《洞真太上神虎隐文》

The Supreme Great Dao Lord (Taishang Dadaojun, a venerated Daoist deity) personally played the Jinglong Yun'ao, a celestial instrument of the immortal realm. The music soared high and drifted with ethereal grace, as ten thousand kinds of sounds interwove and surged, the refined and elegant tones flowing densely and richly. Purple cloud Qi swirled in rotation, and mysterious winds arose from the eight directions. Jade phoenixes stretched forth their necks, golden luan birds regulated their breath evenly; dragons chanted and roared in the azure waves, while divine tigers leapt onto the immortal Qiongzhou. Nine kinds of howls responded to one another, reverberating through the mysterious heavenly realms. Subdued beasts waved their arms, fierce horses opened wide their throats, strange beasts of the mountains roared, and sword-bearing divine beasts subdued and captured the evil influences. All the sounds intermingled in chaotic profusion, and the host of demons became agitated along with them.

Thereupon, the Great Dao Lord commanded the attendants of the Jade Clarity Upper Palace—An Faying, Tian Sifei, Zhao Dingzhu, and Li Yunmen—to sing together the poetic songs of wielding the Shen, extinguishing the Jing, and dispersing the numinous. The lyrics said:

In former days, I rode out in the chariot of the Grand Dawn, arriving at the cloud encampment amid the seas of clouds of the eight directions. The sacred ancestral patriarchs regulated their wondrous and numinous inner hearts, and the dragon-shaped ceremonial processions appeared in graceful beauty at the Jade Capital (Yujing, the palaces of the immortal realm).

Within the Golden Gate, cloud Qi coiled around, and the nine-layered palace chambers shone with purple jade radiance. I rode a high chariot across the northern realm of secluded darkness, entering in silent stillness the realm of no-birth.

Vermilion tigers guided the numinous officials, and green carriages ascended to the Upper Clarity (Shangqing, a Daoist immortal heaven). The mysterious palatial restrictions of the four directions appeared brightly, and I, embracing the floriate light, returned to Phoenix City (the walled city of the immortal realm).

Having undergone seven tribulations, I still received the affinity of Brahma Heaven, preparing to tread the path leading to the Nine Origins. Precious light shone upon the sun, the form leapt nimbly, and radiance scattered in all directions.

Arranging the carriages, I opened the road to the Plain Village (a tranquil immortal realm), with the River God already leading the way in front. Yin clouds bearing the night covered the sun, and moonlight suddenly intermingled with the first rising brightness.

Gathering the bright and clear radiance, vermilion life thereby appeared; preparing to tread the path to the Nine Origins. Precious light shone upon the sun, the form leapt nimbly, and radiance scattered in all directions.

Arranging the carriages, I opened the road to the Plain Village, with the River God already leading the way in front. Yin clouds bearing the night covered the sun, and moonlight suddenly intermingled with the first rising brightness.

Gathering the brightness, manifesting the vermilion divine Shen, I led the multitude to return together to the formless and traceless origin. The source-stream of the myriad things poured into the northern mountain valleys; we traveled through the void, returning toward the meteor-like radiance.

Concealing the bodily form, I transcended the floating sojourn of the dusty world; the towering mountain peaks seemed to arise from the billows of the cloudy heavens. Beautiful music lingered without cease, and the realm of exquisite subtlety manifested.

Within the immortal dwellings were hidden cinnabar-colored mysterious pearls; in the great void, the Dao thereby flowed freely. Both the secluded darkness and the manifest brightness received the power of the numinous talismans, and the secretly operating transformations—how could they deviate or be lost?

Mysterious scenes appeared at the places where the multitude gathered, and the beginning of life seemed to awaken from a prolonged dream. De was hidden in the innermost depths of the heart, not displayed outwardly; upon attaining the utmost stillness, one would not perceive the place where one was.

The wondrous Jing-Qi resonated with and communicated with the Grand Simplicity (Taisu, the primordial pure and clear Qi), while mist and rosy clouds reflected in the places one reached. Mysterious music sounded beyond the formed world; how then could the subtle and hidden principles give rise to doubt?

The morning drums resound long and stirring, and from them the radiant mists of dawn arise. In the deep and secluded cavern-dwelling, waters flow on without end; the spirits beat their wings and fly to the Terrace of the Six Commanders.

The Divine King enters Jade Void (Yuxu), the pure and empty immortal realm of Daoism, arriving at the realm of Ultimate Nonbeing, where even the vermilion soldiers (crimson divine troops) cannot encroach. The Nine Nets (the nets or layered domains of the heavenly realm) gather into the far and secluded, and the mysterious conjunction is hereby brought to peace.

The Golden Ultimate Chapter of the Daoist Canon (the golden chapter among the Daoist scriptures) is sounded, its music harmonious and illustrious. A thousand dragons spew forth green waters, and the nine great rivers seem to reverse their course and pour down in torrents.

Vast clouds of Qi (vital energy) enshroud the secluded and remote dwelling, the waters flowing deep and far; the spirits beat their wings and fly to the Terrace of the Six Commanders.

The Divine King enters Jade Void, arriving at the realm of Ultimate Nonbeing, where even the vermilion soldiers cannot encroach. The Nine Nets gather into the far and secluded, and the mysterious conjunction is hereby brought to peace.

The Golden Ultimate Chapter of the Daoist Canon is sounded, its music harmonious and illustrious. A thousand dragons spew forth green waters, and the nine great rivers seem to reverse their course and pour down in torrents.

Vast clouds of Qi enshroud the secluded and remote dwelling, and numinous waves cover the four quarters of the courtyard. All stand together with heads raised, gazing up at the lofty and splendid halls; do not cling to form and name.

Lead and draw in the harmonious Jing (essence) and Qi, allowing the mysterious power to operate of itself, and grasp the principle of transformative generation. Store the Jing within the Cloud Chamber (the inner realm where the practitioner quietly nourishes Jing and Qi), so that the clear and still Qi becomes luminous and stable.

The numinous Dao (the Way) leads toward the Orchid Palaces (Lanque, the palatial towers of the immortal realm), and from this the realm of mystery upon mystery unfolds. Ten thousand mountain peaks present a level yet wondrous landscape; upon the clouds are the Jade Children (Qiongzi, immortals or numinous beings of the immortal realm).

Having passed through kalpic destinies and united with Jade Flower, before one is even aware, a new day has already begun. The original Shen (spirit) merges as one with the transformed realm of the Grotto-Heavens, sinking into concealment, no longer attached to fixed signs of verification.

The River Marquis (Hehou, the spirit who governs the rivers) forms an immortal monastery on high, and bright pearls shine upon the splendid courtyard. The principle of the Primordial Beginning manifests amid the Three Numina (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, or the three kinds of luminous numinous Qi), clear and concentrated—where then could there be waxing or waning?

The sun meets with layers upon layers of yin Qi, whirling and brushing, causing the dark realms to appear and then recede. Beyond the six senses, one accords completely; numinous songs rise together in unison.

Set in motion the celestial mechanism, following the path of the Jade Han (Xuanhan, the Heavenly River, the Milky Way); radiance bursts forth, startling the splendid jade palaces. Ten thousand spirits mount vermilion horses and soar aloft; a thousand demons find no gap through which to enter and cannot take root.

Demonic evils are extinguished by the officers of Water and Fire (the official generals in the Daoist pantheon who govern water and fire); the true body is preserved intact, forever guarding Great Purity (Taizhen, the utterly true and unadulterated original nature).

The Shenling of the four directions, having received their mandate, arrive in the remote northern wilderness, regulating the Shen (spirits) and settling the carriages and horses. They summon the Diqi (earth deities, the gods of the soil), causing the Jingling (essence-spirits) within the earth to restrain their Qi (vital energy) and the mountain peaks to conceal their cloudy Qi. Evil influences at the nine sources are all severed, and the numerous Jingguai (essence-specters) are examined and purged; they wield the authority of execution, their might resounding like thunder. The Beidi (Northern Emperor) opens the road, while the bright Shen of the four quarters guard the chariot, destroying all manner of evil influences, sealing off and slaying the wicked forces of Fengshan (Mount Feng, the legendary mountain inhabited by ghosts and spirits). The nine ghosts return to a single head, the thousand demons merge into one body; the Wudi (Five Emperors) grasp their axes and battle-axes, and the Shengong (Divine Lord) exhales Qi-smoke. Purple radiance shines high above, red Qi encircles in successive layers; the numinous Shen hasten to the Yetaí (Night Terrace, a place of the netherworld), while Jingqi (essence-qi) remains deeply hidden yet flows on without cease.

Even a poisonous beast ten thousand chi in stature will be slain; what is cut down is not limited to things close at hand. Of what account, then, are petty demons? Though they gather in hundreds and thousands, calling to one another and peering in unison, drawing near a person's Shengmen (Life Gate, the place upon which life depends), the Shenhu (Divine Tiger) will display its might, slaying and capturing the fierce and brutal demons. This is the wondrous method of the Dao of Taiyuan (the Great Primordial), examined and approved by the most numinous Shenming. Now that you have received this method, you ought to wear it upon your person forever; it will not fail through ten thousand trials, and a thousand kinds of demons cannot invade. Yuhua (the Jade Flower) arrives in the chamber, Tianzhen Shenling (celestial perfected divine spirits) come and go, circling about; reciting the luminous sounds of the Shen, one may ascend to court the Sanyuan (Three Primes, the three honored deities of the heavens).

When the hymn is finished, the Taishang Dadaojun (Most High Lord of the Great Dao) commands the Zuo Xuan Yulang Yulixuan (Left Mysterious Jade Youth Yulixuan, a Daoist divine general), holding the golden-feathered staff of authority, to summon the Taiwei Tiandijun (Heavenly Emperor Lord of Grand Tenuity), that he may wear this method of the Dao upon his person. Thus it will not fail through ten thousand trials, and a thousand kinds of demons cannot invade; Yuhua arrives in the chamber, Tianzhen Shenling come and go, circling about; reciting the luminous sounds of the Shen, one may ascend to court the Sanyuan.

After the singing ended, the Supreme Great Dao Lord (Taishang Dadaojun) commanded the Left Mysterious Jade Gentleman Yulixuan (an immortal official attending the Dao Lord) to hold the golden feather staff and summon the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei (Taiwei Tiandi Jun).

The Celestial Emperor of Taiwei concentrated his Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy), employed the power of true subtlety, issued roaring commands to the host of spirits, unified the primordial Qi, grasped a golden true object, and gazed serenely toward the Great Void. Suddenly receiving the summons, he immediately set out and boarded the chariot of his appointed journey. The Feathered Spirit Vermilion Sovereign led the way ahead, with the chariot and ceremonial retinue following: celestial troops of ten thousand tigers driving golden dragons, jade staves commanding the army and guiding the spirits; the procession passed through the nether darkness, illuminating the shadows, with shining formations neatly opening the path. Solar Jing beat drums beside the azure drums, and the jade bells rang in accompaniment.

Thereupon, mysterious and wondrous music played in harmonious concert, and grand celestial music resounded throughout the four directions. Nine phoenixes stretched their necks in prolonged cries, a hundred dragons holding musical tones responded in unison; golden Jing produced the music, and luan birds danced along. Purple banners were raised high into the clouds, brocade streamers fluttered across the plains, and green floral canopies were arrayed in succession. The dawn melody suddenly arose, flowing bells tossed and intermingled in motion, their clear sounds spreading to the four quarters; jade poles manifested the processions of true spirits, and the spiritual images of the five directions swirled and came to rest. Fragrant flowers emitted their aroma, their radiance illuminating the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, and stars); light clouds reflected and absorbed the brilliance, and thin mists were also draped in rosy glow. Seven ceremonial processions sounded forth, eight carriages floated in the air, nine thousand empty palanquins guarded by venomous dragons pierced the clouds toward the mysterious distances, gathering primordial Qi and riding the force of the wind. The heavens grew bright, cloud Qi densely surged and rolled, and radiance from the eight directions enveloped the sky.

True maidens rode on the right, while spiritual youths accompanied by order on the left; the multitude of spirits arrived swiftly and had already reached the Upper Palace. They halted their chariots at Jade Purity (Yuqing), ascended the Imperial Walls, turned and entered the Purple Palace, performed obeisance and kowtowed, awaiting announcement.

After a considerable time, the Great Central Dao Lord commanded the Four Dawn Attendant Ministers (the four immortal ministers serving the heavenly realm) to slowly lead the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei forward, to ascend the gate tower of the Ruizhu Palace and enter the Seven Reflections Inner Chamber. The Celestial Emperor of Taiwei announced his title, saying: “This humble minister has now arrived; please issue your command.”

The Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (Taishang Dadaojun, a venerated Daoist deity) said: Li Shanyuan’s De (Virtue/Power) accords with that of the seven sages, and he shall become lord of the Golden Palaces. He will in succession pay audience to the venerated deities of the ten directions of heaven, governing the destinies of hundreds of millions of living beings; relying on mysterious and wondrous principles he will stabilize the Middle Origin, command Yin-Yang, and cause the myriad things each to attain their proper order. He will select true immortals and lead the host of deities, seal and garrison the rivers, summon and command the sea gods, adjudicate life and death, and wield heavenly majesty; he will exterminate the evils of the Six Heavens, punish the Three Officials, and carry out the penalties of the Northern Emperor.

This illustrious lord serves the Heavenly Emperor; his character is lofty and far-reaching, his De broad, generous, and profound, the duties he bears are of great weight, and the authority he administers is equally vast. Previously he has already been instructed in the Dao (the Way) of Wisdom, and the essential methods have been recorded in the Xiaomo Jing (Scripture for Dispelling Demons): wisdom can command the spirits, while the Xiaomo Jing can eliminate evil hauntings. Now he is further granted the True Fulu (talismans and registers) of the Divine Tiger, to increase his majesty and power and to destroy the evils of the Six Heavens; and the Lofty Chapter of Wielding the Spirits is recited for him, helping him scatter defilement and remove calamities.

The Taiwei Emperor Lord treasures the True Fulu of the Golden Tiger, which is used to subdue the spirits of heaven and earth. To shout at it and drive it forth is to smash and slay a thousand kinds of goblins and monsters; to wear it when going out, and the ten thousand ghosts vanish in form. If the host of demons attempt to invade and harass, they immediately lose their lives; if the swarm of sprites secretly pry, they perish of themselves. Therefore this Fulu may be granted as well to Shanyuan, so that he may be equal to the responsibilities he has assumed.

Thereupon the Taiwei Emperor Lord assented repeatedly, kowtowed and performed the rites. He opened the Cloud Satchel (Yunji, a chest for storing Daoist scriptures) and took out the Jade Casket (Qionghan, a box of jade). Seven-colored radiance shone upon white light, sunlight circulated and revealed the true Dao; nine rays of brilliance paused, flying incense interwove and coiled about. The Emperor Lord held the Fulu in his hands, and before conferring it he personally commanded the attendant maidens of Taiwei—Ji Linhua, Yan Caiyun, Zhu Tiaoyan, Han Fangyao and others—to sing together hymns of praise to the Golden Truth and Buxu songs (Pace of the Void, verses recited with music while pacing the void in Daoist Zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremonies). The lyrics are:

The deep, obscure, and dark realm isolates the mysterious domains of the four directions; the scene of cavernous brightness harbors wondrous spiritual penetration. Jade terraces spread out above the vermilion cloudy heavens, and among green clouds and mists rise golden city walls.

Upward one draws the pearl blossoms from within the clouds, raising the head to receive the numinous power of the peak without blade. The wondrous bright mirror fills the purple palaces with solemn reverence, while vermilion radiance suffuses the empty air.

The creative transformations of the nether darkness twine about the mysterious and wondrous source; holding the tally of office, one advances carrying the Purple Youth. Upon the circular path there is no stagnant gloomy Qi (vital energy), and ornate clouds layer upon layer.

Southward one pushes open the gate of the Vermilion Mound, westward one crosses the window of Haoque. The bodily form is vigorous and agile, crossing ten thousand fords and waves.

The creative transformations of the nether darkness twine about the mysterious and wondrous source; holding the tally of office, one advances carrying the Purple Youth. Upon the circular path there is no stagnant gloomy Qi (vital energy), and ornate clouds layer upon layer.

The practitioner passes through the Vermilion Mound Gate from the south and crosses the Haoque Window from the west. His form soars and leaps, threading among waves like a myriad of fords; his Shen (spirit) awareness unfolds, able to gather in the ten directions.

The mysterious Shen returns to the silent chariot-yoke and mounts the heavenly dragon to ascend. In the obscure depths he drives the Flying Scenery chariot, shaking the ritual bell, and roams the sevenfold roads.

He lightly crosses the ford shrouded in cloud-Qi and dusty mist, and in an instant arrives at Jade Continent. On the left he summons the Consort of Yuying (Jade Radiance); on the right he commands the Lord of Jinzhen (Golden Truth).

He draws upward the awakened ones of the Feixiao (Flying Empyrean) realm and transmits downward the numinous methods of the Dao (the Way). His form extends throughout the Guanghan (Vast Cold) cosmos; clad in brocade, he enters the mountain peaks where spirits dwell.

Phoenix brain can secure lifespan through the kalpas; nectar like flower pistils can restore vitality to what has declined. The Most High indeed possesses profound and lasting longevity, able to govern the hierarchical stages upon which the destinies of all things depend.

The three awakenings receive the mysterious heavenly numbers; joy unfolds fully, radiance shining forth. In the swift wind the light is brilliant, the splendor of the waves comes to rest; why do the purple cassias appear so flourishing?

Gem-like fruits resound among the nine heavens; jade tallies summon the Taiwei (Supreme Subtlety) realm. Yellow registers can obstruct the harmful blades of De (Virtue/Power); how could this impair the radiance of the Perfected?

Abandoning the simple physical form and entering the realm without form or substance, the myriad images vanish together. The bright Qi of the Yang Elixir reveals its edge; crimson clouds rise in brilliant ascent.

Uniting with the Yuying realm, he is still and at peace; radiance hangs high in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) domain. Spirits respond to the predetermined numbers in the obscure depths, following the summons to bring forth various signs in the world.

In the vast fords waves surge and scenes abound; lights and views interreflect, stretching on without end. The Golden Towers stand high and majestic; the palaces appear austere, leading toward the numinous realm.

In a glance up and down, myriad things transform without limit; the practitioner accords with the changes, uniting with the subtle Dao. He dwells in the mysterious secluded terrace, chanting with clear voice of wisdom and insight.

He eliminates demonic obstacles and reduces every sharpness; he wields the brush to compose verses that drive out defilement. The Golden Tiger receives heavenly majesty and reveals its spiritual brilliance. It crushes the heterodox gods, making them conceal their breath; it sweeps away thousands of demons so that celestial evils within ten thousand li are cleared like weeds.

Thereupon the great spirit severs the bloodlines of a hundred kinds of essence-monsters, causing the Golden Tiger to lose its sight. The Golden Tiger bristles its mane, emits its power, and releases poisonous Qi at the ghosts, charging unhindered in every direction; it splits open the abdomen of the Six Heavens and unites as one with the spirits. It makes crows and wild beasts fall in terror and forests and thickets hide their sounds, finally submitting in the Taiyuan (Great Primordial) realm.

Note: “Yuying,” “Jinzhen,” “Feixiao,” “Taiwei,” “Shangqing,” “Liutian,” “Taiyuan” and similar terms are names of immortal realms, spirits, or dharma-realms in the scripture; “ritual bell,” “tallies,” and “registers” are ritual implements or credentials in Daoist liturgy and cultivation.

This is a peculiar and wondrous secret text. Wearing it allows one to enter into audience with and pay homage to the Jade Emperor. Venerating it in the bedchamber will cause the host of Zhenren (Perfected Ones) to arrive in the room. Should the Shenhu Wen (Divine Tiger Text) be revealed, calamity will descend upon nine generations of ancestral kin; should the Jinhu Zhenfu (Golden Tiger True Talisman) be leaked, disaster will befall seven generations of ancestors. It should therefore be stored away in remote mountains and vast marshes. It is a precious jewel among the essences of the Dao (the Way) and De (Virtue/Power).

When fear arises at night, one need only recite these two poems and the multitude of sprites and demons will scatter and flee in all directions, as though ten thousand companions stood at one’s side. Mountains and rivers hearing the recitation will likewise take up their whips and bow in reverence toward the direction from which the sound comes.

The latter of these poems was composed and transmitted by Jiuhua Anfei (Consort An of the Nine Flowers). On the sixth day of the eleventh month, during the fifth watch as dawn drew near, the Ziqing Jiuhua Anfei (Purple Clarity Consort An of the Nine Flowers) arrived to transmit this text and commanded that it be copied, the transcription being completed just before daybreak. It is included in the volume of the Taishang Bashu Zhihui Miemo Shenhu Yinwen (Supreme Eight Arts Wisdom Demon-Destroying Divine Tiger Hidden Text).