《無上祕要》Vol. 59

Supreme Mysteries, Scroll 92, Kong 2

Ascending to the Upper Clarity, Part One

General Overview

To ascend through the nine heavens and feast amid the Southern Veranda, one must guide the Qi of the Jade Pendant around the Hall of Illumination, draw down the light of the Golden Pendant into the Muddy Pellet (the space between the eyebrows, or upper Dantian), let the Soul Perfected One descend to the station of the Morning Lamp, and summon the Flying Radiance from the place of the Imperial Lord.

Method

To practice this Way, lie down at dusk, place both hands over the heart, close the eyes, and turn your gaze inward. Visualize the Azure Yang Qi formed from the Jade Pendant. Its light is indistinct and hazy, like the roundness of the sun and moon; it shines faintly through the whole body, penetrating and illuminating it throughout.

At this time, the Imperial Lord of Soul and Essence has the surname Kai, the name Yuan, and the taboo name Yiming. He is nine inches tall, wears a purple crown, a beaded and embroidered robe, and a flying-brocade azure skirt. At his waist hangs an ornament of the moon embracing the sun. Riding a green crow and surrounded by azure light, he descends into the body and settles securely in the Muddy Pellet.

The practitioner should click the teeth together nine times, swallow the mouth’s saliva twenty-nine times, and then recite the hidden incantation:

Mysterious Origin, Great Void; Soul and Essence of the Nine Heavens.
Morning Lamp shines clear; Qi gathers, turbid and pure.
Its name is Jade Pendant; its penetrating radiance is supremely bright.
It bears the moon embracing the sun, carries a talisman, and holds a bell.
Its splendid light streams and shines; across all heaven, it spreads a deep darkness.
Riding the green, it controls its wings; its vermilion carriage and purple canopy.
First it feasts among the Three Origins, then turns and descends to my Mysterious Gate.
It settles in the Muddy Pellet, flows downward to the Yellow Court,
inspects the souls and governs the po, so that the ten thousand spirits are at peace.
The Five Viscera form their connecting networks; the Nine Orifices bloom with splendor.
The Eight Radiances soar and fly, ascending into Jade Clarity.

When the incantation is finished, press the hands to the forehead and hairline nine times, wipe the eyes fourteen times, and swallow Qi three times. Then lie down in peace.

In this way, the hun is settled and the po at rest; the ten thousand spirits are secured within, Qi is firmly held in its palace, and sources of evil are blocked from without. The Eight Radiances transform, refining the perfected and changing one into an immortal. After nine years, one can see through the hidden and subtle, know what has not yet occurred, and enter seated oblivion, with the spirit traveling while the body remains still. After eighteen years, the Way is accomplished: the Perfected descend, one flies upward, and ascends into Jade Clarity.

Source

The above is from the Upper Scripture of the Jade Pendant and Golden Pendant of Taiji from the Cavern of Truth.

Purple Writings and Vermilion Characters: Hidden Sounds of the Moon Soul

The Purple Writings and Vermilion Characters, and the Hidden Sounds of the Moon Soul, are all written in the forest of Qian trees in the western region of the moon. They are texts formed naturally.

On the day of the spring equinox, the heavenly beings of the various heavens collect and consume these Purple Writings and Vermilion Characters. One who consumes these six characters will have fiery radiance shine over the body and will be able to perceive the seven treasures of the Jade Pendant in the moon.

On the day of the spring equinox, in the late afternoon, write them in white on yellow paper and consume them. Click the teeth together twelve times, then recite this quiet incantation:

Great Radiance shines in the middle of heaven; bright clouds glow in the golden chamber. Jade characters spread across auspicious clouds; vermilion writings…

Brief Notes on Terms

Nine Clarities / Jade Clarity: The highest of the Daoist Three Heavens, the Heaven of Upper Clarity.

Muddy Pellet: The upper Dantian, roughly around the space between the eyebrows and the crown of the head.

Yellow Court: The middle Dantian, roughly around the chest and heart.

Clicking the teeth: Lightly tapping the upper and lower teeth together, a common Daoist cultivation practice.

Swallowing saliva: Swallowing the saliva in the mouth.

Eight Radiances: The eight spirits within the body, or eight states of being.

Seated oblivion: Sitting in stillness and entering a state of forgetting, with the spirit traveling while the body remains motionless.

A Plain-Language Explanation of the Wushang Miyao

(The preceding section describes a method of cultivation during the middle of the lunar month and continues the earlier text.)

After the yellow Qi and Yang essence have entwined within the body and illuminated it throughout, the Lady transmits to the cultivator the six true sounds, written in purple script with cinnabar characters. Then guide the yellow Qi down in twenty-four swallows, followed by the Yang essence in sixteen swallows, and stop. Click the teeth together twenty-four times, then look upward and recite the invocation:

“Eight refinements of the Golden Scripture; the Cinnabar Pool deep and vast. Jade fluid brims over, scattering toward the eight directions of the Qian grove. Yellow Qi rises and surges; Yang essence drifts like smoke. Gather blossoms in the Orchid Court; flying skirts flutter lightly. The Lady rinses her mouth with fragrance; the August Sovereign pours down fluid. Soft radiance blends and suffuses all; the moist Qi encircles the heavens. Cinnabar light shines bright on all eight sides, its brilliance clear and penetrating. It turns and gleams, curving downward to illuminate my body. May I share enduring spiritual life with the Moon Soul, ride the emptiness and float aloft, and enter the realm beyond all separation.”

When the recitation is finished, swallow the Qi twenty-four times and the fluid sixteen times, then stop. Afterward, wear the purple script with cinnabar characters and practice this method for eight years. The Lady will brush the cultivator’s body with blossoms flying from the moon; the face will take on a golden hue, and the cultivator may ascend by flight to Shangqing.

(From the Dongzhen Huangqi Yangjing Jing.)

The High Holy Lord says: If you wish to have your name entered in the registers of the hidden realm and your body to ascend by flight to Shangqing, bathe and observe a pure fast at the time of “Upper Conjunction” on the third day of the third month, when the Qi of Heaven and Earth meet. At mealtime, enter the chamber, burn incense, and face north to bow nine times in homage to the Jade Heaven. When the rite is complete, face north and click the teeth together twelve times. Visualize a cloud of purple Qi inside the ritual hall, swelling and rising through the empty space until it envelops your whole body…

Notes to clarify the structure of the original:

Overall, this is a secret ritual sequence practiced at seasonal junctures such as the spring equinox and the third day of the third month. It combines facing a particular direction, ritual bows, clicking the teeth, visualizing divine beings of the moon, swallowing Qi and fluid, reciting an invocation, and wearing a talisman. The practice is performed over several years in the hope of transforming one’s appearance, attaining the Dao, and ascending by flight to Shangqing. This plain-language rendering follows the steps of the original as closely as possible and adds no further doctrinal interpretation.

Plain-Language Interpretation of Essentials of the Supreme Mystery

1. The Method of Visualizing the Five Elder Immortal Lords

In a quiet room, visualize the five Elder Immortal Lords. They dwell amid purple clouds, wear flying blue feathered robes, and have jade crowns that reach to the heavens. Each holds a register inscribed with blue characters and oversees the affairs of the Immortal Jade Attendants.

There is also an Immortal Jade Attendant, dressed in a robe of cloud brocade and wearing a seven-jeweled jade crown. He holds a tablet of white silver.

As you visualize them, pray that the two Perfected Lords will enter my name on a white tablet and record it in a collection of blue-script registers. Have my tablet and record delivered to the Envoy Who Inspects the Perfected, entered in the register of the Left Immortal, and submitted to the sovereigns of the Nine Heavens and the Seven Sages. Once my name has been entered in the tablet and register, the Five Elder Immortal Lords and the Immortal Jade Attendant transform and enter my body, taking their place in the Grotto Chamber, the space between the eyebrows known as the Hall of Impression.

Softly recite the incantation:

Auspicious joy of the Celestial Origin, joined above with the Six Chen.
The Nine Emperors command the numinous; the Seven Sages spread forth the Perfected.
The empty mystery records my name; Donghua binds it in a scroll.
My name is engraved on the Emperor’s tablet, forever securing my place among the highest immortals.
Sound and resonance harmonize; my body becomes spontaneous and natural.
Purple womb, jade beauty; within, bright as precious jade.
My face shines with golden radiance; my bones transform like silver.
Strange fur and unusual colors wind from above to below.
The mystery descends from the Nine Heavens; I return to the purple chariot of heaven.
Six lead the Five Dragons as they fly up to the imperial court.
The Three Origins unite in celebration.

When you have finished reciting, perform seven bows, then face the Seven Sages and swallow seven breaths.

After practicing this method for seven years, a Perfected One will appear in visible form and enter your name in the register. The Perfected One will descend to bring you to the Three Origins; you will ride through the air, walk upon emptiness, and ascend to Shangqing.

2. The High Sage Emperor’s Method for Ascending to the Palace of Taiji

The High Sage Emperor said: Those who wish to have their names written on the white tablet and in the blue-script register of Taiji, and to ascend to the Palace of Taiji, should, on the third day of the third month, write the ten sounds of the white tablet and blue-script register on blue paper. Facing the Chen direction (east), swallow the paper. Click the teeth twelve times, then softly recite the incantation:

Three unite to form the covenant; the mysterious net gathers the celestial markers.
The five bodily forms follow the diagram; the mysterious tablet bears blue script.
My name is inscribed at Taiji, my rank set among the highest immortals.
The Three Origins have been spread; the Six Qi have been laid out.
Golden sounds, jade characters: I seek to become spontaneous and natural.
May I ride the flying radiance, ascend above, and reach the imperial dawn.

When you have finished reciting, swallow the breath ten times. Facing east, bow four times toward the Four Perfected Ones of Taiji, and conclude.

After practicing this method for nine years, your name will be recorded at Taiji. The Four Perfected Ones will descend and bestow the true text upon you. You will understand its sounds for yourself and ascend to Shangqing.

3. The High Sage Emperor’s Method for Ascending to the Mysterious Palace

The High Sage Emperor said: Those who wish to have their names written in the hidden text of blue gold and red script of the Upper Origin of the Mysterious Palace, and to ascend above the Mysterious Palace, should, on the eighth day of the eighth month, write the ten sounds of the blue-gold, red-script text on blue paper. Facing west, swallow the paper. Click the teeth nine times, then softly recite the incantation:

Heaven turns, Qi spreads; the Four Nets align with the cardinal directions.
Three and five bind together; the Nine Paths gather into clusters.
Blue …

Brief explanations:

• Five Elder Immortal Lords: Five ancient Daoist immortals who attained the Dao, symbolizing the Five Phases or the five directions.
• Grotto Chamber: Here, the Hall of Impression between the eyebrows, where divine beings descend during visualization.
• Clicking the teeth: A common Daoist ritual gesture in which the upper and lower teeth are lightly tapped to gather the spirit and steady the mind.
• Walking upon emptiness: A Daoist ritual dance or set of steps that imitates immortals walking through the air.
• Three Origins: The Upper, Middle, and Lower Origins, representing the three powers of Heaven, Earth, and humanity, or the Three Officials.
• Shangqing: One of the Daoist Three Pure Ones realms, the highest heaven and the destination of Perfected Ones who ascend.

“The Most Esoteric Essentials” — A Plain-Language Interpretation

[Scripture Written in Gold and Vermilion, and a Practice Method]

Write the scripture in gold and vermilion. Its radiance illuminates the vast reaches of space; its subtle images send down resonant tones, extending in every direction and penetrating what is hidden and obscure. Gaze with clear awareness into boundless realms. In this way, you may pay court to the Three Primordials, ascend to the Purple Chamber, enter and leave the domains of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), and preserve the Flower of the Primordial Vitality for a long time.

When you have finished, swallow your breath six times and bow six times, paying court to the perfected ones of the Mysterious Palace. Practice this method for nine years, and the hidden texts—including the inscribed books of the Upper Primordial and the writings in blue, gold, and vermilion—will become clear of themselves. You will plumb the depths of the obscure, communicate with spirits, ride the void, and ascend to Highest Clarity.

(From the “Scripture of the Primordial Record of the Seven Sages of the Cavern of Truth”)

[The Yellow Emperor’s Talisman for Summoning Spirits, Bringing Forth the Real, and Subduing Demons]

The Yellow Emperor’s talisman for summoning spirits, bringing forth the Real, and subduing demons is written in vermilion on a yellow wooden tablet, nine inches wide and one foot two inches long, and placed in the center of a room. Enter the room to practice and recite the scripture for one hundred days, and you will be able to speak with divine beings. After three years, a numinous, naturally arising yellow haze will appear on its own in the room.

To summon celestial immortals, write the talisman as prescribed, wear it, and sit facing south in focused contemplation for one hundred days. A perfected person will manifest, an immortal will come to your chamber, and the person will impart to you the signs of the Dao of the divine perfected.

To subdue demons and strange beings, write the talisman as prescribed, face north with it, and recite one chapter of “The Verse of the Great Void.” Then the Northern Emperor will command his troops; celestial demons will lose their forms, the shadows of all spirits will vanish, and both inside and outside will be made serene and pure.

Another method: write in vermilion on nine inches of yellow silk and wear it on your person. After eight years, the Emperor will send a palanquin to welcome you, and you will ascend to Highest Clarity.

(From the “Scripture of the Talisman for Bringing Forth the Real and Subduing Demons of the Cavern of Truth”)

[Two Talismans of the Primordial Beginning and Central Real, and of Yin-Yang Transformation in the Lower Primordial]

The two talismans of the Primordial Beginning and Central Real, and of Yin-Yang transformation in the Lower Primordial: write the upper talisman in vermilion and the lower one in black.

On the day of the Beginning of Summer: Take the lower talisman first, then the upper one.

On the winter solstice: Take the upper talisman first, then the lower one.

Just before taking a talisman, click your teeth twelve times and softly recite:

Purple Primordial, joined in harmony;
the two energies unite in numinous power.
The Great One transforms the spirit;
the Cavern of the Primordial opens life.
Yin and Yang guide and nourish,
cultivate and refine radiant clarity.
Above, they pour; below, they irrigate;
through six degrees, essence is released.
The Real turns, its curving light reflected;
let it descend into my courtyard.
Open the hidden and see through all;
behold clearly the forms of spirits.
Let the Eight Radiances escort the immortal
and bring my Dao to completion.
Let transformation answer the Mysterious;
seated, may I transcend to the Three Pure Ones.
May I endure as long as Heaven and Earth,
unshaken through ten thousand kalpas.

When you have finished reciting, tilt your head back and swallow the eight breaths. After practicing for eight years, the perfected beings of the Eight Radiances will surely descend upon you, and you will fly to Highest Clarity.

(From the “Upper Scripture of the Golden Root, Blue Essence, and Purple Writings of the Cavern of Truth”)

[The Lower Primordial Yin-Born Numinous Talisman of the Perfected Ones Above]

This is the transformation of the essence of the Northern Supreme Mysterious Yin.

Note: Each passage above cites its source and is excerpted from scriptures in the Daoist Canon’s “Cavern of Truth” section. The talisman methods, prescribed dates for taking them (the Beginning of Summer and the winter solstice), and practices such as clicking the teeth and swallowing breaths belong to the Shangqing school’s methods of cultivation and talismans and registers. They should be understood in conjunction with the original scriptures and a teacher’s transmission, and should not be practiced casually.

The Plain-Language Interpretation of The Essential Secrets of the Supreme

1. The Text for Generating the Numinous (from the Scripture of Seventy-Four Transformations of the Cavern of Truth)

The Text for Generating the Numinous can assist the Eight Radiant Spirit Palaces—the eight tiers of celestial palaces—of the True Immortals of the Upper Origin, in the heavenly realm and the lower world, to connect with the Qi of Heaven.

When this Qi descends into the body of one who studies the Dao, it can summon the True and bring forth the numinous. Immortal officials in thousands of chariots and tens of thousands of riders will all arrive. If you wear this text, after eight years the Jade Maiden of the Great Mystery will manifest. You will receive the True Books of the Nine Heavens and the Divine Charts of the Five Sacred Peaks, and summon the Jade Chariot of the Eight Radiances. You will then ascend to Shangqing.

2. The Secret Sounds of the Heavenly Soul and Essence of Brahmā-kāyika Heaven (from the True Talisman of the Nine Truths of the Cavern of Truth)

The secret sounds and inner taboo names of the soul and essence of Brahmā-kāyika Heaven, together with the Talisman of Jade Pendant and Correct Yang, can govern the True Ones above and the inner spirits of the Palace of the Mysterious Valley—the Mysterious Valley in the Dantian or brain.

Write the text on yellow paper and white silk, and wear it on your person. Also write it on white paper and ingest it on the eight seasonal days associated with your birth destiny. Turn your inner contemplation toward the True Ones above in the Palace of the Mysterious Valley. After three years of focused practice, you will be able to see their true forms clearly. After eighteen years, you may ride the Cloud Chariot of the Eight Radiances and ascend to Shangqing.

3. Receiving the Qi of Wuliang Heaven in the Sixth Month (from the Record of the Nine Elixirs, Transformation Above, and Fetal Essence of the Cavern of Truth)

In the sixth month, one should receive the Qi of Wuliang Heaven, one of the Daoist Thirty-Six Heavens. During that month, bathe with fragrant water and enter a chamber where incense has been burned at dawn on the ninth day, at midday on the nineteenth day, at midnight on the twenty-ninth day, and at all three daily watches on the third day.

Face northwest and bow nine times to the Primordial Father, a revered Daoist deity. Face southeast and bow three times to the Mysterious Mother. Then sit facing the direction of the month’s ruling branch, click your teeth thirty-six times, close your eyes, and visualize the King of Wuliang Heaven. His surname is Hun, and his taboo name is Shuang□□. He wears a nine-colored fur robe, naturally patterned and seamless, and a round crown of radiant solar essence. Riding a jade wheel drawn by nine qilin, he descends with twenty-four Jade Immortals into the Crimson Palace—the Central Dantian within your body.

Visualize red clouds of Qi gathering densely around your form. After a long while, draw in the cloud Qi through your mouth and swallow it nine times, while softly reciting:

The Qi of the Nine Heavens, its fullness now complete.
Set in place the Eight Radiances; array the chariot palaces.
Let the myriad spirits take their stations; let the numinous and the True Ones communicate.
Let the Director of Destiny settle the registers; let the Great One uphold and guide me.
Let the Three and Five align in accord; let me behold the sun’s course.
Through three transformations and nine revolutions, return me to the imperial homeland.
Let the golden chariot and jade canopy guide me, flanked by jade light.
Descend into my body; settle in my golden hall.
Protect me and remain with me; soar together with me.
Rise and fly through the Great Mystery; feast above in the Emperor’s chambers.

When you have finished reciting, swallow the Qi nine more times, then stop.

Practice in this way for three years. Five blossoms will arise in your heart, and the myriad Qi will transform. You will be able to see the hidden and discern the unseen, and speak with the spirits. After nine years, you may ride the Eight Radiances and ascend to Shangqing.

Note: The characters “□□” mark a missing word in the original text. At the end of each passage, “the above is from…” identifies the Cavern of Truth scripture from which it is excerpted.

The following is a modern plain-language interpretation of passages from various scriptures cited in the Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials):

(1) Method for Taking the Langgan Flower Elixir

At dawn on the first day of the tenth, eleventh, fourth, or eighth lunar month, face the direction of the sovereign’s seat (or the direction of the place of honor) and bow twice. Take one liang (about thirty grams) of the Langgan Flower Elixir, a type of elixir, with water flowing from the east. After taking it, you will command the qi of seven colors above your head, while golden flowers and the radiance of jade shine together across your face. By holding your breath, you can immediately summon the Eightfold Mysterious Chariot. Spit on the ground and your spittle can transform into a flying dragon. Give a long howl to the left, and the immortals will assemble in court; point to the right, and the winds of the Three Su (the three heavens, including Shangqing) will converge. A thousand chariots and ten thousand riders will fly together to Shangqing, the celestial realm of Highest Clarity.

This passage is from the Scripture of Purple Characters from the Great Tenuity of the Cavern of Truth.

(2) Central Great Yellow Jade Talisman of the Myriad Beginnings

To summon the Jade Registrar Lord of the Yellow Emperor, an immortal official who oversees jade talismans, act on the day of your birth sign in the year of the Grand Duke of Jupiter. Face the direction occupied by the Grand Duke that year, write the talisman in red on yellow paper and swallow it, or write it in red on yellow silk and wear it on your person. After nine years, the Jade Registrar Lord will appear. It will be as though he has erased the practitioner’s name from the register of the dead and entered it in the register of the living. He will send down a yellow-clouded flying carriage to welcome the practitioner, who will ascend to the palace of Shangqing.

This passage is from the Cavern of Truth’s Clear Rules of the Four Extremes.

(3) The Practice of Forty-Five Thoughts

Merit and virtue become equal to Heaven and Earth; the method accords with the natural order, and its blessings are boundless. Turn the spirit toward the wondrous, penetrate the subtle and investigate the mysterious, and unite truly with the body of the Dao. Once the mind is settled, sit quietly and summon cloud dragons and the jade carriage of the Eight Sceneries, then ascend to Shangqing.

This passage is from the Scripture of the Wheel of the Dharma of the Cavern of Mystery.

(4) Names such as Yuqing Yuyue Nalinchang

These are titles of scriptures or chapters, including Yuqing Yuyue Nalinchang, The Nine Radiances of the Celestial Jade Terrace, The Hidden Writ of Taichen, and The Inner Text of the Golden Mystery. They belong to the tradition of hidden scriptures.

(5) The Way of Cultivating Immortality: Eastern Ritual

In cultivating the way of immortality, write in white characters on a blue tablet and place it in the east. This subdues the Great Demon King of the Azure Emperor and his subordinates, and summons the immortal officials of the East. After practicing this method for nine years, the Azure Perfected High Sage and the Elder of the August Sovereign, exalted figures of the East, will manifest before the practitioner. They will command the immortal officials and obtain natural spiritual medicines.

Also write in white characters on blue silk and wear it on your person. Traveling to and fro in the East can bring one to the Village of the Great Peace Hall and the World that Welcomes the Good. The Great Demon King will greet the practitioner with his sash tied and head bowed, while immortal officials serve as escorts. Entering the Eastern Peak, Mount Tai, brings down a feathered canopy of azure clouds. After nine years, one can fly to Shangqing.

This passage is from the Cavern of Truth’s Scripture of the Hidden Writ of Jade Clarity, the Supreme Golden Origin and Feathered Chapters.

(6) Sixfold Pure Flying Spirit Communication Jade Talisman

On the day of the Beginning of Summer, write the talisman in red on bamboo membrane and swallow it at dawn while facing southeast. After one year, a youth will be visible at midday; after three years, you will speak with your body and spirit. After nine years, a Perfected One of the Nine Heavens will impart a true scripture to the practitioner. The practitioner will be able to transform in the eight directions, sit and vanish or stand and transform, and fly to Shangqing.

Eightfold Pure Flying Essence Jade Talisman

On the day of the Beginning of Spring, write the talisman in green on bamboo membrane… (The quoted passage seems not to continue in the source; it is recorded only up to this point.)

Note: “Practitioner” here is often expressed by the terms zhao and zhao-shen. “The passage above is from” identifies the scripture from which the section is drawn. Taking elixirs, writing talismans, selecting dates and directions, and wearing silk are all ritual descriptions from the Shangqing and Cavern of Truth traditions of visualizing and summoning spirits and ascending to Shangqing. The source is a classical ritual text and should not be treated as modern practical guidance for medicine or safety.

A Plain-Language Reading of the Supreme Secret Essentials

Ingesting and the Results of Cultivation

Face due north-east while ingesting elixirs or stellar Qi and cultivating. After two years, the nine apertures will become clear and unobstructed; after three, the radiance of Shen (spirit) will shine forth; and after nine, Jing (essence) and Qi within the body will be abundant. You will then be able to unite with the perfected spirits and ascend to the realm of Shangqing (Highest Clarity).

The Way to Ascend to Jupiter

The Star of the Year (Jupiter) is like a round mirror. Its dark and radiant wood essence lies on the slope of Eastern Yang. The star has nine gates, each sending out sharp rays of light that stream down for nine million zhang. Each gate is paired with a Green Emperor; nine Green Emperors guard the gates and serve the True Lord Green Sovereign at the center.

At the star’s center is the Supreme True One of Primordial Yang, the Green Sovereign Dao Lord, whose taboo name is Chenglan and courtesy name is Qingning. His wife’s taboo name is Baorong and courtesy name is Feiling. They guard the interior of Jupiter, within its nine gates, setting the green radiance in motion and spreading its sharp rays to illuminate the perfected realms above and below.

Visualization for Ascending

To follow the way of ascension, constantly visualize the Star of the Year. Center your mind and gaze at the star; salute by placing your right hand over your heart and covering both eyes with your left hand. Hold your breath nine times, click your teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow your saliva nine times, keeping your eyes closed beneath your hand. Silently recite three times each the names of the True Sovereign within the Star of the Year and his wife.

When you have finished reciting, speak this vow: “May I ride together with the True Lord Green Sovereign of Primordial Yang and his Lady in the carriage of the Eight Radiances, and ascend to the Palace of the Most High.”

Then open your eyes beneath your hand and look toward the star, softly reciting this incantation:

The light of Heaven joins and harmonizes; essence flows to the East. I look up to the nine gates, where flying rosy clouds scatter rays sharp as the sun. In the midst of the jade terrace dwells the Green Sovereign. His green rays hang down in radiance, illuminating the nine directions. Splendid and abundant is the Lady, whose name is Feiyun. Together they wear cloud brocade, dragon capes, and tiger skirts; phoenix talismans gird their waists, and flowered crowns cover their heads. They emerge from nonbeing and enter the void, roaming freely through Primordial Greatness. Green Emperors lead the way, with a thousand spirits following behind. They come to meet and welcome me, so that I may become a flying perfected one and ascend to Jade Clarity, to the lofty chambers above.

When you have finished the incantation, remove your hand from your eyes and face the star. Ingest its light twenty-seven times, then swallow and visualize the star’s nine rays until they have all entered your throat. When this is done, click your teeth three times.

Years of Practice and Attainment

If you practice this method regularly for fourteen years, the Supreme Green Sovereign of Jupiter will report your achievement to the High Palace of Jade Clarity. Your name will be inscribed in the Petal Register of the Subtle Tenuity and entered in the jade book, and you will attain the rank of True Person of Highest Clarity.

Jupiter’s Nine Gates and the Green Sovereign

Jupiter has nine gates, and within each gate are nine Green Emperors. Each Emperor guards one gate and serves the Supreme True Great Lord, the Green Sovereign, at the center. The Green Sovereign is the True One of the East and the revered deity of primordial essence. He enters and leaves Jade Clarity and holds rank equal to the Most High.

Note: This text belongs to the Shangqing school’s methods of visualization and ascension. Its core practices are visualizing the Star of the Year, paying homage to the True Lord Green Sovereign, ingesting the star’s rays, and reciting an incantation. After fourteen years, one may attain the rank of True Person of Highest Clarity. Explanations of specialized names have been added sparingly at first mention.

The Chapter on Ascending to the Fire Star in the Wushang Miyao (The Supreme Secret Essentials): A Plain-Language Interpretation

The preceding passage spoke of a certain perfected one who was friends with the Azure Emperor and others. This passage describes the method for ascending to the Fire Star.

In the Daoist Canon, the Fire Star is also called the Yinghuo Star (Mars). It is regarded as the gathering place of the red Qi of the southern heavens and of cinnabar fire. Practitioners are to visualize the star in their mind as a dark, mirrorlike treasure, reflecting Cinnabar Essence—the red numinous Qi—and opening the starry domain of the Southern Pavilion. Within the star are three gates, each emitting three sharp rays of light that hang down for about three million zhang. Inside each gate is a Red Emperor, a deity of the southern Fire Virtue. The three Red Emperors each guard one gate and serve the Supreme Perfected Lord of the Cinnabar Fire, Vermilion Yang, and Red Sovereignty, who dwells at the center of the star.

This perfected lord is named Weichun, with the courtesy name Sanrong. His consort is named Huaping, with the courtesy name Xuanluo. The two dwell within the Fire Star and guard its three gates, setting the red radiance and flying beams in motion to illuminate the way of perfected beings throughout the world. Anyone wishing to cultivate the method of ascending to the Fire Star should settle their thoughts and gaze directly at the Yinghuo Star. Place the left hand over the heart in reverence, cover the mouth with the right hand, hold the breath three times, click the teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow the saliva nine times. Just before closing the eyes, silently recite three times each the names and courtesy names of the True Sovereign of Yinghuo and his consort, then make this vow: “May I ride together with the Red Sovereign of Cinnabar Fire and his consort in the Eightfold Radiance Cinnabar Carriage, formed from eight numinous visions, and ascend to the Jade Clarity Palace, the heavenly palace of the Shangqing realm.”

After making the vow, continue facing the star and softly recite the incantation. Its meaning is: “The dark celestial forms flow and shine; the cinnabar radiance fills the southern depths. I gaze up at the three gates, within the city of crimson clouds. The Cinnabar Sovereign is named Weichun; his consort, inwardly radiant, is called Huaping. They wear robes of cloud frost, adorned with phoenix splendor and dragon bells; tiger-script belts gird their waists, and flying-blue cloths bind their heads. They emerge from the Origin and enter the Mystery, soaring through the five cities. The Red Emperors lead the way, and the Six Dings follow behind. Come and summon me, that I may receive the name of a Perfected One, ascend to the empty Mystery, and be entered in the golden registers of Jade Clarity.” When the incantation is complete, uncover the mouth, but keep the eyes closed and fixed on the star. Inhale the star’s radiance twenty-seven times, then swallow it, visualizing all three of the star’s rays entering the throat.

Once the full ritual is complete, click the teeth three times. If this method is practiced regularly for four years, the Supreme Perfected Lord, Red Sovereign of the Fire Star, will report the practitioner’s name to the Mysterious Upper Palace of the Three Origins. The name will be engraved on the jade slips of the Mysterious Garden and entered in the golden registers, and the practitioner will be ranked among the Perfected Ones of Highest Clarity.

Supplementary note: The scripture also says that each of the three gates of the Yinghuo Star contains a Red Emperor who guards that gate, and that all serve the central Red Sovereign. The Red Sovereign is a southern perfected one and a noble deity of the Cinnabar Palace. He enters and leaves Jade Clarity and is a friend of the Three Primordial August Sovereigns. One of the Red Emperor Lords may also be called the Lord of Red Numen. This title appears alongside those of the Azure Emperor and the Lord of Azure Numen among the star-palace titles, all belonging to the honorific system for the retinues of the star lords.

Note: This passage combines the secret practices of visualization and spirit ascent with invocations and incantations directed toward the stars. Its sequence, repetitions, sacred names, and incantations must accord with a teacher’s transmission. This translation is intended only to clarify the meaning and should not be used as a guide for self-practice.

《Supreme Secret Essentials》: A Plain-Language Interpretation

This revered deity is also called the Red God, Red Essence, or Red Emperor. Each of these titles serves the Central Red Emperor, the Supreme True Lord—a title of the supreme perfected deities in the western central lineage.

The passage below describes a method for ascending to the planet Venus, known as Great White (Taibai).

The planet Great White (Venus) is like a round mirror, its golden essence shining over the west. Within the star are seven gates, each sending out seven sharp rays whose light extends downward for seven million zhang. Inside each gate is a White Emperor. There are seven White Emperors in all, each guarding one gate and serving the Central White Emperor, the Dao Lord.

At the center of the star is the Supreme True Dao Lord of Great Simplicity and Lesser Yang, the White Emperor. His taboo name is Liao Ling and his courtesy name is Zhen Xun. His wife’s taboo name is Biao Ying and her courtesy name is Ling En. They dwell within Venus, guard its seven gates, set the white light and flying essence in motion, and illuminate the perfected beings of the Upper Origin.

To practice the method of flying ascent, focus your mind and gaze at the star. Place your right hand over your heart and cover both nostrils with your left hand. Hold your breath seven times, click your teeth together twenty-seven times, and swallow your saliva nine times. Close your eyes and visualize the taboo names and courtesy names of the True Sovereign of Great White and his wife. When you have recited them three times, express the wish to ride together with the Lord of Great Simplicity and Lesser Yang and his wife in the Eight Radiances Plain Chariot, ascending to the Jade Clarity Palace.

Then, facing the star, recite this brief invocation:

“Seven vital energies blaze and fly; their radiance shines over the west. I look up to the numinous towers of the seven gates, where keen rays stir the plain light, illuminating Virtue and marking the Golden Lineage. Within dwells Lesser Yang, called the White Emperor; his wife, Ling En, governs in the Jade Chamber. They wear matching garments of bright white brocade, with flowing bells and tiger emblems; they bind their heads with dawn ribbons and wear golden pendants at their waists. They leave the void and enter the subtle, wandering across the Jade Firmament. The White Emperors lead the way, with the Six Geng spirits following behind. Come down to greet me; let me ascend north to the walled palace, have my name inscribed in the Highest Clarity, and attain the rank of True Lord.”

When you have finished the invocation, lower your hand and uncover your nostrils. Keep your eyes fixed on the star and inhale its light, swallowing it twenty-seven times, until all seven rays have entered your throat. Then click your teeth together three times. Practice this method regularly.

After fourteen years, the Perfected Sovereign of Lesser Yang and the White Star petitions the Great Emperor on your behalf. Your name will be engraved in the Golden Tower of Highest Clarity in the Jade Emperor’s Palace, entered on a jade register, and you will be granted the rank of Left True Lord of Highest Clarity.

Another account says that the planet Great White has seven gates, each guarded by one of seven White Emperors, all serving the Central White Emperor, the Dao Lord. The White Emperor is the supreme perfected deity of the west and the venerable sovereign of Great Simplicity. He enters and leaves Mysterious Clarity and follows the same Dao as the Lord of Primordial Beginning.

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

The “Lord” mentioned in the text refers here to a divine being associated with spiritual cultivation. He is also called the Lord of White Radiance, the White God, the White Essence, or the Lord of the White Emperor. These names all refer to the same lineage of revered divinities, who serve the Supreme True Great Lord of the Central White Emperor, a supreme true lord who dwells at the center and governs white Qi.

The Method for Ascending Through the Water Star

The Star of the Year (Chenxing) is Mercury. Its image is like a round mirror, with the pure essence of water reflecting clearly within it. In the Star of the Year in the Northern Abyss, the shadowy realm of the north, are five celestial gates. Each gate emits five rays of sharp light, each extending five million zhang. Within each gate is a Black Emperor. Together, the five Black Emperors guard the five gates and protect the Supreme Emperor Star of the Northern True Ones.

At the center of the star is the Lord of the Way, the Supreme Dark Yin Origin Black Emperor. His name is Qixuan and his courtesy name is Jingyuan. His consort is named Xuanhua, with the courtesy name Long’e. The Lord of the Way governs within the water star and guards the middle of its five gates. He sets in motion the dark, luminous Qi that shines upon the Court of the Northern Origin.

Those who wish to cultivate themselves into perfected beings and practice the method of ascent should visualize as follows:

1. Settle the mind and focus it; gaze at the Star of the Year.

2. Place both hands over the heart, then raise them to cover both ears, while holding the breath and turning the senses inward in visualization.

3. Chatter the teeth twenty-seven times and swallow the mouth’s liquid nine times.

4. Close the eyes and silently recite the names of the True Emperor Lord of the Way of the Star of the Year and his consort, three times each.

5. Silently recite this wish: “May I ride together with the Lord of the Way and his consort in the Eightfold Radiance Azure Carriage and ascend to the Upper Palace of the Upper Origin in Shangqing.”

6. Then face the star and offer a brief invocation, expressing its essence: “The five Qi soar in mystery, their light flowing to the north. I gaze up at the five verdant gates, rising in splendid profusion. Their sharp rays reach everywhere, their numinous forms reflecting their radiance. In the clouds I behold the Black Emperor, whose name is Jingyuan, and Long’e, wondrously radiant; together they govern the dark pass. They wear matching azure capes and flying skirts of purple brocade, tiger talismans at their waists and lotus crowns upon their heads. They emerge and soar beyond the Nine Heavens, their arrival resounding in the Jade Ford. The Black Emperors lead the way, with the Six Ren spirits following behind. They come down to welcome me; I ascend to the Purple Chamber. My name is entered in the registers of the Highest One, and I attain the rank of Jade Perfected.” After the invocation, lower your hands and do not cover your ears again.

When invoking the star, visualize its rays twenty-seven times, and imagine all five rays entering your throat. Then chatter your teeth three times more. Practice this method regularly.

After fourteen years, the Supreme Star True Lord within the Star of the Year will report your achievement to the High Palace, inscribe your name on a jade tablet in the Chamber of the Luminous Grove, assign you a place among the purple writings of Jade Clarity, and confer upon you the rank of True Lord of Shangqing.

Additional Explanation

The Star of the Year has five gates, each containing a Black Emperor. Each Black Emperor guards one gate, and all are subordinate to the Lord of the Dark Emperor at the center. The Dark Emperor is the principal deity of the northern lineage—the Northern Abyss and Northern Origin—and belongs to the same system of water-star ascent and visualization as the Black Emperor Lord of the Way and the five Black Emperors.

The text describes a water-star ascent ritual in which practitioners gaze at the Star of the Year, cover their ears and hold their breath, chatter their teeth and swallow their mouth’s liquid, invoke the deities by name, make a wish, and visualize the five rays entering the throat. Through these practices, they seek to ascend in the Eightfold Radiance and to Shangqing, ultimately attaining the rank of True Lord of Jade Clarity.

Plain-language interpretation:

The Supreme Perfected, Lord of Great Mystery, travels through the realm of Upper Void and is a friend of the Dao Lord of Purple Essence. Among his followers is the Black Emperor, also called Lord of Black Radiance, the Black Spirit, the Black Essence, or the Lord Black Emperor. They all receive commands from the Central Lord of the Great Mystery, the Black Perfected Sovereign Above.

The method for ascending through Saturn: The planet Saturn, called the Star of Stability, is shaped like a round mirror. Its Earth Essence guards it and shelters the Yellow Path. Within Saturn are four gates, each with four beams of light whose radiance descends four million zhang. At each gate stands a Yellow Emperor; these four Yellow Emperors guard the gates and protect the Perfected Lord of the Origin of Stability. At the planet’s center is the Dao Lord, the True Sovereign of the Yellow Center. His hidden name is Zangmu, and his courtesy name is Danyan. His wife’s hidden name is Kongyao, and her courtesy name is Feixian. Their seat of rule lies within Saturn. The Star of Stability shines upon the four gates, sets the energy of the Yellow Robe in motion, and sends forth clear, bright Qi that illuminates the Central Origin.

Those who study the Dao and wish to ascend must first settle their minds and visualize Saturn, then place both hands over the heart and bow. When the bow is complete, raise the left hand to cover the area above the “Cavern Chamber” (between the eyebrows), hold the breath, click the teeth twenty-seven times, and swallow saliva nine times. With eyes closed, silently recite three times each the hidden names of the Perfected Lord of Saturn and his wife. Then pray:

“May I ride with the Dao Lord, the Great Sovereign of the Center, and his wife in the Yellow Carriage of the Eight Radiances, and ascend to the Palace of Great Clarity.”

Then offer a subtle prayer to the star:

“The four Qi circle and converge, pouring into the Central Origin. I look up toward the Nine Poles and gaze out at the four gates. The Yellow Terrace and Purple Chamber send down beams of light, scattering their radiance. Spirit-light spreads in profusion; heavenly flowers fall into the basin. Within is the Yellow Sovereign, whose courtesy name is Danyan. His wife, who quietly embodies De, is called Feixian. They order life and destiny, harmonize Qi, and guide the Mysterious into the Origin. Clad alike in yellow clouds, wearing dragon brocade and tiger skirts, with golden tallies at their waists and purple caps on their heads, they emerge and soar through the Mysterious Void, revealing their radiance at the Golden Gate. The Yellow Emperor, Liuji, leads the way; the guards of the chariot descend to welcome me. I ascend to the Heavenly Gate, where my name is inscribed in the Golden Book and Supreme Jade Slips. Engraved in the records of flight across the Great Void, I attain the rank of Jade Minister.”

When the prayer is finished, lower the hand from the Cavern Chamber. Keep the eyes closed and gaze inward at the star. Draw in its radiance twenty-seven times, visualizing the four beams of light entering the throat. Then click the teeth three times. If this method is practiced regularly, after fourteen years the Yellow Perfected Sovereign of the Center within Saturn will report to the Palace of the Supreme, where the practitioner’s name will be inscribed on the azure slips of the Jade Terrace and entered into the cinnabar registers of the Nine Mysteries. The practitioner will be granted the rank of Perfected Lord of Highest Clarity.

Plain-Language Interpretation of Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials)

The Zhen Star and the Four Gates and Four Emperors

Within the Zhen Star (Saturn, the central star in Daoist cosmology) are four gates, each guarded by a Yellow Emperor, making four in all. One gate is served by the Central Yellow True Sovereign (Huangzhen Huangjun). The Central Yellow Supreme Sovereign is the most exalted deity at the center of the heavens. He travels to and from the Heaven of Great Tenuity and is a friend of the Dao Lord of the Primordial Beginning (Huangchu Daojun). The emperor who guards the gate of the Zhen Star is also known as the Lord of Yellow Numina, the Yellow Spirit, the Yellow Essence, or the Yellow Emperor Lord. All serve the Lord of the Central Yellow Supreme Truth (Zhonghuang Shangzhen).

The One-Night Practice for Absorbing the Five Stars’ Command and Contemplating the Stars by Direction

When practicing the One-Night Practice for Absorbing the Five Stars’ Command, one should regularly turn attention through all five directions. In spring, begin by directing the mind toward the east and absorbing the stars’ radiance; in summer, begin in the south. One should also follow the month that governs the season, beginning with its ruling star. The stars need not be fixed in any one direction: practice according to the direction in which each star is actually located at the time.

When the sky is overcast and the stars cannot be seen, continue the practice in the sleeping chamber, just as one would when contemplating the five directions.

A Perfected One said: “Contemplating the stellar deities indoors is no different from seeing the stars in the heavens with your own eyes. Do not abandon this practice simply because the stars are hidden from view. This is the Supreme One’s secret method of concealment and of ascending at dawn to immortality.”

Swallowing Starlight and the Manifestation of the Supreme Sovereigns

When swallowing the radiance of the stars, visualize the stellar deities, the Supreme Sovereign, and the Supreme Sovereign’s consort riding beams of light down into your mouth and being swallowed. With your eyes closed, you should seem to see their forms. If you regularly practice the Supreme One’s hidden method and summon and contemplate the Supreme Sovereigns of the Five Stars, then within five years their forms and shadows will appear indistinctly; within seven years, you will be able to see them clearly and accompany them on their travels. After fourteen years, the Five Stars will descend together once, riding a carriage of mysterious splendor. Three-colored purple clouds will lead the way, followed by the Five Emperors, the myriad perfected beings, and the Five Stars. They will carry you through the bright daytime sky to ascend at dawn, where you will attend court in Jade Clarity and receive a register as a Perfected One of Highest Clarity (Shangqing).

(The above is from the Dongzhen Baisu Zhenjing.)

Inner Contemplation of the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Peak and the Spring Beginning Pilgrimage

For the inner contemplation of the Azure Emperor of the Eastern Peak, visualize the eastern direction through the associations of jia and yi, entry into Wood, the number nine in red, and the patterned talisman. The Lord of the Azure Emperor of the East has the surname Chang and the personal name Jingmeng. He wears a Ninefold Origin crown that reaches Heaven, a blue brocade cape, and a flowing skirt of green-blue brocade. He bears the Supreme One’s seal of the Nine Qi that governs destiny and wears a sash of interwoven spiritual power adorned with kingfisher feathers.

On the day Spring Begins, he regularly rides a cloud carriage of blue-green mists drawn by nine dragons. Twelve Jade Maidens of the Blue Waist accompany him, carrying blossoms of the blue grove and banners mounted on staffs in nine colors. He travels to Mount Tai, the Eastern Peak, to review and settle the registers of the perfected beings and immortal officials. He also visits the Water Emperor of the Eastern Sea to assess the merits and faults, and the offenses, of those who study the Dao. Then he returns and descends to watch over those who wear talismans.

Essential Secrets of the Supreme Mystery: A Plain-Language Interpretation

Those who cultivate themselves and study the Dao (the Way) wear talismans to summon spirits and hold Qi (vital energy) in mind to bring down the perfected beings.

To obtain “the water emperor’s register of excision and a place in the Jade Register,” one should act on the day of Beginning of Spring. At dawn, bathe and observe a pure fast; enter a room, burn incense, and wear the Jia-Yi Entering Wood Nine Red-Banded Talisman while carrying out the practice. After nine years, one will be able to write a talisman and cast it toward a mountain: the mountain will send down clouds and rain, and suddenly grow dark and dim. Write a talisman and cast it into water, and a horned dragon will rise above the surface. One will be able to enter a chasm ten thousand zhang deep as easily as walking on level ground. Write a talisman on wood and carve it away: it will not disappear, and its markings will grow clearer. Carry a talisman and embrace a tree, and one’s body will become a mountain forest. The Eastern Peak will send twelve immortal officials to guard and protect one. After completing eighteen years of practice, one will be able to fly upward to Shangqing.

The Lord of the Northern Peak, Mount Heng: On the day of the Winter Solstice, he regularly submits memorials to the perfected immortals. The names of those who have newly begun their studies and attained the Dao are presented to the Supreme High Emperor, who records and verifies their mysterious names, distinguishes their merits from their faults, and guides them in the Way of flying immortals.

On that day, at midnight, one should bathe and observe a ritual fast. Enter a room, burn incense, and face north as one visualizes the Lord of Mount Heng. His surname is Fu, and his taboo name is Tongmeng. On his head he wears a Five-Origin Precious Jade Crown of Dawn; he is dressed in a black brocade flying skirt, wears a robe of dark patterned radiance, and is girded with a purple sash of intertwined spirits. He rides a flying wheel amid dark clouds. Twelve immortal officials from the Northern Peak follow him, all riding flying turtles and holding five-colored flowered banners. They circle back toward the northwest, ascend beyond the boundless heights to the heavens of Jade Purity, and wander within the empty expanse and among the dark clouds.

Tap the teeth five times, and silently say in your heart: “Today is an auspicious day of the Eight Seasonal Nodes. May the Lord of the Dao turn back and cast a compassionate glance, descending to me, taking charge of my register of life, and preserving my years for a long time.” When this is done, visualize the Lord of Mount Heng riding down on a flying wheel amid black clouds to the chamber of the supplicant. Black Qi billows, and clouds of radiance fill the room. The Lord is within the black Qi, holding a purple register and entering my name in its chamber. Recite this quiet incantation:

Dark Yin turns back the spirits; riding the sun, it governs the dawn. The Five Qi gather all that is true and rule over the assembled immortals. Surveying the celestial palace, wandering amid ranks of clouds, bend down to watch over and illuminate me; come to my chamber. Write my name in the mysterious register and record it in the Jade Register. Let the Dao become clear and penetrate all things, so that I may enter the realm of the perfected, command the Five Spirits, seal the rivers and summon the mountains, send down dragons and raise rain, guide the clouds and stir up mist, and ride lightly through the skies to ascend to the Emperor’s Dawn.

When finished, raise the head and swallow the Five Qi. If one cultivates correctly for nine years, the Lord of Mount Heng will descend to the supplicant, bringing a black dragon cloud-carriage and providing immortal officials and jade attendants to summon the supplicant northward.

Brief Explanations of Terms

This passage describes how to make and wear the “spirit-communing jade talismans” of the Five Emperors of the Five Directions, and the revelations and ascension visions said to follow sustained practice. The main points are explained below in plain language.

Overview: The Northern Directional Spirit

The medicine of the true spirits of the directions can reveal events yet to come in the north, along with omens of good and ill fortune. After eighteen years of practice, one can fly up and ascend to the celestial realm of Shangqing. This passage comes from the Dongzhen Jiuchi Ban Yudi Neizhen Jing.

Azure Emperor (East; Jia and Yi, Wood)

For the Azure Emperor’s Jia-Yi spirit-communing jade talisman, write with azurite, a blue mineral pigment, on deep-red silk and wear it on the body. On a Jia or Yi day, also write the talisman in blue ink on deep-red paper, fold it, face east, and swallow and wear one talisman. After three years, the Azure-Waisted Jade Maiden appears with a sign, opening the practitioner to spirit communication and knowledge of events within and beyond a thousand li to the east. The Immortal Officials of the Eastern Peak send “natural provisions”—food said in Daoist belief to descend from the immortals without cooking or fire. After nine years, the Azure Emperor descends in person to the sleeping chamber and receives the practitioner on a flying wheel of azure clouds, ascending with them to the Shangqing Palace.

Vermilion Emperor (South; Bing and Ding, Fire)

For the Vermilion Emperor’s Bing-Ding spirit-communing jade talisman, write with vermilion on yellow silk and wear it on the body. On a Bing or Ding day, also write the talisman in vermilion on yellow paper, face south, and swallow and wear one talisman. After three years, the Vermilion-Silk Jade Maiden appears with a sign, opening the practitioner to spirit communication and knowledge of events within a thousand li to the south. The Immortal Officials of the Southern Peak send natural provisions. After nine years, the Vermilion Emperor descends in person to the sleeping chamber and ascends with the practitioner to the Shangqing Palace on a flying wheel of crimson clouds.

White Emperor (West; Geng and Xin, Metal)

For the White Emperor’s Geng-Xin spirit-communing jade talisman, write with white ink on black silk and wear it on the body. On a Geng or Xin day, also write the talisman in white ink on black paper, face west, and swallow and wear one talisman. After three years, the White-Silk Jade Maiden appears with a sign, opening the practitioner to spirit communication and knowledge of events within a thousand li to the west. The Immortal Officials of the Western Peak send natural provisions. After nine years, the White Emperor descends in person to the sleeping chamber and ascends with the practitioner to the Shangqing Palace on a flying wheel of white clouds.

Black Emperor (North; Ren and Gui, Water)

For the Black Emperor’s Ren-Gui spirit-communing jade talisman, write with black ink on blue-green silk and wear it on the body. On a Ren or Gui day, also write the talisman in black ink on blue-green paper, face north, and swallow and wear one talisman. After three years, the Mysterious-Silk Jade Maiden appears with a sign, opening the practitioner to spirit communication and knowledge of events within a thousand li to the north. The Immortal Officials of the Northern Peak send natural provisions. After nine years, the Black Emperor descends in person to the sleeping chamber and ascends with the practitioner to the Shangqing Palace on a flying wheel of dark clouds.

Yellow Emperor (Center; Wu and Ji, Earth)

For the Yellow Emperor’s Wu-Ji spirit-communing jade talisman, write with yellow ink on white silk and wear it on the body. On a Wu or Ji day, also write the talisman in yellow ink on white paper, face toward the direction of Tai Sui—the deity governing the year—and swallow and wear one talisman. After three years, the Yellow-Silk Jade Maiden appears with a sign, opening the practitioner to spirit communication and knowledge of events within a thousand li of the center. The Immortal Officials of the Central Direction send natural provisions. After nine years, the Yellow Emperor descends in person to the sleeping chamber and ascends with the practitioner to the Shangqing Palace on a flying wheel of yellow clouds.

Additional explanation

The five talismans share the same structure: choose the color and day according to the heavenly stems and directions, then face that direction to wear the talisman. After three years, the practitioner receives a sign from a Jade Maiden and gains spirit communication over a thousand li; the deity of the corresponding peak provides food. After nine years, the Five Emperors appear in person, and the practitioner ascends to the Shangqing Palace on a flying wheel amid clouds of five colors. Shangqing is one of the celestial palaces in the upper realms of Daoism. The original emphasizes the correspondences among talisman colors, directions, days, the Five Peaks, and the Five Emperors. It records a secret talisman practice of the Shangqing tradition and is not an instruction for a ritual to try casually.

The Wushang Miyao, Scroll 92 · Section Title

Original:

The following is drawn from the Dongzhen Suzou Danfu Lingwen.

Plain-language interpretation:

This line is not the main text of a lengthy scripture. It gives the source and title of a short section in this scroll. Its general meaning is as follows.

“The following is drawn from Dongzhen”

This indicates that the material that follows has been excerpted from the Dongzhen Cavern, one of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, and Dongshen) in the Daoist canon, associated with the Shangqing tradition. In the arrangement of the Daoist canon, “the following” can refer to a book placed in a particular section. Here it means: “based on records in the Dongzhen tradition.”

“Suzou Danfu Lingwen”

This refers to a method or ritual form involving talismans and petitions:

• Suzou: petitioning or submitting a report to the higher powers in a simple, unadorned manner. Some texts also understand “su” as meaning pure and restrained: a form of petition that follows prescribed rites to formally convey one’s intention and name to the celestial realm or one’s teacher, without elaborate embellishments.
• Danfu: talismans associated with the Dao of the Elixir and numinous power. These often refer to talismanic forms or commands that are cultivated internally or attuned to the Qi of the Elixir, and are used for protection, communion with spirits, or visualization.
• Lingwen: secret characters or chapters in the style of celestial writings, or numinous texts transmitted orally and mind to mind, believed to have powers of invocation, visualization, and protection.

Taken together, the section title can be understood as: “In this scroll, material drawn from the Dongzhen tradition concerning petitions made in a pure and simple manner, and the use of Dan talismans and numinous writings.”

Note:

In the complete Scroll 92 of The Wushang Miyao, this title is generally followed by specific numinous writings, talismanic designs, or instructions for carrying out the method.