《太上飞步南斗太微玉经》

When Songzi, the Red Lord of the Southern Peak and True King of the Southern Upper Great Void, was studying the Dao (the Way), he arrived at the Taiwei Palace—an immortal realm decorated with medicinal jade and beautiful jade. He reclined in stillness in the southern land of Vermilion Brightness, sitting in the shade of bitter wood, dissolving his Qi (vital energy) into emptiness and stillness, gathering his Shen (spirit) into the formless; he held the mysterious Jing (essence) and Qi motionless, restrained himself with the Dao, and relied upon Heaven.

The True Woman of Cinnabar Glory and Purple Numen of Highest Clarity emitted light beyond the Scenic Empyrean, flew up to the Jade Weft star region, and followed the Vermilion Outline. She summoned the True of Cavern Yang, grasped the authority of the Southern Chronogram, and freely wandered in the Taiwei Palace, her traces spreading far to the Nine Clarities. Cloud-Qi swirled and thunder-lightning filled the space; her form united with the profound, mysterious, and remote realm, after which she looked down to observe the human world.

The Red Lord possessed an upright appearance and fine qualities, acted with De (Virtue/Power) in a complete and harmonious way, his mind empty, bright, and free of dust, as clear as the midnight moon; he cut off attachments and stayed far from sinful karma, remaining unstained like a lotus in water. Thus the True Woman of Purple Numen transmitted to the Red Lord the lofty Way of the Highest True Ones: flying in the Cinnabar Heaven, treading the Southern Chronogram, and practicing according to the Taiwei Jade Jing (scripture).

The Jing states: The Great Dao is vast and profound, rooted beyond being and non-being; the Jing of the sun and moon is hung and distributed in the Great Void, its radiance extending between the north and south poles. The southern vermilion brightness circulates and evolves, the six heavenly stars hang high, thus the grand celestial images manifest the myriad things, and the beginning of chaos originates from this. The generation and transformation of all things must start from the Southern Dipper, being molded, cast, cooked, and refined to completion.

Therefore the Six Harmonies are like the outer frame of the furnace-cauldron, the Six Instruments like the cauldron, the Two Principles like water and fire, the waxing and waning of stellar movements like the advancing and retreating fire phases in elixir refining. Taiyi approaches the elixir furnace, the Emperor Lord calculates the heavenly numbers; after the elixir is refined one flies and ascends, experiencing ninety million years, the sun, moon, and stars shine brightly, and the host of stars each establish their guidelines. Heaven resembles a chariot canopy, Earth the chariot body, sun and moon the wheels, the four seasons the drawing horses; the Southern Chronogram is the headcloth, the Northern Dipper the pendant, establishing the Imperial Pole and generating all things. These are the profound intentions of Taiwei and the secretly transmitted words of the High True Ones.

Nanchang Danling honors the six stars of the Southern Dipper. Those who cultivate this method should first know the true names of the Southern Dipper, then wear and visualize the corresponding true forms; next they successively tread the hun positions and po positions, then ascend to the star positions, going back and forth three circuits, so that the radiance of the six stars illuminates themselves. Here “treading the stars” refers to a Daoist cultivation ritual of walking according to specific steps in the star directions.

If one persists in cultivation for five years, one can become a True Immortal of Highest Clarity; after nine years one sees the six True Numina, who inform of the way of utmost sincerity in cultivation, placing the practitioner in their ranks. After fifteen years of practice, one can form the Cinnabar Net Seal Formula, sit upright and command the myriad spirits, riding six flying dragons to ascend into Jade Clarity.

The true names of the six stars of the Southern Dipper are Hua, Kuo, Lian, Chi, Jing, and Jing. Each of the six stars has its own talisman (Fulu), designated in sequence as the first-star talisman, second-star talisman, third-star talisman, fourth-star talisman, fifth-star talisman, and sixth-star talisman. The characters are written with cinnabar on cyan silk to produce talismans six cun square. On the third, sixth, sixteenth, twenty-third, and twenty-sixth days of each month one faces south, bows twice, and then ingests the talisman while reciting: “Taiwei verdant vista, the true Qi (vital energy) thoroughly opens and connects; cinnabar fruits like crimson pearls link to the jade steps, and vermilion radiance illuminates the treasure palace. On the days of Dragon and Tiger, face south, bow twice, and ingest the talisman.”

A further recitation is: “Taiwei verdant vista, the true Qi thoroughly opens and connects, cinnabar fruits resembling crimson pearls connecting to jade steps, vermilion glow illuminating the precious palace. Dragon-Tiger purple writings, the infant of being and non-being, wearing a vermilion embroidered skirt with jade bells at the waist, facing the northern pure realm, swallowing and absorbing the radiance, treading light and shadow, rising together with the Heavenly Emperor. Riding a phoenix chariot and holding a tiger banner, assisting and serving the True Ministers. I, as the master of the Dao, shall not be overturned through hundreds of millions of kalpas.”

Separately the characters are written with cinnabar on cyan silk six cun in both width and length, placed in a brocade pouch, and worn on the chest. When performing flying steps to ascend the altar in ritual practice this can resolve all manner of inauspicious affairs. Clean new clothing must be worn while conducting the ritual.

The soul names of the five stars are Jue, Zhen, Po, Lin, and Ying. In cultivation one begins by stepping from the Jue star, placing both feet upon the Ying star, and repeating the circuit back and forth three times. One visualizes ascending together with the five stars, accompanied by five Zhenren (Perfected Ones) who wear vermilion robes and jade crowns and appear as infants. Then both hands hang down, each using two fingers to pinch the Hukou, the teeth are knocked five times, and one ascends the altar to proclaim: “The souls of the southern five stars stand majestic and clear, circulating upon the heavenly net, descending among humans to bring the superior spirits. Clad in vermilion robes with countenances like jade, may you join me in the ascent. You are divine teachers and friends of the emperor, gathering and dispersing with forms that lack constancy. While seated in peace you rebuke the immortals and sages; dwelling in the realms of Taiji and Taiqing, your forms fly swiftly, your sounds resound, and the four directions unite with the one Qi in luminous communication.”

The stepping is performed upon an azure ground nine chi square, with star positions marked in cyan and the gang lines drawn in yellow.

The po names of the seven stars are Zhao, Lou, Jian, Keng, Liu, Hao, and Pu.

Along the seven stars corresponding to the Po star (one of the hun and po souls concerned with the physical form, opposite to the hun), begin walking from the “Zhao step”: first proceed with a single foot to the bedding position, going back and forth three times. Visualize yourself mounting the star positions, accompanied by seven jade maidens (goddesses serving the star deities). They wear yellow garments, their hair arranged in jeweled buns, their forms like infants, walking together with you. Then raise both hands, using the thumbs to press the lines at the base of the third fingers, knock the teeth seven times, and then mount the star to recite the invocation:

“Revolve the vermilion radiance, penetrate the rosy Qi (vital energy); gestate brightness and the Cinnabar Spirit. The seven jade maidens are exquisite, their postures winding gracefully, reflecting and charming the essence of the heavenly realm; the cloud Qi spreads densely like fine silk. The great deity in yellow robes sits at the origin of the obscure and dark, containing and guiding the dense and steaming Qi. Advance.”

Then raise both hands, using the thumbs to press the lines at the base of the third fingers, knock the teeth seven times, and again mount the star to recite the invocation:

“Revolve the vermilion radiance, penetrate the rosy Qi; gestate brightness and the Cinnabar Spirit. The seven jade maidens are exquisite, their postures winding gracefully, reflecting and charming the essence of the heavenly realm; the cloud Qi spreads densely like fine silk. The great deity in yellow robes sits at the origin of the obscure and dark, containing and guiding the dense and steaming Qi. I pray that you unite with me at the pivotal essence of the Great Dao (the Way), causing the numinous and marvelous power to transcend the bitter circumstances of the dusty world. Ride the golden chariot, with dragon-patterned garments protecting the body; sit upright in the Hall of Light, commanding the myriad deities to array themselves as guards, assisting me to ascend to the realm of the Seven Luminaries, and regulate the Jade Clarity (Yuqing) realm.”

The site for the walking should enclose an azure-colored area nine chi in size, with the star positions marked in yellow and the guidelines drawn in vermilion. Each time as one sequentially treads the hun and po star positions, upon arriving at each star, recite one star name and visualize one deity; proceed in the same manner for the subsequent star positions. Incense should be burned on both the left and right sides.

When performing the stepping method of flying the six stars of the Dipper, arrange according to the far or near distances of each step. If taking one step with both feet still cannot reach the star position, then tread along the guideline into a T-shaped step so that the foot can land on the star position; when both feet can stand together, both feet may also mount the star position together. If both feet standing together still cannot tread the star position, then again move both feet along the guideline until able to tread the line with a single foot. Treading with a single foot is called “nie,” walking with both feet is called “bu,” and walking along the guideline is called “nie gang.” By treading over the star positions and guidelines as if in mid-air, one can occupy the position of the immortal king.

The secret names of the six stars:

Vermilion Radiance Emperor Yao Changming.

Knowing these secret names of the six stars enables one to penetrate the path of the immortals and deities. When approaching the star positions, silently recite these names in the mind, which can open the light of the Cavern Chamber (the divine rooms within the body or inner palaces) and restrain the orthodox Qi of the various heavens.

The deity of the first star is the Precious Light Jade Mystery Upper Perfected Dao Lord, who resides and governs at the Cinnabar Jade Qionghua Medicine Palace (an immortal palace adorned with cinnabar jade and jade flowers).

When first mounting the first star, remove the shoes and place them outside the mat. First step with the left foot, then let the right heel rest against the front of the left foot; use two fingers of the right hand to press the lines at the base of the thumb, the left hand hanging down, swallow Qi three times, and simultaneously visualize the Cinnabar Jade Qionghua Medicine Palace.

When first ascending the first star, one must first remove the shoes and place them outside the sitting mat. Step forward first with the left foot, then bring the right heel together in front of the left foot. Pinch the crease at the base of the thumb with two fingers of the right hand while the left hand hangs naturally, and swallow Qi (vital energy) three times. Next visualize the Jade Mysterious Highest True Dao Lord (an honored Daoist deity) wearing a red brocade robe and appearing like an infant, dwelling in the heavenly stellar medicine palace. He exhales purple cloudy Qi that pours through my entire body, causing me to manifest golden light throughout and merge as one with the void so that no distinction of self and other remains. I should then forget my physical form and recite: Radiant light brilliantly appears, revealing Taiji (Supreme Ultimate); Shen (spirit) light circulates like golden radiance. Within the cinnabar-flower purple palace the supreme honored deity transforms me into a jade youth and opens my golden gate. The Qi of the purple empyrean densely revolves and illuminates the pure realms of the nine heavens; it is profound, empty and still, beyond measure, causing me to become dazed and forget my form. The imperial palace that governs generation and transformation is the root of the supreme Dao (the Way).

This ritual is called “Visiting the Star Jade Mysterious.”

The second is the Cinnabar Essence Mysterious Bright Precious Chamber Highest True Dao Lord, who oversees the Seven Treasures Medicine Golden Flower Palace.

When ascending the second star, press the mountain source (a bodily site or cultivation acupoint) with the right hand while the left hand kneads between the eyebrows twenty-seven times (“three nines,” that is three times nine). Hold the breath for the duration of seven respirations and visualize the Precious Chamber Highest True Dao Lord wearing a purple embroidered feather robe with flowing-gold bells at the waist, appearing like an infant and seated upright on a cinnabar couch. In both hands the Dao Lord supports the six stars of the Southern Dipper; these stars resemble flowing bright pearls strung on red silk threads and emit bright cinnabar light, which he casts into my Niwan (the cultivation site in the head) so that they settle and illuminate me. The Shen-Qi of my entire body thereby appears in dense array like successive layers of pupil shadows. Then recite: My bodily form floats upon the cinnabar net and steps into the realm of the marvelous and subtle Jing (essence). The True King of the Precious Chamber can drive wind and thunder in a single breath; turning the bright pearls and kneading the Jing-Qi, he causes the flying luminous scenes to enter the Niwan. The two Qi of purple and yellow revolve, the Qi of the golden chamber is issued forth, gazing down upon the vast void while a flying dragon bears the form.

This ritual is called “Cinnabar Essence Refining Life.”

The third is the Spirit Jasper Precious Radiance Red Heaven Highest True Dao Lord, who oversees the Golden Cavern Rainbow City Cinnabar Flower Light Palace.

When ascending the third star, cover both ears with the hands and visualize downward the landscape within a five-hundred-li radius beneath the feet. That landscape rotates like a wheel; purple clouds gather and surge, emitting a sound like water boiling in a cauldron. The tumbling Qi vibrates across hundreds of thousands of li, resembling thunder. In the starlight appears an unclothed infant six fen in height who leaps from the star into the mouth and descends to the Extreme Purple Portal (a bodily locus or pass within the visualization practice). Then recite the invocation: Vermilion smoke-Qi interpenetrates and unites, starlight weaves and coils; yellow overflowing vapors hang high in the emptiness, guarding the Crimson Heaven. May the heart-spirit become penetrating and transform into a luminous jade immortal; riding the breath, nourish the wind-Qi so that the body enters the Jade Chamber. Gaze down upon the myriad beings, sit with hanging robes upright in the imperial pavilion; harmonize the elixir Qi, spread the yellow Qi, and become the True Sovereign and True Lord. The foregoing is termed “Flying the True and Transforming Form” (Feizhen Huaxing).

The visualization content of the fourth star is: nourish the wind-Qi so that the body enters the Jade Chamber; gaze down upon the myriad beings, sit with hanging robes upright in the imperial pavilion; harmonize the elixir Qi, spread the yellow Qi, and become the True Sovereign and True Lord. This too is termed “Flying the True and Transforming Form.”

The fourth star corresponds to the Dao Lord of Upper Truth, Heavenly Virtue, True King of Luminous Scene and Azure Void (Jingming Bixu Zhenwang Tiande Shangzhen Daojun), the spirit of the fourth star, who dwells and governs in the Nine-Numina Pure-Extreme Purple-Yang Clear-Formula Golden-Bright Jade Palace.

When ascending the fourth star, let both hands hang down with each fist clenched, close the eyes and hold the breath, then mount the star. Visualize the stellar body unfolding like a lotus blossom and behold the Dao Lord appearing as a gentle infant figure clad in a precious robe of green brocade, grasping a golden battle-axe and seated upon a nishi (lion-form throne) of azure jade. The Dao Lord exhales green Qi from the mouth; it enters the liver and circulates nine times. Visualize the liver Qi transforming into a precious pearl whose radiance flows, majestic and brilliant; within the pearl is a youth wearing a green kerchief and a black cape, stroking a jade qin. The tones of the qin are clear and far-reaching, penetrating the entire body and rendering its interior harmonious and peaceful. After a moment recite the invocation: Heavenly soul of the Nine Numina, Fire the younger brother and Wood the elder; generating brightness, nourishing the current, verdant and luminous as vegetation. The Dao Lord holds the golden axe, the youth plays the qin melody; the green smoke-Qi is subtle and faint, fumigating and moistening the spirit orifices. Grant that I may behold the Purple Sovereign (a high Daoist deity) and receive the Imperial Terrace; by means of the tiger-script golden enclosure establish the northern Pure Realm; the golden form soars into the void, the spirit path returning to unity with the obscure and silent. The foregoing is termed “Congealing Essence as the Luminous Youth” (Ningjing Huatong).

The fifth star corresponds to the Dao Lord of Upper Truth, Jade Emperor of Supreme Mystery Precious Immortal, the Extremely True (Jizhen Taixuan Baoxian Yuhuang Taishang Shangzhen Daojun), who dwells and governs in the Purple-Radiance Rosy-Yang Cavern-Spirit Jade Palace.

When one reaches the position of the fifth star, the hands are crossed, one kneels facing the stellar position, knocks the teeth seven times, and then holds the breath. Next the hands strike the Naohu point (the acupoint at the back of the head) so that it produces a light sound. Inwardly visualize the Ultimate True Supreme Mystery Precious Immortal Jade Emperor Highest True Dao Lord (the divine perfected being honored in the scripture), who dwells in the Purple Radiance Rosy-Yang Dongshen Jade Palace.

When one reaches the position of the fifth star, the hands are crossed, one kneels facing the stellar position, knocks the teeth seven times, and then holds the breath. Next the hands strike the Naohu so that it produces a light sound. Visualize wind, thunder, water, and fire arising fiercely to the left and right of the body; conceal one’s Qi (vital energy) in the heart of the starlight, forget physical form and life, and no longer know where the body is. Then imagine oneself suddenly transforming into an infant, wearing a vermilion-patterned embroidered cape, freely dissolving within the inner landscape. Afterward recite the prayer:

“When the True reaches its utmost it also transforms; when transformation reaches its utmost it returns to the True. Water, fire, wind, and thunder command the myriad numinous beings. I forget my own life and death and thoroughly know the hidden darkness. Thoughts of the mind dissipate, the breath falls silent, Heaven and Earth revolve upon each other. By visualization I arrive at the destined realm, body and mind clear and settled, the fetal form fragrant, pure, elegant, and upright; humane De (Virtue/Power) restores the original source, enabling me to transcend the beginning of the spirit-kalpa and unite with the realm of chaotic obscurity.”

The foregoing is named “Shesheng Dunzhen” (Nourishing Life and Withdrawing into the True).

The sixth star corresponds to the Purple Forbidden Crimson Chamber Mysterious-Mysterious Great Emperor Jade True Highest De Dao Lord (the divine perfected being honored in the scripture), who dwells in the Radiant Jade Mysterious Terrace Six-Flower Cloud Palace.

When one reaches the position of the sixth star, compose the body, bow twice toward the star chart, and then hold the breath. Visualize a dragon appearing among the stars, its body of pearl-like luster, its numinous light carrying purple clouds, illuminating in all four directions and reaching everywhere. The hun and po of the sixth star join hands with one’s own Shen (spirit) body in greeting, smiling as they mount the dragon’s back and soar to the heights of the azure heavens, traversing hundreds of millions of li of pistil-radiance realms, finally uniting with the True Dao (the Way) within the empty void that is formless and without-True. Then bow again and recite the prayer:

“The six Qi are vast and boundless; they are both the Dao and the mysterious. Marvelous things have no fixed form, transforming and migrating at any time. I enter the realm of Heavenly One, merging into the subtle rotation, passing through myriads of divisions and unions, long maintaining transcendent superiority, and peacefully ascending to the True realm that is without the True.”

Then bow again and recite the prayer:

“The six Qi are vast and boundless; they are both the Dao and the mysterious. Marvelous things have no fixed form, transforming and migrating at any time. I enter the realm of Heavenly One, merging into the subtle rotation, passing through myriads of divisions and unions, long maintaining transcendent superiority, and peacefully ascending to the Golden Palace, following the bamboo-slip writings bestowed by the Imperial True, encompassing Yin-Yang, causing light to reappear and flourish. Sages and spirit-persons are both emptiness and the dusty world.”

The foregoing is named “Shezhen Liulong” (Absorbing the True and Riding the Six Dragons).

After completing the pacing invocation (the recitation uttered while treading the Gang and pacing the Dipper), store the diagram in its case, burn incense, and then perform the ritual bows. The six stars of the Southern Chronogram (the six stars of the Southern Dipper) are located on the Vermilion Outline of the Upper Path. The Heavenly Emperor transmitted this to the high Perfected who had attained the Dao (the Way), enabling them to roam freely in Jade Purity (Yuqing) and meet with the Jade Emperor and the exalted numina.

The Perfected Maiden of Cinnabar Flower and Purple Numen of Highest Clarity (Shangqing) first studied the Dao with the Red Lord. The Red Lord transmitted this method to me between the Cinnabar Jade palaces of Qiongque and the Phoenix pavilions of the Crimson Terrace. Those who cultivate this method may be ranked among the immortal ministers; if they continue to advance diligently, they can become Highest Perfected Ones.

When establishing the covenant, six golden pearls and sixty feet of crimson-patterned silk must be presented as offerings to the Southern Chronogram, in order to pay ritual homage to the Six Perfected of the Southern Dipper. Those who treat this method with contempt cannot become immortals; the Three Officials (of Heaven, Earth, and Water) will examine their hun and po souls. This is the essence of the Ultimate Dao and the foundation of the mysterious True Dao.