《太上浩元经》

The Most High Lord Lao said: Haoyuan Taizhen (the most authentic Qi of the Dao) is the root within the body of the cultivator. The upper, middle, and lower three palaces (the three locations of Shen and Qi in the human body) must jointly protect and nourish the Jingshen. Harmonize the breath so it flows smoothly, exhaling the old Qi from within the body and inhaling fresh Qi. With solid cultivation the foundation remains long-lasting and stable, ultimately becoming an immortal.

The inner chamber (Dongfang, residence of the inner deities) is clear and bright, connecting above and below. The golden furnace and jade table stand guard within it. Gather the breath and draw it deeply to three cun, nourishing the mysterious vault; then return it to the middle field (the Qi mansion in the middle of the body), transferring into the Crimson Palace (the inner spirit mansion of the heart). Firmly guard the spirit pass so the breath blends like a spring. Cultivating these three places makes the life force flourish without decline. The crimson-robed spiritual guest (the red-colored spirit within the body) is warm and empty-pure. If you can cultivate according to this, life can be extended without end.

Protect the upper part with a golden scarf and plain canopy to make it firm; the lower part nourishes the mysterious pool (the mansion of Jing-Qi within the body), moistening the po chamber; the middle part raises the spirit terrace, strengthening the Bright Hall (residence of the heart-spirit). Nourish Shen-Qi, cultivate and regulate the Great Granary (location of spleen and stomach); circulate the Jing-Qi, strengthening the spirits of the five viscera. Breathing is light and silent, Shen-Qi ascending to lofty distant realms.

The Upper Origin Child is the essence of Shen-Qi, wearing a crimson robe and red headscarf, residing in the Yellow Court (location of inner deities). Southern Pole Elder, you must cultivate and protect it; nourish Jingshen and stabilize the heart-nature to attain longevity.

The Lower Origin spirit resides in the spirit terrace, strengthening the Bright Hall; nourish Shen-Qi, cultivate the Great Granary; circulate Jing-Qi, strengthening the spirits of the five viscera. Breathing is light and silent, Shen-Qi ascending to lofty distant realms. The Upper Origin Child is the essence of Shen-Qi, wearing a crimson robe and red headscarf, residing in the Yellow Court. Southern Pole Elder, you must cultivate and protect; nourish Jingshen and stabilize the heart-nature to attain longevity.

The Lower Origin spirit is named Guxuan, the Northern Pole Perfected is the forerunner of the Great Dao. The metal spirit guarding the imperial position is the king of the five viscera; he constantly holds a jade dagger, sitting on a golden bed, stirring the Jing-Qi and nourishing it so that it transforms into golden-yellow Qi. The spirit turtle and jade maiden reside in the center, left and right respectively managing the registers and lifespan; they command the Six Ding (the six yin deities of Daoism) to expel all disasters, erase the death registers, and extend lifespan.

One may drink the Sweet Spring (delicious spring water), held in a jade cup like jade slurry. Maintain tranquil Wuwei (non-action) so the will of the heart does not decline; gather the heart-spirit, quietly close the doors, making the breath harmonious and subtle. Return to true simplicity, restore the infant-like state. Cut off greedy attachments, abandon desires, and Shen-Qi naturally returns. The Jing fluid is moist and shining, Qi and marrow are renewed, and the body gradually becomes full. When the Great Dao is accomplished the form changes accordingly, the body rises high and flies; the heart-spirit is numinous and in an instant can cross the nine directions of heaven and earth.

Stabilize Jingshen, firm the hun and po, and cultivate this path; concentrate Shen, refine thoughts, and make Shen-Qi pure and empty—this is my treasured method. The Taizhen divine elixir has long been refined, so countenance and skin remain as fresh and beautiful as in youth. Use the breath of the Three-One (the unity of Jing, Qi, and Shen in the body) to consolidate the spirit root, harmonize the five viscera, connect the seven orifices, making the seven spirits noble and powerful; open the deep passes, gather numerous Dao Qi, making the momentum majestic, towering like Kunlun Mountain.

The upper palace is wrapped in vermilion and should be properly warmed and nourished; the middle palace wears a red headscarf, its expression dignified and bright. Use the Qi of the Three-One to consolidate the spirit root, harmonize the five viscera, connect the seven orifices, making the seven spirits noble and powerful; open the deep passes, gather numerous Dao Qi, making the momentum majestic, towering like Kunlun Mountain. The upper palace wrapped in vermilion should be properly warmed and nourished; the middle palace wearing a red headscarf dwells serenely and guards; the lower palace wearing cinnabar robes guards the gate of Jing-Qi. If one can truly cultivate in this way, one can last as long as heaven and earth.