《上清玉帝七圣玄纪回天九霄经》

This Shangqing Jade Emperor Seven Saints Mysterious Record of Returning Heaven to the Nine Empyreans Jing (Shangqing Yudi Qisheng Xuanji Huitian Jiuxiao Jing, scripture/classic) describes the scene after the Supreme Sage Emperor-Lord initiated the Qi (vital energy) of the Nine Mysteries, causing heaven and earth to differentiate, when the nine Heavenly Emperors received the mandate to descend upon the Lingxiao Palace.

The Supreme Sage, bearing talismanic contracts, rides a jade wheel through the Cinnabar Empyrean, ascends the nine-layered vermilion palace of seven radiances, and lingers between the bright auroras and the Nine Heavens. At this moment, the primordial Qi of Heaven unfolds from dark stagnation; the three luminaries of sun, moon, and stars unite their light; Jing (essence) and Qi circulate; the Qi of the eight directions interpenetrate one another; the assembled Perfected Ones gather and chant in unison within the Great Void. The scenery of heaven and earth thereby unfolds in brightness; rivers and seas grow calm; the eight winds stir the cloud-wheels; auspicious clouds and numinous light pervade the celestial realm.

Golden Immortals hold axes and battle-axes; the Four Directors grasp banners and pennants; the numinous officials of the Five Emperors, together with flying qilin, feathered cavalry, and other ceremonial escorts, guard the Heavenly Perfected. The Jade Maidens of Western Floriate (immortal maidens who attend the deity of Western Floriate) and the Golden Dawn Numinous Lads (celestial immortal youths) manifest radiance beside the jade halls, scattering numinous incense to dispel foul Qi and brushing away dust with splendid Jing-Qi. Wandering dragons thread among purple immortal lodges; strange beasts flex their claws beside jade gates; golden-winged birds beat their wings in jasper groves; immortal cranes cry and fly among the clouds. The Western Consort strikes the rhythm; celestial maidens play musical instruments; dragons intone and tigers roar; luan-birds and phoenixes respond in harmony; the assembled Perfected sing in chorus; heavenly music sounds in unison, its resonance shaking the realm of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Immortal music drifts forth; numinous winds carry fragrance; radiance intermingles and shines; the three heavenly lights blaze together.

At this time, the High Sage Most High Great Dao (the Way) Lord (a venerable Daoist deity) is draped in a nine-colored gauze-silk shawl, wearing splendid robes adorned with frost pearls, crowned with a headdress capable of instantaneous transformation, wearing morning-light sun-bells and a precious sword, and fastened with a jade seal and phoenix insignia. He rides a carriage of azure auroras, nine numina, and eight-vista flowing clouds, accompanied by flying immortals, feathered canopies, a thousand Perfected of the mulberry groves, and lads of the Purple Void. Heavenly troops clear the way ahead; the Six Masters raise their spears as they advance; lightning races forth; the Four Luminous Deities support and guide; the Five Elders clear the path; the ceremonial procession advances along the jade-like celestial road, finally arriving at the nine-layered vermilion palace of seven radiances.

The Great Dao Lord takes his seat in the palace; the nine Emperors gather in joy; the Three Perfected sing in response; the Seven Saints celebrate together; heavenly music resounds melodiously. The mind of the Great Dao Lord is fulfilled within the imperial registers; the literary elegance of the immortals transforms into auspicious clouds and mists. They manifest the De (Virtue/Power) of the spirits, revealing dragon patterns in the depths of the vast sea, radiating the brilliance of colored clouds above the Nine Heavens, and causing the sublime traces of the Dao to appear among orchid-jade and jasper springs. The Seven Saints then arrange the chapters of the Supreme Mystery and compile them into numinous texts: the Turtle Mother holds the brush; Taiyi dusts the mats and banquet; the Heavenly Consort attends with incense; Jade Floriate holds the towels. The scripture is written in purple characters with cinnabar, engraved upon white silver; numinous rhymes lie hidden within the jade chapters; the names of those who attain the Dao are recorded in the azure registers.

This Jing is entrusted to the Left Lord of the Immortal Capital among the Five Elders of the Supreme Perfected, stored in a purple-pistil jade satchel, and sealed with the chapter of initiating the mandate. Three hundred jade lads and three hundred jade maidens scatter flowers in attendance; each of the Seven Saints oversees one scroll; the Western Turtle is responsible for verifying the immortal registers; Eastern Floriate checks and verifies the names, inviting the assembled immortals of the Five Peaks to bear witness together. Later practitioners of the Dao who present their name-slips to the Three Primes (the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water), receive the immortal registers (Fulu, talismans and registers) according to the statutes of the Azure Palace, and after seven selections each year are listed in Shangqing, will have their names inscribed in the Mysterious Chart, thereby becoming Supreme Perfected of the era of Great Peace.

The Jing concludes by saying that all this is the result of Heaven's will being made manifest to the Supreme Sage and of De according with the Three Primes. Therefore the Most High records the decree in jade texts, causing mysterious correspondences to respond in secret and heavenly light to be stored within. The realm of this Jing stands above the Three Realms; its radiance surpasses the Supreme Perfected; it is mysterious and profound, difficult to express fully in ordinary writing; what the Jing records is but a tiny fraction of the lofty deeds of those who attain the Dao.

The Huitian Jiuxiao Baijian Qinglu (White Slips and Azure Records of Returning to Heaven and the Nine Empyreans) is a jing (scripture) received by the Supreme Sage Emperor Lord from the Nine Voids (the lofty celestial realms). It formed naturally from the flying mysterious purple Qi (vital energy) and records the names of later students who attain the Dao. The numinous and wondrous tones of the scripture mutually accord, and Yulang receives the true meaning within; at times it appears in written characters, at times it is conveyed through secret sounds, interconnecting above and below and in all four directions, all making manifest the mysterious titles, which appear spontaneously from empty space and are inscribed in the Hall of Broad Numinosity.

The original jing comprised one hundred thousand characters; the forms of the characters had no fixed categories, and the tones had no fixed readings; unless one were a Supreme Sage, no one could comprehend it. After seven thousand years these writings were inscribed at the source of the northern cavern of the Chamber of Kunlun. Each character measured one zhang square, with bright and dazzling literary brilliance, its radiance shining down in all four directions; mist filled the void, and the characters appeared and vanished. Purple flowing light brushed the dust and defilement from the characters, and golden Jing (essence), refined through cold, rendered the wording clear and luminous. After passing through many further kalpas, the traces of the writing remained vivid.

In the first year of Zhonghuang, on the seventh day of the ninth month, the Seven Sage Spirit Lords assembled, held a purification fast in the Chang Palace, and swore an oath to Heaven by the Covenant of Gold and Azure. Longmu Liu received this numinous text. The deities of the Highest Above elucidated its winding and obscure passages, the Seven Sages grasped its subtle tones, and they therefore compiled it as the Huitian Jiuxiao Dedao Pian (Chapter on Attaining the Dao in Returning to Heaven and the Nine Empyreans), engraved it upon white silver slips written in flying azure script, stored it in a cloud-brocade pouch, sealed it with the Chapter of Initiating the Mandate, and entrusted it to the Left Duke of the Immortal Metropolis of the Five Elders to keep, depositing it in the Jasper Palace.

According to the Siji Mingke (Luminous Precepts of the Four Extremes, the disciplinary codes for transmitting scriptures in the celestial realm), this jing may be transmitted only once every ten thousand kalpas; at transmission it is examined according to the statutes of the Four Offices, and punishments are carried out by the divine soldiers of the Five Emperors. Only those whose names are listed on the Xuanjian (Mysterious Slips, the immortal registers of the celestial realm) are qualified to receive this jing. If after receiving it one rashly leaks it, disaster will befall nine generations of the clan and seven generations of ancestors will be implicated; the person will also perish and suffer prolonged punishment by the ghost officials. Even if one already possesses a mysterious name, one cannot thereby enter the immortal realm.

The writings contained in the Seven Sages Mysterious Record Returning to Heaven Upper Text include some that are grouped according to rhyme, some that cross-reference one another by category, and some that form character pronunciations through combinations of the upper, lower, and four directional parts. Some indicate the official names and taboos, while others employ pairings of single characters with compound characters. All of these materials originate from the Mysterious Ancient Cavern and were compiled by the High Sages in order to elucidate the numinous writings. Later students who succeed in having their names listed among the chapters of the Jing (scripture), and who obtain and receive the precious formulas, will naturally become superior immortals.

These include both the “Six Harmonies” and the “Seven Injuries”: if one treasures the precious formulas, one can unite with them; if one neglects them, one will lose them. Anyone blessed with this opportunity should cultivate with sincere devotion and diligence, observe prolonged fasting and purification, practice in numinous and beautiful locales, journey far into quiet mountains, burn incense and conduct rites, recite the Jing morning and evening, discard distracting thoughts, and concentrate fully on returning to the Supreme Truth (the ultimate authentic Dao venerated in Daoism). Only then may one induce the mysterious wonders to descend and achieve ascension in broad daylight.

Later students who have not been entered in the Mysterious Slips (the heavenly registers) yet nevertheless obtain this precious Jing do so because they accumulated deep De (Virtue/Power) in former lives, whose blessings have continued into the present; or because in this life they have secretly accumulated De, harbored extraordinary resolve, and devoted themselves to arduous practice, thereby moving the Jade Emperor, reaching the Four Extremes (the four directional celestial realms), and having their names recorded by the Five Marchmounts (the five directional sacred mountains). In the end they encounter a master who transmits the Jing and receive the precious writings. If they cultivate diligently and do not violate the Seven Injuries (the seven kinds of harm or faults that must be avoided in practice), Perfected Persons will descend, confer the authentic writings, and inscribe their names in the Upper Mysterious Records (the heavenly registers). After seven years they too may become immortals.

Anyone who has the affinity to read the Shangqing Jade Emperor Seven Sages Mysterious Record of Returning to Heaven in the Nine Empyreans Jing (scripture) does so because of a mysterious destiny that already grants them the karmic connection to become an immortal. Signs of flying ascent have long been recorded in the allotted span of their future life, and they have been entered in advance into the mysterious chapters of the immortal registers. Once they are born as human beings, the Azure Palace (the celestial bureau that administers the immortal registers) selects their names; they receive the protection of the Four Offices (the celestial functionaries), are recorded by the Five Emperors (the sovereigns of heaven’s five directions), are received into the immortal treasury of the Jade Void, and have the numinous root of purple Qi (vital energy) planted within them. As a result their bones display an extraordinary radiance and their bodily form gradually comes to accord with that of an immortal. The Four Offices descend unseen and transmit the precious Jing to them; Taiyi (the exalted celestial spirit) registers their immortal status, the Director of Destinies increases their years of life, their hun and po souls are stabilized, the six bowels condense true Qi, the myriad Shen (spirits) become complete, and they finally attain the rank of Highest Immortal. After seven years of practice the numinous Shen descends of itself and they may then ride the void and fly aloft.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Anyone who obtains the Seven Sages Mysterious Record of Returning to Heaven in the Nine Empyreans, even before they have flown aloft, has already been selected by the Azure Palace and entered into the immortal registers. Heaven will notify the Five Sacred Mountains and will assign the divine officials of the numinous mountains, rivers and seas to guard their person. Twelve Jade Lads and twelve Jade Maidens will attend and protect the Jing so that those who uphold the Jing and cultivate the true receive support. This is a mysterious opportunity that appears when the time is ripe and possesses its own natural principle. The High Sage has already listed them beforehand in the roster of immortal perfected ones, with a rank equivalent to that of Immortal Ministers. The practitioner must still complete the cultivation of the Dao (the Way). When the time comes, four True Immortals will arrive at their dwelling, descending upon cloud chariots, and will cause them to ascend to immortality in broad daylight. The rites and ranks of flying ascent will then be arranged step by step according to each person’s attainment. This Great Dao is profound and subtle; it is not something ordinary learning can glimpse or hear. Those who uphold this Jing should treasure and guard it carefully and must not transmit it casually.

The High Sage’s Supreme Method of Hidden Presence in the Six Harmonies for Establishing the Tablets and Recording Immortals

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: The first day of the first lunar month, the third day of the third month, the fifth day of the fifth month, the seventh day of the seventh month, the ninth day of the ninth month… Ordinary scholars find it difficult to glimpse or to hear. Those who uphold it should treasure and guard it carefully and must not transmit it casually.

The High Sage’s Supreme Method of Hidden Presence in the Six Harmonies for Establishing the Tablets and Recording Immortals

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: The first day of the first lunar month, the third of the third, the fifth of the fifth, the seventh of the seventh, the ninth of the ninth, and the eleventh of the eleventh are the six days each year when Heavenly De (Virtue/Power) converges. The Seven Sages (seven holy perfected ones) draft the name registers, the Five Emperors record the names, the West Turtle King engraves the lists, and the Green Youth of Eastern Flower compiles the documents.

On these days the primordial Qi (vital energy) of the heavens unites in harmony. The Four Offices (heavenly divine bureaus charged with supervision, recording, and related duties) array their troops. High Supreme Shen (spirits) manifest jeweled canopies, carriages revolve in the Jade Void Palace, the Nine Emperors adjust their robes and crowns, the numinous radiance of the Seven Sages appears together, and countless perfected immortals gather in the Golden Court. The Three Dawn Stars escort the processions, the Seven Origins shine brightly, Heaven and Earth are pure and still, and the worlds of the ten directions stand in solemn silence. The Emperor of the Nine Heavens dispatches Inspector-of-the-Perfected envoys; the High Supreme Seven Sages send the Left Immortal in charge of registration. The West Turtle Queen Mother commands the Five Elder Immortal Uncles and the Central Perfected of Western Hao; the Green Youth of Eastern Flower sends the Jade Youth who leads the immortals. Each leads flying immortals and feathered cavalry to patrol the Ten Heavens and the famous mountains of the Five Sacred Peaks, secretly observing immortal officials who have fully illuminated the mysterious principles, attained the Dao (the Way), and wander freely, as well as later cultivators of the Dao. Some have already been entered in the registers yet have not flown in ascent; others, though unrecorded in the mysterious annals, cultivate with bitter diligence and unremitting effort, their resolve lofty and pure, thereby moving the Jade Emperor.

All who cultivate the Dao should on these days observe a pure fast, burn incense, banish stray thoughts, attune their vows to Heaven’s intent, concentrate in visualization, and earnestly cultivate the numinous writings. They will then be recommended by the Five Emperors, their names entered on the White Slips and Plain Registers, after which the Four Poles will send down Shen (spirits) to confer the rank of Upper Perfected. After seven years they will ride the void and mount emptiness, ascending into the heavenly realms.

Yet if on these days anyone treats the Heavenly Treasures lightly, divulges the mysterious texts, or commits the Seven Injuries (faults that harm body, mind, and the root of cultivation), they will be investigated by the Four Offices. If their name was originally on the White Slips it will be struck from the Azure Registers and re-entered under the Ghost Officials. If the person had no prior register but encountered the Jing (scripture) by chance, the Five Emperors will order Shen (spirit) troops to punish them and seize their ancestors of seven generations, causing them to bear the punishments connected with the examinations and records of life and death—manifest and clear as sunlight.

Thus what is prized in cultivating the Dao is concentrated and diligent practice; one need not first possess registration on the White Slips or a mysterious name. So long as one secretly toils in cultivation, one may obtain the Dao of Shen (spirit) immortals.

The High Saint Jade Emperor Dao (the Way) Lord said: If one wishes to inscribe one's name in the White Slips of the Mysterious Register (the heavenly records listing the names of immortals) and thereby ascend according to the rites into the Upper Palace of Jade Purity (Yuqing), one of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), one should bathe and observe a purification fast on the first day of the first lunar month at the time of the Upper Conjunction. In the early morning enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, face north, and perform nine bows. After completing homage to the Jade Emperor, remain seated facing north and click the teeth nine times.

Visualize dense azure clouds filling the purification chamber and encircling the entire room. Then visualize the Five Elder Immortal Lords (the honored deities of the five directions) standing amid those azure clouds, clad in flying azure feather capes, wearing jade coronets that communicate with Heaven, and holding registers of azure writing; and the Jade Lad Who Leads Immortals, wearing a robe of cloud brocade, crowned with a seven-treasure jade coronet, and holding white silver slips. Visualize these two perfected beings writing one's own name upon the slips, compiling it into the Azure Cloud Register, and delivering the register to the Envoy Who Inspects the Perfected and the Left Immortal Who Determines Registers, who present it upward to the Emperor of the Nine Heavens and the Seven Saints. Thus the name-register is confirmed. Subsequently visualize the Five Elder Immortal Lords and the Jade Lad Who Leads Immortals transforming and entering the Hall of Light (Mingtang, the bodily site that symbolizes the dwelling of Shen, or spirit) within one's own body, and recite this prayer:

On this day of the Upper Conjunction the primordial Qi (vital energy) of the heavenly realms is solemn and clear. The High Supreme Divine Radiance manifests a precious canopy, and the Jade Emperor descends into the courtyard. The Nine Perfected Ones and the Seven Saints assemble in the numinous realm, examining the names on the white slips within the Mysterious Register, carving my name into the immortal register of the Primordial Beginning, erasing the register of death and recording the name of life. May the Western Turtle form the immortal register, protecting me so that I obtain immortal florescence and preserve youth; may I receive cap and sash in the heavenly realm, shed my mortal body, be granted a feathered robe, and have a green immortal carriage descend, that I may ride forth in flight and ascend to the realm of Purple Agate. May the Three Luminaries (the sun, moon, stars, and other heavenly lights) unite their radiance, the Seven Origins shine as one, long protecting Heaven and Earth so that they endure forever.

After the prayer, perform seven bows to the Seven Saints, swallow seven breaths of Qi, and conclude. This is the method of the High Saint Jing (scripture) for piercing the slips of the registers and communicating throughout the Six Harmonies. After seven years of practice, even if one originally possessed no immortal register, one's name can still be entered into the Mysterious Register; when the Three Origins descend and the Four Poles open the numinous realm, one will naturally attain communication and ultimately fly through the realm of Supreme Clarity (Taiqing).

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: If one wishes to register one’s name in the Mysterious Register (the divine booklet recording the name registers of immortals and perfected beings) and thereby fly-ascend to Highest Clarity (Shangqing, the high celestial realm of Daoism), one should bathe and observe a purification fast on the third day of the third month at the time of the Upper Conjunction. At mealtime enter the chamber, burn incense, face north and perform nine bows in homage to the Jade Heaven, then face north once more and knock the teeth twelve times.

Visualize purple clouds surging within the fasting chamber and encircling the entire room. The Five Elder Immortal Lords (venerable deities of the five directional immortal realms) stand amid the purple clouds, clad in azure feathered robes and wearing the Jade Crown of Penetrating Heaven while holding the Register of Azure Script. The Jade Youth Who Leads Immortals (the immortal official who guides cultivators of immortality) wears a robe of cloud brocade and a Seven-Treasures Jade Crown while holding a white name register. Visualize these two perfected beings writing one’s name upon the white tablet, compiling the name register into the chapters of azure script, and then delivering it to the Inspector of the Perfected and the Left Immortal of Fixed Registers to be presented before the Emperor of the Nine Heavens and the Seven Sages, thereby confirming the name register.

Next visualize the Five Elder Immortal Lords and the Jade Youth Who Leads Immortals transforming into the Cavern Chamber (Dongfang, an inner-cultivation term denoting the inner palaces of the body that correspond to the spirits) within one’s own body, and then recite the incantation:

“The Heavenly Origin of auspicious celebration assembles at the Upper Conjunction; the Nine Emperors manifest their numinous power, the Seven Sages spread the True Dao. The name register is recorded in the Empty Mystery, the chapters compiled at Eastern Floriate; my name is engraved upon the imperial register, forever preserving the rank of Highest Immortal. Harmonious sounds resound, my body unites with nature; the purple embryonic membrane is graceful, the interior as vivid as precious jade; the face emits golden radiance, the bones transform into white silver. Marvelous feathers and radiances encircle the whole body, mysterious Qi (vital energy) descends upon the Nine Empyreans, returning me to the Purple Pavilion of the heavens; I command the Six Ministries and drive the Five Dragons, flying up to the Imperial Dawn. The Three Origins (Sanyuan, the three fundamental primordial energies of the Daoist heavens or the realms governed by the Three Officials) jointly send down joyous celebration; may all that I have spoken come to pass.”

After reciting, perform seven bows toward the Seven Sages and swallow seven mouthfuls of breath. Cultivating in this manner for seven years, a Perfected Being will appear, personally write and confirm the name register, and draw down the Three Origins; thereafter one can ride emptiness and tread the void to ascend into Highest Clarity.

The High Sage Emperor said: If one wishes to inscribe the Mysterious Record upon stone and return to the Nine Empyreans of the heavens, one should likewise perform seven bows to the Seven Sages and swallow seven mouthfuls of breath. Cultivating thus for seven years, a Perfected Being will appear, personally write and confirm the name register and draw down the Three Origins; thereafter one can ride emptiness and tread the void to ascend into Highest Clarity.

The High Sage Emperor said: Those who wish to inscribe their names in the Xuanji (the mysterious celestial registers of the immortals) and cultivate the method of returning to Heaven through the Nine Heavens should, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month when the Yang Qi (vital energy) of Heaven above conjoins, bathe to purify the body and observe Zhaijiao (purification ritual) in purity. At noon they enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and perform nine bows facing north. After paying homage to the Jade Heaven, they knock the teeth twelve times while still facing north. They visualize cinnabar clouds appearing in the center of the fasting chamber, their radiance brilliant and filling the entire room.

They then visualize the Five Elders Immortal Lords (the venerable deities of the five directions) standing amid the cinnabar clouds, draped in flying-cyan capes and wearing Tongtian jade crowns, holding cyan immortal registers. Next they visualize the Lingxian Yulang (the Jade Youth who leads the immortals and transmits the registers), clad in a cloud-brocade robe and wearing a seven-treasure jade crown, holding white silver slips. These two perfected immortals are visualized as recording one’s name upon the white slips and compiling it into the cyan books of the immortal registers. The slips and books are then handed to the Jianzhen Messenger and the Dinglu Left Immortal, who are requested to present them before the desk of the Seven Sages of the Nine Heavens Emperor so that one’s name and title in the immortal registers may be confirmed. Finally they visualize the Five Elders Immortal Lords and the Lingxian Yulang transforming and entering one’s Jianggong (the Crimson Palace, the inner cultivation site of the heart).

Then they recite the incantation: The Qi of Vermilion Brightness Southern Cinnabar, auspicious signs gathering at Upper Yang; the primordial Qi of the heavenly realm intermingles, and six kinds of wishes flourish within the heart. The Nine Perfected and the Seven Sages together descend to the numinous jade hall, presenting my name upon the mysterious immortal registers, compiling it into the western immortal books, inscribing it with pure and upright tones so that it is clear, penetrating, and unobstructed in the four directions. May the cinnabar clouds return through the Nine Heavens and descend upon my quiet chamber. The Qi of Vermilion Brightness Southern Cinnabar, auspicious signs gathering at Upper Yang; the primordial Qi of the heavenly realm intermingles, and six kinds of wishes flourish within the heart. The Nine Perfected and the Seven Sages together descend to the numinous jade hall, presenting my name upon the mysterious immortal registers, compiling it into the western immortal books, inscribing it with pure and upright tones so that it is clear, penetrating, and unobstructed in the four directions. May the cinnabar clouds return through the Nine Heavens and descend upon my quiet chamber. May the flying-cyan immortal rites unfold with bright radiance; on the left riding vermilion phoenixes, on the right controlling roaming dragons, the six reins raised together, ascending to the splendid immortal hall. The Five Elders carry the Fulu (talismans and registers), and the spirits of the four directions respond in unison. May one long preserve the mysterious radiance, coexisting with the sun and moon.

After completing the incantation they perform seven bows toward the Seven Sages and swallow seven breaths of Qi; the ritual is then concluded. By practicing this continuously for seven years, one can confirm the name of attaining the Dao in the Xuanji at the Upper Palace (the palaces of the heavenly realm), reflecting back to the Nine Heavens and ascending into the formless realm.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to register their names upon the roster of West Turtle Mountain (a Daoist immortal realm) and cause form and Shen (spirit) to ascend into the Chamber of Seven Reflections (a palatial hall of the immortal realm) should bathe and observe a purification fast at the time of Upper Union on the seventh day of the seventh month. At the Shen hour enter the chamber, burn incense, face north and perform the rite of nine bows, pay homage to the Jade Heaven, then facing north click the teeth twelve times.

Next visualize white cloud Qi (vital energy) within the purification chamber, floating and swirling until it fills the entire room. Visualize the Five Elder Immortal Lords (honored deities among the perfected immortals of the five directions) standing amid the white clouds, draped in cyan silk stoles, wearing Jade Caps of Penetrating Heaven and holding cyan documents; also visualize the Jade Youth Who Guides Immortals (an immortal official who leads practitioners) clad in a cloud-brocade robe, wearing a Seven-Treasures Jade Cap and holding a white-silver tablet. Visualize these two perfected immortals writing one’s name upon the white tablet, compiling it into the cyan document register, and delivering this roster to the Envoy Who Supervises the Perfected and the Left Immortal of Fixed Registers (immortal officials charged with supervising and recording the immortal registers), who present it upward to the Emperor of the Nine Heavens and the Seven Sages. In this way the name is registered and confirmed.

Then visualize the Five Elder Immortal Lords and the Jade Youth Who Guides Immortals transforming and entering one’s own body, taking up residence in the Palace of Great Simplicity (a divine palatial residence within the human body), and recite the prayer:

“Heaven sends down universal auspicious blessings, causing me to unite above with the myriad Shen. Venus registers my name, East Flower inscribes me into the immortal register; compiled in cyan documents, recorded upon the white-silver tablet. The four rhymes unite as one, sounding together in harmony to become a perfected immortal. The High Sage transmits the mysterious method, delivering and transforming my physical form; the two Qi of Yin-Yang descend to stabilize and protect, causing me to reascend above the nine-layered mists of the heavenly realm. Transforming into an Immortal Lord, becoming a perfected immortal together with the Jade Youth, I carry the talismanic covenant of the Eight Landscapes, ascend to the Imperial Dawn, and pay homage to the Supreme Sage. Layers of auspicious blessings entwine about me; I long preserve the essence of sun, moon, and stars, sharing longevity with Heaven and Earth.”

When the prayer is finished, perform seven bows toward the Seven Sages, swallow seven breaths of Qi, then cease. Practicing this method for seven years, the Turtle Mother will record the practitioner in the immortal registers, the East Flower Emperor Lord will register the name, the Three Primes (the Three Officials of Upper Prime, Middle Prime, and Lower Prime) will descend, and the practitioner may ascend into the Purple Court (a palatial hall of the heavenly realm).

The High Sage Emperor Lord further said: Those who wish to have their names inscribed upon the roster of the Palace of Golden Towers (a palatial hall of the heavenly realm) and cause form and Shen to ascend above the Nine Empyreans should bathe and observe a purification fast at the time of Upper Union on the ninth day of the ninth month. After sunset enter the chamber, burn incense, face north and perform the rite of nine bows, pay homage to the Jade Heaven, then facing north perform bows.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: If one wishes to have one’s name inscribed in the palaces of the Golden Palace (the dwelling of the Celestial Emperor) and to soar flying above the Nine Heavens, one should, on the ninth day of the ninth month at the time of the Upper Conjunction, bathe and purify the heart through fasting. After sunset, enter the inner chamber, burn incense, face north and perform nine prostrations. After completing the worship of the Jade Heaven, knock the teeth twelve times facing north. Visualize dense yellow clouds rising within the fasting chamber and filling the entire room; then visualize the Five Elder Immortal Lords (the honored deities of the five directions) standing amid the yellow clouds, draped in flying-cyan silk, wearing jade crowns that communicate with heaven, and holding registers of green script; the Jade Youth Who Leads the Immortals (the immortal official who guides the immortals) wearing a yellow brocade robe, a seven-treasure jade crown, and holding a tablet of white silver.

Next visualize two perfected immortals writing one’s name upon the white tablet and compiling it into the green-script register, then handing the tablet to the Envoy Who Oversees the Perfected and the Left Immortal Who Determines the Registers, who present it to the Sovereign of the Nine Heavens and the Seven Sages so that the name is formally entered into the immortal registers. After the Five Elder Immortal Lords and the Jade Youth Who Leads the Immortals have transformed and entered the Yellow Court of one’s own body (the inner site of cultivation within the human body according to Daoist teaching), recite the invocation:

“At the Upper Conjunction the dawn is opened, six felicities secretly spread, the Nine Perfected inspect and shine, the Seven Sages appoint the day; celestial immortals determine the registers, the Five Elders carve the tablets, the mysterious records inscribe my name, that I may join the company of equals, traversing the Nine Heavens, descending into my chamber, opening my natural authenticity, refining my form and substance, restoring radiance and arresting the years, the golden countenance overflowing, that I may ride the flying carriage and ascend to the Imperial One.”

The general meaning of the invocation is: At the time of the Upper Conjunction the immortal registers of dawn are opened, six kinds of auspicious blessings are secretly diffused, the Nine Perfected clearly examine and illuminate, the Seven Sages designate the date; the celestial immortals establish the immortal register for me, the Five Elders inscribe the name-list for me, causing the mysterious celestial chronicles to record my name so that I may join the ranks of the immortal perfected, coming and going among the Nine Heavens. May the immortals descend into my chamber, open my innate natural authenticity, refine and nourish my bodily form, restore the radiance of my countenance and delay aging, causing the golden immortal visage to fill and appear; ultimately I shall ride a flying carriage and ascend to the realm of the Imperial One.

When the invocation is finished, perform seven further prostrations to the Seven Sages, swallow seven breaths of Qi (vital energy), and the ritual is concluded. By cultivating this method the Five Elders will inscribe the name in the immortal registers of the Golden Palace, the Three Primes (the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth and Water) will descend in purple carriages to confer the mandate; after seven years of practice one will be able to fly through empty space and ascend into the court of the Jade Emperor.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: If one wishes to inscribe one’s name in the Qinghua Palace (Qinghua Gong, a Daoist immortal realm), register it among the various immortal palaces, ascend above the Nine Heavens, and roam freely in the Realm of Great Existence (Dayou zhi Jing, a Daoist immortal realm), one should choose the time of the upper conjunction on the eleventh day of the eleventh month to perform the ritual.

First, bathe and observe a purifying fast. At the zi hour, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, face north and perform nine bows. After paying homage to the Jade Heaven, face north again and knock the teeth twelve times. Next, visualize five-colored cloud Qi (vital energy) emerging in the fasting chamber and filling the entire room; visualize the Five Elder Immortal Lords (the immortal true ones of the five directions) standing in the clouds, draped in flying azure capes, wearing Tongtian jade crowns, and holding the azure-script registers.

Then visualize the Jade Youth Who Leads Immortals (the jade official who guides the immortals) wearing a cloud-brocade robe, crowned with a seven-treasure jade crown, and holding a silver tablet. Imagine these two immortal true ones writing one’s name on the white tablet, compiling it into the azure-script register, then handing the register to the Supervisor of Truth Envoy and the Left Immortal of Determined Registers for examination, after which it is presented before the thrones of the Nine Heavens Emperor and the Seven Sages. Once the register is confirmed, the Five Elder Immortal Lords and the Jade Youth Who Leads Immortals transform and enter one’s own Mingmen (the fundamental place of life in Daoist internal cultivation). Then recite the prayer, saying:

The Qi (vital energy) of Heaven and Earth converges, and auspicious omens flourish widely. The Three Primes rejoice, and the Nine Emperors stand together in dignified array. High-ranking sagely Perfected Ones oversee the spirit officials, and the myriad immortals all come to pay reverence. The Five Emperors arrange the name registers, and the Four Directors guard the palaces and chambers. Names are inscribed on jade slips and recorded in the Upper Palace. Receiving the protection of the Mysterious Supreme, my bodily form enters the void, transforming upward and manifesting downward, traveling back and forth through seventy-four directions, freely roaming in the numinous palaces and lodges, and dwelling at ease in the magnificent halls. I exist eternally together with Heaven and Earth, until the kalpa cycle comes to an end.

The Seven Primes share the same root. The Four Directors guard the palaces and chambers, names are inscribed on jade slips and recorded in the Upper Palace. Receiving the protection of the Mysterious Supreme, my bodily form enters the void, transforming upward and manifesting downward, traveling back and forth through seventy-four directions, freely roaming in the numinous palaces and lodges, and dwelling at ease in the magnificent halls. I exist eternally together with Heaven and Earth, until the kalpa cycle comes to an end. The Seven Primes share the same root; the two luminaries of sun and moon shine forth together. The Six Harmonies unite with the Five Vows, and I become an Immortal King. After the ritual concludes, one then performs seven bows to the Seven Sages and swallows seven breaths of Qi, and the ritual is thereby completed. By practicing this method, Donghua (the sovereign of the eastern immortal realm) will inscribe the name in all directions, the Five Elders will register the name among the Three Primes, the Five Emperor Lords will make additional annotations, and the Four Perfected Ones will descend to the palaces and chambers. After seven years of cultivation, one can fly and ascend, mounting to the imperial court.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: At the time when the Six Harmonies convene, the Heavenly Perfected Ones (celestial true immortals) inscribe jade slips and determine the name registers. The Four Directors and Five Emperors in the famous mountains throughout the lower realm will select and verify the mysterious names of those who cultivate the Dao (the Way). Those who can be listed in the Mysterious Register (the celestial immortal registry) will have their names recorded in advance, with a status equivalent to that of immortal ministers. One should perform rites and burn incense on days that accord with oneself, holding wishes in the heart while visualizing and praying, thereby communicating with the divine Perfected Ones of the upper realm. After seven years of practice, the Great Emperor commands the Numinous Perfected Ones of the Four Extremes to descend to the practitioner, transmitting the precious formulas of the true texts, enabling one to ascend into the sky in broad daylight.

Upper Chapter of the Inner Text of Hidden Names for Attaining the Dao in the Mysterious Register of the High Sage

The High Sage Jade Emperor Lord listed the Upper Chapter of the Mysterious Register, which says:

A pure countenance arises from within, and splendid radiance manifests outwardly. The everlasting lamp illuminates the chamber, and its light forever reaches up to the celestial realm.

The Morning Lord travels westward, passing through the Gate of Spreading Sunlight, and sees that the northern garrison faces directly toward the Heavenly Pass.

In the hall are the two lords Purple Guest and Jade Worthy; the spirits of Three and Five reside above, assisting the One Prime.

One resolves to seek the Jing (essence) of the sun and stabilize the hun-soul of the moon. If one can accord with them, then one may unite with the mysterious Jing (scriptures).

The essence of numinous fungi is abundant, while wild grasses grow densely intermingled. Frost descends, snapping the flourishing blossoms and causing the flowers and trees to wither.

Twenty-seven syllables combine into a complete musical composition; two suns overlap, their radiance illuminating the heavens.

When the Red Dragon governed the world, this method of the Dao (the Way) began to circulate. If one can comprehend its secret formulas, one can ascend into the nine-layered cloudy heavens.

From the farthest reaches of the four directions, divine spirits descend, transmitting sacred chapters and bestowing upon practitioners feathered robes and azure flying skirts.

Riding upon cloudy Qi (vital energy), soaring through the void, one arrives at the Golden Gate. This method is extremely secret: two suns overlap, their radiance illuminating the heavens.

When the Red Dragon governed the world, this method of the Dao began to circulate. If one can comprehend its secret formulas, one can ascend into the nine-layered cloudy heavens.

From the farthest reaches of the four directions, divine spirits descend, transmitting sacred chapters and bestowing upon practitioners feathered robes and azure flying skirts.

Riding upon cloudy Qi, soaring through the void, one arrives at the Golden Gate. This method is secret and mysterious; one must be cautious and not transmit it to others.

Otherwise, disaster will befall oneself and one’s ancestors for seven generations. Later students of this practice should also carefully contemplate these words.

The High Sage, the Most High Lord of the Great Dao (the supreme sage, the lord of the Most High Great Dao), says in the upper chapter of the Liexuanji:

There is a ray of sunlight hanging over the mountains of the human world, stretching vast and boundless, connecting all the way to the horizon.

On the lofty peaks grow precious things with vivid flowers. When the eighth month arrives, the feathered robes become light and thin, and the wings can soar into the void.

“Yi combined with yan yun” together point to eight people; sixteen people then combine with fire, transforming into smoke and Qi.

A person establishing themselves in the world is respectful on the left without calling himself a subject; there are no clan branches, and they regard each other as kin through only one person.

Two “kou” (mouths) are separated, with “ri” (sun) on both sides and “shen” (body) in the middle; a numinous spring flows from the left, irrigating the rice fields.

Lü crouches beneath the rock until the age of the powerful Qin; the child in the clouds wears a white headcloth.

Jade earrings combine with treasures, wearing a beautiful long azure skirt. Not long after attaining the Dao, one encounters the years of the Tang dynasty.

Azure Qi circulates, and the way of governance is proclaimed. If someone obtains this set of secret formulas, they should offer it to the sage lord.

Riding upon cloudy Qi, soaring upward, one enters the mysterious realm of the Nine Heavens. Then one will know the mysterious records, which are writings on white bamboo slips.

This method is secret and precious; those who see it can become immortals.

The Upper Sage, the Purple Clarity Grand Simplicity Three Origins Lord (the honored deity residing in the Purple Clarity realm who oversees the Dao of the Three Origins), says in the upper chapter of the Liexuanji:

When the numbers of three and five are about to be exhausted, the Ultimate Dao sinks into concealment and does not appear. Within the gate there is a person named Guanyin.

He keeps his mouth closed without speaking, experiencing antiquity and the present; in the boundless realm of emptiness and stillness, how deep is that deep cavern?

The craftsman is not a divine artisan, yet he carries the secret formulas written on white bamboo slips.

This method is secret and precious; those who see it can become immortals.

The Upper Sage, the Purple Clarity Grand Simplicity Three Origins Lord, says in the upper chapter of the Liexuanji:

When the numbers of three and five are about to be exhausted, the Ultimate Dao sinks into concealment and does not appear. Within the gate there is a person named Guanyin.

He keeps his mouth closed without speaking, experiencing antiquity and the present; in the boundless realm of emptiness and stillness, how deep is that deep cavern?

The craftsman is not a divine artisan, yet he carries the human heart-mind; riding a carriage alone, he loses the way and ascends the mountain forests.

The dark trees grow lush and dense, the mountains a stretch of seclusion. What more do I seek? I merely chant at the foot of the mountain.

A student of the Dao (the Way) fathoms the mysterious principles, following the method of gong and shang (the ancient pentatonic scale), wearing coarse cloth while reciting the scriptures and nourishing the robe's lapels with marvelous Qi (vital energy). White jade soars high like a mountain, piercing straight into the clouds; traversing tens of Dipper stars, one draws upon their power for mutual resonance. Knocking the teeth to summon the divine spirits, causing the sound to harmonize with the jade tones; gazing opposite the moon, one agrees upon the date to ascend the Golden Palace (the immortal realm's palace). The eight exalted Perfected Ones come forth to lend assistance, the White Emperor (god of the West) circulates the breath, and thus the path of the Dao is thereby renewed. The name is written into the Purple Slips (the immortal realm's roster), and thus this scripture is obtained; the Western Turtle (the spirit in charge of immortal registers) verifies the list, ranking one among the Perfected Ones. Annotating the Mysterious Chronicle by the method of reverse inference, one can then accord with nature. One must be cautious not to leak it at will, otherwise the Great Dao will recede into obscurity. This is the meaning of assembling the multitude of spirits with the ritual drum.

The Supreme Sage of the White Jade Turtle Terrace, the Nine Spirits Great Perfected Queen Mother of the West, lists: The upper chapter of the Mysterious Chronicle says: Above remote antiquity, drawing the bow and extending; with a "standing person" on the left, together they form the character "qiang." On the white immortal slips is recorded the Mysterious Chronicle, grasses and trees flying aloft; ten "mouths" together studying the Dao, yet all without grain. Eating beans as food at the mountain's foot, after ten years have passed; three "li" combined form the character "xie," and you shall herd sheep. The sun and moon bear it, and thus the four limbs become robust; one "shi" plus two "dao," and one can equally arrive in the four directions. A thousand people unite in the true Dao, the eight directions come forth to welcome; the woman of the North Pole wears a kerchief upon her head. Agreeing to meet with the moon, cloud-essence is produced; after the dragon flies, the Dao then eats beans at the mountain's foot, after ten years. Three "li" combined, you shall herd sheep; the sun and moon bear it, the four limbs become robust; one "shi" plus two "dao," equally arriving in the four directions. A thousand people unite in the true Dao, eight directions come to welcome; the North Pole woman wears a kerchief on her head. Meeting the moon by agreement, producing cloud-essence; after the dragon flies, the Dao begins to operate. One must still use the Mysterious Record to supplement into the Upper Palace, the name entered into the Green Register (immortal roster), ascending into the Western Hall. Upon obtaining this secret, one can then fly through the void, roaming the eight directions of the heavenly realms, enjoying inexhaustible delight. You must conceal this scripture deeply; should people of the four quarters come to inquire, you may inscribe it in various places. Secretly infuse the Mysterious Slips into the Eastern Flower Palace; do not transmit it out within seven years, agreeing to come and follow at the appointed time.

The Supreme Sage Central Yellow Elder Lord lists: The upper chapter of the Mysterious Record says: In the Upper Prime (the upper layer of the heavenly realm) there is a Perfected One, harboring the mysterious One Qi (vital energy); the one who holds it is a person of which month. So long as one concentrates on grasping it, without needing to study from others, one can still meet with worthies; vowing sincerely to receive and uphold it, accepting the key teachings within. Driving swift carriages and horses to race through the Nine Empyreans, ultimately attaining the Dao; vermilion jade conceals precious treasures, with vivid radiance. Green grasses thrive luxuriantly, sitting upright to nourish and guard the Dantian (energy center); solar essence encircles within the belt, situated beside the red stone. Ascending first from Changyuan into the Three Heavens (the high heavenly realm where the Golden Palace resides); when Metal is king and Wood is exhausted, this person will be chosen.

Only those who diligently seek the root of the Dao (the Way) with focused and earnest effort have the chance to encounter the Xuanji and its numinous, wondrous scriptural chapters.

Once this scripture has been obtained, it must be written upon white slips and green registers; the spirits of the four directions will then descend to confer it upon genuine practitioners of the Dao.

The cultivator flies through empty space and ascends into the mysterious realm of the Nine Heavens. If the scripture is transmitted or leaked carelessly, one falls into the nether gloom, serving for a long time as a ghostly laborer and remaining unable to become an immortal.

The Supreme Sage, the Great Emperor Lord of Fusang, said in the upper chapter of the Xuanji:

In the Jade Hall of Purple Vacuity there is one who rides upon plain silk; only the August Person (a noble divine true being) is in heart-mind accord with him.

The child of the Tian family of the Later Zhou clan climbed a high terrace in a secluded valley bathed in moonlight.

He surveyed the farthest extremes of the eight directions and beheld the Red Jing (red essence or associated divine true one); then, concentrating intently upon the profound and subtle principles, the two cultivated together.

They sought the true Dao by looking up and down, applying diligent effort without cease; the precious secret of attaining the Dao caused the head and body to radiate with renewed life.

In the north there is a Supreme True One, in the south there is peace; they dwell at ease in the Mysterious Palaces, awaiting the descent of lofty spirits.

The Ten Sons and Eight Fruits assist my scriptural methods. Cultivation of the Dao must wait until after the Metal, so that the methods of the Dao may govern with clarity.

Those who study the Dao must diligently contemplate and seek out these names, so that the scripture may be written upon jade slips and delivered to the purple carriage.

The Three Origins (the spirit system governed by the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water) come to the cultivation chamber and confer the true scripture. Once the principles of the Xuanji are understood, one may ascend to the realm of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing).

The cultivator flies through mysterious emptiness and mounts the courtyards of the Emperor Lords; only by deeply concealing the precious secret methods can one become an immortal.

If the secret methods are leaked or transmitted carelessly, the physical form is destroyed and after death one becomes a ghostly being of the lower realms until the kalpa is exhausted.

The Later Sage, the Emperor Lord of the Golden Palace, said in the upper chapter of the Xuanji:

The character formula of “Nine-One” is difficult to utter directly; only on the south side of the hillock is it easy to name.

In the end one must undergo nine refinements and obtain the Golden Jing (golden essence); radiance extends brightly from the circular mouth.

By guarding the origin of the “Two Suns,” one can behold the true form; the azure stone sparkles as if born in the human world.

Jade is worn beneath the ears and scriptures are recited from the mouth; green grass flourishes, remaining verdant through winter and summer.

Plain silk binds the three hearts, uniting them as one; the divine light of the August Elder shines like the sun illuminating the courtyard.

The High Supreme True Person kowtows to the Jade Qiong and, after ten thousand kalpas, finally accomplishes the immortal infant.

Fine trees grow lush in successive layers, cultivating beautiful longevity; two feathered carriages unite, their luster spreading across the remote reaches of the eight directions.

Sixty jade maidens attend upon your physical form. The Kui lodge (a stellar mansion) enters the land of Lü, assisting in military affairs. The Red Child goes forth on excursion, and the six states are thereby pacified; amid the numbers of the four directions, the myriad spirits become numinous and luminous. The writings are inscribed upon jade slips in order to supplement the Shangqing jing (scriptures). After the year of Renchen, the governance of the methods of the Dao will become manifest. There will certainly be those of prior awareness who obtain this jing (scripture); they ought to become lineage masters for the multitude, remaining simple and diligent while advancing vigorously in practice. Fifteen persons and another fifteen persons form brotherhoods, together ascending the mountain to swear oaths and listing their names in covenant at the land of Huaqing. Should such verifying signs appear, their names will then be registered in the mysterious registers. The Three Primes (the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water) descend, bestowing green carriages. When Gongkou emerges to govern, they attend upon the Flower Court; arriving at this time, joy knows no end.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: The High Supreme Spirit receives the Qi (vital energy) of the Nine Mysteries, arranges the divine positions of the assembled Perfected, the thirty-nine Emperors, and the twenty-four Jade Emperors, and governs the palaces of Shangqing. He distributes the primordial Qi and spreads the numinous Qi, overseeing all beings within the mysterious void, and registers the names of two hundred and forty thousand persons upon the white slips so that they may have hope of attaining the Dao. If later students read this jing (scripture), and their names accord with the rhymes within the scripture text, and if their cultivation is accomplished, they can become Highest Immortals.

After the year of Renchen, the supreme methods of the Dao will circulate widely. At that time the Fusang Great Emperor will dispatch the Perfected of the Four Poles to descend into the world on tours of inspection, traversing the various famous mountains and the four quarters under heaven, commanding the divine officials of the Five Emperors, examining the mysterious registers, selecting those who accord with the true Dao, and conferring upon them precious secret instructions so that they become lineage masters. The divine beings will also select those of outstanding root-bone endowment whose names appear in the mysterious registers, causing them to ascend the mountain to swear oaths, report to the Green Palace (a celestial palace), and bind the sash while transmitting the teachings.

When the time arrives that the Great Peace Mao-Wood Palace Mouth emerges to govern, one should unbind the covenant at Mengjin and petition to welcome the Sage Lord into the Shangqing Palace. Those not listed in the mysterious registers cannot take part in the upper chapter. Those who obtain this jing (scripture) must, in accordance with the quota established on the white slips, cultivate diligently and practice arduously, observe prolonged fasting and purification, and for seven years concentrate single-mindedly on visualizing the true Dao. At that time numinous responses and auspicious omens will naturally descend, enabling the practitioner to awaken to the way of the divine Perfected, and thus to become a lineage master among scholars. Without such qualifications and karmic affinity, one cannot…

After glimpsing these scriptures (Jing), if one rashly divulges them, casually disseminates them, or consults them against preceding sections, the recipient should record name and number on a white tablet, diligently cultivate, assiduously observe the purification fasts (Zhai), and concentrate on reciting the true texts for seven years. Miraculous auspicious signs will then naturally descend, enabling the practitioner to comprehend the Dao (the Way) of the divine perfected (Shen Zhen) and become a teacher and ancestral master for students of the Dao. Those lacking such qualifications must not transmit or study the texts.

If one merely peeks at the scriptures and then rashly divulges or casually disseminates them, seven generations of ancestors will suffer punishment; the offender must tread the mountain of knives, forfeit life, and remain forever isolated beyond the river source, barred from the immortal realm.

The Inner Text of Golden Names and Jade Characters from the Hidden Book of the High Sage

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Secret scriptures and jade names are stored in the Golden Pavilion. Those who understand this content can fly-ascend to the Golden Towers, the abode of immortals, and rise into Shangqing, a high celestial realm. Those who wear the related talismanic writings (Fulu) have their names engraved in the Golden Pavilion and registered on jade tablets; the numinous immortals of the Four Waterways and Five Sacred Mountains protect them and come to receive them. After nine years of cultivation they ride the clouds in flight and command twelve jade maidens. The documents are written with cinnabar on white silk.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Among the superior scriptures of the Shangqing Golden Book and Jade Register, those who understand the content can fly-ascend to Shangqing and rank equally with the Four Perfected. Those who wear the related talismanic writings have their names engraved in Shangqing and registered on golden tablets; immortals announce this to the Five Sacred Mountains and dispatch immortal officials to escort and receive them. Azure writing on white silk means characters in azure ink on white silk fabric.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who understand the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) White Tablets with Azure Writing can fly-ascend to the Taiji Palace and rise among the Golden Towers. Those who wear the related talismanic writings have their names engraved in the Taiji tablets and registered in the immortal registers; spirits of the four extreme distant regions protect them. After nine years of cultivation they can fly. The documents are written in azure characters on white silk.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who understand the Hidden Texts of the Mysterious Plain Purple Names of Fangzhu can fly-ascend to Fangzhu Palace. Those who wear the related talismanic writings have their names engraved among Fangzhu’s mysterious plain purple names. After nine years of cultivation they can fly, receive immortal protection and reception, and be registered in the Five Sacred Mountains’ registers. The documents are written in azure characters on white silk.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who understand the Hidden Texts of the Crimson Names in the Taiqing Jade Registers can fly and ascend into Taiqing, a high celestial realm, and arrive at the Jade Palace. Those who wear the related talismanic writings have their names engraved in the Taiqing jade registers. After nine years of cultivation they communicate with spirits, fly, and receive twelve jade lads. The documents are written with cinnabar on white silk.

The High Sage Thearch Lord (Gaosheng Dijun) said: Those who know and cultivate the crimson name-text contained in the Jade Register of Taisu Qiongqing can fly within the realm of Taiqing (Great Clarity) and ascend into the Jade Palace. Those who wear this talismanic text (fulu) will have their crimson names inscribed by Taiqing into the Jade Register. After nine years they will commune with the gods, fly through the celestial realms, and be granted twelve jade-youth attendants. This talismanic text is written in cinnabar on white silk.

The High Sage Thearch Lord said: Those who know and cultivate the golden name-text on the jade slips of Taisu (Grand Simplicity) can fly up to the Palace of Taisu and present themselves before the Three Primal Lords (Sanyuanjun), the honored deities of the Three Officials system. Those who wear it will have their names inscribed by Taisu upon the jade slips. After nine years, flying clouds will descend, and they will be able to ascend to heaven in broad daylight. This talismanic text is written in yellow on white silk.

The High Sage Thearch Lord said: Upon the cinnabar texts and purple registers of the South Pole there is a superior talismanic text. Those who know and cultivate it can fly upward in broad daylight and pay homage to the Upper Prime of the South Pole, the honored deity of the southern celestial realm. Those who wear it will have their names entered by the South Pole in the purple register. After nine years the Three Primal Lords will descend, transmit to them the true writings of immortality, and they will be able to ascend to heaven in broad daylight. This talismanic text is written in cinnabar on white silk.

The High Sage Thearch Lord said: Those who know and cultivate the hidden text of the azure-gold and crimson writings of the Upper Prime of the Mysterious Palace can fly up to the Cloud Palace and ascend into the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) heaven. Those who wear it can behold with their own eyes the true form of the Upper Prime—the actual appearance of that honored deity. After nine years the Upper Prime will descend to their dwelling, transmit to them the true writings of immortality, and they will become immortals. This talismanic text is written in azure on white silk.

The High Sage Thearch Lord said: Those who know and cultivate the hidden text in white jade and golden characters of the Cinnabar Terrace of Xuandu (the Mysterious Capital) can fly up to Xuandu in broad daylight. Those who wear it will have their names inscribed upon the Cinnabar Terrace. After nine years they will be able to fly through the air, borne upon the scenery of the heavens; with prolonged cultivation they will at last become immortals. This talismanic text is written in yellow on white silk.

The High Sage Thearch Lord said: Those who know and cultivate the hidden text in azure writing on the jade tablets of the Palace of the Three Primes can ascend to heaven in broad daylight and pay homage to the Three Primal Lords. Those who wear it will have their names inscribed upon the jade-qiong tablets, registers fashioned of precious jade. After nine years they will be able to fly through the air, borne upon the scenery of the heavens; with prolonged cultivation they will at last become immortals. This talismanic text is written in yellow on white silk.

The High Sage Thearch Lord said: Those who know and cultivate the hidden text in azure writing on the jade tablets of the Palace of the Three Primes can ascend to heaven in broad daylight and pay homage to the Three Primal Lords. Those who wear it will have their names inscribed upon the jade-qiong tablets. After nine years the Three Primal Lords will come to their dwelling, transmit to them the true texts of immortality, and enable them to become immortals who fly through the heavens. This talismanic text is written in azure on white silk.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Within the Mysterious Dipper (Xuandou, the mysterious stellar region of the Northern Dipper), there are hidden documents that record mysterious names. Those who know these documents can ascend into the Mysterious Dipper, fly among the palaces of Highest Clarity (Shangqing, the celestial palaces of which Daoism speaks), and have their names inscribed in the registers of the Mysterious Dipper. After nine years, divine beings will descend and confer upon you the secret writings of realizing the True; by cultivating in accordance with them, you can become an immortal. This text is written in black characters on white silk.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: The Five Sacred Mountains (Wuyue: Eastern Peak Mount Tai, Southern Peak Mount Heng, Western Peak Mount Hua, Northern Peak Mount Heng, and Central Peak Mount Song) all contain immortal names recorded in cinnabar books, jade slips, and purple registers. Those who know these registers can ascend to heaven in broad daylight and fly among the Five Sacred Mountains; immortal officials will guard your body. The Five Emperors will inscribe your name in the name-lists of the Five Sacred Mountains. After nine years, you will be able to ride the emptiness and fly, ascending into the Mysterious Palace. This text is written in azure characters on white silk.

All of these hidden documents are secretly transmitted scriptures of the single lineage of Mysterious Antiquity and Empty Unity, used to indicate the identity of those who have attained the Dao and become immortals. Those able to see these documents are all overseen by the Four Extremes (Siji, the spirits of the four directions of heaven and earth), recommended by the Five Emperors, protected by the myriad spirits, and respectfully welcomed by the host of Perfected Ones. Those who understand the sounds and meanings within them can fly in Highest Clarity; the spirits of the Three Primes (Sanyuan, the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water of which Daoism speaks) will descend and rise to heaven together with you. Those who wear these documents and have their names inscribed in the mysterious charts and registers will be attended by twelve jade youths and twelve jade maidens each, and can roam the Five Sacred Mountains and traverse all famous mountains; the beings of the ten realms will bow in homage to them, and the myriad immortals will come to pay court. After nine years, one will naturally come to thoroughly comprehend the sounds and meanings of the documents, converse with divine beings, ride the clouds and pace the void (buxu, walking among the clouds), and fly through the great emptiness.

The Upper Method of the High Sage’s Secretly Preserved Inscribed Jasper Texts and Brief Registers

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: If you wish to have your name entered into the Jade Registers of the Golden Towers (Jinque Yulu, the immortal registers of the celestial realm) and to fly in Highest Clarity, you should, on the first day of the first lunar month, write in cinnabar the ten sounds of the jade names recorded in the Hidden Books of the Golden Towers, face the Yin direction (northeast), ingest them, knock the teeth twelve times, and then silently recite the invocation:

The Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of heaven and earth fill and expand, while the Qi meridians of the morning stars of the five directions interweave into form. I receive the governance of mysterious antiquity, register my name at Jinque (the Golden Palace, residence of the Heavenly Emperor), jointly celebrate with the Qi of Shangyuan (the Upper Origin), and receive the nourishing prosperity of Tianjin (the Heavenly Ford, the crossing of the celestial realm). Wearing secret Fulu (talismans and registers) ritual vestments, the body flies up to Yuqing (Jade Purity, one of the highest heavens in Daoism), discerning the Dao of nature and uniting with the spiritual Qi of the Heavenly Emperor. When the ritual is complete, swallow the breath nine times, kowtow nine times upward, and pay homage to the Emperor of Jinque. Register the name once more, jointly celebrate with the Qi of Shangyuan, receive the nourishing prosperity of Tianjin; wear the secret ritual vestments, fly up to Yuqing, discern nature, and unite in spirit with the Heavenly Emperor. When the ritual is complete, swallow the breath nine times again, kowtow nine times upward, pay homage to the Emperor of Jinque, and then cease. Practicing in this manner for nine years, Jinque will record the name and inscribe it upon the Yupian (Jade Chapters, the heavenly register); the practitioner will naturally comprehend the heavenly scriptures and become one with the Heavenly Emperor.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to register their names in the golden books and jade registers of Shangqing (Highest Clarity, a Daoist heaven) and fly up to the Shangqing Palace should, on the second day of the second lunar month, use a green brush to write ten syllables on golden slips and jade registers, transcribe them onto white paper, and swallow them facing east. Then knock the teeth nine times and softly intone the prayer:

“Inheriting the mysterious spiritual Qi of Yuanshi (the Primordial Beginning), following the ancient method of emptiness and void; the bones and form of the body correspond to the heavenly chart, the name is registered in the jade registers and golden books. The Qi of Hekui (the star deity of the Dipper’s bowl) encircles the self, the five spirits radiate and unfold; continuing the celebration of the two origins, the mysterious law descends upon the dwelling. The name is inscribed in Shangqing, enabling one to ride the flying chariot, forever enjoying inexhaustible blessings, with celebratory fortune extending in surplus.”

When the prayer is finished, swallow the breath eight times, kowtow eight times facing east, pay homage to the eight Emperor Lords of the Shangqing Palace, and then cease. Practicing thus for nine years, Shangqing will inscribe the name into the jade registers and send down the flying cloud cinnabar chariot (a flying immortal carriage), causing the practitioner to ascend into the Yuqing Palace.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to register their names upon the white slips with green writing of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate, the register of the Taiji heavenly realm) and fly up to the Taiji Palace should, on the third day of the third lunar month, use a green brush to write ten syllables on white slips and swallow them facing the Chen direction (southeast). Then knock the teeth twelve times and softly intone the prayer:

“The three combine to form the covenant, the mysterious heavenly net governs the stars; the various parts of the body accord with the heavenly chart, listed in the mysterious slips of green writing; the name is inscribed in Taiji, the rank equivalent to that of the superior immortals, the Qi of the Three Origins has already been arranged...”

According to the number of the Three Harmonies, talismans and contracts are formed, governing the stars by a mysterious principle of order. The five bodies follow the diagrams and are written upon mysterious azure talismanic scripts. One’s name is inscribed within Taiji (Supreme Ultimate, here a Daoist designation for a heavenly realm), ranked according to the grades of the higher immortals. The Three Origins (upper, middle, and lower) have already been arrayed, and the Six Qi (vital energy) have likewise been spread forth. With a proclamation like golden sounds and jade characters one declares: I invoke the natural Dao (the Way), that I may ride the flying radiance and ascend to the Imperial Dawn. After the ritual is complete, swallow Qi ten times, face the stars and perform four bows, paying homage to the Four Perfected of Taiji, and the ceremony ends. Cultivating in this manner for nine years, Taiji will register the name, the Four Perfected will descend and transmit the true writs, enabling one to spontaneously comprehend the luminous tones within them, and finally to fly and ascend into the Shangqing realm.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to have their names written into the Mysterious Plain Purple Name of Fangzhu (the name register of the Fangzhu heavenly realm) and to fly up to the Palace of Eastern Splendor should, on the fourth day of the fourth month, write the Mysterious Plain Purple Name and the Ten Tones in plain script, face the Si direction (southeast), ingest it, knock the teeth nine times, and softly recite the prayer:

The numinous spirits of the Nine Mysteries disperse, the Seven Sages protect and assist; the Great Dao of the eight directions emits radiance, the flowing light of Jing (essence) and Qi brilliant and resplendent. The primordial Qi of the heavenly realms is arrayed and extended, the mysterious diagram-seals open the rhythms; the name is inscribed in Fangzhu, causing me to fly and ascend the mysterious celestial river.

After the prayer is finished, swallow Qi nine times, face the Si direction and perform nine bows, paying homage to the Great Deities of the Green Palace Fangzhu, and the ritual ends. Cultivating thus for nine years, Fangzhu will engrave the name, Perfected Ones will descend and transmit the true writs, making one clear-sighted and penetrating, of surpassing intelligence, able to foresee events that have not yet occurred, and to fly through emptiness, ascending into the Green Palace.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: \ldots face the Si direction and perform nine bows, paying homage to the Great Deities of the Green Palace Fangzhu, and the ritual ends. Cultivating thus for nine years, Fangzhu will engrave the name, Perfected Ones will descend and transmit the true writs, making one clear-sighted and penetrating, of surpassing intelligence, able to foresee events that have not yet occurred, and to fly through emptiness, ascending into the Green Palace.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to have their names written into the Crimson Name Hidden Script of the Jade Register of Taiqing (the hidden name in the name register of the Taiqing heavenly realm) and to fly up to the Taiqing heavenly realm should, on the fifth day of the fifth month, write the Jade Register Crimson Name and the Ten Tones in cinnabar script, face south, ingest it, knock the teeth eight times, and softly recite the prayer:

The mysterious and wondrous principles are established, the positions of the Nine Palaces delineated, primordial Qi (vital energy) spread forth and numinous Qi dispersed, presiding over the eight directions. The hidden writings of the jade registers appear within the vast mysterious diagrams; the radiance of the Imperial Venerable winds and shines upon me, ranking me among the Immortal Kings so that I may ride the swiftly flying luminous Qi, ascend to the Purple Chamber (immortal palace), remain long together with Heaven and Earth, and have my brilliance equal that of the sun and moon.

When the ritual ends, swallow Qi nine times, face south and bow again in homage to the Upper Prime Lord of the Southern Pole. Cultivating in this manner for nine years, Taiqing (one of the celestial realms such as Shangqing and Taiqing) will inscribe your name in the jade registers and mark it in crimson. Thereafter the nine orifices open fully, allowing you to perceive affairs of the netherworld; Perfected Ones descend to discuss the divine Dao with you.

The High Sage Imperial Lord said: Those wishing to have their names written on the precious tablets of Taisu, registered in gold characters, and to fly-ascend to the Taisu Upper Palace should, on the sixth day of the sixth month, write the ten characters of the gold name of the precious tablets on yellow paper, face the Wei direction (southwest), and ingest it. Then knock the teeth eight times and softly recite the invocation:

“Primal numen of brilliant florescence, the Four Perfected distribute Jing (essence); mysterious diagrams and agate writings, gold characters and purple names; inscribed in Taisu, the four assemblies generate through the caverns; the Three Primes join in celebration, I receive the Grand Perfected; able to ride the Eight Sceneries in a cinnabar-shafted green-canopied carriage, roaming freely without limit, ascending to Taiqing.”

When the recitation ends, swallow Qi eight times, face the Wei direction and bow eight times in homage to Taisu, concluding the ritual. Cultivating thus for nine years, the name is inscribed on the precious tablets and one receives flying talismanic writs, mounting the void to fly-ascend and reach the Taisu Palace.

The High Sage Imperial Lord said: Those wishing to have their names entered in the Southern Pole cinnabar-script purple registers and to fly-ascend to the Southern Pole Upper Palace should, on the seventh day of the seventh month, write the ten characters of the purple registers with cinnabar, face the Shen direction (west-southwest), ingest it, knock the teeth three times, and softly recite the invocation:

The practitioner must record their name in cinnabar script, writings that belong to the Purple Primordial Mysterious Writings. Floral lights shine upon one another in mutual illumination as the Highest Perfected Ones spread clouds of Qi (vital energy); the emitted radiance reflects in winding, interwoven patterns that only those who cultivate the Dao can distinguish. Clad in kingfisher-feather flying insignia and cinnabar-brocade green skirts, they ride luminous scenes soaring aloft, flying into the Cavern Gate to gather with the Heroic Spirits of the Nine Elders and the Eight Perfected Ones. When the rite concludes, swallow Qi eight times, face the Shen direction, and perform eight prostrations in homage to the Eight Emperors of the Upper Origin of the Southern Pole, the Great Perfected Ones.

After nine years of this practice the Southern Pole inscribes the cinnabar-script purple registers; the Three Primes descend and confer the true tones upon the practitioner. The practitioner then rides the void in flight, ascending the Cavern Gate to gather once more with the Heroic Spirits of the Nine Elders and the Eight Perfected Ones. When the rite concludes, again swallow Qi eight times, face the Shen direction, and perform eight prostrations in homage to the Eight Emperors of the Upper Origin of the Southern Pole, the Great Perfected Ones. After a further nine years of practice the Southern Pole inscribes the cinnabar-script purple registers, the Three Primes descend and confer the true tones, and the practitioner rides the void in flight, ascending into the Palace of the Southern Pole.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to inscribe their name into the hidden writings of the Azure-Gold Vermilion Script of the Upper Origin of the Mysterious Palace and to fly above that palace should, on the eighth day of the eighth month, write the ten tones of the Azure-Gold Vermilion Script in cyan pigment, face west, and ingest them. Then knock the teeth nine times and softly recite this invocation:

“The celestial cycles revolve, primordial Qi disperses, the guidelines of the four directions stand upright, the Three Powers and Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) interweave into a net, and the Nine Paths gather into clusters. The characters of the Azure-Gold Vermilion Script shine throughout the great void; the mysterious and wondrous diagrams ride the true tones, penetrating the eight directions and four quarters. Penetrating obscure depths and subtleties, one clearly perceives boundless realms, gains audience with the Three Primes, advances into the Purple Chamber, enters and exits the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and long preserves floral radiance.”

When the invocation is finished, swallow Qi six times while facing the written characters and visualizing them shining throughout the great void, the mysterious and wondrous diagrams riding the true tones and penetrating the eight directions and four quarters; penetrating obscure depths and subtleties, clearly perceiving boundless realms, gaining audience with the Three Primes, advancing into the Purple Chamber, entering and exiting the Three Pure Ones, and long preserving floral radiance. Then swallow Qi six times, face west, and perform six prostrations in homage to the Highest Perfected of the Mysterious Palace, concluding the rite.

After nine years of this practice the Upper Origin inscribes the hidden chapters of the Azure-Gold Vermilion Script. The practitioner naturally comprehends their contents, grows familiar with and investigates the obscure profundities, communicates with the spirits, rides the void in flight, and ascends into Highest Clarity.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to inscribe their name into the white-jade golden characters of the Cinnabar Terrace of the Mysterious Capital and to fly above the Mysterious Capital should, on the ninth day of the ninth month, write the ten tones of the white-jade golden characters in yellow pigment, face the Xu direction, ingest them, knock the teeth three times, and softly recite the invocation:

The Dao (the Way) of Heaven moves in accordance with cyclical circulation. The Mysterious Dipper (Xuandou, the stellar officials of the Northern Dipper) transforms and sets in motion Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy). The Three Primes (Sanyuan, the divine officials of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Primes) act in response to the proper times, meeting and intermingling with one another, and thereby open spiritual illumination. The mysterious diagrams and registers appear faintly of their own accord. Upon the Cinnabar Terrace a golden name-register is inscribed, lofty and majestic like white jade, and the Dao that I cultivate is thereby made manifest. The eight directions converge, the four sides communicate without obstruction, and above and below are alike clear and thoroughly penetrating. The Qi of Shen (spirit) descends; the Six Repositories (Liufu, the six viscera within the human body) condense numinous energy, enabling one to mount a flying carriage of the void—with shafts of cinnabar and a canopy of purple—bearing the covenant tallies, and to ascend together with the Four Perfected Immortals to the realm of Floriate Azure.

After the ritual is completed, swallow Qi nine times, face the xu direction (slightly west of northwest), and bow twice in homage to the Supreme Perfected Imperial Lord of the Mysterious Capital (Xuandu), then cease. Practice in this manner for nine years, and the Mysterious Capital will engrave the practitioner’s name upon the Cinnabar Terrace. The Nine Elders will descend to the practitioner’s dwelling place, confer the Perfected Writs, cause divine persons to converse with the practitioner, and in the end one will ascend to Heaven in broad daylight.

The High Sage Imperial Lord said: Those who wish to have their names written into the hidden texts of the Jasper Tablets and Azure Books of the Palace of the Three Primes, and to fly and ascend to the Palace of the Three Primes, should on the tenth day of the tenth month write the ten syllables of the Jasper Tablets and Azure Books in azure script, face northwest, and ingest them. Then click the teeth three times and softly recite this prayer:

“The Nine Qi (nine kinds of primordial vital energy) gather in numinous subtlety; the Three Paths circulate in their cycles. The Sovereign Emperor establishes an immortal rank for me; the mysterious diagrams and registers display their verification. The Seven Sages of the Curved Ying (Qisheng Quying, the seven sagely Perfected and their numinous radiance) have already examined and inspected my bodily form. My name is written upon the Jasper Tablets; my immortal rank follows the ordinances of the Mysterious Continent (Xuanzhou). I drive my carriage aloft and ascend the cloud-path. The radiance of the Three Dawn-Luminaries (Sanchen, the three celestial deities of sun, moon, and stars) is fully assembled; the Eight Perfected join me as companions. May I be long preserved together with Heaven, never coming to an end.”

When the prayer is finished, swallow Qi three times, face northwest and bow three times in homage to the Three Primes, then cease. Practice in this manner for nine years, and the Three Primes will inscribe the practitioner’s name upon the Jasper Tablets, descend to the practitioner’s dwelling, confer the Perfected Writs, examine the hidden and subtle places, and enable the practitioner to fly within the Cloud Palace.

The High Sage Imperial Lord said: … never coming to an end. When the prayer is finished, swallow Qi three times, face northwest and bow three times in homage to the Three Primes, then cease. Practice in this manner for nine years, and the Three Primes will inscribe the practitioner’s name upon the Jasper Tablets, descend to the practitioner’s dwelling, confer the Perfected Writs, examine the hidden and subtle places, and enable the practitioner to fly within the Cloud Palace.

The High Sage Imperial Lord said: Those who wish to have their mysterious name (xuanming, the immortal name registered in the Mysterious Dipper) written into the name-register of the Mysterious Dipper and to fly to the Upper Palace should, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, write in ink the ten syllables of the Mysterious Name Register, face due north and ingest them, click the teeth twelve times, and then softly recite this prayer:

The movements of the stars of Xuandou (the Northern Dipper) revolve the celestial net and regulate the stars. The Yuanqi (Qi, vital energy) of the eight directions (the original energy that constitutes heaven, earth, and all things) resonates with the divine spirits. The mysterious diagrams and registers record the names of the immortals, inscribing them on jade tablets so that they accord with the Perfected Ones in heaven. At the center of the Dipper constellation stands the Huagai star. The Seven Primordial Great Deities descend upon my wondrous Dao (the Way), opening my innate natural nature and enabling me to soar in flight and ascend to the Imperial Dawn. When the ritual is concluded, swallow the Yuanqi seven times, face due north, and perform seven bows in homage to the seven true deities of the Dipper constellation, then cease.

After cultivating this method for nine years, the seven true deities will inscribe the practitioner’s name into the Xuandou registers. The Perfected Ones will then descend to transmit the true texts, allowing the practitioner to attain natural comprehension, to understand the principles of nature, to fly through the void, and to ascend to the Dipper Dawn.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Those who wish to inscribe their names upon the cinnabar tablets of the Five Sacred Mountains (the jade registers employed by the immortals of the Five Peaks), to have them entered in the “Jade Slips Purple Registers” (the name lists of the immortal realm), and to cultivate the arts of flying among the Five Sacred Mountains should, on the twelfth day of the twelfth month, write the ten sounds of the Jade Slips Purple Registers in azure characters, face northeast, and ingest them. Knock the teeth three times and then softly recite the following prayer:

The cinnabar chambers of the Five Sacred Mountains are the places revered by all the immortals. At this moment the spirits of the Emperor Lord inscribe the name registers. The High Emperor of remote antiquity left behind the mysterious diagrams and the purple immortal names, which now rest securely in the divine palaces of the Five Peaks. I receive the natural Dao and model myself upon the Great Void. By ingesting the numinous and wondrous sound-texts I am able to perceive the eight directions. I banquet in the Mysterious Capital and wander together with the Dao, passing in and out between being and non-being, roaming at ease in the realm of Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), without bound or end. Upper Perfected Ones of the Five Sacred Mountains, I pray that you join me as companions. May you send down the Qi of flying rosy clouds so that I may ascend into the dwelling of the Emperor Lord.

When the prayer is finished, swallow the Yuanqi five times and then cease. Face northeast and perform five bows in homage to the Five Emperor numinous worthies. After cultivating this method for nine years, the Five Emperors will inscribe the practitioner’s mysterious name into the Jade Slips Purple Registers of the Five Sacred Mountains. The immortal officials of the Five Peaks will then attend and protect the practitioner, bestowing the power of soaring flight so that the body itself may fly and banquet in the palaces of the Five Sacred Mountains.

This formula is called the “Mysterious Diagram of the High Sage’s Scriptural Name on the Right.” It belongs to the superior natural methods cultivated through recitation, upholding, and the employment of numinous sounds. Later students who practice this Dao (the Way) will leave their immortal names in Shangqing (the celestial realm spoken of in Daoism), with those names engraved upon the jade slips of the Flower Palace. They will receive the protection of the Five Emperors and the welcome of immortal officials. Purple Qi (vital energy) will emanate from their bodies, and a circular radiance will appear above their heads, its light illuminating all darkness. In quiet sitting they will be able to behold the natural realm. After nine years of cultivation, the numinous Perfected will descend, and the Three Primes (honored celestial deities of Daoism) will come to their dwelling. Numinous carriages and feathered canopies will also arrive to receive the practitioner, causing them to fly up into the realm of mysterious emptiness and take their place among the ranks of the immortals.

This method must be strictly kept secret: to leak it will bring the calamity of bodily annihilation. If one practices it recklessly without observing its regulations, the seven generations of ancestors will all be punished, and even after passing through ten thousand kalpas they will not be pardoned; the practitioner will perish and never become an immortal. Those who aspire to cultivate the Dao should carefully preserve this Jing (scripture).

The High Sage Imperial Lord said: If later students have a genuine affinity in their hearts and cultivate diligently, treating others with benevolence and kindness, possessing a gentle and yielding nature, a generous mind, and the capacity to be inclusive in whatever they encounter, then all such people will be entered into the Imperial Lord’s register of names. Their names will be written in purple characters upon jade tablets and included in the divine diagram. Their De (Virtue) will be made manifest, enabling them to unite with the immortal Perfected. Inwardly they will be able to respond to the examining illumination of Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate); outwardly they will comprehensively gather the ancestral lineage of the Great Artisan (the honored deity in Daoism who governs creation). When their meritorious work is complete and their practice of the Dao fully accomplished, they will naturally be able to ascend to heaven in broad daylight.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: Among those who cultivate and study in later generations, some merely like cultivating immortality on the surface, diligent in the morning yet slack in the evening; inwardly they long for flying ascension, yet outwardly they prize glory, honor, and profit. Some are cautious in appearance but unrestrained within; some study diligently in their hearts yet speak with careless disrespect. Some lack broad learning yet attack their teachers’ lineages and schools; they discuss the myriad things based only on outer appearances, slander the worthy, envy the sages, favor some while slighting others, bully the weak and fear the strong.

Some indulge in wine and sensual pleasure, depleting their Shen (spirit) and Jing-Qi (essence and vital energy). Some, upon encountering scriptures, do not first establish oaths and covenants, privately peek at hidden contents, rashly leak the marvelous secret methods, and display them to those who are unfit. When transmitting, they do not inform according to the proper rules, nor do they make covenants with the Five Sacred Peaks; all of these constitute leaking of secret methods, which will incur trials and punishments (the celestial supervision and penalties spoken of in Daoism).

Such people, even if they possess only the outward appearance of attaining immortality and have their names listed in the Celestial Emperor’s immortal register, act in ways that violate the fundamentals of cultivating the Dao (the Way). They will instead bring down punishments, implicate their ancestors, make their own karmic offenses heavy, forever lose the immortal Dao, serve long as ghostly laborers, and cycle through the five kinds of suffering. To think of this is truly pitiable.

The Method of the Seven Injuries of the High Sage Immortal Prohibitions

All who cultivate the Mysterious Records (Daoist secret-transmission classics), have their immortal names listed, and possess the qualifications of immortals ought naturally to accord with the Great Dao. If their will is not firm and upright, they will be injured by seven kinds of faults.

The first injury: Being a cultivator of the Dao yet acting with hypocrisy and insincerity; indulging in lust, disturbing the Shen, depleting seminal essence and primordial Qi (vital energy), causing Jing and Qi to dry up, Qi to scatter, the hun and po souls to disperse, the bones to grow empty, the physical form to decline, and the spirit to weep in the depths of the netherworld. This matter reaches the heavens; true immortals draw away, demons take the chance to invade, and one gradually draws near to dark and yin-evil realms. One’s name is struck from the immortal register; one binds karmic sins in the Nine Hells (the netherworld prisons of Daoism), draws close to the yin-evil forces of the Six Heavens, falls into endless suffering, and can never again attain immortality.

The second kind of damage: outwardly cultivating the Dao (the Way) while claiming devout recitation of the True, yet inwardly concealing sinister malice with fierce wickedness deeply entrenched; hoping others meet with disaster and failure, jealous of those possessed of talent and De (Virtue/Power); speaking fair words while the heart rebels against them, smiling on the face while resentment and anger seethe within. Conversation always turns on calculating gains and losses, frequently accumulating offenses; slandering those who pursue learning in secret and attacking the very foundations of the lineage. All such deeds are recorded by the Three Officials (the deities governing Heaven, Earth, and Water) and entered into the gate of evil. True immortals abandon such a person; evil ghosts seize the opportunity to possess them, so that their actions follow like a shadow, lose all normalcy, and even disturb form and Shen (spirit), inflicting unprovoked calamities and forging the gravest evil karma. When the term of karmic examination expires the physical body perishes and the hun and po souls sink into the Nine Springs. Though one may bear merely the empty name of a Dao practitioner, how can one preserve oneself and accord with the natural Dao?

The third kind of damage: a fondness for drinking that leads to frequent intoxication, which depletes the original Qi (vital energy), the fundamental energy of life, and damages spiritual nature; the five viscera (the internal organs) fall into disorder and ruin, startling and disturbing the various Shen within the body. Hun and po scatter and drift, vital forces within and without decline, the dwelling of body and mind grows desolate, the Infant (the inner spirit that symbolizes pure original nature) weeps, true immortals depart far away, and demonic essences take the chance to enter. Even if such a person accumulates sincerity and cultivates diligently without pause, even if wondrous records of practice exist, in the end the name and rank in the immortal registers are lost. The Shen are confined within the Six Palaces (the inner chambers where the bodily deities reside) and the body returns to the netherworld in ashen extinction. Seeking longevity in this condition, how can lifespan be prolonged?

The fourth kind of damage: conduct that is insufficiently broad, pure, and upright, yet demanding that others revere the lineage; harboring anger, uttering insults, and delighting in contention. Joy and anger exceed due measure, the temperament is unsettled, the Qi mechanism is agitated so that Shen and Qi disperse, the true inner Shen fly away, and hun and po lose their stability, thereby drawing misfortune and illness upon oneself. Decline of lifespan arises entirely from loss of control over one’s nature. True immortals wander far off and every kind of disease seizes the opportunity to invade. Even with diligent study one cannot escape this calamity. The hoped-for day of immortality recedes into the distance while the days of falling into hell and suffering stretch long.

The fifth kind of harm arises when some people obtain precious Jing (scriptures/classics) through mysterious omens, or by chance encounter a spirit teacher (a master who transmits the methods of the Dao), and receive divine writings, yet fail to establish an alliance and keep their vows as prescribed, thereby leaking the secrets of Heaven. Before nine years have passed they submit name cards to famous mountains, causing the Qing Palace (residence of Daoist immortals) to register them and the Golden Palaces (heavenly halls) to enter their names on the roster, after which they transmit the scriptures to others and spread them through the world. This contempt for the true Dao (the Way) and leakage of treasures invites retribution that implicates oneself; though one bears the name of the Mysterious Gate, it instead implicates the seven mysterious ones (ancestors and clan). The immortal Dao wanders far and ascends, while one dies in the netherworld, long bearing ghostly accusations, unpardoned even after ten thousand kalpas.

The sixth kind of harm is when the body is stained with filth, form and shadow both unclean, the inner heart without clear emptiness and luminous stillness, the outer appearance without the fragrance of orchids. The Dao does not descend, and the Shen (spirit) and gods do not dwell within the body; the breath is disordered, Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) are turbid, the lingyuan (inner spiritual primordial Qi) loses its brightness, and the five elders (related deities spoken of in Daoism) serve as ghostly retribution, unpardoned even after ten thousand kalpas.

The sixth kind of harm is when the body is stained with filth, form and shadow both unclean, the inner heart without clear emptiness and luminous stillness, the outer appearance without the fragrance of orchids. The Dao does not descend, and the Shen (spirit) and gods do not dwell within the body; the breath is chaotic, Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) are turbid, the lingyuan loses its brightness, the five spirits (the five deities within the body) gradually disperse, and the infant (symbolizing the god of pure spiritual nature within the body) flies away. Evil demons come to invade and disturb, bringing calamity both within and without. Cultivating the Dao in this state, one originally hoped for benefit but instead suffers harm; the immortals and perfected ones depart far away, leaving only the lonely corpse in the world, sinking with none to save it—how then can one become immortal?

The seventh kind of harm is eating flesh with blood, killing living beings to gratify the desires of mouth and belly; the stench of fish and meat fills the viscera, harming other lives. True Qi is disturbed at the spirit gate (the aperture in the body for nurturing spiritual Qi), wandering hun-souls startle the infant, hun and po leave the palaces and residences within the body (the body as dwelling of the spirits), and filthy Qi coils about the mouth and teeth. The immortals and perfected ones abandon one from afar, and one sinks underground. Even if one vainly bears the name of the Mysterious Gate and is listed in the Heavenly Emperor’s register, in the end one cannot escape the death of the physical body.

The High Sage Emperor Lord said: The foundation of cultivating the Dao should first emphasize these seven kinds of harm. Having the fortune to behold the Cavern Gate and peruse the jade chapters (Daoist Jing (scriptures/classics)), one must not violate these seven prohibitions. If one violates them, the immortals and perfected ones will abandon one far into the cloudy heavens, and one will sink underground; even if one vainly bears the name of the Mysterious Gate and is listed in the Heavenly Emperor’s register, in the end one cannot escape the death of the physical body.

The High Sage Emperor-Lord said: In cultivating the immortal Dao, the first and most essential matter is to strictly observe the prohibitions of the “seven injuries.” Only then may one gaze upon the cavern gates and peruse the jade chapters. If one does not violate the bans of the seven injuries, one may calmly await the descent of the spirits and ascend in broad daylight. If one cultivates diligently in outward appearance yet violates the prohibitions of the seven injuries in the heart, then hoping to become immortal will instead bring failure, expecting longevity will instead bring death, wishing for good fortune will instead encounter calamity, and anticipating ascent will instead result in sinking down. The numinous immortals wander in the lofty, distant realm of pure emptiness; the five spirits of the right (the five directional spirits within the body) scatter to the eight directions; the Infant (the primordial Shen within the body) weeps in the inner dwelling; the wandering soul wails in the dark and empty netherworld. Therefore the signs of immortality include both success and failure, and superior cultivation has seven kinds of injury. Those of firm resolve who revere the immortal Dao should carefully grasp the true meaning herein.

The High Sage Emperor-Lord further said: Only those who possess jade bones and cinnabar patterns (the bone physiognomy and inner divine writings of immortals) and whose names are listed in the imperial charts may behold the Mysterious Records of the Seven Sages. Only those who possess golden marrow and purple viscera (symbolizing the golden marrow and purple inner organs of immortal quality) and whose names are inscribed on golden tablets may behold the inner texts of the hidden writings. Only those who possess extraordinary hair, purple embryonic membranes, and jade-colored meridians, and whose names are registered in Highest Clarity (Shangqing), may behold the white slips and jade chapters. Only those in whom jing and qi circulate internally, illuminated by purple radiance, who can manifest numinous wonders from within and who possess a precious immortal countenance, and whose names are recorded in the Jade Void, may behold the texts of the azure registers. Only those who possess extraordinary outstanding endowment, agate-jade fetal quality and qi of the purple void, and whose names are inscribed in Eastern Florescence (Donghua), may behold the inspection texts that record the seven injuries.

Without such innate endowment one must not rashly turn the pages of the numinous chapters nor presumptuously view the precious writings. Those able to see these jing are all immortal talents whose nature accords with the mysterious Dao. After nine years of cultivation one can achieve flight through the mysterious void and ascend to Jade Clarity (Yuqing).

Those who transmit the Seven Saints Mysterious Record of Returning Heaven to the Nine Empyrean White Slips and Green Registers (a secretly transmitted Daoist classic) must, master and disciple together, first observe a purification fast of ninety days, or else thirty days. The disciple is to bring seven taels of gold, seventy zhang of purple-patterned cloth, and seven taels of cinnabar, stand facing north before the master, report to the High Saints (the exalted sacred beings), swear an oath to Heaven, and only then receive the transmission.

If the master transmits the text without requiring the disciple to swear the oath and thereby carelessly leaks this precious scripture, or if the disciple, after receiving the scripture, fails to keep faith with the sworn covenant, both will ultimately suffer severe punishment as though the wind-blade were laid upon their bodies. Their ancestors of seven generations will likewise bear the guilt, and they will further undergo the Three Paths and Five Sufferings (the torments of the evil destinies in Daoist teaching), remaining unpardoned even after ten thousand kalpas. The spirit soldiers of the Five Emperors (divine generals commanded by the Lords of the Five Directions) will continually investigate any leakage of the secret; therefore this must be scrupulously observed.