《太上飛步五星經》

The Scripture of the Supreme Flying Through the Five Stars records a Daoist cultivation method focused on communing with the energies of the Five Stars (the five major planets: Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn) through visualization (meditation) and ritual pacing (specialized stepping patterns). The specific steps are as follows:

Before beginning the ritual pacing (stepping the star-diagram formation), the practitioner must first visualize the essences of the Five Stars within the five viscera. This involves tapping the teeth five times, swallowing saliva five times, and silently reciting the incantation: "The Five Stars illuminate the Five Directions—Mercury dispels calamity, Jupiter summons blessings, Mars transforms misfortune, Venus averts warfare, and Saturn stabilizes—assist me in ascending to immortality." After reciting, regulate the breath and face the Gang position (the altar's directional orientation).

During the formal pacing ritual, the practitioner must sequentially invoke the names of the Five Star Lords and their consorts: the Eastern Jupiter Lord "Chenglan Qingning" and his consort "Baorong Feiyun," the Southern Mars Lord "Weiting Sanrong" and his consort "Huaping Xuanluo," the Western Venus Lord "Liaoling Zhenxun" and his consort "Biaoying Ling'en," the Northern Mercury Lord "Qixuan Jingyuan" and his consort "Xuanhua Long'e," and the Central Saturn Lord "Canglu Danyan" and his consort "Kongyao Feixian."

The stepping sequence is as follows: first step on Venus (Taibai) → Saturn (Zhenxing) → Mars (Yinghuo) → Jupiter (Suixing) → Mercury (Chenxing), then return to Venus, repeating this cycle three times. At each star position, place the left hand over the heart and invoke the name of the corresponding Star Lord. The entire pacing ritual must be repeated fifteen times.

The scripture concludes by describing the attire of the Seven Star Lords of the Northern Dipper: from the first to the seventh, they wear celestial robes of different colors—such as yellow brocade cloaks with crimson-green skirts or blue brocade cloaks with green-feathered skirts—each symbolizing their distinct divine powers.

This scripture primarily explains the methods and precautions for practicing the "Flying Steps of the Five Stars" (a ritual walking technique in Daoist cultivation) in Daoism:

Descriptions of the Northern Dipper Star Lords' attire:

• The Sixth Ji Star Lord wears vermilion brocade capes and blue embroidered flying skirts
• The Seventh Guan Star Lord wears cinnabar-red brocade capes and blue feathered ceremonial skirts
• The Eighth Di Star Lord wears purple brocade capes and embroidered feathered cinnabar skirts
• The Ninth Zun Star Lord wears green brocade capes and emerald feathered ceremonial skirts

All these star lords wear their hair in cascading cloud-style topknots.

Key points of cultivation method:

1. Beginners must face north while holding the "Book of Concealment" during practice. This is because novices are not yet familiar with stellar positions and the directional patterns of the Northern Dipper's handle, so they must face north with the text to learn gradually.

2. After mastering the essentials, one need not rigidly face north, but can adjust directions and steps according to the actual orientation of the Dipper's handle. Facing north is merely an introductory method for beginners.

3. Specific steps for practicing "Walking the Five Stars":

• First regulate breathing and tread the Gang steps (special ritual footsteps in Daoism)
• Sequentially invoke the Five Stars (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Saturn) and their respective Star Lord Consorts by name
• After completing the invocations, continue stepping through the Dipper's stars
• The effect is enhanced if one repeats the Star Lord's name at each stellar position
• If this proves too cumbersome, the basic method may suffice

The text mentions that ancient adepts like Yu Shegong, Beilizi, and Elder Changling all attained the Dao and ascended to heaven through this method—none feared its complexity. Using merchants undaunted by hardship in pursuit of profit as metaphor, it states that if one's devotion to the Dao matches a merchant's focus on gain, immortality can surely be achieved.

Criticisms of common beginner shortcomings:

• Starting with zeal but later becoming lax
• Like old cart parts coming loose
• Or an ox going lame on long journeys with heavy loads
• Such practitioners invite ridicule from realized adepts

Final reminders:

• Concentrated inner contemplation can resonate with divine beings
• Immortals may descend to enlighten and guide you, offering rides on sun-moon chariots
• Five Stars diagrams should generally face south when arranged
• Because Venus (Metal Star) resides in the west and Jupiter (Wood Star) in the east
• This arrangement accounts for the Five Stars' unpredictable trajectories, requiring flexible mastery

This passage details two Daoist cultivation methods: the ritual procedures for ascending to Jupiter (the Year Star) and Mars (the Sparkling Deluder), along with essential techniques for visualizing the Twenty-Four Body Deities (cunxiang meditation).

Regarding the visualization practice, it explains that the fixed positions of the Big Dipper serve as a reference point for orienting the Five Directions. Practitioners should sequentially visualize the "Three Eight Scenes" (referring to the twenty-four bodily Shen), either in one complete session or divided by time—visualizing the upper scenes at dawn, the middle scenes at noon, and the lower scenes at midnight. Those who retreat to secluded mountains, free from worldly affairs, focusing solely on deity visualization and absorbing authentic Qi will achieve superior results. However, ordinary people burdened with daily responsibilities often struggle to maintain such rigorous practice. Ancient immortals like Lord Wang of Xicheng and the Upper Perfected of Tongbo followed this method. According to the Scripture of the White Jade Register and Azure Scroll from the Mysterious Casket, those who fail to cultivate the visualization of the Twenty-Four Body Deities and remain ignorant of the Three Eight Scenes' names cannot become citizens of the Great Peace nor serve as ministers to sages.

Ritual for Ascending to Jupiter (Year Star):

1. Calm the mind and visualize the Year Star (Jupiter)

2. Place the right hand over the heart in salute

3. Cover both eyes with the left hand

4. Hold the breath nine times

5. Click the teeth twenty-seven times

6. Swallow saliva nine times

7. Close the eyes and silently recite the names of the True Imperial Lord of the Year Star and his consort three times

8. Offer this prayer: "May I ride the Eight Scenes Azure Canopy with the Primordial Yang Azure Imperial True Lord and his consort, ascending to the Supreme Palace of the Great High"

9. Face the star while reciting the incantation (describing the Azure Imperial True Lord's appearance and retinue)

10. Remove the hand covering the eyes and gaze directly at the starlight twenty-seven times

11. Visualize nine beams of starlight entering the throat

12. Conclude by clicking the teeth three times

The method for ascending to Mars (Sparkling Deluder) follows a similar pattern:

1. Visualize the Sparkling Deluder (Mars)

2. Place the left hand over the heart in salute

3. Cover the mouth with the right hand

(The remaining steps parallel the Jupiter ritual, though the text remains incomplete)

These rituals integrate visualization, breath regulation, physical gestures, and incantation—hallmark techniques of Daoist cunxiang (visualization) and celestial ascent practices.

This passage describes Daoist methods for cultivating with the Five Planets (Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn), particularly focusing on communicating with their celestial deities and ascending to their corresponding heavenly realms. Here's the modern interpretation:

【Mars (Yinghuo Star) Practice】

Begin by holding your breath, tapping the teeth 27 times, and swallowing saliva 9 times. With eyes closed, silently recite the names of Mars' True Imperial Lord and his consort three times. Offer this prayer: "May I join Cinnabar Fire Red Emperor Lord and his consort in riding the Eight Radiance Cinnabar Chariot to ascend to the Jade Pure Palace." Facing Mars, silently chant the incantation (depicting Mars' immortal realm where the Cinnabar Emperor and Lady Wei Huan reside, adorned in splendid robes and ornaments, guided by the Red Emperor). After chanting, release your hands without covering the mouth, open your eyes to gaze at the starlight. Swallow the starlight 27 times while visualizing three beams of light entering your throat. Conclude by tapping the teeth three times.

【Venus (Metal Star) Practice】

Focus your gaze on Venus, place your right hand over the heart in salute. Cover your nostrils with the left hand and hold the breath seven times. Tap teeth 27 times and swallow saliva 9 times. With closed eyes, recite the names of Venus' True Imperial Lord and consort three times. Pray to ascend with the Great Simplicity Lesser Yang Lord in a white chariot to the Jade Pure Palace. Chant the western Venus incantation (describing the White Emperor's consort dwelling in white robes with golden ornaments). Release your hands, gaze at the starlight and swallow it 27 times.

【Mercury (Water Star) Practice】

Place both hands over the heart in salute. Cover both ears and hold the breath five times. Subsequent steps follow similar patterns (though the scripture remains incomplete).

These cultivation methods all incorporate:

• Specific body postures (covering ears/nose)
• Breath control
• Teeth tapping and saliva swallowing
• Visualization of stellar deities
• Recitation of specific incantations
• Swallowing starlight

The rituals aim to facilitate ascension to corresponding celestial realms through the deities' guidance. The "Eight Radiance Chariot" represents divine transportation in Daoism, while the "Jade Pure Palace" is among the highest heavenly realms. Each planetary lord has specific titles, attire, and attendants that practitioners must visualize accurately during practice.

The Supreme Flying Through the Five Stars Scripture describes a cultivation method for communicating with the deities of the Five Stars (Mercury, Saturn, etc.) through visualization and incantations, aiming to ascend to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) heavenly realm.

Cultivation of Mercury (Water Star):

1. First, close the eyes and silently recite the names of the True Sovereign Dao Lord of Mercury and his consort three times.

2. Express the wish to ride together with them on the Eight Scenes Azure Chariot (Bajing Cangyu), ascending to the Shangqing Heaven.

3. Then, face the star and recite the incantation, visualizing the celestial realm of the Northern Water Virtue (Shui De):

• There is a wondrous radiance of flowing Five Qi (Wu Qi).
• The Black Emperor (Hei Di), the Water Virtue deity, is named Jingyuan.
• His attendants, dragon maidens, wear purple brocade flying skirts, carry tiger talismans (Hu Fu), and don lotus crowns.

4. The incantation states that these deities will guide the practitioner into the Purple Chamber Immortal Palace (Zi Fang Xian Gong), where their name will be recorded in the celestial register.

Cultivation of Saturn (Earth Star):

1. Begin by visualizing Saturn, placing both hands over the heart in reverence.

2. Cover the Dongfang acupoint (a head meridian point) with the left hand, hold the breath, and tap the teeth.

3. Silently recite the names of the True Lord of Saturn and his consort three times.

4. Express the wish to ride with the Central Great Sovereign Dao Lord (Taihuang Daojun) on the Eight Scenes Yellow Chariot (Bajing Huangyu).

5. The incantation describes the celestial realm of the Central Earth Virtue (Tu De):

• The Yellow Emperor (Huang Di) is named Danyan.
• His consort and attendants wear yellow cloud mantles (Huang Yun Pei) and dragon-patterned brocade skirts.

6. The incantation states that these deities will guide the practitioner into the Heavenly Pass (Tian Guan) immortal realm.

Additional Instructions for the Bright Hall Inner Scripture’s Spirit-Opening and Forgetfulness-Dispelling Talisman:

1. Choose an auspicious day and face the Wang Fang (favorable direction).

2. Write the talisman (Fu) in cinnabar, reciting the incantation while bowing:

• Pray for the deities of the Five Viscera (Wu Zang) to open the heart’s wisdom.
• Command the Three Hun Souls (San Hun) to guard the spirit and prevent dispersion.

3. After ingesting the talisman, swallow saliva five times and tap the teeth.

Notes:

• Eight Scenes Chariots (Bajing Yu): Legendary Daoist celestial chariots corresponding to the eight directions.
• Five Gates/Four Gates: Refers to the celestial gates of the five or four directions.
• Six Ren/Six Si: Deities associated with specific time periods.
• These practices must be combined with specific breathing techniques, teeth-tapping (Kou Chi), and other cultivation methods.

This scripture details two esoteric cultivation methods transmitted orally by the True Man of Great Emptiness (Taixu Zhenren):

The first method is "Dissolving the Three Corpses and Refining the Seven Po Souls":

1. Select auspicious days for practice: the Yimao day in spring, Bingwu in summer, Gengshen in autumn, and Renzi in winter

2. Preparation: Grind equal parts of cinnabar and realgar into fine powder, wrapping it in cotton cloth to form jujube-sized packets

3. Procedure: Before sleep, secretly insert the packets into both ears (this is a secret method—keep it concealed)

4. At noon the next day: Bathe in east-flowing running water, changing into clean clothes and bedding

5. After purification: Arrange the bed, lie quietly, clench fists while regulating breath, and silently recite incantations to dissolve the three corpse energies and pacify the hun and po souls

The second method involves cultivation on the "Five Penetrating Days" (specially auspicious days):

1. At sunrise, stand facing the sun while visualizing sunlight and the three hun souls entering your heart

2. Hold the breath three times, swallowing saliva three times

3. Chant mantras to invoke solar light for purifying body-mind and dispelling pathogenic qi

4. Rub the eyes fourteen times and tap teeth fourteen times

5. Stimulate sneezing through sunlight exposure—if unsuccessful, gently induce with soft objects

6. After sneezing, chant gratitude mantras to the sun, then rub eyes fourteen more times

Both methods assist practitioners in purifying body-mind, stabilizing the soul matrix, ultimately leading to ascension and immortality. Special emphasis is placed on maintaining secrecy—these methods should never be casually disclosed.

This scripture elucidates the ritual methods in Daoist practice associated with the Five Stars (Wood, Fire, Metal, Water, and Earth Stars). It comprises two main components:

The cultivation method begins by facing north on specific "Five Auspicious Days" (wuda ri) to perform prostrations while silently reciting the sacred names of the True Imperial Lords and their consorts. The practitioner then taps their teeth five times. Following this, they loosen their headscarf and kneel to confess transgressions before the Five Stars, Sun, Moon and other celestial deities, seeking absolution for their own sins and those of seven generations of ancestors. The ritual aims to have one's name recorded in the celestial registers and ultimately attain ascension to the heavenly realms of Yuqing (Jade Purity) and Shangqing (Highest Purity).

The text details specific hand mudras corresponding to each stellar deity:

• Wood Star: Left hand covers the eyes while right hand presses the heart center
• Fire Star: Left hand presses the heart while right hand covers the mouth
• Metal Star: Right hand presses the heart while left hand covers the nose
• Water Star: Both hands press the heart then cover the ears
• Earth Star: Both hands press the heart with the left hand additionally covering the "Cavern Chamber" (the third eye acupoint between eyebrows)

The scripture concludes by enumerating the propitious days and hours for monthly practice - such as noon on the 6th day of the first lunar month, or dusk on the 1st day of the second month. These designated times, known as "Five Auspicious Days," represent optimal moments for Five Stars cultivation.

Belonging to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition of Daoism, this text facilitates resonance with stellar energies through precise timing and physical gestures, serving the dual purpose of dispelling calamities and achieving celestial transcendence.