《無上祕要》Vol. 11

The Supreme Secret Essentials, Scroll 19, Section Nine: Processions and Retinues of the Celestial Emperors and the Perfected

Processions and Retinues of the Perfected

When those who practice the Way of Jade Clarity (Yuqing) travel, the heavenly hosts attend and guard them. Each is accompanied by three thousand Jade Youths and three thousand Jade Maidens, and carries standards in twenty-one colors. They ride a flying carriage amid purple clouds, with twelve jade wheels. Phoenix songs guide the way in front, and heavenly music follows behind. Flying dragons draw the carriage and clear the road. Their rank is comparable to that of high Immortals, and they are listed among the Jade Clarity assembly.

When those who practice the Way of Highest Clarity (Shangqing) travel, the Five Emperors—the Celestial Emperors of the five directions—attend as guards. Each is accompanied by fifteen hundred Jade Youths and fifteen hundred Jade Maidens, and carries standards with purple plumes. They ride a cinnabar carriage amid flying clouds. Phoenix calls sound in front, and heavenly music plays behind. Dark dragons open the way, while the Five Emperors ride alongside to assist in governing. Their rank is comparable to that of the ministers on the left and right in Highest Clarity.

When those who practice the Way of Great Clarity (Taiqing) travel, the Five Emperors attend as guards. Each is accompanied by eight hundred Jade Youths and eight hundred Jade Maidens, and carries five-colored standards. They ride a dragon carriage amid flying mists. Nine phoenixes sing out in front, and eight phoenixes sound behind. White horned dragons open the way, while the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate) assembly rides alongside.

From the Scripture of the Eight Qualities of the Cavern of Truth.

The True Sovereign rides a carriage of the Three Sublime Essences. A crimson phoenix drives on the left, and a numinous crow holds the reins on the right. In the center, Lord Yellow Elder drives the flying dragon Yuhua, riding upon clouds of the Three Sublime Essences.

From the Central Scripture of the Nine Perfected of the Cavern of Truth.

The Celestial King of Primordial Beginning and Gai Sheng ride together in the ninefold numinous carriage of azure mists and flowing radiance. They ascend to the jade terrace in the Great Void, the purple palace of Qianling, and the chamber of yellow blossoms.

From the Scripture of the Seventy-Four Transformations of the Cavern of Truth.

The Celestial King of Primordial Beginning and the Lord Great Emperor ride together in a purple carriage of azure mists and flowing winds. They ascend to the brink of the Ninefold Mystery and the edge of the Formless Realm, wandering through the grotto-heavens in boundless ease. They let their gaze roam and their bodies relax, enjoying the freedom of a floating carriage.

From the Upper Scripture of the Golden Book of the Supreme Ultimate of the Cavern of Truth.

The Eight Sages, the numinous spirits of the Nine Heavens in Highest Clarity, roam amid the clouds of the void. Their feet pass beyond the numinous halls; their radiance floats, and their Qi clears. They hold a great banquet in the Great Mystery. The Jade Emperor joins the revels in a dragon carriage of nine phoenixes, a jade carriage riding nine-colored flying clouds and drawn by twelve dragons. Each immortal official and Jade Maiden is accompanied by twenty-four attendants. Eight phoenixes, white swans, and nine phoenixes sing together. Flying clouds display standards in nine colors, splendid banners of the Tenfold Radiance, precious canopies of the Three Heavens, and mounts of the Nine Heavens. They fly through the void, making directly for the famous mountains of the Five Peaks.

From the Scripture of the Primordial Register of Guishan of the Cavern of Truth.

The Essential Secrets of the Most High: A Plain-Language Reading

The High Sage, the Most High Lord of the Great Dao rides in a carriage of nine numinous azure clouds, accompanied and protected by thirty myriads of flying immortals beneath feathered canopies, the thousand perfected beings of the Mulberry Grove, and children of the Purple Void. A canopy of nine rosy clouds appears, turning the heavens and casting down its light. Heavenly soldiers lead the way; the Six Armies belong to Heaven. Thunder rushes and vital energies rise; the Four Bright Ones support the wheels; the Nine Numinous Ones open the road; the Five Elders clear the passage. Flying banners sweep along the jade road. Gazing around at the lofty heights, he ascends to the vermilion palace of nine tiers and seven reflections.

(From the Upper Scripture of Purple Characters in the Numinous Book of the Dongzhen Cavern)

The Jade Emperor Lord, Primordial Yang and Primordial Sovereign, at that time rides a flying carriage of nine phoenixes amid azure clouds, with jade wheels and feathered canopies, accompanied by the thousand perfected beings of the Mulberry Grove, riding in myriad chariots and flying on countless mounts.

The Venerable of the Nine Heavens at that time rides a flying phoenix and dark dragon, roaming above the White Waters and crossing the Bright Void Mountain.

(From the Golden Root Scripture of the Purple Book of the Dongzhen Cavern)

The Lord of Azure Essence regularly rides a carriage swift as a feather, carrying a child of the Dark Radiance, and ascends the mountain of the Purple Void.

The Three Primordial Lords of Jade Radiance ride a spirit-turning carriage, ascend to the palace of cloud and wind, and enter the chamber of flowing transcendence.

The Primordial Lord of the Supreme Ultimate rides a feathered carriage that soars aloft, ascends to a banquet in the Upper Clarity, holds the talisman of Thunder Numinous Power, and summons the kings of the myriad demons.

The Venerable of the Nine Qi at that time rides the dawn’s circling wind and ascends the spirit mountain that frees what is stagnant.

The Elder of the Eight Sovereigns at that time rides a broad carriage of fine jade, holds a staff adorned with phoenix feathers, ascends Mount Huabian, and enters the chamber of the Great Elder.

The Lord of the Azure Youth rides a carriage carved from jade, commands the energy of the round pearl, ascends the mountain of Cloud Waves, and enters the chamber of Eastern Florescence.

The Great Emperor Lord, Imperial Sovereign of the Nine Elders and Immortals rides a carriage joined with feathers, ascends to the tip of Fusang, gathers at the capital of the Nine Elders, and receives the myriad immortals in audience.

Master of Myriad Florescences at that time rides the radiance of the Three Unadorned Ones in a feather-bright carriage, travels north to Mount Gaoyuan, and rests at a banquet in the chamber of Myriad Florescences.

The Lord, Imperial Sovereign and True Earl in Charge of Prohibitions at that time rides a carriage of the sun and moon, ascends Mount Chonghan, enters the hall of feasting amid feathered radiance, washes his tassels in the pool of the Imperial River, and gathers at the palace of immortals above the empty sky.

(From the Jade Scripture of the Great Cavern of the Dongzhen Cavern)

The Most High Sage, the Most High Lord of the Great Dao, the High Jade Emperor, and the Perfected Ones of the Ten Directions all ride five-colored jade wheels, jade carriages and azure chariots, with dark dragons of nine colors, feathered canopies of ten designs, and flowing clouds of the Three Unadorned Ones.

The Great Sages of the Heavens and the Perfected Ones of Wondrous Practice all ride flying carriages of flowing radiance amid azure clouds and nine numinous powers…

Note: This section belongs to accounts of the ceremonial processions of perfected Daoist beings. It lists the carriages—such as sedan chairs, vehicles, covered carriages, and wheels—used by various deities, emperors, and venerable beings when traveling or attending gatherings, along with their attendants, including children, riders, and feathered canopies, and the palaces and mountains they visit. The sources are identified as scriptures from the Dongzhen Cavern, including the Numinous Book of Purple Characters, the Purple Book of Essential Azure Principles, and the Jade Scripture of the Great Cavern. Names such as Azure Clouds, Nine Numinous Powers, Eight Radiances, Three Unadorned Ones, Fusang, Eastern Florescence, and Upper Clarity often refer in the Daoist Canon to celestial directions, colors, or immortal realms. They are retained here as names, without further interpretation.

Divine radiance shines brilliantly from the cloud jade carriage, its light turning and illuminating the vastness of space. The Five Emperors, immortals, the many Perfected Ones and Jade Perfected Ones from the Mulberry Grove, obey an order summoning the gods of the heavenly realms in the ten directions. Together they ascend to the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity in Shangqing, wearing feathered robes of heavenly treasure. They arrive beneath the Golden Gate of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and ask to receive the Primordial Numinous Treasure, the “Five Chapters of True Writing in Vermilion Script.” This account comes from the Cavern Mystery Scripture of Vermilion Writing.

On the tenth day of the ninth month of the first year of the Shanghuang era, the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao traveled west and came to Mount Dragon Ridge in the Jade Kingdom. There, he sat with the Lady, True Queen of Great Perfection, in a corner of the Flowery Grove. At that moment, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning suddenly arrived in a green jade carriage amid blue-green clouds, flanked by two immortal feathered canopies like white clouds. The Emperors of the thirty-two heavens, Jade Perfected Ones, flying immortals, and jade maidens—tens of millions in all—descended from the sky holding ceremonial staffs in nine colors and numinous banners of the Ten Absolutes. They scattered flowers and burned incense. Phoenixes sang at the front to lead the way, while heavenly music followed behind; lions and white cranes gave forth harmonious calls. The Five Elders cleared the road, officials of the Taiji accompanied the carriage, and the assembled Perfected Ones descended together to Mount Dragon Ridge. This account comes from the Cavern Truth Scripture of the Golden Register, Brief Writings on the One Truth.

On the second day of the ninth month of the first year of the Shanghuang era, the Later Sage Lord Li traveled west, passing through the Western River and surveying the eight directions. He encountered the Celestial King of Primordial Beginning riding in a jade carriage of eight radiances, drawn by nine-colored black dragons. Three divine lights like white clouds led the way. A host of immortals followed, carrying splendid banners, as they descended from the sky and gathered together above the Western River. This account comes from the Cavern Mystery Diagram of the Twenty-Four Births.

The ceremonial processions of the Thirty-Six Earth Emperors:

The Earth Emperor of the first layer is named the Earth Emperor of the Four Tones. On the day Beginning of Spring, he usually rides a blue dragon carriage and holds a blue banner. He is accompanied by nine thousand followers, including officials under the Blue Emperor Hu Lao and troops of giant beasts. He ascends to the Heaven of Boundless Measure, Udan, and reports to the heavenly realm the names of earthbound immortals, those who have attained the Dao, and those still practicing, so their names may be entered in the registers kept by the Kings of the Four Heavens.

The Earth Emperor of the second layer is named the Earth Emperor of the Four Tones. On the day of the Spring Equinox, he usually rides a cloud carriage in yellow and jade green, guarded by twelve black tortoises. Holding the Nine-Rayed Tally of the Divine Emperor, he is accompanied by eight thousand followers, including officials under the Blue Emperor Hu Lao and flying armored cavalry. He ascends to the Heaven of Supreme Supreme Meditation, the Heaven of Boundless Life and Goodness, and reports to the heavenly realm the names of earthbound immortals, those who have attained the Dao, and those still practicing, so their names may be entered in the registers kept by the Kings of the Four Heavens.

The Earth Emperor of the third layer is named the Earth Emperor of the Four Tones. On the day Beginning of Summer, he usually rides on crimson clouds of rosy light, accompanied by twelve phoenixes. Holding a five-colored ceremonial baton, he is accompanied by officials under Yue Lao and flying armored troops.

The Fourth Tier’s Four-Note Earth Emperor: On the day of the summer solstice, he rides a crimson-cloud chariot. Twelve vermilion birds carry the banner that commands the demons of fate, while he leads Elder Yue, the immortal officials, and eight thousand flying warriors. They ascend to Xuyan Heaven, where he reports to the Four Heavenly Kings the names of those who have attained the status of Earth Immortal and advanced in their studies.

The Fifth Tier’s Four-Note Earth Emperor: On the day autumn begins, he rides a plain-cloud chariot. Twelve white tigers carry the Nine Origins seal of the spirits of fate, while he leads Elder Xuan, the immortal officials, and six thousand flying thunder riders. They ascend to Jiran Heaven, where he reports to the Four Heavenly Kings the names of those who have attained the status of Earth Immortal and advanced in their studies.

The Sixth Tier’s Four-Note Earth Emperor: On the day of the autumn equinox, he rides a flying chariot among plain clouds. Twelve white tigers carry the banner that restrains the spirits in nine colors, while he leads Elder Xuan, the immortal officials, and six thousand flying tiger riders. They ascend to Bu Jiaole Heaven, where he reports to the Four Heavenly Kings the names of those who have attained the status of Earth Immortal and advanced in their studies.

The Seventh Tier’s Four-Note Earth Emperor: On the day winter begins, he rides a flying chariot among black clouds. Twenty-four dark dragons carry the five-colored banner that commands the demons and spirits of fate, while he leads Elder Qiang, the immortal officials, and five thousand sky-soaring riders. They ascend to Fanbao Heaven, where he reports to the Four Heavenly Kings the names of those who have attained the status of Earth Immortal and advanced in their studies.

The Eighth Tier’s Four-Note Earth Emperor: On the day of the winter solstice, he rides a flying chariot among black clouds. Five-colored flying qilin carry a nine-colored tally, while he leads Elder Qiang, the immortal officials, and five thousand sky-soaring riders. They ascend to Brahmakaayi Heaven, where he reports to the Four Heavenly Kings the names of those who have attained the status of Earth Immortal and advanced in their studies.

The Land of the Ninth Tier: It lies in the deepest reaches of the Abyssal Grotto and Source Grotto, sustaining the framework of the world so that the myriad things do not fall below the nine tiers. Four times each year—on the first day of the third month, the second day of the sixth month, the third day of the ninth month, and the fourth day of the twelfth month—the Four-Note Earth Emperor rides a five-colored cloud chariot. Nine-colored flying dragons carry the seal of the Central Origin Spirit of Fate, while he leads Elder Cang, the immortal officials, and twelve thousand radiant-feather riders. They ascend to Bolidaduohe Heaven, where he reports to the Four Heavenly Kings the names of those who have followed the Dao on the nine lands and attained immortality.

Source: The text above comes from the Jing of the Outer Regions of the Grotto of Truth.

This scripture depicts the ceremonial processions of the Ten Directional Divine Kings and the Eight Directional Demon-Subduing Kings in Daoism. The Ten Directional Divine Kings refer to the supreme flying celestial monarchs originating from the ten sacred directions: east, south, west, north, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, the zenith, and the nadir. They all ride magnificent immortal chariots—some crimson cloud vehicles (feiyun dan yu), others emerald carriages (lü nian)—adorned with feather-decorated canopies and jade wheels. Their entourage includes vermilion phoenixes and five-colored divine dragons, bearing nine-hued banners and ten perfection numinous streamers. As they advance, nine phoenixes sing in unison before them while eight simurgh birds chorus behind. The Five Elders (Wu Lao, five revered Daoist deities) clear the path ahead, with numerous immortals safeguarding the chariots, followed in the skies by countless celestial soldiers and generals.

The Eight Directional Demon-Subduing Kings correspond to the eight cardinal directions, each with specific travel times and distinctive mounts. For instance, the Northern Black Emperor Demon-Subduing King rides a black-feathered wheeled chariot during the winter solstice, while the Southern Red Emperor Demon-Subduing King mounts a crimson-feathered chariot during the summer solstice. They particularly enjoy soaring between China's Five Sacred Mountains (Wuyue). Each king's chariot color corresponds to their directional association within the Five Phases (Wuxing) system: azure for the east, red for the south, white for the west, black for the north, and yellow for the center. These Demon-Subduing Kings serve to eradicate worldly evil spirits and maintain cosmic order between heaven and earth.

A Plain-Language Commentary on Selections from the Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials)

The Emperor of the Southwest, Great King Who Quells Demons

The Emperor of the Southwest, the Great King Who Quells Demons, regularly rides a green, feathered carriage on the day of the autumn equinox. He flies through the clouds, visiting the Five Sacred Peaks for feasting and pleasure.

(This passage comes from the Dongzhen Jinxuan Yuzhang and the Yu Qing Yin Shu.)

Ceremonial Processions of the Lords of the Five Sacred Peaks

Each of the Five Sacred Peaks has its own mountain lord. In keeping with the seasonal calendar, each rides a flying wheel of a different color of rosy cloud to present a register of perfected immortals to the High Lord on High:

• Lord of Mount Tai, the Eastern Peak: On the day of the spring equinox, he rides a carriage flying on blue clouds, drawn by a nine-colored azure dragon, and presents the register of perfected immortals to the High Lord on High.
• Lord of Mount Heng, the Southern Peak: On the day of the summer solstice, he rides a flying wheel of red clouds and presents the register of perfected immortals to the High Lord on High.
• Lord of Mount Hua, the Western Peak: On the day of the autumn equinox, he rides a flying wheel of pure white clouds and presents the register of perfected immortals to the High Lord on High.
• Lord of Mount Heng, the Northern Peak: On the day of the winter solstice, he rides a flying wheel of black clouds and presents the register of perfected immortals to the High Lord on High.
• Lord of Mount Song, the Central Peak: On the days wuchen, wuxu, jichou, and jiwei in the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth months, he rides a flying wheel of yellow clouds and presents the register of perfected immortals to the High Lord on High.

(This passage comes from the Dongzhen Jiuchi Bianfu Wudi Neizhen Jing.)

Ceremonial Processions of the Five Lords

Each of the five directions has a “Lord” with a title and ceremonial carriage:

(This passage comes from the Dongxuan Yuanshi Wulao Chishu Jing.)

Ceremonial Processions of the Emperors of the Five Directions

The emperors of the five directions correspond to the Heavenly Stems and the colors of the Five Phases. Their ceremonial processions are as follows:

• Ling Weiyang of the East (Azure Emperor): His spirit corresponds to jia and yi. He favors blue-green clothing, rides an azure dragon, and raises the chi banner.
• Chi Piaonu of the South (Vermilion Emperor): His spirit corresponds to bing and ding. He favors red clothing, rides a red dragon, and raises a vermilion banner.
• Han Shuniu of the Center (Yellow Emperor): His spirit corresponds to wu and ji. He favors yellow clothing, rides a yellow dragon, and raises a yellow banner.
• Yao Pobao of the West (White Emperor): His spirit corresponds to geng and xin. He favors white clothing, rides a white dragon, and raises a plain white banner.
• Ye Guangzhen of the North (Black Emperor): His spirit corresponds to ren and gui. He favors black clothing, rides a dark dragon, and raises a black banner.

(This passage belongs to the same system of the Five Emperors as the section on the Five Lords above, with particular emphasis on direction, the Heavenly Stems, and clothing colors.)

Here, “ceremonial procession” refers to the display of carriages, dragons, banners, and other attendants accompanying a deity’s journey. “Presenting a register of perfected immortals and reporting it to the High Lord on High” means that, at appointed times, the mountain lords of the Five Sacred Peaks report the names of perfected immortals who have attained the Dao to the highest lord of the celestial realm. This links the Five Sacred Peaks with the Heavenly Court in the Daoist cosmological system.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of The Essential Secrets of the Supreme (Wushang Miyao)

The Hidden Lord of the Northern Bureau (a Daoist esoteric title) honors the Black Emperor. His deity corresponds to Ren and Gui (the Heavenly Stems associated with the north and water), and favors black clothing and ceremonial regalia. When traveling, he rides a black dragon and raises a black banner.

(Based on The Scripture of the Five Talismans of the Cavern Mystery.)

The ceremonial processions of the divine kings of the four seas (the rites by which the sea deities come before the celestial court; based on The Scripture of Flying and Ascending with Feathers of the Cavern Truth):

The Divine King, Water Emperor of the Eastern Sea regularly travels to Heaven on the days of Beginning of Spring and the Spring Equinox, riding an emerald carriage drawn by a flying dragon. He appears before the High August Jade Emperor (a high-ranking Jade Emperor of the celestial court), where he removes names from the register of sins, enters names in the register of immortals, and presents a report to the Jade Emperor.

The Divine King, Water Emperor of the Southern Sea regularly travels to Heaven on the days of Beginning of Summer and the Summer Solstice, riding a flood dragon and a cloud-wreathed wheel-carriage. He appears before the High August Jade Emperor, where he removes names from the register of sins, enters names in the register of immortals, and submits his report to the Jade Emperor.

The Divine King, Water Emperor of the Western Sea regularly travels to Heaven on the days of Beginning of Autumn and the Autumn Equinox, riding a flying carriage of white clouds and rosy mists. He appears before the High August Jade Emperor, where he removes names from the register of sins, enters names in the register of immortals, and submits his report.

The Divine King, Water Emperor of the Northern Sea regularly travels to Heaven on the days of Beginning of Winter and the Winter Solstice, riding a flying carriage of black clouds. He appears before the Jade Emperor, Supreme God of the Highest Clarity (the Jade Emperor of the Highest Clarity realm), where he removes names from the register of sins, enters names in the Jade Register (a register of immortals), and presents his report.

These passages align the seasonal solar terms with the directions of the four seas. At the appointed times, the divine kings ascend to Heaven to report, remove sins, and enter names in the registers of immortals. Such procedures of “paying court to the Perfected” and “entering names in the registers” are common in Daoist texts on purification rituals, visualization, and ascension.