《清微元降大法》Vol. 11

This scripture records the essential cultivation methods and incantations of the Qingwei lineage in Daoism. It first describes the divine manifestation of the "Upper Yang Chongyuan Emissary": this deity appears in two forms—a benevolent aspect resembling a celestial official, clad in golden armor with red robes and shoes while holding a tally scepter; and a wrathful aspect resembling the Big Dipper Star Lord, mounted on a golden dragon while wielding a sacred sword.

The text then presents multiple sets of secret incantations, primarily used for cultivation and rituals. These mantras, such as the "Scripture of the Great Kalpa's Primordial Chaos," employ specific phonetic combinations to channel cosmic energies. The passage titled "Jade Strategy" explains the ritual use of either three incense sticks or one leaf and two sheets of paper, with men positioned to the left and women to the right, to be cast into a stove fire, or alternatively into flames or water by the practitioner.

Subsequent sections document several key incantation sequences, including:

1. The "Primordial Chaos Vast Abyss" series, depicting the primordial state of chaos and the movement of Qi (vital energy);

2. The "Scripture of the Innate Child-Deity of Primordial Beginning," describing how the primordial Qi (Yuanqi) gives birth to all phenomena;

3. The "Chapter of the Lesser Kalpa's Cosmic Opening," portraying the scenes of heaven and earth's creation.

These incantations are composed in four-character rhythmic verses, addressing core Daoist doctrines such as cosmogony and the transformations of Yin-Yang. Each set corresponds to specific stages of cultivation and spiritual attainment. Practitioners recite these sacred phrases to commune with cosmic forces and refine the Golden Elixir (Jindan) through internal alchemy (Neidan). It should be noted that their practical application requires precise mudras (hand seals), visualization techniques, and ritual protocols.

This passage describes the cosmology and talismanic system (Fulu) of the Qingwei School (an important Daoist lineage during the Song-Yuan period). The parenthesized phrases at the beginning represent secret mantras recited during cultivation, with each phrase corresponding to specific meditation states:

"Brilliant illumination brightens the netherworld" (ming zhao lang you) signifies light pervading the underworld, while "Abyssal ascent dwells in celestial chambers" (yuan sheng ju chen) symbolizes the rising of true Qi (vital energy) like deep waters ascending to the heavenly court. Subsequent phrases like "Vast purity transforms truly" (hao qing zhen hua) depict the movement of primordial Qi—with clear energy rising and turbid energy descending—forming an internal circulation (universal movement of inner illumination).

From "Marvelous source opens expanses" (miao yuan kai kuo) to "Swimming draws flourishing shen" (yong ji chang shen), the text describes practitioners accessing the wondrous realm of prenatal existence, connecting their original spirit (Shen, the innate consciousness) with the cosmic source. The section beginning with "Jade void's supreme Dao" (bi xu zhi dao) portrays higher states of realization: within the undifferentiated jade extreme (the highest celestial realm), light penetrates the ten directions, reaching the abode of the Venerable Celestial Sovereign (a high Daoist deity).

"Chaotic void scintillates emptiness" (hun dong shuo kong) through "Clarified embrace of myriad scenes" (cheng ying wan jing) corresponds to the Purple Sovereign's supreme path (the highest cultivation method), describing how talismanic practice purifies body and mind to reflect all phenomena. The passage following "Luminous jade primordial scenes Dao" (lang yuan jing dao) contains esoteric formulas for mobilizing cosmic powers—harmonizing Yin-Yang and clarifying turbidity through vibration of the Celestial Beam star (part of the Big Dipper constellation).

The concluding reference to the "Precious Scripture of the Primordial Spontaneous Child Spirit" (yuan shi zi ran tong shen bao zhang) represents core secret transmissions, including three types of talismans: the Great Kalpa Talisman (for cosmic catastrophes), Child Spirit Talisman (for Shen cultivation), and Minor Kalpa Talisman (for averting personal calamities), along with the Great Universal Seal—a one-inch square (about 3cm) with circular interior and square exterior that commands all methods. These talismans and seals hold crucial functions in Qingwei rituals for governing Yin-Yang and summoning celestial forces.