《無上祕要》Vol. 65

Wushang Miyao, Volume 98: “Ascending to the Nine Heavens”—A Plain Language Interpretation

Second Month: Receiving the Qi of the Heaven of Untroubled Joy

Timing: On the fifth day of the second month at dawn, the fifteenth at noon, and the twenty-fifth at midnight; also on the third day of each month, during three specified periods.

Ritual:

1. Bathe with fragrant water, enter a room, and burn incense.

2. Bow nine times toward the northwest to pay homage to the Primordial Father; bow three times toward the southeast to pay homage to the Mysterious Mother.

3. Sit upright facing the yuejian (the direction associated with the Earthly Branch of the current month), and click the teeth thirty-six times.

4. Close the eyes and visualize: invoke the King of the Heaven of Untroubled Joy, surnamed Ning and named Fuhuo. The king wears a spotted robe patterned with nine-colored flying frost clouds, and a dark essence crown of the Azure Florescence and Jupiter. He rides in a carriage drawn by a white deer and wreathed in vermilion clouds, leading twenty-six jade immortal officials from the Upper Palace down into the Purple Tenuity Palace within the body.

5. Visualize blue clouds enveloping the whole body. After a long while, draw the cloud Qi into the mouth and swallow it nine times, while softly reciting:

The three unite to form the guiding cord; the three spirits meet in harmony. The nine perfected ones flow down; the sun and moon spread their sheltering wings. The Seven Stars shine mysteriously; the Five Lodges wheel around and cover. The three passes gleam brightly; the myriad spirits don their ceremonial robes. The nine apertures open clear and free; the six viscera receive their nourishment. Within, flourishing; without, untroubled. Penetrating insight sees beyond all limits. Preserve Heaven and Earth for long; forever enjoy the Four Great Ones.

6. Swallow the Qi nine times and swallow saliva nine times, then stop.

Effects: After practicing this for three years, purple channels form in the liver, and jade radiance blossoms within. One sees clearly through inner and outer realms and perceives what has yet to occur. After nine years, the numinous descends, and one ascends through flight to the Nine Heavens.

Third Month: Receiving the Qi of the Heaven of Serene Stillness

Timing: On the sixth day of the third month at dawn, the sixteenth at noon, and the twenty-sixth at midnight; also on the third day of each month, during three specified periods.

Ritual:

1. Bathe with fragrant water, enter a room, and burn incense.

2. Bow nine times toward the northwest to pay homage to the Primordial Father, and three times toward the southeast to pay homage to the Mysterious Mother.

3. Sit upright facing the yuejian, and click the teeth thirty-six times.

4. Close the eyes and visualize: invoke the King of the Heaven of Serene Stillness, surnamed Jin and named □ling. The king wears a radiant robe patterned with seven-colored dragons and a crown of Yin essence and nighttime radiance. He rides on a flying wheel of the Eight Luminaries, leading twelve jade immortals down into the Long Life Palace within the body.

5. Visualize dense green clouds enveloping the whole body. After a long while, draw the cloud Qi into the mouth and swallow it nine times, while softly reciting:

The supreme Dao is dark and obscure; the mysterious Qi divides in secret. The nine and five unfold and flow; the eight convergences reach the Gate of Life. In the Cinnabar Palace, the crimson child receives Qi from the imperial lord. Taokang’s register of life is presented to the Three Primes, together with the assembled perfected ones.

(The scripture appears to be damaged at this point, and the incantation is incomplete.)

Note: This passage belongs to the Shangqing school’s methods of visualization and ascent through flight. At appointed times each month, the practitioner bathes, pays homage, clicks the teeth, and visualizes celestial deities descending into specific palaces within the body, such as the Purple Tenuity Palace and the Long Life Palace. These practices are combined with swallowing Qi and saliva and reciting incantations to bring about changes in the body’s Qi channels and ultimately achieve ascent to the Nine Heavens. “Primordial Father” and “Mysterious Mother” are Daoist honorifics for Heaven and Earth, and for Yin and Yang. Yuejian refers to the direction associated with the Earthly Branch of that month.

A Passage on Illuminating, Refining the Po, and Preserving the Hun

Through contemplation, one illuminates and reflects; one refines and transforms the Po, and protects the Hun. Within, clarity and radiance flourish; without, brilliance appears. The divine spirits guard the hidden gates, while the Eight Radiances shelter the body like wings. The Nine Qi descend like clouds and rise through the mysterious void, reaching the gate of the Emperor. Stop after swallowing the Qi nine times each session, and practice according to this method. After three years, the gallbladder transforms into jade frost, purple mist forms within, and the nine orifices receive numinous power; one can converse with the “Red Child,” the infant transformed from an inner deity. After nine years, one can ride mysterious clouds beneath a purple canopy and ascend to the Nine Heavens.

(Marginal note on the right: From the Jing of the Central Record of the Nine Elixirs’ Ascent and Transformation of the Embryonic Essence in the Dongzhen Cavern.)

The Numinous Talisman of the Five Essences and Flying Essence from the Cavern Heavens

“The Numinous Talisman of the Five Essences and Flying Essence from the Cavern Heavens”: On the day of the Beginning of Summer, write it in vermilion ink on the inner skin of bamboo. At dawn, face south and wear it. After one year of wearing it, one can see a thousand li into the distance. After three years, one knows that one’s own body has become that of an immortal. After nine years, one can see through the Nine Heavens, pay homage there, communicate and speak with numinous beings, and fly through the Nine Heavens.

(Marginal note on the right: From the True Scripture of the Eight Essences in the Dongzhen Cavern.)

The Hun Essence of Doushu Tian

The secret sounds and inner taboo names of the Hun Essence of Doushu Tian: Wear a jade pendant bearing the “Talisman of the Sun” to obtain the “Qi of the Sun” of Doushu Tian. This Qi governs the inner deity, the Highest Perfected One of the Palace of Cavernous Yang. Write the talisman in vermilion ink on white silk and wear it on the body; also write it on white paper and ingest it on the eight calendrical nodes of one’s natal year. Turn the mind inward toward the Highest Perfected One of Cavernous Yang. After three uninterrupted years, one will see the inner deity’s true form, with five heads and one body. One’s name will be entered in the registers of the Nine Heavens, and the Emperor Lord of the Southern Terrace will descend into the sleeping chamber to refine the Hun, restrain the Po, and transform the Eight Spirits of the Radiances. After eighteen years, the spirit and body will ascend through the Nine Heavens.

The Hun Essence of the Heaven of No Pride and Joy

The secret sounds and inner taboo names of the Hun Essence of the Heaven of No Pride and Joy: Wear a jade pendant bearing the “Talisman of Upper Yang” to obtain the “Qi of Upper Yang” of the Heaven of No Pride and Joy. This Qi governs the inner deity, the Central Perfected One in the Crimson Palace. Write the talisman in vermilion ink on white silk and wear it; also write it on white paper and ingest it on the eight calendrical nodes of one’s natal year. Turn the mind inward toward the Central Perfected One in the Crimson Palace. After three uninterrupted years, one will see the true form, or see a deity in human form with nine heads. One will receive a sign on a board of cinnabar jade, and one’s rank will be recorded as the Master of Southern Marchmount, who registers the myriad Qi and secures the spirit and preserves the true. After eighteen years, the Three Primes will descend and send a flying wheel to welcome one, carrying one up to the Nine Heavens.

The Hun Essence of the Heaven of Supreme Meditation, Goodness, and Infinite Life

The secret sounds and inner taboo names of the Hun Essence of the Heaven of Supreme Meditation, Goodness, and Infinite Life: Wear a jade pendant bearing the “Talisman of Yangming” to obtain the “Qi of Yangming” of this heaven. This Qi governs the inner deity, the Central Perfected One in the Hall of Light. Write the talisman in blue ink on white silk and wear it; also write it on white paper and ingest it on the eight calendrical nodes of one’s natal year. Turn the mind inward toward the Central Perfected One in the Hall of Light. After three years, one will behold the true form and naturally understand the sounds of the Nine Heavens above. One will obtain the book of the Nine Heavens; the Emperor Lord will descend, and the Eight Radiances will lift the body up to the Nine Heavens.

Essential Secrets Without Supremacy

The Secret Soul-and-Essence Sounds and Talisman of the Heaven of Bolidahe

The secret sounds of soul and essence transmitted by the Heaven of Bolidahe correspond to the talisman called “Talisman of Jade Pendants and Sprouting Yang.” The qi of sprouting Yang governs the inner deity below the Dantian palace beneath the navel. You may write the secret sounds on yellow paper or white silk and wear them on your person. Alternatively, write them on white paper and swallow it on your natal day or on one of the eight seasonal festivals of the year, while inwardly visualizing the true deity beneath the Dantian palace. If you sustain this visualization for three years and can discern the deity, its true form will appear before you, the Three Origins will descend, and your form and spirit will be refined and transformed. Signs will appear that the Three Departments and Eight Radiances are in motion. You can then ascend as an immortal, flying through the Great Void and rising to the Nine Heavens.

(This passage is from The Yang Talismans of the Nine True Ones of the Dongzhen Cavern.)

The Thirty-Six Sounds of the Nine Earths of the Dongyuan Cavern — First Layer

The True Sound of the Moist Earth Layer (the secret name within the true sound of the first, moisture-nourishing layer):

The Earth Sovereign’s surname is Qin, and his taboo name is Xiaojingchun; the Traveling Sound Earth Sovereign’s surname is Huang, and his taboo name is Changshang; the Father’s Wandering Sound Earth Sovereign’s surname is Qing, and his taboo name is Xuanfu; the Brahma Foundation Sound Earth Sovereign’s surname is Fei, and his taboo name is Zhongchenhuang.

These are the four Earth Sovereigns of the first layer, each associated with one of the four colors. The qi of this place bears the four directions within its whole region, extends to the utmost without end, and is boundless, limitless, and colorless.

On the day of the Beginning of Spring, the two Earth Sovereigns of the first layer are always present. Riding a blue dragon chariot and holding a nine-colored banner, they lead the officials of the Azure Emperor Hu Lao and nine thousand riders on giant-scaled beasts. They ascend to the Heaven of Boundless Extent, where they report to the kings of the four heavens the names of earthbound immortals who have attained the Dao, and of those who study the Way above.

Those who practice this supreme method should enter a quiet room at dawn on the day of the Beginning of Spring and face east. With a blue brush, write the Earth Sovereigns’ secret sounds on white paper and swallow it. Click your teeth nine times, then look upward in your mind and visualize the surnames and taboo names of the four Earth Sovereigns. They are all wearing blue feather skirts, with crowns of the Nine Origins that reach to Heaven upon their heads, and riding blue dragon feathered chariots as they fly up to the Heaven of Boundless Extent. Recite this subtle spell:

“Azure Yang announces the ascent; Earth Sovereigns, behold the dawn. You command the Four Offices and join all immortals. The Heavenly Elder records the registers; may our highest aspirations be declared and fulfilled. With diligent and steadfast aspiration, one attains the Dao without distinction. Our names are inscribed above in the Jade Record; our traces vanish from the Nine Layers. We fly in radiant splendor aboard jade carriages, attain equality with the Four Sovereigns, and forever remain under Heaven’s protection.”

After completing the spell, face east and bow inwardly nine times. Swallow the qi nine times, and stop.

In this way, the Earth Sovereigns will inscribe your name in the Nine Heavens and Nine Earths and erase your traces from the Nine Yin realms. The Earth Officials will protect and guard you, and Hu Lao will oversee your welcome. After thirty-six years, you will be able to ride a blue-feathered flying canopy and ascend to the Heaven of Boundless Extent.

Brief Explanations of Terms

A Plain Language Interpretation of the Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials)

(The names and titles of the Earth Emperors of the Second Layer)

The Earth Emperor of Yin Tu has the surname Yu and the personal name Huang Musheng. The Traveling Yin Tu Earth Emperor has the surname Xuan and the personal name Qian Deweifan. The Yin Tu Earth Emperor has the surname Chang and the personal name Huang Meng.

The land of the second layer

Here are the Four Earth Emperors, who preside over the vast domain borne by the earth. Its four horizons stretch far without end; it is boundless and filled with formless Qi.

The Earth Emperors of the second layer are always carried, on the day of the Spring Equinox, upon clouds of yellow and blue-green, riding twelve dark tortoises and holding the Register of the Nine Origins of the Divine Emperor. They lead the officials of the Azure Emperor Hu Lao and eight thousand armored flying riders upward to the Heaven of Supreme Supreme Chan-Shan, the Heaven of Immeasurable Life, where they report the names of earth immortals who have attained the Dao and of those pursuing higher learning to the kings of the Four Heavens.

Anyone studying the higher methods should enter a quiet room at dawn on the day of the Spring Equinox and face east. With a blue brush, write the inner names of the Earth Emperors on yellow paper and swallow it. Then click the teeth nine times and, gazing upward in visualization, contemplate the surnames and secret names of the Four Earth Emperors: all wear yellow brocade flying skirts and flat-topped crowns; they ride cloud chariots of yellow and blue-green, drawn by twelve dark tortoises holding the registers of the Nine Heavens. Accompanied by the officials of the Azure Emperor Hu Lao and the armored flying riders, they ascend to the Heaven of Supreme Supreme Chan-Shan, the Heaven of Immeasurable Life. Recite this quiet incantation:

“The three paths turn, and the season arrives. The one who oversees all reports the earth immortals’ names above. The Imperial Lord and Heavenly Elder determine the registers. On this auspicious day, the Earth Emperor records the text. My Dao is complete; my traces fall into the Nine Yin. Flying radiance and pure clouds, the four Qi join in accord. The Sovereign Immortal gathers with the assembled host.”

When finished, face east and bow inwardly eight times. Swallow the breath eight times, then stop. Practice this for thirty-six years, and you can ride a flying cloud chariot upward to the Heaven of Supreme Supreme Chan-Shan, the Heaven of Immeasurable Life.

The third layer

The land is true and has the color of stone resin. The Yin Tu Earth Emperor has the surname Zhang and the secret name Weishen. The Baoxing Yin Tu Earth Emperor has the surname Zhou and the secret name Boshangren. The Traveling Yin Tu Earth Emperor has the surname Zhu and the secret name Mingche. The Zifan Yin Tu Earth Emperor has the surname Yu and the secret name Wenjingshi.

The land of the third layer

Here are the Four Earth Emperors, who preside over the domain borne by the earth. Its four horizons extend without limit; it is boundless and filled with colorless Qi.

The Earth Emperors of the third layer are always carried, on the day of the Beginning of Summer, upon clouds of crimson rosy light. Twelve phoenixes hold the five-colored standards. Accompanied by the officials of Yue Lao and eight thousand flying warrior riders, they ascend to the Heaven of Xuyan, where they report the names of earth immortals who have attained the Dao and of those pursuing higher learning to the kings of the Four Heavens.

Notes for easier reading

• Earth Emperor: A Daoist deity of the earth; the emperors govern the layers of the earth and the registers of those who ascend.
• Secret name: A hidden name used in visualization or when writing.
• Layer: Here, a division of the earth or the ritual realm.
• Clicking the teeth, swallowing the breath, visualization, and quiet incantation: Ritual practices performed in a purification chamber, alongside writing and wearing talismans.
• Azure Emperor Hu Lao, Yue Lao, and others: Names of protective divine officials who appear in the text according to the season.

Excerpt from the Wushang Biyao (Supreme Secret Essentials), in Modern Vernacular

1. Ritual for Practicing the “Higher Method” at the Beginning of Summer

The higher methods should be practiced on the day Beginning of Summer. After eating, enter a room and face south. With a vermilion brush, write the inner names of the Earth Emperors—the secret names and inner appellations of the Earth Emperors of the four tiers—on white paper, then wear the paper or swallow it. Click the teeth nine times. Raise the head and visualize the four Earth Emperors, with their surnames and taboo names, all dressed in crimson patterned flying skirts and wearing the Cap of Worthy Advancement of the Boundless. They ride clouds of crimson radiance, while twelve phoenixes bear five-colored ceremonial staffs. They ascend through the air to the Heaven of Xuyan, one of the celestial realms described in Daoist texts. Then silently recite this brief invocation:

The four energies gather at the center; the eight directions assemble in audience. The auspicious dawn arrives at its appointed place; the nine tiers of earth rise in splendor. The immortals who hold the registers of fate ascend to the purple empyrean. Their names are entered in the imperial writ, and they take their places among the high ranks of the immortals. They ride the vermilion radiance, roaming freely on flying winds. Their years endure as long as the Three Luminaries, and they remain undiminished to the ends of heaven.

When the invocation is finished, face south and bow inwardly eight times. Swallow the breath eight times, then stop. If you practice in this way for thirty-six years, you can ride a flying cloud carriage up to the Heaven of Xuyan.

2. The Name and Domain of the Earth Emperor of the Fourth Tier

The fourth tier is the “Land of Moisture and Abundance.” Its Earth Emperor’s principal name is: surname Jia, taboo name Yunzi Gao.

The three other Earth Emperors’ names are:

• The Earth Emperor’s traveling name: surname Xie, taboo name Boyuan.
• The Earth Emperor’s name for roaming without constraint: surname Ji, taboo name Fu Fengche.
• The Earth Emperor’s Brahma name: surname Xing, taboo name Jizhengfang.

These four tiers of earth correspond to four Earth Emperors. The earth bears the world all around; its four limits extend without end and are boundless. This domain is governed by formless Qi.

3. The Earth Emperor’s Ascent to Heaven at the Summer Solstice and Further Practice of the Higher Method

On the day of the Summer Solstice, the Earth Emperor of the fourth tier often rides a carriage of clouds and crimson radiance. Twelve vermilion birds carry banners that subdue demons who obstruct one’s destiny. The Earth Emperor leads eight thousand immortals and armed riders who travel through the air to the Heaven of Stillness, where he reports to the Kings of the Four Heavens the names and taboo names of earthbound immortals who have attained the Dao, as well as those who study the higher teachings.

Those who learn this higher method should enter a room at noon on the day of the Summer Solstice and face south. With a vermilion brush, write the Earth Emperor’s inner names on yellow paper and swallow it. Click the teeth nine times, then raise the head and visualize the surnames and taboo names of the four Earth Emperors. All are dressed in green patterned skirts and wear traveling caps. They ride a carriage of clouds and crimson radiance; twelve vermilion birds carry banners that subdue demons who obstruct one’s destiny as they ascend to the Heaven of Stillness. Recite this brief incantation:

Heaven is clear and earth is still; the nine soils rise in dark splendor. The four cycles govern the dawn and ascend to join the purple heavens. The flying carriage wanders and lingers amid unbroken radiance. The eight assemblies exchange congratulations, and the Jade Void opens wide. The August Elder records names; the Heavenly King inscribes the scroll. The nine tiers of earth erase death, and the Director of Destinies marks the years. The body enters the radiant dawn and forever preserves its place among the high immortals.

When the incantation is finished, face south and bow inwardly eight times, then stop. If you practice this for thirty-six years, you can ride a carriage of crimson clouds up to the Heaven of Stillness.

Notes for reading the original

“Tier” here refers to one of the nine tiers into which the earth is divided, each governed by an Earth Emperor.

“Inner name,” “principal name,” “traveling name,” and the other terms refer to different levels of appellation for an Earth Emperor of the same tier, used in different rituals.

Clicking the teeth, swallowing the breath, and bowing inwardly are bodily and breath practices, as well as forms of reverence, performed while visualizing the celestial deities.

Thirty-six years is a prescribed period of practice commonly found in the scripture. It is linked to claimed results such as ascending in a celestial carriage and having one’s name entered in the registers of heaven.

The fifth tier is called the Land of the Golden Millet Marsh. Among its four modes of sound, the Earth Emperor of the correct sound is surnamed Hua and named Yanmiming; the Earth Emperor of the moving sound is surnamed Huang and named Lingworong; the Earth Emperor of the wandering sound is surnamed Yun and named Shenwuyuan; and the Earth Emperor of the Brahma sound is surnamed Meng and named Tongbaguang.

These are the four Earth Emperors of the fifth tier. Its territory rests upon the earth, and its borders extend without limit in every direction, with no end. It lies within Qi that is boundless, formless, and colorless.

On the day of the Beginning of Autumn each year, the Earth Emperors of the fifth tier ride white cloud carriages. Twelve white tigers travel before them, guarding the life-spirit and the Seal of the Nine Origins. They are accompanied by six thousand attendants, including the Five Elders, celestial officials, and flying thunder-riders, as they proceed to the Heaven of Unfettered Joy. There they report to Heaven the names of those who have cultivated themselves into earthly immortals, attained the Dao, and continued their studies, so that their names may be entered in the registers of the Kings of the Four Heavens.

Anyone practicing the highest arts should enter a quiet room at the hour of the Monkey on the day of the Beginning of Autumn and face west. With a white brush, write the inner sounds of the Earth Emperors on green paper and wear it on your person. Then click your teeth nine times and, with your head raised, visualize the surnames and names of all four Earth Emperors appearing upon plain-colored skirts and flying robes. Visualize yourself wearing the jeweled crown of the Nine Origins and Clear Light, riding a white-cloud jade carriage with twelve white tigers before it guarding the life-spirit and the Seal of the Nine Origins, and ascending to the Heaven of Unfettered Joy. Then softly recite the incantation:

“Through the ninefold heights and four cycles, the Brahma realm proclaims to the Emperor. The original radiance orders life; the Heavenly King records and registers it. The imperial tablets are inscribed and presented to the Azure Palace. The nine Yin destroy the corpses; the body rises to the splendid chambers. Forever preserve the state of an immortal, and shine with the radiance of the Three Mornings.”

When you have finished, face west, bow devoutly six times, and swallow your breath six times. Practice in this way for thirty-six years, and you will be able to ride a white-cloud jade carriage and ascend to the Heaven of Unfettered Joy.

The sixth tier is called the Land of the Vajra Iron Marsh. Among its four modes of sound, the Earth Emperor of the correct sound is surnamed Ji and named Shangshaojun; the Earth Emperor of the moving sound is surnamed Fan and named Laili’an; the Earth Emperor of the wandering sound is surnamed Chang and named Lijiwu; and the Earth Emperor of the Brahma sound is surnamed Wang and named Sìnürong.

These are the four Earth Emperors of the sixth tier. Its territory rests upon the earth, and its reaches extend without limit in every direction, with no end. It lies within Qi that is boundless, formless, and colorless.

On the day of the Autumn Equinox each year, the Earth Emperors of the sixth tier ride white-cloud flying carriages. Twelve white tigers travel before them, bearing banners that command the spirits in nine colors. They are accompanied by six thousand attendants, including the Five Elders, celestial officials, and flying immortal tiger-riders, as they proceed to the Heaven of Manifest Response. There they report to Heaven the names of those who have cultivated themselves into earthly immortals, attained the Dao, and continued their studies, so that their names may be entered in the registers of the Kings of the Four Heavens.

Anyone practicing the highest arts should enter a quiet room at the hour of the Monkey on the day of the Autumn Equinox and face west.

Plain-Language Interpretation

(1) The Method of Writing on Blue Paper

With a brush, write the “Secret Names of the Earth Sovereigns” (the Earth Sovereigns’ hidden names) on blue paper. Swallow it, then click your teeth nine times and tilt your head back in visualization. See the surnames and taboo names of the four Earth Sovereigns appear before your eyes. They wear plain brocade flying skirts and crowns of the Wuji jinxian style, and ride flying carriages of plain clouds. Twelve white tigers hold banners that command the spirits in nine colors. They ascend through the air and transform into the Heaven of Responding Sounds. Then recite the subtle incantation:

“White Earth, nine ramparts; its Qi reaches the Great Tenuity. The Sovereign Elder comes at dawn, rising in radiant splendor and circling. Vermilion tablets shine in rows; the eight flowers send forth their light, ascending into the imperial court. Above, the jade gates open. The five vows converge in mystery, bringing down feathered robes. The eight radiances unite in truth; the body attains flight, and life becomes equal to Heaven and Earth. May the two primal powers be preserved forever. May I ride a carriage of jade and plain clouds, ascend, and transform into the Heaven of Responding Sounds.”

(2) The Seventh Rampart and the Four Earth Sovereigns of the Sounds

The seventh rampart governs Water and controls marshes. Its Earth Sovereigns, corresponding to the four sounds, are as follows: the Earth Sovereign of the “Earth Correct” sound has the surname Tang and the taboo name Chusheng Ying; the Earth Sovereign of the “Conductive Sound” has the surname Hao and the taboo name Zhengfa; the Earth Sovereign of the “Diagram Wandering” sound has the surname Han and the taboo name Gaofu; and the Earth Sovereign of the “Thorough Brahma” sound has the surname Jing and the taboo name Zhonglongshou.

The land of this seventh rampart is guarded by four Earth Sovereigns of the sounds. The land supports the entire surrounding realm, extending endlessly in every direction, without limit or end. It is formed from formless Qi.

(3) The Earth Sovereigns’ Ascension Rite on the Day Beginning Winter

On the day Beginning Winter, the Earth Sovereign of the seventh rampart regularly rides a flying carriage through dark clouds. Thirty-four Black Tortoises hold banners of five-colored life-giving spirits. Leading the immortal officials known as the Qiang Elders and five thousand mounted attendants who soar through the heavens, the Sovereign proceeds to Brahma Jewel Heaven and reports to the kings of the four heavens the names of earthbound immortals who have attained the Dao and those studying the higher teachings.

(4) Practitioners’ Ritual in the Chamber

Anyone cultivating the higher methods should enter a chamber at the hour of the Rat on the day Beginning Winter and face north. With an ink brush, write the Earth Sovereigns’ secret names on white paper. Swallow it, click your teeth nine times, and tilt your head back in visualization. See the surnames and taboo names of the four Earth Sovereigns: they all wear flying skirts of black clouds with dark patterns, crowns of the Wuji jinxian style, and ride carriages through black clouds. Twenty-four Black Tortoises hold five-colored banners of life-giving spirits as they ascend into Brahma Jewel Heaven. Recite the subtle incantation:

“The two Qi join and gird; with spirit, return to the court. The Three Primordial Powers appear in their proper places; the Earth Sovereign commands the spirits. Cloud carriage and feathered canopy ascend to the heights of clarity. I set forth my great vows; I unite with the formless. The nine ramparts leave no trace; the Celestial Truth inscribes my name. My name is bound into the mysterious chart; I receive the title of Radiant Azure. May I ride the flying radiance and transform into the imperial court.”

When the recitation is complete, bow sincerely five times, then swallow the Qi five times to conclude.

(5) Completing the Prescribed Years of Practice

If you practice this method for thirty-six years, you may ride a carriage through black clouds and ascend to Brahma Jewel Heaven.

A Summary of the Supreme Secret Essentials

The Eighth Layer: The Great Wind Marsh Earth

The Four Earth Emperors

(Listed in the order of Correct Tone, Moving Tone, Wandering Tone, and Brahmic Tone)

• Earth Emperor of Correct Tone: Surname Ge; secret name Xuansheng
• Earth Emperor of Moving Tone: Surname Hua; secret name Maoyun
• Earth Emperor of Long Wandering Tone: Surname Yang; secret name Zhendong
• Earth Emperor of Brahmic Tone: Surname Zhou; secret name Shangjingyuan

An Overview of This Region

The eighth layer is governed by the Earth Emperors of the Four Tones. It bears the regions of the world in every direction, extending without limit, end, boundary, or edge. It belongs to the Qi of the formless realm.

The Earth Emperors’ Activities

On the day Beginning of Winter, the Earth Emperors of the eighth layer regularly ride a flying carriage amid black clouds, accompanied by five-colored flying qilin. Holding staffs of nine colors, they lead five thousand aged Qiang immortal officials and heavenly riders up to the Heaven of Brahma Makayi, where they report to the kings of the Four Heavens the names of earthbound immortals who have attained the Dao and of those studying the higher teachings.

A Method for Cultivation and Study

Those who study the higher teachings should enter a quiet room at the hour of the Rat on the day of the Winter Solstice, facing north. Write the inner sounds of the Earth Emperors on white paper in ink and swallow it. Then click the teeth nine times and visualize the surnames and secret names of the four Earth Emperors. See them wearing brocade skirts of dark clouds and crowns that reach the heavens, riding a flying carriage amid black clouds with five-colored flying qilin, and holding staffs of nine colors as they ascend to the Heaven of Brahma Makayi. Whisper this spell:

Heaven spreads out, and Earth is laid in place. The nine forms follow the mysterious law. Four times they rise and descend; the eight Qi shine with renewed clarity. The Earth Emperor records and selects; the Jade Emperor confirms the true name. Inscribe me in the charts and registers, and I will attain the rank of a higher immortal, fly through the Great Void, and move freely with the natural course of things. I will share a seal with the numinous and endure as long as the Qi. Through three transformations and nine changes, I will ascend into the Emperor’s Dawn.

When finished, bow inwardly four times, then swallow the Qi four times and stop. After practicing for thirty-six years, one will obtain a carriage of dark numinosity and fly up to the Heaven of Brahma Makayi.

The Ninth Layer: The Earth of the Colorless Framework

The Four Earth Emperors

• Earth Emperor of Correct Tone: Surname Ji; secret name Wushang
• Earth Emperor of Moving Tone: Surname Dou; secret name Lingwuhao
• Earth Emperor of Wandering Tone: Surname Zhao; secret name Shangbo
• Earth Emperor of Brahmic Tone: Surname [missing character in the original]; secret name Qinwubo

An Overview of This Region

The ninth layer lies at the lowest level. It is the deep cavern and the source cavern, forming the framework of Heaven and Earth so that the myriad things do not fall away. It is boundless, without a realm, boundary, or edge; all of it consists of the Qi that forms the cosmic framework.

The Earth Emperors’ Activities

The Earth Emperors of the ninth layer make four visits each year: on the first day of the third month, the second day of the sixth month, the third day of the ninth month, and the fourth day of the twelfth month. They ride a five-colored cloud carriage and nine-colored flying dragons, holding the seal of the Divine Lord of the Central Origin. They lead twelve thousand aged azure immortal officials and radiant feathered riders up to the Heaven of Bolidahe to report on affairs.

Notes

• Layer: In the Daoist view of the cosmos, a “layer” refers to a level or realm of the Earth.
• Earth Emperor: The presiding deity of a layer of the Earth.
• Secret name: A name that must not be spoken aloud during cultivation.
• Clicking the teeth, swallowing the Qi, and visualization: Daoist ritual practices involving visualization and the ingestion of Qi.
• The Heaven of Brahma Makayi and the Heaven of Bolidahe: Names of Daoist heavens belonging to the system of the Thirty-Six Heavens or a similar cosmological system.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of The Supreme Secret Essentials

A saying of immortals received by practitioners of the Dao on earth from the Kings of the Four Heavens

Those who practice Daoist methods on earth—or in the terrestrial division—receive essential instructions transmitted by immortals from the Kings of the Four Heavens.

Anyone who studies the higher methods should enter a room each day at sunset, face the direction of the Grand Minister of the Year, write the inner names of the Four Earth Emperors in yellow ink on white paper and wear the paper as a talisman, then click the teeth twelve times.

Anyone who practices the higher methods should enter a room at sunset each day and face the direction of the Grand Minister of the Year (the spirit who presides over the current year). Write the inner names of the Four Earth Emperors in yellow ink on white paper and make the paper into a talisman to wear. Then click the teeth twelve times.

Look upward in meditation and visualize the names and taboo names of the Four Earth Emperors. They wear garments of black, yellow, and the five colors; on their heads are precious crowns that reach the heavens of the Nine Origins, and on their feet are shoes patterned with multicolored lions. They hold talismans that protect the body and preserve life, ride flying carriages amid yellow clouds, and are accompanied by thirty-six Jade Maidens of the Five Emperors. They fly upward to the Heaven of Bolidahe. Silently recite the spell:

In your mind, look upward and visualize the names and taboo names of the Four Earth Emperors. They wear garments of black, yellow, and the five colors; on their heads are precious crowns that reach the heavens of the Nine Origins, and on their feet are shoes patterned with multicolored lions. They hold talismans that protect the body and preserve life, ride flying carriages amid yellow clouds, and are escorted by thirty-six Jade Maidens of the Five Emperors as they fly upward to the Heaven of Bolidahe. Silently recite:

The two forms revolve in their cycles; the nine essences penetrate the numinous. The august elders respond to the talisman, rise through the void, and enter purity. They travel freely in all directions, borne by flying clouds and purple jade. They ascend to Golden Splendor and present themselves before the divine emperors. Their names are entered in the Register of Immortals, engraved in the Green Palace. On the day they attain the Dao, their names are inscribed in the registers; the Seven Spirits guard the cosmos, the nine layers destroy the corpses, and the Eastern Well refines the body. The Three Origins descend in their true form. My Dao is now clear; I can ride the flying radiance and ascend to the Jade Court.

In essence: the two forms of Yin and Yang revolve, and the nine essences penetrate the numinous. The august elders respond to the talisman, rise through the void, and enter the pure realm. They travel freely in all directions, riding a carriage of flying clouds and purple jade. They ascend to Golden Splendor and meet the divine emperors. Their names are entered in the Register of Immortals and engraved in the Green Palace. On the day they attain the Dao, their names are recorded in registers; the Seven Spirits guard the cosmos, the nine layers destroy the corpses, the Eastern Well refines the body, and the Three Origins descend in their true form. My Dao is now clear: I can ride the flying radiance and ascend to the Jade Court. When the recitation is complete, pay respect inwardly with nine bows and swallow the breath twelve times, then stop. Practice in this way for thirty-six years, and you will be able to ride a flying carriage amid yellow clouds and ascend to the Heaven of Bolidahe.

The foregoing comes from the Scripture of the Grades of the Foreign Lands of the Cavern of Truth.

The ritual above comes from the Scripture of the Grades of the Foreign Lands of the Cavern of Truth.

The talisman of the Nine Heavens’ Soul-Numinous Spirit, the Yin-Born Supreme Radiance of the Great Empyrean, is engraved on a golden pendant and shines like a rainbow within the shadowy radiance. It is the hinge of the Nine Heavens and the celestial canopy of Highest Clarity. Without this text, Heaven could not form day and night; without it, the Great Void could not become Highest Clarity. Therefore, the Primordial Beginning engraved the text on a golden tablet and named it the Golden Characters and Jade Text of Highest Clarity. Its sounds are the hidden names within the soul of Heaven. Practice its Way and wear its text for nine years, and the Spirit Sovereign of the Soul-Numinous and the Chancellor of the Nine Heavens will descend to your sleeping chamber in a cloud-carriage drawn by white luan birds. They will transmit to you the Way of the Divine Perfected, the Three Sections and Eight Radiances, and set you in motion to fly through the air and ascend to the Nine Heavens.

The foregoing comes from the Talisman of the Nine Heavens’ Yin, in the Golden Characters and Jade Text of the Cavern of Nonbeing and the Great Ultimate.

There is also a talisman called “the Nine Heavens’ Soul-Numinous Spirit, the Yin-Born Supreme Radiance of the Great Empyrean.” It is engraved on a golden pendant and shines like a rainbow within the shadowy radiance. It is the hinge of the Nine Heavens and the celestial canopy of Highest Clarity. Without this text, Heaven could not form day and night; without it, the Great Void could not become Highest Clarity. Thus the Primordial Beginning engraved the scripture on a golden tablet and named it the Golden Characters and Jade Text of Highest Clarity. Its sounds are the hidden names within the soul of Heaven. Practice this Way and wear this text for nine years, and the Spirit Sovereign of the Soul-Numinous and the Chancellor of the Nine Heavens will descend to your sleeping chamber in a cloud-carriage drawn by white luan birds. They will transmit to you the Way of the Divine Perfected and the Three Sections and Eight Radiances, set you in motion to fly through the air, and send you upward to the Nine Heavens.

The foregoing comes from the Talisman of the Nine Heavens’ Yin, in the Golden Characters and Jade Text of the Cavern of Nonbeing and the Great Ultimate.

Note: The Four Earth Emperors, the Heaven of Bolidahe, the Grand Minister of the Year, and the Jade Maidens of the Five Emperors are terms associated with visualization and ascension rites in Daoism. The specific methods should be understood in the context of the complete scripture and a teacher’s transmission; this passage is explained here only to clarify its meaning.