《無上三天玉堂正宗高奔內景玉書》

Interpretation of the Jade Book of the Supreme Three Heavens' True Tradition of Soaring to the Inner Radiance, Upper Scroll

The master said: Those who seek to cultivate the supreme path of immortality and attain the realm of the divine must rely on refining the essence of the sun and moon to achieve transcendence. This is not something that can be attained through illusory efforts. The so-called "crystalline radiance" is not something sought externally—it is the true primordial essence inherent within our own bodies. The methods of Daoist cultivation are countless, and countless heterodox teachings confuse the truth. As a result, many practitioners abandon the genuine in pursuit of the false, forsaking internal cultivation for external methods. The longer they practice this way, the harder it becomes to succeed.

The "Soaring to the Sun and Moon" method now being transmitted is the secret teaching passed down by Lord Lao (Laozi) to the ancient patriarchs. In antiquity, it was transmitted orally, never recorded in writing. Now, it has been deliberately written down so that future seekers with affinity may study it with ease.

Heaven and Earth take the sun and moon as their spirit, and the human body corresponds to Heaven and Earth. Therefore, by emulating Heaven and Earth in refining oneself, one can shed the mortal shell and ascend in broad daylight. The Yellow Court Scripture states: "Soaring to the sun and moon is the supreme method of the Dao; the radiant deities of the sun and moon (Yu Yi and Jie Lin) protect and support it." It also says: "The radiant light of the sun and moon can restore the aged and heal the maimed." These words are not empty. Those of superior capacity awaken instantly, moving from effortful practice to the state of Wuwei (non-action). But those of lesser capacity, with limited insight, must begin with effortful methods to achieve realization.

Thus, the founding masters recognized that the Great Dao is difficult to convey in words, and so they relied on writing to preserve its profound principles here. Later practitioners who diligently cultivate and persevere will ride clouds and mists, their bodies radiating light, attaining immortality and communion with the sages and immortals. This is not comparable to the minor methods passed down through mere words.

The master further said: The supreme path of immortality originally requires little visualization or forced refinement. But to walk the true path of cultivation, one must still rely on talismans and scriptures (Fulu). A sage appears only once in five hundred years, and the teachings are transmitted to the worthy only once in seven hundred years—such is the rarity of this method’s transmission. Nowadays, most who seek the teachings are young and restless, disregarding precepts, disrespecting the Dharma, and even deceiving Heaven and Earth. Some foolish people, driven by profit, indiscriminately trade scriptures like merchants.

Disciples should properly prepare gold, silver, and treasures as offerings when seeking a master, while the master should carefully select sincere and devoted followers. If disciples act arrogantly because of their wealth, and masters casually transmit the teachings out of mere obligation...

This scripture reveals the secret methods of Daoist cultivation known as "ascending to the inner landscape" (gaoben neijing), classified as celestial texts strictly regulated by heaven that demand careful selection of worthy disciples. Improper transmission to those with impure intentions will inevitably bring misfortune.

The scripture documents four neijing cultivation techniques:

1. The Method of First Yang's Crimson Radiance (practiced at the yin hour [3-5am] on the first day of each lunar month)

• Practitioners must observe purification fasts and sit in stillness, clicking teeth 36 times
• Visualize oneself as Mount Kunlun standing majestically, with the sun rising from beneath the oceanic abyss to illuminate the entire body
• Hold breath while reciting incantations nine times, swallowing saliva nine times
• The incantation essence: "The sun rises from the primordial sea, dispelling yin qi, beseeching Lord Yuyi to descend pure qi for body-mind purification"

2. The Method of True Yang's First Ascent (practiced at the mao hour [5-7am] on the third day of each month)

• Similarly observe fasting and sit with teeth clicking
• Visualize ascending to Kunlun's summit
• After nine incantation recitations, ingest a talisman (fulu) while visualizing solar illumination
• Incantation essence: "True scenery ascends to light the celestial gate, the yang spirit soars from Kunlun to pay homage to exalted perfected ones"

3. The Method of Bright Yang's Dazzling Light (practiced on the 11th day monthly)

• Visualize witnessing brilliant sunlight from Kunlun's peak
• Golden light bathes the practitioner during nine breath-held incantations
• The chant describes golden wheels dispelling demonic obstructions for ascension into emptiness

4. The Method of Primordial Yang's Fiery Clouds (practiced on the ninth day monthly)

• Visualize the sun descending fiery clouds forming a bridge
• The practitioner steps from Kunlun's peaks onto cloud paths ascending heavenward
• The incantation speaks of riding divine birds into formless realms, achieving inner refinement to behold the Jade Emperor

All methods emphasize:

• Selecting specific temporal nodes (yin/mao hours)
• Maintaining purification through fasting
• Integrating techniques like teeth-clicking, visualization, talisman ingestion, and saliva swallowing
• Achieving heaven-human resonance through sun-moon-Kunlun visualization

(Note: In Daoism, Mount Kunlun represents the axis mundi; Yuyi denotes the solar deity; "Jade Metropolis" signifies the celestial court)

This scripture describes the Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) practice of "racing toward the sun" (visualizing ascension to the solar palace), comprising four distinct timed cultivation methods:

Twelfth day of each month method:

Before dawn, first visualize fiery clouds above your crown, sensing solar energy. Then hold your breath while reciting incantations, imagining a fire dragon guiding your Shen (spirit) to emerge from the crown and fly into the void to worship the solar deity "Yuyi." Keep eyes slightly closed, feeling spiritual light merging as pure Yang Qi eliminates internal Yin energies (Pengshi corpses). The specific practice involves: sitting quietly while knocking teeth 26 times, visualizing riding a golden dragon across a fiery bridge toward the sun palace, sensing warm energy, holding breath for 9 incantation recitations, and swallowing saliva 9 times.

Fifteenth day method:

Using the same approach, recite the "True Yang Morning Worship" incantation. Visualize leaping through golden celestial gates on sunbeams as internal Yin energies burn away while paying homage to solar deities. At this stage, spiritual energy returns to all bodily orifices (acupoints), refining the Shen through internal alchemy. Timely incantations, Fulu (talismans), teeth-knocking and saliva-swallowing accompany visualizations of entering the solar palace to declare immortal aspirations.

Seventeenth day noon method:

Recite the "True Yang Spiritual Light" incantation 81 times. Visualize complete immersion in pure Yang as you sit upright within the solar palace. The golden crow (legendary solar bird) will emit radiant light entering your mouth, illuminating your entire body. This practice must occur precisely at midday.

Twentieth day method:

Recite the "Pure Yang Golden Radiance" incantation 81 times. Visualize complete fusion with the sun, body transparently warm under nine solar beams. This induces natural Qi circulation through the three Dantian (upper/middle/lower energy centers), achieving the state of "spirit-Qi uniting with heaven."

All practices emphasize absorbing the sun's pure Yang Qi through visualization, incantations, teeth-knocking and saliva-swallowing at specific times to purify body and mind. Each phase features corresponding mantras and visualizations, progressively advancing cultivation levels.

This scripture records several Daoist Neijing (internal landscape) cultivation methods—practices for refining inner energy through visualization and breath regulation—along with their corresponding incantations. Let me explain them section by section:

The first passage describes a practice to be performed on the 20th, 25th, and final day of each lunar month. The practitioner must recite mantras, ingest fulu (talismanic writings dissolved in water), perform tooth-tapping, and swallow saliva while visualizing their body merging with sunlight. Consistent practice yields progressive benefits: one year prevents illness, two years brings robust Shen (spirit) and a lightened body, three years purges turbid yin energies, and five years enables Qi mastery and luminous flight. Maintain focused awareness throughout, as ultimate attainment involves befriending immortals and achieving daylight ascension.

Four distinct cultivation methods with accompanying incantations follow:

1. "Primordial Mysterious Beginnings of Pure Radiance" method:

On the first night of each lunar month, recite the mantra nine times while visualizing yourself standing beneath Mount Kunlun, with an endless ocean beneath your feet. See a black lunar disk rising from the ocean depths, then swallow this nascent mysterious Qi while performing tooth-tapping and saliva swallowing.

2. "Luminous Clarity of Grand Beginning" method:

On the second night, observe purification rituals while seated in meditation. Visualize yourself atop Mount Kunlun observing the crescent moon over the sea. Perform tooth-tapping and saliva swallowing 27 times each, recite mantras while ingesting talismans, then regulate breath for an extended period.

3. "Crystalline Clarity of Luminous Splendor" method:

On the seventh day, maintain purification while seated. Visualize yourself ascending Mount Kunlun's peak gazing at the half-moon. Recite the mantra 24 times, with talisman ingestion and saliva swallowing matching the repetition count, concluding with breath regulation.

Each method employs symbolic language describing energetic transformations: "water bearing the mysterious wheel" signifies kidney water ascending, while "golden dew's faint glimmer" represents the lung metal Qi's initial manifestation. The core practice involves harvesting heaven-earth essences through lunar-solar visualizations, tooth-tapping, saliva swallowing, talisman ingestion, and mantra recitation to harmonize yin-yang Qi within the body.

The Jade Book of the Inner Scenery of the Supreme Three Heavens' Authentic Jade Hall records a Daoist neidan (internal alchemy) practice involving moon visualization and incantation recitation. The method follows the lunar cycle:

On the 13th night of the lunar month, practitioners observe purification rituals and sit in meditation, visualizing themselves ascending Mount Kunlun's summit. Gazing at the moon, they recite a mantra thirty-six times while performing "knocking teeth" (a Daoist health technique) and swallowing saliva thirty-six times each. Finally, they ingest a ritual talisman to guide qi (vital energy) circulation before concluding the session. The incantation invokes the moon's perfect fullness and prays for celestial gates to open, inviting immortals to bestow spiritual blessings.

During the full moon on the 15th, adepts visualize standing atop Kunlun where moonlight forms a silver bridge. Repeating the mantra thirty-six times with corresponding teeth-knocking and saliva-swallowing, the chant describes lunar radiance circulating the Five Phases' energies (five bodily fluids) to enable ascension.

On the 16th, practitioners maintain the visualization of the lunar bridge connecting to Kunlun, now riding a phoenix into the Moon Palace while reciting the mantra eighty-one times. This verse describes paying homage to lunar deities to attain celestial transformation.

The 17th practice involves visualizing audience with the Moon Sovereign (principal lunar deity) to petition for immortality, performing forty-nine mantra recitations and teeth-knocking. The text specifies this "moonward flight" method must occur within twenty days surrounding the full moon.

By the 18th, adepts imagine their bodies transparent within the moon itself. The mantra emphasizes merging one's form with lunar light to achieve the sublime unity of form and spirit (shen).

This complete method synchronizes moon phases with specific mantras, visualizations, and talismans to purify body-mind and consolidate the golden elixir. Each stage emphasizes coordinating "talismanic qi guidance" (fulu yuqi) with "teeth-knocking and saliva-swallowing" (kouchi yanjin) techniques. The practice exemplifies classical Daoist integration of cosmic cycles, ritual technology, and physiological alchemy.

This scripture describes an advanced Daoist practice called the "Method of Ascending to Inner Radiance" (Gaoben Neijing Fa), which primarily involves ritual talismans (Fulu), incantations, and visualization techniques.

The practitioner begins by clearly visualizing the talisman while reciting its accompanying mantra sixty times, swallowing saliva nine times, and clicking the teeth nine times. At this stage, one perceives golden light radiating in all directions, illuminating heaven and earth, followed by prolonged breath regulation and Qi circulation before concluding the session. In deep meditative states, one may witness the interplay of crystalline moonlight and luminous jade radiance within the body.

The mantra's essence conveys: "The revolving moon illuminates the hidden darkness, golden light circulates in the Jade Void (the supreme Daoist paradise), vital fluids brighten the Spirit Platform (upper Dantian), and celestial nectar's fragrance facilitates spiritual transformation."

Masters explain that at this advanced stage, practitioners must merge with moonlight, visualizing union with the Supreme Celestial Sovereign (Taihuang), dissolving physical form into pure clarity. Ten days of sustained practice doubles efficacy, though many fail due to lax discipline or wavering commitment. Even occasional practice extends longevity—how much more so dedicated cultivation?

During the month's final decade (after the 20th lunar day), maintain this visualized state awaiting immortal clouds of ascension. The subsequent "Hymn of Primordial Union" depicts transcendence: riding auspicious clouds beyond ornate palaces, with the Jade Crucible (Dantian) emitting vital Qi. Within the alchemical furnace where Water and Fire harmonize, the True Being adorned in jade ornaments manifests amid pervasive fragrance as Yin-Yang transforms. Golden Elixir (Jinye, the refined essence) nourishes the whole being unto immortality.

Masters particularly emphasize: Ordinary people with shallow foundations, ignorant of longevity through serene Wuwei (non-action), require these visualization and refinement methods. Yet this technique remains profoundly esoteric—few know it, fewer sustain it. Thus celestial masters strictly select disciples. Practice demands absolute silence—no coughing or speaking. Persistence enables the spirit (Shen) to travel freely, roaming with immortals. This scripture actually contains Celestial Master Zhang Daoling's secret method of cosmic ascension—treasure it well.

(Note: "Jade Void" denotes the supreme Daoist paradise; "Spirit Platform" refers to the upper Dantian; "Golden Elixir" signifies the refined essence produced through Neidan (internal alchemy) practice; "visualization" constitutes a crucial Daoist cultivation method involving focused mental imagery.)

The Jade Book of Inner Radiance for Ascending to the Highest Three Heavens (Vol. 2) records:

Master cultivators say: For protecting the body and prolonging life, nothing surpasses the practice of venerating the True Lord of the Northern Dipper (the Big Dipper deity in Daoism). By absorbing the Nine Lights of the Dipper (the radiance of the seven stars plus two auxiliary stars) and the Gangqi (the righteous energy of heaven and earth), one consolidates the hun and po souls and refines yang energy. Thus ancient sages declared that those who can traverse the Northern Dipper's celestial domain will enjoy robust health, abundant primordial qi, extended lifespan, and automatic repulsion of all malevolent forces. Another teaching states that all Daoist methods originate from the Northern Dipper, and all deities receive their assignments through it. This shows that no spiritual practice can prove efficacious without the Dipper's empowerment. Therefore, successive generations of patriarchs invariably transmit the "Ascending Dipper to Deliver Humanity" method, enabling practitioners to commune with the celestial realm, return to primordial purity, and attain the state of "preserving non-being while guarding being" - thereby gaining authority over the Three Realms (heaven, earth, and water) and governance of the Six Heavens (Daoist celestial spheres). This method constitutes one of the "Three Ascensions" secret arts (referring to the descent of solar, lunar, and stellar lights into the body), serving as a crucial ladder to immortal perfection that demands reverent devotion.

Now detailing the divine offices of each Dipper star deity:

1. The first star "Great Star" (Celestial Pivot/Tianshu) houses the essential soul named "Mysterious Pivot Spirit," also called "Fourfold Yang Bright Soul," with the formal divine title "Celestial Pivot Hun-Soul." As the Dipper's Grand Commandant (high military official), it oversees judicial punishments, supervising celestial immortals across the Nine Heavens above, monitoring flying immortals of the Five Sacred Mountains in the middle realm, and governing all cultivators below - with authority over all celestial and earthly spirits.

2. The second star "Primordial Star" (Celestial Spoon/Tianxuan) contains the essential soul named "Northern Terrace Spirit," also called "Yin Essence Soul," titled "Celestial Spoon Hun-Soul." Serving as the Dipper's Prime Minister, it manages blessings and emoluments, governing celestial constellations above and myriad spiritual beings below, with jurisdiction over all immortality seekers.

3. The third star "True Star" (Celestial Shining/Tianji) holds the essential soul named "Supreme True Spirit of Balanced Extremes," also called "True Person Soul," titled "Celestial Mechanism Hun-Soul." As the Dipper's Minister of Works, it administers immortal affairs, overseeing high-ranking perfected immortals across the Nine Heavens above, monitoring numinous immortals of the Five Sacred Mountains in the middle realm, and guiding all Dao-students seeking transcendence below.

4. The fourth star "Knot Star" (Celestial Balance/Tianquan) preserves the essential soul named "Jade Root Spirit," also called "Mysterious Darkness Soul," titled "Celestial Pivot Po-Soul." Serving as the Dipper's Mobile General, it specializes in suppressing rebellions, governing celestial demons across the Nine Heavens above, commanding the Three Officials of the Northern Emperor (Daoist underworld judges) in the middle realm, and monitoring rebellious beings among the myriad creatures below.

5. The fifth star "Guidance Star" (Jade Balance/Yuheng) contains the essential soul named "Great Peace Spirit," also called "Cinnabar Origin Po-Soul," titled "Jade Balance Po-Soul." As the Dipper's Ruling Lord, it manages the registers of life and death, overseeing immortal records across the Nine Heavens above, maintaining rosters of spirits and demons in the middle realm, and keeping track of ordinary cultivators' life-registers below.

6. The sixth star "Record Star" (Opening Yang/Kaiyang) houses the essential soul named "Destiny Mechanism Spirit," also called "Northern Pole Po-Soul," titled "Opening Yang Hun-Soul." Serving as the Dipper's Minister of Rites, it handles promotions, governing perfected immortals across the Nine Heavens above, supervising flying immortals of the Five Sacred Mountains in the middle realm, and overseeing practitioners' physical bodies below. All cultivators who achieve merit may obtain rebirth or promotion qualifications through its agency.

This passage describes a Daoist meditation practice focused on visualizing the nine stars of the Northern Dipper (particularly the seventh to ninth stars) and the Three Primordial Deities. Here's a clear interpretation:

The seventh star, named "Kangyang Shen" (Resplendent Yang Spirit), is also called "Heavenly Pass Soul" or "Yaoguang Star." It governs cosmic rhythms including celestial movements, seasonal transitions, and kalpic cycles.

The eighth star, the Imperial Star, is named "Supreme Jade Emperor" with the divine title "Eight Radiances Void Primordial Lord." The ninth star, the Venerable Star, is named "Great Tenuity Jade Emperor" with the divine title "Seven Dawns Seven Essences Lord." These two stars embody the refined Qi (vital energy) of supreme deities. Legend tells that a servant of Huo Guang in the Han Dynasty saw them glowing and, after prostrating, lived six hundred years.

Practice Method:

1. On nights of the 3rd, 7th, 13th, 17th, 23rd, and 27th lunar days, sit quietly in a meditation chamber with hands forming mudras while regulating breath.

2. Close eyes and visualize the body gradually ascending to the Big Dipper's "Ladle" region, sitting with back against the "True Man Star." Focus until feeling bodily warmth, indicating the fusion of internal Qi with stellar energies.

3. Visualize Dipper starlight pouring through the entire body, illuminating internally and externally. Then visualize the Three Primordial Deities from among the nine stars:

• Upper Primordial Deity "Qijian" (Spirit Name Linggang): Wearing purple phoenix-feather cloak and red tiger-patterned lower garment, holding a flowing-gold fire bell
• Middle Primordial Deity "Xuandu" (Spirit Name Sukang): Wearing Fuchen crown, crimson-feathered robe, and dragon-patterned belt
• Lower Primordial Deity "Kangmeng" (Spirit Name Liuyu): Wearing green Fuhua crown, yellow phoenix-feather cloak, carrying fire bell and solar radiance

During visualization, imagine the three deities sitting opposite you. When sensing their inquiry about your absence, silently respond that you feared obstruction by the Six Heavens Demon Kings. At this point, you'll see an infant-like female figure (the Dipper's ninth essence spirit "Mihua," Spirit Name Linqian) exhaling purple mist into your heart.

Conclude by swallowing saliva nine times, tapping teeth nine times, pressing left hand over the heart while reciting the incantation: "Supreme Cinnabar Spirit's Mysterious Radiance Whirls Brilliantly, Nine Weft-Stars Initiate Spinning Lights, Qi Clarifies and Scatters Purple..."

Note: This practice belongs to Daoist "Cunsi" (visualization) methods, connecting with cosmic energies through stellar deity contemplation. The "flowing-gold fire bell" and other ritual implements symbolize demon-subduing protective power, while "saliva swallowing and teeth tapping" are techniques for activating internal fluid energies.

This passage describes a Neidan (internal alchemy) meditation technique in Daoist practice, detailing how adepts visualize deities and internal Qi circulation to attain celestial ascension.

The text opens with a cosmic panorama: in the dark starry sky, the Seven Luminaries (sun, moon, and five planets) shine brightly while Yin-Yang energies manifest distinctly, and the four seasons rotate in perfect order. The practitioner activates internal Qi at an auspicious hour, elevating it through the nine celestial layers while aligning with the Great Dipper Lord (a key stellar deity in Daoism).

Three immortal lords then appear, questioning why the adept hesitates to ascend. The practitioner's fear of demonic interference causes hesitation. Suddenly, the Heavenly Emperor manifests majestic power—his mouth containing solar essence (sun's vital energy)—while vanquishing evil forces: suppressing the Six Heavens' demonic spirits on his left and trampling Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) on his right. The Flowing Gold Fire Bells (a ritual implement) radiate dazzling light, scattering all malevolent entities.

The scripture meticulously outlines the cultivation process: harmonizing the three Hun (ethereal souls) and seven Po (corporeal souls) through six stages of Taixi (embryonic breathing). At the peak of sincere practice, a jade consort named "Secret Blossom" (Mi Hua), styled "Luminous Grace" (Lin Qian), manifests—a female immortal adorned in celestial robes and wielding ritual implements within the practitioner's heart-mind.

At advanced stages, the adept achieves: wearing a purple crown to soar through the nine heavens, riding clouds while inscribing the name "Grand Simplicity" (Taishu, cosmic origin). Ultimately becoming a flying immortal capable of commanding myriad deities and reversing aging. The Four Directional Heavenly Emperors (North, South, East, West) each display divine powers, with thunder and fire intertwining as protective forces.

The conclusion details practical methods: on odd-numbered days, visualize the Muddy Pellet Palace (Niwan, crown chakra), swallow saliva fifty times, and tap teeth nine times. Simultaneously perform hand seals and incantations while visualizing the guardian general "Miraculous Sword" (Qi Jian), styled "Numinous Strength" (Ling Gang)—a celestial warrior in immortal attire wielding Flowing Gold Fire Bells as protector.

[Note: Parentheses contain practical instructions including specific mudras, saliva swallowing counts, teeth-tapping repetitions, and visualization orientations for actual practice.]

This passage describes an advanced cultivation method from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition of Daoism, a major school emphasizing inner visualization practices. The practice involves specific rituals to be performed on auspicious days (the 7th, 9th, 13th, 15th, 19th, or 22nd of the lunar month).

The practitioner begins by facing specific directions (north or northwest) to perform ceremonial bows before sitting in meditation. The practice combines physical techniques with visualization:

1. Swallowing saliva (yan ye) 50 or 60 times

2. Tapping teeth (kou chi) 9 times

3. Pressing specific acupoints (such as pressing the heart region with the right hand or the philtrum with the left index finger)

Simultaneously, one silently recites invocations (zhu) praising the virtues of Daoist deities like the Supreme Purple Perfected (Taishang Zizhen) and Supreme Purple Sovereign (Taishang Zihuang). These deities are visualized wearing magnificent attire (crimson feathered capes, dragon belts with tiger skirts), radiating divine light, and riding celestial chariots (such as the Big Dipper constellation) that assist practitioners in achieving ascension.

During cultivation, practitioners visualize auspicious phenomena within their bodies:

• The six viscera opening and becoming unobstructed
• The generation of luminous fluids (hua ye)
• The refinement of hun and po souls
• Purple Qi (Zi Qi) radiating from the navel region
• Manifestations of divine creatures (yellow phoenixes, simurgh birds) and celestial music (phoenix pipes and simurgh flutes)

The text highlights two important deities:

1. Xuandu (given name) Sukang (courtesy name) - appearing in the Crimson Palace (heart region)

2. Kangmeng (given name) Liuyu (courtesy name) - manifesting in the Dantian (navel region)

The ultimate goal is to "soar beyond the vast heavens as an immortal" and "command ten thousand spirits," achieving unity with the Dao. Each session concludes by repeating the ceremonial bows, saliva swallowing, and teeth tapping.

(Note: The "Crimson Palace" refers to the heart region and "Dantian" to the lower abdominal area—both crucial energy centers in Daoist internal cultivation. "Teeth tapping and saliva swallowing" are common health-preservation techniques in Daoist practice.)

This scripture describes the Daoist "Reclining Dipper" cultivation method, a practice of visualizing the nine stars of the Northern Dipper for ascension. The content is divided into two main parts:

First are the preparatory movements: Before sleeping at dawn or dusk, visualize the nine imperial stars of the Northern Dipper descending upon one's bedding. Stand facing north with hands clasped over the heart while holding the breath, then close the eyes and envision the nine stars descending from the sky in their current celestial positions to form a nine-chi-long, six-chi-wide stellar array around the bedding. If performed at dusk on the first day of the lunar month, simultaneously visualize the Morning Canopy Star descending as well.

Next comes the cultivation method proper: Lie flat with closed eyes, visualizing the nine stars emitting circular purple light. Imagine the "True Star" aligning directly above the crown of the head, allowing Qi (vital energy) to enter the brain through this point. Specific steps include: lightly pressing the left foot on the "Grand Subtlety Star" to control the three Hun (ethereal souls), while the right foot presses the "Imperial Star" to restrain the seven Po (corporeal souls); the left hand supports the "Northern Platform Origin Star," while the right hand grasps the "Pivot Root Twisting Star."

The practice culminates in visualizing the nine stellar lords, each with corresponding titles and invocations. For example: the first star "Grand Star," named Mysterious Pivot Highest Truth, is visualized before the left pinky; the second "Origin Star," named Northern Platform Highest Truth, is visualized in the left hand; the third "True Star," named Nine Poles Highest Truth, is visualized above the crown. Through this method, one may attain the state of "soaring immortals riding the void."

Note: "Muddy Pellet" (Niwan) refers to the upper Dantian (energy center) at the crown; "three Hun and seven Po" represent Daoist divisions of human soul components; "Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper" indicates the seven primary stars plus two auxiliary stars.

This scripture describes the Daoist practice of "Star Visualization" (存星), focusing on meditation techniques involving the Big Dipper's nine stars to achieve immortality. Let me explain it section by section:

Regarding the visualization methods for the nine stars of the Big Dipper:

The fourth star is called the Supreme Truth of Xuangen (璇根上真). During practice, visualize holding this star in your right hand while praying for ascension to immortality.

The fifth star is called the Supreme Truth of Taiping (太平上真), visualized to the right of the fourth star.

The sixth star is called the Supreme Truth of Mingji (命机上真), positioned to the right of the fifth star.

The seventh star is called the Supreme Truth of Xuanji (玄机上真), located beside the sixth star.

The eighth star is called the Jade Emperor of Supreme Purity (高上玉皇君), visualized at the center of the Big Dipper's "ladle" (魁星) and aligned with the right sole.

The ninth star is called the Jade Emperor of Taiwei (太微玉帝君), visualized connecting with other stars and aligned before the left foot.

The visualization should be accompanied by specific cultivation techniques:

Perform tooth-tapping 27 times (lightly clicking upper and lower teeth)

Swallow saliva 27 times

Recite the incantation: "Nine Star Lords and True Lord of the North Pole, please strengthen my primordial Qi (元气) and fortify my Three Hun Souls (三魂). May I draw solar essence from the left and lunar essence from the right, enabling my ascension to the Purple Tenuity Heaven..."

Next describes the scene in the "Chamber of the Cavern" (洞房, the upper Dantian located deep between the eyebrows):

Visualize the Big Dipper's light entering the Chamber between your brows, transforming into tiny points of light that enter through the Qi Gate (百会穴, the crown of the head). Inside the Chamber, the Yellow Elder Lord (黄老君) in yellow robes sits to the left, your original spirit (元神) resides to the right, and directly ahead sits the Red Child Emperor Lord (赤子帝君) of the Muddy Pellet Palace (泥丸宫). Their radiance will illuminate your entire body.

Conclude by reciting: "May the primordial essence (元精) and Red Child Emperor Lord within the Chamber illuminate my Muddy Pellet Palace with stellar light, refine my bones and blood, restrain my soul, enabling me to ride clouds in ascension to behold the Jade Emperor and Primordial Lord of Supreme Unity (太乙元君)." After chanting, close your eyes to regulate breathing and enter meditative stillness.

The scripture concludes that through reclining Big Dipper visualization and cultivation of the upper Dantian (洞房), one can attain the state of immortality.

This scripture describes Daoist methods for ascension through visualization (cunxiang, meditative contemplation) of the Big Dipper stars, along with related repentance rituals. The content is divided into two main sections:

The first section explains the "Soaring to Inner Radiance" cultivation method:

1. Practitioners should visualize a purple canopy above their heads on the first day of each lunar month (shuori), imagining vital essence (Jing) entering the inner chamber (Dantian) of their body.

2. Specific steps: First visualize the Nine Imperial Stars of the Dipper (the seven stars plus two assistant stars), then contemplate the morning canopy (purple canopy), followed by chanting the names of the nine stars.

3. Upon waking at dawn, silently recite incantations while performing tooth-tapping (14 light taps) and saliva-swallowing (14 swallows). The incantation essentially petitions the Seven Star Youths and the purple essence of primordial Qi to enter the body and assist in celestial ascension.

The second section details the "Return to Origin" repentance method:

1. Designed for practitioners with insufficient cultivation or unresolved karmic obstacles, this repentance should be performed facing north at midnight on specific days (Dingmao, Dingchou days, etc.).

2. Procedure: Close eyes and tap teeth seven times while visualizing the Big Dipper shining in the sky, then recite invocations. Each visualization involves different stellar lords (e.g., Lord Yangming Star, Lord Yinjing Star) flying from the Dipper into the mouth and entering corresponding organs.

3. The invocations petition for cleansing seven generations of karmic obstructions, fulfillment of all endeavors, and ultimate ascension to immortality with one's name inscribed among the stars for longevity.

Notes:

• "Inner chamber" refers to the Dantian, a crucial energy center in internal cultivation
• "Visualization" (cunxiang) is a fundamental Daoist practice that harnesses spiritual power through contemplation of deities, stars, etc.
• "Tooth-tapping and saliva-swallowing" are common health-preserving cultivation techniques
• The Big Dipper holds supreme importance in Daoism, with each star governed by specific stellar lords

This scripture documents a Daoist practice called "Ascending to the Inner Landscape," which describes methods for communicating with the deities of the Big Dipper through specific rituals including visualization (cunxiang), teeth-tapping, and saliva-swallowing at designated times. Here's a simplified explanation:

Practitioners should sit cross-legged on a bed facing north at midnight on the days of Dinghai, Dingyou, Dingwei, or Dingsi. The specific steps are:

1. Place both hands on the knees and close the eyes

2. Tap the teeth seven times (Daoists believe this summons deities)

3. Visualize the Big Dipper shining brightly in the northern sky

4. Maintain this state for a period

Next, recite invocations that primarily include:

• Prayers to the stellar lords of the Big Dipper (such as the Third True Sovereign Jiuji Shangzhen Tianji Pojing Shangsu Jun and the Fourth Pivot Star Xuanxuan Tianquan Pojing Shangxu Jun)
• Requests to absolve sins for oneself and seven generations of ancestors
• Hopes for attaining "eyes that see clearly" and "the ability to command ten thousand spirits"
• Petitions to "ascend to the Seven Primes" (reach celestial realms) and "be listed among the Jade Emperor's ranks"

Key details mentioned:

• During visualization, imagine starlight entering the mouth and residing in the lungs, stomach, and other areas (inner landscape cultivation)
• Coordinate with swallowing saliva (believed to nourish Jing-essence)
• Repeat the ritual seven times to complete it

The ultimate goal of this practice is to achieve states of "harmony with heaven" and "riding the wind to the nine heavens." In the text, "Seven Primes" refers to the Big Dipper, while terms like "Jade Court" and "Purple Clarity" are Daoist names for celestial realms.

This scripture describes a Daoist practice for dispelling misfortunes and seeking blessings through meditation on the Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou). The method comprises three ritual sequences performed at specific times:

First Sequence (Sixth Ji Star):

Practitioners should sit facing east or recline on their bed during the last night of each lunar month, before the cock's crow. With hands folded and teeth gently clicking, visualize the radiant light of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper. Simultaneously recite prayers to absolve sins accumulated over seven generations of ancestors, heal illnesses, and ultimately attain immortal status. Specifically, envision the North Star Sovereign (Beiji Xingjun) entering the kidneys (left for males, right for females) while swallowing saliva fourteen times.

Second Sequence (Seventh Que Star):

During the same midnight hour at month's end, visualize the Celestial Pass Star (Tian'guan, the seventh Dipper star) flying into the eyes (left eye for males, right for females), illuminating both inner and outer vision. Chant prayers to eliminate familial and personal transgressions, particularly those recorded in the underworld registers. The ultimate aim is attaining spiritual powers that shine alongside the Purple Tenuity Star (Ziwei).

Third Sequence (Eighth and Ninth Imperial Stars):

On Liujia days (the six celestial stem days containing "Jia"), sit upright on the bed at midnight facing any direction. Clench fists, hold breath, and concentrate the spirit. After clicking teeth nine times, visualize the nine Dipper stars shining above the crown. Envision the Jade Emperor Star (Yuhuang) and Grand Tenuity Star (Taiwei) entering the Niwan Palace (the crown energy center), illuminating the entire body with purple radiance while swallowing saliva three times. Pray for the dissolution of karmic obstructions accumulated over nine generations of relatives and oneself, particularly those recorded in the Fengdu underworld capital.

Notes:

1. Niwan Palace: A key Daoist term referring to the crown Dantian (energy center)

2. Liujia days: Six specific days in the traditional celestial stem-branch calendar containing the "Jia" stem

3. Fengdu: The mythical underworld capital in Daoist cosmology

These cultivation methods emphasize achieving disaster relief and spiritual advancement through precisely timed meditation, visualization, and incantation. The practice integrates cosmic correspondence with bodily energy centers, demonstrating the Daoist synthesis of celestial observation and inner alchemy (Neidan).

This scripture describes the spiritual attainments and powers achieved by Daoist practitioners through specific cultivation methods. The main content can be understood as follows:

If practitioners can sincerely repent their transgressions (愆记), petition the supreme celestial beings of the Northern Heaven (北上九元太极真人, the Great Ultimate Perfected Ones of the Northern Heights), and have their karmic records expunged from the Black Register (the ledger recording good and evil deeds), they will receive absolution from the highest deities of the Nine Heavens (九天元) and the Supreme Venerable Sovereign (太上尊帝王元君), resulting in the complete eradication of all karmic obstructions.

Upon receiving this divine pardon, practitioners attain the ability to:

1. Freely traverse the seven celestial pathways (飞行七道)

2. Ascend to the highest heavenly realm of Jade Purity (玉清境)

3. Journey spiritually through the Great Primordial Heaven (太元天)

4. Ride the radiance of the sun and moon (乘景晨生)

5. Feast with the Eight Immaculate Maidens (八素) in the Northern Heaven (北宴)

6. Shine with the same brilliance as the sun and moon (与日相倾)

7. Pay homage to all celestial perfected beings (总朝真地)

8. Command myriad spiritual beings (摄御万灵)

This passage originates from the lower scroll of the Wushang Santian Yutang Zhengzong Gaoben Neijing Yushu (The Authentic Jade Hall Tradition of the Three Highest Heavens: The Inner Landscape Scripture of Soaring Ascension), a secret text describing advanced cultivation accomplishments. The term "soaring inner landscape" (高奔内景) refers to the method of celestial ascension (高奔) achieved through Neidan (internal alchemy) practice (内景).