《雲笈七籤》Vol. 51

Scroll 51 of The Seven Lots from the Cloudy Bookcase, Part One: Duties

(Compiled and submitted by Zhang Junfang, a court gentleman of the Song dynasty, Assistant Director in the Ministry of Revenue, serving as Collation Editor at the Institute for the Advancement of Literature, recipient of the crimson robe and fish-shaped insignia, and granted the purple robe)

Secret Essentials and Methods: Key Principles for Practice

The Register of Life in the Eight Courses

The Register of Life in the Eight Courses is also called The Eight Intervals, The Eight Thoroughfares, or The Eight Liberations from Bondage.

The Wondrous Scripture for Releasing Bonds, Repenting of Sin, and Extending Blessings records that the Three Primordial Ladies of Great Simplicity, revered deities in Daoism, received this scripture from the Chapter of Nature and sealed it within the Purple Chamber of the Supreme One’s Numinous Capital. Three hundred attendants bearing golden seals and jade blossoms guarded it and tended its incense. The Youth of the Eastern Sea, the Perfected Ones of the Four Extremities, and Lord Wang of the Western Citadel then sealed it in the Western Chamber of Mount Emei. The scripture is transmitted only once in every ten thousand kalpas. Only those whose names appear in the records of the Mysteries, who are listed in the Jade Documents of the Heavenly Emperor, bear purple characters on their bodies, and are entered in the Jade Treasury of the Azure Palace may hear it transmitted three times within a thousand years. If those who cultivate the Dao and seek learning fail to obtain this scripture, they will waste their lives confined to the mountains and forests, never attaining the Dao.

The “Eight Courses” are the paths followed by the sun and moon through the four seasons and eight seasonal nodes. The sun travels along the red course, and the moon along the yellow course. The yellow and red courses are the regular paths along which Yin-Yang Qi circulates.

At the Beginning of Spring and the Spring Equinox, the sun and moon travel along the two green courses, east of the yellow course. At the Beginning of Summer and the Summer Solstice, they travel along the two red courses, south of the yellow course. At the Beginning of Autumn and the Autumn Equinox, they travel along the two white courses, west of the yellow course. At the Beginning of Winter and the Winter Solstice, they travel along the two black courses, north of the yellow course. These are the Eight Courses.

The days when the sun and moon travel along the Eight Courses each bring their own changes. Living beings that breathe, such as birds and reptiles, as well as plants, birds, and aquatic creatures, all change in response to the conditions and influences they encounter: the old recedes and the new emerges; what was once light may become heavy, and what was once heavy may become light. Good and evil, too, may transform into one another. These movements of Qi occur naturally.

Those who cultivate the Dao and seek the truth respond to change by putting its teachings into practice: they cultivate what is auspicious and good, dispel what is inauspicious and harmful, advance good conduct and cast aside evil, distinguish right from wrong and leave behind confusion, return to the proper path and bring disorder under control, remove falsehood and cultivate truth, and devote themselves to reflection in pursuit of sagehood. This method is exalted and subtle, and its path is mysterious, open, and profound. Hence it is called “the Eight Thoroughfares”; its principles are vast and inexhaustible.

The First Register of Life

At dawn on the Beginning of Spring, face north and gaze into the distance. If you see purple, green, or white clouds, they are the Three Primordial Ladies’ Three Pure Clouds in flight. Focus your mind on them, bow your head and slap your cheeks nine times each, then sincerely perform four prostrations. Afterward, silently recite:

“Lu Sunming, today I am fortunate to behold the Three Primordial Ladies on their journey. May I attain long life and serve you…”

The original text breaks off here.

The petitions may be chosen according to one’s personal wishes: for example, one may pray for a particular illness to be cured, a particular calamity to be overcome, a disaster to be averted, or an undertaking to succeed. If you see the cloud-borne chariot (the vehicle in the clouds ridden by the immortals) three times, you may ascend to immortality in broad daylight. After that, there is no need to continue inner visualization. No matter how much cultivation you have undertaken before, if you follow this method, you are sure to be entered in the register of immortals. For this reason, these are called the “Eight Registers of Destiny”—eight rites that lead to entry in the register of immortals.

The second Register of Destiny: At midnight on the day of the Spring Equinox, face northeast and look out. If you see clouds in black, blue-green, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei (the three-colored clouds in which the Celestial Emperor manifests). Perform inner visualization and silently recite the secret incantation according to the method described earlier.

The third Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day of the Beginning of Summer, face north and look out. If you see clouds in purple, blue-green, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Supreme True Lord of Taiji and the perfected beings of the inner palaces of the Three Origins. Perform inner visualization and silently recite the secret incantation according to the method described earlier.

The fourth Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day of the Summer Solstice, face south and look out. If you see clouds in red, white, and blue-green, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Great Emperor of Fusang. Perform inner visualization, pay your respects, and silently recite the secret incantation according to the method described earlier.

The fifth Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, face due west and look out. If you see clouds in white, red, and purple, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Perfected Being of Taisu and the Celestial Emperor, the White Emperor. Perform inner visualization, pay your respects, and silently recite the secret incantation according to the method described earlier.

The sixth Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day of the Autumn Equinox, face south and look out. If you see clouds in white, red, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Perfected Being of the South Pole and the Supreme Emperor, the Red Emperor. Perform inner visualization, pay your respects, and silently recite the secret incantation according to the method described earlier.

The seventh Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day of the Beginning of Winter, face southwest and look out. If you see clouds in green, purple, and blue-green, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Perfected Beings of Shangqing, the Lord Emperors, and the Imperial Ancestor. Perform inner visualization, pay your respects, and silently recite the secret incantation according to the method described earlier.

The eighth Register of Destiny: At dawn on the day of the Winter Solstice, face due east and look out. If you see clouds in vermilion, emerald, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Jade Consort of Taixiao and the Supreme Perfected Being of Taixu. Perform inner visualization, pay your respects, and silently recite the secret incantation according to the method described earlier.

One or two days before the dates prescribed for these eight Registers of Destiny, you should bathe, burn incense, and make preparations. On the appointed day, go outside at the proper time and look toward the sky; after the time it takes to eat a meal, return indoors. If the weather is overcast or rainy, there is no need to go outside and look. If you happen to see these clouds on a date other than one prescribed, you should still pay your respects and recite the incantation as described above. Its efficacy will be three times greater than when the clouds are seen on the appointed date.

If sins accumulated in past lives or this life have not been expiated, and you merely make a casual apology without receiving true forgiveness, or allow the matter to drag on, the benefits of cultivation will be difficult to advance. Demonic obstacles and trials will also be difficult to recognize, and you will be more likely to suffer repeated setbacks and decline; old age, too, will come sooner. In such circumstances, the hope of attaining immortality may go unfulfilled. Once you leave this life, you will be plunged for a long time into darkness and suffering, with no end in sight. Those who practice the highest Dao should grasp this lesson, take it to heart, and resolve to revere the Great Dao, attune themselves to the mysteries, and open the way for their spiritual nature to reach its full potential.

By practicing the method correctly, one can obtain a register of one’s immortal status—a ledger recording the names of immortals—root out the causes of wrongdoing, untie harmful karmic bonds, and allow the roots of goodness to grow without end. Evil spirits will not dare to intrude, and attainment of the Dao will surely come swiftly. As long as you concentrate on silent recitation and practice in secret, there will be a response.

Eight Secret Instructions

In a quiet room, calm your spirit and settle your mind in empty, clear stillness. Let your thoughts rise beyond the ordinary as you contemplate wondrous visions. With sincere devotion, reach toward the higher realms, and you will comprehend the subtle Dao, behold the radiant light of dawn, and perhaps see the Qi of the cinnabar landscape—the immortal Qi of cinnabar color. The Three Plain Flying Clouds, which symbolize the journeys of immortals, along with eight-wheeled carriages, vermilion carriages, purple clouds, and wheels like jade, appear in the realm of Highest Clarity. The High Sovereign of the Three Origins holds the ceremonial staff; a numinous youth clings to the carriage shaft; an immortal of Great Simplicity raises the canopy; and an immortal of the South Pole approaches the carriage. Then a deep radiance shines outward. Amid misting clouds, a face like a dragon’s appears, its light illuminating the Great Void and flowing without obstruction. These are the “Seven Visions.” If you can see them, you may ascend to immortality in broad daylight. There is no need to undergo further practices such as being washed by hoarfrost or bringing forth immortal radiance: the wondrous light will reveal the Golden Elixir.

First Secret Instruction: At dawn on one of the Eight Seasonal Nodes—the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, or Winter Solstice—face north and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds of purple, green, and white, they are the Three Plain Flying Clouds of the Lords of the Three Origins. At this time, the Lords of the Three Origins ride an eight-wheeled carriage to pay court to the Heavenly Emperor. If practitioners wait and see them, they should bow twice, state their wishes, ask to serve in attendance, and offer prayers for the carriage wheels and axle. After seeing their carriage three times, they will be able to ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

Second Secret Instruction: At midnight on one of the Eight Seasonal Nodes, face northeast and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds of dark, blue-green, and yellow, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Heavenly Emperor of Taiwei. At this time, the Heavenly Emperor of Taiwei rides an eight-scenery carriage to pay court to the High Jade Emperor. After seeing the Emperor’s carriage four times, a dragon carriage will appear in broad daylight to receive you, and you will then ascend to Heaven.

Third Secret Instruction: At dawn on the Wuchen or Jisi day in the ten-day cycle containing a Jiazi day, face northwest and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds of purple, blue-green, and yellow, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the True Lord and Perfected One of the Supreme Ultimate. At this time, the two ride a dark-scenery green carriage to pay court at the Purple Tenuity Palace. After seeing the carriage of the Supreme Ultimate nine times, you will be able to ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

Fourth Secret Instruction: At dawn on the Wuyin or Jimao day in the ten-day cycle containing a Jiaxu day, face northeast and gaze into the distance. If you see clouds of red, white, and blue-green, they are the Three Plain Clouds of the Great Emperor of Fusang. At this time, the Lord of Fusang and the Great Emperor of Fusang ride the Radiant Eightfold carriage to pay court at the Taiwei Palace. After seeing them seven times, a cloud dragon will appear in broad daylight to receive you, and you will then ascend to Heaven.

The Secret Sayings of the Five Ways say: During the first ten days of a month in which the Jia-Shen day falls, if a Wu-Zi or Ji-Chou day occurs, face due west at dawn. If you see clouds of white, red, and purple, they are the “Three Su Clouds” of the White Emperor Lord, the Supreme Perfected One of Great Simplicity. At this time, the White Emperor Lord rides in a jade carriage called the Xiaotiao, traveling to the High Perfected One, the Mysterious Emperor of the Jade Heaven. After seeing these clouds fourteen times, one can ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The Secret Sayings of the Six Ways say: During the first ten days of a month in which the Jia-Wu day falls, if a Wu-Xu or Ji-Hai day occurs, face due south at dawn. If you see clouds of white, red, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Red Emperor Lord, the Supreme Perfected One of the Southern Pole. At this time, the Red Emperor Lord rides in a carriage adorned in crimson and jade green, traveling to Langfeng Terrace. After seeing these clouds ten times, one can ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The Secret Sayings of the Seven Ways say: During the first ten days of a month in which the Jia-Chen day falls, if a Wu-Shen or Ji-You day occurs, face southwest at dawn. If you see clouds of green, purple, and blue, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Perfected One of Shangqing. At this time, the Perfected One of Shangqing rides in a cinnabar carriage called the Xuanjing Bagguang, whose radiance is mysterious, traveling to the High Emperor Lord of the Nine Heavens. After seeing these clouds four times, Taiyi, a Daoist deity, will come to welcome you, enabling you to ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

The Secret Sayings of the Eight Ways say: During the first ten days of a month in which the Jia-Yin day falls, if a Wu-Wu or Ji-Wei day occurs, face due east at dawn. If you see clouds of vermilion, jade green, and yellow, they are the Three Su Clouds of the Supreme Perfected One of the Great Void. At this time, the Supreme Perfected One of the Great Void rides in a jade carriage called the Paohui, traveling to the Emperor Lord of the Taiwei Heaven. After seeing these clouds fifteen times, one can ascend to immortality in broad daylight.

These are the Secret Sayings of the Eight Ways. When you see the Three Su Clouds, you should bow twice and offer your prayer according to the method described above. Each kind of Three Su Cloud has its own colors, layered one above another in the order given in the text. For example, when the Three Yuan Three Su Clouds appear on one of the Eight Seasonal Nodes—the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, or Winter Solstice—the purple cloud is above, the green cloud in the middle, and the white cloud below, each layered over the others. Observe them carefully.

The “first ten days” mentioned here means that the Jia-Zi day falls between the first and tenth days of the month. For example, if a Jia-Zi day occurs during the first ten days of a given month, that month meets this condition. If you do not see these clouds on the specified days, you should still bow and offer a prayer; doing so will bring three times the efficacy of seeing them on the appointed days. Later, you may also follow the Jia-Zi method on other days.

Those who cultivate the Nine Perfected Ones and take charge of the Eight Ways will receive protection from heavenly beings, while the Perfected Emperor guards their life-bone, a Daoist concept related to the root of life. Those whose names are not entered in the jade register of immortals will be unable to encounter and see the extraordinary signs described in this scripture.

Anyone who transmits this scripture is one of those destined to become an immortal, as recorded long ago in the mysterious books. For seven hundred years, if someone hears of this Way, transmits it three times, and puts it into practice, do not let anyone trample on his shoes or toy with his headscarf and coarse clothes.

It is said that his Seven Po souls transform into dragons and tigers, guarding the body’s lower gateways and crouching beneath his shoes. His Three Hun souls transform into numinous light, shining like clouds within his headscarf. If anyone mistreats these objects, the person may feel his mind and spirit tremble, become fearful and unsettled, or even lose his bearings. This is because his Shen and Qi have been depleted, his Hun and Po have become scattered, and the radiance of his Jing and Qi has been obscured and obstructed. Therefore, one should always treat these things with care.

The scripture’s attendant spirits include seven Jade Boys and seven Jade Maidens. They can record the merits and faults of anyone who keeps the scripture and gather up the baleful Qi brought by various evil influences. Anyone reading the text should burn incense on either side of the scripture. Before transmitting it, both parties must observe purification for four days, swear an oath, and form an alliance, pledging neither to disclose nor to publicize it. The transmitter must first make sure that the recipient is suitable; only then may the scripture be bestowed. If anyone breaks the precepts and betrays the oath, seven generations of ancestors, as well as the person’s parents, will be punished in the prison of the Dark Capital. After death, the recipient will also become a ghost.

According to the Code of the Four Extremities, a Daoist disciplinary text, the Perfected of Great Void and Red Pine Master of Southern Peak said: This scripture is sometimes called the Ninefold Plain Silk Upper Scripture, sometimes the Jade Text of the True Ones at the Center of the Supreme Ultimate, and also the Golden Register of the Eight Ways. Under the Code of the Four Extremities, all recipients must swear an oath and form an alliance, promising neither to publicize nor to disclose the text. This serves as proof of their pledge in place of drinking each other’s blood or cutting their hair.

To receive or transmit the True Text of the Nine Perfected Ones of the Great High One, one must prepare ninety feet of white silk. To receive or transmit the Secret Words of the Eight Ways and the Hidden Method of the Yellow Emperor and Laozi, one must prepare eight ounces of plain silk thread. To receive or transmit the Cloudy Essence Method of the Five Viscera for Preserving Life of the Great High One, one must prepare two golden Zongrong beads, to swear by and uphold the secret. Anyone who betrays the alliance and reveals the text will be dealt with according to the laws of the Four Extremities of the Divine Continent.

On the night of the fourth day of the tenth month in the seventh year of the Yonghe era of the Jin dynasty (辛亥, 351 CE), Lord Liu received the Central Scripture of the Nine Perfected Ones and the Secret Words of the Eight Ways, observing the prescribed purification and forming an alliance.

Secret Talisman of the Five Phases in Curved Plain Silk of the Great High One

(by the Left Immortal Duke of the Supreme Ultimate)

The Great High One said to the Emperor Lord of the Golden Gate, the Sage of Later Generations: “Primordial Qi divided, and from this the heavens and earth were opened. Yin and Yang each settled into their proper place, and the numbers three and five established the order of the cosmos. The mysterious power arranged the Six Jia, causing the Five Phases—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—to come forth and transform. The Five Phases gather and govern the Qi of the Central Origin; through the generation and harmonizing of Qi, they ultimately merge into a Perfected One.

“Later students who wish to seek immortality, yet do not know the source of the Great Dao, merely exhaust themselves by concentrating their Shen and visualizing. In doing so, they instead deplete their bodies and spirits. Though day after day and year after year passes, they still receive no response, and the path of seeking the Dao remains remote. To pursue the root, one must return to the source; once the source is lost, …”

Every means of seeking life fails to preserve a person completely. I have now copied and compiled the jade text handed down by the Sovereign Above, the exalted deity of the highest heaven, and present it to you. Choose a worthy person and transmit this treasured secret method to them. Its mysteries do not lie in words; those who receive the transmission should practice according to the rites and procedures set out in the text.

The Secret Text of the Supreme One on the Five Phases came into being together with Heaven and Earth. It governs the Mixed Immortals, the myriad Perfected Ones, and the spirits. Without the Five Phases, the sun, moon, and stars would not shine in Heaven; mountains would collapse on Earth; and the human body would wither and decay. Thus the Five Phases join and depend on one another, enabling the myriad things to come into being.

Those who aspire to this practice should seek out the name of a true master. After receiving this method, they will share their root with Heaven and Earth. By calling the hun and summoning the po, one can preserve life and command spirits. After nine years of cultivation, one can ascend to the realm of the immortals.

Those who practice this Qu Su formula, a Daoist cultivation method, and study the Way of the High Perfected Ones should learn the secret names of the True Lords who are the parents of the Five Phases. Visualizing them can summon the hun and po and make them endure. All the true spirits will return to their palace dwelling—the body—and guard its physical form. In this way, one can regain clear self-awareness. Upon completing the practice, one may feast and wander in Jade Clarity, a high celestial realm in Daoism, and unite with primordial Qi to become perfected.

Anyone practicing this Way should enter a quiet chamber on a Jia or Yi day, burn incense, face east, and visualize the two true spirits, Jia Father and Yi Mother. Jia Father’s secret name is Qingying. He wears a dark jade crown adorned with the Nine Mysteries and a robe patterned with kingfisher feathers, and holds a blue essence talisman for preserving life. Yi Mother’s secret name is Haoxian. Her hair is coiled in a cloudlike bun that hangs down; she wears a flying blue silk skirt and holds a cinnabar-cloud talisman for transforming and giving birth to life. After the two spirits bestow their dark talismans upon the practitioner, the practitioner knocks the teeth together nine times and recites:

“True Lords, Father and Mother, you are the two spirits who transform and give birth to the myriad things. Cause the Qi of Three and Five to return to its true state and unite in secret with the Qi of the Primordial Beginning. Summon the wandering hun from outside; secure and guard the po essence within, so they may dwell forever in their palace and never leave my body. Let me remain for a long time together with the Three Origins, and preserve Jade Clarity with them.”

After reciting, swallow the talisman, knock the teeth together nine times again, and swallow the saliva three times. Practice in this way for nine years, and you will be able to discern boundless things, see and hear over great distances, and foresee good fortune and misfortune.

On a Bing or Ding day, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, face south, and visualize the two true spirits, Bing Father and Ding Mother. Bing Father’s secret name is Shuhu. He wears a scarlet crown that reaches to Heaven and a deep red ceremonial robe, and holds a scarlet-bright secret talisman for protecting the body and prolonging life. Ding Mother’s secret name is Naling. Her hair is coiled in a flying-cloud bun; she wears a flying skirt of red silk gauze and holds a secret talisman of central plain yellow essence. When the two spirits come to your side and bestow the talismans, call each of their secret names three times and recite:

“Through the transformations of Yin-Yang, the true forms of the two luminaries come into being; the jade spirit restores the hun and po, restrains the po, and settles the Shen…”

The five kinds of primordial Qi blend and mingle, remaining inseparable from my body and protecting me. The three lights of the sun, moon, and stars gather together with the Yang energy of dawn. After taking the talisman, knock the teeth together nine times and swallow the breath three times; then stop. After practicing in this way for eight years, the true spirit will descend and appear, and messengers in the clouds will come to greet you.

On a day of Wu or Ji, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and face southwest. Visualize the two divine beings, Father Wu and Mother Ji. Father Wu is named “Changyu.” He wears a dark crown adorned with the Three Treasures of Yellow Radiance, is dressed in a yellow ceremonial robe and tunic, and holds the “Secret Talisman of the Central Origin for Deliverance and Life.” Mother Ji is named “Laisheng.” Her hair is arranged in two hornlike knots, hanging down like clouds. She wears a yellow brocade flying skirt and holds the “Secret Talisman of Spontaneity.” Visualize the two divine beings coming to your side and giving you the talismans. Then call each of their secret inner names three times and recite the incantation:

“The Central Origin’s mysterious order governs the four quarters. It brings forth the five Qi and warms and nourishes the imperial chamber. It gathers and binds the hun and po souls, joining body and spirit. May I preserve the lifespan of Heaven and Earth for ages, through endless kalpas.”

After taking the talisman, knock the teeth together nine times and swallow saliva three times; then stop. After practicing in this way for twelve years, you will be able to see clearly in all eight directions. Your body will transform into golden light, and you will ascend through the void into the vast sky.

On a day of Geng or Xin, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and face west. Visualize the two divine beings, Father Geng and Mother Xin. Father Geng is named “Qiming.” He wears a dark crown of the Nine Origins and Jade Green Treasure, is dressed in a white feather robe, and holds the “Secret Talisman of Pure Spirit for Summoning the Gods and Preserving Life.” Mother Xin is named “Deshen.” Her hair is arranged in a flying-cloud knot. She wears a white brocade flying skirt and holds the “Secret Talisman of Mysterious Yin for Giving Form and Ascending.” Visualize the two divine beings coming to your side and giving you the talismans. Then call each of their secret inner names three times and recite the incantation:

“The essence of Metal pours down mysteriously, gathering the Qi of the Nine Spirits. True Qi circulates and blends into one, pouring into and nourishing my body. May my hun and po souls be settled, guarding Yellow Tranquility. When hungry, may I feed on the Qi of the Three Origins; when thirsty, may I drink Jade Essence. Riding the void and borne aloft, may I roam freely and feast in the Purple Court.”

After taking the talisman, knock the teeth together nine times and swallow the breath three times; then stop. After practicing in this way for six years, you will be able to ride the clouds and ascend high into the sky, entering and leaving the Purple Chamber.

On a day of Ren or Gui, enter a quiet chamber, burn incense, and face north. Visualize the two divine beings, Father Ren and Mother Gui. Father Ren is named “Shuoling.” He wears a Mysterious Dawn Crown, is dressed in a black fine-silk tunic, and holds the “Secret Talisman of Communion with the Spirits for Long Life.” Mother Gui is named “Falao.” Her hair is arranged in a cloudlike knot that hangs down. She wears a black brocade flying skirt and holds the “Secret Talisman of Flying Immortals for Transformation and Ascension.” Visualize the two divine beings coming to your side and giving you the talismans. Then call each of their secret inner names three times and recite the incantation:

“Above are the Nine Origins, bringing Yin and Yang into being. The Five Phases intertwine, and adamantine power revolves. The precious light of the Three Mornings covers my robes. The yellow current of five colors flows; the heavenly gate opens for me, allowing me to rise upward…”

The scripture is incomplete at this point. Here, “visualization” means contemplating divine beings, scenes, or Qi during quiet cultivation. Knocking the teeth together and “swallowing Qi” are methods of regulating body and mind in Daoist inner cultivation practices.

After entering and leaving the dwelling of the Emperor Lord in Jade Clarity (the highest heavenly realm in Daoist belief), complete the talismanic practice. Then click the teeth together nine times and swallow the Qi nine times. Repeat this sequence nine times, then stop the practice. After five years of cultivation, one can see across boundless distances, foresee good and ill fortune, ride the empty air, and ascend to the lofty heavens.

The Jade Pendant and Golden Bell (with the Yellow-Robed Lad)

On the first day of the first month of the first year of Shangling, the Six Primordial Forces converged and auspicious celebrations came together. It was a Jiazi day, with the hour of Chen in attendance. The Heavenly King of Primordial Beginning and the Great Emperor Lord rode together in a purple carriage drawn by flowing azure clouds. They ascended the cliff of the Nine Mysteries, a realm beyond color. They wandered freely through the grotto-heaven, reaching the utmost heights. They gazed into the distance, relaxed body and mind, and traveled at will upon a wheel that floated through the air.

Just then, a blue-green bird flew in, carrying a purple document in its beak. It alighted on the Jade Pavilion and presented a book recording the scriptures. The books were titled The Jade Pendant and Golden Bell, The Golden Book of the Great Ultimate, and The Treasured Scripture of the Two Effulgences Flying Through the Mysterious True Grotto. The two divine lords swore a heavenly oath with gold and an azure object, and received the teachings of the Highest Perfected. They cast gold into tablets and engraved them with sacred script. They commanded the Turtle Mother to hold the brush, while Taiyi brushed the mat clean. Then they placed the scriptures in a brocade pouch of clouds and treasured it in the lush book chest. They sealed it with the Jade Clarity seal of the Three Primordials, and entrusted it to the Old Lord of the Immortal Capital and the attendant feathered immortals, who stored it in the Mysterious Cloud Feather Chamber of the Tai Su Jade Terrace.

“Jade Pendant” is the name of the soul-essence of the Nine Heavens. Above the Nine Heavens it is also called the “Morning Lamp,” and is known as “The Supreme Hidden Mysterious Grotto’s Flying Treasure Seal.” Its abode is the Great Empyrean within the Jade Clarity Hall. There, the Qi of azure Yang gathers, and numinous light shines across the Nine Heavens. Its deep, boundless azure radiance illuminates the Terrace of the Three Primordials. Its color is like blue-green jade, and its shape like the full moon. Within it are the empty, mysterious Jade Terrace and a purple hall; the Emperor Lord of Soul-Essence resides at the center.

The Hidden Book of the Great Empyrean says: “The text of the southern pavilion of the Jade Pendant’s Mysterious Terrace.” The scripture also says that anyone seeking long life should begin by cultivating within themselves. Moonlight is the moon’s essential Qi; the rosy glow of dawn is the sun’s essential Qi. Turn the Jade Pendant with the left hand and hold the Golden Bell in the right. Let the two effulgences of sun and moon blend, and settle their two divine energies. Reach upward to the Supreme Ultimate and extend downward throughout the Ten Directions. Firmly uphold the Mysterious True, so that the numinous root becomes secure. The Qi of the Flowering Infant in the Mysterious Valley fills body and mind, its radiance illuminating the hidden essence. Swallow the moonlight and absorb the sun’s essence, bringing them into the Gate of Heaven.

Raise the Golden Bell to receive what comes from above, and hold the Jade Pendant to guard the vital pass. Let azure and white remain distinct, so that the True Qi accords with the Mudball Palace, the cultivation site in the head. Secure and protect the vital essence with the treasured liquid, refining and nourishing the supple body. Three divine lords guard the body all around. They wear vermilion long robes, splendid pearl-embroidered shawls, and flowing brocade azure skirts, with belts adorned with the moon and sun and purple crowns upon their heads. They sit in stillness in the Hall of Light, the palace of inner cultivation. There they use Yin Qi to unite with the Seven Primordials, the Yellow Court, and the Qi of Wu and Ji, suppress the source of pernicious Qi, and reverently attend the three deities Wu Ying, Bai Yuan, and Tao Kang…

Open the gate of life—the passage through which the Qi of life enters and leaves—and connect it through the five organs, regulating the twelve meridians. Through breathing practices, make the six chambers—the dwelling places of the body’s spirits and Qi—flow freely. The hun and po souls rejoice, and all illnesses recede; heat pathogens are kept at bay, and cold is dispelled. The two radiances of the sun and moon, symbols of Yin and Yang, wind around the body, while the myriad spirits within rejoice. Those who understand this method can ascend to the Southern Hall in the realm of immortals, wield the golden bells and jade pendants that signify immortal dignity, shine with the mysterious radiance of the Eight Luminaries, and join with the spirits of the Nine Heavens.

Within the chamber, the Mysterious Mother nourishes with Yin Qi and guides with Yang Qi, making the countenance clear and bright. One’s rank is inscribed in the Elixir Chamber, and one’s name entered in the imperial palace registers. Practicing for three cycles of nine brings one into accord with the movement of Heaven. This “Jade Pendant Treasure Text” is a scripture of the Mysterious Truth of Taiji. All who practice it can fly through the Great Void and roam at ease in the realm of the Nine Clarities. Their names will be entered in the registers of immortals by Donghua, and the Queen Mother of the West will have this text engraved in the halls of the Mysterious Garden on Mount Kunlun. Those who do not possess a pure and empty nature cannot glimpse or practice it.

Those who wish to ascend to the Nine Clarities and attend a banquet in the Southern Hall should turn the Qi of the jade pendant within the Hall of Light, where the heart spirit resides, and guide the Qi of the golden bell to the Mudball Palace, the site of internal alchemy in the head. This allows the true spirit within the hun to descend to the Morning Lamp and the Qi of Flying Radiance to summon the Emperor Lord. Practice at night, usually just before sleep: place both hands over the heart, close the eyes, and visualize the jade pendant’s radiance. The Qi of Azure Yang glows with a seamless light, like the full moon. Its numinous radiance illuminates the body, making it bright throughout.

The Lord of the Essence of the Hun, whose surname is Kaiming, is nine inches tall and wears a purple crown and splendid robes adorned with pearls and jade. He wears a blue brocade skirt, carries the moon at his waist, and holds the sun in his mouth. Riding a blue bird, he descends in a blue radiance upon the practitioner and settles in the Mudball Palace. The practitioner should click the teeth nine times, swallow the saliva twenty-seven times, and then silently recite the incantation:

“Mysterious Origin, numinous spirit; Essence of the Hun of the Nine Heavens. The Morning Lamp shines clear, condensing into blue radiance, called the Jade Pendant, whose light illumines Great Brightness. Wearing the moon and holding the sun in the mouth, bearing talismans and a bell, its splendid radiance courses forth and pierces the darkened heavens. Taking wing through the void, it rides a carriage with vermilion shafts and a purple body, first going to the realm of the Three Origins, then descending again into my body. It guards the Mudball Palace, spreads through the Yellow Court, and restrains the hun and po, bringing peace to the myriad ghosts. The channels of the five organs interweave; the nine apertures shine with brilliance. The Eight Luminaries soar, carrying me up to Jade Clarity.”

When the incantation is complete, rub the hands together until warm, then rub the eyes fourteen times. Swallow Qi three times, then end the practice and go to sleep in peace. Practicing in this way calms the hun and settles the po, and the myriad spirits guard the body. It strengthens numinous Qi within and blocks evil Qi from without. The Eight Luminaries transform, and the practitioner can refine the true and become an immortal. After nine years of practice, one can see into the hidden world and discern what is to come. Whether sitting or standing, one can enter a state beyond bodily form and meet the spirits. After eighteen years, the Dao is accomplished, the true spirit descends, and one can fly to Supreme Clarity.

If this method is practiced incorrectly, the Three Hun souls will lose their guard, and the Seven Po souls will be unable to rest. The Three Corpses—spirits said in Daoism to dwell within the human body and hinder cultivation—may also leave the body and move about in disorder. The Nine Worms, a general term for impure forces within the body, may startle and attack, allowing malign Qi to enter the body. The spirit and Qi will become scattered, and the body will lose its purity. In that state, even swallowing saliva in vain will deplete one’s original Qi and diminish one’s spiritual vitality. If you obtain this method, you should preserve it with care and practice it in secret; only then may you hope to achieve the Dao of long life. How could life be brought to ruin lightly?

The “Golden Bell,” a sacred image in Daoist visualization practices, is the Po spirit of the Nine Heavens. It is situated above the Nine Heavens and is named “Rainbow Radiance,” also called the “Canopy of the Highest Clarity.” It lies within the Yin Radiance, the abode of the Perfected. It also dwells in the Hall of Highest Clarity, within the Great Empyrean, where it gathers the Qi of white mist and casts its numinous light across the Nine Heavens. Its white radiance shines brilliantly, illuminating the Highest Clarity. Its color is like white clouds, and its shape like a jade mountain. Upon the jade mountain stands a palace of precious jade, where the Emperor Lord of the Po spirit resides.

The Golden Bell Scripture, part of the Hidden Book of the Great Empyrean, is kept in the northern chamber of the Mysterious Terrace. The scripture says: “Those who wish to become flying immortals should refine and nourish the Po spirit. The Po spirit, Hun, and Jing are born together in the Nine Heavens; Yin Radiance and Yang Radiance stretch on, intertwined. The two spirits are lucid and clear. Turn the Golden Bell to the right and rotate the Jade Bell to the left; let flowing light shine within the Purple Void, revealing the Perfected. The cultivator ascends to the Highest Clarity and flies through the Taiji, then descends to the dark realms of the eight directions. Hold fast to the Mysterious Truth and protect the Blossoming Infant. The Qi of the sun and moon pours into one another, filling the Mysterious Valley. The jade pendant and Golden Bell, distinct in blue and white, guard the Bright Hall, settling the Hun and calming the Po. This is the ‘Imperial Spirit of the Canopy of the Nine Heavens.’”

The scripture further depicts the Imperial Spirit of the Canopy of the Nine Heavens wearing a purple embroidered pearl mantle and a flying gauze vermilion skirt. The sun and moon meet above its head, and its hair is adorned with the Essence of Blossoming Radiance. Seated calmly in the Bright Hall, it takes the Seven Stars as its Yin Radiance and looks down upon the Three Elder Imperial Lords Lingfan, Wuyou, and Huangning. It enables me to attain long life; my breath passes freely through the stomach and circulates through the Six Viscera and Five Courts. Rainbow light winds around me, and the myriad spirits protect my body. Those who obtain and practice this scripture can ascend to the Highest Clarity. Practitioners of the Precious Text of the Golden Bell can climb to the clouds and rosy mists, roam through the Taiji, rest in the Nine Heavens, and travel within the Purple Void.

It is said that the Queen Mother of the West ordered this scripture to be carved into the northern face of the piled stones of Mount Kunlun. Without a Mysterious Chart and an Imperial Register—heavenly talismanic diagrams and records of immortals in Daoist tradition—this text cannot be entered into the register at the Cinnabar Terrace. For that reason, the scripture is not easily seen.

Those who wish to ascend above the Nine Rosy Mists and enter the Highest Clarity should turn the Golden Bell in the Muddy Pellet Palace, the head’s inner locus in cultivation imagery, and draw the Jade Pendant to the Bright Hall, the place in the chest where spirits are visualized. They should cause the Canopy to descend into the realm of Rainbow Radiance and summon the Flying Radiance and the Imperial Lord. Practice at cockcrow, before dawn: click the teeth twenty-four times, then visualize the Golden Bell’s breath, white as clouds and brilliantly radiant, appearing like a jade mountain within the numinous, lucid body and mind.

The “Sovereign Lord Who Penetrates the Form, Corporeal Soul, and Spirit” has the surname Hui and the name Huìyuán. He is nine inches tall. He wears an ornate crown and a purple, beaded embroidered cape, with a soft red skirt. The sun adorns his belt, and he holds the moon in his mouth. He rides a white-feathered luan bird, surrounded by white light. He descends upon the practitioner and enters the Hall of Light (Mingtang), a part of the body regarded as the dwelling place of spirits. The practitioner then guides Qi, swallows twenty-four times, and silently recites the incantation:

“Primordial Supreme Perfected One of the Nine Heavens, Essence of the Corporeal Soul: rainbow light shines, towering and lofty; white light illuminates the Jade Mountain, whose name is Golden Clapper. Spirit of the Celestial Emperor, bearing the sun and holding the moon, riding the white luan, swift in flight: ascend to Jade Purity, enter and leave the Three Origins, then turn back and descend into my body. Calm the numinous pass and bind the souls, so that the myriad spirits rejoice and the Five Viscera shine with radiance; let my countenance be as beautiful and refined as jade. Ride the clouds, soar aloft, and ascend to the Emperor’s Dawn.”

After reciting, rub the palms together until warm and rub the forehead twenty-eight times. Then massage behind both eyes twenty-eight times, swallow saliva twenty-eight times, and stop. This practice is said to summon the Sovereign Lord of the Golden Clapper to shine his light, calm the spirits within the body, and gather them into one. It causes the body to radiate light, and within nine years of practice, one may ascend to Highest Clarity.

Also, on the first day of the month, on a Jiazi day, on the day of the Grand Duke of Jupiter, and on one’s birth-year day, one should fast and purify oneself before entering a quiet chamber. Copy the “Nine-Heavens Corporeal-Soul Great Empyrean Yin Talisman” on blue paper. At midnight, face east, click the teeth twenty-four times, and recite the Golden Clapper Scripture once. Visualize the Golden Clapper emitting bright white Qi, shining like a radiant Jade Mountain and filling the whole body. Then guide the white light into the body and swallow twenty-four times. Next, take the Great Empyrean Yin Talisman and silently recite:

“Mysterious Yin, Seven Clouds; Nine-Heavens Essence of the Corporeal Soul. The Jade Mountain shines with radiance, its rainbow light reflected in Highest Clarity. Golden Clapper and jade pendants, born together with Heaven; the two lights of sun and moon entwine and join, descending into my body. My name is entered on the Cinnabar Terrace, my purple name inscribed in the register. I gain the power to ride the flying carriage, pass through the realm of flowing yellow and deep darkness, soar through the air, and ascend to Dongting. There I enjoy the boundless, sharing the numinous nature of Heaven.”

After reciting, rub the palms together until warm and rub the forehead twenty-seven times. Touch the outer corners of both eyes seven times with the hands, then guide the Qi and swallow twenty-one times. This completes the practice.

The Yellow-Robed Youth

The Record of the Various Caves of Huayang says that the Yellow-Robed Youth is an official who oversees jade pendants and golden clappers. When sitting in meditation, if someone is often present beside you and appears in a radiance of light, that is a Perfected One of Taiji. Those who practice the methods of the Jade Pendant and Golden Clapper Scriptures may sometimes encounter the Perfected One of Taiji, and so naturally attract him. The text also says: “By consuming the essence of the Ninefold Numinous Sun and Moon, one can attract their descent…”

This is what is called the “Abode of the Supreme Ultimate.” Those who cultivate the Way of Great Empyrean and practice the “Method of the Golden Pendant and Jade Plaque” should also gather and refine the essence and Qi of the sun and moon, using them to refine and nourish the “Five Embryonic Spirits”—the five kinds of spirits within the body. Summon the Five Emperors of the sun and the Five Ladies of the moon, so that the mysterious radiance of the sun and moon’s two luminaries descends into the body. Then the face will shine with a jade-like luster, the body will emit a wondrous light, and inside and out will be clear and bright; the mind will grow keen and the eyes bright. At that point, one may take up the jade plaque and turn the Golden Pendant. The soul and po will dwell securely within you alongside the imperial lords. When a radiant light, rainbow-hued like a morning lamp, appears, you may ascend to Heaven at once.

The Flowing-Gold Fire Bell (with the Great Invocation for Awe-Inspiring Might)

The Flowing-Gold Fire Bell is the power revealed in the halo around the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao when he travels and feasts: it raises the majesty of the Nine Heavens above and destroys the baleful evils of the Six Heavens below. Mysterious numinous light shines from the Lord’s neck, illuminating the eight directions and reaching as far as four hundred thousand li.

At the beginning, when the Three Heavens established the orthodox Way and abolished the evil rites of the Six Heavens, the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao transmitted the divine script to the Celestial Emperor of Taiwei, who stored it in the Jade Chamber of the Jade Palace. Its numinous light shone of its own accord, illuminating the Highest Clarity. Flying dragons and venomous beasts guarded it on either side, while purple clouds and mysterious Qi covered it overhead. Three hundred Jade Radiance Maidens and three hundred Golden Perfected Boys were assigned to guard this sacred text and spread fragrance through the Empty Court. After seven thousand years, the text generated five talismans, whose light shone through the eight directions. From them came the officials who guard and protect the five directions. The Celestial Emperor of Taiwei passed it to the Lord of the Way, the Sage of the Golden Portal; the Sage then entrusted it to the Lord of the Green Lad, Chief Minister of the Left, to transmit to perfected Real Persons who had cultivated to completion, wore the talisman, traveled and dwelt in Highest Clarity, and studied the path to perfection.

No Real Person can ascend to the realm of the sun, moon, and stars—the Three Luminaries—without wearing the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell and bearing its halo around the neck. If someone has bones of gold and a substance like jade, is named in the registers of the Mysterious Realm, and is enrolled in the Green Palace, then, having received this sacred text and worn it while traveling, wherever they go—to the various Heavens, the lands, the Four Seas, or the Five Sacred Peaks—the gathered Sages and immortal officials of Heaven will bow their heads in salute and come to welcome them. Its pure, numinous light shakes the four quarters, and the power by which its talismanic script subdues forces must not be taken lightly.

The Three Primal Powers send thirty-six Jade Maidens and Jade Boys to serve as guards for those who wear the talisman. After wearing it for nine years, they can ride the carriage of the Eight Radiances and fly through the vast sky, their renown spreading far and wide.

The Flowing-Gold Fire Bell is the essence of the Nine Stars and is also called the “Halo,” a sign of the Supreme One’s majesty. It was fortunate to come into being before the Nine Heavens; its condensed Qi formed a divine script, brilliant with light and illuminating the ten directions. Its essence hangs suspended and shines between the Supreme One’s neck and shoulders. After seven thousand years, it transformed into five bell-shaped divine talismans, which mysteriously descended…

The awe-inspiring power of the Subtle Heaven Emperor Lord (Weitian Dijun) commands the eight directions, and the demons and spirits of Heaven are arrayed in the Court of Rosy Clouds. Beneath the heavenly realm, all are governed by the Great Lord of the Supreme Dao. The Great Lord treasures and protects this Daoist method, and warns the rulers of the world, the immortals, and the inspectors: only those with the potential to become immortal may wear this talisman. If anyone disregards the mysterious precepts and regulations, casually gives the talisman to someone unqualified, or treats this sacred text with contempt, calamity will befall seven generations of their ancestors. Punishment will also extend to their former teachers, forcing them all to serve as officials among the ghosts.

Write the talisman in cinnabar on a piece of purple silk, two chi and two cun long, and wear it on your head. Anyone whose name is recorded in the golden register and whose bones bear the qualities of an immortal will, by wearing this text, fulfill a destiny ordained from a former life and become immortal. When traveling on foot, the wearer should often visualize a circular halo around the neck, shining out to a distance of four hundred thousand li. With sincere devotion to the Dao, pure abstinence, and focused practice for nine years, one can draw down the presence of the perfected spirits. The circular radiance will then shine naturally, enabling one to ride through the air and to enter a deathlike state while sitting or standing. The Talisman of the Five Bells for Ascending the Void and Preserving Immortality (the talisman diagram appears in this scripture).

Great Incantation for Preserving the Inner Power and Awe of the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell

Those who practice with and wear the Flowing-Gold Fire Bell Talisman should, when traveling far or near, passing through dangerous places, or facing bandits, illness, hardship, or injury, visualize the perfected light protecting them and clearing a path for a thousand li ahead. Before setting out, face the direction of travel, click the left teeth fourteen times, and swallow Qi thirty-six times. Visualize the features of the destination: the mountains, forests, plants, people, birds, beasts, and spirits should appear clearly and distinctly, all coming together to pay homage.

Then visualize the Big Dipper above the head. Imagine the left eye as a shooting star and the right eye as a flash of lightning, both shining brilliantly. The shooting star illuminates a distance of ninety thousand li; wherever its light falls, the road ahead becomes clear and passable. Mountains, forests, plants, people, houses, soldiers, bandits, and ghostly influences are completely destroyed, without a trace, and the roads in every direction open wide. Then recite the incantation:

“Let the road ahead open and the road behind close; let Heaven lie level and Earth rise high. The divine lord sets out: let the roads in all directions open wide, joining Heaven and Earth and forming a bridge for me. Before and behind, left and right, let the way extend freely in all eight directions. I cast a shooting star from my left eye and release a flash of lightning from my right; flowing fire shines across ten thousand li. What demon or evil spirit would dare block my way? The divine generals of Taiyi escort me, and the myriad spirits come to welcome me. Wherever I go, may all be auspicious and go smoothly. Riding the clouds and traversing the void, I rise into the great expanse.”

When the recitation is complete, guide the vital essence of both eyes back to their proper places. Then draw in seven breaths from the left and seven from the right, swallowing each. Practicing in this way enables one to cross dangerous terrain and overcome hardship.

This magical method can attack demons and subdue enemy troops. It is said to work without fail, taking effect as swiftly as an echo. Its techniques are exceedingly mysterious and must not be taught casually. They may be passed on only orally, and must be handled with great care.

The “Five Emperors’ Flowing Bells” is a talismanic method with the power to awe and intimidate. It is said to subdue the mightiest demons of the heavens and summon and command the spirits of the five directions. Above, it corresponds to the Five Mornings and Seven Primordials; below, to the body’s nine apertures and seven openings. It extends throughout Heaven and Earth, connecting to every place. It can probe the deepest and most hidden places, and illuminate even the tiniest details. With a talisman, one can make light appear; by casting it, one can unleash its might. A practitioner who wears this talisman must also receive the secret formula orally from a master.

If you encounter a place in the human world haunted by evil ghosts, you should perform the ritual called the “Great Invocation for Manifesting Might.” Face north and hold your breath for twelve counts. Visualize the Qi of the five directions covering your entire body, so that inside and out you are shrouded in darkness, as though nothing could be seen. Then click your teeth thirty-six times, and swallow the Qi of the five directions, three times for each direction. As the breath slowly enters your body, visualize the pupils of your eyes—a Daoist term for the spirit of the eyes—shining like meteors and illuminating the five directions. Then recite the invocation:

“Heaven’s Primordial Seven Essences, Five Emperors’ Flowing Bells. Cast forth your radiance, like lightning, like stars; shine across the ten directions and reveal the true forms of demons and ghosts. What petty goblin dares block the gate of life before me? The Most High has issued the command: slay without mercy. Cut open the liver, rend the belly, and sever the vital essence of demons and ghosts. Thousands upon thousands are crushed; tens of thousands upon tens of thousands are struck down. Divine might issues its command: seize and bind them, capture them without delay.”

After reciting the invocation, swallow the breath thirty-six more times to complete the ritual. According to the scripture, reciting the invocation just once will cause the divine officials of the five directions to protect the practitioner’s life and seize the local spirits, binding them and bringing them before the court. Reciting it three times can wipe out an entire clan of ghost kings. The scripture also says that when practitioners travel through the mountains and rivers of the Five Sacred Peaks and climb dangerous terrain, evil ghosts will flee before they arrive.

When traveling to the Five Sacred Peaks, take five steps at a time, clicking the left side of your teeth thirty-six times. According to the direction of travel, visualize the corresponding divine emperor and his attendants protecting you.

When traveling to the Eastern Peak, visualize the Azure Emperor of the East, Xilin Zhu, with his nine thousand officials guarding you before, behind, and on both sides, while azure cloud Qi covers your whole body.

When traveling to the Southern Peak, visualize the Red Emperor, Dan Xuanzi, with his eight thousand officials guarding you before and behind, while crimson cloud Qi covers your whole body.

When traveling to the Western Peak, visualize the White Emperor of the West, Shaohao Ling, with his six thousand officials guarding you before and behind, while pale cloud Qi covers your whole body.

When traveling to the Northern Peak, visualize the Black Emperor, Xuanming Hao, with his five thousand officials guarding you before and behind, while dark cloud Qi covers your whole body.

When traveling to the Central Peak, visualize the Yellow Emperor, who holds the center of the Primordial Origin, with his twelve thousand officials guarding you…

First, I cover the crown of my head and my whole body with yellow clouds of Qi, then recite:

“The radiance of Qianyuan shines down. The mysterious vital essence of the Seven Stars and the brilliance of the Five Dipper stars encircle my form. Five-colored clouds of light stream and soar, merging with me. I wear the Seven Origins—the primordial energies represented by the Northern Dipper’s seven stars—and hold the Golden-Flowing Fire Bell. Its light shines in every direction, its power boundless.

“Reaching up to the highest heavens and down into the deep, dark, distant realms, the divine officials of the Five Emperors command the heavenly troops to subdue, on my behalf, the thousand ghosts and myriad spirits among the mountains, rivers, and earth. They all bow their heads and submit to bonds, revealing their true forms. They are slain in front and pursued from behind; none of the captured demons can escape. When this prayer has been recited, the heavenly demons vanish and all the ghosts come to pay homage. When I travel among the Five Sacred Peaks or pass through mountains and rivers, I need no longer fear disturbance by ghosts and spirits. The immortal officials of the Five Sacred Peaks escort me in person and bring me the Five Zhi and Jade Essence—immortal medicines such as sacred fungi and jade liquid—for my enjoyment.

“If I find myself amid battle, with swords and blades at my throat, or in some other danger, I strike my teeth on the right twelve times and visualize the Northern Dipper’s seven stars covering me, their mysterious light shining over my whole body. I also visualize my liver transforming into Jupiter and appearing on my left; my lungs transforming into the Great White Star and appearing on my right; my heart transforming into the Planet of Fire and appearing before me; my kidneys transforming into the Morning Star and appearing behind me; and my spleen transforming into the Planet of Restraint, manifesting before my chest. I let the vital essence of the Five Stars encircle me, before and behind. I stand within the Dipper’s bowl—the section formed by the Northern Dipper’s four leading stars—and beneath the Five Stars. Then I visualize the divine officials of the Five Emperors guarding me on either side and recite:

“Heaven is my roof, Earth my bed; the Five Sacred Peaks, mountains, and rivers are my bridges. The Primordial Essence of the Mysterious Dipper is my clothing. I hide within the Seven Origins, in the realm of flowing fire. Taiyi leads me across danger; Baiyuan and Wuying escort me on my way. Calamity cannot approach me; weapons cannot harm me. I shall ascend to the palace of the Nine Elders in the Golden Towers.”

It is said that by practicing this method, one can escape danger even in dire straits, when one’s life is nearly at an end.

Selections from the Seven Slips of a Cloudy Satchel, Volume 51