《無上祕要》Vol. 16

The “Sanbao Pin” in Wushang Miyao, juan 24 (Yu 4), says: Tianbao Jun (Heavenly Treasure Lord) is the honored deity of the Dadong (Great Cavern). Tianbao Zhangren is the patriarch of Tianbao Jun’s ancestral Qi (the original prenatal Qi of the source), namely the Qi of the Jade Emperor Above the Primordial Great Non-being of the Chaotic Cavern. After ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety hundred-million myriads of Qi, at the first year of Longhan (a Daoist kalpa name) he transformed and gave birth to Tianbao Jun and transmitted scriptures; at that time it was called the Gaoshang Dayou Yuqing Palace. Lingbao Jun (Numinous Treasure Lord) is the honored deity of Dongxuan. Lingbao Zhangren is the patriarch of Lingbao Jun’s ancestral Qi, namely the Qi of the Jade Void Above the Primordial Great Non-being of the Red Chaos. After ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine myriads of Qi, at the opening of the chart in Longhan he transformed and gave birth to Lingbao Jun; after one kalpa, in the first year of Chiming (a kalpa name), he transmitted scriptures and saved the people of the world, and at that time it was called the Shangqing Xuandu Yujing Qibao Ziwei Palace. Shenbao Jun (Divine Treasure Lord) is the honored deity of Dongshen. Shenbao Zhangren is the patriarch of Shenbao Jun’s ancestral Qi, namely the Qi of the Jade Void Above the Supreme in Dark Stillness and Mysterious Penetration. After ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety myriads of Qi, in the first year of Chiming he transformed and gave birth to Shenbao Jun; after two kalpas, in the first year of Shanghuang (a kalpa name), he transmitted scriptures, and at that time it was called the Sanhuang Dongshen Taiqing Taiji Palace. Although these three titles differ in era and name, their source is one; they divide into the three Qi of Xuan, Yuan, and Shi and each governs and transforms. The Three Treasures are all honored deities of the three Qi. The above is from the Dongxuan Jiutian Jing.

The Three Treasures are: first, the Treasure of Dao; second, the Treasure of the Supreme Jing; third, the Treasure of the Dharma Master. It also says the Three Venerables are: first, the Venerable of Dao; second, the Venerable of the Supreme Jing; third, the Venerable of the Dharma Master. This is from the Dongxuan Qingwen Jing. Here “Dao, Jing, and Shi” are the Three Treasures of Daoist refuge, and the Treasure of the Dharma Master refers to the teacher who transmits the teachings.

The Laozi De Jing says: I have three treasures, which I hold and keep: the first is compassion, the second is frugality, the third is not daring to place oneself ahead of all under Heaven. Through compassion one can be brave; through frugality one can be expansive; through not daring to be first one can become the leader of all vessels. Now if one discards compassion and seeks bravery, discards frugality and seeks expansiveness, discards retreat and seeks precedence, that is the road to death. Compassion in battle brings victory; in defense it brings security. Whomever Heaven would rescue, it protects with compassion.

The beginning of the Zhenwen Pin says that Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Original Beginning) was then gathered in one place with the Five Elder Supreme Thearchs, the Great Sages of the Ten Directions, and all the sages of the Limitless.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of The Supreme Secret Essentials

The Perfected Ones, including the Most Perfect Lords and the Venerable Elders, were gathered at the Cypress Mausoleum in the Crimson Radiance Realm. They sat beneath an ancient mulberry tree in the Fragrant Garden. The Heavenly Venerable turned back his carriage, and the heavens descended to take their seats. At that time, dense clouds and mist shrouded everything. The seasons, the solar terms, and the landscape all blended into a dim haze. For three days and three nights, darkness lingered without lifting. Heaven and earth were without light, as dark and indistinct as before the Dragon Han era—the primordial chaos said in Daoism to have preceded the opening of the cosmos.

The Five Elder Emperors stepped forward, bowed, and reported to the Heavenly Venerable: “We have never before had the good fortune to sit in attendance today and hear the teaching. Whenever the Heavenly Venerable travels, the heavens turn out in full procession to accompany him. The Emperors, exalted Perfected Ones, immortals, Jade Maidens, the sun, moon, and stars, the celestial instruments, officials of the Three Realms, immortals of the Five Sacred Peaks, the river and sea deities, and all spirits solemnly stand guard. When the Heavenly Perfected descend to the world, the sky is clear and the air pure; the wind does not stir the branches, and no dust rises from the ground. Rivers and seas are still, mountains hide their mists, the seasons are harmonious and the vital energy settled, and the living and the dead rejoice together. Yet now the light of heaven has turned pale, and daytime is like night. The people of heaven are alarmed and do not know the cause. We respectfully ask you to explain it, so that all may understand, receive benefit, and find peace.”

The Heavenly Venerable said: “Today’s joyful gathering, with all seated together, is a rare occurrence. The heavens manifest auspicious signs, and their numinous response arises naturally. The radiant Jade Script obscures the light of heaven. At this moment, before the way has yet become clear, day has turned dark; joy and celebration coincide in an event of extraordinary rarity. I shall now explain these wondrous heavenly signs to the Four Assemblies, transform all beings, and benefit everyone. Let all those seated here close their eyes and bow down to the ground.” At once, the great assembly of sages closed their eyes, bowed down, and listened.

In an instant, the heavenly Qi (vital energy) shone brightly, the darkness opened up, and five-colored light filled the Five Directions. Suddenly, above the empty and mysterious heights, amid the five-colored radiance, a heavenly book appeared of its own accord. Each character was as large as a square zhang, about ten feet on each side. Its patterned strokes blazed with brilliance, and rays streamed from its eight corners. Its refined light was so dazzling that no one could look directly at it.

The Heavenly Venerable addressed the entire assembly: “The numinous writings have eight styles, as Daoists say of the eight forms of heavenly script. Their characters have no fixed shapes, and their meanings are profound and difficult to fathom. Since Heaven has now sent this response, the wondrous Dao should be made clear. Take up your brush, annotate the text, and transcribe its correct sounds, so that the sovereign Dao may spread freely and its blessings reach the ten directions.”

The Heavenly Perfected Emperor bowed low and reported to the Heavenly Venerable: “Through the cycles of life and death, across countless kalpas, I have repeatedly had the honor of attending you. Never before have I encountered the sacred Dao as I do today: its gateways to the myriad teachings opened, and the natural, supremely authentic heavenly script revealed. The Qi of these eight styles, harmonized into the sounds of the Five Harmonies, is beyond the measure of my limited understanding and shallow thought.”

A Plain Language Interpretation of The Supreme Secret Essentials

Now that Perfected Dongming has taken his appointed seat, he looks up to contemplate the profound mysteries. Having been commissioned to annotate the scripture, he is filled with apprehension and dares not conceal his true feelings. He reluctantly accepts the task, trembling as though deprived of divine protection. He can only do his utmost with what he knows, adding pronunciation and explanation to the scripture. He hopes that, if by chance his work accords with the original meaning, it may offer some guidance to students of later generations. Knowing his own learning and ability are inadequate, he can only ask for compassionate forgiveness.

Then he takes up his brush at the seat of Great Perfection and sweeps the mat clean. A Jade Maiden attends him with a towel; a Golden Boy raises incense, spreading its fragrance. The moon-palace immortals scatter flowers, while the spirit of the sun’s essence pours down sweet dew. The Five Elders, the August Sovereigns, oversee the examination, and the revered gods of the Three Realms lend their protection.

The August Personage of Heavenly Truth said: “The jade characters of the heavenly books are numinous writings formed from concentrated Feixuan Qi, the vital energy of Flying Mystery. They join the Eight Assemblies to form their sounds and harmonize the Five Unions to form their chapters. When the Great Cycle reaches its appointed time, the resonant sounds of jade arise of themselves. Spirit and Qi play the Shao music in the void; its sound reverberates through the heavens and shines brightly in the Great Darkness. It was brought forth together with the years of Longhan, and in the age of Yankang it displayed the light of Chiming. At the threshold of life and death, it refines and transforms Water and Fire; through billions of kalpas, it endures without perishing. In hidden and subtle places, it opens the Eight Broad Paths; at the seat of the Supreme Sun, it plants the radiance of dew-light.

“The two forms of Heaven and Earth rely on it to distinguish themselves. The three celestial lights—the sun, moon, and stars—depend on it to mark their regions. The highest sages ride upon it to enter the formless; the Five Sacred Peaks treasure it to guard the numinous spirits. Through it, the myriad things receive Qi, and the fortunes of states enjoy peace. This Dao is vast without limit, exalted and supreme.

“From what is, the formless is born: it is the root of Heaven and Earth. Those who attain it do not die; those who uphold it endure forever. Those who treasure it receive the descent of true spirits; those who cultivate it become divine immortals. It can release the dead from their long night and refine the living soul in the Vermilion Palace. Its wondrous, transformative writings arise naturally and stand exalted in the Great Void. They are the source of the myriad August Sovereigns, and their mighty numinous power is too vast to describe.

“The August Personage of Heavenly Truth continued: ‘The hidden words of the Great Brahma are sounds without measure. Heaven possesses the natural Qi of Flying Mystery, which harmonizes the Five Tones to form the immeasurable Cavern Chapters within Heaven. Above, they unfold the mysteries of the heavens and celebrate the opening brightness of the Great Abode; in the middle, they order the natural Qi and deliver all who study the way of immortality; below, they deliver those destined for life and death and rescue souls from the long night. The wondrous methods of the Origin are enduring, lasting through billions of kalpas. When their sounds ring clear, their Dao is put into practice. The Great Dharma is made manifest, and all the heavens rejoice.’

The assembly of Great Sages without Limit, the Lords of Utmost Truth, the Elders, the Five Elders and August Sovereigns, the revered gods of the ten directions, and the immortal Jade Maidens then all performed the incense rite. They circled three times, chanting this hymn:

“The Heavenly Worthy turns his jade carriage and descends to take his seat in the midst of the Fragrant Garden. The assembly of Sages of Utmost Truth, the Heavenly King of Boundless Heaven, is guided by immortals who lead the sun and moon; in splendid array, they part the clouds of the palace.”

The Supreme Secret Essentials: A Plain-Language Interpretation

The Five Emperors protect the celestial canopy, while the Three Realms and the ten directions are all present. The assembled perfected beings sit upright on the seat of the Sun’s Celebration, filled with unsurpassed joy.

The wondrous assembly responds naturally, and sacred auspicious signs arise from the void. Radiant light opens the hidden realm. The light of the sun and moon is veiled, and the dark Yin of the long night does not disperse. All four groups gather in reverence; the workings of sacred destiny accord with the celestial design, and in an instant, bright light illuminates the vast sky.

The characters of the sacred book’s Eight Assemblies form phrases through the joining of the Five Tones. The heavenly perfected beings grasp their subtle resonance, which rings out with penetrating clarity. The jade-like sound defies comparison and brings the work of Heaven and Earth to completion: above, it plants the roots of the heavens and stands tall as the origin of the immortals; in the middle, it unfolds the profound caverns, making them open halls for the Eight Hidden Realms. It opens the way beyond the bounds of life and death and rescues beings from the long night. The Five Sufferings of the hells are released, and the blade mountain loses its sharp edges. The unopposed souls in the Five Destinies become like young children, even after billions of kalpas. The majestic Great Vehicle transforms and delivers all beings, withholding its benefits from none.

The Celestial Worthy expounds the Great Being, and all the heavens shine in their vastness. Wondrous is the Way of the Dragon Han; its Eight Assemblies join and take form. Its radiance flies through the heavens, and its flowing light illuminates the courts of the Three Realms. The divine chart opens the sacred assembly, and the jade book appears in response to the moment. The heavenly perfected beings penetrate its subtle meaning, and the Five Harmonies join to form the scripture. Its clear jade-like sound rings out, wafting and gathering in the highest clarity. It opens a way through kalpas without end, and light reaches the Nine Hidden Realms. Lofty is the gate of this Great Dharma, which guides all living beings. Its merit cannot be counted; joy and celebration endure for ten thousand ages.

At this time, beneficence flows everywhere and grace reaches the ten directions. All who believe in and turn toward the undying attain long life. The old become young again, and the sick recover at once. Qi arises in dry bones, and dead souls return to human life. The Five Sufferings are all relieved, and the hells grow still and quiet. All who have set their hearts on this in advance attain the state of immortals.

The Celestial Worthy addressed the four groups and the most perfected: “Today, gathered together in one seat, we open the celestial mysteries in a single kalpa. The naturally formed jade book delivers all people; its blessings are vast and widespread, benefiting living beings everywhere. Once the Great Dharma has shaped and transformed them, its grace reaches all. The infinite worlds all receive its light; the Nine Hidden Realms are opened and pardoned, and souls in the long night are granted release. The living rejoice, and the dead receive the chance to return.

“The people of the heavens, their ancestral adversaries and kin, whether male or female, have had roots of destiny, good and evil, from the beginningless past through this present life. They pass through cycles of birth and death, with calamities and adversaries bound together. The rise and fall of Heaven and Earth make their merits and faults difficult to discern. Now, in accordance with this all-embracing pardon, we proclaim to the heavens, the sun, the moon, and the stars…”

In the text, terms such as “Eight Assemblies,” “Dragon Han,” “Nine Hidden Realms,” “Five Sufferings,” and “Five Destinies” are standard Daoist Canon terminology. Brief explanations have been added in parentheses at their first appearance.

Those summoned by the ritual described above include the stars of the Jade Pivot and Jade Balance, the Southern Dipper and Northern Dipper, the gods who govern lifespans and death’s calamities, and Lord Han, who oversees the registers of names. They also include the Earth Palace of Nanchang, the waters of every region, the numinous mountains of the Five Marchmounts, the Three Offices and Nine Bureaus, the sources of the Twelve Rivers, the realm of the Long Night, the depths of the Ninefold Darkness, the Four Directors and Five Emperors, and all other spirits. They examine and calculate the registers of names and trace each person’s origins. Whether or not there was goodness or evil in the past, whether the offenses were light or grave, all whose lives and deaths are distinguished and whose names are recorded in the registers shall have their names erased and karmic ties severed. All alike shall share in the celebration, taking this day as a new beginning. May all living beings caught in this kalpa attain the great blessing of the true Dao; the favor granted is equal and favors no one side.

The Celestial Worthy issues the command, and all the heavens respectfully obey. The four assemblies then rise and perform the rites: raising their hands to point upward, then lowering them to point down, they recite, “Without a highest or a lowest, without limit or end, without depth or distance, without darkness or concealment, without great or small, without number or ending.” All are delivered universally and share in the light. The Celestial Worthy snaps his fingers to signal the assembly, and all hear it at once.

At that moment, the four assemblies raise their hands together toward the sky and bow in homage to the Thirty-Two Heavens. The sun, moon, and stars all shine at once. The Ninefold Darkness beneath the earth, down to its limitless depths, is illuminated completely, with no darkness remaining; all that had been hidden reveals its form. Mountains, rivers, streams, and ravines are made level. Flowers bloom and bear fruit in winter; withered trees put forth branches and leaves again. All beings rejoice together. Fish and dragons leap, birds and beasts sing with joy, and numinous songs mingle; no sound of grief is heard along the roads. The sky is still and the earth silent; the Three Palaces of Heaven, Earth, and Water lie in hidden peace. The registers are set aside to rest, and the Five Paths of rebirth temporarily cease their cycle of life and death. Humans and spirits rejoice in peace, and the sacred Way is tranquil.

The passage above comes from the Scripture of Inner Sounds of the Heavens of the Cavern Mystery.

The “Five True Writings of the Red Script” of the Primordial Cavern Mystery Lingbao came into being before the Primordial Celestial Worthy, within the Empty Cavern. At that time, Heaven and Earth had not yet divided at their roots, and the sun and moon had not yet emitted light. All was dark and obscure, without ancestor or origin. The numinous writings were hidden in darkness, now existing, now vanishing. The Two Principles of Yin and Yang awaited them before dividing, and the sun awaited them before shining. The numinous diagrams changed with the cycles; mysterious forms shifted and evolved, responding to the right moment and occasion, and thus came into manifestation.

Heaven and Earth were divided through them, and the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—began to shine through them. The numinous writings flourished in beauty, shining through the highest purity of the Cavern. They emerged from the Primordial Azure Heaven, their colors without fixed direction and their written strokes winding and intricate, beyond full description. The Primordial One refined and prepared them in the Hall of Cavern Yang and smelted them in the Court of Flowing Fire, until the true writings became bright, clear, and radiant. The Qi of Cavern Yang is red, so they are called the “Red Script.” Once the numinous diagrams shone forth, the myriad emperors came to pay court to the True.

The first part evokes the Lingbao purification ritual’s themes of universal salvation and severing karmic ties. Beliefs that the Southern Dipper governs birth and the Northern Dipper governs death are joined with the registers of the heavens and underworld in prayers to erase offenses, sever karma, and lead all to the realm of the Dao. The second part explains the cosmic origins of the “Five True Writings,” a core Lingbao scripture. Through Daoist images of the heavens and processes of refinement—including the Primordial, the Empty Cavern, the highest purity, the Primordial Azure, Cavern Yang, and Flowing Fire—the Red Script manifests from numinous writings that precede Heaven and Earth, laying the foundations for Heaven and Earth and the Three Luminaries.

A Plain-Language Reading of The Supreme Secret Essentials

I. Flying Through the Void, Treading the Emptiness, and the Sacred Writ

When one ascends through the void, circles while treading the Emptiness, rises to the Upper Palace, burns incense and scatters flowers, and recites the sacred writ—

Twelve mysterious auspicious signs will descend from Heaven, and twenty-four responses will appear on Earth. One celebrates the numinous mysteries of the Nine Heavens above and praises the precious radiance of the Three Heavens. Once the divine wind is stirred, the imperial Way flows freely everywhere. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning issues the command; the Most Perfect One holds the brush to the document; the Jade Consort smooths the mat; gold is cast into tablets and writings are engraved on jade pages. The Five Elders oversee the registers, which are kept secret in the palace of the Numinous Capital of the Nine Heavens. Jade Maidens tend the incense, the Great Flower attendants hold the cloth, and Jade Youths guard the jade steps and attend the court pavilion.

What is written in the Nine Heavens cannot be heard by ghosts or spirits. Heaven treasures it, thereby bringing about ascent; Earth keeps it secret, thereby attaining stability. The Five Emperors hold it and thus gain the power to secure and subdue; the Three Luminaries draw upon it and thus shine with lofty brilliance. The highest sages uphold it and thereby attain the Real; the Five Sacred Peaks follow it and thereby gain numinous power. The Son of Heaven receives it and thereby brings good order, and the state enjoys lasting peace. Truly, it is the wondrous De of the numinous writings, marking the mysterious root of Heaven and Earth. Its awe-inspiring power is vast and far-reaching, extending everywhere without limit. Its boundless transformation is the source of the spirits, its measure unfathomable, lofty and majestic as the Great Void.

II. The True Writ of the Azure Heaven of the Nine Qi in the East

In the eastern Azure Heaven, where the Nine Qi originate, amid the lush blue clouds and mist, there is an Elder who oversees all charts and registers and gathers Qi to raise people to immortality.

The twenty-four characters above summon the sovereigns of the Nine Heavens and inspect the charts and registers of the immortals. Daoist practitioners seeking immortality should, in the year of their birth cycle, on a Jiazi day or on the day of Beginning of Spring, write the twenty-four characters in blue ink on a white wooden slip. Beneath the writing, they should record their name, the year, and the month, then cast the slip upon a sacred mountain peak. After nine years, an immortal official will come to them, and they may attain flight as an immortal.

III. Jupiter Supports the Liver, and the Stars of the East

Jupiter supports the liver. Jiao and Kang guard the true lineage; Fang, Xin, and Wei revolve as the Four Radiances. Ji governs the Seven Stars, sets the Dipper’s bright wheel aright, receives Qi to capture transgressors, and sweeps away the host of calamities.

The thirty-two characters above summon the celestial officials of the stars and set the divisions and measures of Heaven in order. When the stars of the East are out of alignment, write the thirty-two characters in vermilion on blue paper and expose it in the central courtyard for nine days and nine nights, reciting a separate incantation each evening according to the prescribed method. After completing the incantation, burn the writing and scatter its ashes amid blue smoke. Also engrave the thirty-two characters on a blue stone and bury it in the east. The calamities of Heaven will then disappear of themselves, and the stars will return to their proper places.

IV. The Divine Incantation of the Eastern Mountain

Summon and marshal the red writ and commands of the Nine Heavens; bring Feng Mountain under control; bind demons and send off ghosts. None of those condemned may escape: all must go to the Wood Palace. Should any dare to delay or resist—(they are all subject to control and dare not linger).

Note: “Slip” here generally refers to a wooden writing surface, such as a wooden tablet. Feng Mountain is the Daoist realm of the dead. The Wood Palace corresponds to the East and the virtue of Wood, and is where ghosts and demons are gathered and controlled. The ritual is to be performed in accordance with one’s birth cycle, the Beginning of Spring, direction, visualization, and other conditions. This translation conveys only the meaning of the text and does not explain the specific ritual procedure.

The first thirty-two characters are mainly used to restrain ghosts and demons and to set the Qi of the Nine Heavens in order. To perform this method, write the passage in cinnabar on a green-wood splinter, with the characters facing northeast, then recite another prescribed incantation three times. The scripture says that when the rite is performed this way, ghosts and monsters will bind themselves, and all manner of evil beings will be destroyed. The practitioner should remain focused and reverent.

The next passage is used to subdue the water deities of the Eastern River and the Dark Sea, and to respond to great calamities and floods. The scripture says that a jiao-dragon will carry the practitioner on its back, the Water Court will open a path, and a route will appear through the water. The Red Script of the Supreme Emperor—the sacred writing transmitted by the Supreme Emperor—holds the power of wind and fire and can pass through all things without obstruction.

The following thirty-two characters are used to restrain the Water Emperor of the Eastern Sea, respond to great calamities and heavenly disasters, and summon jiao-dragons and water deities. In the event of a flood, or when a great body of water must be crossed, write these characters in cinnabar on yellow paper laid over green paper, perform the rite with another prescribed incantation, and then cast the papers into the water. The scripture says the practitioner will then be able to cross the water’s surface; a jiao-dragon will carry them, and the River Earl—the river deity—will meet and escort them, enabling them to travel beneath the water.

The “Sacred Writing of the Southern Cinnabar Heaven’s Three Qi” is the holy script of the Southern Cinnabar Heaven. There, the Red Emperor, the celestial sovereign of the south, dwells in the Jade Hall. A great deity resides there, known as the Supreme Red Sovereign. The Supreme Red Sovereign sends forth a light that flows and swirls like smoke; the Three Qi, the three primal energies that make up heaven, earth, and all things, rise up and shine. The immortals carry out their commands in accordance with the movements of Heaven and the Qi of the sun.

The following thirty-two characters govern the registers of the Nine Heavens’ immortals and the names of the constellations. Daoist practitioners who study the Way of the immortals often write these characters in cinnabar on a white-wood splinter on the day of their natal sexagenary cycle or on the day of the Beginning of Summer. They write their name and the year and month beneath the inscription, then cast the splinter onto the summit of a sacred mountain. The scripture says that after nine years, an immortal official will come to their side, enabling the practitioner to ascend and become an immortal.

Yinghuo assists the Heart constellation; the Well and Ghost constellations guard the Room constellation; the Willow, Star, Bow, and Wings constellations ward off the four directions; and the Chariot constellation presides over the seven constellations. They revolve in their courses, maintaining the proper order of the celestial Dao, summoning the movements of Heaven so that the workings of the orthodox Way swiftly converge.

The following thirty-two characters are mainly used to summon the star officials and correct the celestial divisions. If the southern constellations fall into disorder and bring forth anomalies, write the characters in cinnabar on green paper and place it in the middle of the courtyard, leaving it exposed to the dew for three days and three nights. Each night, perform the rite with another prescribed incantation. Then carve the thirty-two characters into red stone and bury it in the ground. The scripture says that this will dispel disasters in the southern heavens and restore the constellations to their proper positions.

The passage “Red Script Commands the Spirits” is used to seize and subdue the ghosts and deities of Feng Mountain in the north, bind and send away demonic beings, and cut off the roots of evil. The crimes of those targeted by the talismanic tradition’s campaigns should be clearly set out. The Southern Mountain’s divine incantation commands awe in all eight directions, subdues the host of demons, destroys supernatural evils, and overcomes every ordeal and disaster.

The following forty characters are mainly used to subdue Northern Feng, the abode of the northern ghosts and deities, and to correct ghostly Qi. To perform the rite, write the characters in cinnabar on a red-wood splinter, using yellow paper, with the characters facing northeast, then recite the incantation three times. The scripture says that when the rite is performed this way, ghosts and monsters will destroy themselves, and all demons will be bound. The practitioner should remain focused and reverent.

The final passage mentions the divine incantation of the Water Emperor of the Southern River, Taibo, and the Dragon King. Its circulation and practice can sweep away inauspicious influences everywhere.

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

(1) Floods, Flood Dragons, and Water Deities

The scripture’s general meaning: When flooding breaks out, summon the flood dragons from above and clear the waterways so that the myriad channels and waters flow freely. If they resist, use the ritual procedure to capture and send them to the Fire Palace, then issue a command in red script. None will fail to obey.

The forty-eight characters on the right govern the Water Emperor of the South Sea. They are used when the great cycle changes and floods spread everywhere, and when there is a need to summon flood dragons and water deities or to cross a great body of water. Write the forty-eight characters in yellow ink on blue paper and cast them into the water while reciting a separate incantation. The water officials will then come to escort you, allowing you to pass safely.

(2) The Central Yellow Heavenly Scripture

The Yellow Heaven at the center governs all numinous Qi. The Five Elders born from the Primordial Beginning and the exalted Central Emperor gather Qi and oversee the realized ones, command all the immortals, govern the mysterious charts and registers of immortals, the jade texts and records of the constellations, set the cycles in motion and urge Qi onward, and proclaim their commands to all the spirits.

The forty characters on the right govern the jade registers of the immortals and their recorded names among the constellations, and bring all immortal Qi under one authority. Daoist practitioners seeking immortality may write the forty characters in yellow ink on a white wooden slip on the day of their birth-year cycle, or on the spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, or winter solstice. Write their name and the date beneath the characters, then cast the slip onto a sacred mountain. After nine years, an immortal official will descend upon them, and they may attain immortality.

(3) The Stabilizing Star, the Spleen, the Correct Order of Heaven, and the Central Constellations

The Stabilizing Star supports the spleen and circles the northern source. The Dipper’s leader governs right and wrong; it cuts off evil and severs its roots, drives away demons and other kinds of monsters, sweeps away polluted Qi, corrects the brightness of the mysterious Dipper, and traverses Heaven’s barrier. The commands of the Nine Heavens are conveyed by golden horses and cloud-borne post stations.

The forty characters on the right govern the celestial officials and correct the measures of Heaven. If the central constellations shift out of place and bring about calamities and anomalies, write the forty characters in vermilion ink on blue paper and expose it in the central courtyard for twelve days and twelve nights. Each night, face the King’s direction—the center—and perform the rite while reciting a separate incantation. When the rite is complete, burn the text and scatter it amid the blue smoke. Also carve the forty characters into yellow stone and bury it at the center. The celestial calamities will then subside of their own accord, and the constellations will return to their proper positions.

(4) The Northern Emperor and the Ghost Gate

Command the Northern Emperor to capture and restrain the ghosts, seal the Ghost Gate, cut away what is inauspicious, and allow nothing to stand in the way.

The sixteen characters on the right govern the capture of the Northern Emperor, the correction of heavenly Qi, and the restraint of ghost essences. To perform this rite, write the sixteen characters in white ink on a yellow wooden slip, with the writing facing northeast. Perform the rite three times while reciting a separate incantation. The ghost essences will then perish of their own accord, and the heavenly demons will be bound. The rite should be performed with complete devotion.

(5) The Divine Incantation of Mount Zhong, the Yellow River, and the Source of the Waters

Divine incantation of Mount Zhong: Summon the dragons into the clouds and bring the nine waters of the Yellow River under control. Let the river’s source be neither neglected nor left unchecked. Let good and evil be clearly distinguished, and let the thousand demons and ten thousand deceivers be brought before the Emperor, with nothing concealed.

(This passage gives the meaning of an incantation for summoning dragons, governing the river’s source, distinguishing good from evil, and reporting to the Emperor. The exact number of characters and the ritual procedures should be determined from the complete liturgical text.)

Note: The original text contains many details about the number of characters in talismans, the colors used for writing (yellow, red, and vermilion), the materials (blue paper, white wooden slips, yellow stone, and yellow wooden slips), directions (northeast and the King’s direction, or center), and separate incantations. These are operational details of Daoist esoteric rites. Names such as the Five Elders, the Northern Emperor, the Dipper’s leader, flood dragons, and water officials have been translated according to common interpretations. Some variant characters, such as those rendered here as “governs right and wrong” and “kinds of monsters,” have been interpreted in plain language based on context. For a character-by-character comparison with a particular edition, the original printed text should be consulted.

A Plain Language Reading of The Supreme Secret Essentials

The Sun’s Red Script

Use the sun’s power to test and kindle the rite, then burn the Red Script’s jade characters and proclaim them widely, so they are heard throughout the world.

These forty-eight characters govern the gathering and control of the waters of the Four Springs under the rule of the Water Emperor of the Central Sea, as well as the frequency of floods. They can summon water spirits to stop dragons from causing harm. When faced with a flood, or when it is necessary to cross a great body of water, write the forty-eight characters in yellow ink on blue paper. Recite a separate incantation according to the prescribed method, then cast the paper into the water. You will cross safely, and the Water Official will come to welcome you.

The True Script of the Seven Qi of the Western White Heaven

In the Western White Heaven, the White Emperor’s seven gates shine with the light of Metal’s numinous power. The vital breath of Great Hua flows forth, and white stones rise high. The seven Qi swirl and gather. Above them is the Great Divine Emperor Lao, who commands the Qi of the lungs, oversees the Nine Heavens, inspects and verifies charts and registers, and controls the summoning of high immortals.

These forty-eight characters summon immortal Qi. A Daoist seeking immortality may, in the year of their birth cycle, on a jiazi day or on the day Beginning of Autumn, write the forty-eight characters on a small wooden slip. Write their name, year, and month beneath the characters, then cast the slip onto a mountain in a numinous range. After nine years, an immortal official will descend, and the practitioner will attain the status of an immortal.

Taibai inspects the lungs; Kui and Lou guard the soul; Wei, Mao, Bi, and Zi control the Seven Gates. Shen commands the Dipper’s Bowl, and the talisman is received from Beiyuan.

These twenty-four characters enable the White Emperor’s star officials to set the courses of the heavens in order. If the stars of the West are disordered or portents of disaster appear, write the characters in vermilion on blue paper and expose it in the central courtyard for seven days and nights. Each evening, face west and perform the rite with a separate incantation. When finished, burn the paper and scatter its ashes amid blue smoke. Also carve the twenty-four characters on white stone and bury it in the west. The celestial disaster will then vanish, and the stars will return to their proper places.

The Red Script’s Jade Characters: The Correct Text of the Nine Heavens gather and summon the ten thousand Qi, bringing them all before the Emperor.

These sixteen characters gather and control the ghostly Qi of the Six Heavens. To perform this method, write the sixteen characters in ink on white wood, with the writing facing northeast. Recite a separate incantation seven times according to the prescribed method. The essence of ghosts will perish of itself, and the myriad demons will be bound. Perform the rite with focused care.

The Divine Incantation of the Western Mountain: The Eight Powers and Seven Transmissions: The talisman water ascends to the dragon; clouds are summoned and sent across the mountains. Here, the registers are checked and brought together at the Emperor’s gate, where they assist and guard the high Perfected, and cut off the source of evil. Should anything inauspicious arise, it is stopped by the Golden Gate’s command, conveyed swiftly by wind and fire.

These forty-eight characters gather and control the Water Emperor of the Western Sea and the countless spirits in the water. They summon cloud dragons to prevent floods. Those who wish to know the spirits inhabiting the waters or learn whether floods will cover the sky may perform this method.

Note: Phrases such as “gan shi taiyang ji fen” in the text may contain errors in the surviving versions. Common readings resemble rites that kindle Yang by “testing the sun” and “burning the Red Script.” The precise wording should be checked against the particular edition being used.

Plain-Language Interpretation

To avert this kind of flood, write the forty-eight characters of the true text in yellow ink on blue paper. Following the prescribed incantation, cast the document into the water. You will then be able to perceive the forms of the myriad spirits in the water. A jiaolong will carry you across to safety, warding off the flood, and the Water Official will come to welcome you.

The True Text of the Five Qi of the Mysterious Heaven of the North

The five Qi of the Mysterious Heaven of the North wander and gather. Within them is the Black Emperor, with the Two Sovereigns of Taiwei, who jointly oversee talismanic commands. Through immortal refinement, the Eight Powers are summoned. In green skirts and feathered robes, wearing dragon-patterned robes and phoenix garments, they are chosen by the Supreme Emperor and brought before the Jade Steps.

These forty characters govern all Perfected Beings, the charts and registers of the immortals, and Daoist practitioners who study the immortal Way. On the Jiazi day of one’s birth year, the day of Start of Winter, write these forty characters in black ink on a white wooden tablet. Below the inscription, record your name and the year and month, then cast it onto a sacred mountain peak. After five years, the Immortal Palace will send word, and your name will be entered in the register of immortals.

The Northern Dipper supports the kidneys; the Oxen Guard the gates. The Girl, Emptiness, Danger, and Room open wide in all four directions. The Jade Wall commands the Seven Stars, seizes the wicked and corrects wrongdoing, dispels calamity and sweeps away impurity, and illuminates the Way with penetrating radiance.

These thirty-two characters govern the star officials of the north and rectify the Heavenly Qi. If the northern constellations shift out of place and various calamities arise, write the thirty-two characters in vermilion on blue paper and leave it in the courtyard for five days and five nights. Each night, face north and perform the practice using a separate incantation. When finished, burn the text and scatter its ashes amid blue smoke. Also carve the thirty-two characters into black stone and bury it in the north. The heavenly calamity will then vanish, and the constellations will return to their proper places.

The Northern Mountain Spirit Incantation

Yang surges and thunder rises; flowing bells blaze and fall. The celestial ape shakes its might; these are the forces commanded by Northern Feng. The myriad demons are destroyed and scattered.

These twenty-four characters govern the subjugation of celestial demons and the myriad ghosts of the Northern Emperor. To perform this method, write the twenty-four characters in green ink on a black wooden tablet, with the inscription facing northeast. Recite it five times according to a separate incantation text. The forms of ghostly spirits will be destroyed; perform the rite with focused attention.

The Nine Rivers reach their end; the Bird Mother’s flock takes flight. Jiaolong open the passage; the water routes spread wide. In red script on jade, the message is written; relay dragons race like the wind.

These twenty-four characters govern the Water Emperor of the Northern Sea, command the myriad spirits in the water, and summon jiaolong to carry a person across. To cross great waters during a flood, or to learn what lies in the water when caught in danger, write the twenty-four characters in yellow ink on blue paper and cast it into the water according to a separate incantation text. You will immediately perceive the forms of the myriad spirits and beings in the water, and be carried safely across the flood. Jiaolong will open a waterway, and the Water Official will come out to welcome you.

A Plain Language Interpretation of The Supreme Secret Essentials

I. Reversing to the Right: From the Scripture of the Red Writ of the Cavern of Mystery

Source note: The following passage comes from the Scripture of the Red Writ of the Cavern of Mystery.

The scripture received by the Supreme Emperor Lord of the White Tablets and Azure Registers of the Nine Heavens Who Turns Back to Heaven—“Turning Back to Heaven,” “Nine Heavens,” “White Tablets,” and “Azure Registers” are Daoist names for celestial realms and ritual objects—was obtained in the Nine Empty Realms (the nine layers of the void). Its characters formed spontaneously from Flying Mysterious Purple Qi (the wondrous purple vital energy of ascension). Later adepts who attained the Dao recorded it in the Mysterious Annals, calling it “The True Way Received in Accord with the Rhyme of the Jade Radiance of Spirit Sounds”: the sounds of spirit accord with the jade radiance’s resonance, and the True Way is received. Some characters take visible forms, while others use hidden sounds. The text’s four divisions above and below—its “four convergences,” referring here to its structural categories—each reveal mysterious names. The Empty One carved the writing in the Hall of Vast Numinousness. The ancient text comprised about one hundred thousand characters, each made of five strokes. It had no fixed categories or pronunciations, and none but the highest sages could grasp its meaning.

After seven thousand years, the text was inscribed in the Chamber of Kunlun, at the Source of the Northern Cavern. Each character was one zhang tall, and its colors shone brilliantly. The four convergences cast their radiance, while the void appeared dim and indistinct, seeming both present and absent. Flowing Purple Qi brushed away its defilements, and Golden Essence refined and brightened its writing. Though many kalpas passed, the characters remained clear.

On the seventh day of the ninth month in the first year of the Central Emperor, the Seven Sages gathered their numinous powers at the palace. They observed a pure fast, pledged themselves to Heaven with green gold, and knelt to swear their reverent devotion as they received the sacred text. The High and Supreme One explained its obscure and difficult passages, and the Seven Sages understood its wondrous sounds. They recorded it as “The Chapter of Attaining the Dao by Turning Back to Heaven through the Nine Heavens,” carved it on white silver tablets, bound it in Flying Azure script (a calligraphic style), placed it in a cloud-brocade pouch, sealed it with the Seal of Opening Destiny, and entrusted it to Lord Zuo of the Five Elders’ Immortal Capital to preserve in the Jade Palace.

The Most High—a title for Lord Lao or the supreme Dao—said: “Gather the Three Treasures into wondrous writing and bind the Three Qi into exalted chapters. Their mystery cannot be measured, their height cannot be reached, and their depth cannot be plumbed. How lofty and subtle they are! This is the virtue of the Jade Chapters. If you study them diligently, the path to ascending to Heaven in broad daylight and attaining immortality is all contained in this sacred text.”

II. Reversing to the Right: From the Origin Annals of the Seven Sages of the Cavern of Truth

Chapter on Heavenly Portents

The Primordial Beginning opens the charts and proclaims the twelve numinous portents to Heaven (the passage below lists only the first four of the twelve).

First: At that time there was neither Heaven nor Earth. All was dark and obscure; the sacred writing lay hidden, and there was no source or ancestor. The cycle unfolded of itself, becoming the root of the myriad Qi. The empty cavern gathered True Qi; it grew pure and high, becoming clear and settled. Heaven spread broadly overhead, and all appeared suddenly from mystery.

Second: At that time the two forms divided and took their places. Qi flowed downward and condensed, opening out to form the vast, sustaining Earth; all took shape at once. (“The two forms” means a pair such as Heaven and Earth or Yin-Yang; “sustaining” refers to the Earth bearing all things.)

Third: At that time, thirty-six thousand suns and moons shone together, illuminating the heavens so that no dark place remained unreached.

Fourth: At that time, the highest sages, great spirits, wondrously accomplished Perfected Ones, and innumerable assemblies of the perfected paid court at the Jade Court, moved through the great void, and praised and recited the sacred writing.

Terms such as Jade Court (a place of celestial assemblies) and numberless (infinite, beyond counting) are briefly explained in the text. “The first year of the Central Emperor” is a Daoist era designation whose correspondence to the Gregorian calendar varies across scholarly accounts; no date is assumed here.

【The Earth’s Responses: Continued】

Five. Music and dance arise spontaneously in the heavens. Hundreds of thousands of melodies sound all at once, resounding clearly across the cloud palaces above in celebration of the divine immortals.

Six. A hundred hymns of numinous wind arise from the void. The notes of the palaces in the ten directions harmonize with one another, all becoming sacred hymns of the Caverns.

Seven. The celestial armillary sphere ceases to turn, and the constellations stand still. Heaven has neither day nor night; the four seasons flow onward as if it were always morning.

Eight. Purple clouds release their radiance, streaming it across the heavens, so that all things everywhere receive its light.

Nine. Spring, autumn, winter, and summer bring neither heat nor frost. The four vital energies are gentle and balanced, and even withered things come back to life.

Ten. The Five Sacred Peaks stand secure. Talismans, diagrams, and scriptural texts unfold all at once, revealing the boundless expanse of the mysterious teaching.

Eleven. At this time, seven wondrous treasures descend from the mysterious heavens and scatter across the lands, sustaining the lives of the countless people.

Twelve. A wondrous forest of seven treasures springs into being from the void. Its light shines down like a canopy, spreading over all ten heavens.

The above is from The Scripture of the Red Writ of the Cavern Mystery, “The Earth’s Responses.”

The Twenty-Four Responses of the Red Writ’s True Text as It Emerges from the Earth, Celebrating the Divine Immortals:

One. At this time, the primordial heavens are in chaos, and there is not yet any light. The morning cock ushers in dawn; the four aspects of the landscape are pure and mysterious. The sky clears and the earth opens, giving rise to the Five Phases.

Two. Thirty-six thousand suns and moons shine equally above and below, piercing the dark night and illuminating the boundless distance.

Three. A blue-green bird carries a letter in its beak to inform the Five Emperors and set the divisions and measures of heaven in order.

Four. A white tiger spits forth gold, securing and stabilizing the Five Spirits.

Five. A blue-green dragon bears a talisman to inform the Water Emperor. It regulates the meeting of waters and hastens their flow, opening up the rivers and seas.

Six. A jade phoenix carries a seal to present to the emperor, securing the state and preserving its mandate, while the Five Sacred Peaks endure forever.

Seven. Luan birds cry out and phoenixes sing, flying and calling in melodious harmony.

Eight. Flocks of birds wheel and dance, joyfully taking flight toward the edge of heaven.

Nine. Flood dragons leap and surge, stirring the vast waters of deep pools and marshes.

Ten. The river’s waters cease to flow, and the fish gather together, scales intermingling.

Eleven. Sweet dew appears of its own accord, and numinous mushrooms flourish in abundance.

Twelve. Winter brings neither ice nor frost, and withered trees bloom together.

Thirteen. Forest trees and grain crops flower and bear fruit in both winter and summer, flourishing without withering or harm.

Fourteen. The four vital energies are balanced and harmonious; disasters and epidemics do not occur. Heaven and humanity rejoice together, and no one dies before their time.

Fifteen. Venomous creatures keep their teeth shut and harbor no harmful intent.

Sixteen. Lions and fierce beasts live alongside people as neighbors.

An Accessible Interpretation of the Supreme Secret Essentials

Fortunate Sign 17: All blind, deaf, lame, or disabled people in the world are restored to full health at once. Freed from the suffering of injury and illness, they become healthy and strong.

Fortunate Sign 18: The old grow young again, and the young do not grow old. Their features become beautiful and their spirits radiant.

Fortunate Sign 19: Birds and animals, along with the six domestic animals—horses, oxen, sheep, pigs, dogs, and chickens—give birth safely, whether or not they are already pregnant or have given birth. None suffer premature death or injury.

Fortunate Sign 20: Every pregnant woman gives birth to a boy, a son of Heaven.

Fortunate Sign 21: Treasures buried in the earth come to light. Gold and jade appear openly and are scattered across the roads, with nothing hidden away.

Fortunate Sign 22: The earth shakes and splits open; dry bones come back to life, and the drowned dead and wandering souls rise again in human form. All under Heaven sing for joy, and the country enjoys peace and prosperity.

Fortunate Sign 23: Lotuses spring from the earth, and both heavenly beings and humans celebrate together, all filled with joy.

Fortunate Sign 24: The grottoes of the Five Sacred Peaks open, and talismanic scriptures emerge to teach heavenly beings and humans. At this time, many who study the Dao can ascend and become immortals.

These twelve numinous auspicious signs and twenty-four fortunate signs praise the numinous realm of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning and celebrate the illumination with which the Five Elders open the Way. Once the sacred writings have sounded forth, the Dao is put into practice. Heaven and earth unfold; the true teachings flourish; the divine influence spreads far and wide, and the myriad Qi flows forth. The Five Emperors lend their aid, commanding celestial immortals and directing divine officials. They set Yin-Yang in motion, anchor the Three Luminaries in the dark root, preserve Heaven and Earth for all time, establish the Five Sacred Peaks in numinous sanctuaries, and regulate the cycles of calamity at the Three Passes. They establish the fortunes of the state in accord with Heaven’s mandate, guide the Five Qi to nurture the people, spread the great power of Heaven’s origin, and teach all ten directions. Their awe-inspiring power is boundless; no hidden place lies beyond its reach. Their divine wonders are majestic and too numerous to describe fully.

The passage above comes from the Scripture of the Red Writings of the Cavern Mystery.