《上方鈞天演範真經》

This Shangfang Juntian Yanfan Zhenjing (Supreme Celestial Model of Truth Scripture) is divided into three chapters expounding the essentials of cultivating Dao and attaining perfection:

Chapter One discusses human conduct:

Serve elders with utmost loyalty and filial piety, treat juniors with kindness and humility. Act with gentle moderation, prioritize benevolence and righteousness in all dealings. Maintain magnanimity within and impeccable conduct without. Extend goodwill to all beings, preserving balanced De (Virtue) in both internal and external affairs. Achieving this brings one near the Dao.

Chapter Two addresses mind cultivation:

All formed and visible phenomena are transient illusions; only the formless Shen (spirit) constitutes the true primordial spirit. When the heart-mind is clear and luminous, one attains awakened wisdom; when clouded and disturbed, one sinks into emotional afflictions. Penetrating superficial appearances to cultivate the genuine primordial spirit brings one near the way of longevity.

Chapter Three reveals essential cultivation methods:

Those lacking primordial spirit remain ordinary ghosts, while true Dao attainers who embrace Yang Qi are called immortals. Zhenqi (true Qi) is the primal essence that nourishes Yuanshen (primordial spirit); Yuanshen is the source of all things, requiring Zhenqi for perfection. Only by relinquishing worldly attachments and returning to the wuxiang (formless) state can one obtain inconceivable spiritual illumination—this constitutes the sage's realm.

Finally, the immortal Ziqing Zhenren concludes with a gatha:

"The Dao takes wuwei (non-action) as its root, awakening comes through mind cultivation. When all obstructions are cleared away, Zhenqi nourishes Yuanshen, merging with the void. Though the physical body remains in the world, one attains merits transcending time and space."

(Note: "Yuanshen" refers to humanity's inherent spiritual essence, "Zhenqi" denotes primordial vital energy, and "wuxiang" indicates the formless authentic state beyond appearances.)