《進延壽赤書表#》

The "Memorial Presenting the Longevity Red Scripture" submitted by the Tang Dynasty hermit Pei Xuan of Zhongnan Mountain to the emperor states:

I have heard that what illuminates the eight directions is the sun, and what endures through ten thousand ages is the Dao. Thus true radiance does not belong solely to antiquity, nor are the virtues of sages distant and unattainable. The sage approaches the Dao through purifying the heart-mind, much like the continuous practice required in kicking a ball (metaphor for cultivation requiring persistent training). Though Qi has no fixed form, following the Dao resembles wrapping with supple leather (symbolizing the need for pliant naturalness in cultivation). There exists no justification to evade the Dao - minor applications yield visible results, while greater practice manifests more profound effects.

Born in this era of great peace, I have lived like the ancient recluses Chao Fu and Xu You, dwelling in mountain forests. While studying Confucian classics, I have also explored Daoist texts, discovering the genuine esoteric methods for longevity practiced by immortals. I contemplated how wonderful it would be if rulers and parents could attain prolonged life, yet these precious scriptures have long been confined to obscurity. Concerned that their profound content might weary the imperial mind, I have carefully extracted their essence, presenting them in accessible language that clarifies core principles without shocking conventional sensibilities. This embodies the Dao De Jing's teaching that "when rulers attain the Dao, the world becomes tranquil."

This "Supreme Mystical Longevity Red Scripture of High Perfection" bears the name "Red Scripture" for three symbolic meanings: its correspondence above to the red planet Mars (one of Daoism's Five Planets), its harmony with the vermilion brightness of midsummer, and its representation below of my sincere devotion. According to efficacious scriptures, employing the Five Elders' Red Scripture (an important Daoist text) can safeguard the state and transform calamity into fortune. Now during this auspicious time when the Three Qi (referring to the energies of Heaven, Earth and Humanity) shine in confluence, I respectfully present this longevity treasure as an offering.

Dedicated to His Majesty the Kaiyuan Sage-Emperor of Divine Martial Prowess, Who Models Heaven in Attaining the Ultimate Dao: Your Dao is vast as the heavens, your De profound as the earth, willing even to heed the words of shepherds and woodcutters. This scripture's eight chapters containing thousands of characters compile the highest longevity secrets from numerous transcendents - mastering its mysteries leads to comprehension of the Way of immortality.

(Note: The text retains specialized terms like "Zhongnan Mountain," "Chao-You" (referring to ancient recluses Chao Fu and Xu You), and "Five Elders' Red Scripture," while providing contextual explanations for Daoist terminology like "Three Qi." Metaphorical expressions such as "kicking a ball" are rendered plainly to convey cultivation principles to modern readers.)