《洞真太上紫文丹章》

The Nine Heavens Jade Clarity Green-Character Hidden Script, also known as the Purple Script Cinnabar Chapter, consists of one hundred and twenty characters. It was formed from the primordial Qi (vital energy) above the Nine Heavens that condensed into purple radiance and naturally manifested as writing, appearing in the Palace of Jade Clarity. The brilliance of this chapter illuminates Highest Clarity, causing high-ranking Shen (spirits) to record it with their brushes and connecting the hidden sounds and meanings within. It serves to sustain the Jade Void and command the Nine Heavens, and is always overseen by awe-inspiring deities in order to summon true spirits and inspect the Shen.

This writing was originally the sacred script worn by the Primordial Heavenly King and was later transmitted to the Jade Clarity Emperor Lord, the Great King Who Dispels Demons, the Jade Clarity Divine Empyrean King, and other deities. Twenty-four Jade Youths and twenty-four Jade Maidens guard this script; they investigate those who are negligent or derelict in duty and protect those who wear it. One who wears this script can unite with the true spirits of the Nine Heavens, have one’s name registered on the Cinnabar Terrace (the place where the registers of immortals are kept), and attain a rank equivalent to the High Mystery realm. The body then emits purple light, a circular radiance appears above the head, and one is able to roam the Great Void. Deities of the ten directions of the world will all come to welcome, and the Three Primes (the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water) will also descend to join the celestial banquet together.

Those who cultivate the immortal Dao (the Way), if they unroll and recite the Hidden Book of Highest Jade Clarity, the Great Cavern True Jing (scripture/classic), should sit upright and composed upon the square chamber and visualize the Purple Script Cinnabar Chapter in the mind. The left hand holds the Flowing Gold Fire Bell while the right controls the Open-Falling Seven Origins (the stellar and divine-general powers of Daoist ritual). In this way the various Shen of the Jade Void descend of their own accord without being summoned; the gateway of the Great Cavern True Jing opens without being struck; the host of true spirits respond and arrive while the multitude of demons is subdued. The practitioner may then dispatch the Eight Qi, circulate the Five Chronograms (the stellar bodies of the five directions), command the myriad spirits and govern the host of immortals. When the primordial Qi unites with the high heavens, the body can ascend into the purple immortal realm.

This is the secret of the Nine Heavens and the hidden script of Jade Clarity. Anyone who leaks this chapter will suffer punishment like wind-knives; the guilt will also implicate seven generations of ancestors, causing them to endure the kalpas of life and death. These prohibitions are all carried out according to the sworn covenant of the Nine Heavens.

The scripture states that there exists a document written in golden names and jade characters, with images arrayed above the Nine Heavens. Once this text is obtained, a three-chi length of crimson-patterned silk should serve as the ground, and the Elixir Chapter is to be copied onto it with a purple brush. Ninety chi of purple silk, a golden fish, and a jade dragon must also be prepared; the practitioner then goes to the master, observes quiet purification and fasting for ninety days, faces north, and makes a solemn vow while petitioning the Nine Heavens before the transmission may occur.

After the disciple receives the Purple Text Elixir Chapter, it is placed in a brocade pouch and worn over the heart. Those who wear this chapter rank equivalently to Gaoxuan; should they further receive the Hidden Writings of Jade Clarity (the secret scripture stored in Jade Clarity), their rank becomes equivalent to Taizhen. Whether sitting, reclining, or at rest, they seem to communicate with the Jade Void; the spirits of Jade Flowers stand guard at their side, and the Five Emperors faintly appear in their place of repose. Wearers of the chapter must not mingle indiscriminately with the mundane world as ordinary people do, nor profane the High Perfected. Violation causes the Shen (spirit) and Qi (vital energy) to scatter, allowing demons and malevolent forces to enter, bringing trials that forfeit the chance of immortality.

Those who wear the Purple Text Elixir Chapter, whether going out or coming in, lying down to rest, or practicing the Dao (conducting cultivation rites), should first visualize purple radiance issuing from their body, mysterious Qi covering the crown of the head, and the breath circulating around the entire form. They then knock the teeth nine times and softly intone this prayer:

“Jade Void of the ninefold heavens, purple radiance encircles the eight directions; mysterious light pours down, and Jade Clarity bestows the fluids. The purple elixir writing proclaims to the Nine Heavens, issues commands to the myriad spirits, summons and dispatches the host of immortals. Its awesome power overawes countless divine beings and inspects and cuts away a thousand kinds of evil influences. The spirits gather at once, following like shadows upon the sound. Five-colored cloud Qi arises; a flying chariot and purple floral canopy suddenly appear before me, enabling me to mount the void and ascend on high to the Jade Dawn.”

When the prayer is finished, one draws in the purple Qi and swallows it in twelve portions, then ceases. After nine years of such practice, a purple-cloud floral canopy will shine upon and cover the body; the body itself will emit purple light illuminating the ten directions, communicate with the spirits, attract the Perfected, and perceive the Great Void.

Long ago, the Lady of the Upper Prime (Shangyuan Furen, a female immortal in Daoist legend) transmitted the secret Jing (scripture) to the Jade Maiden of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Yunü), who in turn transmitted it to Lord Youyang (Youyang Jun). After Lord Youyang succeeded in cultivating the Dao (the Way) and ascended to the heavenly realm, he sealed this Jing in a cavern chamber on Mount Jiuyi, waiting seven hundred years to transmit it to those able to unite with the true Dao and thoroughly comprehend its mysterious principles. Later students of the Dao need only concentrate with sincere recitation, and they will naturally encounter it through spiritual resonance; those with affinity will also receive the opportunity in advance.

Dongzhen Taishang Ziwen Dan, Yun Ding