《云笈七签》Vol. 20

From the “Cavern Chamber,” move inward by three inches to the “Palace of the Muddy Pellet” in the Dantian, the dwelling place of the spirits in the upper Dantian of the head. “Move inward” means to visualize traveling into the body along the back of the neck. The Palace of the Muddy Pellet is a perfectly square space, one inch on each side. Purple Qi rises straight into the clouds and shines outward for ninety thousand li. The seven stars of the Northern Dipper are arranged outside the palace, with the star Kui as its canopy and the handle pointing forward and outward. The Dipper may change size according to one’s thoughts; as it flies, it appears indistinct and shifting. Practitioners should visualize it in their minds.

The Scarlet Child of the Upper Origin, a divine figure dwelling in the Palace of the Muddy Pellet, sits at the center beneath the canopy of the Northern Dipper. His name is Ning Tian, his courtesy name is Yuan Xian, and his honored title is Celestial Emperor of the Palace of the Muddy Pellet. To his right sits an Imperial Minister, facing him. These spirits are said to have formed from the vital essences of the teeth, tongue, and brain marrow. The Minister’s name is Zhao Jing and his courtesy name is Xuan Sheng; together with the Celestial Emperor, he governs the Palace of the Muddy Pellet. Both wear red embroidered robes and have the appearance of newborn infants. The Celestial Emperor holds the Shangqing Divine Tiger Talisman, while the Minister holds the Scripture of the Great Cavern’s Perfect Truth. The two may face outward from the palace or sit facing one another.

When practicing the visualization method of the Scripture of the Great Cavern of Truth, practitioners may sit facing outward or sit facing one another.

The area where the heart is located is called the Middle Dantian, or the Crimson Palace—the palace where the spirit of the heart dwells. The Crimson Palace lies at the heart’s center and extends one inch in each direction. There, red clouds rise straight toward the heavens, casting their light outward for thirty thousand li. The scene changes without cease and is elusive and difficult to fathom; practitioners should visualize it in their minds.

The Perfected One of the Middle Origin dwells in the Crimson Palace. His personal name is Divine Pearl, his courtesy name is Zidan, and his honorific title is Lord Crimson Palace, Elixir Sovereign. His right-hand assistant is Huangqing. Both are divine beings formed from the refined Qi of the five viscera. Huangqing enters the Crimson Palace to serve as his assistant; his personal name is Radiant Firmness and his courtesy name is Fourfold Spirit. Together they govern the Crimson Palace. Both wear vermilion brocade robes and look like newborn infants. The Elixir Sovereign holds the Scripture of Great Clarity in his left hand, while his assisting minister holds the Scripture of Great Mystery, Chapter of the Eight Radiances. The two may sit facing outward or facing one another.

Within the body, they guard the sinews and bones, the five viscera, and the blood and flesh. Outside the body, they subdue all manner of harmful spirits and ill omens. This nurtures the original Qi and steadies the spirit of the heart, allowing one to attain long life and ascend to the Great Empyrean. The three souls and seven Po come once every five days to pay court to the Elixir Sovereign and receive his instructions.

The area three inches below the navel is called the Dantian Palace of the Gate of Life, the palace where the infant of the Lower Origin dwells. It extends one inch in each direction. There, white vapors rise toward the heavens and shine outward for seventy thousand li; their form and size shift, and they fly and drift unpredictably. Practitioners should visualize this scene in their minds.

The infant of the Lower Origin’s personal name is Fetal Essence, his courtesy name is Primordial Yang, and his honorific title is King of Primordial Yellow Court. At his right is the assisting minister Baizhen Biqing. Biqing is the deity of the body’s fluids and fluid Qi. Formed when Jing and Qi congeal into vapor and rise, he dwells in the Dantian Palace. His personal name is Returning Radiance and his courtesy name is Valley Mystery. Together they govern the palace of the Lower Origin. Both wear yellow gauze robes embroidered with patterns and look like newborn infants. The King of Primordial Yellow Court holds the White Star in his left hand and the Scripture of Jade Dawn and Golden Truth in his right. Biqing holds the Scripture of the Supreme One’s Plain Numinous Essence and the Talisman of the Nine Courts’ Living Radiance. The two may sit facing outward or facing one another.

Within the body, they guard the four fetuses, fluids, and blood, as well as the intestines, stomach, and bladder. Outside the body, they dispel calamities, resolve misfortunes, and drive away all manner of harmful spirits. The three souls and seven Po come three times each day to pay court to the King of Primordial Yellow Court and submit to his inspection.

“Guarding the One” is a practice of cultivating body and mind through focused visualization, seeking protection from calamity and harmful influences. At midnight on the day of the Beginning of Spring, sit upright facing east. Perform breath cultivation nine times and swallow saliva thirty-five times. Then visualize the seven stars of the Northern Dipper slowly descending to the crown of your head, with the dipper’s handle pointing toward the sky and its tip pointing east.

Next, visualize the positions of the four stars Yin Essence, Perfected Person, Yang Brightness, and Mysterious Darkness: Yang Brightness and Mysterious Darkness are above; Yang Brightness and Yin Essence are behind; Mysterious Darkness and the Perfected Person are in front. Quietly visualize these stars settling into place. Then imagine the Three One Venerable Lords appearing within the dipper’s bowl, before transforming into three Venerable Lords. After a while, the six divine lords ascend together to the star of Mysterious Darkness and travel east along the Celestial Net. When they reach the Celestial Gate, they stop and face you.

Then visualize the three divine lords of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins, each supported by an Upper, Middle, or Lower Minister. Each time you swallow a breath, pause briefly and, in turn, visualize the two deities of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins entering your mouth with the breath. They settle respectively in the Mudball Palace, where the head’s spirit and Qi reside; the Crimson Palace, where the heart’s spirit and Qi reside; and the Lower Dantian, the sea of Qi in the abdomen. The scripture repeats the steps for the entry of the Middle and Lower Origins into the body.

Finally, visualize the star of the Celestial Gate seven feet in front of your mouth, and the divine lords of the three Origins entering the body’s three palaces. When you have completed the practice, focus on the True One, the original Qi spoken of in Daoist cultivation, and let it settle in its proper place. You may silently contemplate it while sitting or lying down. If you have a wish, pray inwardly. Remain quiet during visualization; you may also practice during the day in your bedroom.

At the beginning of spring, face east and visualize the “Three Ones”—the trinity of deities in Daoist inner cultivation. Follow the same method as in winter, when one gathers the spirit and visualizes them. At the beginning of summer, face south and visualize the Three Ones, using the same method as at the beginning of spring. At the beginning of autumn, face west and visualize the Three Ones, using the same method as at the beginning of summer. At the beginning of winter, face north and visualize the Three Ones, using the same method as at the beginning of autumn.

Visualize the Three Ones, each settled in the palace corresponding to them. When this is complete, softly recite the blessing in silence:

“Spirits who govern the destinies of the Five Directions, respond to and commune with the Seven Stars. The Three Venerable Ones gather the transforming Qi of the spirits and rise to welcome the Purple Numina. The six spirits move through the body; the three palaces transform into a city of the Elixir. The Great Emperor of Mysterious Communion descends through to Yellow Tranquility; the celestial perfected spirits protect body and mind. Summon the Six Ding spirits for aid, so that the immortals may ascend together, riding the clouds of smoke to the realm of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Let the four limbs grow firm and strong, and the five organs be naturally nourished.”

Scroll 51, “Section on Secret Essentials and Methods,” Chapter Seven: “The Register of Destinies of the Eight Ways”

The Register of the Eight Paths of Destiny, also known as The Eight Intervals or The Eight Reaches, is also called the Wondrous Scripture of the Eight Liberations: Untangling Entanglements, Releasing Knots, Repenting of Sins, and Extending Blessings. The Three Primordial Lords of Great Simplicity received this scripture from the Chapter of Nature and sealed it away in the Purple Chamber of the Numinous Capital of the Most High. Three hundred attendants adorned with golden insignia and jade blossoms guarded it and offered incense. The Youth of the Eastern Sea, the Perfected Ones of the Four Extremities, and Lord Wang of the Western City later sealed it away in the Western Chamber of Mount Emei. It was transmitted only once in the course of ten thousand kalpas. Only those whose mysterious names were listed in the Emperor’s registers and whose names were stored in the Jade Repository of the Azure Palace had the chance to hear of it three times in a thousand years. Those with lofty aspirations in cultivating the Dao who failed to obtain this scripture would, even if they kept to the mountains and forests and practiced with great hardship, ultimately be unable to attain the Dao.

The “Eight Paths” are the routes taken by the sun and moon through the eight seasonal stages of the year. The sun travels along the equator, while the moon travels along the ecliptic; these two paths, the yellow and the red, are the ordinary courses of Yin and Yang. At the Start of Spring and the Spring Equinox, the sun and moon each travel along the azure path, east of the ecliptic. At the Start of Summer and the Summer Solstice, they each travel along the red path, south of the ecliptic. At the Start of Autumn and the Autumn Equinox, they each travel along the white path, west of the ecliptic. At the Start of Winter and the Winter Solstice, they each travel along the black path, north of the ecliptic. These are the Eight Paths.

On the days when the sun and moon travel along the Eight Paths, all things undergo change. Flying and crawling creatures, all beings imbued with primordial Qi, as well as plants and things that live in water, respond to the changing times and transform: the old becomes new; what is light sometimes becomes heavy, and what is heavy sometimes becomes light; good and evil also alternate and change into one another. This is the natural result of the movement of the celestial forces. Those who have cultivated the Dao to fulfillment adapt to these changes in guiding and teaching others: they seek good fortune and avoid calamity, promote good and restrain evil, leave darkness for the light, return to what is right and cast off what is deviant, and refine falsehood into truth as they strive toward the realm of the sages. This method is subtle and wondrous, profound and penetrating; hence it is called the “Eight Reaches.” Its principles are profound and inexhaustible.

First register of destiny (a method of cultivation associated with prolonging life and ascending to immortality): At dawn on the Beginning of Spring, gaze toward the north. If you see clouds in purple, green, and white, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Three Primordial Lords, the Most High. Focus your spirit and visualize these clouds, bow your head and slap your cheeks nine times each, then make four bows inwardly in your heart. Afterward, silently recite this incantation:

“Your great-grandson, [name]” (the self-designation used in Daoist prayers), “is fortunate today to encounter the Three Primordial Lords on their journey. I wish to attain long life and serve your carriage. For anything else I seek, I will make my request according to my own wishes.”

For example, you may pray for a particular illness to be cured, a certain calamity to be dispelled, or some undertaking to go smoothly. After seeing the cloud-carriage—the vehicle in which immortals ride—three times, you can ascend to immortality in broad daylight. There is no need to repeat the countless forms of visualization and cultivation. Practicing in this way will certainly earn you a register of immortals; hence it is called the “Eight Registers of Destiny.”

Second register of destiny: At midnight, during the Zi hour, on the Spring Equinox, gaze toward the northeast. If you see clouds in black, blue, and yellow, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei Heaven. Visualize them and silently recite the incantation as described above.

Third register of destiny: At dawn on the Beginning of Summer, gaze toward the north. If you see clouds in purple, blue, and yellow, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Supreme True Lord of Taiji and the Perfected Ones of the Inner Palace of the Three Primordial Lords. Visualize them and silently recite the incantation as described above.

Fourth register of destiny: At dawn on the Summer Solstice, gaze toward the south. If you see clouds in red, white, and blue, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Great Emperor of Fusang. Visualize them, make the bows, and silently recite the incantation as described above.

Fifth register of destiny: At dawn on the Beginning of Autumn, gaze due west. If you see clouds in white, red, and purple, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Perfected One of Taisu and the Celestial Emperor, the White Emperor Lord. Visualize them, make the bows, and silently recite the incantation as described above.

Sixth register of destiny: At dawn on the Autumn Equinox, gaze toward the south. If you see clouds in white, red, and yellow, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Perfected One of the Southern Pole and the Supreme Emperor, the Red Emperor. Visualize them, make the bows, and silently recite the incantation as described above.

Seventh register of destiny: At dawn on the Beginning of Winter, gaze toward the southwest. If you see clouds in green, purple, and blue, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Perfected Ones of Shangqing and the Imperial Lord, the August Ancestor. Visualize them, make the bows, and silently recite the incantation as described above.

Eighth register of destiny: The visualization, bows, and silent recitation of the incantation concerning the Three Plain Clouds are likewise performed as described above.

The Seventh Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day Beginning of Winter, face southwest and gaze into the distance. If you see green, purple, and blue clouds, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Perfected Ones of Highest Clarity, the Lords of the Emperor, and the Ancestral Sovereign. Visualize, bow, and silently recite the incantation, following the methods described earlier.

The Eighth Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day of the Winter Solstice, face due east and gaze into the distance. If you see vermilion, emerald, and yellow clouds, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Jade Consort of the Great Empyrean and the Perfected Ones of Highest Clarity of the Great Void. Visualize, bow, and silently recite the incantation, following the methods described earlier.

One or two days before the dates of these eight Registers of Destiny, first bathe and burn incense, then wait for the appointed day. When the time comes, go outside, face the prescribed direction, and gaze into the distance; after about the time it takes to eat a meal, return indoors. If the weather is overcast or rainy, there is no need to gaze. Should you happen to see these clouds on a day other than one of the appointed dates, bow and recite the incantation three times more than usual. The scripture says that this is actually better than seeing them on the appointed day.

If the entanglements of karmic sins from past and present lives have not been cleared away, if repentance is not sincere enough, and if the forgiveness of sins remains delayed and unresolved, then the merit of cultivation will be difficult to increase. It will also be difficult to recognize trials caused by demonic obstacles; people often retreat because of them, grow old more easily, and find that attaining the state of the Realized Ones remains far off. In the end, after leaving this world, they fall into a long darkness, with suffering without end. Those who aspire to cultivate the Dao should keep this in mind, awaken their vigilance, and vow to look up to the Great Dao. With utmost sincerity, they can resonate with the mysterious realm and connect with the spirits. If they obtain the Register of Destiny, they can clearly cut off the roots of sin, dissolve tangled evil karma, and nourish their roots of goodness, so that the hosts of malign spirits dare not intrude and they may attain the true Dao sooner. They should devote themselves to understanding this and cultivate it inwardly; then it will bring a response.

Eight Secret Sayings

Let the mind be still and the dwelling quiet, pure, and bright. Let the spirit be calm and at ease, focused on subtle visualization, as though ascending into a mysterious realm. If utmost sincerity brings a response from the heavens above, and concentrated reflection leads to clear understanding and a luminous heart, one may see scenes such as the Qi of Cinnabar Radiance, the Three Plain Flying Clouds, the Vermilion Chariots of the Eight Processions, and the Jade Wheels of Purple Rosy Clouds. The Immortal Perfected Ones of Highest Clarity look down with pure eyes, their chariots circling among the Three Primordial Heavens. The High Sovereign holds the ceremonial insignia, spirit children guide the chariot shafts, the Grand Simplicity holds the canopy in attendance, and the Immortal Perfected One of the South Pole approaches the front of the chariot.

At that moment, a shadowy radiance shines outward, its brilliance enveloping the dragon countenance of the Immortal Perfected One. The scene is like lamplight illuminating the Great Void, then shifting and unfolding as seven realms of visualization. If a cultivator can see these, they can ascend by day into an immortal realm bright as morning, without needing to undergo further stages of cultivation such as “Frost Condensation, Washing the Radiance” or “Mysterious Illumination of the Golden Elixir.”

The first secret teaching says: At dawn on each of the eight seasonal nodes—Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—face north and gaze into the distance. If you see purple, green, and white clouds, they are the Three Pure Clouds of the Three Primordial Lords. At that moment, the Three Primordial Lords ride in an eight-wheeled carriage to pay a visit to the Celestial Emperor. If you encounter these clouds, you should bow twice, present your wish to the Three Primordial Lords, and pray for the chance to attend beside their carriage. If you see the carriage of the Three Primordial Lords three times, you may ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The second secret teaching says: At midnight on each of the eight seasonal nodes, face northeast and gaze into the distance. If you see dark, blue-green, and yellow clouds, they are the Three Pure Clouds of the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei. At that moment, the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei rides in a carriage of the Eight Radiances to pay a visit to the High Jade Emperor. If you see the Celestial Emperor’s carriage four times, a dragon carriage will come to receive you in broad daylight, and you will ascend to the celestial realm.

The third secret teaching says: At dawn on the Wuchen and Jisi days within the ten-day cycle that begins with a Jiazi day, face northwest and gaze into the distance. If you see purple, blue-green, and yellow clouds, they are the Three Pure Clouds of the True Lord and Perfected One of the Supreme Ultimate. At that moment, they ride in a dark, radiant green carriage to the Ziwei Palace. If you see the carriage of the Supreme Ultimate nine times, you may ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The fourth secret teaching says: At dawn on the Wuyin and Jimao days within the ten-day cycle that begins with a Jiaxu day, face northeast and gaze into the distance. If you see red, white, and blue-green clouds, they are the Three Pure Clouds of the Great Emperor of Fusang. At that moment, the Great Emperor Lord of Fusang rides in the carriage of the Eight Radiant Paths to the Taiwei Palace. If you see it seven times, a cloud dragon will come to receive you in broad daylight, and you will ascend to the celestial realm.

The fifth secret teaching says: At dawn on the Wuzi and Jichou days within the ten-day cycle that begins with a Jiashen day, face due west and gaze into the distance. If you see white, red, and purple clouds, they are the Three Pure Clouds of the Supreme True Lord, the White Emperor of Taisu. At that moment, the Supreme True Lord, the White Emperor of Taisu, rides in …

The Fifth Secret Teaching of the Dao says: On a morning in the first ten-day period of a Jia-Shen year, on a Wu-Zi or Ji-Chou day, face due west and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds in white, red, and purple, they are the “Three Su Clouds” of the Supreme True White Emperor Lord of Great Simplicity, auspicious clouds that symbolize the presence of immortals. At that time, the Supreme True One of Great Simplicity, the White Emperor Lord, rides a jade carriage adorned with graceful ornaments to visit the High Perfected, Mysterious Emperor of the Jade Heaven. After seeing these clouds fourteen times, one can ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The Sixth Secret Teaching of the Dao says: On a morning in the first ten-day period of a Jia-Wu year, on a Wu-Xu or Ji-Hai day, face due south and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds in white, red, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Supreme True Red Emperor Lord of the South Pole. At that time, the Supreme True Red Emperor Lord of the South Pole rides a green-jade carriage adorned with crimson jewels to visit Langfeng Terrace, a legendary immortal realm. After seeing these clouds ten times, one can ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The Seventh Secret Teaching of the Dao says: On a morning in the first ten-day period of a Jia-Chen year, on a Wu-Shen or Ji-You day, face southwest and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds in green, purple, and azure, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Perfected of Highest Clarity. At that time, the Perfected of Highest Clarity rides a cinnabar carriage of mysterious radiance and eight lights to visit the Emperor Lord of the High Nine Heavens. After seeing these clouds four times, Taiyi, the supreme deity revered in Daoism, will come to welcome you, enabling you to ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The Eighth Secret Teaching of the Dao says: On a morning in the first ten-day period of a Jia-Yin year, on a Wu-Wu or Ji-Wei day, face due east and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds in vermilion, green-jade, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Supreme True One of the Great Void. At that time, the Supreme True One of the Great Void rides a wandering jade carriage to visit the Emperor Lord of Taiwei Heaven. After seeing these clouds fifteen times, one can ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

These eight secret instructions prescribe that anyone who reads this text should bow again and state their intentions according to the ritual etiquette described earlier. The Three Plain Clouds each have a different color. Their cloud qi (vital energy) layer and join from top to bottom in the following order: if, on one of the Eight Seasonal Days, you see the Three Primordials’ Three Plain Clouds, the purple cloud is above, the green cloud below it, and the white cloud at the bottom, with the three colors overlapping one another. Observe them carefully.

“Upper ten-day period” refers to the first ten days of a month, when a Jiazi day occurs. If you see these clouds on another day, you should also bow and pray, observing twice the formalities required when they appear on a Jiazi day. If you later see them on a Jiazi day, follow the ritual prescribed for that day. Those who practice the “Nine Realms Office and Eight Ways” will be guarded by celestial beings on Jiazi days. If you see these clouds on another day, you should likewise bow and pray, observing twice the formalities; when you later encounter a Jiazi day, follow the ritual prescribed for that day. Through this practice, celestial beings will protect you, and the True Sovereign, a revered Daoist deity, will guard the bones of your life.

Those whose names are not entered in the registers of immortals on the jade rolls cannot encounter this scripture. Anyone who sees it has already been recorded in the hidden books and is destined to become an immortal. For this reason, the scripture may be transmitted only three times in seven hundred years.

Those who practice this method should not let others tread on their shoes or handle their headscarves and coarse garments. The scripture says that a person’s seven corporeal souls transform into dragons and tigers, guarding the Earthly Pass, the body’s opening to the outside world, and crouching beneath the shoes. The three spiritual souls transform into clouds of numinous light, shining within the garments and head coverings. If anyone violates these prohibitions, the practitioner’s mind and spirit will be shaken, and they will be thrown into alarm; their spirit and qi will then be depleted, their souls scattered, and the radiance of their Jing and qi obscured and obstructed. Therefore, take care at all times.

Beside the Scripture Attendant, seven Jade Youths and seven Jade Maidens record the merits and faults of those who uphold the scripture, and drive away all manner of evil influences and ill omens. When reading this passage, burn incense nearby.

When transmitting the scripture, both parties must observe four days of purification, swear an oath, and pledge not to disclose or publicize it. The recipient must be carefully chosen. Anyone who breaks the precepts or violates the covenant will cause seven generations of ancestors, as well as their parents, to be punished in the prison of the Dark Capital; after death, the transmitter will become a ghost. These are the severe prohibitions set out in the Four Extremes’ Clear Rules.

The Perfected of the Great Void, Red Pine Master of Mount Heng, said that this scripture is sometimes called the “Upper Writ of the Nine Plainnesses,” sometimes the “Jade Text of the Central Truth of the Supreme Ultimate,” and sometimes the “Golden Register of the Eight Ways.” According to the Four Extremes’ Clear Rules concerning the reception of scriptures, everyone who receives one must swear an oath and pledge not to disclose it. This takes the place of rituals such as drinking blood or cutting hair, which serve as tokens of an oath.

If someone receives the “Nine Zhen Supreme Scripture” (a superior classic of the Nine Zhen lineage), they must offer ninety chi of white silk. To receive the “Secret Words of the Eight Ways” and the “Hidden Methods of the Yellow Emperor and Laozi,” they must offer two liang and use eight liang of plain silk as a token of trust. To receive the “Supreme Method of the Cloud-Fat of the Five Viscera for Guarding Life,” a secret method for stabilizing life and nourishing the five viscera, they must swear an oath over two golden zongrong pearls and guard these methods closely. Anyone who breaks the oath or reveals the secret methods must be dealt with according to the provisions of the “Method of the Four Extremities of the Divine Continent.”

On the night of the fourth day of the tenth month in the seventh year of the Yonghe era of Jin, a year marked Xinhai, I received the Central Scripture of the Nine Zhen and the “Secret Words of the Eight Ways” from Lord Liu, and observed the prescribed purification and oath-taking rites.

The Supreme Curved-Silk Five-Phase Secret Talisman was written by the Left Immortal Lord of Taiji.

The Supreme One told the Imperial Lord of the Golden Towers, the Sage of Later Generations: “When primordial Qi divided, Heaven and Earth opened, and Yin and Yang each settled into their proper places, the ‘Three and Five’ became the governing framework, and the wondrous laws were established.”

The Supreme Curved-Silk Five-Phase Secret Talisman was written by the Left Immortal Lord of Taiji.

The Supreme One told the Imperial Lord of the Golden Towers, the Sage of Later Generations: “When primordial Qi divided, Heaven and Earth opened, and Yin and Yang each settled into their proper places, the ‘Three and Five’ became the governing framework and the wondrous laws were established. The Six Jia—the system of cyclical stem-branch spirits used in Daoism—was instituted, and the Five Phases came into being. Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth govern the central region. Through the action of Qi, they generate one another, blend together, and form the true Dao.

“Later seekers of the Dao and immortality who do not understand the Dao’s source, but only practice visualization in stillness, will labor in vain and wear down body and mind. Even if they cultivate for a long time, they will find no response, and the Dao they hope for will remain distant. To seek the root, one must return to the source. If one loses the source while seeking long life, one will ultimately fall short.

“Now I wish to copy the jade writings of the ancient Heavenly Emperors and disclose them to you. You must choose a worthy person to receive them. These methods are precious and secret, and must not be spoken of casually. They must be received and practiced in accordance with the clearly prescribed precepts.”

The Secret Text of the Great Highest on the Five Phases came into being together with Heaven and Earth. It governs and unites the many immortals and all kinds of perfected spirits, and rules over every deity. Without the Five Phases, the sun, moon, and stars could not shine brightly; mountains would collapse and fall without them; and the human body would decay and perish. Thus the Five Phases mingle with and depend on one another to bring things into being. If you sincerely seek the Dao, you should seek its true names. Having received this method, you can share a common root with Heaven and Earth. By calling the Hun and summoning the Po, you can preserve your life and command the spirits. After nine years of practice, it is said, you can rise to become a High Immortal.

Those who receive the Qusu formula and instructions—the Daoist secret incantations and texts—and study the way of the Highest Zhen should learn the names of the parent deities of the Five Phases, including their hidden names. By visualizing these deities, they can summon the Hun and restrain the Po, keep the Hun and Po enduring, and bring all the true spirits back to the palaces within the body to guard it. In this way, they can recover self-awareness. Those who practice according to these instructions can roam freely in the Jade Purity Heaven, the highest heaven in Daoism, and unite with Qi (vital energy) to become perfected.

To practice this Daoist method, enter a quiet room on a Jia or Yi day, burn incense, and face east as you visualize the two deities, Father Jia and Mother Yi. Father Jia is named Qingying. He wears a dark crown adorned with nine mysterious green jewels, a robe of kingfisher feathers, and holds a green essence talisman for preserving life. Mother Yi is named Haoxian. Her hair is arranged in a cloudlike hanging coiffure; she wears a flying-green brocade skirt and holds a cinnabar-rosy talisman of transformation and birth. After the two deities give you their mysterious talismans, click your teeth nine times and recite:

“True Lord Father and Mother, you transform and give life as the two spirits. Three and Five return to the true, joining in mystery with the Origin. Outside, draw in wandering souls; within, strengthen the essence of the Po. Dwell forever in the palace; never leave my form. Forever with the Three Origins, preserve me together in Jade Purity.”

When you have finished reciting, swallow the talisman, click your teeth nine times, and swallow the saliva in your mouth in three portions. Then stop. After nine years of practice, it is said, you will be able to perceive limitless things, see and hear at a distance, and know good and ill fortune in advance.

On Bing days and Ding days, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and face south. Visualize the divine beings Bing Father and Ding Mother. Bing Father’s secret name is Shuhu. He wears a vermilion crown of precious stones that reaches to Heaven, is dressed in a dark red ceremonial robe, and holds the secret talisman of Vermilion Radiance for protecting the body and prolonging life. Ding Mother’s secret name is Naling. Her hair is arranged in a flying-cloud coiffure, she wears a crimson gauze skirt that seems to float, and she holds the secret talisman of Central Plain Yellow Essence. Visualize the two divine beings coming to your side and giving you the talismans. Then call each being by their inner secret name three times and recite the incantation:

“Yin and Yang transform; the two lights give birth to the Real. Jade Spirit returns the soul, restrains the Po, and steadies the spirit. Three and Five merge as one; may they never leave my body. May I be protected as the sun and moon endure, and may the three lights meet with the dawn.”

When you have finished reciting, swallow the talisman. Then knock your teeth together nine times and swallow the breath three times. Practice this way for eight years, and the Real Spirits will descend to meet you, arriving in a cloud chariot.

On Wu days and Ji days, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and face southwest. Visualize the divine beings Wu Father and Ji Mother. Wu Father’s secret name is Changyu. He wears a dark crown of yellow splendor and the Three Treasures, is dressed in a yellow ceremonial robe, and holds the secret talisman of the Central Origin for transcending fate. Ji Mother’s secret name is Laisheng. Her hair is arranged in a drooping-cloud coiffure with two hornlike peaks, she wears a yellow brocade skirt that seems to float, and she holds the secret talisman of the Golden Rhinoceros of natural spontaneity. Visualize the two divine beings coming to your side and giving you the talismans. Then call each being by their inner secret name three times and recite the incantation:

“The Central Origin’s mysterious order governs the four directions. It transforms and generates the Five Qi, which merge in the chamber of the sovereign. It restrains the Hun and governs the Po, joining them in harmony with the body. May I endure as Heaven and Earth, passing through kalpas without end.”

When you have finished reciting, swallow the talisman. Then knock your teeth together nine times and swallow saliva three times. Practice this way for twelve years, and you will see clearly in all eight directions; your body will transform into golden light, and you will ascend through the void into the boundless sky.

On a Geng or Xin day, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and face west. Visualize the two true deities, Father Geng and Mother Xin. Father Geng is named Qiming. He wears a dark jade crown adorned with the Nine Primordials, is dressed in a plain feather robe, and holds the secret talisman of the Plain Spirit for summoning deities and preserving life. Mother Xin is named Deshen. Her hair is arranged in a flying-cloud coiffure, she wears a plain silk flying skirt, and she holds the secret talisman of Dark Yin for giving form and ascending transformation. Visualize the two deities coming before you and giving you their talismans. Then call each deity by their inner name three times and recite the incantation:

The Qi of Metal Essence flows in mysterious currents, condensing into the Qi of the Nine Spirits. True Qi flows and mingles, nourishing my body, settling my hun and po, and guarding Huangning. When hungry, I feed on the Three Primordials; when thirsty, I drink Jade Essence. Riding the Qi of emptiness, I travel and roam, resting and feasting in the Purple Court.

When you have finished, swallow the talisman, knock your teeth together nine times, and swallow the Qi three times. Practice in this way for six years, and you will be able to ascend on clouds, travel through the morning light high in the sky, and enter and leave the Purple Chamber.

On a Ren or Gui day, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and face north. Visualize the two true deities, Father Ren and Mother Gui. Father Ren is named Shuoling. He wears a Dark Dawn crown, is dressed in a black silk tunic, and holds the secret talisman of Communing with the Spirits for Long Life. Mother Gui is named Falou. Her hair is arranged in a drooping-cloud coiffure, she wears a dark silk flying skirt, and she holds the secret talisman of Flying Immortals and Ascending Transformation. Visualize the two deities coming before you and giving you their talismans. Then call each deity by their inner name three times and recite the invocation:

Above are the Nine Primordials, transforming and generating Yin and Yang. The Five Phases interweave and move; the Qi of Metal is strong, yet turns back. The precious radiance of the Three Dawns shines upon me, crowning me and clothing me. The Qi of the five colors flows; may the Heavenly Gate open for me, so that I ascend to Jade Clarity and enter and leave the dwelling of the sovereign.

When you have finished, swallow the talisman, knock your teeth together nine times, and swallow the Qi nine times. Practice for five years, and you will be able to perceive what lies in boundless distances, know good and ill fortune in advance, fly while riding the Qi of emptiness, and ascend into the morning light high in the sky.

On the first day of the first month of the first year of Shangling, the Six Primordial Cycles converged in a shared celebration of good fortune. It was a Jiazi day, and the hour of Chen. The Heavenly King of Primordial Beginning and the Great Emperor Lord rode together in a purple carriage borne by azure clouds and rushing winds. They ascended to the cliffs of the Nine Mysteries, a realm beyond color. Wandering through the grotto-heavens, they roamed at ease in the realm of Primordial Beginning, gazing freely and stretching their bodies as they pleased, while riding a floating wheel in serene leisure.

At that moment, a blue bird flew in with a purple document in its beak and alighted beside the jade carriage. The two lords received the scriptures recorded within: the Jade Pendant and Golden Clapper, as well as The Great Ultimate Golden Book, The Mysterious Truth of Grotto Flight, and The Precious Scripture of the Two Luminaries. They swore an oath to Heaven with objects of gold and azure, accepting instruction from the High Perfected Ones. They cast gold into tablets and inscribed them with numinous writings. They asked the Mother of Turtles to hold the brush and Taiyi to dust the mats and seats. Then they placed the tablets in a brocade bag woven of clouds and stored it in a luxuriant chest, sealing it with the seal of the Three Primordial Ones of Jade Clarity. They entrusted it to the Old Lord of the Immortal Capital and the feather-robed attendants of the immortals, who kept it in the Mysterious Cloud Feather Chamber of the Jade Terrace of Great Simplicity.

“Jade Pendant” is a title for the soul essence of the Nine Heavens. Above the Nine Heavens, it is also called “Morning Lamp,” and is known as The Supreme Hidden Mystery’s Precious Register of Grotto Flight. It lies in the Great Empyrean of the Hall of Jade Clarity, formed from the Qi of Azure Yang. Its numinous radiance shines across the Nine Heavens, appearing a hazy blue and illuminating the Terrace of the Three Primordial Ones. Its color is like azure jade and its shape like the full moon. Within it are the empty, mysterious Jade Terrace and a purple palace, where the Emperor Lord of Soul Essence dwells at the center. The Hidden Books of the Great Empyrean says that the Jade Pendant is a document from the Southern Gallery of the Mysterious Terrace.

The scripture says that those who seek long life should begin with themselves. The moon’s radiance and essence, and the sun’s rosy light and essence, must both be visualized within the body. The left hand carries the Jade Pendant, while the right holds the Golden Clapper. The two luminaries of sun and moon are brought together, calming the paired spirits within the body. One may rise above to Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) and reach below to the Ten Directions, firmly abiding in the Mysterious Truth and strengthening the numinous root. The body’s numinous beings, such as the Mysterious Valley and Flowering Infant, are nourished, while precious Qi lying deep within is infused and illuminated. Through visualization and breathwork, practitioners absorb the essences of moon and sun and thereby enter the Gate of Heaven. The Golden Clapper receives them above, while the Jade Pendant guards the aperture. Azure and white are clearly distinct, together reflecting the Muddy Pellet, the upper Dantian in the head.

To cultivate this method, one must seal in the “precious fluid” to preserve Jing and Qi and soften the body, while having the “Three Lords” guard it. The Three Lords wear red skirts, ornate robes embroidered with pearls, and blue silk skirts. They wear ornaments symbolizing the sun and moon at their waists, and purple crowns on their heads. They sit upright in the Hall of Light (the chamber of the deities within the body). In secret, they draw support from the Seven Primordials (deities associated with the human body and the stars), use the Yellow Court’s Wu and Ji (directions and powers representing the central palace in Daoist internal cultivation) to guard the source of malign influences, and respectfully command the three ancient deities Wu Ying, Bai Yuan, and Tao Kang.

They guard the Gate of Life within me, keep the Five Palaces (the divine chambers of the body’s five organs) clear, and bring joy to the souls. They also breathe in and out the Qi of the Six Palaces, driving away the hundred illnesses and dispelling cold and heat. The two radiances of the sun and moon intertwine within the body, and the myriad spirits rejoice. Understand and cultivate this scripture, and you will be able to ascend to the Southern Pavilion. Holding the Golden Bell and Jade Pendants (ritual implements symbolizing Daoist methods), you will dwell amid the mysterious radiance of the Eight Effulgences, share the spiritual essence of the Nine Heavens, and cultivate in the abode of the Mysterious Mother. Yin Qi nourishes you and Yang Qi guides you; your complexion becomes luminous and bright, and your appearance radiant. Your rank is inscribed in the Elixir Chamber, and your name entered in the palace of the Heavenly Emperor. After cultivating for three cycles of nine periods, you will harmonize with the movements of Heaven and Earth.

This precious text of the Jade Pendants is a scripture of the Mysterious Truth of the Supreme Ultimate. All who cultivate it can fly through the Great Void and roam the Nine Heavens of Purity. Their names are entered on white tablets, and their identities registered by Donghua. The Queen Mother of the West ordered this text to be carved and placed in a chamber at the Mysterious Garden on Mount Kunlun. Those without a pure and empty nature cannot see or cultivate this method.

To ascend to the Nine Heavens of Purity and attend the banquet at the Southern Pavilion, summon the deity of the Jade Pendants in the Hall of Light, draw the deity of the Golden Bell into the Muddy Pellet (the divine chamber within the head), then use the light of the morning lamp to summon the True Soul and invite the deity of Flying Radiance to come to the side of the Emperor Lord. This method should be practiced regularly at night, just before sleep: place both hands over the heart, close the eyes, and visualize the blue Yang Qi of the Jade Pendants. Let its radiance become perfectly whole, like the full moon, as its numinous light shines upon you and permeates the entire body.

The Imperial Lord of the Soul Essence is surnamed Kaiming. He is nine inches tall, wears a purple crown and an ornate robe embroidered with pearls, and is dressed in a blue silk skirt. At his waist he wears ornaments symbolizing the sun and moon. He rides a blue bird, surrounded by blue radiance, and descends upon the practitioner to settle in the Muddy Pellet. The practitioner should click the teeth nine times, swallow saliva twenty-seven times, and then silently recite the Yin Incantation.

The Primordial Mystery Spirit and the Soul Essence of the Nine Heavens appear in a radiant light like the morning glow. Gathering pure, azure Qi, they are called the “Jade Pendant.” They penetrate and illuminate the realm of Great Brightness, carrying the moon and holding the sun in their mouths. They bear talismans and bells, while splendid colors of light flow and shimmer, making the whole sky deep and still. Riding through the air and driving the wind, they travel in a vermilion carriage beneath a purple canopy. They first survey the Three Primordial Ones, then return and descend into my body, guarding the Muddy Pellet Palace, the dwelling place of spirits in the head, before moving down to the Yellow Court, where spirits are preserved and Qi refined within the body.

They restrain the hun and po souls, bringing all ghosts to rest; link the Qi pathways of the Five Viscera and brighten the Nine Orifices; and cause the Qi of the Eight Luminaries to rise, ascending at last to Jade Clarity, the subtle heaven of Daoism. When the ritual is complete, rub the palms together until warm, then wipe the eyes fourteen times, swallow the Qi three times, and lie down. Practicing in this way calms the hun and po, and keeps the many spirits guarding the body. It strengthens numinous Qi within and repels malign Qi from without, transforms the Qi of the Eight Luminaries, and refines the true body into an immortal.

After nine years of practice, one can perceive the hidden realms and foresee what has yet to occur, freely manifest while sitting or standing, and see spirits face to face. After eighteen years, the Dao is realized, the True Spirit descends, and one ascends to Highest Clarity. Without learning this method, the three hun cannot remain settled, and the seven po cannot find peace. The Three Corpses—impure beings believed in Daoism to dwell in the body and obstruct cultivation—stir and fly about; the Nine Worms, a general term for internal parasites or impurities, scurry in alarm. They assault and disturb the body, drawing malign Qi into communion with vital essence, scattering the spirit and Qi so that the body cannot be purified. Swallowing saliva in vain will only deplete the breath and squander one’s innate numinosity. Whoever obtains this Dao can cultivate longevity. Cherish it, practice it carefully and keep it secret: how could life then decline so easily?

The “Golden Chime” is the soul-spirit of the Nine Heavens. Above the Nine Heavens, it is also called “Rainbow Radiance,” and is known as the true spirit within the Yin Radiance of the Canopy of Blossoms in Highest Clarity. It dwells in the Highest Clarity Hall, within the Great Empyrean, and is formed from condensed white vapor. Its numinous light shines across the Nine Heavens; its white radiance is bright, and it can see through Highest Clarity. Its color resembles white clouds, and its shape resembles a jade mountain. Above it stands the Palace of Jade Groves, where the Emperor Lord of Soul-Spirits resides.

The Hidden Book of the Great Empyrean says that the Scripture of the Golden Chime is kept within the Northern Gallery of the Mysterious Terrace. The scripture says: “To cultivate oneself into a flying immortal, one should cultivate the soul-spirit. The soul-spirit, the essence of the hun, and the Nine Heavens came into being together. The two luminaries of the sun and moon intertwine, and the two divine spirits shine with penetrating brilliance. Turn the Golden Chime to the right and the Jade Bell to the left; let their radiance spread through the Purple Void and illuminate Highest Clarity. Fly upward to the Supreme Ultimate and descend to the Eight Darknesses. Firmly preserve the Mysterious Truth and protect the Flowering Infant. Let the Qi of the sun and moon nourish you in alternation, and let the Mysterious Valley gradually fill.

“The jade pendant and Golden Chime, distinct in blue and white, guard my Luminous Hall, bringing calm to the hun and stillness to the po. This is called the Canopy of Blossoms. The Emperor Spirit of the Nine Heavens wears a purple embroidered pearl cape and a light gauze vermilion skirt, with the sun tied at the waist and the moon held in the mouth. Wearing a crown of Flowering Essence, the spirit sits at ease within the Luminous Hall. It nourishes the Flowering Infant with Yin Qi, lets the Qi of the sun and moon nourish it in alternation, and gradually fills the Mysterious Valley. The jade pendant and Golden Chime, distinct in blue and white, guard my Luminous Hall, bringing calm to the hun and stillness to the po. This is called the Canopy of Blossoms. The Emperor Spirit of the Nine Heavens takes the Seven Stars as its Yin protection. From above descend the three aged Lord Emperors, Lingfan, Wuyou, and Huangning, who strengthen my path to long life and make the breath flow freely through the stomach, intestines, Six Organs, and Five Courts. Rainbow Radiance coils around the body, and the myriad spirits guard its form. Those who obtain and cultivate this scripture can ascend to Highest Clarity.”

This precious text of the Golden Chime is an inner, essential formula within the Yin Radiance of Highest Clarity. All who cultivate it can ascend among the clouds and rosy mists, roam through the Supreme Ultimate, dwell in the Nine Heavens, and travel within the Purple Void. The Queen Mother of the West ordered that the scripture be engraved on the shaded side of the piled stones of Mount Kunlun. Without the Mysterious Diagram, the Emperor’s Tablets, and the writing recorded at the Cinnabar Terrace, it cannot be seen.

To ascend above the Nine Rosy Mists and move freely within Highest Clarity, one must turn the Golden Chime in the Muddy Pellet Palace (the spirit chamber inside the head) and summon the Jade Pendant in the Luminous Hall (the inner palace visualized in meditation), bringing down the Canopy of Blossoms and Rainbow Radiance and inviting the Emperor Lord of Flying Radiance. Each day at cockcrow, before dawn, click the teeth twenty-four times. Visualize the Golden Chime emitting vapor like white clouds, its radiance bright as a jade mountain and shining upon your body until it is translucent throughout. The Emperor Lord of Soul-Spirits, surnamed Hui and named Jian Yuan, is nine inches tall. Wearing a flowering crown, a purple embroidered pearl cape, and a flying gauze vermilion skirt, with the sun tied at the waist and the moon held in the mouth, the lord rides a white-plumed luan bird and descends upon the practitioner amid white light, entering the Luminous Hall. Then draw in and swallow the breath twenty-four times, and silently recite the incantation:

The vital energy of the soul from the Nine Heavens is the supreme divine spirit beneath the throne of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. Its radiance is like a rainbow, lofty and bright, shining upon the white Jade Mountain. This spirit is called “Golden Bell” and is a deity of the Celestial Emperor. It commands the sun and moon, rides swiftly upon a white phoenix, ascends to the Jade Clarity realm to attend a banquet, and moves among the Three Primordials—the Daoist realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water. Pray for it to descend again into my body, settle and guard the numinous pass, gather in the hun and po souls, bring peace and joy to all the gods, enliven the Qi of the five viscera, and make my face clear and beautiful as jade. Then may I ride the clouds, soar aloft, and ascend to the realm of Imperial Dawn.

After reciting, rub your palms together until warm and wipe your forehead fourteen times. Then rub and press behind both eyes twenty-eight times, and swallow your saliva twenty-eight times. That completes the practice. In this way, the divine light of Golden Bell shines down and the Sovereign stabilizes and guards you, bringing all the gods into one body and causing radiance to arise within it. After nine years of practice, you will be able to ascend by flight to Highest Clarity.

On the first day of the month, a Jiazi day, a Tai Sui day, or your birth-year day, observe a purification fast and enter a quiet chamber. On blue paper, write in white the words “Nine Heavens’ Soul Essence, Great Empyrean Yin Talisman.” At midnight, face east, click your teeth twenty-four times, and recite the Golden Bell Scripture once. At the same time, visualize the white Qi and radiance emitted by Golden Bell, bright as Jade Mountain, its numinous light shining upon you and filling your whole body. Then draw the white light into your body and swallow twenty-four times. Next, consume the Great Empyrean Yin Talisman and softly recite the incantation:

“Seven clouds of dark Yin, essence of the soul from the Nine Heavens; Jade Mountain shines bright, rainbow light reflects upon Highest Clarity. Golden Bell and jade pendants, born together with Heaven; the two luminaries, sun and moon, entwine and descend into my body. At the Cinnabar Terrace, let documents be presented and recorded; inscribe my immortal name in purple, so that I may ride the flying chariot. The Qi of flowing yellow spreads in deep and boundless currents; I soar through the air and ascend to Dongting, there to enjoy the infinite and share in Heaven’s numinous wonder.”

After reciting, rub your palms together until warm and wipe your forehead twenty-seven times. Touch the outer side of each eye with your hands fourteen times, then swallow the Qi twenty-one times. That completes the practice.

The Record of the Various Grottoes of Huayang says: “The yellow-robed boy is a divine official wearing a jade pendant and a golden bell. When you sit upright, someone often appears indistinctly, sitting with you. That is the Perfected of Taiji, who may appear and depart from time to time. Those who cultivate and put into practice the Scripture of the Jade Pendant and Golden Bell will naturally be able to summon the Perfected of Taiji. The scripture says, ‘Consume the essence of the Nine Numinous Suns and Moons, and you will be able to descend to the House of Taiji.’ This is what it means.

When cultivating the Way of Taixiao—the cultivation methods of the Taixiao tradition—and practicing visualization of the golden bell and jade pendant, one should also cultivate the essences of the sun and moon to refine and nourish the spirits of the Five Embryos, the five inner spirits. This will summon the Five Emperors within the sun and the Five Ladies within the moon. The mysterious radiance of the sun and moon’s two luminaries will shine upon you and descend into you, giving your face the sheen of jade and your body a wondrous radiance. You will become clear and luminous within and without, with a keen mind and clear vision. In this way, you can wield the jade pendant and set the golden bell in motion. The sovereigns within your hun and po souls will dwell in your body, and the rainbow-colored radiance that appears at dawn like lamplight can then lift you up at once.

Flowing-Gold Fire Bell (with the Great Blessing for Shaking Might)

The Flowing-Gold Fire Bell is the circular halo that appears around the Great Lord of the Dao, the Highest One, when he travels and feasts. It stirs the might of the Nine Heavens above and, below…

This passage recounts the origins of the divine talisman called the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell, the rules governing its transmission, and the powers gained by wearing it.

When the Three Heavens were established as orthodox and the wicked methods of the Six Heavens abolished, the Dao Lord of Mysterious Radiance and Spiritual Illumination—who manifested as a radiant light—sent a beam from the crown of his head, illuminating the eight directions for four hundred thousand li. This divine script was transmitted to the Celestial Lord of Taiwei, who stored it in the Jade Chamber of the Jade Palace. Its spiritual light shone brilliantly over Shangqing, the Daoist realm of the highest heavens. Flying dragons and venomous beasts guarded its flanks, while purple clouds and mysterious radiance covered the palace above. Three hundred Maidens of Jade Radiance and three hundred Youths of Golden Perfection watched over the sacred text, filling the empty court with fragrance. After seven thousand years, the divine script transformed into five talismans whose radiance reached the eight directions. Officials of the Five Directional Camps were therefore appointed to guard them.

The Celestial Lord of Taiwei transmitted the divine script to the Dao Lord of the Rear Sage at the Golden Palace. The Rear Sage then passed it to the Lord of the Azure Youth, the High Minister, who bestowed it upon those who had perfected themselves, attained the status of perfected beings, and received permission to wear it and travel through Shangqing. A cultivator who lacks the aureole at the crown of the head, symbolized by the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell, cannot ascend to the heavens where the sun, moon, and stars shine. Those with immortal bones whose names are recorded in the Azure Palace—the register of immortals—may receive this text and wear it when they travel. All the holy immortal officials of the heavens and earth, the four seas, and the Five Sacred Peaks will bow their heads to welcome them. The Three Primordial Heavens will immediately dispatch thirty-six Jade Maidens and Jade Youths to protect them. After wearing the talisman for nine years, they will be able to ride the Jade Carriage of Eight Radiances, a splendid conveyance of the heavens, and fly through the vast sky.

The Flowing-Gold Fire Bell is the essence of the Nine Stars, and is also called the “aureole”; it symbolizes the might of the Most High. It came into being before the Nine Heavens were formed, coalescing from original Qi into a divine script. Its brilliant radiance shone throughout the ten directions. Suspended above the head of the Most High, it transformed after seven thousand years into five bell-shaped divine talismans, which then descended from the hidden and mysterious realm to the Celestial Lord of Taiwei. These talismans can cow the demon spirits of the eight heavenly regions. Arrayed in the Court of Rosy Clouds, they command all spirits beneath the heavens. The Lord of the Great Dao kept this secret method in safekeeping and instructed the divine beings responsible for the perfected ones in each region to watch over it closely and forbid its careless disclosure.

Only those endowed with the capacity to become perfected immortals may wear this talisman. Anyone who violates the Mysterious Regulations—the Daoist precepts and rules of transmission—by handing it casually to someone unqualified, or by treating the divine script with disrespect, will bring punishment upon seven generations of ancestors. The master who transmitted it will also be sentenced to serve as a spirit official. The talisman should be written in cinnabar on purple silk measuring two feet and two inches, then worn on the head. Those who have an immortal’s name in the registers and the bones of an immortal, and are permitted to receive and wear this text, are destined from a previous life to become immortals. When wearing the talisman and coming and going, they should often visualize an aureole above their heads, shining as far as four hundred thousand li. If, for nine years, they devote themselves single-mindedly to the Real, observe pure abstinence, and maintain their resolve, they will draw down the perfected spirits. The aureole will then appear of its own accord, enabling them to fly through the air and to transcend the mortal world, their body and spirit vanishing whether they sit or stand.

Visualize and wear the “Flowing-Gold Fire Bell,” a ritual implement used in Daoist ceremonies for protection and to clear the way. When traveling to places near or far, passing through dangerous locations, or encountering illness or calamity, visualize the true light guarding you and opening a path ahead.

When setting out, face the direction you intend to travel. Knock your left teeth fourteen times and swallow Qi thirty-six times. Then visualize the destination’s mountains, forests, plants, people, animals, and deities appearing clearly and coming to pay homage to you. Next, visualize the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) spreading over your head, your left eye transforming into a shooting star, and your right eye into a flash of lightning. The light from both eyes blazes: the starlight of your left eye shines ninety thousand li ahead, opening the road along the way. Mountains, forests, plants, people, houses, soldiers, bandits, and ghostly influences all vanish without a trace, and the roads in every direction lie wide open.

Then recite the invocation:

“The way ahead is opened, the way behind closed; Heaven is level and Earth raised. The Divine Lord travels forth, and the roads in all four directions stand open. May Heaven and Earth make a bridge for me, so that the eight directions—before and behind, left and right—are all accessible. I cast a shooting star to my left and send forth a flash of lightning to my right. Flowing fire shines for ten thousand li; what demon or evil spirit would dare obstruct me? The Great One (Taiyi), a revered Daoist deity, dispatches divine generals to escort me, and the myriad spirits come to welcome me. Wherever I go, all is auspicious. Riding the clouds and traversing the void, I ascend into the heavens.”

When you have finished reciting the invocation, draw the vital essence of both eyes back to their respective places. Then take seven breaths from each side, left and right, and swallow them. By following this method, one can brave dangers and hardships, drive out ghosts, and subdue enemies; the Qi employed never fails to respond, and its power swiftly sweeps everything away. This method is exceptionally subtle and must not be transmitted casually. It may be passed on only orally from master to disciple, and must be treated with great care.

The Five Talismans of the Five Emperors’ Flowing Bells—Daoist talismans corresponding to the spirits of the five directions—are said to possess great power. They can subdue evil demons beyond the celestial realm and summon the spirits of the five directions. Above, they correspond to the Five Dawn Stars, the Shen Mansion, the Luo Mansion, and the seven stars of the Northern Dipper; below, they correspond to the human body. This should be understood, and they must be used with care.

The power of the Five Talismans of the Five Emperors’ Flowing Bells can extend everywhere, throughout Heaven and Earth; it can perceive what lies in the deepest darkness and illuminate even the tiniest things. When a talisman is present, light appears; when it is cast forth, its might is stirred into action. Before wearing one, the practitioner must receive the oral formula from their master. If, while in the world, one encounters a place haunted by evil ghosts, one should perform the rite for invoking might: face north, hold the breath for twelve breaths, and imagine the Qi of the five directions covering the body, within and without. When all becomes dark and nothing can be seen, click the teeth thirty-six times, then swallow the Qi of the five directions, three times for each direction, allowing the breath to enter the body slowly. At the same time, visualize one’s eyes shining like shooting stars, their light illuminating the five directions. Then recite the invocation:

“Seven Essences of the Celestial Origin, Flowing Bells of the Five Emperors,

Flash forth, hurling lightning, swift as stars racing across the sky.

Your radiance shines in all ten directions, revealing the true forms of ghosts.

What petty demon could stand against me at the gate of life?

The Most High has issued a command: slay without distinction.

Cut open the liver and gut the belly; sever the ghosts and destroy their essence.

By the thousands they are crushed; by the tens of thousands they are cast down.

The divine might speaks this invocation; none escape its grasp.”

After reciting it, swallow the Qi thirty-six times. By reciting the invocation in this way, the divine officials of the five directions will protect the practitioner, swiftly seize and destroy ghosts, gather the numinous Qi of the place, bind it, and bring it before the divine court. It is said that reciting the invocation three times will even annihilate the king of ghosts.

When entering the Five Sacred Peaks, traveling through mountains and rivers, or passing through dangerous terrain, click the left teeth thirty-six times five paces before reaching the place. For example, when going to the Eastern Peak, visualize the Azure Emperor of the East, Xilin Zhu, and his nine thousand divine officials guarding you in front, behind, to the left, and to the right…

When at the Eastern Peak (Mount Tai), visualize the officials of the Azure Emperor, the deity of the East, numbering eight thousand, guarding you before and behind. Then let azure clouds cover your head and body. When going to the Southern Peak (Mount Heng), visualize the eight thousand officials of Dan Xuanzi, the Red Emperor, deity of the South, guarding you before and behind, then let crimson clouds cover your body.

When going to the Western Peak (Mount Hua), visualize the six thousand spirit officials of Shaohao, the White Emperor, deity of the West, guarding you before and behind, then let white clouds cover your body. When going to the Northern Peak (Mount Heng), visualize the five thousand officials of Xuanming, the Black Emperor, deity of the North, guarding you before and behind, then let black clouds cover your body. When going to the Central Peak (Mount Song), visualize the twelve thousand officials of the Yellow Emperor, deity of the Center, who holds the Central Origin, guarding you before and behind, then let yellow clouds cover your body.

After completing the visualization, recite the prayer text.

The Qi of the Primordial Origin shines forth. The Seven Stars gather subtle essence, while the stellar spirits of the Five Bushels guard me like a canopy, circling and shielding my body. Clouds of five-colored radiance dance and mingle together. I wear the Seven Primordials—the vital energies represented by the Northern Dipper’s seven stars—and the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell, a Daoist ritual implement or symbol of divine might, flashes and flies forth. Its light reaches everywhere, illuminating even the distant edge of the sky with a deep, shadowy brilliance. The divine officials of the Five Emperors command the celestial troops to subdue the countless ghosts and spirits of the mountains, rivers, and earth. They all bow their heads and submit to restraint, revealing their true forms. They are pursued and struck down from before and behind, without pause.

After reciting “The Fire Bell Is Complete,” recite the passage beginning “Flashing and Hurling Without Limit”; its meaning is the same as above. It is said that once the ritual is complete, the demons of the heavens vanish, while the myriad ghosts come to pay homage. The practitioner can travel among the Five Sacred Peaks and pass through mountains and rivers, no longer troubled by tests or attacks from malign forces. The immortal officials of the Five Sacred Peaks will even bring the Five Mushrooms and Jade Blossoms—immortal medicines and precious numinous treasures—to nourish the practitioner.

If you are caught in warfare or among bandits, or face sudden danger, tap your teeth on the right side twelve times. At the same time, visualize the Northern Dipper’s seven stars covering you, their subtle radiance shining through your whole body and protecting you on every side. Then visualize your liver transforming into Jupiter and appearing on your left; your lungs transforming into Venus and appearing on your right; your heart transforming into Mars and appearing before you; your kidneys transforming into Mercury and appearing behind you; and your spleen transforming into Saturn and appearing before your chest. Let the vital essences of the Five Planets circle around your body, before and behind. Then visualize the Seven Stars covering and guarding your whole body, their mysterious light shining in every direction. Next, visualize the divine officials of the Five Emperors guarding you on your left and right. At this moment, you are within the Dipper’s Ladle—the front section of the Northern Dipper—and beneath the Five Planets.

The invocation says:

Heaven is my roof; Earth is my couch. The Five Sacred Peaks and the rivers and mountains are my bridges. The primordial essence of the Mysterious Dipper is my clothing. I conceal myself within the Seven Primordials, in the realm of flowing fire. Taiyi Wuyou guides me across; Baiyuan Wuying escorts me along the way. Calamities cannot trouble me, and weapons cannot harm me. May my body ascend to the celestial palace of the Nine Elders in the Golden Gate.

It is said that when facing hardship and near death, practicing in this way can bring one out of danger.

On the third day of the third lunar month and the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, those facing grave danger, with life nearly at an end, may find release.

On either date, bathe in water flowing eastward and burn incense beside you. After bathing and burning incense, face the direction where the royal qi is located, bow twice, and silently recite:

“Supreme High Perfected Ones, numinous spirits of the Ninefold Essence, make me a flying immortal. Raise me to the Purple Court, dwelling place of immortals, and bathe me in the Flower Pool. Let my body and spirit become clear and pure, my Jing and Qi flow through the Great Void, and my Five Organs grow naturally.”

First True Method: At dawn, place both hands on your knees, hold your breath, and close your eyes. Turn your inner vision toward the Lord of Heavenly Essence, dressed in red and wearing a vermilion crown, seated within your heart. He exhales purple Qi from his mouth, which circles nine times around the outside of your heart. Then knock your teeth together nine times, swallow your saliva nine times, and pray:

“Great Lord of Heavenly Essence, please come into my heart. You wear a red robe and a vermilion crown, carry a divine talisman at your left side and a tiger pattern at your right, and breathe forth purple radiance. Nourish my heart and settle my spirit, so that my heart may grow naturally and I may become a flying immortal.”

Second True Method: At the hour of the Dragon (7 to 9 a.m.), place your hands as described above. Envision the Lord of Firm Jade, dressed in plain white and wearing a white crown, entering and sitting among the bones throughout your body. As you envision him, let his form appear and disappear; do not fix on a particular location. He exhales white Qi from his mouth, which circles nine times around your bones. Then knock your teeth together nine times, swallow your saliva nine times, and pray:

“Great Lord of Firm Jade, please enter my bones. You wear a plain white robe and a white crown, carry dragon script at your left side and a golden perfected one at your right, and breathe forth white Qi. Make my bones firm and my sinews strong; let my bones be imperishable and my sinews never weaken. Let radiance arise in every joint of my body, so that I may become a flying immortal.”

Here, “inner visualization” refers to the practice of visualization in Daoist inner cultivation. “Knocking the teeth” and “swallowing saliva” are cultivation practices coordinated with breathing and intention.

The Third Zhen: At the hour of the Snake (9 to 11 a.m.), press your hands according to the prescribed method while visualizing Lord Yuansheng, the deity who governs the blood vessels and bodily fluids. He wears yellow robes and a purple crown, moving through the blood vessels and bodily fluids. From his mouth he exhales yellow Qi, which winds around and protects the body’s pores and vessels in nine layers. Then click the teeth nine times, keeping the visualization continuous. This brings vitality to all the joints and helps you become a flying immortal.

Next, click the teeth nine times and swallow the bodily fluids nine times, then offer this prayer:

Great Lord Yuansheng, please move throughout my body and pour your power into the vital points of my blood vessels. You wear yellow robes and a purple crown, carry a tiger tally at your left side and a dragon text at your right, and exhale yellow bodily fluids from your mouth. Make my blood vessels strong and restore what is depleted; fill me with abundant Jing and Qi, and ample bodily fluids. Let the Nine Spirits dwell peacefully within me, so that I may become a flying immortal and unite with Heaven and Earth.

The Fourth Zhen: At the hour of the Horse (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), press your hands according to the prescribed method while visualizing Lord Qingming, the deity who governs the liver. He wears blue-green robes and an emerald crown, and sits within the liver. From his mouth he exhales blue-green Qi, which circles the liver in nine layers. Then click the teeth nine times, swallow the bodily fluids nine times, and offer this prayer:

Great Lord Qingming, please enter my liver. You wear blue-green robes and an emerald crown, carry a tiger insignia at your left side and a dragon design at your right, and exhale blue-green Qi from your mouth. Nourish the liver and guide the spirit and Qi, so that the Qi stored in the liver may arise naturally. Raise me to become a celestial immortal. May the Great One (Taiyi), a supreme deity in Daoism, protect my Jing and Qi and settle my Hun and Po.

The Fifth Zhen: At the hour of the Goat (1 to 3 p.m.), press your hands according to the prescribed method while visualizing Lord Yangguang, the deity who governs the spleen. He wears green robes and a lotus crown, and sits within the spleen. From his mouth he exhales green Qi, which circles the spleen in nine layers. Then click the teeth nine times, swallow the bodily fluids nine times, and offer this prayer:

Great God Yangguang, please enter my spleen. You wear green robes and a lotus crown, carry a jade bell at your left side and a divine emblem of authority at your right, and exhale green radiance from your mouth. Nourish the spleen and nurture the Hun and Po, so that the Qi stored in the spleen may arise naturally and raise me to become a perfected person, one who has attained the Dao and become perfected.

The sixth True One is practiced during the hour of Shen (3 to 5 p.m.). Press the hands according to the prescribed method while visualizing Lord Baiyuan, the spirit who governs the lungs, dressed in a robe patterned with dragons and wearing a Yellow Morning Radiance crown. He sits within the lungs and exhales five-colored Qi, which circles the lungs in nine layers. Then click the teeth nine times, swallow the saliva nine times, and recite the invocation:

Great Lord Baiyuan, please come and sit within the lungs. You wear a dragon robe and a Yellow Morning Radiance crown, with a mysterious text at your left side and tiger markings at your right. You exhale the five Qi from your mouth, regulating lung Qi and harmonizing the fluids. The Qi of the lungs naturally becomes full, helping me ascend to the realm of immortals.

The seventh True One is practiced during the hour of You (5 to 7 p.m.). Press the hands according to the prescribed method while visualizing Lord Xuanyang, the spirit who governs the kidneys, dressed in purple and wearing a hibiscus crown. He takes the form of a divine being and enters both kidneys, then exhales blue-green Qi, which circles the kidneys in nine layers. Then click the teeth nine times, swallow the saliva nine times, and recite the invocation:

Great Lord Xuanyang, please enter the kidneys and sit at ease. You wear purple robes and a hibiscus crown, with a dragon talisman at your left side and phoenix markings at your right. You exhale blue-green luminous Qi from your mouth, nourishing the kidneys’ numinous roots. The Qi of the kidneys naturally becomes full, enabling me to become a flying immortal and ascend northward to the Mysterious Gate, the wondrous portal where immortals dwell, then roam freely through the heavens.

The eighth True One is practiced during the hours of Xu and Hai (7 to 11 p.m.). Press the hands according to the prescribed method while visualizing Lord Hanjing, the spirit who governs the gallbladder, dressed in brocade and wearing a purple crown. He sits within the gallbladder and exhales five-colored Qi, which circles the gallbladder in nine layers. Then click the teeth nine times, swallow the saliva nine times, and recite the invocation:

Great Spirit Hanjing, please come and sit within the gallbladder. You wear brocade robes and a purple crown, with divine radiance at your left side and Jade Perfection at your right. You exhale the five Qi from your mouth, nourishing the gallbladder’s Qi and strengthening the hun-souls, harmonizing Jing and Qi, replenishing the blood, regulating the fluids, and protecting the body, so that I may ascend to heaven and become a flying immortal.

At midnight, follow the prescribed method: place your hands and regulate your breathing. Visualize Lord Wuying, a name of a spirit within the body, wearing a robe patterned with dragons and phoenixes and a purple radiance crown, seated in the inner chamber—the spirit chamber in the brain. He exhales purple Qi, which circles the head nine times. He exhales purple Qi again, circling both the inside and outside of the eyes nine times each, then the tongue nine times and the teeth nine times. Do this for four rounds in all. With each round, the exhaled Qi circles each part in turn and then gathers together. Next, tap the teeth thirty-six times and swallow the saliva thirty-six times, then recite:

“Lord Ancestor of Heavenly Flourishing, primal spirit of the sovereign, guard the Purple Chamber and dwell in the Mudball Palace, the region in the middle of the brain. Within the Yellow Gate and Golden Chamber, you gather as the Nine Perfected. You wear a dragon robe and phoenix mantle, and a purple radiance crown edged in blue. You hold a yellow talisman and wear a splendid crown; a golden ornament hangs at your left, tiger markings at your right, and the sun and moon support your feet. You exhale purple mist, which circles the teeth and tongue; with pure Qi, you water the eyes. Bring forth cinnabar Qi and let numinous Qi enter; call the Po souls and summon back the Hun souls. Gather and refine the essence-Qi, strengthen embryonic breathing, and bring enduring peace to the four quarters of Heaven and Earth. At last, ascend to the Heaven of Great Subtlety and take your place among the ranks of the immortal officials.”

After forty years of cultivating the Way of the Nine Perfected, the Five Organs will naturally flourish, and the practitioner may ascend to the realm of Highest Clarity. Those who live quietly in the mountains for a long time may also practice this each day.

Instructions for Ascending the Mystery

On the first, third, or fifth day of each month, around midmorning (approximately the hour of the Snake), or at midnight, enter a room and sit upright facing north. Place your hands and settle your breathing; keep your eyes slightly closed. Visualize the Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper as purple, with the Dipper’s cord red; their size may be imagined as you wish. Suddenly, the nine stars enter the Mudball Palace in your head. The Dipper’s bowl faces upward, and its handle points forward. Within the bowl is a demon spirit named Qijian, styled Linggang. He wears a purple feathered mantle and a cinnabar brocade skirt, a hibiscus crown, and holds a flowing bell. He sits facing outward. After visualizing for a while, swallow saliva fifty times and tap your teeth nine times. Press the middle finger of your left hand between your eyebrows and quietly recite:

“Supreme One, revered as the Purple Radiance of the Nine Penetrations: the floral canopy falls seven times, turning its radiance toward the myriad dawns. In its motion, it directs the high spirits; in stillness, it harmonizes the luminous clouds, causing the Qi of Yin and Yang to flow and permeate. Swallow the three Qi fifty times and tap the teeth nine times…”

The original repeats phrases here, including “swallow the saliva fifty times, tap the teeth nine times,” and the invocation itself is incomplete after “the Qi of Yin and Yang flow and permeate”; the translation follows the text as it survives.

The supreme “Venerable One of the Ninefold Passage of Purple Radiance,” a title of a Daoist high deity, reveals his layered canopies, whose radiance shines back across the stars in every direction. He arrives in the lofty realm of the spirits. In stillness, he joins with auspicious clouds, allowing Yin-Yang energies to flow and fill the space, while the three primordial energies are harmonized within his body. His spirit roams without limit, and his light illuminates the heavens.

At the appointed hour, invite him to descend into the Mudball Palace, the upper Dantian in the head. The primordial essence of the body gathers and responds, transforming into a great deity named “Qijian,” with the courtesy name “Linggang.”

Sit upright and visualize the deity within the Dipper, traveling through your own Hall of Light, the inner chamber in the head. The deity wears a purple mantle like phoenix feathers and a vermilion robe of tiger-patterned brocade. A jade ornament hangs at his left side, a golden bell at his right waist, and he holds a flowing bell in his hand. On his head is a headdress that emits divine light. Visualize him exhaling Qi to nourish your vital essence, bringing peace to the Mudball Palace and gathering and harmonizing the hun and po souls. Within your body, he establishes splendid pillars and beams to aid you in becoming a flying immortal, transcending the void and ascending to Shangqing, the Daoist realm of immortals. There you ride tigers and dragons, pay homage to the Jade Emperor and the high officials of the Jade Grove in the north, then turn west to pay your respects to Taisu, a Daoist immortal realm or honored deity.

Next, place your hands in position and regulate your breathing. Swallow your saliva thirty times, knock your teeth together nine times, recite the invocation, then rise. Face north and bow twice, then turn west and bow. The visualization, swallowing of saliva, and teeth-knocking described here belong to Daoist inner visualization and internal cultivation practices. “Swallowing the liquid” usually means swallowing the saliva in the mouth.

On the seventh, ninth, or thirteenth day, during the late morning hour of Yuzhong, approximately nine to eleven o’clock, you may also enter the chamber to practice at midnight. Sit upright facing north, position your hands and steady your breathing, and close your eyes slightly. Visualize the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper descending into the Crimson Palace in your heart, the inner chamber where the heart resides. The Dipper’s bowl points downward and outward, while its handle points upward. Within the bowl is a deity named “Xuandu,” with the courtesy name “Sukang.” He wears a crimson feather mantle, a dragon belt, and a tiger-patterned robe. On his head is a Fuchen crown, a round halo encircles his neck, and he sits facing outward.

After visualizing for a while, swallow saliva fifty times and knock your teeth together nine times. Then gently press and rub with the index finger of your right hand, silently reciting the invocation in your heart:

The Supreme Purple True Nine Qi embodies myriad transformations. The Celestial Pivot, the hub of the stars’ movement, shines brilliantly; rosy clouds flow and gleam, illuminating the Jade Clarity Heaven. The wondrous heavenly canopy covers the stars. From it, Yin and Yang divide and take shape; the harmonious Qi of the four directions converges and descends, while the Seven Luminaries move in accordance with their courses. On each auspicious day at the beginning of the month, divine light shines upon the courtyard of the heart. Flying light descends and visions appear. The Qi of the Central Origin fills the body, the six internal organs open, and the body’s vital fluids flow in harmony. The hun and po souls are restrained and refined, bringing forth the vital essence of the Real. When resonance reaches its utmost, it can set transformations in motion, giving rise to countless things and stars.

When Yin and Yang divide, the four harmonies descend and converge, and the Seven Luminaries move in their proper courses; when divine light on an auspicious day shines upon the courtyard of the heart, flying light descends and visions appear, the Central Origin fills the body, the six internal organs open, the vital fluids flow in harmony, and the hun and po souls are refined, the true essence is obtained. Resonance then sets transformation in motion, and all these transformations are accomplished.

Suddenly, I see a great spirit seated in a quiet chamber, regulating his breath and facing his vital fluids. Every joint in his body loosens and opens. He climbs upon the Northern Dipper’s ladle and gazes far across the four directions. This spirit is named Xuan Du, with the courtesy name Su Kang. He wears crimson feathered robes and an ornate cape, a belt patterned with dragons, and tiger-patterned clothing. Precious light fills his body, and a halo shines behind his neck. On his head is a Flying Dawn Lotus Crown, its ornaments hanging low and swaying. He makes me a flying immortal, lifting me beyond the ordinary into the vast sky. I ascend to the Purple Palace and pay homage to the Jade Emperor in the north. I can command the myriad spirits, and all the numinous beings come to welcome me. Radiant colors arise in my heart; auspicious clouds flourish without end. The phoenix flute sounds clear and high, and the luan-bird mouth organ rings out.

Then press the hands together again and swallow the vital fluids thirty times. Knock the teeth nine times, recite the invocation, then rise and bow twice facing south.

On the fifteenth, nineteenth, and twenty-third days of each month, during late morning, around nine to eleven o’clock, or at midnight, enter a chamber and sit upright facing north. Press the hands together and regulate the breath, with the eyes almost closed. Visualize the nine stars of the Northern Dipper entering the Dantian below the navel. Imagine the Dipper’s ladle below, pointing outward, and its handle pointing upward. At the center of the ladle sits a spirit named Kang Meng, with the courtesy name Liu Yu. He wears a yellow feathered cap, a dragon-patterned robe, and a tiger-patterned belt, along with a green mugwort crown, and sits facing outward. After holding this visualization quietly for a while, swallow the vital fluids sixty times and knock the teeth nine times. Then press the middle finger of the left hand against the philtrum below the nose and recite the invocation:

The Supreme Purple Sovereign—the highest spirit of the Purple Tenuity—shines with brilliant light, illuminating the center. Splendid radiance fills the nine directions, pierces the Great Rosy Clouds, and draws the gaze of the myriad spirits, who receive its protection; the thousand gods each settle in their proper place. The divine light shines sevenfold, and fragrant clouds of mist bloom in nine layers. Yang Qi is restrained and made to flow smoothly; Yin Qi is brought under control and harmonized.

The divine light illuminates the ritual ground, revealing the mysterious root and the myriad things. Now, at the auspicious beginning of the month, contemplate the light shining within the navel, purple Qi rising into the clouds, and flying rays streaming down in every direction. Use this to refine and nourish my hun and po souls, so that vital essence surrounds and flourishes within me. Suddenly, see a great god, seated in the upper palace, noble and wondrously numinous. His name is Kang Meng, and his courtesy name is Liu Yu. He sits upright in the navel, riding the nine breaths of the Northern Dipper. He breathes in and out clouds and fluid essence, harmonizes the blood and Qi, and regulates the stomach and bowels.

He wears a yellow cloak of phoenix feathers, a dragon-patterned robe, and a tiger-patterned belt. In his hand he holds the Sun’s Root; on his head he wears a green lotus crown, and at his waist hangs a bell of flowing fire. His radiance flashes like lightning and shines without limit. He makes me a flying immortal, carrying me beyond the dusty void to travel through the emptiness, rising into the Jade Chamber—the palace of the immortals—to wander among the distant heavens, command the myriad gods, and endure as long as Heaven and Earth. Then press the hands together again, swallow the saliva thirty times, click the teeth nine times, recite the invocation, and rise. Next recite: “In my hand I hold the Sun’s Root; on my head I wear a green lotus crown; at my waist hangs a bell of flowing fire, whose radiance flashes like lightning and shines without limit. He makes me a flying immortal, carrying me beyond the dusty void to travel through the emptiness, rising into the Jade Chamber to wander among the distant heavens, command the myriad gods, and endure as long as Heaven and Earth.” Press the hands together again, swallow the saliva thirty times, click the teeth nine times, recite the invocation, and rise. Then face the direction associated with your birth year and bow twice.

On each of the eight seasonal nodes—the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—enter a quiet chamber at midnight. Sit upright facing north, press the hands together, regulate the breath, and close the eyes to contemplate within. Imagine yourself slowly rising and flying into the Northern Dipper’s bowl; through sustained contemplation, feel as though you are already within it. Then contemplate the three divine beings, memorizing their names, garments, and appearances. They look like infants and sit with you; you bow to them. Next, contemplate the Jade Consort of the Dipper, the goddess within the Northern Dipper, named Mi Hua, with the courtesy name Lin Qian. She wears a brocade shawl and a radiant skirt patterned with phoenixes, and a purple lotus crown. Sitting before you, she exhales purple smoke, which enters your heart. After a little while, swallow saliva eighty times, click the teeth nine times, place the left hand over the heart, and softly recite the prayer:

The Supreme One’s elixir spirit appears, its mysterious radiance flashing swiftly and brightly. The ninefold Crimson Palace opens, and its brilliance and pure Qi spread clear and still. The darkness of dawn is illuminated; the sun, moon, and stars shine resplendently, and the paired luminaries of sun and moon reveal their light. Yin and Yang are thereby made distinct, the four seasons flourish in their turning, the Cloud Ford—the channels through which fluids circulate within the body—revolves and pours forth, and the Qi of the Eight Seasonal Nodes opens.

The practitioner rises to the Nine Heavens and climbs the Celestial Net by way of the Dipper stars. After paying homage to the Three Mornings—the Daoist divine beings of the sun, moon, and stars—the practitioner asks why they remain bound to the human world and cannot ascend to immortality. I immediately bow my head, filled with reverence, and reflect on my earlier practice. The majesty of the Celestial Emperor appears: he holds the sun’s vital essence in his mouth, breaks through the Six Heavens on his left, and tramples Mount Feng on his right. The fiery brilliance of the Flowing Bell rises upward, and the demons scatter and are destroyed.

The Celestial Emperor then harmonizes my hun and po souls and strengthens my Three Hun. He conceals the light of the Dipper within my body, while the nine kinds of vital essence settle within my heart. Purple clouds shine around me, and soaring radiance stretches for ten thousand zhang. The Celestial Emperor harmonizes and restrains my souls and spirits, and refines and nourishes the Six Embryos—a Daoist teaching about inner forms of life—so that Jing and Qi respond, transform, and leap into motion. The Jade Consort suddenly appears, seated within my heart, bending forward and gazing upward. Her name is Mihua, her courtesy name Linqian. She exhales and inhales crimson Qi, bringing harmony to the Qi in every joint and channel of my body. She wears a brocade cape and a skirt patterned with phoenix and luan-bird radiance, a tiger-patterned talisman and register at her waist, and dragon-patterned jade ornaments. She holds the moon’s radiance in her hand and wears a purple crown. Ascending through the Great Empyrean, she rides a splendor that veils the heavens.

She writes my name into the Great Simplicity, the celestial register of Daoism. I thereby become a Flying Immortal, pass beyond Mount Kongtong, and ride jade-like radiance and Qi to the Great Origin. I ascend to the Vermilion Chamber, command the assembled spirits, and govern the balance of the two degrees. Afterward, I regain the face of an infant. The Northern Emperor sends down lightning-like radiance; the Southern Emperor reveals flames; the Eastern Emperor opens bright light, while thunder booms and shakes the heavens. The spirits of the West flow together in harmony, sounding answering music. I leap and rise four times, pay audience to the Jade Perfected, then ride the Qi of the Eight Radiances, roaming and feasting among the clouds and mists of the Nine Heavens.

Afterward, press the hands together and swallow saliva thirty times. Click the teeth nine times, pray again, then rise and bow twice toward the northwest. Practicing this method, “The Nine Perfected Ascend to the Mysterious and Visualize the Nine Emperors,” for fourteen years enables one to transcend the void and ascend to the Highest Clarity. Those who live long in the mountains and practice in stillness may perform this method every day.

◎ Instructions for Practice in the Fangzhu Grotto Chamber

At dusk, lie flat with the pillow level, and raise the left hand slightly…

At night, lie on your back with your head level. Raise your left hand slightly and let your right hand rest naturally at your side. Compose your mind, then silently recite the invocation:

The vital essence of the first star is called “Mysterious Pivot.” May I become an immortal who flies, riding the void and soaring on floating clouds. (Visualize it inside the room, some distance in front of your left foot.)

The vital essence of the second star is called “Northern Womb.” May I become an immortal who flies and travels among the celestial grottoes and immortal terraces. (Next, visualize it below you, in front of your left hand, as though you were holding it.)

The vital essence of the third star is called “Supreme True One.” May I become an immortal who flies and governs the Three Mysteries. (Next, visualize it below you, beneath your head.)

The vital essence of the fourth star is called “Jade Root.” May I become an immortal who flies and has my name entered in the jade register. (Next, visualize it below you, in front of your right hand, as though you were holding it. Arrange the stars in the shape of the Dipper’s bowl.)

The vital essence of the fifth star is called “Heavenly Balance.” May I become an immortal who flies and ascend to the Shangqing realm. (Visualize it to the right of the Jade Root star.)

The vital essence of the sixth star is called “Fate’s Mechanism.” May I become an immortal who flies and have my name listed in the Taiwei Palace. (Visualize it to the right of the Heavenly Balance star.)

The vital essence of the seventh star is called “Mysterious Yang.” May I become an immortal who flies and can command jade attendants. (Visualize it to the right of the Fate’s Mechanism star.)

The vital essence of the eighth star is called “High Supreme Jade Emperor.” May I become an immortal who flies and ascend to the hall of the Later Sage. (Visualize it below you, near the front of your right foot, in the center of the Dipper’s bowl; connect it by its star position to the Jade Root star.)

The vital essence of the ninth star is called “Taiwei Lord.” May I become an immortal who flies and enter the jade chamber of Cinnabar Radiance. (Visualize it below you, in front of your left foot, inside the first star; connect it by its star position to the High Supreme Jade Emperor star.)

After completing the nine invocations, carefully visualize the positions of the stars until they are clear and arranged in the shape of a Dipper: the first, fifth, and seventh stars correspond to one another, as do the second, fourth, and sixth. Then lie peacefully within this star formation, click your teeth twenty-one times, and silently recite the invocation:

Ninefold stellar essence—the vital energy of the Northern Dipper’s nine stars—and the True Lord of the North Pole, grant me abundant essence and energy, so that my fetal origin may be firm and my Three Hun souls strong. Let me draw the radiance of the sun on my left and gather the essence of the moon on my right. Yellow light from the stars and lodges, Yellow Truth from the Primordial Void, make me a Flying Immortal, rising amid purple clouds. The jade talisman formed from concentrated spirit and energy should guard the Gate of Life, where vital energy enters and leaves and life is sustained. Let all evil spirits submit in accordance with the law, and let me receive the form of the Dipper Lord.

Next, visualize the Dipper stars. Separate a portion of their essence and transform it into the shape of a small Dipper, which enters through the Dipper’s Gate into the Inner Chamber, the inner space within the body where divine beings are visualized. On either side of the Dipper’s handle, within the Dipper’s Ladle, are the souls of the Yellow Elder Lord, dressed in splendid yellow embroidered robes and seated in the center. Your own soul, wearing clothes of the same color you usually wear, sits on the right. The Red Child, a childlike form symbolizing the pure original spirit within the body, wears red embroidered robes and sits on the left. Both the Yellow Elder Lord and the Red Child appear as infants. Let the Dipper stars’ radiant essence shine through your whole body, so that the five viscera, inner organs, and every joint and limb glow a vivid red. Pray:

“Primordial essence of the Inner Chamber, supremely exalted Red Child, may the radiance of the Northern Dipper descend like a jeweled canopy and illuminate my Mudball Palace, the spirit abode within the head. Use precious essence and energy to refine my bones and blood; subdue my Po soul and bind my Hun soul, so that I may become a Flying Immortal, ride the clouds to Heaven, and at dawn attend the Jade Emperor and the Supreme Primordial Lord.”

When visualizing on the first day of the month, also visualize the six stars of the Northern Pole. Let them rise from between the stars of the True Pivot and line up on the right. Then visualize the twenty-two stars of the Flower Canopy, using eleven of them to form a connecting cord, with the true stars arranged on the right. During the abbreviated, slightly curved visualization, also visualize the six stars of the Northern Pole rising from between the stars of the True Pivot and lining up on the right. Visualize the twenty-two stars of the Flower Canopy, with eleven forming a connecting cord and the true stars arranged on the right. Their shape should be slightly curved: the eleven stars form a canopy, its front close to the Pass Star and its rear curve facing the Cord Star.

At dawn, just before rising, first click the teeth fourteen times and swallow the saliva fourteen times, then silently pray:

“Above the Celestial Origin, within the Northern Dipper, are seven youths. Upper Clarity Purple Essence resides within you; you wear splendid robes, bear a purple canopy upon your head, and dwell in the Mysterious Palace of Great Simplicity. May the spiritual energy of the Later Sage descend into your Inner Chamber, so that I may become a Flying Immortal and journey through the Golden Hall of the Supreme Ultimate.”

Practicing the Daoist method called the Grotto Chamber Way—a form of visualization and internal refinement—for seven years can remove one’s name from the registers of the dead and enter it in the celestial registers of immortals, where it is engraved in the Fangzhu Palace, an immortal abode in Daoist lore. After eighteen years of practice, the Nine Essences, symbolic celestial spirits, will descend in a cloud carriage to welcome the practitioner, who can then ascend to Heaven in broad daylight.

On the nights of the third and twenty-seventh of each month, one should often and quietly observe the so-called Eighth Emperor Star in the Dipper’s bowl: the High and Exalted Jade Emperor Spirit, Lord of the Eight Radiances. One should also observe the Ninth Venerable Star: the Spirit of the Jade Emperor of Taiwei, Lord of the Seven Mornings of Great Simplicity. These stars shine with brilliant purple light and appear exceptionally bright when they manifest. When you see a star, call upon it by its name, bow twice, and knock your head to the ground, praying for its blessing. Seeing one star can add three hundred years to your life; seeing both can add six hundred. Keep this practice guarded and do not pass it on to others: it is a secret method of the Dao.

The Method of the Five Spirits in Action

At cockcrow, sit upright facing east and gently close your eyes. Visualize blue Qi coming from the sun and suddenly entering the Mudball Palace, the part of the brain described in Daoist internal cultivation. Within the Mudball Palace, two strands of blue smoke appear and emerge separately from the eyes, transforming into two childlike figures dressed in blue. The child from the left eye is named Flying Spirit and stands on the left side of the body; the one from the right eye is named Morning Infant and stands on the right. Each child exhales blue Qi, which circles the whole body and flows through it, inside and out. After concentrating on this visualization for a long time, knock the teeth together nine times and swallow saliva nine times, then pray softly:

“Supreme Spirit of the East, the sun’s Qi shines forth in blue radiance. At dawn it enters the Mudball Palace, refines and nourishes the brain, and preserves the body. Let the left transform and the right manifest, so that I may receive the name of one who has attained the Dao and ascend to attend court in the Purple Clarity of Great Simplicity, the celestial realm of the immortals.”

At noon, sit upright facing the sun, gently close your eyes, and hold the hands firmly in fists, with the thumbs tucked inside the palms, as in a Daoist cultivation gesture. Visualize two streams of red Qi flying from the sun and entering your hands separately. Then cover your mouth with your hands and pray:

“Supreme Spirit of the East, the sun’s Qi shines forth in blue radiance. At dawn it enters the Mudball Palace, refines and nourishes the brain, and preserves the body. Let the left transform and the right manifest, so that I may receive the name of one who has attained the Dao and ascend to attend court in the Purple Clarity of Great Simplicity.”

At noon, sit upright facing the sun with your eyes nearly closed, and form the Firm-Grasping Hand Seal, a Daoist hand gesture. Visualize two streams of red Qi flying from within the sun and entering the centers of your left and right palms. They transform into two red-robed youths, each like an infant: the one in your left hand is named Ansheng, “Settling Life,” and the one in your right is named Fangying, “Square Fulfillment.” Each youth exhales red Qi, pouring it into your mouth. After focusing on this visualization for a long time, click your teeth and swallow the saliva in your mouth, nine times each. Then softly recite:

The sun’s true and upright spirit

rides red clouds and drifting vapor.

Jade numina transform and are born,

drawing near to me.

Ansheng and Fangying,

spirits within the sun,

order and protect my body,

prolong my life for thousands upon thousands of years.

My whole body joins with the radiance;

I ascend to become a high-ranking immortal.

The invocation means: The sun’s divine spirits ride red clouds and vapor. The Jade numina transform and are born, drawing near to me. Ansheng and Fangying are spirits within the sun. They regulate and protect my body, prolong my life, and unite my whole being with the Qi of the immortals, so that I may ascend to become an immortal of high rank.

At dusk, sit upright facing the sun with your eyes nearly closed. Visualize two streams of white Qi flying from within the sun and entering the soles of your feet. They transform into two white dragons: the one on the left is named Biaojing, “Whirling Essence,” and the one on the right is named Xuting, “Sudden Pavilion.” Each dragon exhales white vapor, which enters my two nostrils and travels directly to my lungs. In my lungs lives a youth named Sumingzi, “Son of Pure Brightness,” who is like an infant and wears white robes. He emerges through my nostrils and stands at my right side, exhaling white vapor that envelops my face. After focusing on this visualization for a long time, click your teeth and swallow the saliva in your mouth, seven times each. Then softly recite:

Jade Emperor, Biao and Xu,

the two dragons descend at dawn.

They enter both my feet

and transform into life within me.

The youth Suming

turns and circles left and right,

harmonizing and gathering true Qi,

nourishing the five spirits.

He bears me upward

to the realm of the precious immortals of Great Purity.

The invocation means: The Qi of the Jade Emperor and the two dragons, Biao and Xu, descend and enter my feet, transforming into life within me. The youth Suming turns and circles to the left and right, harmonizing and gathering true Qi, nourishing the spirits of the Five Zang organs, and bearing me upward toward the realm of the precious immortals of Great Purity.

◎ Method for the Activities of the Twenty-Four Spirits

At dawn, sit upright, close your eyes, and turn your attention inward. Clasp your hands firmly and rest them on your knees. Click your teeth twenty-four times.

Next, visualize the spirit of the brain, named Jue Yuanzi, styled Dao Du, one cun and one fen tall, dressed in white. The spirit of the hair is named Xuan Wenhua, styled Dao Heng, two cun and one fen tall, dressed in black. The spirit of the skin is named Tong Zhongzhong, styled Dao Lian, one cun and one fen tall, dressed in yellow. The spirit of the eyes is named Jian Sheng, styled Dao Tong, three cun and five fen tall, dressed in blue-green. The spirit of the neck is named Ling Mougai, styled Dao Zhou, five cun tall, dressed in white. The spirit of the back is named Chong Yili Fu, styled Dao Zhu, three cun and five fen tall, dressed in plain white the color of jade. The spirit of the nose is named Chong Longyu, styled Dao Wei, two cun and five fen tall, dressed in blue-green, yellow, and white. The spirit of the ears is named Liang Zhi, styled Dao Qi, seven cun tall, dressed in red. Visualize them in order five times, allowing each spirit to settle in its proper place. Then click your teeth eight times and swallow the saliva in your mouth eight times.

Recite a prayer softly: “Eight Spirits of the Upper Realm—the eight body spirits who dwell in the upper regions—enter my body together, so that my form may vanish and transform, following change as it draws near the True Way. May a thousand chariots and ten thousand riders ascend together to the Imperial Dawn in Heaven; may the numinous spirits of the eight directions guard and shelter my body, and may Jade Radiance protect it. In a state of spiritual reverie, travel back and forth ten times, going straight to the Gate of the Sun.”

Then visualize these spirits again and call upon them three times. This completes the practice.

Next, visualize and invoke the deity of the throat, Bai Liufang, whose courtesy name is Daotong (in Daoist teaching, Bai Liufang is the deity of the throat, and Daotong is his courtesy name). He is eight inches tall and wears a nine-colored robe. The deity of the lungs is Su Lingsheng, courtesy name Daoping; he is eight inches and one fen tall and wears white. The deity of the heart is Huan Yangchang, courtesy name Daoming; he is nine inches tall and wears red. The deity of the liver is Kai Juntong, courtesy name Daoqing; he is six inches tall and wears green. The deity of the gallbladder is Long Deju, courtesy name Daofang; he is two inches and six fen tall and wears white. The deity of the heart is Huan Yangchang, courtesy name Daoming; he is nine inches tall and wears red. The deity of the liver is Kai Juntong, courtesy name Daoqing; he is six inches tall and wears green. The deity of the gallbladder is Long Deju, courtesy name Daofang; he is two inches and six fen tall and wears robes in green, yellow, and blue. The deity of the left kidney is Chun Yuanzhi, courtesy name Daoqing; he is three inches and seven fen tall and wears dark and white robes, whose colors change unpredictably. The deity of the right kidney is Xiang Ta Wu, courtesy name Daoyu; he is three inches and five fen tall and wears either white or black. The deity of the spleen is named Bao Yuanquan, courtesy name Daoqian; he is seven inches and three fen tall, and is pure yellow in color. Visualize all these deities three times, allowing each to dwell in its corresponding part of the body. Then tap the teeth nine times and swallow the saliva eight times. Tapping the teeth and swallowing saliva are common steps in Daoist visualization practice, used to accompany inner observation and breath regulation.

Recite the following prayer softly:

“The eight inner deities of the central realm undergo nine transformations and ascend nine times. Refine the souls, bring the body into proper form, and unite the luminous visions with radiance. May I ride together with the eight deities in one carriage, share in their dignity, lead a thousand chariots and ten thousand horsemen, and ascend together to Taiwei, the celestial star palace and abode of the immortals.”

Then visualize and invoke these deities three more times, and the practice is complete.

This is a passage from Daoist cunsi (inner visualization) practice: one sequentially visualizes in the mind and invokes eight internal body gods, beginning with the stomach, silently recalling their names, courtesy names, heights, and clothing colors so that each is settled in its place. The eight gods are: the stomach god, named Tong Laiyu, courtesy name Daozhan, seven cun (Chinese inches) tall, wearing yellow garments; the lower-intestine god, named Zhao Tengkang, courtesy name Daohuan, 2.4 cun tall, wearing yellow and red garments; the large and small intestine god, named Peng Songliu, courtesy name Daochu, 2.1 cun tall, wearing yellow garments; the god within the trunk (torso), named Shou Houbo, courtesy name Daoxu, 7.1 cun tall, wearing nine-colored garments; the chest-and-diaphragm god, named Guang Yingzhai, courtesy name Daozhong, five cun tall, wearing white garments; the god of the two flanks, named Bi Jiama, courtesy name Daocheng, 4.1 cun tall, wearing red and white garments; the god of the left testicle, named Fu Liuqi, courtesy name Daogui, 2.3 cun tall, wearing blue-green, yellow, and white garments; and the god of the right testicle, named Bao Biaoming, courtesy name Daosheng, 2.3 cun tall, wearing blue-green, yellow, and white garments. Visualizing and invoking them in this way three times lets the eight gods each settle in their place. Then one clicks the teeth (striking the upper and lower teeth together) eight times, swallows saliva (the fluids in the mouth) eight times, and softly intones the invocation: “Eight Gods of the Lower Region, diffuse your radiance and transform into spirits; purple vapor rises densely; embrace the primordial and guard the essence. Thus hun and po are settled, and true qi is calmed. A thousand chariots and ten thousand riders are joined with me. First go to Taishu (Great Simplicity), then bow northward to Shangqing (Highest Clarity).” The general meaning is: the eight gods of the lower part diffuse their radiance, transform and nurture spiritual dynamism, and cause purple vapor to rise densely; they contain and guard the primordial essence, settling the hun and po and calming true qi; many divine riders are with me; first one goes to Taishu, the Daoist realm of pristine simplicity and original beginning, and then bows northward to Shangqing, a Daoist heaven. After this, one again visualizes and invokes the eight gods three times and then stops.

Next, one visualizes and invokes the “Dao-One Inner God,” named Dun Wuma, courtesy name Daojisheng, 2.3 cun tall, wearing purple garments; one visualizes him three times and has him sit peacefully in the heart. Then one clicks the teeth thirty times, swallows saliva twenty-four times, and softly intones the invocation. In the invocation he is called “Inner Perfection of the Mysterious Above—Nourishing the Form, Attending the Dawn,” and his courtesy name is given overall as Daojisheng, 2.3 cun tall, wearing purple garments; one visualizes him three more times and has him sit peacefully in the heart, then again clicks the teeth thirty times, swallows saliva twenty-four times, and softly intones the invocation. This method combines visualizing the gods, clicking the teeth, swallowing saliva, and intoning invocations; its purpose is to settle the spirit, guard the essence, and calm and stabilize the hun and po and true qi.

The Mysterious Inner True One—the wondrous true spirit visualized in internal cultivation—governs the nurturing of the body and attends upon the morning light. It oversees the principles and ordinances, moving in sequence through the nine measures and eight revolutions. In this way, fluids flow forth and Jing and Qi are stored within; the many spirits are then harmonized and infused, the Five Organs shine with radiance, and the face grows young again, like a child’s. A thousand chariots and ten thousand horsemen will ascend to Heaven with me. I will attend court at the Great Celestial Steps and bow in greeting to the Jade Spirit, the divinity of the Jade Gate. After visualizing, call the spirit’s name three times; then the practice may end.

At midday and midnight, you may also visualize in the way described above. If you have many affairs to attend to and find it difficult to focus, at midday you may visualize the middle scene, and at midnight the lower scene. This is also acceptable. For the midnight visualization, remove your pillow, lie flat, form a firm grip by pressing your thumbs against the bases of your ring fingers, relax your body, and then concentrate on the visualization.

At midnight on the first, sixth, eleventh, sixteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-sixth days of each month, after completing the visualization, imagine a mass of white Qi the size of an egg between your eyes, before you. In a short while, it becomes two bright mirrors, each nine inches in diameter. One shines through your whole body from the front, the other from behind, illuminating also the twenty-four spirits within you, clear and distinct. After a little while, silently recite:

“Bright and mighty precious mirrors, divide forms and disperse into transformations; illuminate the original spirit and bring the myriad demons under control. Fly through Highest Clarity, clad in cloud robes; command a thousand spirits, seal off mountains, and summon the river gods.”

When you have finished, you may open your eyes.

You should also silently recite this often:

“Bright and mighty precious mirrors, divide forms and disperse into transformations; illuminate the original spirit and bring the myriad demons under control. Fly through Highest Clarity, clad in cloud robes; command a thousand spirits, seal off mountains, and summon the river gods.”

At noon on each Gengwu day, take a dou of clear water and place one zhu of true cinnabar—a red substance used in Daoist elixirs and cultivation—in it. Face the direction indicated by the earthly branch of the current month, and circle to the left three times seven, that is, twenty-one times. As you stir the water, recite:

“Mysterious waters flow with cinnabar essence, bringing forth light that shines in the eight directions. May the many spirits within my body come forth together and appear; may my gaze pierce ten thousand miles and reach the Nine Spirits.”

Then face east and wash your eyes fourteen times with this water. It is said that by practicing this over a long period, you can see the twenty-four spirits. After eighteen years of practicing the methods of the Five Spirits and the twenty-four spirits, a thousand chariots and ten thousand horsemen will come to welcome you and escort you to Purple Clarity, the lofty celestial realm of Daoist immortals.

◎ Instructions for the Activities of the Five Celestial Bodies

At midnight, remain quiet and still. You may sit or lie down, with your eyes gently closed. First, visualize the Star of Great White (Venus) at the Jade Pendant Purple Palace—one inch above the eyebrows and one inch inward. On a Yang day, visualize it on the left; on a Yin day, on the right. Next, visualize the Star of the Morning (Mercury) at the Mysterious Palace of the Celestial Center’s Imperial Lord: between the eyebrows, upward to a point five fen below the hairline, then one inch inward. Then visualize the Star of Fiery Delusion (Mars) at the Jade Gate Flowery Chamber, five fen beside the inner corner of the eye and five fen inward. On a Yang day, visualize it on the left; on a Yin day, on the right. Visualize the Year Star (Jupiter) at the Vermilion Terrace of the Grotto Palace, one inch behind the corner of the eye and one inch inward. On a Yang day, visualize it on the left; on a Yin day, on the right. Visualize the Star of Restraint (Saturn) at the Long Valley of the Golden Coffer and Yellow Chamber, at the center of the philtrum below the nose and two fen inward, as though a star were suspended above.

After visualizing for a while, let the Five Stars shine forth. Five-colored vapors surround the whole body, making it clear and radiant within and without; each color corresponds to the color of its star. Then click your teeth five times and swallow your saliva twenty-five times, while softly reciting this prayer:

“Within the Purple Palace of the High Origin are five divine beings. Precious stars spread their radiance and shine from the Gate of Balance. Their essence and Qi gather and give rise to an old man. He wears a purple headscarf, a green cloak, and a deep red skirt. A flowing bell hangs at his right side, and a Tiger True hangs at his left. He holds the Celestial Net, scattering red light as he ascends into the dawn sky. He treads upon the Flowery Canopy and breathes forth radiance to refine and nourish the body. The Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, stars, and other celestial lights—protect me, so that I may attain the Dao and become a perfected one. They nourish and guard my hun and po souls, so that I may ride the wind and fly as an immortal.”

After swallowing your saliva, visualize the old man again: he wears a purple headscarf, a green cloak, and a deep red skirt; a flowing bell hangs at his right side, and a Tiger True at his left. He holds the Celestial Net, scattering red light as he ascends into the dawn sky, treads upon the Flowery Canopy, and breathes forth radiance to refine and nourish the body. The Three Luminaries protect me, so that I may attain the Dao and become a perfected one; they nourish and guard my hun and po souls, so that I may ride the wind and fly as an immortal. Then swallow your saliva three times and click your teeth three times. If you have another wish, you may voice it after the prayer.

Each of these five places is about one inch square. At its center is a star the size of a pellet, shining inward so that everything within appears clear and transparent. At cockcrow, visualize the sun and moon appearing in the Palace of the Six Unions—the inner palace where the sun and moon meet Heaven and Earth. The sun is on the left and the moon on the right, their light shining through the body. They are in the corners above the eyes. Raise your head slightly and visualize them hanging high in the sky, joined to the Palace of the Six Unions. As you tap your teeth, imagine hearing four tremors within. This place lies one inch inward and is about nine-tenths of an inch square. Tap your teeth seven times and swallow the saliva nine times, then pray:

“Great Radiant Spirit, ninefold and lush with azure. Summon the rosy clouds and gather in their radiance. Pour it into and refine the forms of the five organs, set the Palace of the Six Unions in motion, and bring the seven spirits into harmony and rest. Make me a Flying Immortal, ascending to the realm of Highest Clarity.”

This formula was transmitted by the Lady of the South Pole to the Supreme High Perfected—the revered deities of Daoism. It is called “The Twin Luminaries” and belongs to the hidden methods of cultivation. If you practice the method of the Five Luminaries and Twin Luminaries for fifteen years, the Elders of the Five Directions will descend to welcome you, and together you will ascend to the Purple Court, the realm of the immortals.

The above concerns the Twenty-Four Spirits of the Five Luminaries and comprises five formulas.

Formula for Returning to the Origin

At midnight on a Dingmao day, sit upright on your bed facing north. Rest your hands on your lap, close your eyes, and tap your teeth seven times. Then look upward in meditation and visualize the Big Dipper shining brightly in the north. After a while, pray softly:

“First Great Star, Dark Pivot, Yang Brightness, Celestial Pivot, Soul Spirit, Lord of the Highest Mystery”—the name of the deity associated with the soul spirit among the seven stars of the Big Dipper. Repeat this seven times. May all the yang offenses and yin transgressions I have accumulated from my seven previous lives through this present life be dispelled. May my wishes be fulfilled and all things go smoothly.

“Step forth and fly across the seven stars, reaching to Heaven. Let my name be engraved among the stars of the Dipper, and my life endure for hundreds of millions of years.”

Visualize the Star of Yang Brightness flying out from the Big Dipper and entering your mouth. Its light swirls outward and spreads, reaching your heart and making the inside and outside of your body clear and bright. During the visualization, sense that the Star of Yang Brightness is missing from the seven stars, while the other stars remain suspended between Heaven and Earth. This serves as confirmation.

At midnight on a Dingchou day, proceed in the same way as above and pray softly:

The Second Yuan Star, the second star among the Big Dipper’s seven stars, is the Lord Above Jade of the Northern Pole’s Yin Essence, Heavenly Pivot, and Soul Spirit. Pray that all secret sins and public transgressions accumulated from the seven generations before you through your present life be released and completely erased. May the Six Qi be full and the Four Spirits still and empty; may you fly among the Seven Yuan, have your name entered in the Jade Book, ascend to Purple Clarity, the Daoist realm of pure heights, ride a wondrous, mysterious carriage, travel in and out smoothly and uprightly, and accord with the Dao of Heaven.

Visualize the Yin Essence Star flying from the Big Dipper into your mouth and reaching your lungs, illuminating both inside and outside your body.

At midnight on the Dinghai day, follow the method described earlier and pray softly:

The Third True Star, the Lord Above Purity of the Northern Pole’s Perfected One, Heavenly Pivot, and Po Essence, is asked to release you from the sins committed in life and the transgressions committed after death, from the time of your ancestors seven generations ago through your present life. May your accumulated evil deeds, concealed acts, and offenses against the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water—all of them Daoist deities who govern these realms—be completely erased. May your eyes grow bright and see clearly, discerning what is deep and hidden; may you fly among the Seven Yuan, have your name entered in Highest Clarity, the Daoist realm of pure emptiness, command the spirits, ascend to the Jade Court, ride the sunlight through the sky, and unite with Heaven.

Visualize the Perfected One Star flying into your mouth and reaching your liver. Then face north, bow again, and pray to command the spirits, ascend to the Jade Court, ride the sunlight through the sky, and unite with Heaven.

Visualize the Perfected One Star again flying into your mouth and reaching your liver. Then face north, bow again, and swallow the saliva in your mouth nine times. You may also perform the bows in your mind alone.

At midnight on the Dingyou day, follow the method described earlier and pray softly:

The Fourth Niu Star, the fourth star among the Big Dipper’s seven stars, is the Lord Above Emptiness of the Jade Pivot’s Mysterious Darkness and Po Essence. Pray that the sins accumulated from the seven generations before you through your present life be released and erased, including ingratitude, lack of De, inhumanity, unfilial conduct, and secret wrongdoing. However countless the sins—millions upon millions—may they all be wiped away. May daily gains gradually come through consuming and receiving essence, a Daoist term for gathering vital essence in cultivation; may you ascend by flight among the Seven Yuan, have your name engraved in the Great Mystery, take your place above among the Jade Emperor’s ranks, ride the wind across the Nine Heavens, command the spirits, and renew yourself with the sun and moon.

Visualize the Mysterious Darkness Star flying into your mouth and reaching your spleen. Swallow the saliva in your mouth fourteen times.

At midnight on a Dingwei day, follow the method given earlier and pray softly:

“Fifth Guiding Star, Heavenly Balance, Elixir Origin, Jade Balance, Lord of the Soul and Phantoms, Dark Emperor” (the name of a star deity; recite it seven times). “May you remove all the inner and outer defilements and offenses I have accumulated from my past seven lives through this present life, along with the faults hidden deep within and without. However many there may be—tens of millions, hundreds of millions, or trillions—and even those recorded at the gates of the netherworld, please erase them all. May my body become strong and full, my original Qi abundant, and yellow Qi guard my stomach. May the Palace of Purple Radiance of Great Simplicity appear above my head, with a Jade Maiden serving on my right and a Jade Youth on my left. May the radiance of the sun and moon shine upon me, and may I take my place among the True Kings.”

Visualize the Elixir Origin Star flying into your mouth and entering your stomach. Swallow your saliva eighteen times.

At midnight on a Dingsi day, follow the method given earlier and pray softly:

“Sixth Cycle Star, Fate Mechanism, Northern Pole, Opening Yang, Lord of the Soul and Phantoms, Supreme Elixir, Empty Lord” (the name of a star deity; recite it seven times). “May you remove all the offenses I have committed and deeds I have done from my past seven lives through this present life, including treachery, rebellion, disorder, and reckless conduct, as well as the charges recorded in the Palace of the Heavenly Emperor. Please destroy them all. May every illness be cured and my body and breath become harmonious and unobstructed. May my name be registered at the Immortal Terrace and engraved in the Golden Register of Highest Clarity, so that I may command the myriad spirits and fly through the light.”

Visualize the Northern Pole Star flying into your mouth and entering your kidneys: on a Yang day, visualize it entering the left kidney; on a Yin day, the right. Swallow your saliva fourteen times.

At the end of each month, after midnight and before the cock crows, face east and sit upright on your bed, resting your palms in place. Knock your teeth together seven times. Visualize the stars flying into your mouth and entering your kidneys: on a Yang day, the left kidney; on a Yin day, the right. Swallow your saliva fourteen times.

At the end of each month, after midnight and before the cock crows, face east and sit upright on your bed, resting your palms in place. Knock your teeth together seven times. Look upward and visualize the seven stars of the north shining brightly. After a while, pray softly:

The seventh is the Gate Star, the Yaoguang Star, titled the Lord of the Way, Supreme Sovereign of Great Clarity at the Mysterious Yang Heavenly Gate of Yaoguang. Recite the invocation seven times in succession, praying that the sins secretly concealed by you since seven generations past be erased, and that all the countless spirits associated with the five sins and five forms within your body, wherever they are recorded in the registers of the Northern Emperor’s ghost officials, may have their karmic offenses extinguished. Pray that the spirit and Qi within you become lucid and unobstructed, so that you may sit upright and let your spirit roam, or lie still and forget both body and spirit; that you hear no sounds of the mundane world, and that purple light arise in your eyes. May you be entered in the Jade Register of Great Simplicity, perceive the forms of ghosts and spirits, have your name inscribed in the celestial emperor’s canon, live as long as the sun and moon, fly among the Seven Origins, and dwell in peace in the Purple Court.

Visualize the Heavenly Gate Star flying into your pupils: on a yang day, see it enter the left eye; on a yin day, the right. Let its radiance shine through both eyes, illuminating you from within and without, and clearly visualize the five viscera.

At midnight on a Jia day, sit or lie on your bed, facing in any direction. Clench your hands firmly, tucking your thumbs into your palms, then hold your breath and concentrate your spirit. After a while, click your teeth together nine times. Visualize the nine stars of the Northern Dipper shining brightly above your head, their rays interweaving, then recite:

The Eighth Imperial Star, titled the Lord of the Divine Eight Luminaries of the High Jade Emperor; the Ninth Venerable Star, titled the Lord of the Divine Seven Spirits of Great Simplicity, the Jade Emperor of the Great Tenuity. Recite the invocation nine times in succession, praying that all the sins committed by you, great or small, from the time of your great-grandparents nine generations ago through your own life be erased, and that all those whose names appear in the register of the dead be spared. Pray also that the countless sins committed in secret through wrongdoing, concealment, and deceit be erased, wherever they are listed among the death offenses of the Ghost Emperor of Mount Feng and entered in the Black Register of the Perfected of the Nine Origins of the Northern Pole. Entreat the Supreme Sovereign of the Primordial Origin of the Nine Heavens, the Venerable King Xuan, to make all these offenses vanish. Pray that you may fly along the Seven Paths, ascend to Jade Clarity, roam freely through the Great Void, be born amid the dawn light, and feast in peace in the realm of the Eight Simplicities. May you shine alongside the sun and moon, preside over audiences with the True Consorts, and command the myriad spirits.

Visualize the Imperial Star and the Venerable Star flying into the Niwan Palace, the upper Dantian in the head. Let them illuminate the five viscera, opening a passage through the body from within to without and giving rise to purple light.

Swallow your saliva twenty-seven times, in three sets of nine. If a Jia or Ding day coincides with the last, moonless day of the lunar month, perform the practice once more.

The “Returning to the Origin” practices mentioned earlier consist of eight formulas.

The Diagram of the Five Emperors’ Mixed Practice and Riding the Dragon

The names of the spirits of the five organs

The liver belongs to the east and is associated with the color green. The liver spirit’s surname is Lou, and his courtesy name is Junming. He wears green clothes.

The heart belongs to the south and is associated with the color red. The heart spirit’s surname is Zhang, and his courtesy name is Juming. He wears red clothes.

The lungs belong to the west and are associated with the color white. The lung spirit’s surname is Wen, and his courtesy name is Yuanming. He wears white clothes.

The kidneys belong to the north and are associated with the color black. The kidney spirit’s surname is Xuan, and his courtesy name is Zizhen. He wears black clothes.

The spleen occupies the center and belongs to Earth in the Wujitu configuration. Its associated color is yellow. The spleen spirit’s surname is Ji, and his courtesy name is Yuanji. He wears yellow clothes.

The scripture says, “Know me, and you can live; fail to know me, and you will die.” Here, “know” means to remember the names of the spirits of the five organs. Practitioners should call to these spirits at set times in the morning and evening, and speak with them. When a part of the body hurts, they can visualize the corresponding spirit treating it, and the pain will improve. If they do not become acquainted with these spirits and speak with them, they will die. This teaching comes from Military Methods of the Western Yellow Book.

Another set of names is given for the spirits of the five organs: the liver spirit is called Azure Dragon, with the courtesy name Weilong Zifang; the heart spirit is called Haoqiu, with the courtesy name Lingyang Ziming; the lung spirit is called Fang Changyi, with the courtesy name Ziyuan; the kidney spirit is called Shuangyi, with the courtesy name Linzi; and the spleen spirit is called Yellow Court, with the courtesy name Feihuangzi.

If the liver hurts, visualize the Eastern Azure Emperor treating you. If it does not improve, then visualize the generals appearing within your body and treating it together. For heart pain, visualize the Southern Red Emperor; for lung pain, the Western White Emperor; for kidney pain, the Northern Black Emperor; and for spleen pain, the Central Yellow Emperor. Here, “visualize” means to focus the mind in practice on imagining a deity entering the body and carrying out a treatment.

In the East, jia and yi correspond to Wood, the liver, and the color green. Within the liver lives a divine being surnamed Lou, whose courtesy name is Junming. He wears feathered robes and an embroidered crown.

In the South, bing and ding correspond to Fire, the heart, and the color red. Within the heart lives a divine being surnamed Zhang, whose courtesy name is Juming. He wears deep red robes and an embroidered crown, and carries a sword with a dragon-head pommel, the Moye sword. This deity often dwells amid the Great Clarity, wears a purple sash at his waist, and can speak with the Celestial Emperor.

In the West, geng and xin correspond to Metal, the lungs, and the color white. Within the lungs lives a divine being surnamed Wen, whose courtesy name is Yuanming. He wears white robes and an embroidered crown.

In the North, ren and gui correspond to Water, the kidneys, and the color black. Within the kidneys lives a divine being surnamed Xuan, whose courtesy name is Zizhen. He wears black robes and an embroidered crown.

At the center, wu and ji correspond to Earth, the spleen, and the color yellow. Within the spleen lives a divine being surnamed Ji, whose courtesy name is Yuanji. He wears yellow robes and an embroidered crown.

The gallbladder is called the “Palace of Long Life.” Within it lives a divine being surnamed Wu, whose courtesy name is Yuanxian. He wears yellow robes and holds the Northern Dipper, a symbol of its seven stars. The deities of the Five Viscera are worshipped and protected by the four directions. They can seize and restrain the hun souls, gather and register the po spirits, and come to dwell in the body of the humble official Jia.

These deities of the Five Viscera should first be contemplated in stillness. Then recite the superior text of tranquility, and arrange for officers and troops to guard the dwelling. Qieni.

The Venerable of the Nine Heavens received the lineage known as “Numinous Metropolis of the Great Void, Golden Truth and Jade Radiance.” The Heavenly King of Primordial Beginning called it the Eight Radiances Flying Scripture; Guangsheng of the Great Void called it the Upper Scripture of the Eight Su; the Youth of Azure Truth called it the Seven Primordial Ones of the Vast Descent; and the Great Dao Lord, Supreme One of the Nine Heavens, called it the Jade Instructions and Golden Chapters of the Plain Book. These scriptures all originated before the “Nine Mysteries.”

Its upper section is called “The Four Seasons.” The principles it expounds are profound and mysterious, and it holds an honored place among the scriptures. Those who practice this Daoist method must not enter unclean places recklessly or come into contact with pollution associated with death or childbirth. If they violate these taboos, the true spirits will depart and return to their heavenly palaces. Even if summoned through ritual, they will not descend, and the practitioner will only hinder their own cultivation. If you obtain this method, you should first observe these taboos with care. The instructions say:

On the day of the Beginning of Spring, the Three Su Yuanjun (Daoist goddesses) go to pay their respects to the Great Emperor of Heaven and enjoy a celestial banquet. It is also the day when the Yuanjing makes its circuit through the Dao and receives immortal teachings. Those who practice the method of the Jingzhen Yuguang Eight Scenes Flying Scripture should bathe and observe purification on this day. At dawn, they should enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and perform the rites. They should arrange Fulu to summon spirits and subdue demons, placing them in the four directions. Then they should sit in the center, face northeast, and click their teeth twelve times.

Next, they should visualize purple, green, and white clouds swirling in the northeast, and silently recite: “Three Su Yuanjun, please turn back your immortal carriage and descend into my body. Enter my name in the registers of the immortals and grant me immortality.”

After reciting, they should visualize the Lord of the Office of Yuanjing, Keeper of Records, in the Palace of Primordial Yang within the Eastern Azure Subtlety Upper Court. This deity oversees the registers and records of Yuanjing immortals. His surname is Ge, and his personal name is Tai Sixian. He is seven cun and eight fen tall, wears a dark yellow sash, and has on his head a seven-colored jade crown that shines toward heaven. He wears five-colored shoes and holds a staff of divine power. He rides a flying tortoise carriage of dark clouds with eight wheels, driven by a Azure Dragon. Twenty-three Taihe immortal youths accompany him as he descends to govern the practitioner’s Niwan Palace, the upper Dantian within the head.

Then they should softly recite this invocation: “Great Spirit of Yuanjing, the mysterious and wondrous Great Dao turns and circulates Jing and Qi. The upper section opens to the beginning of the Primordial Origin; the myriad kinds of breath blend and arise from it, while the Qi of the Nine Subtleties transforms and ascends…”

Let my physical form return to its source and let the primordial palace—the inner palace where primordial Qi is nurtured and the spirits abide—be firm. Let it govern and watch over the imperial spirits, summon the true spirits, and subdue demons. May my Dao power shine forth and reach the realm of Supreme Harmony. May the jade fungus, a symbol of immortal medicine and numinous energy, fill me; may I reach the divine spirits, see through hidden mysteries, and discern the Three Pure Ones, the highest heavens revered in Daoism. Riding the energy of the flying radiance, may I ascend with the assembled immortals into the imperial court. When I have finished reciting, I raise my head and swallow the energies of the eight directions, then stop.

This is the Way of Primordial Radiance. After eight years of practice, clouds of the Three Essences, symbols of the immortal realm, and the flying wheels of the Eight Carriages will come to welcome the practitioner and raise them to the Imperial Dawn. The “Secret Words for Summoning Spirits through the Eight Paths of Primordial Radiance” must not be taught to anyone who has not yet become an immortal.

On the day of the spring equinox, the Great Emperor of the Taiwei Heaven, a revered celestial deity, goes to visit the August Jade Emperor for a feast. This is the day to begin practicing the “Way of Radiant Conduct” and receive instruction in the immortal Way. At midnight, follow the method given above and face east. Click the teeth nine times, raise your head, and visualize clouds of black, blue, and yellow circling in the northeast. Then silently recite these secret words: “Great Emperor of the Taiwei Heaven, please turn your divine carriage around and descend into my body. Enter my name in the imperial lord’s register of immortals and grant me immortality.”

After reciting, visualize the Palace of Mysterious Subtlety in the Upper Mansion of Azure Yang in the east. There is the Great Dao Lord Laozi of Primordial Radiance, a revered deity who governs the immortal Way of Primordial Radiance. His surname is Mou and his personal name is Youwan. He is nine inches tall, wears purple-blue sashes, and has on his head a precious nine-colored crown that reaches to heaven. He wears nine-colored shoes and holds the Seal of the Spirit of Destiny. Together with thirty-six solar immortal youths, he rides the Carriage of the Eight Radiances and a blue-cloud carriage, drawn by a dark dragon. He descends into the practitioner’s Palace of Bright Hall, the imagined dwelling place of spirits within the body. Then silently recite the invocation:

O Primordial Mystery Vista, upper realm where wondrous visions appear: summon the numinous perfected beings, gather primordial Qi, receive the breath and arrange the seasons, following the laws first established by the Sovereign Lord. Let Jing and Qi return to the wondrous celestial canopy, and I shall ascend to a banquet at the Jade Dawn Palace, abode of the perfected immortals. Then let numinous Qi descend again to settle and protect my body. I nourish Jing and refine primordial Qi, causing the five radiances to coalesce in brilliance as purple Qi flows and shines. Thus, in clear and penetrating awareness, I can command Shen and Qi, ride the flying radiance upward, and attend another banquet in the Jade Hall.

When the ritual is complete, tilt the head back and swallow the nine breaths, then stop. This is the “Way of the Primordial Vista.” After eight years of practice, the dark Vista’s flying wheel will come to welcome the practitioner and raise them into Great Clarity (the highest heaven in Daoist cosmology). These are the secret words of the “Eightfold Way of the Primordial Vista.” Do not transmit them to anyone who has not yet become an immortal.

On the day of the Beginning of Summer, the Three Primordial Perfected Beings, supreme perfected immortals of the Taiji realm, ascend to the Purple Tenuity Palace for a banquet. At this time, one who practices the Way of the Primordial Vista may receive the secret words for becoming an immortal. Do not transmit them to anyone who has not yet become an immortal.

The day of the Beginning of Summer is when the Three Primordial Perfected Beings, supreme perfected immortals of the Taiji realm, ascend to the Purple Tenuity Palace for a banquet, and when practitioners perform the Way of the Primordial Vista. At dawn, face southeast and click the teeth nine times. Raise the head and visualize clouds of purple, blue-green, and yellow Qi circling toward you from the northwest. Silently recite: “Supreme Perfected Three Primordial Beings of the Taiji, please turn back your divine carriage and descend into my chamber. Write my jade name for me, so that I may become an immortal.”

After reciting, visualize the Lord of the Boundless Way, Jade Radiance of the Primordial Vista, in the Taiwei Palace of the Upper Mansion of Lesser Yang in the southeast. This Daoist immortal’s surname is Wang and given name is Wuying. He is eight cun and eight fen tall, wears a vermilion brocade sash, and has on his head a jade cap of worthies of the Boundless. He wears shoes of nine colors and holds a summons to the numinous. Riding in an emerald carriage of the Primordial Vista and a five-colored cloud chariot drawn by phoenixes, with thirty-nine numinous flying immortal attendants in procession, he descends to govern the practitioner’s inner Palace of the Cavern Chamber, a palace within the body envisioned in spirit visualization. Then pray in a low voice:

“O numinous spirit of the Primordial Vista, command the Qi of the eight directions, travel to the Ninefold Mystery to attend a banquet, and roam through boundless space. Please turn back and descend in your perfected spirit, accompanied by phoenixes and thirty-nine numinous flying immortal attendants, to govern the practitioner’s inner Palace of the Cavern Chamber.”

Resolve the obstructions from my past lives. Let flying clouds spread shade over me and a purple canopy shelter me, so I may ride the chariot of the Eight Radiances and ascend into the heavens. When the ritual is complete, raise your head and swallow the Eight Qi; then you may stop. This is called the Way of the Mysterious Radiance. After eight years of practice, the Mysterious Radiance Green Chariot, formed from clouds of purple, blue, and yellow Qi, will come to welcome the practitioner and raise them into the Great Clarity, the high celestial realm in Daoist teaching. Do not pass on the secret words of the Mysterious Radiance Eightfold Way to anyone who has not yet become an immortal.

On the day of the summer solstice, the Great Emperor Lord of Fusang travels to the Palace of Great Tenuity for a celestial feast. This is the day to practice the Way of Numinous Radiance and receive the immortal method. On that day, follow the method described above: at dawn, face south, click your teeth eight times, and raise your head to visualize clouds of red, white, and blue Qi swirling in the southeast. Then silently recite:

“Great Emperor Lord of Fusang, I beg you to turn back your divine radiance and descend upon me. Record my name in Eastern Florescence, so that I may ride the flying mists.”

After reciting, continue facing south and visualize the Purple Tenuity Palace in the Upper Mansion of the Sun. At dawn, face south, click your teeth eight times, and raise your head to visualize clouds of red, white, and blue Qi swirling in the southeast. Then silently recite:

“Great Emperor Lord of Fusang, I beg you to turn back your divine radiance and descend upon me. Record my name in Eastern Florescence, so that I may ride the flying mists.”

After reciting, face south once more and visualize the Lord of the Way, Yuánxiān, of Numinous Radiance in the Purple Tenuity Palace of the Upper Mansion of the Sun. Lord Yuánxiān’s surname is Xuan and his given name is Bóshǐ. He is eight inches and eight tenths tall, wears crimson brocade robes and a red seal cord, and has on a jade crown of level heaven and radiant essence. He wears nine-colored shoes and holds a document for subduing demons and malign forces. Riding the Chariot of the Eight Radiant Paths, he drives a carriage of red cloud Qi, drawn by phoenixes. He leads thirty-six jade youths of the Upper Palace of Cinnabar Radiance as they descend into the Central Dantian Palace within the practitioner’s body. Then silently recite this invocation:

“Numinous Radiance opens the numinous light and rides the Qi in its turning; swiftly it drives along the Eight Paths and releases its radiant power. Descend into my inner chamber and illuminate the radiance of my Dantian. Gather in demons and malign forces, command the spirits, and bring all numinous beings under control. Let me perceive the hidden and subtle, and ascend in flight together with Numinous Radiance.”

After reciting, raise your head and swallow the Eight Qi; the ritual is complete. This is called the Way of Numinous Radiance. After eight years of practice, the Chariot of the Eight Radiant Paths will come to welcome the practitioner and raise them into the Great Clarity. Do not pass on the secret words of the Numinous Radiance Eightfold Way to anyone who has not yet become an immortal.

On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, the Supreme Perfected Ones of Great Simplicity—the perfected beings of the realm of Great Simplicity—and the Lord of the White Emperor, who governs the West and the autumn season, will travel to feast with the High Perfected One, the Mysterious Sovereign of Jade Heaven. This is also a day for practicing the Way of Primordial Radiance and receiving the Way of the Immortals and Perfected Ones.

On this day, follow the method described earlier: at dawn, face southwest, click your teeth twelve times, then raise your head and visualize red, white, and purple clouds circling in the far west. Silently recite in your heart: “Perfected One of Great Simplicity, please bestow divine light, let it descend into my body, and report my name to Jade Heaven, so that I may become a Perfected One.”

Next, visualize this: in the Palace of Numinous Subtlety and Yang, the Upper Palace of Lesser Yin in the southwest, dwells the Dao Lord of Primordial Radiance and Great Blandness Heaven. His surname is Huang and his personal name is Yunzhu. He is seven cun and eight fen tall, wears a robe of dark and yellow, and a plain sash. On his head is a seven-jeweled cap of advancement; on his feet are nine-colored shoes. He carries a divine tally that governs life. He rides in a jade carriage of flowing branches, adorned with a five-colored vermilion canopy and purple clouds. Six dragons draw the carriage, accompanied by twenty-four immortal attendants from the Upper Palace of Yellow Plain. Together they descend to govern the palaces within the practitioner’s Dantian.

Then silently recite the invocation: “Supreme Perfected One of Primordial Radiance, mysterious radiance of the eight paths, you govern the Mother of Yellow above and the practitioner’s body below. Your divine carriage comes and goes, its purple clear light shining everywhere. It passes through and sets the cycles in motion, directing the Qi mechanism and bringing the Three Primordials to radiant brilliance. Subdue my mind and spirit, overcome evil spirits, and let my Dao-heart reach subtle understanding, so that I may long remain in the state of the Immortals and Perfected Ones, ascend to immortality, and live forever.”

When the invocation is complete, raise your head and swallow seven breaths. This concludes the ritual. After practicing the Way of Primordial Radiance for eight years, the jade carriage of flowing branches will come to receive the practitioner and raise them into Great Clarity, the highest heaven in Daoism. The secret words of the eight paths of Primordial Radiance must not be passed on to those who have not yet become immortals.

On the day of the Autumn Equinox, the Supreme Perfected Red Emperor of the South—the highest immortal perfected being of the South, the Red Emperor—goes to Langfeng Terrace, where he feasts and roams with Lady Ninefold Numinous. This is an auspicious day for practicing the Way of Luminous Radiance, in hopes of attaining the Dao and becoming an immortal.

On this day, follow the method described earlier: at dawn, face west and click your teeth twelve times. Raise your head and visualize blue, yellow, and red clouds swirling in the southwest. Silently recite: “Supreme Perfected Sovereign Red Emperor of the South, please turn back your divine radiance and shine down upon my dwelling. Bestow upon me a book of jade slips, and present my request to Lady Ninefold Numinous, so that I may ride the flying radiance—the divine light that ascends to the immortal realm—and rise into the formless realm.”

After reciting, visualize yourself in the Palace of Focused Thought and Fulfillment, the Supreme Yin Upper Palace of the West. There dwells the Dao Lord Great Harmony of Bright Dawn, surnamed Hao and named Renyi. He is six inches and eight tenths tall, wears a sash of plain white numinous silk, has on his head the Celestial Crown of the Limitless Jade Treasure, and wears nine-colored shoes. In his hands he holds a jade writ that grants life and protects the living. He rides in a crimson-and-jade carriage, a vehicle of white clouds drawn by a white tiger. Accompanied by twenty-four jade youths from the Upper Palace of Plain Numen, he descends to the Canopy Palace within the practitioner’s body.

Then silently recite this invocation: “The Way’s ancestral teaching of Luminous Radiance governs the Nine Heavens and commands the Purple Empyrean; swiftly harness the clouds of the eight directions. Please halt your jade carriage and descend into my body. Open me with light, bestow upon me the Golden Truth—the true Dao treasured by immortals—so that I may suddenly become clear, summon the spirits, and meet no further delay. May I ride the flying radiance, ascend to the highest heavens, and feast among the immortals.”

When the invocation is complete, raise your head and swallow seven mouthfuls of the Qi of the Nine Heavens, visualizing and absorbing the Qi of the celestial realm. Then stop.

This is the practice of the Way of Luminous Radiance. After eight years of continued practice, a crimson-and-jade carriage will come to welcome the practitioner and raise them to Taiqing, the highest celestial realm in Daoism. The eight secret formulas of Luminous Radiance must not be passed on to those without an affinity for the immortals.

On the day of the Beginning of Winter, the Perfected Lord and Sovereign Ancestor of Highest Clarity (Shangqing) goes to the High Nine Heavens to feast and roam with the Jade Emperor. It is also a day for practicing the Way of the Cavernous Vision and receiving the methods of the immortals.

On this day, follow the method described earlier: at dawn, face northwest and click your teeth nine times. Raise your head and visualize green, purple, and azure clouds swirling in the southwest. Then silently recite this formula in your heart: “Perfected Lord and Sovereign Ancestor of Highest Clarity, please turn your divine carriage around and descend to my dwelling. Bestow upon me a jade name and present a petition to Highest Clarity, so that I may ride the flying radiance and ascend to the realm of the formless.”

When you have finished reciting, visualize the Lord of the Solar Way, Registrar of the Cavernous Vision, in the Palace of Clear Subtlety within the Upper Office of Yin Radiance in the northwest. The Lord’s surname is Mou, and his personal name is Yuanfu. He is five cun and eight fen tall, wears a dark yellow sash, a Ninefold Mystery Jade Crown of Flying Radiance, and five-colored shoes, and holds the statutes for subduing and slaying. He rides in the Cinnabar Carriage of Dark Radiance and Eight Lights—the Purple Cloud Car—driven by the Dark Warrior, with twenty-four Immortal Youths of Great Mystery in attendance. He descends to govern the Granary-Life Palace within the practitioner’s body. Then silently recite this invocation:

“Venerable Lord of the Cavernous Vision, numinous spirit of Yin: riding the rosy clouds and driving a dragon, accompanied by flying mists, you roam above in Jade Clarity and govern below in Great Mystery. Please drive your purple carriage down to me and enter my body, so that I may ride the qi of the Eight Radiances and attain the same rank as a Perfected One.”

After the invocation, raise your head and swallow the Five Qis. You may then stop. According to the scripture, after eight years of practicing this Way of the Cavernous Vision, the Cinnabar Carriage of Dark Radiance and Eight Lights will descend to receive the practitioner and raise them into Great Clarity.

The secret formulas of the Eight Ways of the Cavernous Vision must not be transmitted to those who have not yet become immortals.

On the day of the winter solstice, the Jade Consort of the Great Empyrean and the Perfected One Above, the Great Numinous One, go to the Palace of the Great Sovereign to pay their respects to the Celestial Emperor Lord of Great Subtlety. They feast and wander in the palace, so this is an auspicious day for cultivating the Way of Pure Radiance and receiving instruction in becoming an immortal.

On this day, follow the method described earlier. At dawn, sit upright facing due north and click your teeth twelve times. Envision clouds of red, green, and yellow swirling in the northeast, then silently recite:

“Jade Consort of the Great Empyrean, Perfected One of Great Numinousness, please come here. Descend into my chamber, grant me a document bearing my jade name, and report my name to the Great Empyrean, so that I may become a Perfected One and join the feast in the Upper Palace.”

After reciting this, envision the Lord of the Way, Admonisher Xuanhe, descending from the Palace of the Subtle Way, the Upper Court of Yin Essence in the north. He grants you a document bearing your jade name and reports your name to the Great Empyrean, so that you may become a Perfected One and join the feast in the Upper Palace.

Next, envision the Lord of the Way, Admonisher Xuanhe. His surname is Wang, and his name is Yin Jing. He is five cun and eight fen tall. He wears a dark-cloud-colored sash patterned in five colors, a jeweled crown of Dark Dawn, and shoes patterned with five-colored lions. In his hand he holds a staff for summoning the spirits. He rides a jade carriage that appears and vanishes, adorned with brocade clouds and pearls. A dark phoenix with black wings draws the carriage, while twenty-six immortal youths from the Upper Palace of the Great Mystery follow behind. Together they descend to govern the Palace of the Dark Valley within your body.

Then softly recite:

“Pure Radiance, unadorned perfection, numinous cavern of the Origin, receive…”