《太上玉晨郁仪结璘奔日月图》

The middle chapter of the Taishang Yinshu (Hidden Book of the Most High) states that if you wish to cultivate yourself into a Zhenren (True Person), you should visualize the Rijun (Solar Lord, the sun deity). Visualize him riding dragons with phoenixes as attendants, traveling upon the cloud Qi of the heavens eastward to Xilin (an immortal realm in the celestial world) and entering the Imperial Gate. Through concentrated visualization you will be able to see him. This essential method of cultivation is not difficult; once accomplished, your name will be recorded in the Shangqing numinous realm, you will rank among the True Officials, and you will be able to hold the Yuyi Wen (the sacred talismanic writing associated with the sun).

The middle chapter of the Taishang Yinshu further states that if you wish to ascend into the heavens, you should visualize the Yue Furen (Lunar Lady, the moon deity). Visualize her riding ten heavenly dragons upon the Liuling (Flowing Bells, a celestial carriage), traveling westward to the Six Ridges (an immortal realm in the celestial world) and entering the Imperial Hall. Through concentrated visualization you will be able to see her, thereafter paying court to the Tianhuang (Heavenly Sovereign, a supreme celestial deity), and you will be able to hold the Jielin Zhang (the sacred talismanic chapter associated with the moon).

These two chapters of “The Hidden Path of Flying to the Sun and Moon” are secret methods treasured by the Taishang Shangqing Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) Nine Sovereigns and Four Perfected Ones, and they are also the jade writings of Xuanxu Yuanjun. Those who do not have their names registered in the Golden Pavilion and recorded in the Eastern Floriate Palace cannot hear or even see the titles of these two Jing (scriptures/classics). Practitioners must first observe a hundred-day purification fast, cutting off all social contacts and worldly affairs, before they may begin the practice. With prolonged cultivation one can ascend to roam together with the sun and moon, attended by fifty jade youths and fifty jade maidens.

The Taishang Yuyi Chiwen and the Jielin Huangzhang are numinous secret chapters of the Taishang Jade Emperor Lord, stored in the palaces of the Nine Heavens and the Cinnabar Jade Terrace. Unless one cultivates with undivided diligence, loves the true Dao (the Way), and possesses from former lives the root-constitution and registered name of a flying-mystery celestial immortal, one cannot see or hear them. Even if the titles are heard, they must not be casually discussed or mentioned. Those who recklessly utter these scripture names will be punished by the Three Officials (the divine offices that oversee examination of heaven, earth, and humanity), and heaven and earth will grant no pardon.

It was originally stipulated that transmission could be given to only one person every three hundred years; thereafter only one person every seven hundred years. If the divine Perfected Ones secretly indicate that someone is suitable to receive the transmission, then it may be conferred. Transmission must be carried out by master and disciple or among fellow practitioners according to the established rules, so as to observe the precepts of the Mysterious Gate. To transmit the texts to an unsuitable person or to fail to follow the proper procedures is equivalent to leaking the heavenly scriptures. Those who leak or treat the scriptures lightly, or who violate their oaths, will after death become lower ghosts and, together with seven generations of their ancestors, suffer punishments such as the wind-blades. If the person is not of like mind and aspiration, one should remain silent and not speak of the matter.

These two scriptures are stored in the grotto terrace of Western Mystery Mountain, engraved on jade slips and written in gold characters. They are also found in the Qingxu Heaven of Mount Wangwu, though the collection there is incomplete. Even the immortals of the Central Officials and the various officials of Taiqing (celestial immortal officers) do not know what this book discusses. On the door-pivot of the stone chamber in the northern grotto of Mount Emei twenty characters are carved: “Yuyi draws the solar Jing (essence); Jielin summons the lunar Shen (spirit); attaining the Dao, one dwells in the upper palaces and is ranked as a Perfected of Grandee rank.” When immortals of the lower world see these characters, most do not understand their meaning. Thus it is evident that even among immortals many remain unaware of the titles and catalogues of these scriptures.

The Golden Liquid and Nine Elixirs (the arts of refining golden liquid and nine kinds of elixirs) are probably only comparatively shallow methods of cultivation and cannot enable one to fly up into Shangqing. This path may be practiced by the worthy and the foolish alike; it is simply that the scripture does not exist in the human world. The true secret methods of the immortal officials can be transmitted only after an oath has been sworn. Those who obtain and cultivate this method can rank among the Upper Perfected, ride the Eight-Scenery Jade Wheels (celestial carriages), and roam the Nine Dawns (the Nine Heavens). Therefore a secret saying states: “If you obtain the Yuyi and the Jielin, you can become a Shangqing Perfected One; if you do not cultivate this path, you cannot behold the Three Primal Lords.”

In the original text the passage from “Taishang and recorded in Donghua” to “fifty jade youths and fifty jade maidens,” as well as the portion following “if not of the same Qi (vital energy),” shows repetition; the sentences after “the immortals of the Central Officials and the various officials of Taiqing” are also incomplete.

Taisu Zhenren (the Perfected of Grand Simplicity), an immortal of Daoist legend, rides the eight-radiance agate chariot on a tour of the Nine Heavens. Therefore the secret teaching states that if you obtain the two texts Yuyi and Jielin, you can become a Shangqing Zhenren (Perfected of Highest Clarity); without cultivating this method, you cannot behold the Three Primordial Ladies.

Taisu Zhenren said: In cultivation, visualize the Five Emperor Lords within the solar Jing (essence), holding the Most High Yuyi Wen in the mouth. Only when the method is accomplished can one see the sovereign within the sun; otherwise one merely expends effort in vain and only increases one’s own affliction.

He further said: Visualize the Five Emperor Consorts within the lunar Jing (essence), holding the Most High Jielin Zhang in the mouth. Only when the method is accomplished can one see the Lady of the Moon; otherwise one merely expends effort in vain and only increases one’s own sorrow.

These two instructions are the oral formulas Taisu Zhenren received from Taidi Jun (the Great Emperor Lord). The Hidden Book of the Most High says that in visualization one should hold the Jing (scripture) in the hand; Taidi Jun says one should hold the scripture in the mouth.

Taisu Zhenren taught Lord Pei: In visualization, hold one scripture in the mouth and the other in the hand, carrying out both methods at the same time.

Taisu Zhenren transmitted these two cultivation methods to Qingling Zhenren, Lord Pei. Cultivating the two Most High texts Yuyi and Jielin can communicate with the Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), Shen (spirit) and numinous beings of the sun and moon; this is the method of flying upward toward the sun and moon, joining with the light of heaven, and ascending into the Great Void. The practitioner rides a cloud chariot with a canopy of feathers, drives a host of dragons, and rises into the Purple Court of August Heaven (the palaces of the sky).

The Inner Vision Middle Methods says: If you wish to walk through empty space, you should visualize the sun and moon; if you wish to ascend to the realm of Clear Numinosity, you should visualize the Five Stars. Secret practice in a closed chamber, without needing to leave one’s house, refers precisely to this method.

The Plain Memorial Cinnabar Talisman says: Yuyi is vast beyond measure, Jielin is mysterious in the extreme. Those who are not Highest Perfected cannot see it; those who are not Highest Immortals cannot hear of it. Cultivating this method can communicate with the Jing, Qi, Shen and numinous beings of the sun, moon, and Five Stars; one rides dragons soaring into emptiness, treads upon luminous clouds, follows the Five Emperors, and together they enter the Heavenly Gate.

If anyone hears these matters, they must be cautious and not transmit them casually. After accomplishment one may leave the dusty world; transmission requires an oath sworn with gold, and should be given only to disciples of sincere heart. If anyone willfully discusses the titles of the chapters, the Jade Youths will report it above; those who leak the secret methods will be examined and punished, and will never attain immortality in this life. The Jade Youths and Jade Maidens will depart and not return, the scriptures will certainly be lost, and one will suffer the penalties of the Three Officials (the Daoist officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water). Be cautious in speech, for speech may become the root of transgression.

The Palace of the Sun

On the morning of the first day of each lunar month, sit upright in stillness, observe fasting and purity, and settle the heart-mind and Shen (spirit). Knock the teeth thirty-six times. Then first visualize your Dantian (energy center; the site of cultivated intention within the lower abdomen) as a vast ocean, with the sun rising from the sea; next visualize yourself seated upon the gate at the crown of the head (the acupoint at the center of the crown), the body as firm and stable as mountain rock. Then recite the incantation:

“Yang Qi (vital energy) arises and develops within the Primordial Sea, rising from below. The dense and substantial Yang Jing (essence) disperses all Yin Qi. Within the Yang Jing dwells the Great Deity Yuyi Jun (the spirit who presides over the sun). I request that you send down True Qi to wash and purify my body.”

After reciting the incantation, swallow saliva nine times. Next visualize the sun rising, its golden radiance illuminating your true body. Facing the Solar Palace (the dwelling of the solar deity), recite the incantation:

“The golden solar disk manifests auspicious signs; bright sunlight illuminates the four directions. Blazing radiance soars aloft; Jing Qi spreads for ten thousand li. The flames of demonic evil Qi are extinguished; all dust and defilement are washed away. I fly through empty space, riding the breath to ascend on high.”

After reciting the incantation, swallow saliva nine times again. Then visualize yourself riding a fire dragon rushing toward the Solar Palace, and recite the incantation:

“The fire dragon leads the way ahead; radiance pierces through the crown of the head as I fly upward. Shen-intention enters Wuhe (the realm of empty stillness without form) to pay homage to Yuyi Jun. In an instant I ascend to the Solar Palace and merge with the wondrous numinous radiance. Returning to the original True One Qi, I burn away Pengshi (one of the Three Corpses spoken of in Daoism, symbolizing desires and heterogeneous Qi that impede cultivation).”

After reciting the incantation, swallow saliva nine times once more. Then visualize yourself entering the Solar Palace and merging as one with the sun. Wait quietly for a moment, forgetting the form and appearance of the body; body and mind blend in warmth, like a spring day.

The Jing (scripture) claims that continuous practice for one year can avert illness, command ghosts and spirits, and allow free coming and going; after two years one can penetrate the immortal Dao (the Way) and receive the protection of the Three Realms; after three years one may obtain recommendation by the Demon Kings; after nine years the work is accomplished, the Five Emperors become fellow practitioners, and they summon and appoint the practitioner as a Zhenren (Perfected One), thereby attaining long life. The concluding phrase “Taishang Yuchen Yuyi Benmu Chijing Yuwen” is the title of the Jing or the name of a related ritual text.

The Lingshu Ziwen records the method of gathering and ingesting sunlight in order to achieve flying ascent, by swallowing solar Qi (vital energy). This practice was once transmitted to the Celestial Lord of Grand Tenuity (Taiwei Tiandi Jun). It is also known as the Scripture of the Red Elixir, Golden Essence, Stone Radiance, Water Mother, and Jade Embryo.

Ordinarily, just as the sun begins to rise, one faces east, knocks the teeth nine times, and then recites in a low voice the name of the Solar Soul together with the appellations of the Five Emperors within the sun: Rihun Zhujing Zhaotao Lüying Huixia Chitong Xuanyan Biaoxiang. After reciting these sixteen characters, one tightly clenches both hands in the firm-grasp hand seal used in Daoist cultivation, visualizes the five-colored auroral radiance from within the sun streaming forth to illuminate the entire body, and then, together with the sunlight, entering the mouth.

The Shangqing Purple Writings record the method of swallowing the Jing (essence) and Qi of the moon. Just as the moon is rising, one faces west, knocks the teeth ten times, and recites in a low voice the name of the Lunar Soul together with the appellations of the Ladies within the moon: Yuepo Aoxiao Fangyan Yiliao Wanxu Linglan Yuhua Jieqiao Chunjin Qingying Jiongrong Taibiao. After reciting these twenty-four characters, one closes the eyes, clenches the hands, and visualizes the five-colored essence-lights from within the moon entering the mouth together. Within the moon there is also a yellow vapor the size of an eye’s pupil, called the Essence of Flying Flowers and Jade Embryo. Those who practice this method are said to become immortals who race between the sun and the moon.

Practitioners of the Way of Yu Yi Racing with the Sun (Yu Yi being the name of a deity within the sun) should every morning attend to the moment of the sun’s first appearance. When the day is overcast and the sun cannot be seen, one sits in a quiet room facing east toward the direction of the sun, knocks the teeth nine times, lowers the eyelids and holds the breath for nine respirations, then swallows the sunlight nine times while visualizing the auroral light entering the mouth and immediately swallowing it. One then recites in a low voice the names and appearances of the solar emperors: the Green Emperor within the sun, whose taboo name is Yuanchangyuan and courtesy name Zhaolongtao, wears a blue-jade brocade cape and a dark-green flying-feather skirt, and a kingfisher hibiscus dawn crown; the Red Emperor within the sun, taboo name Danlingzhi and courtesy name Lühongying, wears a crimson-jade brocade cape and a cinnabar-flower flying-feather skirt, and a cinnabar hibiscus numinous-bright crown; the White Emperor within the sun, taboo name Haoyujiang and courtesy name Huijinxia, wears a plain-jade brocade cape and a white-feather flying-flower skirt, and a luminous numinous hibiscus-flower crown.

Within the sun there is the Black Emperor (one of the solar divine personae), named Chengzhen Ting, courtesy name Xuanlü Yan. He wears a black jade-brocade shawl and a black-feather flying-blossom skirt, and a dark-mountain lotus crown.

Within the sun there is also the Yellow Emperor, named Shouyi Fu, courtesy name Biaohui Xiang. He wears a yellow jade-brocade shawl and a yellow-feather flying-blossom skirt, and a yellow lotus-spirit purple crown.

Within the moon there is the Lady of the Inner Shen of Hunjing, named Aixiao Taibiao.

The above visualization practices are performed a total of three times. Then close the eyes, clench both hands in the grasping-solid posture (a Daoist clenched-fist stance of concentration and holding), and visualize the five-colored flowing mists of the sun all gathering into oneself from the crown of the head down to both feet; next visualize the five-colored Qi (vital energy) rising from both feet up to the crown of the head. Then visualize the sun’s five-colored flowing mists entering the mouth together. Amid the flowing mists there also appear purple Qi, each the size of a pupil, stacked in dozens of layers and shining brightly within the five-colored lights. This purple Qi is called the “Flying Root Water Mother.” Visualize it entering the mouth together with the five-colored Qi; facing the sun, swallow the mist-Qi a total of forty-five times.

When this is complete, knock the teeth nine times and softly recite the invocation: “The elixir Qi within the crimson furnace is the flying essence of round Heaven; firm Yang receives yielding Yin, and flaming water gestates the Yin blossom. The primordial radiance of the solar hour is named Great Illumination; the nine Yangs transform together, and two kinds of vaporous Qi arise thereby. Condense the hun and po, gather the essences of the five Qi, from which the Five Emperors are born, riding the radiance to govern the bodily form. Absorb the flying mists to fill what is empty; drink the root Qi to make oneself full. Wear the dragon-blossom kerchief, clad in vermilion robes and adorned with cyan ornaments; drive the black flowing mystery, the mist-light illuminating Shangqing. Bestow the jade-tablet documents and inscribe the name in the Golden Pavilion; ingest the morning mists and unite in Shen with the Dao (the Way). Become a flying immortal, ascend into Taiwei, and climb the Purple Court.”

After reciting the invocation, visualize the Green Emperor Lord descending from the sunlight and standing to one’s left; then visualize the Red Emperor Lord descending from the sunlight.

After reciting the preceding prayer, visualize the Azure Emperor Lord descending from the sunlight and standing on one's left; visualize the Red Emperor Lord descending from the sunlight and standing on one's right; the White Emperor Lord descending from the sunlight and standing behind oneself; the Black Emperor Lord descending from the sunlight and standing above one's left hand; the Yellow Emperor Lord descending from the sunlight and standing above one's right hand. Once the five Emperor Lords have all descended, visualize their garments in clear and vivid colors. Then knock the teeth five times, swallow the saliva nine times, and softly recite:

The vermilion elixir furnace and the bright sunlight, their perfectly blended radiance illuminating the nine directions; the morning glow unfolds, the scarlet jing-qi sparkling. The Five Emperors first appear amid rosy mists, illuminating all things; the Higher Perfected descend from heaven, and all is pure, still, and balanced. Circulate the qi, refine and nourish the brilliance so that it flows throughout the body, enabling me to attain spiritual transformation and filling the six viscera with numinous qi. I travel together with the Emperor Lords, Taiyi, and Wuying, riding crimson clouds and the nine carriages of the solar flint, accompanying the rosy mists of the Emperor Lords' first appearance and illuminating all things. The Higher Perfected descend from heaven, and all is pure, still, and balanced; circulate the qi, refine and nourish the brilliance so that it flows throughout the body, enabling me to attain spiritual transformation and filling the six viscera with numinous qi. I travel together with the Emperor Lords, Taiyi, and Wuying, riding crimson clouds and the nine carriages of the solar flint, rushing upward into the midst of the sun to unite as one with the Emperor Lords, my lifespan equal to heaven and earth and unaffected by the succession of sun and moon.

After reciting this, knock the teeth three times, swallow the saliva three times, and softly recite:

The jing of the lunar po (the gentle yin essence within the moon) illuminates the Xiao Terrace, enabling me to reach the Heaven of the Solar Grotto and the Long Mound of Dongmeng, to receive the Chapter of Waving the Spirit, to wear the talisman of the Nine Possessions, to eat the green jing confection, to drink the richness of cloudy jade, to feast in the realm of the Eight Extremes, to ascend the Terrace of Bright Perfection, to sit in the Hall of Xilin, and to chant the verses of Yuchen.

After the prayer is recited, the ritual concludes.

Knocking the teeth and swallowing saliva are standard actions in Daoist visualization (cunsi) and prayer rites; “cun” refers to inwardly visualizing the descent of the deities. The Five Emperors are the Emperor Lords of the five directions; Taiyi, Wuying, and similar names designate Daoist deities.

Visualize the Yangsui-Jiangyun chariot (the divine chariot named after the solar flint and crimson clouds), drawn by nine red dragons, arriving before oneself from the sunlight. Then visualize the Five Thearchs riding together in the chariot as they hasten toward the sun. Forget one's own bodily form, remain silent for a long while, and swallow saliva fourteen times. After completing this, close the eyes and concentrate fully on the visualization until the contemplated scene faintly appears in the mind, then bow twice toward the sun. If one can practice this method for a long time, one will be able to ride the sunlight and rush to the sun. This is the Dao (the Way) of Yuyi (the cultivation method related to the sun).

A Daoist who practices grain-fasting in the mountains (ceasing to eat the five grains), observes long-term fasting and purification, stays distant from worldly dusty affairs, and concentrates on aspiring toward purity, stillness, and authenticity may daily ingest the “rosy clouds of the solar root” and swallow and absorb the Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) of the sun. After practicing, according to the Jing (scripture), the body will produce a jade-like luster and the face will also display radiance.

If still entangled in worldly affairs and unable to cultivate with a quiet mind, one may practice according to the previous method on the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, thirteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth, nineteenth, and twenty-fifth days of each month, totaling ten times in a month. The Jing (scripture) says that these days are the times when the solar hun descends to connect, the flying root is abundant, and the water mothers gather in dreams.

Practicing the above methods altogether for eighteen years, one may receive Golden Perfected refinement and jade-light adornment in the Shangqing realm, take one's place among the True Sovereigns, fly through the great void, ride the magnificent Qi of the Three Simplicities, and illuminate all under heaven.

Most High Talisman for Ingesting Solar Qi to Open Brightness

On the last day of each lunar month at midnight, face east and write the talisman with cinnabar on azure paper; before ingesting the talisman, first report to the solar hun. When preparing to ingest the talisman, hold the Qi, visualize oneself flying through the great void, riding the Qi of the Three Simplicities, and illuminating all under heaven.

Most High Talisman for Ingesting Solar Qi to Open Brightness

On the last day of each lunar month at midnight, face east and write the talisman with cinnabar on azure paper; before ingesting the talisman, first report to the solar hun. When ingesting the talisman, hold the Qi, take the talisman in the left hand, and silently recite in the mind:

“The cinnabar writing of Taiwei, named Opening Brightness. Invite the hun of the sun above to descend, causing my bodily form to undergo transformation. At dawn attire oneself and set out from the circular court. Flying splendor, water mother, solar root, golden Jing (essence), purple Qi shining upon it, flowing light spreading in all directions, collectively called the Five Numina.”

After reciting the incantation, ingest the talisman.

Moon Palace

On the day of the full moon (around the fifteenth of the lunar month, when the moon is at its roundest), visualize yourself as tall as Kunlun Mountain, seated upon its summit, a vast sea spreading below and the moon just beginning to rise. Swallow saliva three times, click the teeth three times, then recite:

“The true scenery first arises; within Yin, the utmost Yang. Water floods the mysterious wheel; golden dew faintly gleams. The source of fluids flows unobstructed, its radiance reflecting in the jade chamber. Qi (vital energy) increases and light flourishes; ingest, ride, and soar in flight.”

After reciting, swallow saliva nine times. Next visualize the moon as a semicircular jade ring, its golden light shining upon your body, then recite:

“The scenery scatters across the celestial pool, light increasing and flourishing; ingest, ride, and soar in flight.”

After reciting, swallow saliva nine times. Visualize the moon still as a semicircle, golden light illuminating your body, then recite:

“The scenery scatters across the celestial pool; golden water forms a half-circle. Its brightness lights the secluded night and shines upon my mysterious pearl. Drink of the overflowing crystal nectar; fragrance permeates the numinous body. After several circuits of true gathering, ride the scenery and rush into flight.”

After reciting the incantation, swallow saliva nine times and click the teeth. Visualize the moon becoming fully round; true water transforms into a bridge connecting the mountain rocks. Mount a colorful phoenix and fly into the moon, then recite:

“The celestial source circulates throughout; light penetrates the layered towers. The heavens reflect in the ten directions; the five fluids wash away darkness. Rushing into emptiness, gathering the scenery, the true body floats and flies. One truth ascends in audience; Yang Nine without worry.”

After reciting, swallow saliva nine times. Visualize yourself entering the Moon Palace and merging as one with the moon. Still the mind for a long while, forgetting the form and appearance of the body. When you sense golden light scattering in all directions and illuminating heaven and earth, the visualization is complete.

Practicing this method for one year, one may hope to be free of illness and naturally able to command ghosts and spirits, coming and going at will. After two years of practice, one may communicate with the true immortals and be guarded by the spirits of the Three Realms. After three years, one may receive the recommendation of the Demon Kings. After nine years, when the work is accomplished, the Five Ladies will descend with an imperial edict conferring it upon the practitioner, making them a flying immortal.

[Taishang Yuchen Jielin Benyue Huangjing Yuzhang] (the Yellow Radiance Jade Chapter transmitted by the Honored Deity Taishang Yuchen, employing the Jielin method to fly to the Moon Palace)

The Lingshu Ziwen records the cultivation method of gathering and ingesting yin florescence and swallowing lunar Jing (essence). This method was originally transmitted by the Heavenly Emperor Lord of Taiwei and is also known as the Huangqi Yangjing Cangtian Yinyue Jing.

When practicing the Way of Jielin Racing to the Moon (Jielin being the appellation of the spirit within the moon), wait until the moon has just risen. If there is no moon, face west—the direction of the moon’s rising—in a quiet chamber. Knock the teeth ten times, close the eyes and hold the breath for nine respirations, then swallow the moonlight nine times. Visualize the moonlight entering the mouth and swallow it down. After this is complete, recite softly:

The Green Emperor Lady of the moon is named Zhu Yin’e, styled Fenyan Ying; she wears a cyan qiong-brocade shawl patterned with kingfisher dragons and phoenixes and a skirt with flying-feather designs. The Red Emperor Lady of the moon is named Yi Yiliao, styled Wanyan Xu; she wears a cinnabar jade-brocade shawl and a vermilion flying-feather skirt decorated with phoenix motifs. The White Emperor Lady of the moon is named Ling Sulan, styled Yulian Hua; she wears a white brocade shawl embroidered with four-directional dragon patterns and a white flying-flower skirt patterned with luan birds. The Black Emperor Lady of the moon is named Jie Lianqiao, styled Chunshu Jin; she wears a black brocade shawl embroidered with nine cloud patterns and a black flying-flower skirt patterned with dragons. The Yellow Emperor Lady of the moon is named Qing Yingjin, styled Jiongding Rong; she wears a yellow cloud-patterned brocade shawl and a green-feather skirt patterned with phoenixes. All these ladies wear their hair in cloud-like triangular chignons, with the remaining locks hanging to the waist.

The inner spirit of the five-colored hun Jing of the sun is named Zhujing Chitong. Recite the above invocation three times, then close the eyes and remain in quiet stillness.

Each time, recite the invocation three times, then close the eyes and clench both hands in the wogu grip (a hand gesture commonly used in Daoist visualization and the circulation of Qi (vital energy)). Visualize the five-colored jingqi—Jing (essence) and Qi—flowing from within the moon, streaming forth to gather upon one’s own body and running all the way down to both feet; then visualize the five Qi rising to the crown of the head. Next, the five-colored jingqi of the moon enter the mouth together. Within the flowing jingqi of moonlight, yellow Qi also appears, each the size of an eyeball, stacked in dozens of layers, accompanying the moon’s five-colored essence-light. This is called “the Jing of Flying Yellow Moonlight.” Visualize these jingqi entering the mouth together with the five Qi and, facing the moon, swallow the lunar Jing fifty times. Then swallow the jinye (the Daoist daoyin term for saliva) ten times, knock the teeth together ten times, and recite softly:

“Mysterious radiance of yellow Jing, ascending Qi of primordial yin, dispersing stagnation and cold gales, regulating the numinous and gathering it in the stomach; empty waves of brilliant crests, wandering pheasant of the pure vessel; lunar Jing of the nightscape, exalted nobility of the Mysterious Palace; the Five Lords and Ladies, each protecting and establishing the myriad directions; harmonizing the hun and restraining the po, the five embryos circulating; riding rosy clouds and flying upon Jing, soaring into emptiness in the east; head bound with numinous clouds, luminous splendor summoning the wind; dragon tally at the left sash, tiger insignia at the right waist; phoenix feathers and vermilion cape, jade pendants and golden earrings; the qian tree forming a copse, titled King of Wood; the divine toad controlling the root; there is waning and there is light; bright Jing reflecting within, mysterious water exhaling a bridge; bestowed writings of jade tablets, name engraved in the Cloud Chamber; ingesting the moonlight, uniting with the Perfected; flying as an immortal to the Purple Tenuity, ascending to court the Grand Sovereign.”

After this invocation, the scripture continues: facing the moon, swallow the lunar Jing fifty times, swallow the jinye ten times, knock the teeth together ten times, and recite softly:

“Mysterious radiance of yellow Jing, ascending Qi of primordial yin, dispersing stagnation and cold gales, regulating the numinous and gathering it in the stomach; empty waves of brilliant crests, wandering pheasant of the pure vessel; lunar Jing of the nightscape, exalted nobility of the Mysterious Palace; the Five Lords and Ladies, each protecting and establishing the myriad directions; harmonizing the hun and restraining the po, the five embryos circulating; riding rosy clouds and flying upon Jing, soaring into emptiness in the east; head bound with numinous clouds, luminous splendor summoning the wind; dragon tally at the left sash, tiger insignia at the right waist; phoenix feathers and vermilion cape, jade pendants and golden earrings; the qian tree forming a copse, titled King of Wood; the divine toad controlling the root; there is waning and there is light; bright Jing reflecting within, mysterious water exhaling a bridge; bestowed writings of jade tablets, name engraved in the Cloud Chamber; ingesting the moonlight, uniting with the Perfected; flying as an immortal to the Purple Tenuity, ascending to court the Grand Sovereign.”

The general meaning of this invocation is as follows. The bright radiance like yellow Jing, the ascending Qi of primordial yin, disperses stagnation and cold winds; numinous Qi gathers, and the moon’s essence illuminates the night sky. The exalted deities of the Mysterious Palace—the Five Lords and Ladies—each guard all directions, so that hun and po are harmonized and the Qi of the five viscera circulates. The practitioner rides rosy-cloud Qi and steers essence-light, flying eastward in ascent, with numinous clouds bound upon the head, wearing the dragon tally and tiger insignia, draped in a phoenix-feather vermilion cape, and adorned with jade pendants and golden earrings. They are called “King of Wood,” with the divine toad (a numinous toad) controlling the root; the moon has its waning and waxing, its darkness and light, while the essence-light reflects inward, and mysterious water exhales a bridge. The deities bestow jade tablets and engrave the name in the Cloud Chamber; after ingesting the moonlight, one unites with the Perfected, flies as an immortal to the Purple Tenuity (a celestial palace), and ascends to court the Grand Sovereign.

After the prayer is complete, visualize the Lady of the Green Emperor descending from the moonlight and standing to my left; visualize the Lady of the Red Emperor descending from the moonlight and standing to my right; the Lady of the White Emperor descending from the moonlight and standing behind me; the Lady of the Black Emperor descending from the moonlight and standing above my left hand; and the Lady of the Yellow Emperor descending from the moonlight and standing above my right hand. Once all five Emperor Ladies have descended, further visualize the colors of their respective garments, making their forms as clear and distinguishable as possible. Then knock the teeth nine times, swallow the saliva nine times, and softly recite this prayer:

“The yellow essence opens forth its radiance; the primordial yin manifests brightness within, illuminating and surveying the Great Mystery, opening a way through all four directions. Disperse the dense cold winds; the Seven Dawns hang with jade-like brilliance. Yin qi (Qi, vital energy) turns back, the three unite, and heaven and earth disclose their light. Purple radiance drifts and descends; floating splendor fills the nine heavens. Perfect brightness bursts forth in color, and the six qi communicate with one another. The five Emperor Ladies ride the cloud-qi and command the winds, clad in numinous splendid robes, wearing fine jade and earrings; their feathered skirts sweep across the sky as they ride the unfettered clouds eastward. The Qian tree unfolds its branches and leaves at dawn, its crown dense and flourishing; the Cloud Toad, having been refined and polished, assists the Wood King in its growth. Its roots extend for ten thousand li, sheltering and protecting my body; they cause hun and po to unite and Shen (spirit) to transform, filling me with the six mysterious qi. Let me return from old age to youth, my body as pure and lustrous as jade, restoring the condition of childhood; unite as one with the Emperor Lord, radiance merging, body and mind at peace. Constantly riding the flowing bells, driving flying clouds and ten dragons, I rush upward to the bright moon and attain the honored rank of Bao Huang; my lifespan matches heaven and earth, enduring without end.”

After the prayer is complete, knock the teeth seven more times, swallow saliva seven times, and softly recite:

“The hun-soul and Jing (essence) of the sun are named Zhujing Chitong, the Pearl-Radiance Red Child; please let the ten dragons proceed westward, rushing upward to the bright moon, that I may attain the honored rank of Bao Huang, with a lifespan matching heaven and earth, enduring without end.”

After the prayer is complete, knock the teeth seven more times, swallow saliva seven times, and softly recite:

The Shen (spirit) of the solar Hun is named “Zhujing Chitong” (Pearl Scenery Red Youth, the Hun-spirit of the sun). Let this spirit lead me westward to the Gate of the Six Ridges, entering the Jade Palace of Harmonious Dawn, the Unadorned Mound of Eight Strings, and the Upper Chamber of Eight Scenes. There I receive the Talisman of Ten Illuminations, don the Seal of Meteor Night-Glow, sit in the Hall of Great Harmony, ascend the Terrace of Seven Numina, drink the moon-flower cloud essence (imagined as the condensed essence of moonlight), eat the syrup of yellow wan and purple jin, and recite the Numinous Chapters of the High Supreme and the True Words of Jade Dawn. The invocation is complete.

Next, visualize a chariot of flowing bells and flying clouds appearing, drawn by ten yellow dragons, coming forth from the moonlight to stand before you. Then visualize yourself boarding the chariot together with the Five Ladies and speeding toward the moon. Afterwards gather these scenes into your own bodily form and hold them there for a time; swallow saliva thirty times, then open the eyes and concentrate fully on the visualization. If the envisioned scenes can be faintly perceived, bow twice toward the moon. Long-term practice of this method is said to enable one to ride the luminous radiance and rush to the moon; this is the entire content of the Dao (the Way) of Jielin (the lunar essence and power of the moon spirit in Daoist teaching). The essential secret of practice is to treat it as ingesting moonlight; if persisted in every night, the body will seem to emit brightness and the eyes will appear to have Jing (essence) light darting within them.

This method is to be practiced on the nights of the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, fourteenth, sixteenth, eighteenth, twenty-second, twenty-fourth, and twenty-sixth of each month—eleven sessions per month—and when cultivated to a sufficient degree one may become an immortal. These nights are said to be the times when Yin Jing (essence) unites, the Three Qi (vital energies) fill to abundance, lunar water coagulates into blossom, and the Yellow Shen (spirit) descends to receive and guide. After eighteen years of practice, Shangqing (Highest Clarity, the exalted Daoist deities and the immortal realm they inhabit) will refine the practitioner’s Hun and Po, transform the physical form and substance, cause jade radiance to shine forth, and enable riding the mysterious reins together with the luminous radiance to fly through the great void.

Purple Tenuity Talisman for Ingesting Lunar Jing (essence), the Great Mystery Yin-Birth Talisman

At midnight on the last night of each month, write the talisman with a yellow brush on azure paper and ingest it while facing east, thereby first notifying the lunar Hun. At this time one should first ingest the Opening-Brightness Numinous Talisman. When about to ingest the lunar talisman, hold the breath, take the talisman in the right hand, and silently recite the incantation within the mind:

According to the scripture, the practitioner is to employ the Purple Tenuity Yellow Book (a Daoist talismanic text), referring to it as “Great Mystery” (Tai Xuan). Through it one draws in the water of lunar radiance in order to nourish the po (corporeal soul) and harmonize the hun (ethereal soul). The ritual is to be performed solemnly in a place of suitable orientation, beginning from the Mysterious Pass (the crucial gateway spoken of in cultivation practice). One visualizes the heavens and the moon appearing and receding, while simultaneously visualizing the Five Numinous Ladies emitting radiance that illuminates the nine directions and lights up the Niwan (the cultivation image within the head). After the recitation of the incantation is complete, one then ingests the Fulu (talismans and registers).

The scripture further states that one who knows the name of the lunar po will remain free of calamity throughout life, and no injury of any kind can invade. The Most High conceals the secret names of the Solar and Lunar Emperor Ladies in the Palace of Grand Simplicity; those who know these names can become immortals.

The scripture also states that one who knows the name of the solar hun will remain free of illness and calamity throughout life, and no injury of any kind can invade. The Most High conceals the secret names of the Solar and Lunar Emperor Ladies in the Palace of Grand Simplicity; those who know these names can become immortals. Another version holds that one who knows the name of the solar hun will remain free of illness throughout life and unperturbed by misfortune; the Most High conceals the names of the solar and lunar hun in the Jade Palace of Purple Vacuity, and those who know them can communicate with spirits and command numinous beings.

The methods of visualizing the sun and moon and of rushing toward the sun and moon may be selected according to one’s own circumstances; it is not necessary to cultivate them all. Those who wish to practice should do so in a quiet, secluded chamber in which only the radiance of the newly risen sun and moon is visible. If one cannot withdraw from everyday human affairs and is constantly disturbed by external influences, this method cannot be cultivated. At night one should frequently burn incense, visualize the names of the Five Emperors and Five Ladies, and silently recite in the heart the incantation: “May I unite in radiance and form with the Emperor Lords, Taiyi, and the Five Spirits.”

The scripture says that by persisting in cultivation for twenty-four years one may also ascend to heaven in broad daylight, yet it is not obligatory to practice the visualization of rushing to the sun and moon. Throughout cultivation one must constantly visualize the spirits at one’s left and right while silently reciting the incantation in the heart. An old tradition holds that these matters should not be overheard by others. Those who have already attained the Dao, become immortals, and completed their cultivation may likewise ascend to heaven in broad daylight without practicing the method of rushing to the sun and moon; they need only constantly visualize the spirits at their sides and silently recite the incantation. The old tradition likewise emphasizes that others should not hear it.

Those who have already become immortals, whose cultivation is refined and who concentrate on visualization, will gradually receive responses after two years of practice; after three years the spirit form will appear, and after five years they will be able to rush to the sun and moon. If one is not yet an immortal and is only beginning concentrated cultivation, progress will naturally not be so rapid. Through prolonged practice one can ascend, unite with the two radiances of the sun and moon, and become a Perfected of Highest Clarity; after seven hundred years this method is to be transmitted to a single person.

The Chart of the Most High Jade Dawn of Yu Yi and Jie Lin Rushing to the Sun and Moon concludes here.