《太上洞玄靈寶飛行三界通微內思妙經》

The Wondrous Scripture of the Supreme Cavern Mystery's Numinous Treasure Flight Through the Three Realms and Subtle Inner Contemplation reveals methods for attaining transcendent states through cultivation. The Taiji Zhenren (a high-ranking Daoist immortal) explains this esoteric practice of "Numinous Treasure Flight Through the Three Realms":

By maintaining hundred-day purification retreats, practitioners can eliminate all ailments, achieve radiant complexions, transform white hair to black, and regrow lost teeth. After two hundred days, the marrow becomes abundant and bones strengthen, tendons grow supple, scars vanish, joints become nimble, and even the mute and deaf regain speech and hearing. At three hundred days, one gains unimpeded movement through obstacles, command over spirits, the ability to soar through skies and tread upon clouds, freely visiting the Kunlun paradise at will.

Continuing this practice for three years leads to attaining the Dao and becoming a perfected being—riding qilin and white tigers, steering azure dragons, and roaming the eight directions. After five years, one may traverse the Three Realms (Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm) at liberty, attaining the rank of Immortal King. Yet such wondrous methods require worthy recipients and are never transmitted indiscriminately.

Key cultivation techniques include:

1. Master and disciple must first observe thirty-day purifications before jointly undertaking a three-day retreat to purify thoughts and resonate with spiritual Qi

2. Ingesting specially consecrated talismanic writings while wearing them as amulets

3. Breath regulation and Qi refinement (Tiao Xi Lian Qi), maintaining focused serenity

4. Twenty-one days of secluded chamber practice until celestial beings manifest

5. Alchemical preparation and ingestion of "Jingyang Elixir" and similar compounds

6. Water-refinement methods for processing eight mineral substances to extract aurific gold

7. Visualization (Cun Xiang) of divine forms to commune with perfected immortals

8. Contemplating talismans, gazing upon sacred mountains, and observing cloud formations to advance cultivation

The scripture emphasizes these methods as the Supreme Dao Ancestor's most exalted teachings, secretly stored in the Golden Tower Palace of Jade Capital Mountain. Only those predestined to become Immortal Kings, Dukes, or Ministers may receive authentic transmission. Practitioners must have karmic affinity from past lives, registered names in celestial records, and undergo purification oaths before initiation.

(Note: "Taizhen" refers to the primordial state of untainted purity; "Jingyang Dan" denotes an advanced elixir; "Eight Minerals" indicates the foundational ores for alchemical work)

This scripture details the practice method of "Lingbao Soaring Through the Three Realms," a Daoist cultivation technique. The main contents are as follows:

During practice, one must carry a jade amulet (yù náng) as a protective talisman, taking care to keep it free from defilement.

The specific cultivation requires choosing auspicious days and facing particular directions:

1. On the six Jia days (Jiazi, Jiaxu, etc.): Face east, perform tooth-tapping (kòu chǐ, a Daoist practice of lightly clicking the teeth), silently recite incantations, and pray for the natural harmonization of Qi (vital energy).

2. On the six Ren days (Renshen, Renwu, etc.) and six Gui days (Guiyou, Guiwei, etc.): Face north, perform tooth-tapping with silent incantations, praying for rejuvenation and harmony among the five viscera.

3. On the six Geng days (Gengwu, Gengchen, etc.) and six Xin days (Xinwei, Xinsi, etc.): Face west, practice tooth-tapping with silent mantras, seeking divine assistance and cyclical renewal.

4. On the six Bing days (Bingyin, Bingzi, etc.) and six Ding days (Dingmao, Dingchou, etc.): Face south, engage in tooth-tapping with silent recitations, praying for longevity and dietary harmony.

5. On the six Wu days (Wuchen, Wuyin, etc.) and six Ji days (Jisi, Jimao, etc.): Lie flat facing east, perform tooth-tapping with silent incantations, praying for extended lifespan and unity with the Dao.

The text emphasizes the importance of cultivating the "Six Jia" (a crucial temporal concept in Daoism). These methods all stress selecting auspicious days, specific directions, and combining tooth-tapping, visualization (cún xiǎng, focused mental imagery), and incantations to achieve cultivation goals.

This scripture reveals the esoteric Daoist practice of "soaring through the Three Realms with Numinous Treasure," achieved primarily through visualization of internal deities and seasonal cultivation techniques.

On every Gui Day (the tenth Heavenly Stem day), practitioners should visualize deities within their bodies:

• During daytime, visualize a white-robed jade maiden residing in the heart
• At night, visualize a red-glowing jade youth dwelling in the bladder and kidneys

The human body contains five sacred centers (Five Hearts):

1. The heart serves as the origin of divine immortals - the left hand represents the Primal Beginning (Taichu) of the cosmos, while the right hand symbolizes the Primordial Substance (Taisu)

2. The left foot embodies dawn, the right foot represents dusk, both encircled by crimson Qi known as the "Primordial Lord"

3. Each organ corresponds to a celestial residence: lungs resemble a stone chamber, liver resembles an orchid terrace, the heart bears golden seals, and kidneys bear silver seals

Seasonal cultivation methods:

• Spring Equinox: At dawn face east, chant mantras then swallow three times while visualizing ingesting azure Qi (Green Sprouts) and tasting morning dew (Dawn Blossoms) at the lips
• Summer Solstice: Face south, chant mantras then swallow three times while visualizing ingesting vermilion Qi (Cinnabar Elixir) and sensing the elixir pool within the lips
• Seasonal Transitions: Face center, chant mantras then swallow three times while visualizing ingesting golden Qi (Yellow Wilderness) and tasting sweet springs upon the tongue
• Autumn Equinox: Face west, chant mantras then swallow three times while visualizing ingesting white Qi (Luminous Stone) and sensing numinous fluid upon the teeth
• Winter Solstice: Face north, chant mantras then swallow three times while visualizing ingesting black Qi (Mystic Nectar) and sensing jade sweetness beneath the tongue

Midnight cultivation:

Visualize divine waters, white clouds, and five-colored Qi in the Dantian (Elixir Field). This energy enters through the Mystic Gate (crown point), descends to the kidneys, ascends through three meridians to reach the Crimson Palace (heart), then circulates around the Canopy (crown of the head).

(Note: "Crimson Palace" refers to the heart, "Canopy" indicates the crown of the head, and "Mystic Gate" denotes the Baihui point - all specialized terms in Daoist Neigong practice)

The Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture on Soaring Through the Three Realms Through Subtle Inner Contemplation describes methods of cultivating the ability to traverse the Three Realms by absorbing the essences of the sun and moon. Here is a simplified interpretation:

The practice is divided into solar and lunar cultivation methods:

[Solar Cultivation]

On the 1st, 5th, 15th, and 25th days of each lunar month, as well as special days like Jiawu, Bingwu, and Wuwu, from dawn until noon, one should lie facing the sun with hair unbound and eyes closed while visualizing:

1. Imagine solar energy returning to your Crimson Palace (heart region) and merging with your being.

2. Visualize a red canopy above your heart, beneath which sits a sun containing a crimson figure called the "Jade Maiden of Great Unity (Taiyi)."

3. Envision crimson energy circling the sun 30 times before settling at its center.

4. In daily life, imagine your heart radiating red light like the sun, filling your entire body.

5. Visualize three deities beneath the heart's solar canopy: the Primordial Origin of Great Beginning (Taichu Yuanxian) on the left, the Great Unity's Southern Pole Primordial Yang (Taiyi Nanyang Yuanyang) on the right, and the Crimson Infant in the center.

6. Imagine jade maidens offering divine wine and immortal elixirs from golden plates and jade bowls.

7. With prolonged practice, the Six Ding Divine Generals (protector deities) will come to assist.

8. Visualize crimson energy entering through the Muddy Pellet Palace (upper Dantian), circling the mouth nine times, descending to the heart, and finally merging in the lower Dantian.

[Lunar Cultivation]

1. Visualize the "Jade Maiden of Mysterious Light" standing on a divine turtle's back within moonlight, radiating white light that envelops your body.

2. Practice from midnight until noon, imagining union with the Great Unity deity.

3. During meditation, envision entering the Weak Waters (immortal waters) and ascending Mount Kunlun.

4. At midnight, bathe in the Cinnabar Pool while primordial Qi flows across the divine turtle's back.

5. On the 1st and 15th of each month, focus on visualizing a five-colored divine turtle between your kidneys, with mysterious light on its back and divine water beneath.

6. White primordial energy circulates around your body, with the sun on the left and moon on the right.

[Incantation]

On key dates recite: "Officer of Records, Six Ding Jade Maidens, erase [your name] from the register of death. Let the Twelve Great Officers proclaim as decreed by the Numinous Treasure Great Rites."

Note: These methods require precise timing, visualization, and breathwork, representing advanced Neidan (internal alchemy) practice. The "Three Realms" refer to the Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm—symbolizing progressive stages of spiritual attainment.

Interpretation of the Supreme Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture on Soaring Through the Three Realms with Subtle Inner Contemplation

The Supreme Ultimate Perfected Being (Taiji Zhenren) transmits methods for cultivating the Numinous Treasure (Lingbao) practice of traversing the Three Realms:

1. Absorbing the Essence of the Northern Dipper: During cultivation, visualize the yellow Qi (vital energy) in the spleen, above which appears the seven stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) and the three-inch-tall image of the Yellow Deity Mysterious Maiden (a guardian spirit). Imagine the yellow Qi of the Supreme Purity (Taiqing) Dipper stars entering through the mouth, circulating through the body, and merging with one’s innate Qi.

2. Drawing the Essence of the Central Brilliant Star: Focus on the heart region, where a red-robed child—radiant like the sun—stands alongside two other figures. Visualize the Great Unity (Taiyi) red Qi ascending to the Muddy Pellet Palace (Niwan, the upper Dantian), while three stars the size of eggs, glowing like the sun, appear on the forehead. The red Qi enters the eyes, connecting with the spirit (Shen), while the yellow essence (Jing) flows into the mouth, reaching the Supreme Mystery (Taixuan, another name for the upper Dantian). This practice is best performed at noon on Jiawu or Bingwu days.

3. Midnight Cultivation: Visualize the Supreme Ultimate Dipper (Taiji Dou) with its eight-star formation (Bakui), at the center of which stands a figure clad in multicolored red robes—this is your divine self. Simultaneously, silently recite the incantation of the Taiyi child in the heart: "Disciple of the Three Luminances (Sanjing), [state your name], devoted to the Dao and eternal life, ascends through the Three Realms, returning victorious upon completion."

4. Morning Practice on Auspicious Days: On days such as Jiazi or Jiaxu, face due east in a purified chamber at dawn. Visualize the entire body suffused with blue-green Qi, with the Old Lord (Laojun, the liver deity) in the liver channeling blue-green Qi upward to the heavens, while Supreme Purity (Taiqing) Qi descends and permeates the body. Let the colored Qi circulate fully until sunrise concludes the session.

5. Mid-Morning Cultivation on Alternate Days: On days like Bingyin or Bingzi, enter the purified chamber and calm the mind. Visualize the Taiyi child in the heart, shining like the red sun, with red Qi ascending to the heavens and descending through the body. Allow the red Qi to circulate completely, ending at noon.

6. Additional Practices on Specific Days: Certain days (e.g., Wuchen, Wuyin) have further cultivation requirements (incomplete in the original text).

Note: These methods integrate Daoist inner observation (neiguan), astrological timing, and visualization of bodily deities. The "Three Realms" refer to the Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm—symbolizing progressive stages of spiritual attainment.

(Translated with adherence to Daoist technical terminology, preserving the original structure while ensuring readability for an English audience.)

This scripture details the practice method of "Lingbao Soaring Through the Three Realms," a Daoist cultivation technique divided into specific time periods and steps:

During the days of Jihai, Jiyou, and Jiwei, enter the purification hall at breakfast time. Calm the mind and visualize the yellow primordial Qi (vital energy) from the spleen ascending to connect with heaven, while simultaneously imagining this yellow Qi entering the body. Allow this energy to circulate throughout the entire system until sunset when the practice concludes.

The Great Ultimate Perfected Being (Taiji Zhenren) states: This method should be practiced around 3 PM on twelve designated days including Gengwu. Enter the purification hall and visualize the white Qi of the lung spirit "Great Harmony" (Taihe) rising to connect with the celestial sphere, while drawing in the "Primordial Qi of the Great Beginning" (Taishi Yuanqi, the cosmic primordial energy). Let the white Qi circulate through the body until sundown.

On twelve specified days including Renshen, enter the purification hall at 9 PM. Meditate on the "Black Qi of Weak Water" (symbolizing northern Water virtue) ascending to connect with heaven, while the "Mysterious Primordial Qi" (Taixuan Yuanqi, northern celestial energy) enters the body. Circulate this black Qi until midnight.

During practice, also visualize purple mist emerging from the Muddy Pellet Palace (Niwan Gong, the upper Dantian) at the crown of the head, gradually expanding like a celestial canopy to fill the sky. Imagine this purple Qi entering the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji), while visualizing three celestial beings - the "Scarlet Palace Youth" (Jianggong Xiaotong), the "Jade Maiden of Great Unity" (Taiyi Yunü), and others - seated beneath this purple canopy holding jade plates and golden cups, drinking immortal wine and elixirs with divine mushrooms to maintain eternal youth.

Visualize the Big Dipper constellation on the forehead, with three pearl-like bright stars on its handle, each the size of a chicken egg, displaying chaotic tri-colored light. Imagine "Yellow Essence" (Huangjing, refined energy) entering through the mouth, passing through the Scarlet Palace and Purple Chamber to reach the Dantian, while red essential Qi rises to the eyes through ninety breath cycles.

On Jiazi days at dawn, enter the purification hall and calmly visualize red Qi from the heart emerging through the mouth, coiling around tooth roots to form multicolored luminous Qi that enters the "Great Clarity's Central Canopy" (Taiqing Zhong Huagai, one of the highest Daoist heavens). Conclude after completing ninety breath cycles.

Interpretation of the Supreme Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture on Soaring Through the Three Realms with Subtle Inner Contemplation:

The method for cultivating the Numinous Treasure practice of traversing the Three Realms (in Daoism: the Realm of Desire, Realm of Form, and Formless Realm) is as follows:

1. Timing Selection:

• Choose the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 15th, or 25th day of the lunar month, or days marked by the celestial stems Jiawu, Bingwu, or Wuwu
• Practice between dawn and noon while sitting quietly facing east or due south
• One may loosen the hair and close the eyes in deep concentration

2. Mind Cultivation Techniques:

① Visualize the "Youth of Supreme Unity" (Taiyi xiaotong) and "Jade Maiden" (Yu nü) residing in the heart—these are key Neidan (internal alchemy) imagery. Silently recite the incantation: "Solar Lord of the Great Yang, return to the Crimson Palace (heart region) to nourish the heart's youthful essence with me."

② Visualize red Qi (Chiqi) rising from the heart to merge with sunlight, then draw this solar essence through breathwork, swallowing it 27 times.

3. Five Organ Cultivation Methods:

• Lungs: On the 7th or 8th lunar day, or during Gengshen/Wushen days at dusk, visualize white pulmonary Qi ascending, swallowing 21 times.
• Kidneys: During Jiazui/Guihai days or at midnight on new/moonless days, visualize white Qi emerging between the kidneys, flowing from the Niwan point (Baihui acupoint) down to the Yongquan point (sole of foot).
• Liver: At dawn on Jiazui/Jiayin days, visualize azure liver Qi descending from the crown to the Great Clarity Realm (celestial sphere), then returning throughout the body.
• Spleen: On Wuchen days (containing the "Wu" stem), visualize three-inch yellow spleen Qi rising to the Central Pole Star (Polaris) before descending back.
• Dantian (energy center): At midnight on Jiazui/Jiawu days or moonless nights, focus on the Dantian's energy.

Note: All practices should be conducted in purification halls (quiet spaces) through breath regulation (Tuna) and visualization of colored Qi circulating internally. The numbers "three nines" (27) and "three sevens" (21) refer to practice repetitions, following Daoist yang number conventions.

This scripture elucidates several cultivation methods for attaining the "Lingbao Flight Through the Three Realms," with the following key practices:

1. Dantian Visualization Method:

Practitioners should visualize a bright red solar disc at the six-inch space below the navel (Dantian). Within this space reside five childlike Qi manifestations: blue on the left, white on the right, and yellow at the center. A nine-inch crimson figure dwells here, enveloped in white Qi, encircled by red Qi, and finally shrouded in black Qi. The cultivator must focus intently on this miniature figure until their Jing (essence) and Qi can circulate freely to the heart region.

2. Mingtang Cultivation Method:

At cockcrow, breakfast time, and sunset each day, enter the purification chamber for practice. Visualize the stomach filled with white ointment-like substance, suffused with golden yellow Qi.

3. Eight Solar Terms Method:

During the eight cardinal solar terms (Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, etc.) and the "Human Calm" period (9-11 PM) on New Year's Eve, sit facing north on an elevated seat. First pay respects to the Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and teachers) and the ten directions (following a specific sequence), then bow three times to the sacred beings of the four quarters. Conclude by reciting supplications to petition the Director of Fate to erase one's death register and inscribe immortality in the celestial records.

4. Recumbent Cultivation Method:

While lying down, visualize five citadels and twelve pavilions within the body, with a scarlet-robed official at the center and rivers flowing through the limbs. Simultaneously recite incantations summoning the Six Ding Jade Maidens to amend one's life-death records.

5. River Visualization Method:

Envision the body as waterways: the large intestine as the Yangtze, the small intestine as the Yellow River, and the bladder as the legendary Weak Waters (immortal fluid). Visualize white Qi rising from the kidneys to merge with the Weak Waters' energy in ascent.

6. Primordial Qi Cultivation:

During midnight on Guihai or Jiazi days (specific calendrical dates), or at month's end/beginning, visualize Weak Waters' Qi ascending from the lower Dantian to unite with the kidneys' white Qi in upward circulation.

All these methods emphasize coordinating visualized internal Qi movements with specific timings and mantras to traverse the Three Realms and attain longevity. Successful practice requires precise alignment of spatial orientation, temporal cycles, and internal energy dynamics.

This scripture expounds several Neidan (internal alchemy) methods for attaining "flight through the Three Realms" (heaven, earth, and humanity), as transmitted by the Taiji Zhenren (Great Ultimate Perfected Being). The core teachings can be understood as follows:

The first method follows celestial timing:

• Select eight seasonal nodes (beginning of spring, spring equinox, etc.) or the midnight hour of winter solstice
• While meditating in the purification chamber, visualize the primordial Qi from the legendary "Weak Waters" rising upward
• Contemplate the descent of three celestial beings: the Taiji Youth, Jade Maiden, and others pouring azure immortal water into the Dantian (lower abdominal energy center)
• Imagine Supreme Purity Qi entering the body like mist, nourishing it through prolonged visualization

The second method follows lunar phases:

• From new moon to full moon (1st-15th day): During seated meditation, visualize the ten fingers as gateways where Qi enters, generating heat at the fingertips to guide the movement of hun and po souls, sustained for ninety breath cycles
• From waning moon to new moon (16th-30th day): Direct Qi downward until heat manifests in the toes, maintained for nine breath cycles

The third method activates on Guihai days:

• Enter the purification chamber after nightfall, visualizing the inverted suspension of the "Mysterious Grand Script" talisman
• Contemplate black Qi moistening the body with radiant light until midnight

The fourth method involves consuming celestial essences:

• At high noon, visualize golden solar essence and crimson Qi entering the mouth, swallowed twenty-seven times
• Recite incantations summoning the sun and moon deities to return to the Crimson Palace (heart region), while visualizing white pulmonary Qi rising to be swallowed twenty-one times
• Conclude with three recitations of the longevity mantra

All practices emphasize synchronizing with cosmic rhythms, guiding Qi circulation through visualization, and employing sacred incantations to elevate spiritual attainment. The essence lies in the "cunsi" (visualization-contemplation) technique, activating various Qi qualities (black, white, golden, crimson) within the body to achieve sublime states of transcendence and Three Realms flight.

This scripture expounds the Daoist practice of "Lingbao's Flight Through the Three Realms," primarily achieved through visualizing internal deities and the circulation of Qi (vital energy). The core teachings can be understood as follows:

During cultivation, one should visualize twelve crimson jade pillars (known as "Zhijing" or Mushroom Stalks) connecting the heart to the lungs—this is called the "Arrow of Contemplation." By focusing the mind and envisioning the Supreme Unity (Taiyi, the highest celestial deity) residing at the heart's center—termed "Weixi"—regular meditation on this imagery purifies consciousness.

The Perfected of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Zhenren) teaches that to master Lingbao's flight through the Three Realms, practitioners must consistently visualize: crimson Qi from the heart descending to connect with the kidneys, while simultaneously imagining white Qi from the kidneys ascending into the heart. This unceasing circulation of Yin-Yang primordial Qi (Yuanqi) leads to longevity.

Additionally, one should visualize wearing the "Supreme Unity's Purple Ribbon Golden Seal" and "Jade Splendor Talisman Seal" (sacred Daoist ritual implements), with seven spirit-guardians wielding swords positioned fore, aft, left, and right. This divine escort must be maintained in constant mental focus.

An alternate method involves visualizing a three-inch tall yellow figure (the Yellow Court Perfected, Huangting Zhenren) atop the spleen, holding golden Qi that bridges heaven and earth. Upon perceiving this deity, recite the incantation: "O Yellow Robe, bring me celestial wine, divine delicacies, and lingzhi mushrooms," then perform three to five swallowing motions.

The scripture emphasizes that this supreme method of traversing the Three Realms requires sincere devotion. Only after five years of dedicated practice can one transcend the Three Realms to reach the Jade Capital (Daoism's highest heavenly realm). Cultivation demands purity of mind and restraint of desires—without these, decades of effort prove futile.

A final admonition: Transmission of this method requires strict adherence to covenant rituals, including ceremonial offerings of three taels of gold and age-corresponding silk as pledges. Diligent practitioners may become honored guests of Lord Lao (Laojun) among the immortal ranks. Violating transmission protocols or disregarding cultivation timelines incurs celestial punishment.

(Note: The "Three Realms" refer to the Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm—Daoist cosmological divisions. The "Yellow Court Perfected" represents the spleen's resident deity. "Contemplative visualization" (Cunxiang) denotes Daoist meditative techniques.)

This passage comes from the Supreme Cavern Mystery Numinous Treasure Scripture on Soaring Through the Three Realms and the Subtle Inner Contemplation. It conveys that:

If one transmits Daoist methods without undergoing the formal covenant ceremony (an essential Daoist ritual establishing master-disciple or practice relationships through specific rites), not only will the individual incur guilt, but seven generations of ancestors will also be implicated. Such an offense is likened to attempting to fill the Night River (symbolizing the boundless darkness of the underworld) with stones from Mount Meng (a legendary Daoist immortal mountain)—an impossible task that can never be rectified. Not only will the transgressor lose their life, but any hope of attaining immortality through cultivation will also be forfeited. Therefore, this matter must be treated with utmost caution.

The passage emphasizes the solemnity of Daoist transmission, highlighting the severe consequences of imparting Daoist methods without proper authorization. In Daoist tradition, the transmission of methods requires specific rituals to establish master-disciple relationships; otherwise, it is considered "stealing the methods" (盗法) and believed to invite celestial retribution.