《太平經》Vol. 99

The Scripture of Great Peace, juan 99, Instruction 7

Riding the Clouds and Driving the Dragon, Diagram 162

The Three Powers and the Five Phases

Heaven, Earth, and humanity—the Three Powers—and the Five Phases of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth sustain one another in an unbroken succession, together forming the foundation of all things in the universe. When Heaven and Earth first opened, primordial Qi (vital energy, the source of the cosmos) surged forth from the five directions. The energies of Correct Yang and Correct Yin stirred against one another, bringing all things into being.

Seasons and the Calendar

Correct Yang governs spring and summer; Correct Yin governs autumn and winter. The year has twelve months, corresponding to the twelve du (divisions of the celestial realm). The Jiazi year marks the start of the year, and the Qi of Correct De governs the seasons. The year is further divided into five periods, each assigned a color and corresponding to the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. Heaven has thirty-six principles, while Earth has the five grains. There are also the Six Unions—the joining of above, below, and the four directions—and the Three Primordials, the origins of the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and humanity. These and other categories serve to order all things.

Dao, De, and Numerical Arts

Dao and De are the beginning of each end; numbers multiplied by numbers and names arising from names give rise to boundless transformations. Heaven sends down three commands and five kinds of law. Six blessings and the spirits of the three methods govern the realm of spirits. The Five Emperors, Six Lords, and Six Knights—titles of celestial offices—each keep their appointed place. Heaven and the he are united as one; the stars move according to the measures of Heaven, governing the Emperor’s numinous power and observing all good and evil.

The Five Phases and the Cycle of the Years

The Five Phases are interconnected, waxing and waning in cycles, with Jiazi marking the completion of a full cycle. Correct Yin governs autumn and winter, while Correct Yang governs spring and summer. In the time of Correct Yin, Heaven reveals clarity and purity; stars of superior De guard the east, south, west, and north. Numinous stars shine down, auspicious signs such as the True Pearl—the treasure of celestial truth—and jade trees appear, and the Celestial Troops protect the realm. These things may seem credible, or as though they truly exist; all arise from the Dao of Heaven.

Praise and Admonition

This is a hymn of praise to the Dao of Heaven. Those who believe, receive, and put it into practice may receive 130 years of blessings. The wicked, however, refuse to believe and will ultimately bring calamity upon themselves. The image of “riding the clouds and driving the dragon” symbolizes how those who cultivate the Dao and unite with Heaven can ride clouds and command dragons, ascending and descending with the Dao. At its heart, this image concerns the Three Powers, the Five Phases, Yin-Yang, the seasons, faith, De, and the practice of the Dao—not merely the pursuit of supernatural powers.