests in five forms and transforms into the scene of the ninefold celestial capital. He wears the Azure Essence Crown and the Cross-Heaven Jade Crown, and bears a golden talisman and a feathered baton; bells ring out around him. Holding a hidden scripture and riding the flying feathered script, he oversees the registers of my life and protects my liver. May his radiance shine from without into within, causing immortal Qi to gather in my liver and guiding me upward to pay court to the Emperor of Dawn. When the invocation is complete, draw in the starlight and swallow nine times, then stop.

Next, walk forward five paces to the position of Jupiter. Face north, hold your breath for five counts, and pray:

The dark, mysterious Qi of the north: the Mysterious Gate opens onto wondrous mysteries; the light of the Northern Pole flows and shines; the Chief Star of the Big Dipper reaches upward to Jade Clarity. Therein dwells the Great Sovereign, who honors the titles of the Five Emperors, named Yin Primordial Fluid. He wears dark blue-black robes, a jade crown, and bells at his waist; he bears a golden insignia, a jade baton, and a bright, lustrous green-jade pendant. He wanders through the splendid celestial realm, gazes down upon the shadowy regions in the eight directions, then turns back and sends the vital fluid of the fords downward into my Kidney Palace. He protects and records the Five Spirits within my body, making my organs clear and flourishing, filling me within and without with essence and Qi. He transforms my body, lifting my bones in flight and raising my flesh, until I ascend to Jade Clarity. When the invocation is complete, draw in the starlight and swallow five times, then stop.

After completing the rites at the positions of the Five Planets, withdraw from the position of Mercury, then walk seven paces and ascend to the position of Venus. Stand with your feet together and step onto the first tier, the Place of the Nine Chang, then pray:

Lord of the Nine Chang, who transforms shadowy realms into visions: perform the hidden steps for me, so that my traces may disappear. When the invocation is complete, ascend to the second tier, the Place of Nourishing Chang, and pray:

Numinous Lord of Nourishing Chang, whose form is not bound to any fixed appearance: aid my transformation, so that my body may become plants and trees. When the invocation is complete, ascend to the third tier, the Place of Mao Chang, and pray:

The deity who regularly guards the Mao position can sink beneath the earth or ascend into the sky. It can transform the body into a vision and make it change into hills. When the invocation is complete, step to the fourth position, “Liu Chang,” and recite:

Sovereign Lord of Liu Chang, august deity of the Liu Chang position, whose form has no fixed appearance: breathe Qi into me, so that Qi may rise and mist may form.

When the invocation is complete, step to the fifth position, “Xing Chang,” and recite:

Great Lord of Xing Chang, august deity of the Xing Chang position, whose might subdues the myriad ghosts: transform my form, so that mist may rise and become flame.

After reciting the invocations to the Five Chang, return to the position of Venus. Hold your breath for seven counts, then recite:

Flying through the Void, Great Netherworld deity, manifest the gods of the Five Chang. Enter the Five Qi in the north and subdue the Three Yang in the south. The golden talisman transmits its command; the numinous spirits answer the summons; the Great Emperor protects me. May the methods of the Six Wu and escaping Ji protect me, so that I may pass safely through Dongxiang. May the spirit of the planet Venus protect my Lung Qi.

Recite:

Flying through the Void, Great Netherworld deity, manifest the gods of the Five Chang. Enter the Five Qi in the north and subdue the Three Yang in the south. The golden talisman transmits its command; the numinous spirits answer the summons; the Great Emperor protects me. May the methods of the Six Wu and escaping Ji protect me, so that I may pass safely through Dongxiang. May the spirit of the planet Venus protect my lungs. May Metal Qi guard my stomach and intestines, filling my inner Qi and spreading it outward. May my body and soul soar together, able to change in a thousand ways and go wherever I will, so that I may roam the celestial realms with the Jade Emperor.

When the invocation is complete, draw in and swallow the Qi seven times, then stop.

Next, walk twelve steps from the position of Venus to the position of Saturn. Bring your feet together, then step to the first position, “Shang Chang,” and recite:

The radiance of Shang Chang shines and soars; it can transform into ten thousand forms. Hide my tracks for me and raise me to the Nine Heavens.

When the invocation is complete, step to the second position, “Tian Chang,” and recite:

The radiance of Tian Chang spreads in blazing light, raising mist and forming ramparts. Transform my body for me and carry the spirits with me into the fire.

When the invocation is complete, step to the third position, “Ming Chang,” and recite:

Ming Chang belongs to the northern darkness and has water for its form. Hide me in rivers, lakes, and seas; let water fill my body and make me a perfected person.

When the invocation is complete, step to the fourth position, “San Chang,” and recite:

San Chang transforms into might; its radiance subdues the realms of the Eight Directions. Transform my body for me and carry the spirits with me into the fire.

When the invocation is complete, step again to the third position, “Ming Chang,” and recite:

Ming Chang belongs to the northern darkness and has water for its form. Hide me in rivers, lakes, and seas; let water fill my body and make me a perfected person.

When the invocation is complete, step again to the fourth position, “San Chang,” and recite:

San Chang transforms into might; its radiance subdues the realms of the Eight Directions. Bring the immortal spirits to me; drive away calamities and put an end to warfare.

When the invocation is complete, step to the fifth position, “Chen Chang,” and recite:

Chen perpetually transforms and gives birth to the myriad things, and has no fixed bodily form. He can enable me to attain the Dao and become an immortal, leaving death behind and entering long life. Recite this to completion.

After completing the Five Constants steps, return to the position of Saturn and hold your breath for twelve breaths. Then pray:

Impermanent Five Yellow, Great Deity of the Central Emperor, please transform Qi into the Qi of Seven Metal, using its might to subdue the sun, moon, and stars. Let me transform my body and divide my form, so that I may ascend to Heaven and enter the clouds. Summon the Five Spirits to guard the gateway of my spleen, and swiftly transform my five organs and six bowels into an immortal body. Let me soar into the sky and move freely among water, fire, and the myriad things; let my ascent to the heavenly realm be unobstructed, so that I may become friends with the Jade Consort and take my place among the immortals. Recite this to completion, then draw in Qi twelve times.

Next, take three steps from Saturn’s position and ascend to Mars. Bring your feet together and step onto the first position, Empty Constant. Pray:

Empty Constant, supremely numinous, please assist the Supreme Perfected One in entering my Crimson Palace, the place within my heart. Let me move as I wish and ascend to Heaven without obstruction, so that I may become friends with the Jade Consort and take my place among the immortals. Recite this to completion, then draw in Qi twelve times.

Next, take three steps from Saturn’s position and ascend to Mars. Bring your feet together and step onto the first position, Empty Constant. Pray:

Empty Constant, supremely numinous, please assist the Supreme Perfected One in entering my Crimson Palace and commanding all the numinous beings. Recite this to completion. Then step onto the second position, River Constant, and pray:

River Constant appears and vanishes, withdrawing into the deep reaches of the eight directions. Please transform water and fire, and help me become an immortal. Recite this to completion. Then step onto the third position, Origin Constant, and pray:

Origin Constant transforms the myriad things. Please conceal my body with plants and trees, so that my form and shadow alike accord with the Perfected Dao. Recite this to completion. Then step onto the fourth position, Ancient Constant, and pray:

Ancient Constant accords with Heaven and enters and exits without hindrance. Please let wings grow from my body, so that I may fly up to Heaven. Recite this to completion. Then step onto the fifth position, Serpent Constant, and pray:

Serpent Constant belongs to the southern Li position. Please let me stand beneath the covering of the ninefold heavens. Transform my body, so that I may at once become a bird or beast. Recite this to completion.

After completing the Five Constants steps, soar up to Heaven. Recite this to completion. Then step onto the fifth position, Serpent Constant, and pray:

Serpent Constant belongs to the southern Li position. Please let me stand beneath the covering of the ninefold heavens. Transform my body, so that I may at once become a bird or beast. Recite this to completion.

After completing the Five Constants steps, return to the position of Mars and hold your breath for three breaths. Then pray:

Flowing flames and cinnabar-colored spiritual energy fill the space. The Three Gates, the portals used in cultivation rites, flash like lightning and rumble like thunder. The Five Constants, here referring to five enduring principles or divine powers, run through all transformations, while the myriad things arise from hidden depths. The Jade Emperor Who Seizes and Preserves Life subdues the essence of the northern stars by his might. The Immortal Register of the Upper Origin, the celestial register of immortals in the Upper Origin Heaven, protects me and grants me long life. Today I will soar through the air and pass through the void among the stars. The Mars Star assists my mind and spirit, so that my Dao shines bright together with the starlight. A thousand kinds of transformations come to pass wherever I direct them. The hun guides the po and refines it; in due time, feathered robes appear. I will be able to travel alongside the Five Stars, riding a jade carriage to the Jade Clarity Heaven. When you have finished reciting, swallow three breaths and stop.

Next, take nine steps from the position of Mars to the position of Jupiter. Bring your feet together and step onto the first position, “Nine Constant.” Recite:

“Nine Constant Green Emperor, you are the root of the hun and po of Heaven and Earth. Please transform me, let me escape the sunlight and dwell hidden in the mountains.”

After reciting, step onto the second position, “World Constant,” and recite:

“World Constant Heavenly Spirit, you govern and guide the myriad immortals. Please enable me to soar through the air, unite with light and radiance, and become a spirit.”

After reciting, step onto the third position, “Illustrious Constant,” and recite:

“Illustrious Constant, your brilliance shines clearly, illuminating the eight directions. Please transform my form, let me enter the waters and dwell hidden at their source.”

After reciting, step onto the fourth position, “Jade Constant,” and recite:

“Jade Constant, your might is wondrous; you subdue the earth spirits of the five directions. Please transform my form and make me instantly become a tiger.”

After reciting, step onto the fifth position, “Dharma Constant,” and recite:

“Dharma Constant, you command the realm of wood and stand foremost among the assembled immortals. Please divide my image and transform me into a thousand selves.”

Once you have finished reciting, the Five Constants steps are complete. Return to the position of Jupiter, hold your breath for nine counts, and recite:

“The Nine Gates of Lesser Yang revolve between the blue heavens. Within them are the Five Constants, whose transformations are without end. Summon Yin-Yang and subdue the Metal Spirit; carry out the command of the Lord Emperor of Eastern Florescence, and a natural response will follow. Tread the sky and step through the void, riding blue smoke as you rise. Above, guard the Heaven of Azure Emptiness; below, guard the Gate of the Liver. When the Great Dao converges in the nine directions, you will attain the state of a flying immortal and become the Green Emperor, sharing the truth with Wood Morning.”

After reciting, guide the breath and swallow nine times. Then stop.

Then walk five paces forward from where Jupiter is, until you reach Mercury, and bring your feet together. Step onto the first pace, “Constant Yin,” and pray:

“Dark Mysterious North, Constant Yin, you are the source from which all things transform and are born. Let me remain here and instantly become a divine dragon.”

When you have finished praying, step onto the second pace, “Constant Yellow,” and pray:

“Numinous Yin, Constant Yellow, transform into a woman. Let me divide my form and instantly become a hundred bodies.”

When you have finished praying, step onto the third pace, “Constant Stability,” and pray:

“Constant Stability governs all spirits; transformation flourishes and thrives. Let me divide my form and give birth to all things.”

When you have finished praying, step onto the place called “Woman” and pray again:

“Let me divide my form and instantly become a hundred bodies.”

When you have finished praying, step onto the third pace, “Constant Stability,” and pray:

“Constant Stability governs all spirits; transformation flourishes and thrives. Let me divide my form and give birth to all things.”

When you have finished praying, step onto the fourth pace, “Constant Flight,” and pray:

“Constant Flight rises into the sky, transforming in countless ways above and below. Transform me into the six domestic animals, so that people cannot see me.”

When you have finished praying, step onto the fifth pace, “Constant Six,” and pray:

“Constant Six is like a hard, precious sword: it can subdue ghosts and command spirits, set Heaven and Earth in motion, and destroy all who encounter it.”

After completing the five “Constant” paces, return to the place of Mercury. Hold your breath for five counts and pray:

“Five Qi of the Dark North, five gates stand open; they are called the Five Emperors. They transform amid the unseen, enter and leave Yin and Yang, and subdue and command the earth officials. Let me tread the empty air and flee into space; wherever I go, let me divide into hundreds and thousands of forms. Let me ascend to Gouchen (a celestial spirit and region of Heaven), rise to Yujing (the Daoist celestial capital of the immortals), grow strange hair upon my body, and take fragrant Qi into the abode of my kidneys. Today I practice the Dao and become the foremost of the immortals. May my heavenly wish be fulfilled, and may I enjoy endless blessings and longevity.”

When you have finished praying, swallow the five Qi and stop.

This completes the rite of the “Twenty-Five Points of Empty Constancy.”

Next, walk nine paces forward, swallow the breath five times, and step onto the first star of the Northern Dipper. Bring your feet together, step onto “Yangming,” and pray facing east:

“Supreme Central Palace (the celestial center), transform and vanish, escaping the world of dust. Great Goddess of the Inner Consort, Supreme Venerable Taiyi, who governs the vital essence of life, bring me the path to immortality. Let me conceal my form and escape all trace, and ascend to Yangming.”

Then pray again facing east:

“Supreme Central Palace, transform and vanish, escaping the world of dust. Great Goddess of the Inner Consort, Supreme Venerable Taiyi, who governs the vital essence of life, bring me the path to immortality. Let me conceal my form and escape all trace, hide myself, and ascend to the Imperial Chariot (the celestial realm symbolized by the vehicle of the Celestial Emperor).”

When you have finished praying, step onto the second star and pray facing northeast:

In the Palace of the Central Origin, the Inner Consort Great Perfected and High Exalted Mysterious Spirit preserve the prenatal essence and bring forth the transformation of the body. They cut away the bonds of the womb for me, refine and nourish my prenatal essence, and strengthen my Jing and Qi, so that I may transform in ten thousand ways and attain long life. When the prayer is complete, turn again toward the Assistant Star and pray to the Perfected One:

In the Palace of True Origin, the Primordial Mother of the Upper Origin, who commands the Six Escapes and Seven Concealments, nurtured my prenatal essence and brought me to birth. She then guided me to escape into the Golden Chamber and transform my body, ride a blue carriage, and ascend through the sky to unending life. When the prayer is complete, turn again toward the Fourth Star and pray facing north:

In the Palace of the Hidden Pivot, the Inner Consort of the Central Origin conceals her form and veils her radiance. She is a great patriarch among the immortals. Ask her to help me pass the taboos of the days of the Six Wu, travel freely in all eight directions, conceal my tracks, and move with flying steps until I ascend to the dwelling of the Celestial Emperor. When the prayer is complete, turn again toward the Fifth Star and pray facing west:

In the Palace of the Guiding Spirit, the Great Maiden among the Dipper stars can transform her body and alter the light around her. Her mysterious transformations have neither form nor image. Ask her to help me pass the barrier of the Primordial Dipper, record my immortal name among those kept within the chamber and windows, and let me fly through the sky and tread upon emptiness until I ascend to the dwelling of the Celestial Emperor. When the prayer is complete, turn again toward the Sixth Star and pray facing northeast:

In the Palace of Bright Order, the Middle Maiden among the Dipper stars conceals her tracks and disperses her image. She possesses wondrous spiritual powers of transformation and dwells in the Upper Palace. Ask her to remove my mortal name from the Mysterious Register, spread my immortal name in every direction, and let me divide into hundreds and thousands of forms, transform my body anew, and regain the vigor of youth. When the prayer is complete, turn again toward the Seventh Star and pray facing northwest:

In the Central Palace of Gathering at the Pass, the Young Maiden among the Dipper stars can divide and transform appearances into ten thousand forms. She is the Great Spirit of the Mysterious Heights. Ask her to turn her pivot in step with the Northern Dipper, so that all living things find their proper order; let me ascend through the sky and transform freely in the distant depths of the unseen realm. When the prayer is complete, turn again toward the Assistant Star, click the teeth nine times in the direction of the Gate of Heaven, and pray:

The Lady of the Left, consort of the Emperor, dwells in the Upper Palace of the Emperor’s Passage. Above, she faces the Lord Emperor; her spirit accords with his, and she responds to the True Dao. She is called Empty Constancy. She can transform across the Nine Heavens, guide the courses of the sun and moon, gather Qi into smoke, and harmonize water and fire. Every kind of transformation can be brought about within the body. Now is an auspicious day, when mysterious blessings are bestowed far and wide. Ask her to let me move with flying steps and enter the Dao, ever riding the Qi of the immortals and perfected ones; let the Nine Celestial Bodies turn and shine forth, grant me blessings and abundance in countless forms, make my body equal to Heaven and Earth, and extend my life as long as the sacred parasol tree. When the prayer is complete, raise the head and swallow twenty-four breaths, then stop.

Next, ascend to the Assistant Star and stand facing the Earth Gate. The Assistant Star lies within the third star of the Northern Dipper and can often guide perfected beings. The Nine Celestial Bodies revolve, granting people boundless blessings, a body enduring as Heaven and Earth, and a lifespan like the numinous chun tree, a legendary tree of longevity. When you have finished, tilt your head back and swallow the Qi twenty-four times.

Next, ascend to the Assistant Star and stand facing the Earth Gate. The Assistant Star lies within the Dipper’s mouth. It is the dwelling of the Perfected Being Bì, and is also called the Hidden Origin Star. In any method of walking the nine steps around the Dipper, avoid the star of the Perfected Being; do not tread on it. Ordinarily, pass over the second star and land on the fourth. The “Empty Vastness” method described here does not tread on the star of the Perfected Being, but only on the Assistant and Support Stars. After treading on the Support Star, turn and move to the Assistant Star, then tread according to the method while visualizing and reciting the invocation. In this way, one circuit of the Way of Empty Vastness is completed. The invocation is:

“Supreme Worthy in the highest palace, Lady Right Sovereign, the Imperial Worthy united with the talisman, joined to the numinous chambers of radiance. The Heavenly Hun and Earthly Po, called the Supreme Empty Vastness; transforming the Nine Qi, ancestors of the Myriad Perfected. Turning gold and stone, their power equal to Heaven; dissolving mountains and rivers, summoning and commanding cloud dragons. All manner of strange beings answer at the sound of their names, dividing into radiant forms that reach the ten thousand directions. Flying steps tread the void, radiance flowing and circling; the body concealed upon the seat of the Dipper’s pivot, the body clothed in heavenly light. Enduring as Heaven and Earth, receiving boundless blessings. All that is sought comes to pass; the lifespan is without limit.”

After reciting the invocation, click the teeth together and swallow Qi thirty-six times; the Way of Empty Vastness is then complete. After seven years of practice, one can divide one’s form and appear in the Nine Heavens of the Void; after fourteen years, one can fly through the Great Void. The scriptures explain in detail the methods of careful visualization and sincere cultivation.

Write it sixteen times in cinnabar on white silk, and the Way of Empty Vastness is complete. After seven years of practice, one can divide one’s form and appear in the Nine Heavens of the Void; after fourteen years, one can fly through the Great Void.

Place the cinnabar writing on white silk in a brocade pouch. Wear it on your head when performing the flying steps. When ascending the stars, also visualize and silently invoke these three characters in your mind.

The Method of Walking the Stars in Forward Sequence

Face the Great Dipper of Yang Radiance and walk in the direction of the stars. First tread on the Celestial Pass with the right foot, then step forward with the left foot and bring it alongside the right. Hold your breath and circulate the Qi, then quietly recite the invocation:

The Five Phases—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—move and transform in mutual succession. The seven stars of the Northern Dipper shine brilliantly, and the heavenly order is most awe-inspiring. The Assistant Star brings prosperity to one’s fortunes, while the Support Star makes decline recede. The Nine Zhen Taishang, the revered deities of the Taiji and Taiwei, the Jade Emperors of the Three Offices, and the Three Divine Worthies can all ward off calamities and misfortune. Heaven and Earth move in their courses; my hun and po follow my body, enabling me to ascend and become an immortal. The light of my true spirit circles around me without fading. My name is entered in the Golden Chamber, and the Jade Gate opens at once. I ride a dragon into the sky, shining with the sun and moon as I roam the realm of Shangqing. Clad in emerald robes, I wear ringing bells. With my left hand I seize the flashing lightning; with my right I command the rushing thunder. All manner of evil spirits on earth lie prostrate, awaiting their doom—how would they dare pursue me? Should any malicious intent be directed toward me, let it be cut down and destroyed. The Celestial Emperor commands Jade Maidens to attend and surround me, escorting me on my return. Let my hun unite with the Zhen and my po with the Shen, as my body rises aloft with them.

“Reversing the Course” is the name of a ritual method or a visualization practice. To perform it, stand at the Heavenly Pass, facing north toward the Pole Star. At the Pass, hold your breath and make the firm-fist gesture. Then step with your right foot onto Yin Essence and your left foot onto Yang Brightness in front; bring both feet together. Next, turn the Celestial Pivot—the pivot star of the Northern Dipper, or its corresponding place in visualization—to the right, and quietly recite the following:

The Celestial Dipper star reveals the vital energy of the True Yang. The Northern Dipper turns, rising at times and sinking at others. Its forepart turns the pivot of the Primordial Beginning, while its rear part sets the cords of the divine spirits in motion, stabilizing the hun and po souls and keeping body and mind healthy. The hun and po souls travel with the body to the celestial realm, where they meet the Most High Grand Emperor in the Golden Gate. The Immortal Mother supports them on the left, and the Immortal Father on the right. They wear robes of purple and emerald, patterned with flying blossoms, dragon robes and tiger garments. They wear true headcloths and jade ornaments; halos shine around their necks, divine bells are held in their hands, and golden pendants hang at their waists. They chant the wondrous seven transformations of the “Dongzhen” scripture. In the beginning, they arose from emptiness and became Immortal Kings, flying through the Nine Paths.

Following the Dipper, they climb its handle. Taiyi attends before them, and the Mysterious Lord follows behind. They transmit a formula to the practitioner, enabling them to cultivate while seated and attain the state in which form and spirit are both transformed, transcending life and death. This method reverses the course and returns to the source. Master its essential instructions, and you may take your place among the ranks of the Immortal Ministers. The Five Viscera naturally bring forth their energies and resonate with you. All wishes will accord with your intent, and all that you seek will go smoothly. Every kind of evil influence and calamity can be diverted and concealed.

The Reversal Method

Next, hold your breath and circle three times to the right outside the Northern Dipper. Begin by walking from Yangming to summon the hun soul, and turn right at Yangming. Step onto Tianshu with your left foot, then bring your right foot beside it. Next, hold your breath and form the wogu hand gesture by clenching both hands. Step onto Yaoguang with your left foot and onto Weiyang with your right. Then step with both feet onto Yangming in turn, and turn to face Xuanming. Place your right hand over your heart and point toward Xuanming with your left hand. Hold your breath for three counts, click your teeth twenty-one times, and swallow your saliva twenty-seven times. Then pray aloud, saying:

Amid bright purple clouds, Taisu Xuancheng and the Golden Gate and Yellow Chamber came into view. Within them was a great deity, his left hand resting upon the Supreme Sovereign, his right hand in command of the High Perfected. He wore brocade robes patterned with dragons and tigers, a jade talisman at his waist, and a lotus crown on his head. He could appear from the formless and return to emptiness. Golden and jade-colored light shone from him; he was awe-inspiring and majestic. His name was Changming. He trod upon vermilion clouds and chanted Dongzhang, Daoist scriptures.

He bestowed secret writings upon me and taught me to walk the astral steps, following the stars’ positions. I circled three times, steadying body and mind according to the place of the Northern Dipper, and thereby ascended to immortality, rising above the mortal world and traveling through the air. My name was entered in the registers of the immortals of Shangqing; I rode in a wondrous carriage drawn by dragons. Whatever I thought or wished for in my heart came to pass. The Three Venerable Ones, whose virtues were in harmony, enabled my hun and po souls to flow freely within me. The spirits granted me entry to the divine palace, where Jade Maidens and Jade Youths attended me. The rite was complete.

Method of Climbing the Dipper

Place both feet upon the star Yin Jing. Rest your left hand over your heart and point your right hand toward the star Zhenren. Hold your breath for three counts, click your teeth three times, and swallow the saliva in your mouth three times. Then softly recite:

“Yin Jing, mysterious and pure; the Flowery Gate, the Gate of Life. There resides the Jade Emperor, the Supreme Sovereign of the North Pole. He wears embroidered robes patterned with phoenixes and a blue-green skirt patterned with dragons; a tiger bell hangs at his waist, and upon his head is a cinnabar crown adorned with sacred fungi. His name is Yin Jing, Lord of the Most High. May he bestow secret writings upon me and teach me to tread the Seven Primordials, climb the Northern Dipper, and wander through the numinous pass.

“May I govern the Seven Po souls outwardly and command the Three Hun souls within. May the Po be refined of worldly entanglements and the Hun be granted honor. May the Hun become the spirit of the precious embryo, and may the Hun and Po guard my person and become immortals together with me. May I fly through Shangqing and regain the countenance of an infant. Wherever I go, may all things accord with my will, and may none of my many wishes be obstructed.” The rite is complete.

Place both feet on the Bixing star. Step first with the left foot, without walking in the direction of the stars’ arrangement. Then turn to face the Zhenren star, visualize it in your mind, and bow to it. Open your knees around the Bixing star, place both hands against your chest, hold your breath four times, click your teeth four times, swallow your saliva four times, and recite the incantation:

“Though your feet stand on the Right Assistant star, when visualizing and reciting the incantation, you must face the Zhenren star.”

The Nine Stars of Taiji (the divine beings of the Nine Stars), the Luminous Perfected of the Upper Origin, hold authority over the pivot of Heaven and maintain the celestial balance. They breathe out purple clouds and radiate golden light, shining like jade; their awe-inspiring brilliance illuminates the ten directions of the heavens. They command the three luminaries—the Sun, Moon, and stars—harmonize Yang Qi and Yin Qi, govern primordial Qi, and bestow vitality on all things. They renew decrees and rule the central lodges of the heavens. Their wondrous, unfathomable gateway lies within a golden chamber and jade portal, through which they pass freely in the palace of the north. Riding a chariot of the Eight Luminaries, they roam the heavens. They wear brocade robes patterned with dragons, garments patterned with phoenixes, and a green skirt patterned with tigers. The matters of commanding the three luminaries—the Sun, Moon, and stars—harmonizing Yin and Yang, governing primordial Qi, renewing decrees, ruling the central lodges, and dwelling at the mysterious gateway in the golden chamber and jade portal are as described above. They wear a cape of crimson essence Qi and a green shoulder mantle, adorn themselves with purple feathers edged sevenfold, wear a divine talisman at the waist, and crown themselves with a lotus headdress. They dwell above in the emptiness of the Nine Heavens and roam below through the abyssal reaches of the eight directions. They call themselves the Jade Emperor and the Supreme Perfected of the Nine Heavens.

May the Jade Emperor take pity on [name], who loves the Dao, and grant [name] secret scriptures. May [name] personally ascend the Bikuai star, pay homage to the numinous lord, and pray to be granted a book of elixirs, so that it may guide [name] in cultivating the Dao and attaining it. May [name] be able to govern the Three Heavens and fly through the distant, mysterious realms of the eight directions; may the Qi of the five viscera naturally grow abundant, and may [name] become a superior-grade flying immortal, assist the Jade Emperor, serve as a minister to the Later Sage, attain the rank of a senior grandee, and ride the clouds in a flying carriage. May every wish be fulfilled, and may no evil spirit disturb [name]. The ritual ends here.

The Method of Walking the Dipper (the ritual method of treading the stellar pattern and walking the Dipper)

Place both feet on the Xuanming star and rise to stand from the position of the Bixing star. Press the right hand against the chest and point the left hand toward the Danyuan star. Hold your breath three times, click your teeth three times, and swallow your saliva three times. Visualize the Xuanming star beneath your feet and recite the incantation:

“The divine light of the Cavern Heaven appears and vanishes, revolving within the depths of Xuanming; Qi fills the Great Void, coming and going without a trace.”

Then hold your breath three times, click your teeth three times, and swallow your saliva three times. Visualize the Xuanming star beneath your feet and recite the incantation:

The divine light of the grotto-heavens turns back and withdraws into the dark and mysterious depths. Its breath fills the Great Void, and it comes and goes without form. Hidden in Heaven and concealed in Earth, it permeates the realm beyond birth. Suddenly it ascends to the celestial framework, rises to the Purple Court, looks north toward the Cloud Chamber, and gazes south toward the Thunder City. It dazzles and bewilders, changing in countless ways and no longer retaining its original appearance. Its scenes drift in a hazy flux, yet take shape as soon as one reaches out to touch them. If you wish to come and hide yourself, you must know my name. By the power of emptiness, I can dispel calamities and disasters, perform nine transformations, and reveal the wondrous true realm. Whether sitting quietly or rising, I can command the Six Jia—the Daoist deities of the Six Jia—and pay homage to and dispatch the Six Ding, the Daoist deities of the Six Ding. Grant me someone’s hidden book of talismans. I tread the Dipper and walk among the stars, looking up to the Supreme Sovereign. I wear a red headscarf and blue-green garments, hold a numinous light, and wear a jade bell at my waist. Above, I pray to ascend as an immortal, live as long as Heaven, have my name entered in the registers of the Grand Tenuity, where the celestial officials reside, and wander in the Shangqing realm. Below, I pray for the power to transform, conceal my shadow, and gather in my form. May all things go as I wish, and may everything I strike down be subdued.

Method of Treading the Celestial Framework

Place both feet together on the star called Cinnabar Origin. Step forward first with the left foot, then bring the right foot alongside it. Press the left hand against the heart and point the right hand toward the North Star. Hold your breath three times, click your teeth three times, and swallow your saliva three times. Then recite:

“Supreme One of the Nine Terraces, Cinnabar Origin, mysterious framework: outwardly you govern the North Pole; inwardly you set the principles of Heaven aright. The Golden Tower shines without, and the Jade Court radiates within. At the center is the Most High, called the Red Child, who guards Cinnabar Origin within the Crimson Chamber. He wears an embroidered robe of emerald clouds and a dragon-patterned stole, with tiger-patterned garments. In his right hand he holds a jade register; in his left, the Dipper’s handle. He treads upon auspicious clouds and wears a purple crown. A flowing bell hangs at his right, and a jade pendant at his left. Grant me someone’s hidden book, so that I may tread the celestial framework and travel freely. Above, I pray to ascend as an immortal, riding a mysterious carriage and driving dragons; may my name be entered in the Cinnabar Terrace and the Jade Hall of the Supreme Ultimate. Wherever I go and whatever I seek, may good fortune and blessings come to welcome me.”

When the recitation is complete, stop.

Method of Walking the Dipper’s Framework

Place both feet together on the North Star. Step forward first with the left foot, then bring the right foot alongside it. Press the right hand against the heart and point the left hand toward the star called Heaven’s Gate. Hold your breath three times, click your teeth three times, and swallow your saliva three times. Then perform the method of walking the Dipper’s framework, following the prescribed steps to tread the celestial pattern of stars.

Step onto the North Pole star with both feet, moving the left foot first and bringing the right foot alongside it. Place the right hand over the heart and point the left hand toward the Celestial Gate star. Hold the breath three times, click the teeth three times, swallow saliva three times, then recite:

“Above, the Highest Mystery, the Great Subtlety; the North Pole, the Purple Canopy. Below dwells the Great Perfected One, wandering without bounds. Clad in a flying robe of emerald splendor, with a blue sash tied with golden bells, I wear jade light at my waist. May the Qi of the Mysterious Spirit flourish abundantly and grant me the secret immortal text of [name], so that I may rise on the breath of the seven heavens, ascend to the Pure Realm, and pass beyond the smoky clouds. May I meet the Perfected Ones and seek the Way of flying immortality; may my name be entered in the register of the Cinnabar Chamber. Wherever I go and whatever I seek, may I be free from calamity.”

When the recitation is finished.

The Method of Riding the Dragon

Step onto the Celestial Gate star with both feet, moving the left foot first and bringing the right foot alongside it. Walk along the outer edge of the Celestial Dipper’s outline. Place the right hand over the heart and point the left hand toward the Celestial Gate star. Hold the breath three times, click the teeth three times, swallow saliva three times, then recite:

“Supreme One of the North Pole, Purple Tenuity stars, exalted beyond compare. Outside the Precious Mystery’s Golden Chamber stands a jade gate; it moves among the Nine Palaces and governs the Celestial Gate. At the center dwells a revered spirit named the Purple Emperor. May the Purple Emperor grant me the secret immortal text of [name] and guide me as I ride the dragon: floating upward through the nine heavens and flying downward through the earthly realm. I ride a vermilion carriage amid radiant clouds, wear a dark, splendid robe of emerald, carry the Dragon Register at my waist, and wear a tiger-patterned headcloth. May the Purple Emperor embrace and nurture all things and teach the flying immortals; remove my name from the register of the dead, so that I may endure as long as Heaven and Earth. Riding the dragon and treading the Dipper, may every place I reach receive its blessing.”

After reciting, continue holding the breath and visualize the dragon carriage with its vermilion canopy coming to welcome you. In a trance, ascend to the celestial realm and forget your body for a long while; then turn and ascend to the Assistant star, wandering through the Three Realms. May I meet the two immortals, have my name removed from the register of the dead, and endure as long as Heaven and Earth. Riding the dragon and treading the Dipper, may every place I reach receive its blessing.

Next, step onto the Assistant star with both feet, moving the left foot first. Turn to the left and circle the North Pole along the Celestial Dipper’s outline, then step onto the Assistant star again. Bring the right foot alongside it, then face the North Pole. Place both hands over the heart, hold the breath once, click the teeth three times, swallow saliva once, raise your head and look up at the stars, then recite:

The essence of the Assistant Star of the Northern Ladle resides in the Purple Pass. It nurtures life and fosters vitality, while storing and safeguarding the human Shen and hun souls. May the Golden Chamber open once more, so that I may pay homage to the Assistant Star. May it bestow upon me its hidden celestial book, enabling me to roam and circle through the heavens, take my place among the Sacred Emperors, ascend to the realm of immortals, shine with light all around me, wear the seal of a perfected person, and pass in and out through the gates of the grotto-heavens. The rite is complete.

Within the Assistant Star, I pay homage to the Dao Lord, a revered Daoist deity. In a trance, I forget my bodily form. After remaining there for a long while, I turn once again toward the Golden Chamber above. May the Golden Chamber open once more, so that I may pay homage to the Assistant Star. May it bestow upon me its hidden celestial book, enabling me to roam and circle through the heavens, take my place among the Sacred Emperors, ascend to the realm of immortals, shine with light all around me, wear the seal of a perfected person, and pass in and out through the gates of the grotto-heavens. The rite is complete.

Within the Assistant Star, I pay homage to the Dao Lord. In a trance, I forget my bodily form. After remaining there for a long while, I turn once again toward the Bute Star above. First I wander among the Three Yangs, then turn back toward the Bute Star and mount it with both feet, raising my left foot first. I walk straight alongside each star, as though ascending through the air to the Bute Star. Then I bring my right foot together with my left and face the Perfected Person Star. I place both hands against my chest, hold my breath for one count, knock my teeth together three times, swallow a mouthful of saliva, and then recite this prayer:

The Mudball Palace in the Great Void, the celestial sanctuary in the head, is where the Heavenly Worthy of the Purple Palace dwells. The True Knot in the wondrous emptiness, the pivotal bond that holds Heaven and Earth together, existed before the emperors. In the Dao, it is the Jade Emperor; in the human body, it is the Mudball Palace. A response suddenly arises, and primordial Qi flows through the Three Origins, whether of Heaven, Earth, and humanity or of the three places within the body. Jing and Qi enter the Bright Hall, the spirit chamber in the head, strengthening embryonic breathing and replenishing the Shen and hun souls. May Vermilion Mountain open once more, so that I may pay homage to the Numinous Origin. With my left hand, I gather the radiance of the sun; with my right, I collect the essence of the moon. May I travel ten thousand miles like flowing fire, clad in a golden gauze skirt of blue-green silk, with a tiger tally at my waist and a jeweled crown upon my head. May the Numinous Origin bestow upon me its hidden celestial book, enabling me to pass through the heavenly barrier. I earnestly beseech the power to ascend to immortality and command the myriad spirits, so that the gods of every quarter will gather here and blessings and Virtue will rise like a mountain. The rite is complete.

May I find myself within the Bute Star in Heaven, pay homage to the Jade Emperor, and pray to ascend to immortality without delay. If the day of paying homage to the Pole arrives, I must still descend to the place of homage at the Ladle’s Dipper. As I descend, I turn left, then place my right foot upon Tian Shu, the Pivotal Star of the Northern Dipper. I step toward the left, passing in sequence through the Three Platforms and the Five Stars.

Days for Paying Homage to the Pole

All rites of treading the stellar network and walking the celestial paths are performed on this day. This includes the Jiazi day and the Eight Seasonal Nodes: the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice.

The first day of the first month, the twentieth day of the second month, and the twenty-seventh day of the third month in spring; the eighth day of the fourth month, the fifth day of the fifth month, and the eighteenth day of the sixth month in summer; the seventh day of the seventh month, the twentieth day of the eighth month, and the ninth day of the ninth month in autumn; and the fifth day of the tenth month, the third day of the eleventh month, and the sixth day of the twelfth month in winter are all days chosen for cultivation. Anyone who practices “flying steps, treading the stellar framework” (following a prescribed footwork pattern across the stellar framework and moving in accord with the stars) should practice on these days according to the method described earlier.

After practicing in this way for fourteen years, the essences of the Seven Stars will descend and transform into divine beings. Riding on flowing bells and mottled clouds of the Eight Radiances and Cinnabar Mystery, they will come together before the practitioner, bow to him, and honor him as an Immortal Official. The practitioner will then be able to ascend to the heavens by riding a dragon in broad daylight. After one year of practice, one can avoid calamity; after two years, avoid the disasters of war; after three years, escape the peril of death; and after four years, become an Earth Immortal. A thousand kinds of harm and evil spirits will dare not approach. From then on, blessings and good fortune will be endless. The practitioner will be able to summon divine beings to accompany him on dragons, receive numinous mushrooms bestowed by Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate), and be given attendant youths by the Jade Emperor. After practicing for two sets of seven years (fourteen years), one becomes a Perfected Being of Highest Clarity.

Recommending sponsors:

Preceptor overseeing the transmission:

Transmitting preceptor:

The Register of the Supreme One’s Two Radiances and Three Ascents belongs to the third rank of the Jade Clarity division.

In the [reign title] year, under the Grand Marshal of the [year], on the [day] of the [month], in [village, town, county, and prefecture], the male or female disciple [name], aged [age], born on the [date and hour], now prepares offerings and comes before the Three Caverns Master [title and name], requesting to receive the Register of the Supreme One’s Two Radiances and Three Ascents. After receiving the register, the disciple must practice morning and evening in accordance with the methods set out in the Divine Scripture of Ascending with the Radiances. The register must not be passed on to anyone unfit to receive it. If the recipient is lax and inattentive, or carelessly divulges or neglects the register, that person will bear punishment in the netherworld. All shall be carried out in accordance with the statutes of the True Writ of the Covenant of the Four Poles.

Anyone who practices the Way of the Three Luminaries should first observe a pure fast for one hundred days, or fifty days, cutting off social engagements and everyday affairs before entering the retreat to practice. When the retreat period is over, one should continue to keep oneself pure and clean in daily life; this is not required only during the retreat. If, after beginning the practice, one is interrupted by circumstances and goes a long time without practicing, one should observe another pure fast for fifty days before resuming visualization and cultivation. If the interruption is brief, one should still observe another pure fast, this time for five days.

Method for Rushing Toward the Sun

The Supreme Sovereign Perfect Lord of Red Qi within the Sun, a divine being who governs the red Qi within the Sun, is named Jiang Cheliang, with the courtesy name Gao Qianshuang. This deity’s title is exalted and secret. Although the scripture does not describe a method for visualizing and cultivating him, it says that those who know his name can attain immortality. Therefore, when beginning this method, one should hold his name in mind and know it, but must not call it aloud casually. The lunar method follows the same practice.

Names of the Five Emperor Lords

The Azure Emperor Lord, ruler of the east, has the appearance of an infant. He wears a blue jade brocade mantle, a splendid skirt adorned with azure feathers, and a morning crown of emerald-colored lotus petals.

The Vermilion Emperor Lord, ruler of the south, has the appearance of an infant. He wears a deep-red jade brocade mantle, a splendid skirt adorned with cinnabar-red feathers, and a crown of cinnabar-colored lotus petals called “Empty Brightness.”

The White Emperor Lord, ruler of the west, has the appearance of an infant. He wears a white jade brocade mantle, a splendid white skirt adorned with feathers, and a crown of luminous spirit and lotus blossoms.

The Black Emperor Lord, ruler of the north, has the appearance of an infant. He wears a black jade brocade mantle, a splendid black skirt adorned with feathers, and a crown of lotus petals from the Dark Mountain.

The Yellow Emperor Lord, ruler of the center, has the appearance of an infant. He wears a yellow jade brocade mantle, a splendid yellow skirt adorned with feathers, and a purple crown of lotus spirit.

Memorize beforehand the appearance and clothing of the Five Emperors. During cultivation, visualize yourself seeing the ceremonial robes and headdress of one particular Emperor. Their specific forms are described above.

Each morning, just as the sun rises, face it and bow twice. First put on the ceremonial robes and headdress, and prepare an incense burner and incense. Rinse your mouth, then hold the scripture on your tongue, with the beginning of the text facing inward. Sit upright and wait for the sun to rise and its round disk to appear. Then kneel upright, offer incense, visualize in your heart the name of the August Sovereign, and place both hands over your chest in salute. When you have finished saluting, lower your eyes and hold your breath for ten counts, then sit facing the sun. Next, bend your thumbs and form the “firm grip,” a cultivation gesture in which the fingers are curled into a fist. Tilt your face upward toward the sun and hold this posture for ten counts. Then visualize the sunlight as something you can swallow, and swallow ten times. As you visualize the sunlight entering your mouth and being swallowed, picture red Qi and purple radiance within the sun, dividing into nine streams. Silently recite: “Nine spirits of the radiant sun, nine beams of splendid light, come and settle upon my face.” Then part your lips slightly, gently draw in the breath, and swallow ten times. Next, hold your breath and visualize the radiance within your abdomen rising to connect with the Mudball Palace, the inner alchemy site in the head, and descending to reach the five viscera and six bowels, illuminating the whole body until it shines within and without. After a while, continue to keep the visualized radiance in mind until the practice is complete, without letting it dissipate. To conclude, call out softly, in a voice audible only to yourself.

The Azure Emperor within the sun is named “Yuan Changwu,” with the courtesy name “Longtao.” First visualize the Five Emperors seated within the sun according to the five cardinal directions. Then focus on the Azure Emperor, softly call his name, and visualize him responding. Follow the same method to visualize and call the other Emperors.

The Vermilion Emperor is named “Dan Lingzhi,” with the courtesy name “Lühongying.”

The White Emperor is named “Hao Yujiang,” with the courtesy name “Huijinxia.”

The Black Emperor is named “Cheng Caochun,” with the courtesy name “Xuan Lüyan.”

The Yellow Emperor is named “Shou Yifu,” with the courtesy name “Biaohui Xiang.”

Then invoke it, saying, “First visualize the Moon Soul as a round mass of light, yellow in color, slightly smaller than the sun and positioned within the sunlight.” There is no need to describe its shape. Simply sense that, within it, a divine presence seems to respond to you.

Visualize the spirit of the Moon Soul gently shining upon Xiaotai Biao. When you have finished, silently recite the Yin incantation, whose words are “clouds within the heart”; do not speak aloud.

Silently recite: “May I join the Five Emperor True Lords and the spirit of the Moon Soul, riding the colored clouds as we fly upward toward the Sun Palace.” When you have finished, close your eyes and visualize the Azure Emperor Lord coming from the sunlight to your left, the Red Emperor Lord on your right, the White Emperor Lord behind you, the Black Emperor Lord above your left hand, and the Yellow Emperor Lord above your right hand. Call each of them by name in your mind, and visualize all five Emperors arriving together, their garments’ colors faintly appearing. Once you have finished visualizing them, see the five Emperors together, in their forms and colors. Then click your teeth five times, swallow the saliva in your mouth nine times, and offer a quiet prayer, audible only to yourself.

The prayer says: “The red furnace, the cinnabar radiance; the rounded blossoms, the ninefold brightness. Great light opens the spirit; brilliance shines upon the vermilion essence. The Five Emperors first raise the rosy clouds, illuminating the myriad beings of the caverns. Behold the Highest Perfected descending. In emptiness, regulate the teeth, five times; swallow the liquid, nine times. Whisper the prayer: let it be heard by your own ears alone.”

Then continue silently reciting: “The red furnace, the cinnabar radiance; the rounded blossoms, the ninefold brightness. Great light opens the spirit; brilliance shines upon the vermilion essence. The Five Emperors first raise the rosy clouds, illuminating the myriad beings of the caverns. Behold the Highest Perfected descending. In emptiness, harmonize and calm; circulate Qi and refine the radiance. Let it flow through the Five Forms, transform my spirit, and fill my six organs. Ride together upon the crimson clouds, in the nine-horse chariot of Yang Sui; fly upward to the Sun Palace and unite your spirits with the Emperor’s.” When you have finished, visualize the Yang Sui crimson-cloud chariot, drawn by nine red dragons, coming from the sunlight to meet you. Then ride in it with the Five Emperors as you fly toward the Sun Palace.

If you practice this method, after one year you will vaguely perceive the scene; after two years you will see the divine forms; after three years the spirits will descend; and after four years you will attain clear understanding, with a jade-like radiance appearing on your face. After five years you will become a perfected one. After eleven years, you will be able to ride a cloud chariot, unfurl a feathered canopy, and drive the gathered dragons as you fly toward the Sun Palace. You will receive scriptures and become a Perfected One of Highest Clarity, attended by twenty-six jade youths and twenty-four jade maidens.

Method for Flying to the Moon

The methods for fasting, quieting body and mind, and visualization are the same as those for flying to the sun.

The Celestial Mother of the Supreme Yellow Qi in the Moon, the goddess who governs the Yellow Qi within the Moon, is named Yaodao You and styled Yuhui Tiao.

The wife of the Azure Emperor of the East has the appearance of an infant. She wears a flowing, splendid robe of blue jade brocade, woven with patterns of emerald dragons and phoenixes, and a skirt of flying feathers. Her hair is arranged atop her head in a slanting, cloudlike triangular coiffure, with the rest falling to her waist. The wives of the other emperors wear the same hairstyle.

Method of the Moon

When practicing this method, one should observe ritual purification, remain calm and still, and focus the mind on visualization. The procedure is the same as that of the “Method of the Sun” described earlier. “Visualization” refers to a contemplative practice used in Daoist cultivation; the “Method of the Sun” is the sun-related cultivation method described above.

The wife of the Vermilion Emperor of the South wears a flowing robe of cinnabar-colored medicinal jade brocade and a skirt of flying feathers patterned with vermilion phoenixes.

The wife of the White Emperor of the West wears a flowing robe of white jade brocade patterned with dragons in the four directions, and a flying-flower skirt embroidered with white feathers and luan birds.

The wife of the Black Emperor of the North wears a flowing robe of dark jade-patterned brocade adorned with nine cloud designs, and a flying-flower skirt decorated with black feathers and dragons.

The wife of the Yellow Emperor of the Center wears a flowing robe of brocade patterned with yellow clouds and mountains, and a skirt embroidered with green feathers and phoenixes.

The forms and clothing of the five Ladies are listed on the right. Memorize them beforehand, then practice and visualize them according to the instructions for each day. Each evening, when the moon has just risen, face it and bow twice. Around the second or third day of the lunar month, you may begin just after sunset, when the moon is first rising. If the moon has risen higher, wait until the sunlight has completely faded and the moonlight is bright before practicing. When the moon is invisible between the last day of one lunar month and the first day of the next, visualization and practice are not possible.

If the moon cannot be seen indoors, go to the courtyard or beneath the eaves; on rainy or overcast days, remain indoors. First put on your cap and clothes, prepare the incense burner, and rinse your mouth. Then hold the scripture on your tongue, with the first character facing inward. Face the moon and burn incense. Kneel upright, visualize the Divine Mother of the August Sovereign (a celestial deity), and place both hands over your heart as you bow.

After bowing, lower your eyes and hold your breath for nine breaths. Sit upright facing the moon, with your hands turned palm-up on your knees: hold the scripture in your right hand and form the Hand Clasp in your left, a hand gesture commonly used in Daoist practice. Lift your face toward the moon, hold your breath for nine breaths, and visualize swallowing the moonlight nine times. Imagine the moonlight entering your mouth. Within the moon are yellow Qi, white radiance, and eight mysterious rays. Silently recite: “Essence of the moon’s splendor at night, eight rays descend upon my face.” Then part your lips slightly and gently draw in and swallow nine times.

When you have finished, hold your breath and visualize the radiance within your abdomen rising to the Nivana Palace, where the spirits and Qi reside within the crown of the head. Imagine it descending through the five viscera and six bowels, illuminating your whole body and flowing through its interior and exterior. Continue to visualize this radiance until the rite is complete, without letting it disperse. Finally, recite softly, so that only you can hear.

The Lady of the Azure Emperor in the moon is named E Yin Zhu, with the courtesy name Fen Yan Ying.

First, visualize the Five Empresses of the Five Emperors seated upright within the moon. In accordance with the positions of the five directions, each appears as a circular radiance. Then inwardly invoke the Empress of the Azure Emperor and call to her, visualizing her coming in response. Visualize the other four empresses in the same way.

The Empress of the Red Emperor is named Yi Yiliao, with the courtesy name Wanyanxu; the Empress of the White Emperor is named Ling Sulan, with the courtesy name Yulianhua; the Empress of the Black Emperor is named Jielianqiao, with the courtesy name Chun Shujin; and the Empress of the Yellow Emperor is named Qing Yingjin, with the courtesy name Jiong Dingrong.

Next, call to the Sun Soul, visualizing it appearing in the form of a pixie warding off evil. It is red, as large as the moon, and dwells within the qi of moonlight. There is no need to visualize its precise form; simply sense that a divine presence is responding within it.

The Sun Soul’s spirit is named “Vermilion Boy of Pearly Radiance.” After reciting the name, silently offer this prayer without speaking aloud:

“May I ride the flying clouds together with the Five Empresses and the spirit of the Sun Soul, ascending to the lunar palace.”

When the prayer is complete, close your eyes and visualize the Empress of the Azure Emperor coming from the moonlight to your left, the Empress of the Red Emperor on your right, the Empress of the White Emperor behind you, the Empress of the Black Emperor beside your left hand, and the Empress of the Yellow Emperor beside your right hand. Each holds a document and stands facing you. Then inwardly recite their secret names, bringing all five empresses before your eyes, and visualize their garments and bearing faintly. Next, visualize the Five Empresses in their respective places in the five directions, each appearing with her own form and color of clothing. Then click your teeth nine times, swallow the saliva in your mouth nine times, and softly recite the incantation:

Yellow Essence (a name for an immortal medicine often used in Daoist cultivation) shines forth, and primal Yin (the original Yin Qi) appears within, illuminating the Great Mystery (a profound and hidden realm) and opening the grotto realm that leads to all directions. Radiance streams through the cold wind, and the Seven Mornings (star-associated spirits or powers) reveal the wondrous light of lang jade. Yin Qi turns and mingles; Heaven and Earth disclose their brightness. Cloud shawls unfold in layered folds; the body is adorned with jade, and jade pendants hang from the waist. Cloud curtains billow like silk, nourishing the King of Wood (the ruler of the Wood Qi of the East). Purple radiance rises upright and descends, appearing in the skies of the Nine Heavens. Its light is full and complete, adding color to the Great Mystery and opening a realm that reaches in every direction. Radiance streams through the cold wind; the Seven Mornings reveal the wondrous light of lang jade; Yin Qi turns and mingles; Heaven and Earth disclose their brightness. Cloud shawls unfold in layered folds, the body adorned with jade and jade pendants hanging from the waist; cloud curtains billow, nourishing the King of Wood. Purple radiance rises upright and descends, appearing in the skies of the Nine Heavens, its light complete and radiant.

The Six Qi (the six forms of Qi that circulate between Heaven and Earth) mingle and flow together. The Ladies of the Five Emperors (goddesses paired with the emperors of the five directions) tread the clouds and ride the wind, their feathered skirts brushing the sky. At ease in the open void, they journey eastward. The Immortal Tree stretches toward the morning light, while its canopy of flourishing grasses grows tall and luxuriant. The roots of the grotto realm extend ten thousand miles, shading and protecting the Five Limbs (the cultivator’s body). The hun and po souls harmonize; the spirit transforms, and six kinds of mysterious cloud Qi fill the surroundings. One returns from old age to a state like infancy, and the Jade Infant (an inner deity or attainment of cultivation) regains its childlike purity. Then, riding the Shenling (a vehicle or cloud used by immortals), drawn by flying clouds and ten dragons, one rushes upward to the lunar palace and takes a place among the ranks of those charged with protection and care. This is the end.

During cultivation, visualize the soul within the sun riding moonlight toward you and stopping about nine inches from your face; imagine a deity present there. Then visualize the vehicle of Flying Clouds and Flowing Bells, drawn by ten yellow dragons, coming from the moonlight toward you. Again imagine the soul within the sun riding moonlight and stopping about nine inches from your face, with a deity inside it. Next, visualize the vehicle of Flying Clouds and Flowing Bells arriving before you, carrying the five Ladies together, and then setting out for the lunar palace.

If you cultivate in this way, signs of response begin to appear after about a year. After two years, you can see the forms of the deities; after three years, the deities descend. After four years, you attain penetrating insight, and a flowing radiance arises from the body. After five years, you become a perfected person. After eleven years, you can ride the Mysterious Reins of Radiance (an immortal’s vehicle) upward to the lunar palace, become a Shangqing perfected person, and receive twenty-six jade boys and twenty-four jade maidens to attend you.

The Method of Racing to the Stars

Jupiter governs spring, Mars summer, Venus autumn, and Mercury winter. At the change of each season, the star’s period of influence begins at the hour of the Rat on the night before the corresponding season starts. Each season lasts seventy-two days. Saturn, in turn, holds sway for eighteen days before each of the spring and autumn equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices. Its period begins at the hour of the Rat on the night before each of these solar terms.

When stars are visible at night, you may go into a courtyard and sit or stand. If you can see one of the five planets, you may go into the courtyard at the proper time to practice the method of ingesting the stars; sitting is preferable to standing. You may also spread a mat and set out a table in the courtyard or ritual space, facing the stars. After burning incense and paying reverence, sit upright to practice. If no stars are visible, or the sky is overcast, you may quiet your mind and practice visualization in your sleeping quarters. The planets do not always appear in the directions traditionally assigned to them, so face the direction where each one actually is. In other words, face the planet’s current position rather than clinging to its customary direction; Jupiter, for example, may appear in the west.

When ingesting and refining the five planets each night, attend to them one by one, beginning with the planet that governs the current season. Daoists who observe purification and stillness may also visualize the five planets’ true writings—the sacred talismanic signs representing them—indoors, and practice facing them together. If you are unfamiliar with astronomy and calendrical calculations and do not know where the planets are, you may instead observe prolonged purification and stillness, then practice indoors by visualizing each planet in its traditionally assigned direction.

When swallowing the radiance of the stars, visualize the stars’ true deities, the Supreme Sovereigns and their consorts, riding on the radiance into your mouth, and then swallow it. At the same time, gently close your eyes, as though seeing their forms.

The practice for ascending to Jupiter, the Wood Star, is to visualize the round luminous mirror of the Year Star (Jupiter) and its Wood essence. The Year Star shines brightly over the terraces in the east. Within the star are nine gates, and from each gate shoot nine sharp rays, each hanging down as beams of light nine million zhang long. Inside every gate is a Azure Emperor. Visualize the star as vast and round, ninety li across, with nine gates evenly spaced around it. Each Azure Emperor within a gate wears blue imperial robes and is called “Lord of Azure Spirit.”

When you see the Year Star according to the method in your daily practice, burn incense, settle your thoughts, gaze at the star, and invoke: “Sovereign of the Azure Emperor.” Next, visualize the August Lord of the Jade Terrace and his consort within the star—Daoist deities and their spouses—and salute them with your right hand resting over your heart. Then hold your breath, click your teeth twenty-seven times, swallow the saliva in your mouth nine times, and close your eyes. Silently invoke:

“True Lord of the Year Star, your name is Clear Waves and your courtesy name is Pure Stillness; your consort’s name is Precious Countenance and her courtesy name is Flying Cloud. May I ride together with the True Lord of the Azure Emperor of Primordial Yang and his consort in the Azure Chariot of the Eight Radiances, the blue jeweled carriage of the immortals, and ascend to the Palace of the Most High.”

After reciting this, keep your eyes closed and hold your hand before them. Then slowly raise your hand until you can just see the starlight, and silently recite the incantation:

“Heavenly light mingles, and essence and Qi flow through the east. Looking up, I behold the nine star gates; flying clouds of rosy light part the sharp rays. Within the Azure Terrace of Primordial Yang is a light both blue and yellow; divine blue radiance pours down and illuminates the four directions. Lady Yu-Cha, courtesy name Flying Cloud, wears the numinous brocade of ritual purification, a dragon-patterned mantle and tiger-patterned skirt, a phoenix tally at her waist, and a jeweled crown upon her head. She comes and goes without form, roaming through the Great Void. The Azure Emperor leads the way before her, while the gods of the Jade Terrace follow behind. Blue and yellow light fills the place, and divine blue radiance pours down across the four directions. Lady Yu-Cha, courtesy name Flying Cloud, leads the assembled gods to welcome me, enabling me to become a Flying Perfected One and ascend to the lofty chamber of Jade Clarity.”

After completing the ritual, lower your hands and close your eyes. Face the stars, draw in their light, and visualize nine rays of light, all entering your throat. First visualize the Lady of the True Sovereign and swallow her into your liver. Then absorb and swallow twenty-seven streams of Qi. When you have finished, click your teeth three times.

If you continue this practice for fourteen years, the Azure Sovereign Lord within Jupiter will report your deeds to the Palace of Highest Jade Clarity and have your name inscribed on the Flowering Tablet of Taiwei. You will thereby receive, in the Jade Register, the immortal rank of “Perfected One of Highest Flight in Shangqing.”

Next is the method for ascending through Mars. Mars is called the Dark Mirror, Elixir Essence, and shines over the southern sky. Within the star are three gates, each displaying three sharp rays of light, each ray extending downward for three million zhang. Within each gate is a Red Emperor. Visualize Mars as vast and round, about thirty li in diameter, with the three gates evenly arranged around it. The Red Emperor wears red robes. At the center are the Supreme Lord of the True Way, the Red Sovereign of Vermilion Sun and Elixir Fire, and his consort.

When performing the rite, burn incense whenever you see Yinghuo (Mars). Compose your mind, gaze at the star, and visualize its vast, rounded form, its gates and sharp rays, and the Red Emperor. Then invoke inwardly:

“Lord of the Red Emperor.”

Next, visualize the Sovereign Lord of Vermilion Clouds and Crimson City within the star, together with his consort. Place your left hand over your heart in salute and cover your mouth with your right hand. Hold your breath three times, click your teeth twenty-seven times, swallow your saliva nine times, and close your eyes. Invoke inwardly:

“True Lord of Yinghuo, whose personal name is Weiting and courtesy name is Sanrong; Lady, whose personal name is Huaping and courtesy name is Xuanluo. May I ride with the Red Sovereign of the Cinnabar Heaven and his consort in the Eightfold Radiance Elixir Carriage and ascend to the Palace of Jade Clarity.”

When the rite is complete, face the star and recite the invocation:

The stars of heaven turn and shine upon one another, their red radiance facing south. Look up toward the Gate of Heaven, and behold vermilion clouds and crimson city towers. Within the city is a Cinnabar Emperor named Weiting. Through the method of inner observation, his Lady beholds herself and is called the Flowery Vase. She wears a neat robe like cloud and frost, adorned with phoenix patterns and dragon-shaped bells. A Tiger Script is tied at her waist, and she wears a flying azure crown. She enters and leaves the hidden and mysterious realms, roaming through the Five Cities. The Red Emperor leads the way before her, while the Six Ding attend behind. When she comes in response to the summons, the cultivator receives the title “One Who Has Attained the Real,” ascends to the realm of dark emptiness, and is entered in the registers of gold and jade.

When the rite is over, lower your hands, then raise one to stroke your heart. Close your eyes, hold your breath, gaze at the stars, and draw in their radiance, so that all three beams of starlight enter your throat. First visualize the True Emperor’s Lady and swallow her into your heart. Then swallow twenty-seven streams of Qi. When all is complete, click your teeth together three times.

After fourteen years of sustained practice, the Red Emperor, the High True Dao Lord within Yinghuo (Mars), will report the cultivator’s deeds to the Palace of the Three Origins and the Mysterious High. He will have the cultivator’s name engraved on a jade slip bearing the Mysterious Chart and entered in the Golden Register, thereby placing the cultivator among the High Clarity Flying-Up True Persons.

The method of ascending to Venus by Golden Flight is to visualize Taibai (Venus) as a precious mirror reflecting the essence of metal, its radiance illuminating the western star fields. Within Taibai are seven gates, on which are engraved jade slips bearing the Mysterious Chart and recording the cultivator’s rank. The cultivator will be entered in the Golden Register and placed among the High Clarity Flying-Up True Persons.

The Way of Golden Flight to Venus is to visualize Taibai as a precious mirror reflecting the essence of metal, its radiance illuminating the western star fields. Within Taibai are seven gates, and from each gate shine seven sharp rays, each casting light downward for seven million zhang. In every gate dwells a White Emperor. Visualize the star as vast and spherical, about seventy li in diameter, with seven gates evenly spaced around it. The White Emperor is dressed in white. He is the Dao Lord of Great Simplicity, Lesser Yin, and the White Emperor, together with his Lady.

In practice, you should visualize Taibai often. Burn incense, steady your thoughts, gaze at the sharp rays and the White Emperor within the gates, and silently recite: “Lord White Emperor.” Then visualize the Jade Chamber’s White Emperor of the Star and his Lady. Stroke your heart with your hand in salutation, press the nostrils on both sides with your left hand, hold your breath seven times, click your teeth together twenty-seven times, swallow saliva nine times, and close your eyes. Silently recite:

The Star Lord of Great White, the stellar deity who governs the planet Venus, is named Liaoling, with the courtesy name Zhenxun. His wife is named Biaoying, with the courtesy name Ling’en. They wish to ride together with the Perfected Lord of Great Simplicity and Lesser Yin, who presides over the Qi of Lesser Yin, and his wife in the Plain Chariot of Eight Radiances, a white celestial carriage formed from eight kinds of numinous light, and ascend to the Jade Clarity realm. When the rite is complete, face the stars and recite the incantation:

Seven kinds of numinous Qi soar in splendor, illuminating the west. Look up to the seven gates, where the wondrous passes surge with sharp brilliance. Pure white radiance shines bright, and De is proclaimed in the lineage of Metal De. Among them is a person of Lesser Yin, riding together in the Plain Chariot of Eight Radiances to ascend to the Jade Clarity realm. When the rite is complete, face the stars and recite the incantation:

Seven kinds of numinous Qi soar in splendor, illuminating the west. Look up to the seven gates, where the wondrous passes surge with sharp brilliance. Pure white radiance shines bright, and De is proclaimed in the lineage of Metal De. Among them is the deity of Lesser Yin, titled the White Emperor. His wife is named Ling’en and dwells in the Jade Chamber. The two wear splendid brocade robes in proper order and carry tiger-patterned talisman badges adorned with bells. They wear Fuchen crowns and golden pendants at their waists. They enter and leave the void, traveling through Jade Gang. The White Emperor leads the way, with the Six Geng following behind. They come to welcome the practitioner and take them up to the Pond Palace in the north. Their name is entered in the registers of Highest Clarity, and they attain the rank of True Lord.

When the rite is complete, lower your hands, bring them close to your eyes, and gaze at the stars. Absorb the stars’ radiance, visualizing all seven rays of Venus entering your throat. First visualize the True Emperor’s wife, then swallow her into your lungs. Next absorb twenty-seven streams of Qi and swallow them all, then click your teeth three times.

If you regularly practice this method for fourteen years, the Supreme Sovereign Lord of Lesser Yin and White in the star Great White will report your name to the Palace of the Great Emperor and Jade Emperor. Your name will be engraved in the Golden Pavilion of Highest Clarity and entered on a jade slip. You will be invested as the Left True Lord of Highest Clarity and placed in charge of the affairs of the Supreme Ultimate.

The Supreme Sovereign Lord of Lesser Yin and White in Water will also report your name to the Palace of the Great Emperor and Jade Emperor. Your name will be engraved in the Golden Pavilion of Highest Clarity and entered on a jade slip. You will be invested as the Left True Lord of Highest Clarity and placed in charge of the affairs of the Supreme Ultimate.

Next comes the method of ascending through water to the Water Star. The Star of the Year, Mercury, is made of water essence like a round mirror, illuminating the Northern Darkness. Within it are five gates, each revealing five sharp rays and each sending down a radiance five million zhang long. A Black Emperor dwells in each gate. Visualize the star’s body as vast and round, about fifty li in diameter, with five gates evenly arranged around it. The Black Emperor wears black robes. At the center are the Lord of the Great Mystery, Yin Origin, and his wife.

To practice this method, burn incense whenever the Water Star appears. Compose your mind, gaze at the star, and visualize its vast, perfect, rounded body, its gates and their sharp rays, and the Black Emperor. Then call inwardly:

First imagine the Black Emperor of the North, the Northern Celestial Emperor, standing before you. Then visualize the Lord Sovereign of the Azure Palace among the stars and his consort. Place both hands over your heart and bow to them. Raise your hands to cover your ears, hold your breath for five counts, click your teeth, burn incense, steady your thoughts, gaze at the stars, and call inwardly:

The Black Emperor of the North. Next, visualize the Lord Sovereign of the Azure Palace among the stars and his consort. Place both hands over your heart and bow, then raise your hands to cover your ears. Hold your breath for five counts, click your teeth twenty-seven times, swallow your saliva nine times, close your eyes, and call inwardly:

The Dao Lord of the Planet Saturn, who presides over Saturn, is named Qixuan, with the courtesy name Jingyuan; his consort is named Xuanhua, with the courtesy name Long’e. May I ride together with the Dao Lord of Great Mystery and Yin Origin and his consort in the Azure Chariot of the Eight Radiances, the cloud carriage of the immortals, and ascend to the Upper Primordial Palace of Shangqing.

When you have finished, face the stars and recite the incantation:

The primordial Qi of five colors flies through the dark void, its radiance streaming toward the north. Looking up at the five gates, I see only the Azure Palace, flourishing and profound. Divine light surges forth, reaching the place of audience; numinous radiance illuminates auspicious clouds. In the clouds is the Black Emperor, named Jingyuan; Long’e appears in all her splendor. Together they step through the mysterious gateway, wearing azure shawls and flying skirts of purple brocade, with tiger tallies at their waists. Divine light surges forth, reaching the place of audience; numinous radiance illuminates auspicious clouds. In the clouds is the Black Emperor, named Jingyuan; Long’e appears in all her splendor. Together they step through the mysterious gateway, wearing azure shawls and flying skirts of purple brocade, with tiger tallies at their waists. They wear lotus crowns and pass in and out of the empty reaches of the Nine Heavens, entering the realm of Jade Fluids. The Black Emperor leads the way; the Six Ren spirits, associated with divination and calendrical methods, follow behind. The assembled gods come to welcome me and lead me up to the Purple Chamber. My name will be entered in the registers of the Highest Immortals, and I will become a Jade Perfected.

When the recitation is complete, lower your hands, bring your face close, gaze at the stars, and absorb their radiance. Visualize all five rays of the stars entering your throat. First visualize the True Sovereign’s consort, then swallow your saliva and send it down into your kidneys. Next absorb twenty-seven breaths of Qi. After swallowing them, click your teeth three times.

Practice this method regularly for fourteen years, and the Perfected Lord, the Great Mystery Supreme Sovereign of Saturn, will report to the High Palace. The practitioner’s name will be engraved on a jade tablet in the Immortal Chamber of Luminous Jade, entered in the immortal registers of the Jade Clarity Purple Writ, and granted the rank of True Lord of Shangqing.

To cultivate the Way of Soaring from Earth to Saturn, first visualize Fill Star (Tianxing, also called Zhenxing, the Saturn of Chinese astronomy) shining brightly like a round mirror, displaying the essential energy of the Earth Phase and a yellow radiance. Fill Star has four gates, and four sharp rays extend from each gate, each casting light four million zhang downward. Beside each gate stands a Yellow Emperor. Visualize the star as vast and perfectly round, about thirty li in diameter, with four gates around it. The Yellow Emperors wear yellow robes; at the star’s center are the Yellow True Emperor Dao Lord and his consort.

Usually at dusk, face Zhenxing, burn incense, steady your thoughts, gaze at the star, and visualize it as vast and round, its four gates shining with light and a Yellow Emperor beside each gate. Then silently recite: “Lord of the Yellow Emperor.” Next, visualize the Star’s Terrace Chamber Emperor and his consort. Place both hands against your chest in salute, then raise your left hand and cover the space between your eyebrows, above the Cavern Chamber—the inner palace of the head in Daoist visualization practice. Then hold your breath four times, click your teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow the saliva in your mouth nine times. Just before closing your eyes, silently recite:

“Emperor Lord of Zhenxing, your hidden name is Cangmu and your courtesy name is Danyan. Your consort’s hidden name is Gongyao and her courtesy name is Feixian. May I, together with the Central Earth Emperor Dao Lord and his consort, ride the Eight Radiances Yellow Carriage, symbol of the immortal realm, and ascend to the Palace of Highest Clarity.”

When this is complete, face the star and offer a prayer.

Four kinds of breath circle and converge, gathering at the Central Origin, the central core of the human body or cultivation system. Looking up toward the farthest reaches of the nine directions and sideways toward the gates of the four quarters, one sees the Yellow Terrace and Purple Chamber: sharp rays descend and light spreads outward, numinous radiance fills the space, and heavenly brilliance pours down like water into a basin. Within it is the Yellow Sovereign, whose name is Danyan. The Lady lives in seclusion and cultivates De, yet she is no ordinary virtuous woman. She regulates and harmonizes the Qi of life, infusing the original essence with the wondrous Dao. Then the four breaths meet and the Central Origin gathers, and the visions of the Yellow Terrace, Purple Chamber, and Yellow Sovereign appear once more.

The practitioner wears robes like yellow clouds, a dragon-patterned brocade coat and tiger-patterned skirt, a golden talisman at the waist, and a purple crown. Rising out of the Mysterious Void, the practitioner shines before the Golden Gate. The Yellow Emperor leads the way, while the Six Ji deities guard the carriage. The gods descend to welcome the practitioner, who looks up and sees the Heavenly Pass. The Golden Books and jade tablets of the Most High inscribe the practitioner’s name. From then on, the practitioner can fly through the vast heavens and become a Jade Minister, an official in the celestial realm.

When the rite is complete, lower the hands, gaze into the eyes, and absorb the light of the stars. Visualize all the light of the four-pointed star entering the throat. Then visualize the True Sovereign Lady and swallow her down into the spleen. Once this is done, practice breathing in Qi twenty-seven times according to the method, then click the teeth three times.

After practicing this way for fourteen years, the Perfected Sovereign within Jupiter will report the practitioner’s progress to the Palace of the Most High. The practitioner’s name will be inscribed on a blue jade tablet at the Terrace of Clouds and entered into the Ninefold Mysterious Elixir Register. The practitioner will thereby rank among the Perfected Lords of Highest Clarity, just below the Perfected Ones of the Four Poles.

Paying Homage to the Sovereign

According to the Hidden Book of the Most High, the days when the Perfected Ones of the Five Stars achieve the Five Penetrations are auspicious days, when pure celestial Qi shines clear and the Perfected Ones gather in celebration.

At noon on the sixth day of the first month, and at dusk on the first day of the second month, in the third month… [The source text here continues with “the Perfected Lords of Highest Clarity, just below the Perfected Ones of the Four Poles,” indicating the practitioner’s rank.]

Paying Homage to the Sovereign

According to the Hidden Book of the Most High, the days when the Perfected Ones of the Five Stars achieve the Five Penetrations are auspicious days, when pure celestial Qi shines clear and the Perfected Ones gather in celebration.

On the sixth day of the first month at noon; the first day of the second month at dusk; the seventh day of the third month at midnight; the ninth day of the fourth month at mealtime; the fifteenth day of the fifth month at midnight; the third day of the sixth month at noon; the seventh day of the seventh month at midnight; the fourth day of the eighth month at noon; the second day of the ninth month at dawn; the eleventh day of the tenth month at dawn; the sixth day of the eleventh month at midnight; and the twelfth day of the twelfth month at midnight.

On each of these twelve occasions, the Supreme Sovereign Taizhen Dao Lord among the Five Planets ascends together to the Upper Radiance Jade Clarity and pays audience to the Ninefold Mystery Supreme High Dao Lord. The Thousand Perfected Ones and the thirty-six Heavenly Emperors descend to wander in Great Clarity, while the perfected immortals above the rank of Flying Immortal gather joyfully in the Upper Palace of the Supreme Ultimate.

At these times, the various gods also deliberate on whether people in the world are diligent or lax in their pursuit of perfection. They record the jade names of those who study the true Dao and engrave them in the Golden Tower, registering them on medicinal slips. They also examine the merits and faults accumulated over seven generations by those who seek perfection, as well as the severity of the punishments and demotions they have received. They assess each person according to the number of merits and faults, assigning practitioners of the Dao different ranks.

The so-called “Five Communion Days” are auspicious assemblies for erasing sins and pardoning transgressions. The Five Perfected Ones attend court, hence the name “Five Communions”: they reach distant places, convey petitions to Heaven, and perceive even the subtlest things.

Anyone wishing to follow and practice the “Three Flights” method of ascending to perfection and concealing the Dao—a method of self-cultivation—must observe the rules of purity and abstinence described above, and practice diligently. They must not treat the method lightly or transmit it to unfit recipients. Anyone who violates the rules will cause the recipient of the teaching to be examined and punished forever. If the method is upheld in accordance with the rules, one may ascend to the realm of immortals in both life and death. All must follow the precepts set out in the covenant for ascending to perfection.

Recommending sponsor

Supervising preceptor

Initiating master

End of the upper scroll of The Supreme Taiyi Cavern-Truth Heavenly Treasure, Upper Clarity Great Cavern, Three Luminaries Register.

The Lower Scroll of The Upper Clarity Cavern-Truth Heavenly Treasure Great Cavern, Three Luminaries Register

The First Section of The Supreme Scripture of the Tortoise Mountain’s Primordial Register

Fourth Tier of the Jade Clarity Division

On a certain day in a certain month and year, the male and female lay followers of a certain village, township, county, district, and prefecture, named So-and-so and aged so many years, born on a certain day and at a certain hour, now prepare gifts and tokens of faith. They go before the Master of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen), Lord So-and-so, and request the transmission of the Supreme Lord’s High-Grade Great Register of Mount Guishan—an advanced Fulu (talismans and registers) of Shangqing Daoism. Longing for the highest Daoist teachings, the followers willingly receive this transmission, honor it as a revered teaching, and undertake to practice and uphold it.

After receiving the register, they must not violate the ritual rules or precepts and covenants. They must cultivate in accordance with the precepts and must not resent the Daoist teachings or blame their masters. In all things, they must abide by their sworn covenant, liturgy, and regulations.

The Taiqing Xuanlao Jiutian Zhengwen is a wondrous, numinous text that came into being naturally. The Jade Emperor Lord proclaimed it in a cavern chamber on Huashan, amid emerald plumes and mysterious clouds, in the Jade Capital. At that time, forty million billion jade boys and ninety million billion jade maidens gathered there. Gold covered the ground, and white jade formed the couches; the Celestial Worthy also descended to this place. Gold covered the banquet mats, and all the immortals and spirit kings knelt before the Nine Heavens’ Mysterious Emperor to seek his teaching.

They said, “We have heard that the sages of the Great High One, the Great Emperor, and the Jade Emperor Lord once sang wondrous melodies aloud. Their bodies shone with light as they rode phoenixes and dragons to welcome the Eastern Florescence Emperor. Together they sang the Lingzhang of the Nine Shao and Great Harmony, then inscribed the scripture on a stone of the Cavern Mystery. In this way, they transmitted the Upper Scripture of Turtle Mountain and the Fulu of the Nine Heavens, and brought harmony to the immortal jade maidens in the cavern chambers of the Nine Heavens.”

The True King commanded the demon-spirit banners to set forth. The thirty-two heavens each governed the moon’s course and the sun’s rising and setting, summoned clouds and rain to nourish the world, and caused a hundred kinds of fruit trees to sprout all at once. Their verdant branches were like jade, and red blossoms opened among the green leaves. In fragrant gardens and fruit groves, the Seven Treasures and the Three Radiances—the treasures and lights that symbolize the brightness of the celestial realm—shone together. The High Sages, immortals, and jade maidens gathered there.

The High Sage Celestial Worthies, the jade boys of Highest Clarity, the flower-scattering jade maidens, and all those in the Qiong chambers among the woods taught and transformed living beings. Ministers, emperors and rulers of states, Han Si, the official in charge of registers and Fulu, officials from the ten directions, immortal adepts and great sages, and a hundred demon kings all soared through the air, flying across heaven and earth. A flying cloud chariot, borne by twelve hundred mysterious dragons, thundered with lightning and illuminated the ten directions. They descended to my dwelling, bowed and knelt, and sang their praises.

Fragrant flowers from the heavens drifted down, while a hundred kinds of sounds rang out together. Jade-like instruments sounded clear and bright, and bells and stone chimes rang of their own accord. Celestial musicians played immortal music; the Seven Treasures and the Three Lights of the celestial realm shone together, and their harmonious melodies answered one another, bringing delight to all.

The Nine Demons of Heaven and the Evil Essence Heavenly Emperor were also summoned to attend, standing together beside the seats. Flying cloud canopies, twelve colored banners, ceremonial standards, and drum canopies were arrayed before the Emperor Lord. The heavens joined in singing praises, while the Twelve Celestial Worthies and the official immortals each recited praises from the Precious Text of Cavern Spirit’s Qiong Melody.

Whirling winds lift a light canopy as ten sages follow the revered deity to appear before the Celestial Emperor. The heavens sing in unison, joining in praise; the twelve Heavenly Worthies and the senior officials of the many immortal realms each chant the wondrous, beautiful sounds of praise to Dongling.

Verses of the Three Origins

Whirling winds lift a light canopy as ten sages follow the revered deity on a journey. The immortal verses among the clouds sing in unison with the spirits and hosts of demons, while auspicious Qi drifts around the purple immortal carriage. The Heavenly Worthies of the Great Clarity heavens pause at the edge of Jade Capital Mountain. The assembled immortals perform celestial music, whose many melodies resound of their own accord in every direction. The immortals gather in celebration and dance, their movements unfolding like clouds; the joy of the assembled Perfected Ones is beyond words.

In the Seven-Treasure Forest of Jade Qiong, the immortals chant praises, hoping to remain united in heart and keep one another company. Red immortal light shines upon the radiance of the sun, captivating my heart and spirit. The immortals recite the Celestial Emperor’s verses, a joy for which everyone longs. The heavens sing pure, subtle melodies that drift far away toward the clouds; the assembled sages sing immortal songs among the clouds, while the Jade Maidens raise mysterious, wondrous hymns.

The immortals journey together to the Queen Mother’s dwelling, wandering among halls of precious jade. Their forms are as beautiful as jade, bright and radiant. They rinse their mouths and drink from the clear stream in the Jade Pool, while the treasure-filled forest on Mount Kunlun shines brilliantly. Dragons drift and dance through the air; the Altar of Purple Clouds gleams white and bright. At dusk they travel to the edge of Mount Penglai, and at dawn they wander once more among the halls of jade.

The immortals’ forms are as beautiful as jade, bright and radiant. They rinse their mouths and drink from the clear stream in the Jade Pool, while the treasure-filled forest on Mount Kunlun shines brilliantly. Dragons drift and dance through the air; the Altar of Purple Clouds gleams white and bright. At dusk they travel to the edge of Mount Penglai; at dawn they face the radiant splendor of Mount Kunlun. The immortals condense elixir leaves, and their flowing radiance is entrusted to written texts.

The Natural Cavern’s Ritual Officer of the Nine Elders of Highest Clarity scatters the radiance of the cinnabar blossoms; the sovereign of the Nine Elders, the Most High Sage, descends in response to the summons. The Jade Immortal Elder of the Documents of the Jade Capital of the August Radiance (the revered deity who oversees the records of the immortal realms), in the first month, on the seventh day, of the year of the Upper Jia of the Primordial Sovereign, at the Terrace of Chaos, in the chamber of the Seven-Treasure Jade Forest, issues the Celestial Document of the Lower Heaven by command of the Jade Emperor of the Three Origins, granting it to the Cinnabar Elder, the Nine-Ruby Perfected Lord. Those whose minds and methods are disordered must not be summoned, nor may they be mixed together to observe and practice, so that they may become Perfected Ones of the highest rank. All matters are to be carried out in accordance with the ritual regulations and in obedience to the command:

In the Upper Clarity (Shangqing), the exalted celestial realm revered in Daoism, the holy Perfected Ones who serve as merit officers in the upper, middle, lower, front, rear, left, right, and central divisions of the Natural Numinous Flight in the Empty Cavern number ninety million in each division. Merit officers are divine officials in the celestial realm who relay documents and handle affairs.

The tally officers in the upper, middle, lower, front, rear, left, right, and central divisions, governed by the Jade Emperor’s Numinous Void in the Upper Origin’s Natural Cavern of Truth, number ninety trillion in each division. Tally officers are divine officials in the celestial realm who hold the authority of talismanic commands and transmit orders.

The tally officers in the right division of the Jade Emperor’s Numinous Void of the Cavern of Truth, within the Upper Division’s Numinous Flight and True Scene of the August Void of Cavern Clarity, number ninety trillion. The tally officers in the central division of the Jade Emperor’s Numinous Void in the Upper Origin’s Natural Cavern of Truth also number ninety trillion. This passage lists the titles, duties, and numbers of celestial officials.

In the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Cavern of Clear Emptiness, the True Realm (a serene and wondrous celestial realm), as well as its front, rear, left, and right sections and the central section that governs them all, there are spirit-flying envoys—messengers of the celestial realm. Each has eight thousand nine hundred million layers.

The spirit-flying jade carriage ridden by the Supreme Jade Emperor, the Supreme True One of the Nine Elders of the Upper Realm (a revered deity of the Upper Clarity Heaven), also has nine hundred million layers in each of its forms. The upper section is the Naturally Formed Feathered Canopy; the middle, the Naturally Formed Jade Carriage; the lower, the Naturally Formed Cloud Carriage. The front is the Naturally Formed Jade Wheel; the rear, the Naturally Formed Green Carriage; the left, the Naturally Formed Phoenix Wing; the right, the Naturally Formed Flying Dragon; and the central section, the Naturally Formed Dragon Carriage. “Canopy,” “carriage,” and “wheel” are names for celestial regalia and vehicles. “Nine hundred million layers” conveys their vast number of levels.

The upper generals of Guishan, commanded by the Scarlet Talisman of the Elixir Register of the Highest Spirit in Clear and Empty Jade Capital—the immortal realm of tranquil stillness and luminous emptiness—number ninety million cavalry. The middle generals number ninety million cavalry; the lower generals, ninety million; the front generals, ninety million; the rear generals, ninety million; the left generals, ninety million; the right generals, ninety million; and the generals who command all the divisions together also number ninety million cavalry.

The True Jade Youths of the Highest Reality, from the radiant scene of Purple Emptiness amid primordial chaos, traversing the heavens of the Upper Origin of Jade Clarity—the immortal realm of the Jade Clarity heavens—number seventy million chariots at Guishan. The middle True Jade Youths number seventy million chariots; the lower, seventy million; the front, seventy million; the rear, seventy million; the left, seventy million; the right, seventy million; and the True Jade Youths who command all the divisions together also number seventy million chariots.

Within the Purple Emperor’s Jade Capital—the immortal realm where the Purple Emperor dwells—and amid the luminous, nine-colored visions of the elixir landscape, there are ninety million Ninefold Splendor Jade Maidens of the rank of Upper Immortal. The Ninefold Splendor Jade Maidens of the ranks of Middle and Lower Immortal, as well as those of the Front, Rear, Left, Right, and All-Immortal ranks, likewise number ninety million in each rank.

Within the numinous realm of the Jade Void Grotto, there are ninety million Nine Perfected High Sages, bearers of the Purple Charter of the Upper Origin and high-ranking perfected sages attended by the Golden Flower Jade Youths. The Middle Sages, Lower Sages, and those of the Front, Rear, Left, Right, and All-Sage ranks also number ninety million each. All these sages and perfected beings are called Golden Flower Jade Youths, child deities of the immortal realm.

Among the High Perfected of the Nine Mysteries, the Upper Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens—who fly amid the Seven Splendors and lead the Way at Tortoise Mountain—number ninety million. The Middle Azure Youths number ninety million. In addition, there are ninety million Golden Flower Jade Youths: the All-Sages of the Nine Perfected, bearers of the Purple Charter of the Upper Origin in the numinous realm of the Jade Void Grotto.

Among the Ninefold Heaven’s Supreme Perfected Ones, the Seven Radiant Scenes of Flying Blossoms and the various leaders of Guishan, the Upper Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the Dao number ninety million; the Middle Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the immortals number ninety million; the Lower Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the spirits number ninety million; the Front Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the sages number ninety million; the Rear Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the illumined number ninety million; the Left Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the numinous number ninety million; the Right Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the mysterious number ninety million; and the Central Directorate’s Azure-Waisted Jade Maidens who lead the Perfected number ninety million.

In the Natural Flying Firmament of the Numinous Jade Vastness of the Upper Origin (the wondrous immortal realm of the Upper Origin Heaven), the Upper Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals under its command number ninety million; the Middle Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals who lead benevolence number ninety million; the Lower Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals who lead and guide number ninety million; the Front Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals who lead the mysterious number ninety million; the Rear Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals who lead the numinous number ninety million; the Left Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals who lead emptiness number ninety million; the Right Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals who lead the elixir number ninety million; and the Central Directorate’s Spirit Elixir Perfected Jade Immortals who lead the Perfected number ninety million.

In the Upper Clarity (Shangqing), Cavern of Perfection (Dongzhen), the Mysterious Radiance Jade Emperor, Green Florescence Upper Elixir, Middle Elixir, Lower Elixir, Front Elixir, Rear Elixir, Left Elixir, Right Elixir, and Collective Elixir each have ninety million Jade Radiance Red Immortals. Here, “Seven Luminaries” refers to the sun, moon, and the five planets—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. “Upper Clarity” and “Cavern of Perfection” are titles in the Daoist scriptural system; “Elixir” is part of the names of the Immortals listed here.

In the Golden Chamber within the Right Cavern of Numinous Power, the Upper Clarity, Turtle Mountain, Primordial Void, Purple Hall, stone tablets are engraved with ornate jade writing and images of stone figures. Listed here are the Right Elixir and Collective Elixir Jade Radiance Red Immortals, each numbering ninety million.

In the Golden Chamber within the Right Cavern of Numinous Power, the Upper Clarity, Turtle Mountain, Primordial Void, Purple Hall, stone tablets are engraved with true script and Fulu (talismans and registers). They record the sacred registers of officials and troops. The Central Origin Envoys in their proper positions in the Upper Palace, immortal youths and jade maidens, Heavenly Kings and True Spirits, the generals of the Three Divisions of the Eight Sceneries of the Highest Sages, merit officers, direct talisman officials, clerks, and envoys, flying dragons and their mounts, the True Officials of the Three Origins, the Jade Immortals of the Primordial Emperor, and all others must act in accordance with the rules of the Mysterious Code. Those who receive the registers must observe them diligently and carefully. This decree is carried out under the laws and commands of the Most High Lord Lao.

Recommenders

Supervisors of the ordination

Ordination Master (the ritual master who presides over the conferral of registers)

Section of the Great Shangqing Turtle Mountain Primordial Register

Fifth tier of the Jade Clarity division

In the year of a certain reign era, under a certain Tai Sui, on a certain month and day, the male and female believers So-and-so, from a certain province, prefecture, county, township, and village, aged a certain number of years and born in a certain year, month, day, and hour, have today prepared gifts and tokens of faith. They have come before the Three Caverns master So-and-so to ask him to choose an auspicious day.

On another day, the believer So-and-so again came before the Three Caverns master So-and-so to request reception of the Great Register of the Middle Grade of Supreme Lord Guishan (a rank in the Daoist system of conferring registers). From now on, after upholding and wearing it, the recipient vows to cultivate in accordance with the laws, never to violate the revealed writings, and never to disclose them carelessly or treat them with neglect. Should the recipient transgress, the person who received the teachings will be subject to examination and punishment forever, and may not blame the Daoist teaching or the master. All matters shall be carried out in accordance with the covenant rites and regulations.

After wearing and revering this talisman for nine years, close the eyes and visualize: in each day and night, one will see the celestial retinue of the Nine Heavens riding dragons and phoenixes, flying through the Purple Void (the celestial realm) toward the Jade Court. The practitioner’s body will accompany the immortals and perfected beings, no longer consorting with ordinary people and never again able to dwell at ease in the human world. After passing through the hour of the Rooster and turning back at the hour of the Rabbit, the body will be freed from the sufferings of the Five Bitter Hells. These powers will surely be passed down to later generations, so the talisman must be upheld with care.

All the talismans above are written in cinnabar.

Recommending sponsors:

Supervising ordination master:

Ordination master:

The Lower-Grade Register of Supreme Lord Guishan

Jade Clarity Section, Sixth Rank

In the year of a certain reign era, under a certain Tai Sui, on a certain month and day, the male and female believers So-and-so, from a certain province, prefecture, county, township, and village, aged a certain number of years and born in a certain year, month, day, and hour, have today prepared gifts and tokens of faith. They have come before the Three Caverns master So-and-so to request reception of the Great Register of the Lower Grade of Supreme Lord Guishan, which they will keep forever as a treasure for protecting the body. Should they one day break their vow, they will bear the examination and punishment themselves, and will receive no pardon even after ten thousand kalpas. All matters shall be carried out in accordance with the covenant rites and regulations.

The foremost of the Zhengyi of the Primordial Origin, Upper Jia, the sovereign of the Great Dao of the Nine Heavens, the naturally formed ancient scene, takes Great Florescence as the treasure of the body. Should one one day break the vow, one will bear the examination and punishment oneself, and receive no pardon even after ten thousand kalpas. All matters shall be carried out in accordance with the covenant rites and regulations.

“Imperial Primordial Supreme First Celestial” is the title of an immortal of the highest rank, supreme and perfectly aligned with the orthodox Way. “Emperor of the Great Dao of the Nine Heavens” refers to the ruler of the Great Dao of the Nine Heavens. This text is an ancient numinous script that arose naturally and was carved into stone on Mount Taihua. In the Grotto Abode of Turtle Mountain are twenty-four immortal officials. The Upper Primordial Lord is known as the “Envoy of Turtle Mountain.” There are also twenty-four divine beings, including jade maidens and immortal youths. These perfected immortals came from the Purple Phoenix and Red Script transmitted by the High Sage: a precious book recording cinnabar radiance and jade writings, kept in grotto abodes in the Three Primordial Mountains of Grotto Radiance, Wind Emptiness, and Grotto Numinous.

After obtaining this authentic text, one must seal it away in the Jade Flower and Jasper Chamber of the Yellow Emperor, at the center of the Five Sacred Peaks. On the seventh day of the seventh month in a jiaxu year of the Grand Cycle, at Phoenix Mountain on the Platform of Primordial Chaos, it is to be taken from the Golden Portal and Jade Gate and bestowed upon the Lady of Purple Tenuity, the August Sovereign. She will then transmit it to those in later generations destined to become immortals. Whoever obtains and upholds this text is certain to ascend to Heaven by cloud in broad daylight, join the company of the immortals, behold the High Sage, and receive the charge of becoming a sovereign among the highest immortals. Such transmissions must follow the Profound Regulations and Orthodox Statutes, the Daoist rules governing transmission and ritual practice.

The High, Middle, and Low Sages of the Imperial Void Jade Emperor’s naturally arising cloud chariot of purple radiance each command ninety million Merit Officers who lead the perfected. The Former Sage has ninety million Merit Officers who guide the radiance; the Latter Sage has ninety million Merit Officers who form bonds; the Left Sage has ninety million Merit Officers who gather the perfected; the Right Sage has ninety million Merit Officers who pass through benevolence; and there are also ninety million Merit Officers who serve as the general officials of the Sages. Merit Officer is the title of a divine functionary in Daoist ritual texts. Here, the passage lists the many divine officials who serve the Imperial Void Jade Emperor and are assigned to different ranks of sages.

Among the Jade Immortals of the Upper Realm (Shangjing Yuxian), the celestial officials in charge of the Step of Emptiness ritual and of directing the various divisions of talisman officers each oversee affairs concerning the Immortals, spirits, perfected beings, illumination, and sages, as well as the dispatch of Immortals, the gathering of perfected beings, and the prolonging of life. Each division has 24 billion talisman officers.

Among the Jade Officials of the Numinous Immortals, the Supreme Perfected of the Clear Void (Qingxu Shangzhen Lingxian Yuguan), the Supreme Numinous Envoys who lead the sages number ninety million mounted attendants. The talisman officers who prolong life in the Clear Void’s Supreme Step of Emptiness Directorate number 24 billion.

Among these Jade Officials, the Supreme Numinous lead the sages, the Middle Numinous lead the Immortals, and the Lower Numinous lead the perfected beings. The Front, Rear, Left, Right, and Chief Numinous Envoys oversee the passage of spirits, the formation of Immortals, the gathering of luminous forms, the governance of perfected beings, and natural affairs. Each has ninety million mounted attendants. Talisman officers and envoys form the ranks of divine officials in Daoist sacred rites. “Step of Emptiness” refers to the ritual activity in which Daoist priests step rhythmically and chant during a Zhaijiao purification rite to communicate with the divine.

The Jade Plumed High Perfected of the Void Mystery Upper Clarity, the deep and wondrous realm within the Shangqing immortal paradise, are divided into the upper, middle, lower, front, rear, left, and right divisions, along with an office that oversees them all. Each division has ninety million layers of Purple Dawn Jade Youths, the jade attendants of the immortal realms.

The Great Cinnabar High Radiance Jade Maidens of the Purple Mystery Middle Clarity, the secluded and pure realm within the Three Origins immortal paradise, are assigned to the upper, middle, lower, front, rear, left, and right realms, as well as the office that oversees all the realms. Each realm has ninety million companies of Jade Maidens.

The spirit officials and their subordinates of the Numinous Light Upper Origin are all under the authority of the High Perfected. They govern the Three Lights, usually understood as the sun, moon, and stars, and include the Eight Offices of Destiny, whose divine officials oversee different kinds of lifespans, the Perfected of Turtle Mountain, and three thousand women. Each has ninety million companies. In addition, the Jade Maidens of the Great Cinnabar Capital Realm of the Three Origins, Upper Void, Purple Mystery Middle Clarity, also number ninety million companies.

The officials serving the numinous spirit of the Upper Origin numinous light include the Upper True Ones, Middle True Ones, and Lower True Ones, as well as the Front, Rear, Left, Right, and All True Ones. Together they number thirty million. These divine True Ones are attuned to the numinous power of the Three Lights. They oversee the Eight Divisions and the offices of the Masters of Destiny, and dwell on Tortoise Mountain.

Among the officials of the True Immortals of Empty Radiance, the Upper, Middle, and Lower Gods who await the Immortals, together with the Front, Rear, Left, Right, and All Gods, each number thirty million. They are all numinous spirit generals, responsible for duties in the Immortal realm. There are also thirty million Lower Gods, numinous spirit generals of the True Immortals of Empty Radiance.

The Seven Luminaries and Five Planets’ Immortals and Generals, under the command of the Jade Emperor of Shangqing of the Eight Scenes and Three Caverns, are divided by rank or direction into upper, middle, lower, front, rear, left, right, and central groups. The Upper Sage Perfected Ones are titled Generals Who Fly with Spirituality from Mount Gui; the Middle Sage Perfected Ones, Generals Who Tread the Void from Mount Gui; the Lower Sage Perfected Ones, Generals Who Refine the True from Mount Gui; the Front Sage Perfected Ones, Generals Who Turn Back to Brightness from Mount Gui; the Rear Sage Perfected Ones, Generals Who Fly among Clouds from Mount Gui; the Left Sage Perfected Ones, Generals of the Grotto’s Radiance from Mount Gui; the Right Sage Perfected Ones, Generals Who Refine the Spirit from Mount Gui; and the Central Sage Perfected Ones, Generals Who Refine the Immortal from Mount Gui. Each group numbers thirty million.

The Jade Children of the Golden Elixir, commanded by the Emperor of Vacuous Truth in the Purple Heaven (the imperial lord of Vacuous Truth in the Purple Heaven), are likewise arranged by position and title: the Upper Division’s Jade Children of the Five Zhi, the Middle Division’s Jade Children of the Six Zhi, the Lower Division’s Jade Children of the Seven Zhi, the Front Division’s Jade Children of the Eight Zhi, the Rear Division’s Jade Children of Green Mystery, the Left Division’s Jade Children of True Brilliance, the Right Division’s Jade Children of Mysterious Radiance, and the Central Division’s Jade Children of True Luminosity. Each group numbers thirty million. “Jade Children” is a Daoist term for divine beings in the pantheon who serve the Immortals and Perfected Ones and perform attendant duties. “Golden Elixir” refers to the sacred elixir or path of cultivation in Daoist practices of refinement and nourishment.

The High Radiance Great Zhi Jade Maidens, the Three Radiances Great Zhi Jade Maidens, the Lower Radiance Red Zhi Jade Maidens, the Fore-Radiance Lingzhi Jade Maidens, the Rear-Radiance Immortal Zhi Jade Maidens, the Left-Radiance Green Zhi Jade Maidens, the Right-Radiance Spirit Zhi Jade Maidens, and the All-Radiance Sacred Zhi Jade Maidens of the Imperial True Lower Clarity Jade King’s Immortal Capital each number thirty million.

The Jade Carriage of the Vacuous Clarity, Returning Light, Seven Luminaries, Jade Radiance, Cinnabar Spirit, Sun and Moon, Eight Arts, Natural Tortoise Mountain numbers seventy million. The All-Radiance Sacred Zhi Jade Maidens of the Vacuous Clarity, Returning Light, Seven Capitals number thirty million.

The Jade Carriage, Green Yoke, Cloud Carriage, Jade Wheel, Feathered Canopy, Dragon Chariot, Phoenix Wings, and Flying Chi of the Vacuous Clarity, Returning Light, Seven Luminaries, Jade Radiance, Cinnabar Spirit, Sun and Moon, Eight Arts, Natural Tortoise Mountain each number seventy million. These are all names for the carriages and ceremonial retinues of the immortal realm.

The Perfected One of Upper Radiance, Jade Radiance, of the Ninefold Mystery, Green Splendor, Cinnabar Luminary, Cavern Spirit, Natural Tortoise Mountain dwells among the Phoenix Wings of the nine hundred millionfold Tortoise Mountains. The Flying Chi of the Vacuous Clarity, Returning Light, Seven Luminaries, Jade Radiance, Cinnabar Spirit, Sun and Moon, Eight Arts, Natural Tortoise Mountain numbers seventy million.

The Ninefold Mystical Green Radiance, Elixir Luminary, Grotto Spirit, Natural Tortoise Mountain has nine hundred million layers in each of its upper, middle, and lower regions, its front and rear regions, and its left and right regions. The Perfected One of Jade Radiance, who governs the entire mountain, likewise has nine hundred million layers.

The Chapter of Authority of the Primordial Sovereign’s Elixir Radiance is a true script engraved on blue-green jade. It belongs both to the Perfected One of Jade Radiance in the mountain’s right region and to the Perfected One of Jade Radiance who governs the whole mountain. Each has nine hundred million layers.

The Chapter of Authority of the Primordial Sovereign’s Elixir Radiance is engraved on blue-green jade and was transmitted to the Lady of Purple Tenuity, a sage and perfected being of later generations.

After taking this talisman for ten years, the Lady of Purple Tenuity naturally ascended into the clouds. She sat on a golden terrace facing the Queen Mother and kept company with the assembled immortals. Anyone who wears this talisman may write its text in cinnabar on white silk and wear it on their person.

The true scripts of the Natural Celestial Books are stored in the River Chamber of Tortoise Mountain.

After taking this talisman for nine years, the True King of Clear Emptiness naturally ascended to the Terrace Suspended in Midair, where he kept company with the assembled sages, the Highest Perfected, and the perfected immortals. This talisman should be written in cinnabar on purple silk.

The Natural Celestial Writings of Golden Perfection, Dong Jing, are stored in a stone cave on Tortoise Mountain.

The Jade Boy of True Radiance was able to ascend to heaven only after taking this talisman for thirty-nine years. Write this talisman in yellow pigment on blue silk, then wear it on your person.

In a stone cave on Tortoise Mountain are the Natural True Scripts, engraved in blue characters on stone. When transmitting them to immortals of later generations, take great care to preserve them.

To wear this talisman, write it in blue pigment on yellow silk.

All four of the talismans above should be written in yellow pigment on blue silk, then worn on the person.

In a stone cave on Tortoise Mountain are the Natural True Scripts, engraved in blue characters on stone. When transmitting them to immortals of later generations, take great care to preserve them.

To wear this talisman, write it in blue pigment on yellow silk.

These four talismans are to be written in blue-green ink on white silk and hung in the four directions. They are used to subdue demon kings and evil spirits, causing them all to become restrained and obedient. Thus the assembled demons and the highest sages can travel above the realm of Shangqing, ascend and descend within the Purple Void, and together with the highest sages, emperors, and immortals, climb the famous mountains of the Purple Terrace and Jade Scenery.

The scripture says that after the assembled immortals and perfected beings had finished proclaiming the wondrous scripture together, they went to the Primordial Cavern of Mount Gui and obtained this true text. This was declared by the Venerable Elder of Highest Oneness, the Lord Lao of Highest Oneness, and the other sages.

Recommender: A person who recommends and vouches for the one transmitting the teaching.

Ritual supervisor: The person who oversees the transmission ceremony.

Transmission master: The master who conducts the transmission and guides the recipient of registers into the Dao.

Scroll Two of the Upper Clarity Cavern-Truth Heavenly Treasure Great Cavern Three Luminaries Precious Registers