《金鎖流珠引》

This scripture describes a Daoist cultivation method called "Stepping the Celestial Net" ("gang" refers to the trajectories of stellar movements). Originally transmitted by Lao Jun (Lord Lao) to the Supreme Void's Numinous Flying Dawn Central Yellow Elder Dao Lord (Taixu Shangling Feichen Zhongyang Huanglao Daojun), this practice strengthens the body and enhances spiritual power.

The cultivation begins with stabilizing the physical foundation ("earthly order"), making the body robust and the spirit abundant, so that the vital essence (Jing) and energy (Qi) naturally flourish within. Only then can one connect with heaven and earth, becoming receptive to divine influences. This method not only nurtures the self but, when mastered sufficiently, can also heal others with effects swifter than the interplay of water and fire.

The text elaborates on the concept of "Five Bitternesses and Eight Difficulties": according to one's Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) destiny, each corresponds to specific life-and-death orientations. For instance, those with Metal destiny have their life position at Si (southeast), death position at Zi (true north), and tomb position at Chou (northeast) - these orientations constitute the "Five Bitternesses." During practice, one must step out from these inauspicious positions into the favorable "Everlasting Life" position.

Ancient perfected immortals transmitted this method to help people transcend the "Five Bitternesses and Eight Difficulties," eliminate "Nine Calamities," and cure hundreds of ailments. In practice, the master leads while disciples follow. The Later Sage Lord (a high-ranking deity) once guided the Great and Little Youth Lords of Fangzhu (two celestial officials) through this cultivation from ominous to auspicious positions.

The text further explains how to progress from the "Everlasting Life" position to the more propitious "Regal Phase" position (for Metal destiny people, this is at You/true west). Such cultivation neutralizes the harmful effects of Five Phases mutual conquest, benefiting practitioners of all five destiny types.

This scripture describes the process of eliminating calamities and ultimately attaining immortality through specific Daoist cultivation methods. It mentions that the celestial masters Wang (referring to the Supreme True Lord) and Zhang (Zhang Tianshi, the Celestial Master) received a revelation: the human body is formed by the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and can also perish due to their imbalance.

To dispel disasters caused by the Five Phases, one must first tread the Earthly Matrix (a directional ritual formation) using the prescribed Yu Steps (a ritual walking pattern), circling three times clockwise and counterclockwise while reciting the "Five Phases Invocation" (recorded in the first volume of The Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl). The specific method involves facing east, striking the Heavenly Drum thirty-six times, purifying the body according to ritual protocols, meditating in stillness on the Divine Mansion of Taiyi (one of the highest divine realms in Daoism), and then summoning guardian deities. Next, perform the Gangtou Steps (a ritual Daoist walking pattern) while reciting five incantations to neutralize the mutual conquest of the Five Phases, followed by treading the Five Dipper Stars formation and chanting twelve spells to subdue the deities corresponding to the twelve Earthly Branches.

Persistent practice leads to progressive attainments: in the first year, one avoids disasters; in the second, military conflicts; in the third, ghosts are expelled; by the fourth year, one becomes an Earthly Immortal (the initial stage of immortality), after which malevolent spirits dare not approach. Continuing cultivation for twenty-eight years elevates one to the rank of a Shangqing Perfected Being (a high-level immortal). The text particularly emphasizes that one must first master the Earthly Matrix method before practicing the Heavenly Guideline Flying Steps (an advanced flight technique), otherwise spiritual communion remains difficult. In ancient times, Guangchengzi (a Daoist immortal) taught flight techniques to the Yellow Emperor for thirty years without success—only after transmitting the Earthly Matrix cultivation method from The Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl did the Emperor subdue ghosts and spirits within a year, defeat Chiyou in three years, and ascend to heaven as an immortal after twenty-eight years. This illustrates that although the human body is nurtured by heaven and earth, only through correct cultivation methods can one transcend the ordinary and attain sagehood.

The practice of the Big Dipper Seven Stars method first requires establishing an altar space (a Daoist ritual site), just as building a house requires a foundation. Ancient perfected beings who attained the Dao personally transmitted this method, instructing disciples in its proper arrangement.

After guiding the disciple through the ascending steps (ritual procedure), the master will bestow the Seven Dippers (symbolizing the energy of the Big Dipper) upon the disciple, much like dressing them. Men begin from the left side, while women begin from the right.

The first star, Yangming Star, corresponds to specific body parts: the left hand represents the Kui Star (the handle of the Dipper), while the left elbow, left shoulder, heart, right shoulder, right elbow, and right hand correspond to the other stars of the Big Dipper. This star governs those born during the Hour of the Rat (子时). When used, one raises the hand levelly to cover the top of the head while forming a specific mudra (Daoist hand seal), which can suppress malevolent spirits and violent individuals. When worn but not in active use, it is simply tied to the finger, yet in emergencies, it can immediately manifest the power of water and fire.

The second star, Yinjing Star, corresponds to the right hand as the Kui Star, with the right elbow, right shoulder, and other parts sequentially matching the remaining stars. It governs those born during the Hours of the Ox (丑时) and Pig (亥时). The gesture of raising the hand to cover the head can restrain venomous snakes, fierce beasts, and malicious spirits. When activated, one rotates the left hand (corresponding to the Piao Star) to direct its power.

The third star, Zhenren Star, corresponds to the left hand as the Kui Star, followed by the left elbow and other parts. It governs those born during the Hours of the Tiger (寅时) and Dog (戌时). This star aids seekers of longevity, thwarts plots against one’s life, and counters mountain spirits, poison deities, and other malevolent forces. Practitioners must select the corresponding star for cultivation based on their birth hour.

Note: Terms like "Kui" and "Xing" are ancient designations for the stars of the Big Dipper, forming a complete cultivation system when aligned with specific body parts. The practice requires direct transmission from a master, with variations in starting posture and mudras based on gender and birth time.

This scripture expounds the esoteric Daoist methods for harnessing the power of the Big Dipper (known in Daoism as the Seven Star Lords of the Northern Dipper) to exorcise evil and protect the body. It primarily describes four mudra techniques of the Star Lords:

The first mudra is used when encountering ghosts or enemies attacking from the east (Yin position) or west (Xu position). The method involves forming the "Kui" seal with the left hand to protect the head, while pointing at the opponent with the right hand forming the "Piao" seal. If the adversary refuses to submit, the Northern Dipper Star Lords will drain their vital essence (Jing) and blood, causing death from heartache within ten days. Practitioners must exercise caution when employing this potent ritual.

The second mudra extends the right hand forward while covering the crown of the head with the left. This gesture can be used to pray for longevity and official rank, or deployed at noon to make enemies retreat spontaneously. Those cultivating longevity techniques should visualize the Star Lord at their left shoulder (right shoulder for women) during nighttime rest to calm the spirit (Shen) and ward off evil influences. Consistent practice for one year achieves complete protection against malign energies.

The "Mysterious Dark Star" mudra is formed by: right hand as Kui seal, right elbow as Wei seal, right shoulder as Gou seal, visualizing the Xing star at the heart, left chest as Bi seal, left side as Yu seal, and left foot as Piao seal. Primarily used in the Mao-You directions, this mudra enhances cultivation blessings, prolongs life, dispels disasters and illnesses—whether for oneself or others. For binding spells, it requires coordination with all seven stars' power.

The opposing "Cinnabar Origin Star" mudra positions: left foot as Kui seal, left knee as Wei seal, left elbow as Gou seal, heart visualizing Xing star, right shoulder as Bi seal, right elbow as Yu seal, and right hand as Piao seal. Mainly employed in the Chen-Shen directions, this specializes in subduing demonic entities.

The text emphasizes that practicing these mudras with Star Lord visualization three times monthly enables mastery within a year. True adepts (Zhenren) need no ritual steps—simply channeling the Star Lords' power through corresponding body parts achieves results.

This passage explains the ritual footwork (bugang) and sacrificial methods related to the Daoist Big Dipper constellation (which actually comprises nine stars).

For the sixth star, the North Pole Star: The right foot steps forward with the knee bent, while the left hand covers the top of the head—a posture similar to that of the fourth star (where the left foot steps forward and the right hand covers the head). This bugang is primarily used by those born in the years of the Snake (巳) or Goat (未) to perform restraining rituals.

The seventh star, Tian Guan (Heavenly Pass): The left hand represents the Kui star, the left elbow corresponds to another star, the left shoulder aligns with yet another, the heart position matches the Xing star, while the right shoulder, elbow, and hand each correspond to different stars, with the fingers of the right hand used for spellcasting. This bugang is suitable for those born in the year of the Horse (午) and can suppress all malevolent beings—evil humans, ghosts, spirits, and demonic entities. Among all the stars, Tian Guan possesses the strongest power, capable of swiftly subduing all kinds of spectral disturbances in heaven and earth, human conflicts, military disasters, and illnesses—its effects are as rapid as fire and water.

Regarding sacrificial precautions: There are multiple methods for offering sacrifices to the Big Dipper. In spring (first and second lunar months), one must use the personal birthdate (based on the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches), and in autumn (seventh and eighth lunar months), the same applies—sacrifices must be conducted on clear days. Performing rituals at the wrong time may invite misfortune instead. Those who frequently practice bugang must conduct biannual sacrifices in spring and autumn, presenting offerings such as money, wine, food, pastries, and seasonal fruits. The specific liturgical procedures are recorded in the lower volume of the Liuzhu Jing (Scripture of Flowing Pearls).

Finally, it is mentioned that the Big Dipper is actually the "Middle Dipper," composed of nine stars that manifest below as nine spirits. The legendary Yu the Great once observed the walking patterns of birds to learn the bugang method, spending three years mastering it until he could tread the positions of the nine stars, mapping celestial patterns to his footsteps. This practice originates from ancient shamanic traditions.

The legendary Great Yu (ancient sage-king of flood control) could move objects simply by pointing with his toes, without needing to use his hands. Later, when he ascended Mount Shan's summit, he encountered a divine being who said: "Since you can perform magic with your toes, why not try using your feet?" The deity showed Yu how spiritual birds peck with their beaks. After comprehending this, Yu knelt in reverence to receive the teaching, ultimately gaining the power to command spirits, subdue flood dragons and tigers, split mountains to channel waters, regulate rivers, and demarcate the Nine Provinces. Upon ascending the throne, he truly grasped the mysteries of the Dao, eventually transforming his form and ascending to the Taiji celestial realm (though not reaching the Shangqing Perfected Being level, he became an immortal official in the Left Taiji Palace governing human droughts and floods).

That divine being (traditionally identified as Wuchengzi) instructed Yu: "What you see as the Big Dipper is actually the Celestial Pivot Star at its center (Daoist scriptures record that the Great Commander of the Central Dipper governs all spirits). The Great Golden Lock and Flowing Pearls text also states that what appears as the Northern Dipper is actually the Central Dipper. In times of crisis—whether facing war or illness—praying to it brings swifter response than fire or water, but the key lies in harmonizing heart and hand." This secret is hidden within the palm's patterns.

The Supreme Lord Laozi said: The Central Dipper Lord governs the twenty-eight constellations across the four directions, circling the heavens daily. Even the seven stars of the Northern Dipper must reverently bow to the Central Dipper Emperor and the Two Great True Stars. Among them, the Central Dipper's third star—called the Perfected Being Star—specifically oversees worldly cultivators. Therefore, practitioners must follow protocol and never offend this star, lest they shorten their lifespans. Nine additional stars also require silent recitation of the Three Stars' secrets (Perfected Being, Emperor, etc.) during the Pacing the Net (Daoist ritual steps), as recorded in the Golden Lock and Flowing Pearls palm techniques, while visualizing these three perfected forms mentally.

Each month, perform the Pacing ritual five times (here using only the seven stars of the Dipper, excluding the two auxiliary stars, while carefully avoiding treading on the Perfected Being Star's position). This method, known to mortals as "Treading the Earthly Compass," employs stepping the Big Dipper's pattern to dispel calamities, liberate souls, subdue malignant forces, and capture evil ghosts, fierce beast spirits, venomous serpents, and demonic creatures.

This scripture reveals the esoteric methods of harnessing the power of the Big Dipper (comprising the seven stars Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, and Bi) for exorcism and spiritual cultivation in Daoist practice. It explains that subduing the great demons of heaven and earth requires aligning with the Big Dipper's energy through specific rituals and incantations. Crucially, one must invoke the stars by their true names (Kui, 魓, 䰢, 魓, 魓, 魓, and Piao) rather than using alternate titles like "Yang Brilliance" or "Yin Essence"—epithets belonging to the Middle Dipper constellation which governs longevity matters.

The Sage Lord of Later Heaven (a high-ranking Daoist immortal) instructed the Perfected of Universal Truth that this supreme method should only be transmitted to "determined practitioners"—those with unwavering resolve and sincere devotion to the Dao. The transmission requires performing a zhaijiao offering ceremony, and only after completing the formal transmission and sacrificial rites of the Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl scripture can one begin practicing this method.

The cultivation technique involves nocturnal rituals where practitioners pray to the seven stars of the Big Dipper, invoking the names of their stellar lords. The presiding stellar lord (one of the seven: Kui et al.) rotates periodically to protect the practitioner. Rather than forcibly commanding these celestial beings, adepts should envision themselves robed in the stellar lords' ritual garments, allowing the seven stars' power to naturally envelop them. During daytime, practitioners must cultivate stillness, walking according to the seven-star diagram to unify their hun and po souls with the physical body. This ensures the integrity of the body's internal spirits, with the Dipper's radiance shining so brilliantly that even ghosts and deities stand in awe.

The scripture concludes by affirming that persistent practice brings celestial protection, spirit attendants, and even heavenly demons offering guardianship. The Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials) will record one's merits. When virtue reaches perfection, the practitioner may ascend in broad daylight, attaining the state of a Perfected Being.

Whether standing, sitting in meditation, or lying down, one must never let the body depart from contemplation of the Big Dipper (Note: Practitioners should constantly visualize the seven stars within their bodies, day and night). Persisting in this practice for a year will cause the divine spirits within the body to shine like stars.

After one year of dedicated practice, the true nature becomes manifest (Note: After a full year of cultivation, the spiritual light in the eyes transforms into the radiance of the seven stars, often enveloping the crown of the head. Advanced practitioners can see the luminous forms of the seven stars when closing their eyes—these beams measure several inches in length, sometimes appearing on the forehead, sometimes resting on the chest, and sometimes penetrating the five organs. The wise understand that this is the natural state achieved through the internal visualization of the seven stars. When demonic spirits and earthly specters witness this, they submit without resistance. The scriptures state that a year of such practice ensures protection from malevolent forces).

By the second year, one attains the "Embodiment of Truth" (Note: Maintaining the visualization of the seven stars within the body throughout daily activities—walking, sitting, or reclining—allows the essence of the stars to circulate within, mirroring celestial movements. This is called "the True Qi of the Contained Stars." When the true names of the constellations ascend to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) realm, one becomes immune to the calamities of war).

The third year brings the "Stabilization of Truth" (Note: The practitioner maintains daily practices such as teeth-tapping and hand-sealing, while visualizing the three seals—the Seal of the Overseer, the Seal of the Master, and the Seal of the Great Dao—in the palms, all while continuing the seven-star contemplation. In this state, the deities of the Three Offices (Heaven, Earth, and Water) revere the seven stars and dare not obstruct the practitioner’s progress. At this level, one’s merits and faults are directly reported to the Heavenly Emperor without the need for written records—virtues are naturally inscribed in the immortal register, the death register is erased, and no karmic enmity accumulates. The body moves in harmony with the celestial and terrestrial orders, becoming impervious to illness, with a tranquil spirit and unwavering devotion to the Dao).

By the fourth year, one attains "Earthly Truth" (Note: The practitioner refines the steps of the Earthly Net alongside the steps of the Celestial Net, maintaining unbroken practice whether active or at rest, while also ingesting spiritual talismans and cultivating the methods of the Six Jia and Three Sovereigns. This transforms the practitioner into an "Earthly Immortal," a perfected being among humans. The scriptures state that an Earthly Immortal can be achieved by mastering either the Celestial or Earthly steps alone. At this stage, ghosts, spirits, and spectral entities dare not intrude—one can protect not only oneself and family from evil influences but also safeguard an entire region. Earthly Immolars command reverence from celestial and earthly deities, and can summon and command dragons, tigers, and other numinous beings).

This scripture passage discusses the application of Daoist talismanic power (Fulu) and the belief in the Big Dipper constellation. It states that practitioners can not only use talismans to protect themselves and their families, but also help others turn danger into safety, transforming inauspicious dwellings into blessed spaces. However, it emphasizes that such divine power must not be misused—the Supreme Lao Jun (Taishang Laojun) and the Later Sage Jade Sovereign of Mysterious Origin (Housheng Xuanyuan Yuhuang Shang Daojun), high-ranking Daoist deities, strictly forbid indiscriminate disclosure of these secret methods.

Cultivation must progress step by step: initial effects manifest after five years, and after seven years, one may comprehend the methods of the Big Dipper (referring to its seven principal stars: Tian Shu, Tian Xuan, etc.). After another seven years, mastery extends to the Middle Dipper (Daoism recognizes star lords beyond just the Big Dipper). Upon completing fourteen years of cultivation, those with innate wisdom may achieve immortality, even ascending with their entire household—including livestock—in the Daoist tradition of "ascension with the dwelling" (ba zhai fei sheng).

The text meticulously records the celestial movements of the Five Directional Star Dippers (each cardinal direction—east, south, west, north, and center—governed by its own set of seven stars): in spring, the eastern mansions (Jiao, Kang, Di, etc.) take charge; in summer, the southern; in autumn, the western; in winter, the northern; while the Middle Dipper oversees all seasons. During practice, one must wear ritual robes corresponding to the ruling stars, face the direction of Kui Xing (the first star of the Big Dipper), and strike a drum fifteen times. After completing the ceremony, practitioners perform the Gangbu (ritual star-stepping) to dissolve calamities associated with the Five Phases (Wuxing).

A concluding note clarifies that "minister" refers to disciples of the Mysterious Gate (Daoist practitioners), while "et al." includes their followers and family members. This passage integrates astral veneration, talismanic arts, and systematic cultivation, embodying the Daoist philosophy of "cosmic resonance" (tian ren gan ying) in spiritual practice.

This scripture documents a secret ritual method called the "Three-Five Officers" (三五功曹) from the Daoist "Golden Lock and Flowing Pearl" (金锁流珠) cultivation system, primarily used for dispelling calamities. Practitioners must coordinate specific stepping patterns (Yu Steps 禹步) with incantations (祝).

It first explains that every cultivator's body contains the "Three-Five Officers" (referring to Daoist deities governing the three Hun 魂 souls and five Po 魄 souls), though ordinary people cannot mobilize them. The practice begins with the "officials' emergence" (出官) ritual gesture, followed by assuming a specific posture: holding the "Auspicious Star" (景星) ritual implement in the left hand while stepping forward with the left foot. At this moment, chanting summons myriad deities to assist, harnessing divine power through the numerical symbolism of "three-five" to make one's form vanish into azure clouds.

Key disaster-relief techniques include clenching fists while holding the breath, visualizing the "Celestial Pillar" (天柱) along the spine connecting heaven and earth. During imminent danger, practitioners must perform the "Left-Holding Sword Yu Steps" (左衔剑禹步) while rapidly reciting five specific incantations three times—reputed to extinguish fire and flood calamities.

The text then details four core incantations:

The first chant emphasizes the practitioner's role as an envoy of heaven-and-earth Qi (气), personally transmitted by Lord Lao (老君, Laozi deified).

The second references life's origin from parents, taught by the Later Sage Lord to Celestial Masters (天师).

The third similarly expresses gratitude for parental life-giving, transmitted from Supreme Dao Lord (太上道君) to Lord Lao, then to Yu the Great.

The fourth—most crucial—contains the heaven-bestowed phrase "Qian's Majesty Illuminates Numinous" (乾尊耀灵), gifted to Yu the Great for dispelling disasters and prolonging life.

The concluding section presents the complete "Qian's Majesty" incantation system, depicting cosmic harmony: upper garments symbolizing celestial mystery (天玄), lower robes representing earthly yellow (地黄), with the Eight Trigrams (八卦) governing their directions (Zhen in east, Gen northeast, Li south, Xun southeast, etc.), creating a sacred space where dragons soar and tigers leap as heaven's gate and earth's door open. The chant asserts that through Yu Steps, practitioners align with celestial patterns above while warding off inauspicious forces below, compelling spirit beings to submit, eliminating the Five Sufferings and Eight Calamities (五苦八难), and dismantling traps like the "heavenly net and earthly snare" (天罗地网). The finale emphasizes immediate efficacy as if executing Lord Lao's divine decrees.

This passage explains Daoist methods for dispelling misfortunes, seeking blessings, and cultivating longevity through specific ritual steps (Yu Steps) and incantations. Several key ceremonial elements are highlighted:

For disaster-dispelling rituals, five specific incantations (Five Chants) are employed. To simply avert misfortune, reciting up to the third divine invocation suffices to ward off evil influences. However, to completely eradicate calamities, one must complete all five chants while performing prescribed stepping patterns (Gang Steps) to subdue the haunting spirits. These "Gang Steps" refer to walking according to the celestial patterns of the Big Dipper and the Xu constellation (one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions).

Practitioners must also master "finger seals" (specific hand gestures formed by interlocking fingers), which temporarily suppress demonic forces but should cease once the misfortune dissipates. For those pursuing immortality, nine complete incantations (Nine Chants) are required.

Timing holds special significance: The ideal day for dispelling misfortunes is Jiazi (the first celestial stem day), though emergency rituals may be performed anytime for sudden illnesses or disasters. Regular practice should follow a three-decade monthly cycle (ten days per decade), with Celestial Master Zhang Daoling recommending two practice days per decade. Particularly auspicious dates include Gengshen days, one's birth-year zodiac day, and the six Jia days (Jiazi, Jiaxu, etc.).

Two crucial stepping methods are described: "Flying Gang Steps through the Celestial Net" (following stellar patterns) and "Yu Steps" (legendarily created by Great Yu during flood control). These steps are recorded in the Scripture of the Golden Lock and Flowing Pearls, originally titled Great Elixir's Hidden Texts or Jade Registers before being renamed by sacred rulers as Flowing Pearls Golden Registers, also known as the Supreme Hidden Texts.

The concluding section details the Big Dipper stepping diagram (Dipper Gang Chart), emphasizing strict stellar sequence: Beginning with the first Dipper star, male practitioners step first with the left foot, switching to the right foot when reaching the Ox constellation, then continuing through the Maiden constellation following celestial motion principles. Here, the term "gang" specifically denotes the stepping trajectory, differing from conventional character meanings.

This passage explains an important Daoist walking technique called Yu Steps (also known as "Treading the Celestial Dipper"), along with its associated cultivation methods and taboos.

The text first describes the basic walking pattern: starting with the right foot, one moves in sequence according to the seven-star alignment (referred to by ancient astronomical names such as "Xu," "Wei," "Shi," and "Bi"). After completing a full cycle, the practitioner turns left while silently reciting an incantation to pray for "life to come and death to depart, misfortune to leave and blessings to arise." Then, one must walk backward, retracing the steps from the seventh star back to the first, before proceeding forward again.

Next, the text explains the origin and efficacy of Yu Steps: this technique was created by the Great Yu (the legendary flood-taming hero) based on the patterns of the celestial and terrestrial orders (referring to the laws governing Heaven and Earth). Through this method, one can subdue all kinds of spirits and supernatural beings, including human deities, dragon creatures, ghostly entities, beasts, and venomous serpents. Those who refuse to submit may be vanquished. Yu Steps have many variations—some involve treading three steps and nine traces in alignment with the Five Dipper constellations, others require thirty-five steps, while the Great Yu Steps consist of fifteen steps. All these are secret techniques for dispelling calamities, resolving difficulties, and achieving immortality.

The passage criticizes certain Daoist practitioners who only know the method of "flying through the celestial net" but fail to grasp the true meaning of the "terrestrial order" and Yu Steps. After years of fruitless cultivation, they dismiss the technique out of ignorance. In truth, later sages have clearly recorded the correct methods in scriptures such as The Golden Lock and Flowing Pearls of the Three and Five.

Finally, the text details the practical execution: while walking, one must coordinate with hand mudras (specific finger gestures) and bind the palms with five-colored silk threads. Different purposes require different mudras—for seeking longevity, one presses the "Siming point" and "Sanguan point" (referring to specific acupoints); to restrain something, one presses the corresponding acupoint of that entity; for repelling enemy forces, one presses the "Heavenly Soldier point" and "Great General point," among others. These are all secret oral transmissions within Daoist cultivation.