《太上洞玄靈寶三一五氣真經》

This scripture records the Yellow Emperor's journey seeking the "Authentic Scripture of Three-Ones and Five Qi."

In his early years, the Yellow Emperor had studied the Authentic Scripture of Heavenly Sovereign, yet he could not grasp the profound meaning of the "Three-Ones True Qi." Thus, he traveled extensively in search of enlightenment, visiting numerous immortals along the way:

To the east, he journeyed to Green Hill and Wind Mountain, where he met the Master of Purple Mansion and obtained the Inner Texts of the Three Sovereigns (Sanhuang Neiwen), a scripture capable of summoning myriad spirits. To the south, he ventured to the Jade Mushroom Mystic Ravine, ascending Round Mound Mountain to observe the hundred numinous beings beneath the Jianmu tree, gathering sacred blossoms. To the west, he encountered Zhong Huangzi and learned the "Ninefold Enhancement Method," then followed Guangchengzi at Mount Kongtong to study the Scripture of Spontaneity (Ziran Jing). To the north, he traveled to Mount Hongdi, paying homage to the Great Lord of the Mound and the Yellow Canopy Youth, acquiring the twelve-volume Chart of Divine Immortal Mushrooms.

Later, the Yellow Emperor ascended Mount Wangwu, where the Mysterious Woman bestowed upon him the Scripture of the Nine-Cycle Golden Elixir (Jinye Jiuzhuan Shendan Jing). At Mount Qingcheng, he met Master Ning, who admitted he was merely a novice immortal and advised the emperor to seek out the August One at Mount Emei—an ancient immortal nine feet tall, covered in black hair, dwelling in a white jade chamber attended by jade maidens and divine beings.

After three months of purification and fasting at Mount Emei, the Yellow Emperor was finally granted an audience with the August One. The immortal welcomed him with celestial dates, crimson blossom wine, and numinous nectar. Kneeling reverently, the emperor pleaded for the Way of Longevity. Yet the August One countered, "You already rule over all under heaven—why do you still crave immortality? Is this not excessive greed?"

(Note: The "Three-Ones True Qi" refers to the essential cultivation method of unifying the three treasures—Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit). The Inner Texts of the Three Sovereigns is an early Daoist text of talismans and incantations, while the "Nine-Cycle Golden Elixir" represents the pinnacle of Waidan [external alchemy] practice.)

The Yellow Emperor knelt and said: "Without rulers to govern them, the common people of the world would oppress and brutalize each other. Therefore, I established laws to bring order to the nation, hoping these institutions would endure for posterity. My heart yearns for the great Dao, and I have journeyed ten thousand miles across the four seas. By fortune, I have met you, Dao Lord, and I beg for your compassionate guidance. I once encountered the Zhenren Zhenyi Jing (Scripture of Perfected Beings and True Unity), but could only grasp its literal meaning, failing to comprehend its deeper significance; I understood its words but could not penetrate its true essence. I beseech you, Dao Lord, to instruct me."

Hearing this, the Huangren (Perfected Being of the Dao) was greatly astonished. He slapped his thigh and sighed deeply before replying: "How could you know of this scripture? This is the first chapter of the celestial register, the numinous talisman of Heaven and the precious text of the Supreme Lord. Cultivating this scripture enables one to ascend in broad daylight, riding clouds and mist; the body can transform into water and fire, with boundless metamorphosis. To achieve the true fruit of celestial immortality, only the Dragon-Embryo Golden Elixir refined through nine cycles can preserve the physical form from decay, allow fasting without hunger, repel all evils, command spirits and ghosts, and attain eternal life. When cultivation reaches the stage where the blood vessels flow smoothly and the intestines transform into golden sinews, no calamity can assail you, and your lifespan may extend for hundreds of millions of years. The most crucial part is the celestial secret method of 'True Unity consuming the Five Sprouts' (referring to the practice of ingesting the essence of the Five Phases of Heaven and Earth). These two essential techniques are both recorded and overseen by the Southern Dipper Star Lord, registered in the Palace of the Grand Constancy (a celestial bureau). Unless one is an immortal and observes the covenant of transmission only once every forty years, it is absolutely forbidden to violate celestial law by disclosing it."

"Queen Mother of the West placed this scripture within the immortal realm of the Five Cities (the legendary Kunlun paradise of Daoism), guarded by twelve celestial towers. The text is stored in a purple jade casket, inscribed on golden slips, sealed with cinnabar mushrooms and luminous herbs (immortal plants), and stamped with the Supreme Middle Seal (the highest immortal seal). Those without immortal registration have no chance of even glimpsing it. Right now, you are like a mortal trying to hear celestial music with ordinary ears. You should return for now."

The Yellow Emperor kowtowed and replied: "In the past, the Mysterious Maiden (Jiutian Xuannü) transmitted to me the divine elixir, though I have yet to refine it. The only things I lack are the profound meaning of 'consuming the Five Sprouts' and the true interpretation of the Zhen Jing (True Scripture). Today, by fortune, I have met you, True Lord. If I cannot receive the path to immortality, I fear it must be my fate to remain bound to the mortal world. If my allotted lifespan is not yet exhausted, what meaning is there in clinging to mere survival? I only beg your compassion for all living beings." As he spoke, he kowtowed until his forehead bled and he collapsed unconscious.

After a long while, the Huangren descended from his seat and helped the Yellow Emperor rise. At this moment, the Three Supreme Pure Immortal Kings, moved by the Emperor’s sincerity, interceded on his behalf: "In his past lives, his ancestors once encountered famine and, though starving themselves, shared their food with the poor. They even exerted themselves to save birds and beasts..."

This scripture recounts how a practitioner, moved by forty years of benevolent virtue (De), touched the heavens and received authentic teachings from the Supreme Lord of the Dao (the highest deity in Daoism). The main content can be understood as follows:

For forty years, this cultivator treated all beings with a heart of humaneness and virtue, his meritorious deeds profoundly moving the celestial realms. The Supreme Lord of the Dao recorded his virtuous conduct, while the Nine Heavens (the highest celestial realm in Daoism) documented his achievements. Due to his accumulated virtuous deeds, blessings extended across generations. The August One (a perfected being) exclaimed with emotion: "Your accumulated goodness from past lives runs so deep—how could I possibly withhold the transmission?"

The August One first conducted a purification ritual (Zhaijiao), then explained: The human body resembles a kingdom—the chest and ribs form its palaces, the limbs its territories, and the joints its officials. The spirit (Shen) serves as the sovereign, blood as the ministers, and Qi (vital energy) as the common people. Governing the body follows the same principles as governing a state: cherish the people and the nation finds stability; treasure primordial Qi and the body maintains health. When citizens scatter, the kingdom falls; when Qi exhausts itself, life meets its end.

Those who attain the Dao (perfected beings) can eliminate calamities before they arise and regulate imbalances before illness manifests. They restrain desires to stabilize blood and Qi, preserve the "True One" (primordial Qi), and guard the "Three Ones" (the Qi of the three Dantian energy centers). The Muddy Pellet (upper Dantian), Scarlet Palace (middle Dantian), and lower Dantian serve as abodes for these Three Ones' authentic Qi. By safeguarding these three key centers, one repels pathogenic influences.

The specific cultivation method involves: regularly rinsing the "Flower Pool" (saliva beneath the tongue) and ingesting the "Five Sprouts" (essences of the Five Phases). This secret formula originates from the True King of the Nine Heavens (an advanced celestial being), realized through the "Vermilion Bird Elixir" (an alchemical practice) and the "True One" (primordial Qi). During practice, one silently recites esoteric incantations (morning invocations)—a precious transmission from the celestial realm.

This passage primarily elucidates the Daoist concept of "simultaneous cultivation of body and state," emphasizing longevity through internal refinement of essence (Jing), Qi, and spirit (Shen), coupled with desire restraint.

This scripture records a Daoist practice called "Ingesting the Qi of the Five Directions," a longevity technique focused on swallowing saliva and vital energy. The method is described as follows:

When facing east, press the tongue against the upper gums (qingya, "green teeth") and swallow the saliva (chaohua, "morning blossoms") three times while reciting specific incantations. Facing south, press the tongue against the lower gums (zhudan, "cinnabar red") and swallow saliva (danchi, "cinnabar pool") three times. In the central position, visualize the majestic Mount Tai, swallow the refined essence (liquan, "sweet spring"), and press the tongue against the palate (xuanying, "dark palate") to gather the "jade fluid."

For the western direction, press the tongue against the teeth (mingshi, "bright stones") and swallow the "numinous fluid" three times. Facing north, press the tongue under the tongue (xuanzi, "dark nourishment") and swallow the "jade nectar" (yuyi) three times. After each swallow, tap the teeth seven times, totaling thirty-six taps for the entire sequence. Conclude by inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly, repeating this five times.

The text notes that ancient long-lived sages avoided grains, believing they corrupted the five organs and shortened lifespan. To achieve longevity, one must keep the organs pure by regularly drinking the "jade fluid from the radiant pool" (saliva), thus attaining harmony with heaven and earth. The Yellow Emperor, after learning this method, gave away all worldly food and vowed to devote himself solely to cultivation.

Finally, it emphasizes the importance of "knowing the One": those who understand the Dao of "True One" (zhenyi, the fundamental cultivation principle) comprehend all things, while those ignorant of the "One" grasp nothing truly. The "One" is the supreme concept from which heaven, earth, and the myriad beings originate.

This scripture expounds on the importance of the "Way of True Unity" in Daoist cultivation. The concept of "One" represents the fundamental principle of Daoism, the origin from which all things generate and transform.

The text states: Sacred lands (places of spiritual practice) attain peace when they embrace the "One," just as humans attain life through this principle. It manifests as naturally as gold sinking, feathers floating, mountains standing tall, and rivers flowing. This "One" cannot be seen with eyes or heard with ears—it exists when revered and vanishes when neglected. Aligning with it brings blessings, while opposing it invites misfortune. Cherishing it ensures enduring prosperity, whereas dissipating it depletes one's vital Qi (energy) and hastens life's withering.

Though this "One" appears indistinct and elusive, it contains within it the forms and essence of all creation between heaven and earth. Those seeking immortality must comprehend the principle of the "Three Unities" (the harmonization of Jing [essence], Qi, and Shen [spirit]). When hungry, contemplate the "One" and it provides nourishment; when thirsty, focus on the "One" and it offers drink. The ancients treasured this Way of True Unity as esoteric knowledge passed down through secret transmission.

The "One" generates Yin-Yang and governs the four seasons: sprouting in spring, flourishing in summer, harvesting in autumn, and storing in winter. Vast enough to fill heaven and earth yet finer than the tip of a hair, it is used daily by common people who remain unaware of its presence.

The scripture further instructs cultivation methods: Without forced effort, the "One" naturally abides; without haste or agitation, it stabilizes effortlessly. Maintain serenity and the "One" will never depart. Through diligent visualization practice, one attains spiritual communion with it. Moderate eating preserves its presence, while steadfast faith in the "One" during peril dispels calamities. Understanding its principle is simple—the true challenge lies in unwavering constancy.

The final teaching declares: Preserving the Way of True Unity ensures existence, while leaking one's vital essence leads to demise. Through the practice of "ingesting Qi" (a Daoist method of absorbing celestial and earthly essences), one achieves longevity and eternal youth. Those who master visualization of the "One" become invulnerable to weapons and impervious to all harm. The scripture emphasizes that these teachings from the Numinous Treasure scriptures are no empty words—though few seek this path, future practitioners should cherish this sacred method.