《靈寶無量度人上經大法》Vol. 23

Absorbing the Primordial Harmony

Long ago, the Venerable Celestial Master Qing Tong Dijun, a revered Daoist deity, received this scripture from Tawei Tiandijun. The scripture also calls it The Scripture of the Red Elixir, Golden Essence, Stone Radiance, and Water Mother.

In practice, one should usually face east just as the sun rises, knock the teeth together nine times, and silently recite in one’s heart the names of the Sun Soul and the titles of the Five Emperors, sixteen words in all:

“Sun Soul, Pearl Radiance, shining and veiled, green reflection returning in rosy clouds; Red Child, Dark Flame, Whirlwind Form.”

After reciting, close the eyes and clench the hands firmly, forming fists with the fingers drawn in. Visualize the five-colored flowing clouds within the sun gathering toward you and streaming down through the body to the feet. Then visualize the Five Qi rising to the crown of the head. Next, imagine the five-colored flowing clouds in the sunlight entering the mouth together. Also visualize a purple Qi within the sun’s rosy clouds, about the size of a pupil and layered in dozens of folds, shining brightly amid the five-colored light. This is called the “Flying Root Water Mother”; it enters the mouth together with the Five Qi. Facing the sun, swallow the rosy clouds and Qi forty-five times. Then swallow the saliva in the mouth nine times, knock the teeth together nine times, and softly recite the spell:

“Qi of the Red Furnace and Elixir, Dark Heaven nurturing essence; the firm receives the yielding, the flame-water’s hidden radiance. The sun’s primordial radiance, named Great Brightness; the nine Yangs transform as one, and two vapors arise together. The soul and po are gathered and harmonized, essence of the Five Qi; within arise the Five Emperors, riding the light and governing the form. Gather the flying in emptiness, pluck the root and attain fullness; crown the head with Dragon Blossoms, don crimson and azure sashes; bridle the raven, stream the dark, rosy clouds illumine the Highest Clarity. Bestow writings on jade tablets, names in the Golden Gate; consume the morning splendor and unite in spirit with the perfected. Fly as an immortal to the Great Tenuity, ascend to the Purple Court.”

After reciting the spell, face the sun and bow twice.

The scripture says that this superior Daoist method belongs to the practice of true immortals. Among ten thousand people, not one may know the name of the Sun Soul. This is a mysterious method of cultivation, not something ordinary people can hear.

When clouds hide the sun, one may also practice visualization indoors, in a clean and quiet place of repose. Those who cultivate the Dao in purity, master this method, and can communicate with the upper realm may practice even when they cannot see the sun.

The scripture also says that if a Daoist abstains from grain and observes a long fast, withdraws from the worldly bustle of the Five Sacred Mountains and from human affairs, and devotes the heart to purity and truth, then by consuming each day the rosy clouds of the sun’s root and taking in the sun’s essence, the body will soon feel as though it has acquired the lustrous softness of jade, and the face will also shine. But if one is still entangled in external affairs and has not yet attained stillness…

If someone’s body floats through the world of ordinary life while their heart is bound by the snares of fame, profit, and rank, they should practice this method on the first, third, fifth, ninth, thirteenth, fifteenth, seventeenth, nineteenth, and twenty-fifth days of each month. This makes ten practices in a month. On these days, the solar soul—a spirit corresponding to the sun—descends to guide and receive the “flying root.” If one persists in the practice for eighteen years, the High Clarity (Shangqing), the Daoist celestial realm revered for its subtle purity, will enter one’s name in the register of immortals. One will take golden radiance as one’s true nature and jade radiance as one’s adornment, rank among the perfected, and fly through the heavens, riding beneath a canopy with the light of the Three Primes shining across the world.

In the subtle celestial realm, wear garments formed from solar Qi and open the numinous talisman of illumination.

(Write it in cinnabar, using blue for the talisman.)

The incantation says:

“The cinnabar text of Great Subtlety is named ‘Opening Illumination.’ May the soul of the sun descend and transform into the body of [name]. At dawn, put your garments in order and set out from the circular court. Flying Splendor, Water Mother, Solar Root, and Golden Essence: purple radiance shines and turns, streaming with light. They are called the Five Numina.”

The talisman above announces the solar soul. After writing it, when preparing to take it, hold your breath and the talisman in your left hand, and silently recite the incantation in your heart. When you have finished, swallow the talisman, then gather and receive the Yin Splendor and Lunar Essence—the vital essence corresponding to the moon. Another method calls this “Yellow Qi and Yang Essence,” the essence stored in Heaven and concealed within the moon.

During the practice, imagine seeing the moon just as it rises. Face the moon and stand looking west; click your teeth ten times, then silently recite in your heart the names of the Lunar Soul—the spirit corresponding to the moon—and the five ladies:

“Lunar Soul, Ai, Xiao, Fen, Yan, Yi, Liao, Wan, Xu, Ling, Lan, Yu, Hua, Jie, Qiao, Chun, Jin, Jing, Ying, Jiong, Rong, Tai, Biao.”

Silently recite all twenty-four names three times. When you have finished, close your eyes and form the hand seal known as “firm grip,” a Daoist practice gesture made by curling the fingers into a fist. Envision the five-colored essence flowing from the moon and gathering throughout your body, rising from your feet all the way to the crown of your head. Then imagine the five-colored essence in the moonlight entering your mouth together. See, too, yellow Qi within the moon’s essence, each orb about the size of a pupil, appearing in dozens one after another amid the five-colored radiance of the lunar essence. These are called “flying yellow,” the vital essence of moonlight. Imagine them entering your mouth together with the Five Qi. Facing the moon, swallow the essence fifty times, then swallow saliva ten times. Next, click your teeth ten times and quietly recite the incantation:

“Yellow Essence, dark radiance; primordial Yin, supreme Qi. Spread through clouds and wind; gather the numinous Qi. Let the stomach be empty and still, as essence pours in and comes to rest. The moon’s essence and nighttime radiance rise toward the Dark Palace. Let each of the five lords’ ladies guard her mother’s place; the Red Child flies in, and the infant follows close behind. Yin Qi turns back; the three unite. Dark radiance shines throughout the ten directions. Harmonize the hun and po souls, and set the five fetal Qi flowing.”

Riding the radiance of the clouds and soaring with Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy), one roams at ease in the void. Facing east, one gathers numinous cloud-Qi, reflects a resplendent vision, and summons the clear wind.

On the left, wear the dragon talisman; on the right, bind at the waist the tiger insignia; drape the vermilion cape of phoenix feathers; adorn oneself with jade ornaments and golden bells.

The branches and trunk of Jianmu (the mythical divine tree connecting Heaven and Earth) join together, and it is called the “King of Trees.” The divine toad guards its roots, where there is waning and waxing.

Bright Jing shines within the body, and the Mysterious Water (a Daoist term for wondrous essence or saliva) surges forth. Jade tablets are bestowed, and one’s name is engraved in the Cloud Chamber (the dwelling of immortals).

Consuming lunar radiance, one accords with the Dao (the Way) of the Zhenren (Perfected); one ascends to the Purple Micro Palace and has audience with the Great Sovereign.

After the invocation, bow again facing the moon. Visualize the sun and moon; whether sitting or standing, one may do so at will. Among the immortal officials, no one can know the name of the moon’s Po (Yuepo, the lunar essence-soul). At that time, among the Zhenren, there were those who knew this name. If the sky is overcast and there is no moon, one may also practice indoors.

The essentials of cultivation are as follows: according to the method of consuming lunar light, practice every night, and you will soon feel radiance arise from your body, illuminating your eyes, along with soaring Jing and Qi. It is important to practice on the eleven days of each month—the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth, fourteenth, sixteenth, eighteenth, twentieth, twenty-second, and twenty-fourth—and one can also become an immortal. These days are when Yin essence flies and conjoins, the Three Qi are replete, lunar water congeals into radiance, and the Yellow Spirit descends to make connection. Cultivating thus for eighteen years, one can refine and transform the Po and Hun in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) realm, causing the Po and Hun to change, be illuminated by jade light, ride in the radiance of a dark-colored carriage, and fly through the great void.

Taiwei Talisman for Consuming Lunar Essence: The Great Mystery Yin-Birth Talisman (Taiwei refers to a constellation or celestial region; this is the name of the talisman for consuming lunar essence.)

(Written in yellow, on a cyan background.)

This talisman is to be taken at midnight at the end of the month, facing east; before taking the talisman, first announce it to the moon’s Po. At that time, one should first take the Kaiming Talisman. When about to take this lunar talisman, hold the breath, hold the talisman in the left hand, and silently recite in the mind:

“The Yellow Writing of Purple Micro, named Great Mystery. It summons the water of lunar radiance, nourishes the Po, and harmonizes the Hun. In the method, act with precision and open the mysterious and wondrous; when Heaven conceals and the moon appears, the Lady of the Five Spirits sends forth radiance, illuminating the Niwan (the Daoist cultivation site in the head) along the nine paths.”

After the invocation is complete, take the talisman.

Xuan Master Qingtong Zhenjun bowed reverently and, kneeling, came before the Golden Gate Emperor Lord, firmly requesting transmission of the Supreme Dao and refusing to desist. At that time, the Sage Lord pushed aside the table, leaned back, and suddenly sighed deeply: “Your earnest pleading and urgent seeking of the Dao have finally made your sincere heart clear to me. Your effort has reached its utmost.” Thereupon he pointed to the vast expanse between Heaven and Earth, revealing a look of compassion, and then took up the Yunjun zither and played. The clear, transcendent notes were empty and luminous, stirring forth a hundred kinds of sound; the jade-like music shook the Nine Heavens and resounded through the Great Empyrean, and the Sage Lord then sang the “Great Cavern Spirit” hymn.

“The Chapter on the Isles: The Song of Gathering the Soul” expresses the meaning of serene stillness, profound quiet, and turning the light inward through its mysterious hymns and celestial melodies.

The harmonizing Qi seems to sound with subtle music. Its pure and refined verses are these:

The mysterious, empty Qi of Shangqing; the Three Essences, pure primordial energies spoken of in Daoism, surpass splendor with their radiant light. Echoes resound in the depths, opening the gateway to the realm of spirits.

From the sevenfold gates of Heaven, feathered writings fly forth, and the observatory of the Cinnabar Heavens suddenly appears. Amid clear, silent darkness, the workings of the Dao of Heaven become manifest.

Those who have awakened grasp the mysterious principle, fly westward beyond the sun, and arrive at the spacious Immortal Terrace and the boundless fields.

Hidden, transcendent spirits and sacred fungus shine with radiance, dispelling every shadow. When the cloud chariot, ridden by immortals, leaves its earthly dwelling far behind, it can pass from the netherworld into the mysterious realm.

Ascend to the lofty palace of the Mysterious Stars and bow in homage to the Jade Emperor. As divine light shines upon you, receive the sacred decree that descends.

Drums sound in the void, and jade bells ring. The nine divine horses unyoke the cloud chariot, letting it roam freely among the peaks of purple clouds.

The Cinnabar Mound opens its blue-green palace; the green courtyard reveals five tiers of chambers. The Golden Towers of the immortal realm gleam in splendor, their forms lofty and magnificent.

Above the quiet woods stands the Shangqing Palace. Savor the radiance of the sun and moon, and take up the subtle method that has neither form nor trace.

Mystery reaches its utmost; the Three Spirits, numinous gods spoken of in Daoism, awaken. Yet amid the desolation of a cosmic calamity, the blade of the tribulation draws near. Why sit at a perilous pass? Five calamities are pressing upon your heart. Why not command the Crimson Infant, the true Qi or primordial spirit within the body, and ride my Lord of the Muddy Pellet, the spirit within the brain?

Neither death nor birth; no beginning and no end.

When the Sage Lord had finished singing, he invited Lord Green Youth to take his seat and bestowed upon him a draught of rosy clouds and firm fruits: unripe white fruit, and green fruit from the crimson tree. Then the Sage Lord ordered the Five Elders, the Perfected Ones of the Highest Truth, to have Lord Zuo of the Immortal Capital open the purple-bud jade case and the cloud-brocade pouch. They took out this sacred text, the Upper Scripture in Purple Characters, and gave it to a disciple of Lord Green Youth. The disciple then transmitted it to those in the Mysterious Palace who bore jade names and could always become Perfected Ones.

Section on Drawing in and Taking the Three Lights

Incantation of the Lord of the Sun (Practice at sunrise: form the Jade Emperor mudra with both hands, join the palms facing the sun, and recite the incantation.)

Spirit of Yu Yi, true essence of the Li Palace, please pour into my body. Qi of the Nine Rays, Qian origin, beneficial and steadfast.

After reciting the incantation, inhale through the mouth and nose and swallow the breath, for a total of nine times. Use the mind to guide the Qi to the lower Dantian. You may repeat this in sets of eighteen or twenty-seven, up to eighty-one times. Then recite the incantation again:

Om, Yu Yi, light of the original radiance; Wa, vajra, Kundali, svaha.

After reciting, inhale again and swallow the breath as before. This practice should be performed at noon or before noon, never in the afternoon.

True Talisman of the Sun-Soul, Purple Clouds of the Celestial Sun of Jade Clarity (Face northeast and recite the “One-Character Incantation of the Three Lights” once. Inhale three breaths and direct the Qi into the tip of the brush. Then recite the Incantation of Scattering Form and write the talisman according to its instructions. This method is used to write three talismans.)

Yu Li Zhen …

Heaven and Earth, together with the spirits associated with the human body, decree long life. By means of the “hong” and “wu” mirror (possibly a ritual implement or technical term; the original is difficult to interpret), they gather and shape their bearing and appearance. The ancestral Dao is wondrous and true; the Orthodox Spirits shine in splendor.

The Supreme True Ones who govern the heavens above—the celestial emperors and perfected beings—command Xinghuo to shape the body. Xinghuo is Mars, here used as the name of a star spirit. They wear the robes and insignia of the imperial ranks, and the nine rays shine brightly.

Incantation to the Moon Lord: When the moon first rises, form the Jade Emperor mudra with both hands, press the palms together, and face Taiyin, the moon. Recite:

“Lady Jielin, true essence of the Kan position, rounded radiance with eight rays, auspicious and flourishing.”

After reciting, inhale and swallow eight times as before, directing the Qi with the mind to the lower Dantian. Repeat about sixty-four times. Then recite:

“Om Jiexin … Hengzhao Lanfuyueluo Boluobosahe.”

Jade Talisman of the Nine Spirits and Inspired Truth of the Moon’s Soul in the Jade Clarity Heaven: Face northeast and recite the incantation three times. Inhale three times, then blow the breath onto the tip of the brush. Next, recite the incantation while writing the talisman in its “dispersed form”—the separated written forms of characters used in Fulu:

“Jielin Kan. Jing, Qi, Shen: decree long life. Red radiance harmonizes with Yang; govern and restrain the awe-inspiring spirits. Ba zai Kong sheng; Xu and Si, radiant splendor; Sala Lou Wang, restrain the Gui and control the hun.”

Incantation to the Celestial Dipper: When the Celestial Dipper star appears, form the Jade Emperor mudra with both hands, turn the palms toward the direction of the Dipper, and recite:

“Om, spirit of the decree, true essence of the Dipper’s pole, flowing radiance with seven rays, Hong zha chi ning.”

After reciting, inhale through the mouth and nose and swallow seven times, directing the Qi with the mind to the lower Dantian. Repeat about forty-nine times. Then recite:

“Om om, hong hong, mili naona bolaxiu li, om zha li m.”

After reciting, inhale again and swallow as before. This practice should be performed during the Xu or Hai hours, approximately seven to eleven in the evening. The phrase “te xu shi bu xing” appears corrupt or incomplete, so its meaning is uncertain.

Secret Talisman of the True Qi and Mysterious Essence of the Celestial Dipper in the Jade Clarity Heaven: Face the corresponding direction and recite the incantation three times. Inhale three times, then blow the breath onto the tip of the brush. Next, recite the incantation while writing the talisman in its dispersed form:

“Om hong zha.”

The sun, moon, and stars decree the joining of the true. The Orthodox Leader in emptiness; the Emperor’s movement at the Purple Pole; radiant brightness, the ancestral current in flight; turning and circling in the highest mystery. “Generate three and seven” (the phrase appears incomplete).

The Emperor summons the true youths, overseeing all beneath Heaven and wielding authority over Heaven’s government. Na liuyue chouying; quyu jiuchang; mingfan qionglong; fuluo heshi; the honored one in the midst of Heaven.

Several characters in the original are damaged or appear to be corrupt, especially in parts of the incantations and talismans, as well as the text following “generate three and seven.” These passages can only be translated from the surviving text, and their meanings cannot be determined with certainty.

The inscription at the right reads, “By imperial command: Limitless, Mysterious Truth.”

The method described above is called “Refining the Form with the Three Lights.” Do not practice on Yin days or in weather marked by wind, rain, clouds, or fog. Instead, ingest the Qi of the Three Lights. When the ritual is complete, click your teeth nine times, then withdraw. On every day that is a multiple of three, the ritual practitioner joins both hands in the Dipper mudra, faces the Gate of Heaven, walks the Northern Dipper’s astral steps, then turns south. Ingest the Three Lights talisman and recite the three names of the Supreme Emperor: “Cave-hidden, Mysterious Heaven; life long, people enduringly at peace.”

Then bow again, swallow the talisman with fresh water, bow once more, and recite the general incantation:

“Ancient Dao, Mysterious Truth, true spirits radiant and resplendent! Yuyi, spirit of the sun, refines the body; Yinghuo, spirit of Mars, governs the body. Scarlet radiance, bright and harmonious, presides over prohibitions and restraints; mighty numinous power shines forth, and the ancestral lord Piaodi restores the light. Essence of Wu and Ji, Central Zhenxing—the planet Saturn—sweeps away evil Qi and destroys lascivious essences. When the sea encounters it, the sea boils; when wood encounters it, wood is consumed; when fire encounters it, fire is extinguished; when metal encounters it, metal melts. The Lord of Changli commands all that flies. Mi-li-nu-na, om om hum hum; Mi-li-nu-na, om om hum hum; gathering and commanding, Zhangluo, the Azure Lad of the Eastern Sea. Mi-ni-nu-na, om om hum hum; Mi-ni-nu-na, om om hum hum; Mi-ni-nu-na, om om hum hum. Swiftly, in accordance with the Supreme Emperor’s laws and commands!”

The Numinous Writ for Gathering Qi through the Jade Tones:

“Ancient Dao, Mysterious Truth.” (As above.)

The Mysterious Master said: Each day, just as the sun rises, face it and first visualize the five organs appearing clearly. Then, facing the sun, silently recite once the “Numinous Chapter of Jade Tones for Gathering Qi.” Open your mouth toward the sun and inhale and swallow Qi nine times. Recite the incantation once more, close your eyes, and slowly draw a deep breath through your nose, silently counting to nine in your mind before swallowing the Qi. Each time, visualize yourself swallowing the sun’s purple radiance, with its nine rays, and entering the Dantian, the lower abdominal center used in internal alchemy, where it forms the image of the sun. Practice as often as possible before noon; do not practice after noon.

Continue until the third night of the lunar month, when the moon has just risen. Following the method for gathering the sun’s Qi, inhale and swallow the moon’s Qi ten times, visualizing white radiance with ten rays. After the twenty-third day, stop gathering the moon’s Qi. Gathering the moon’s Qi is as important as gathering the sun’s Qi. Complete ten thousand repetitions in all, visualizing the image of the moon remaining in the Dantian and joining with the sun.

In spring, first gather the Qi of Wood’s De; in summer, gather Fire’s De; in autumn, Metal’s De; in winter, Water’s De; and during the Earth-dominant periods of the four seasons, gather Earth’s De. In each case, visualize the corresponding color. Practice ten thousand repetitions in all. On the fifth day of each month, follow the method in the “Cavern Chapter” to gather the Northern Dipper’s purple Qi ten thousand times. This is called “Externally Attending the Eight Jade Elixirs.” After one thousand repetitions, numinous light will appear at night.

After two thousand recitations, light will shine from the whole body; after three thousand, the entire room will be filled with light. After four thousand recitations, old illnesses and new ailments will vanish, and the complexion will recover, becoming like that of an infant.

After five thousand recitations, the Earthly Registrar, the divine office in charge of the registers of life and death, will remove the name from the register of the dead. The Jade Clarity realm, where the revered Daoist deities dwell, will enter the person’s name in the register of the living, and the various spirit officials and divine hosts will serve and protect them. After six thousand recitations, the whole body will shine, its light reaching a hundred paces. At night, one will be able to read tiny characters; ghosts, demons, and spirits will have nowhere to hide, and one will also know in advance what has yet to happen.

After seven thousand recitations, blowing and breathing out will bring all things back to life, and can even make corpses stand upright. After eight thousand recitations, breathing out while reciting a spell will turn the five metals—traditionally gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin—into precious treasures that radiate perfect light.

After nine thousand recitations, cultivation of the Elixir Way will be complete. One will shine like sunlight, the face will glow, and the bones will take on a refined appearance. The Five Fragrances, used in Daoist Zhaijiao rites, will ascend to the Three Heavens, the heavenly realms of Daoism, and one’s name will thereby be entered in the register of immortals. After ten thousand recitations, one’s cultivation of the Dao will be complete, and one will attain the rank of a perfected person.

Lingbao Wuliang Duren Shangjing Dafa (Great Method of the Supreme Scripture of Limitless Salvation of the Numinous Treasure), juan 23.