《無上祕要》Vol. 20

Wushang Biyao (Supreme Secret Essentials), Scroll 28, Part 8

The Chapter on the Spirit-Generating Charters of the Nine Heavens

The Heavenly Venerable (Tianzun) tells the Flying Heavenly King that these charters of the Nine Heavens are the Flying Mystery Qi (qi) of the Three Caverns (Sāndòng). Three convergences of this qi form sound, which in turn forms the True Script (zhenwen). It mingles with the hundred spirits and contains hidden resonances and inner names. Therefore Taiyi (Tàiyī), the Supreme One, may observe them to gather life from the ten directions, to comprehend the Empty Cavern (dongxu), and to open vows inscribed in vermilion and azure. Since the countless kalpas of the distant past, a person bound by prior causes and karma has been unable to see the register of heavenly destiny (dì tú). Anyone who glimpses these titles will ascend together with the nine ancestors into immortality.

Chapter One: The Boundless Heaven of Yudan (Yùdān Wúliàng Tiān)

The Primal Life-Root of the True Emperor (Dì Zhēn Bāo Mìng Yuán) is the Yellow Expansion Qi of the Primal Unity.

Empty and hollow, the qi gathers and mingles, drifting upward into the dim and desolate void. Through an endless kalpa of Kang, the scattered souls are cut off from their origin. The suffering soul sinks through nine nights, and at dawn it longs to climb toward the sun. The gate of profound penetration opens, and Yudan descends into the morning sky. Yellow clouds gather in the spirit-palace, and the yin and yang qi meet and take form. The primal womb forms a long-lasting life, and the roots of evil dissolve as they transform. Táokāng (a divine name) unites essence and extends life, and the two emperors bring forth a jade-like emblem. Irrigate the Primal Life-Root, refine the essence, and the spirit will not wither. When the Nine Heavens' life-charter is recited, the spirit is born and rises beyond the ordinary. The Primal Lord (Yuánjūn) blocks the road of death, and the Minister of Works (Sīmǎ) chants the cavern songs. One voice is answered by ten thousand perfected beings, and the nine heavens come in nine rounds to pay homage. Bow the head and honor the years of the kalpa, and rejoice that this old sprout has flourished.

Interpretation

This chapter belongs to the "Life-Root of the Womb" (bāo mìng yuán), a life-root corresponding to the womb in which life first forms. Its qi is called the "Yellow Expansion of the Primal Unity." In summary, the verses describe the empty qi gathering and rising into the void, the soul that has been long lost from its root, and its longing to return to the light of dawn. Through the mysterious gate, the soul is reborn in the heavenly world. The yin and yang qi meet within the spirit-palace, the life-root is consolidated, and evil roots are dissolved. The essence is refined, the spirit remains vital, and the practitioner is transformed toward immortality. Táokāng, the two emperors, and the Primal Lord are divine names and powers invoked in the ritual. The Minister of Works is an official deity. The passage as a whole presents the chanting of the charter as a means of summoning the spirits and generating the spirit-body.

Chapter Two: The Boundless Longevity Heaven of Shangshang Chanshan (Shàngshàng Chánshàn Wúliàng Shòu Tiān)

The Womb-Life-Root of the True Emperor (Dì Zhēn Tāi Mìng Yuán) is the qi of the Purple Gate of the Deep Darkness.

The boundless qi forms the Purple Gate, and its honored qi becomes the king of the heavens. It opens the Flying Mystery to a refreshing expanse and condenses into the wheel of the empty cavern. Thus the roots separate from former attachments, and the practitioner returns to the ancestral origin of their source. Sunk in the dark night of a remote kalpa, one awaits the great cycle of fate to pass through. The True Emperor first illuminates the essence, and is called the Primal Yang. The infant (a metaphor for the newly formed spirit or the inner-alchemical infant) guards the hundred blossoms, and it forms the embryo while guarding the Yellow Chamber (a metaphor for the dantian and the central palace). It cuts off the root and severs the gate of death, nourishing the infant in peace. Chanshan guides the numinous qi, and the mysterious nourishment brings the fragrance of the flying heavens. The radiance of the flowers makes the jade-like body flourish, and refinement forms its own appearance. Devote yourself to cultivating the mystery and nurturing life, and arrange the bright hall in order. The Great Void responds to the numinous assembly and commands me to produce the spirit-charter. One chant stirs the nine mysteries, and two recitations open heaven and earth. When the forces mingle, they naturally harmonize, and in nine rounds the work of becoming a person is completed. The Great Sage rejoices in primal auspiciousness and scatters flowers in homage to the great void. All the heavens rejoice together, and every being bows the head in reverence.

Interpretation

This chapter belongs to the "Womb-Life-Root" (tāi mìng yuán), corresponding to the formation of the embryo. Its qi is the "Purple Gate of Deep Darkness." This section describes the spirit as it is nourished from embryonic formation to infancy. Severing the roots of attachment and the gate of death, guarding the Yellow Chamber, and nurturing the infant are presented as the stages of spiritual formation. The practitioner, through the recitation, is said to be reborn into the flowering radiance of the heavens and to complete the work of becoming a true person. Taken as a practice, the passage is commonly understood in the Daoist tradition as correlating the celestial names and the inner landscape of essence, qi, and spirit, with the infant of inner alchemy (neidan) as its central image. The chant is understood to summon the divine and to bring forth the spirit-body.

Commentary

The text is full of divine names, heavenly names, and names of qi (such as Yudan, Táokāng, Purple Gate, and Yellow Chamber). These are fixed terms of the liturgy and are best preserved in their original form in translation. In cultivation, they are generally understood to correspond to the inner landscape of essence, qi, spirit, the dantian, and the infant, so that the sound of the charter summons the spirits and generates the spirit-body.

Chapter Three: Heaven-Born Spirits of Fanjian Xuyan

The true soul of the Heavenly Emperor governs the primordial Qi, which is named the Qi of Changling Mingxian (the Perpetually Numinous and Luminous Immortal).

Xuyan gathers and unites the numinous essences of the three souls. The mysterious primordial Qi transforms and divides into the myriad phenomena, and its vast laws unfold across Heaven and Earth. Magnificent capital gates and jade-green seats of honor rise, and pure Fan chanting ascends into the profound realm. The wandering souls of the long night are released, and the roaming ethereal spirits return on schedule, each Qi returning, one breath at a time, to its root. The Great Emperor's name is Yangtang, also styled the Lord of the Eight Spirits. When the nine gates open, they connect far and wide with the Dao of allotted fate, and the Qi of embryonic breathing (taixi) generates the Upper Origin. Ling-Fan crosses the registers that ferry one's destiny, Taiyi assists and protects, and essence and souls extend outward. Within Niwan (the Upper Dantian), the seats of the Celestial Lord are counted, and the Upper, Middle, and Lower Parts together with the Eight Scenes each govern their own domain. When souls are born, they gather the drifting and wandering Qi, and when the Nine Revolutions are complete, one naturally becomes an immortal. The nine heavens resound with wondrous music, and jade writs transform and give birth to the myriad spirits. When recited three times, the spirit-positions each take their proper places, and Qi enters to join at the gate of the Eight Mornings. The Mysterious Pass (the essential aperture of the Upper Dantian) bars the gate of death, and numinous power guards the source of the bodily fluids. Responding in resonance with numerical spirits, the Dao turns quietly within the revolving wheel. The infant (Yuanshen, the primordial spirit) is celebrated as it sheds its form, and one bows the head in praise of the text of Dongxuan (the Cavern of the Mysterious).

Chapter Four: Silent Visualization and Heaven-Born Spirits

The true soul of the Heavenly Emperor governs the primordial Qi, which is named the Qi of Dangshi Mingyan You.

This is the source of silent, colorless stillness. Doushu (visualization practice, cunsi) is raised aloft in the realm of the Great Luo Heaven. Spiritual transformations and the Four Scenes (the four seasonal appearances) move in their separate cycles, and ten thousand strands of jade-green and vermilion radiant Qi arise. The wandering souls and ethereal spirits no longer turn back, and with a single departure they pierce through and destroy the demons. The Divine Lord gathers the drifting and wandering Qi, and in the lightness of flight refines a pure radiance. The season of flourishing is like the kalpa-cycle of the chun tree, and in riding the cosmic movement one accords with the numinous chart. Within the void, the spirit-chapter is born, and jade sounds ring out across the nine rosy clouds. When one voice is raised, the ten thousand perfected gather together, and ascending brightness unites into one family. When the Nine Revolutions are complete and the numinous countenance is whole, the jade flowers shine with resplendent light. Doushu opens the realm of great abundance, and all rejoice together in long-enduring blessing. The Supreme Sages turn their chariots back, and the infant suddenly begins to sing. Unable to contain the joy of this auspicious morning, all bow their heads in harmonious accord.

Chapter Five: Paramita, Non-Arrogance, and Heaven-Born Spirits

The Heavenly Emperor's true storehouse commands destiny, and the numinous Qi of the Five Immortals of the Primordial Origin.

The chariots of the Five Emperors turn and flutter, and the gates of the mysterious heights drift lightly. One walks through the yellow flowering fields and returns the spirit to the edge of joyous non-arrogance. One gathers the scenes of the flying void, while the ethereal spirits of former days have largely vanished. The Supreme Subtlety turns the yellow banner, and without any hero's command the numinous pennant is raised. The Divine Lord summons the souls of the long-night storehouse and releases the souls that receive birth. The Prince assists the Yellow Harmony and gathers the form and spirit, both complete. The jade writ penetrates the dark spirits, and the Five Revolutions divide Heaven and Earth. The Qi is refined in the primordial storehouse and gathers form and spirit as a whole. The jade writ penetrates the dark spirits, and through the Five Revolutions Heaven and Earth are divided. The Qi is refined in the primordial storehouse, which corresponds to the storehouse that holds the essence.

Opening Hymn

The Purple Chamber (one of the mysterious gates within the body) spontaneously gives birth to transcendent perfected beings. The Microcosmic Orbit (Zhoutian) turns, and the assembled perfected gather. When the yang is opened and responds, responses multiply without end. Jade maidens pour in the Five Fragrances, the Holy Mother celebrates for ten thousand years, and the Three Realms rejoice together. I bow my head in reverence to the Heavenly Venerable (Tianzun).

Chapter Six: The Divine Hymn of the Spontaneous Birth of the Cavern-Mystery Responsive Transformation

The Imperial Perfected's spirit-palace and life-origin; the blended, harmonious qi of the Exalted Perfected

It responds in the Formless Realm, and the light of the heavens shines through the ten directions. The wheel of transformation turns and revolves, casting no shadow. In the dark and unseen, it waits and moves toward the sanctuary. The spirit-carriage needs no reins, and the divine hymn (shenzhang) brightly arises. The emptiness is boundless, and its mystery is also strong. Refine the embryo and return to the original beginning, and ride forever upon the flying beam of mystery. Seeking to store up deluded thoughts (the nurturing of false ideas) destroys the True Heavenly nature, so scatter the thoughts and wait for the constant path. Cut down the tree of the womb and the stagnation within it, and let the heart wander beyond to the Supreme Capital. I wish to meet the Profound Mystery, and in awakening to the principle, I forget even that. Great blessings lie at the edge of the Ninth Heaven, where I exchange courtesies with the earthly stars of good fortune. Merging and transforming, I return to the One Origin, and I form the bond with the Primordial Beginning King. I bow my head to the companions of the numinous fate, and I forever bid farewell to the clamor and dust of the world.

Chapter Seven: The Divine Hymn of the Spontaneous Birth of the Brahma-Assistant Spirit Transformation

The Imperial Perfected's primal palace and life-origin; the qi of the Immortal's Cavern-Scripture

The Mysterious Gathering governs a boundless expanse, and the mingled qi returns to the Brahma-Assistant (Fanfu). The task of directing the numinous transformations proceeds, and it silently moves without regard to cold or heat. Riding the numbers, it constructs the true branches, and with a shake of its sleeves it brushes off the light feathers. In the jade chamber there is a wondrous resonance, and it rises up to the place of the lofty spirits. The round wheel shines without pause, and the ranks of true immortals stand in dense order. The highest heavenly thoroughfares are remote, and the profound Cavern-Mystery is deep and vast. Lush leaves shade the emerald clouds, and they rest in the shade of a clear, cool islet. I invite the delight of the Five Spirits, and my many thoughts whistle to the bright companions. The five difficulties depart as I grasp the principle, and in the stillness of the heart I find my own contentment. My free soul follows its original root, and I wait in the empty sky with unending steadiness. When the Seven Recitations open the barriers, the stagnation is cleared away, and this is not the martial power of the spirit. Activity and penetration arise from within, and I raise a lofty song and bow my head.

Chapter Eight: The Divine Hymn of the Spontaneous Birth of the High Void, Clarity, and Brightness

The Imperial Perfected's flowery palace and life-origin; the condensed qi of the True Numinous Transformation

Clarity and brightness lie above the heavy heavens, and the time gathers beneath the auspicious clouds. The jade chapter scatters the harmony of the heart, and a solitary scene calls for numinous meeting. The brilliant evening light spreads out, and the spirit's lapels are never without wide vision. The jade branches send forth fleeting echoes, and I speak calmly of the empty and the wondrous. The numinous sound stirs the empty cavern, and the Nine Mysteries depart from the dim borderlands. Feeling and clarity meet no obstruction, and coming and going are like loosening a sash.

The Chapter on Clarifying Understanding and Generating Spirit

In the Chapter on Clarifying Understanding and Generating Spirit it is said: Roaming on high, one meets no end and no ruin; mysterious and wondrous sights shine upon the cloud-paths. The footsteps pass beyond the realm of Shen (spirit), responding without bound and without the limits of square or round, and for a time one turns and sustains the Four Great Elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. Concentrating the mind, one bows the head and recites, and the assembled sages all together declare it good.

Chapter Nine: The Heaven-Born Spirit Without Thought, Without Bond, Without Desire

(From) the Imperial Truth Palace of the Mountain-Seat, the Life-Source of Natural Spontaneity, the Qi (vital energy) of Profound Illumination.

Without bonds, one is fixed in having no feeling; profound and yet more profound, empty yet clear within. The wheel turns, transforms, and nurtures without a fixed sequence, and when the kalpas arrive they too cannot be counted. Who says that the absence of form is level ground? Lofty and towering, the hills are many. With a mind of stillness one may press forward single-mindedly, aiming high at the summons of clear Shen. A fortunate encounter does not depend on years, and the kalpas cannot be spoken of. The floating and bright follows its former branches, and the return to the womb has its constancy. Spiritual response penetrates the Great Void, and one flies step by step upon the ice above the clouds. The moist essence (Jing) stirs the myriad currents, and quietly condensing the true Shen, one ascends. Without desire there is no sorrow; looking down from on high, one bows the head and rises.

(Attribution, following the text) from the Scripture of the Nine Heavens on the Generation of Spirit, within the Dongxuan (Cavern of Mystery) division of the canon.

Chapter on the Jade Writings of the Nine Heavens

The Taixiao Langshu (Scripture of the Great Empyrean) is the song of Flying Empyrean, the King of the Nine Heavens; the Jade Writings of the Imperial Sovereign are the higher writings of the Nine Heavens. Both came into being at the very beginning of the Primordial Origin, born within the spontaneous void and cavern of emptiness. The August Emperor of Jade, the Jade Sovereign, received them, and the Heavenly King still records their names.

First Jade Writ of the Heavenly King Yudan Wuliang

The Qi of the Great Empyrean void gathers and forms clouds that encircle the camp. Our King rises forth as a divine artisan, whose transformations take form while seeming formless. Within the formless there is truth, and truth is born from non-being. Vast and boundless above the profound void, the essence (Jing) of the Primordial Origin sounds in the wind. The luminous scene brightens the marvelous awakening, and its mysterious movement comes to meet it. The constellations are arrayed across the jade heavens, and flying mists rise above the green jade. The radiance falls over the three dawns, and its flowing light gathers in the Purple Clarity. We lift our sleeves at the Jade Scene Terrace and rest in play within the Phoenix City. We turn the empyrean and climb the nine peaks to open a life without end. Who can share this journey? Come and seek my name. My name is easy to know, and it dwells in the courtyard of the Eastern Flower. One may surely face the Mysterious Capital and contemplate the subtle spirit of the Emperor. Cast aside the thoughts beyond the clouds and hold to the single center of stillness. Recite the chapters of the Great Empyrean, and the Three Passes will of themselves become clear. The mysterious descent lingers at the carriage of the wind, and the void sends forth the chariot of flying mist. Though the Nine Heavens are said to be distant, the wondrous thought settles the form within you.

First-Rank Jade Writ of the Heavenly King Supreme Good Immeasurable Life

(The title of this section appears in the original text only as a listing; no body text follows it here.)

Wushang Miyao Scripture Commentary, Modern Interpretation

Numinous power turns and circulates, opening a realm of emptiness. The golden true Qi (vital energy) blossoms within the jade embryo. Forms of the Dharma and visions appear in the courtyard of Great Stillness.

Mysterious transformation nurtures and propels one another. Through kalpas of calamity one sinks into the Nine Darknesses, yet in the appointed season of the netherworld one accords with the true Dao (the Way).

At the time of the Three Mornings, one reports to the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, Yuanshi Tianzun (Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning). When fate and destiny are penetrated, one is naturally aided. The carriage is set in order and travels above the bright clouds, and the light of flowing essence shines upon the jade branches.

Gazing into the realm of non-being, yin and yang mingle, their form like that of an infant. Father and mother essences unite in peace, roaming freely and playing on the phoenix terrace. Falling light drifts through the cloud chamber. Who can know its subtle wonder?

Rejoicing together at the gate where separation is netted, one undergoes the spring lustration on the cliff of the Purple Empyrean. If you wish to seek its method, you should diligently study the words of the jade-bound texts and turn the chapters of the jade script, and the Heavenly King will surely shine upon you.

Contemplate the Sovereign Lord of the One, Diyi Zun, as the foundation of the quest for immortality. Cut off thoughts, abandon external imaginings, and always keep the mind and spirit level and tranquil. When sincerity accumulates, the true descends and blazes forth in feathered regalia.

Liberate the roots of the seven ancestors, and let them all ascend together the cloud stairways. The jade chapters illuminate the lofty spirits, and the jade script is hard to fathom. The two marvels harmonize with each other, each named according to its own unequal nature.

If you wish to play among the Nine Mysteries, simply recite the poem of the Supreme Empyrean, Taixiao (Supreme Empyrean). Myriad kalpas pass in an instant, so do not worry that the response of the Dao of Heaven is slow.

Jade Script of the Fanjian Heavenly King, Third Chapter

Clear and pure, without the slightest defilement, one gathers Qi into purple radiance. The crimson empyrean reflects Fanjian Heaven, spreading out in the southwest and curling back upon itself.

The Three Mornings illuminate the lined-up constellations, and seven turns brighten the Taiwei (Supreme Tenuity). Numinous winds blow swiftly, carrying rare fragrance, and the sound of the jade flutes is so mournful. Divine phoenixes soar over the jade grove, and the immortals shake their feathered robes.

The Heavenly King rides the movement of fate and sets forth, grasping the tallies that govern all the myriad mechanisms. The empty wheel is hurled into the void cavern, and the expanse opens the gates of the Nine Heavens. Leading the guests of the heavens, he unfastens his lapels and enters the jade curtain.

Brilliance spreads and supports the morning Qi, its radiance netted over the jade stairs. The Fanjian peaks reflect the vermilion sun, and a thousand scenes flank the numinous glow. Within the primal transformation the winds swirl, and the jade carriage lingers and wanders.

The prince receives the tiger tally and governs all the spirits, bringing them back to return. The roots of the seven ancestors are uprooted, and the souls who had sunk all fly up as immortals. The Purple Writings rejoice in the cloud courts, and the jade script penetrates the empty subtle.

Diligent study makes the Dao ever more luminous. Through countless kalpas the spirit does not wane. As the myriad transformations shift with their cycles, one comes to know that the subtle is truly rare.

Jade Script of the Serene Heavenly King, Fourth Chapter

Feasting upon the scenery of the realm of Great Stillness, the whirling wind swiftly turns the jade wheel. The crimson empyrean shelters the green carriage, and the divine lord assists the Sovereign of the One.

Dimly beyond the Nine Transformations, the gate of the path opens distantly.

Fifth Jade Writ of the Heavenly King of Non-Arrogance and Joy in Heaven

Wandering above the Golden Net (jinluo), a radiance like a net spread across the heavens, I chant in celebration of the numinous clouds. After three cries, a profound awakening opens brightly. After five revolutions, the Dao-Qi divides into forms, the golden chambers stand tall and gleam with color, and essential Jing (essence) falls in profusion.

Looking to the left, one sees Wuying (a guardian divine perfected). Glancing to the right and aslant, one beholds Baiyuan (the Dao-perfected who corresponds to Wuying). Stepping forth in prosperity, I cross beyond the Yellow Registers (huanglu), the celestial registers of destiny. Taiyi (the Supreme Unity, a Dao deity) stands erect at the root of life, records my name in the register of immortals, and bestows upon me the scripture for delivering one from fate.

Chanting clearly to set the celestial perfected in motion, and breathing in stillness to order the hundred gates (the orifices of the body), I find that Di Yi (the One Emperor) guards the numinous palace, with ceremonial robes accompanied by the company of the Azure Flyers. Where do they meet? They converge at the far edge of the Nine Heavens.

The sun seems to pass as though it were endless, and Huanghua keeps watch over the Four Constants. When the thought of the Dao arises, all other thoughts are abandoned. The Dao is transmitted from the mysterious within, and numinous responses follow their own cycles. Those who devote themselves fully to study are therefore often able to preserve it intact.

The Heavenly King of Non-Arrogance and Joy in Heaven, Fifth Jade Writ, Continued

Purple vapor rises in the void, billowing and veiling the splendid palace. The flowing light turns in its cycle, and the vermilion heavens are reflected on the green chambers. It assists the scene within the void and dazzles the numinous radiance across the ten directions.

All the emperors proceed from true movement, but none surpasses the King of the Nine Heavens. His body takes on a natural bloom, his Qi contains and rises within the empty palace, his order rightly transforms the four corners, and he is named the Ancestor of all emperors.

Descending light rides upon the Eight Vapors, and he governs the void and unites with it. In the morning he roams the Western Terrace Hall, and at dusk he rests in the Fusang Palace (an immortal palace transformed from the divine tree of the east). He holds the tablet and records the affairs of the mysterious kingdom, delivering and elevating the youths of Huaqing. He fixes the register of destiny and clarifies the merit of protecting the first kalpa. Glancing across the boundless edge, the myriad transformations move and penetrate in their cycles. He flies on the steps, chanting through the Great Supreme Heaven, and quietly seeks the traces of Yuanshi (the Primordial Beginning, ancestor of the Dao).

Concentrating thought, one senses the utmost stillness and attains the mysterious hearing. The ancestral foundation flows with surplus blessings, and the seven ancestors return to the Southern Palace. The five bitternesses are not where I tread, and my companions are bound in the Great Void. The numinous peaks are not my constant dwelling, and the flying clouds are my dragon. Joined by the perfected of the nine peaks and paired with their shadows, I become one of a pair. Why sit amid clamor and filth? Wandering, I await my destiny until its end.

The Sixth Jade Writ of the Heavenly King Who Responds to Sound

The lofty numinous spirit flourishes in the empty void, condensing Qi into crimson vapor. Swaying its staff to turn in the Nine Heavens, it drifts lightly as the true form of the Heavenly Emperor. The jade terrace shines upon the rocky hills, where purple phoenixes linger and jade unicorns rest, and the empty song escapes from the secluded palace. Desolate and lofty above the clouds, one joins in covenant at the Seven Reflection Chamber, and the golden net shines in the central field. The Heavenly King holds the nine colors, and flying immortals number in the hundreds of millions. The luminous emblem of Dongyang (Cavern Yang) is abundant with numinous marks, presaging the year in which destiny is delivered.

Heavenly King Fanbao's Jade Writ, Chapter Seven

Fragrant qi (Qi, vital energy) pours into the dharma-body. Lifting its head, it draws in the jade nectar of the moon, and the source of the Nine Springs sends down its fluid.

It preserves eternity through countless kalpas without end. Within and without it is pellucid and clear, and by concentrating thought and gathering spirit (Shen), it responds to the vast void.

It penetrates the bottomless abyss of the Ultimate-less, merging form and spirit with Hunyuan, the primordial unity. It roams and feasts in a realm no one else can reach.

Heavenly King Fanmojiayi's Jade Writ, Chapter Eight

The Nine Mysteries pierce through the primordial qi, the qi of pre-heaven. The violet-white qi rises above the jade heavens, and its numinous brilliance blazes forth at the golden gate and flourishes on the jade branches of the spirit.

Suddenly it descends into the Violet Void Hall. Auspicious clouds dissolve as they transform, and the deep abyss echoes, striking the springs of numinous activity. The drum of the Dharma sounds across the most profound and hidden realm.

It feasts in the gates of the Mysterious Dawn, flowing and circling until it brushes against the swift winds and clouds. It rectifies the reins of the chariot beyond the Nine Heavens and steers its course in free and easy wandering.

It lingers above the Violet Mist Peak, its countenance radiant as it attends an audience with the Jade Emperor. Countless kalpas pass in the space of a moment, and in an instant the two images meet.

In the empty courtyard there is no obstruction of delay. Coming and going accord with the flow of destiny in its vast expanse. The great transformation does not alter its measure, and the three dawns pierce through to the numinous sign.

The Scripture of Jade is joyful within the spirit chamber, and its jade text ordered and clear as a pure chant. Blossoming forth from the mysterious center, it rises up, returning to a form that is not the flowering pose of ornament.

Heavenly King Bolidahu's Jade Writ, Chapter Nine

Mysterious qi condenses above the Nine Heavens. The violet void shines clear with the sun, and flying jade rises among the flowers and blossoms, while the flowing essence (Jing) congeals into jade frost.

The true perfected rides the cycle of fate and returns. Clouds gather thickly on the mysterious beams, and in the dark union they respond to one another of their own accord, while the crimson heavens are reflected in light movement.

They meet at the appointed hour in the mansion of the high dawn, and together they attend an audience in the Jade Capital. Within the transformation of emptiness and stillness, all is silent in the realm of hidden fate.

Fragrance drifts over the vermilion sun, and the returning wind swiftly carries a rare perfume. It blazes above the golden gate, and the jade terrace exhales jade blossoms.

Orchids and fungi fill the mysterious valley, and one looks up to draw in the flourishing of the six stomachs. The spirit escapes into the still palace, and deep thoughts pierce the cavern realm, where one holds the covenant within the Hall of the Supreme Void.

The Jade Sovereign Chapter of the Taixiao Langshu (Taixiao Langshu Qiongdi Zhang, one of the scriptures of the Daoist heavenly realm) describes the affairs of the Nine Heavenly Sovereigns (kings of the nine heavens) in nine-layered profound allusions (subtle, mysterious figures of speech).

Within the Void Cavern (empty space), before the Primordial Beginning (before the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning), it orders destiny through mysterious songs (profound hymns) and wanders the Qingxiao Court (the court of the Celebratory Heavens, a heavenly palace).

Sounds and phrases (rhythm and wording) arise within the subtle and profound void (a realm of vast and mysterious stillness), and they are the precious oral formulas of divine perfection (treasured transmissions of the spirit immortals). They were therefore written down as numinous chapters (sections of the Lingbao scriptures). Those who practice this Dao attain a rank equal to the Nine Heavens.

Through subtle contemplation and the most profound names (the deepest, most secret appellations), by nurturing the Shen (spirit) and holding the True in thought (keeping the true Dao in mind), one receives the instruction of the numinous ones (the divine beings bestow their guidance) and responds to what is natural (attunes with the spontaneous Dao). One may then ascend at dawn (rise to the immortal dawn, attaining the Dao and becoming an immortal).

Cited from the Dongzhen Taixiao Langshu Qiongdi Zhang (this passage is from the Dongzhen Taixiao Langshu Qiongdi Zhang).