《洞真太上上清内经》

The High True Primordial Heavenly King of Shangqing (Shangqing Gaozhen Yuanshi Tianwang, the supreme deity of the Shangqing immortal realm) once came together with the Five Elder Heavenly Lords, the True Kings of the Nine Heavens, the great saintly hosts of the ten directions, and the various Limitless Utmost True lords and elders to the □ling She in the Chimin world, sitting beneath the long mulberry tree in the fragrant garden.

The Heavenly King turned his carriage, and the spirits of the various heavens also descended in succession to take their places. At that time clouds and mists densely billowed and surged, the celestial phenomena of the four directions darkened and intermingled, lasting nine days and nine nights. The deep yin clouds lingered long without dispersing, leaving no light between heaven and earth, as if returning to the time before the Longhan kalpa (the dark era prior to the opening of heaven and earth), a scene of profound gloom and obscurity.

The Five Elder Upper Perfected stepped forward, paid their respects, and reported to the Heavenly Worthy: “Today, attending in our seats, what we have witnessed has never been experienced before. When the Heavenly Worthy goes forth on tour, the spirits of the various heavens are stirred and arrive. The Heavenly Lords, High Perfected, immortal jade maidens, the sun, moon, stars and lodges, the Xuanji Yuheng (referring to celestial phenomena), as well as the official subordinates of the Three Realms, the mountain gods of the Five Sacred Peaks, the water emperors of rivers and seas, and all spirits, none fail to become solemn and respectful as they come to attend and guard the Heavenly Worthy.

“Ordinarily the heavens are bright and the qi clear, the wind does not stir the tree branches, there is no flying dust on the ground, rivers and seas are silent, the mountains show no clouds or smoke, the seasons are harmonious, the primordial qi is stable, and both the living and the dead seem to share in peace and joy. Now, however, the heavenly light is obscured, daytime is like night, celestial beings and humans are alarmed, and the entire assembly is uneasy. We do not know the reason for this. We earnestly request the Heavenly Worthy to reveal and instruct us so that all may understand, and so that all sentient beings may receive benefit and universally obtain peace.”

In the original text the first character of “□ling She” is missing, so the place name cannot be precisely identified; inquiry content such as “daytime like night” contains repetitions, and the translation presents it merged according to its complete meaning.

Yuanshi Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, a high Daoist deity) said: “Today everyone sits together in one place; such joy is rarely encountered. Auspicious omens have appeared in the heavens, and jade characters together with golden writings have naturally manifested, bright and brilliant, covering the celestial light. Before the heavenly Dao (the Way) had yet appeared, daytime was therefore like night; now the auspicious moment has arrived, and such a situation has never occurred before.

“Now I shall proclaim to the four assemblies here present the wondrous truths of the heavenly realm, as well as the orthodox names and true taboos (the titles of the deities) of the Nine Heavens. This is in order to deliver those who have the potential to become Shangzhen (higher perfected ones who attain the Dao), so that they become bodies that ought to attain the Dao. All of you must concentrate your minds upon reciting the true [names], close your eyes, and prostrate yourselves upon the ground.”

Thereupon the great sages and lofty immortals, the hosts of perfected ones of the ten directions, and an innumerable multitude all together prostrated themselves upon the ground awaiting instructions. In a brief moment the cloudy vapors of the heavens brightened and dispersed, darkness receded at once, and five-colored radiance illuminated the ten directions. Suddenly a heavenly scripture naturally appeared in mid-air, its characters a zhang square, manifesting in the five-colored radiance above the empty void, in a mysteriously remote and profound place. The heavenly scripture was brilliantly patterned, eight corners hanging down rays of light, its essential radiance dazzling so that one could not look directly at it.

Yuanshi Tianzun announced to those seated and the boundless masses of the ten directions: “This is the numinous book that records the true taboos of the Nine Heavens. It is formed by the intermingling of the various Qi (vital energy) and naturally appears in the empty void. What the Nine Heavens speak of is profound and mysterious, difficult to investigate exhaustively. Formerly I transmitted the oral formulas to the Zhenren (perfected persons) and secretly stored them in the Palace of the Golden Flower of the Inner Chamber (a secret realm of Daoist cultivation). Today I reveal it to you so that you may become Shangzhen and unite as one with the Dao (the Way); such an accomplishment may perhaps be realized very soon. You must carefully guard your speech, cultivate, and practice these precepts.”

Yuanshi Tianzun then said to Taishang Dadaojun (the Most High Lord of the Great Dao, a Daoist deity): “The wondrous Dao ought to be elucidated, and then one can…” At this point the original text “便可宫” is incomplete in meaning and is suspected of having missing characters. It continues: “Now I tell it to you so that you may become Shangzhen and unite as one with the Dao (the Way); such an accomplishment may perhaps be realized very soon. You must carefully guard your speech, cultivate, and practice.”

The Primordial Beginning, a revered Daoist deity, said to the Supreme Great Dao Lord: “The mysterious and wondrous Dao (the Way) should be elucidated. You may take up the brush to annotate it and clarify its correct pronunciation and meaning. In this way the Imperial Dao can circulate freely, its grace extending throughout the ten directions and pervading both the interior and exterior of the eight extremities and the six directions. Should numinous auspicious signs appear in timely response, and should there be those who, owing to good affinities accumulated in past lives, are in harmony with the Great Dao and suited to the cultivation of authenticity, then these circumstances ought to be reported to the superior immortals and further submitted to the Heavenly Worthy.”

The Primordial Heavenly King said: “I should follow the transmission of the Dao, adding impetus like waves being pushed forward, riding the wind and raising banners, moving in accordance with the turning of the times. For billions of kalpas I have repeatedly attended the assembly, instructing all sentient beings. Never until today have I encountered the sagely Dao opening various Dharma gates so that the heavenly scriptures may be seen. These heavenly books are spontaneously of the utmost authenticity, and the bone physiognomy of those who cultivate the Dao likewise corresponds with the diagrams and registers, matching the tones of the Five Harmonies that regulate and unite the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). This is not something the shallow and limited minds of ordinary people can thoroughly comprehend.

“Now that I am able to take my place in the assembly, I look up with admiration and joy upon the mysterious and wondrous Dao. I dare not conceal my thoughts and wish to follow the established methods, traversing the interior and exterior of the eight extremities and six directions, drawing upon the books I have seen and the transmissions I have received, hoping that even one word in ten thousand of what I say may accord with the true Dao. Kowtowing, I receive the command and thus compose this hymn:

‘The Primordial Beginning opened the realm of Great Existence, vast and boundless, with all the heavens shining brightly. The Dao of Longhan, the Great Dao of the distant ancient kalpa cycle in Daoist tradition, is truly mysterious and wondrous; the Eight Assemblies condensed into Jing (scriptures/classics). The scriptural texts gleam with brilliant radiance, appearing in the void, their flowing light illuminating the Three Realms. Divine authenticity opens a numinous and wondrous assembly; jade characters, the sacred writings of the heavenly realm, appear in timely response. Heavenly authenticity penetrates the mysterious and wondrous purport; the Five Harmonies blend to form the chapters. Jade tones ring out clearly and the host of immortals gather ethereally in Shangqing, the pure heavenly realm of Daoism. Teaching and salvation have neither beginning nor end; even the Nine Hells, the deepest nether regions, receive light. The towering great Dharma gate instructs all sentient beings. This merit is beyond measure; sentient beings rejoice for ten thousand years.’

The Shangqing Nine Heavens True Names Great Fulu (talismans and registers) constitutes the superior method of wearing them on the body in order to ascend as an immortal and fly. The High Upper Empty Mystery Primordial Beginning Elder Natural Jing (essence) Light Jade Treasure Talisman is the first true name, suitable for those who should receive this method and attain the Dao. The High Upper Nine Mysteries Primordial Heavenly King Empty Birth Condensed Jing Penetrating Light Jade Talisman is the second true name, suitable for those who should receive this method and attain the Dao. The High Upper Great Space Nine Heavens Elder Mysterious Birth Jade Jing Condensed Ling Preserving Authenticity Talisman is the third true name, suitable for those who should receive this method and attain the Dao.

The “Kongsheng Ziran, Qingliu Baoxian Fu” of the Gaoshang Xuanxu Jiutian Zhenwang (the True King of the Nine Heavens) is listed as the Fourth Zhen. Its true name is “Ming,” used to discern and clarify the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao (the Way). The “Jingsheng Tiangtong Qi (vital energy) Fu” of the Gaoshang Kongdong Hunhua Jiutian Daofu is listed as the Fifth Zhen. Its true name is “Kai,” used to open the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao. The “Kongsheng Ziran, Qingliu Baoxian Fu” of the Gaoshang Xuanxu Jiutian Zhenwang is listed as the Fourth Zhen. Its true name is “Ming,” used to discern and clarify the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao. The “Jingsheng Tiangtong Qi Fu” of the Gaoshang Kongdong Hunhua Jiutian Daofu is listed as the Fifth Zhen. Its true name is “Dao,” used for the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao. The “Jiuwei Dao Huangjing Fu” of the Gaoshang Kongsheng Xuwu Ziran Jiutian Zhenmu is listed as the Sixth Zhen. Its true name is “Dun,” used for the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao. The “Sanqi Ziling Fu” (the purple spirit talisman condensed from three kinds of primordial Qi) of the Gaoshang Yubao Taizhen Zhangren is listed as the Seventh Zhen. Its true name is “Ta,” used for the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao. The “Feiling Zisheng Shen Fu” of the Gaoshang Ziying Jiuxiao Taizhen is listed as the Eighth Zhen. Its true name is “Chuan,” used for the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao. The “Xuanling Zixia Shengyou Fu” of the Gaoshang Yuxu Wanshi Xiansheng is listed as the Ninth Zhen. Its true name is “Langlan,” used for the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao.

The above are the Golden Secrets true talismans and divine talismans of the Nine Heavens true names. The text further states that the eighth true name is “Chuan,” used for the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao. The “Xuanling Zixia Shengyou Fu” of the Gaoshang Yuxu Wanshi Xiansheng is listed as the Ninth Zhen. Its true name is “Langlan,” used for the ordinances, matching the conditions of those who have attained the Dao.

The Golden Secrets true talismans of the above Nine Heavens true names transmit the ordinances of the superior immortals and are not transmitted to the intermediate immortals. These secrets are precious and should be collected in the Golden Cabinet (the golden cabinet for storing important secret scriptures); they must not be shown casually to others. If leaked or if the prohibitions are violated, one will suffer the “wind-knife examination” (a severe ordeal or punishment analogized to knives of wind).

The eight-birth natural treasure talisman of Yudan Wuliang Tian (the name of a heavenly realm) has as its surname-taboo true secret “Shaowu Luo.” The jade-true void-birth mixed-completion spirit talisman of Chanshan Wuliangshou Tian has as its surname-taboo true secret “Duoshaole.” The three-Qi dragon-embryo jade-spirit divine-water birth natural talisman of Fanjian Tian has as its surname-taboo true secret “Titouluo.” The Dao-true-void nine-subtle sounding-water elemental-origin talisman of Doushu Tian has as its surname-taboo true secret “Xierendu.” The nine-void mysterious-birth heavenly-water flying-spirit original-essence talisman of Bujiaole Tian has as its surname-taboo true secret “Xuchi.” The jade-treasure cavern-subtle left-covenant life-protecting true talisman of Huayingsheng Tian has as its surname-taboo true secret “Suyue.”

Yubao has the true surname and hidden name Xie Rendu together with its true formula. The Nine Vacuity Mysterious Birth Heaven Water Flying Numinous Primordial Jing (essence) Talisman of Bujiao Letian, one of the Nine Heavens, has the true surname and hidden name Xu Chi and its true formula. The Jade Treasure Cavern Subtle Left Contract Life-Protecting True Talisman of Huayingsheng Tian has the true surname and hidden name Su Yue and its true formula. The Yubao Heaven Vacuity Bright Left Contract Spirit-Transformation Penetrating Shen (spirit) Five Talismans have the true surname and hidden name Wu Yunzi and their true formula. The Fanmo Jiayi Heaven Empty Mysterious Upper Primordial Three Qi (vital energy) Transforming Naturally Talisman has the true surname and hidden name Ning Hong and its true formula. The Poli Dahe Heaven Nine Qi Generating the Body Three Sceneries Clear Subtle Flying Emptiness Talisman has the true surname and hidden name Ling Yuan and its true formula. The above are the true surnames, true hidden names, and oral formulas of the High Supreme Nine Heavens True Kings. This method is transmitted only to those who have achieved accomplishment in cultivation and attained the Dao (the Way); it is not given to intermediate immortals who have not yet attained the Dao. In practice one must seal the mouth and keep it secret, treasuring it in the Cavern Chamber Golden Flower Palace (the inner palace where the heart’s Shen resides), and must not casually reveal it to others. If these secret names are leaked, the body will enter the Nine Springs. This should be followed with caution and clear understanding.

The Eastern Azure Emperor Jade Officer Upper Primordial Mysterious Numinous Natural Dao Transcending Immortal Talisman has the true surname and hidden name Qu Gengsheng and its true formula. The Southern Vermilion Emperor Jade Officer Mysterious Heaven Numinous Primordial Imperial Subtle Jade True Talisman has the true surname and hidden name Zhu Changzhong and its true formula. The Western White Emperor Jade Officer Middle Primordial Imperial Numinous Eight Transformations Generating Eight Qi Purple Immortal Golden Talisman has the true surname and hidden name Ru Quzheng and its true formula. The Northern Black Emperor Jade Officer Imperial Primordial Numinous Capital Vacuity Subtle Eight Paths Golden True Jade Talisman has the true surname and hidden name Xuan Yinfeng and its true formula. The Central Yellow Emperor Jade Officer Three Primordial Numinous Subtle Orthodox Yellow Book True Generation Talisman has the true surname and hidden name Yu Zhen and its true formula. The above are the names of the Jade Officers of the Five Directions of the Nine Heavens. They are secretly stored above the Nine Heavens and unite with the true Qi of the Ten Directions.

The names of the Jade Offices of the Nine Heavens and Five Directions listed on the right—the divine offices that govern the Nine Heavens and Five Directions—are secretly stored above the Nine Heavens. They gather the true Qi (vital energy) of the Ten Directions, combining it with the natural Qi of the Five Directions and condensing Jing (essence) and Qi to form the names of the true deities. These names are worn and carried among the Thirty-Two Heavens. If a person has an affinity for immortality, they must undergo examination through Keyi (liturgy) to confirm that their bone physiognomy accords with the charts and registers. In accordance with the regulations, a ceremony is prepared at the Mysterious Capital, where they swear an oath to Heaven and pledge with gold and silk, demonstrating their sincere devotion in receiving the scripture. Only when the heart that receives the scripture is truly sincere may the teaching then be transmitted.

If someone obtains and wears the natural true names of the True Kings of the Nine Heavens, they will surely become a superior immortal. There is no need to wait ten days or half a month; one need only devote oneself wholeheartedly to faith and practice with constant diligence. The scripture should be deeply concealed in the Palace of the Golden Flower Cavern Chamber; one must carefully guard one’s speech, carry out the cultivation, and not transmit it casually. If the true names are leaked, one will undergo trials and may even suffer bodily harm. Students of the Way should be thoroughly cautious and follow the rules in their practice.

The text following “The Most High, who regulates Qi in the Yellow Center, the Mysterious City of the Nine Subtleties…” contains numerous suspected errors, omissions, or recognition mistakes and cannot be read coherently. What can be discerned is a prayer inviting the Most High, the One who regulates Qi in the Yellow Center, the Mysterious City of the Nine Subtleties, and other true deities to descend and oversee, and it mentions divine names such as the “Red Infant,” the “Elder of the Lower Origin,” and the “Lord of the Upper Origin.”

The subsequent text likewise has extensive missing and disordered passages. Based on the identifiable phrases, the general meaning is an invocation of the deities and celestial beasts that guard the physical form and preside over the nourishment of life and longevity, praying that they increase Jing and Qi, preserve the hun and po souls, protect the body, and help one ascend to the Mysterious Realm of the Nine Subtleties so as to attain longevity.

The preceding section, the Shangqing Zisu Yuanjun Shangzhen Zhuanchu Zhenwen (the True Writ composed by the Highest Perfected of the Shangqing Purple-Plain Primordial Lord), is called the “Huiwen.” The Highest Primordial Lord uses this True Writ to deliver those in the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity among the Thirty-two Heavens who already possess mysterious names, are listed in the imperial registers, and are destined to be promoted as Highest Immortals. It is not transmitted to Middle Immortals, and Earth Immortals may not hear of it. Unless one has accumulated meritorious De (Virtue/Power) through ten thousand kalpas so that the blessings extend into the present life, one will ultimately have no chance to see this text. Anyone able to receive and hold it will achieve the rank of Highest Immortal and ascend in flight together with flesh and bones.

This true formula is an essential secret method, transmitted only to those listed with golden names on jade slips in the Mysterious Tower of the Purple Terrace of Shangqing. Even one who receives the True Writ without further study or practice can still become an immortal spontaneously. It is also known as the Taizhen Yin-Yang (yinyang) Linglu (Great Perfected Yin-Yang Spiritual Register) and as the Jiuliu Zhenshu (Nine Currents True Book). This true formula can ward off and eliminate anything whatsoever. Those who cultivate the Dao (the Way) of the Highest Immortals must receive, hold, and wear this text; it must not be casually shown to others. Violation brings the “wind-blade torture” (punishment by wind knives), all carried out according to the provisions of the Siji Mingke (the relevant precepts and statutes).