《洞真西王母寶神起居經》

This scripture records the health preservation and cultivation methods transmitted by the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu), primarily consisting of daoyin (guiding and pulling) exercises and incantations for daily routines. Here's a section-by-section explanation:

【Morning Health Method】

Upon waking in the morning before rising, first tightly close both eyes and gently tap the upper and lower teeth together nine times. Then swallow saliva three times, curl the tongue backward to press against the palate, and shake the head side to side seven times. Next, use both hands to massage the areas beside the nose and surrounding acupoints dozens of times. After completing these movements, silently recite the following blessing words (similar to a mantra):

"The Supreme God of the Nine Heavens (one of Daoism's highest deities) protects this infant; the Most High Lord Lao (one of the Three Pure Ones/Sanqing) circulates essence within the Jade Chamber. May my seven orifices (eyes, ears, nose, mouth) open and the nine apertures' spirits awaken. Grant me keen hearing and clear vision to comprehend the true Dao, connecting with the celestial Qi of heaven and earth. Harmonize my internal breath, making my eyes bright like a child's, with all meridians unobstructed. May my five viscera (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys) radiate splendor, the seven corporeal souls purified, and the three ethereal souls tranquil. May I walk hand-in-hand with the Most High Lord Lao, protected by the Five Directional Elder Lords, dispelling calamities and fulfilling aspirations..."

【Daily Maintenance Method】

1. Frequently rub both hands over the face until slightly warm—this should become habitual. The Queen Mother of the West said: When aging begins, wrinkles first appear beneath the eyes; when vitality declines, strength first diminishes along the nasal bridge. These two areas are crucial markers of aging, thus requiring regular massage.

2. These practices enhance hearing and vision, improve memory, restore a childlike rosy complexion, and ward off demonic influences. Called the "Scripture of Daily Life" (Qiju Jing), they must be practiced consistently morning and evening.

【Supplementary Cultivation】

The Jade Scripture of Primordial Deathlessness mentions: Massage the forehead (the "Magnificent Court") with hands to harmonize the "Celestial Truth" Qi between the eyebrows (acupoints at the inner brow). This nourishes the five viscera, causing ten thousand demons to retreat spontaneously, achieving longevity effects.

These methods integrate daoyin massage, breath regulation, and visualization mantras—classic Daoist health cultivation techniques. The key lies in persistent practice, combining external movements with internal contemplation to regulate Qi and blood while delaying aging.

The Dongzhen Xiwangmu Baoshen Qiju Jing (Scripture of the Divine Daily Practices from the Western Queen Mother's Precious Spirit) primarily discusses methods for cultivation, health preservation, and warding off malevolent influences. Here's a modern interpretation:

The area below the ears is a superior gateway connecting to numinous Qi. The philtrum (the groove beneath the nose) and the small nostrils on either side serve as barriers blocking the invasion of myriad demons. The center point between the eyebrows (known as Huating point) is the crucial area for enhancing vision.

The specific cultivation method is as follows: Every morning and evening upon waking and before sleep, close your eyes tightly, press the tongue against the upper palate, and swallow saliva three times. Then quickly press with your hands on three points—below the ears, the philtrum, and between the eyebrows—nine times each, keeping your fingers in contact without lifting them. Long-term practice can prolong life, sharpen eyesight, and dispel evil influences.

After completing the pressing, silently recite this incantation:

"The Supreme Void Emperor opens the Jade Court,

Golden chambers shine bright, emerald terraces lush green.

I cultivate the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen),

Eradicating demons to nourish life.

I attain deathlessness and agelessness,

Rejuvenating to wander freely.

My hun and po souls are refined,

The spirits of my five viscera at peace.

Riding the whirlwind chariot,

I journey north to pay homage at the Jade Pure realm.

Soaring to the Great Void,

I shine with the sun and moon,

Attaining the state of a perfected being (Zhenren)."

The text then recounts a story: During King Zhuang of Chu's reign, there was a market overseer named Song Yuanfu who was kind-hearted and often cleaned the marketplace. A beggar had long frequented the area, singing songs that mentioned cultivation terms like "golden flowers of the celestial court" and "mysterious lords of the jade valley." Suspecting him to be an immortal, Song knelt and sought guidance. The beggar revealed himself to be the Perfected Being of Southern Peak, Chisongzi (a Daoist immortal), and taught him the Western Queen Mother's longevity secrets. After twenty years of cultivation, Song ascended in broad daylight, becoming an immortal official of the Mystic Isle. The beggar was actually Chisongzi's incarnation, descending to enlighten those with affinity.

Finally, the Perfected Being Qingxu (a Daoist adept with the surname Pei) emphasizes: Those seeking the Dao must first maintain purity of body and mind.

This passage describes facial massage techniques for preserving eyesight and hearing while delaying aging, as recorded in Daoist health preservation methods. Here's the modern interpretation:

The ears and eyes serve as vital gateways for spiritual cultivation, their condition directly affecting one's vitality. The text reveals two sets of secret massage techniques transmitted by Immortal Lady Li of Zhaoling Pavilion:

First Set - Daily Maintenance:

1. Press the hollows behind both eyebrows three times with both hands

2. Massage the cheekbones beneath the eyes using palms and fingers

3. Gently pull the ears upward thirty times (this "Irrigating the Central Peak" technique purportedly leads to immortal registers)

4. Starting between eyebrows, push upward along the forehead to the hairline twenty-seven times

5. Coordinate the massage with swallowing saliva (Jade Nectar)

Regular practice purportedly enhances vision clarity to nocturnal reading capacity

Second Set - Anti-Aging Protocol:

1. The eyebrow hollows represent the "Upper Primordial Six Harmonies Mansion" governing ocular vitality

2. The infraorbital region contains the "Vision-Clarifying Chamber" point that activates blood circulation

3. Since aging manifests first in sensory organs, these techniques combat degeneration

4. Conclude by massaging all four eye corners eighteen times to restore visual acuity

Collectively termed the "Method of Perfected Dwellings," these techniques formed part of ancient adepts' facial rejuvenation secrets. The text emphasizes performing them with focused intent (Shen) and discreetly, avoiding public demonstration.

Practices for Testing and Training the Shen of the Eyes: when carried out over a long period, one will be able to see all manner of spirits.

The Shijingzi Jing (Scripture of Shijingzi) says: Habitually cover the mouth and nose with the hand, and breathe gently onto the eyes. After continuing for a while, fluid will form in the palm. Then use this fluid to rub the face and eyes. If this is done regularly, the body can come to give off a fragrance.

The Taishang Santian Guanyu Jing (Scripture of the Jade Gate of the Three Heavens) says: Habitually press with the hand on the two corners of the eyes near the bridge of the nose, hold the breath and carry out the practice, and stop once the breath flows freely, then exhale. With persistent practice, the eyes will be able to see with penetrating clarity.

These two passages were transmitted by Lady Wei of Mount Nanyue.

The Danzi Zishu Sanwu Shunxing Jing (Scripture of the Purple Writ in Cinnabar Characters on the Smooth Progression of the Three and Five) says: During ordinary seated meditation, keep the eyes closed and look inward, visualizing the five organs and the stomach and intestines within one's own body. With long practice, one will naturally see them clearly and distinctly.

The Taisu Danjing Jing (Scripture of the Cinnabar Radiance of Great Simplicity) says: Habitually rub the whole face with both hands until the qi (vital energy) becomes warm, attending to every part, above and below, and rubbing each place thoroughly. The face will take on a healthy luster, and wrinkles and spots will be slow to appear. After five years of practice, the complexion will become like that of a young woman. This is what is meant by "mountains and rivers move the qi, ever full and never submerged," that is, making the qi abundant and unfailing.

The Danjing Jing (Scripture of the Cinnabar Radiance) says: First rub the hands together until warm, then use them to rub the face and eyes. Next stroke along the hair as though combing it. The two arms should also be massaged in turn with the hands. Doing this keeps the hair from turning white and keeps the qi of the meridians from drifting and surging upward.

The Dadong Zhenjing, "Chapter on Jing-Radiance Massage" (Scripture of the Great Cavern of Perfect Truth), says: On rising and before sleep, regulate the breath evenly and sit upright. First interlace the hands, then place them behind the neck. Tilt the face upward to look up, while the neck and hands press against each other in opposition. Do this three or four times, then stop. This harmonizes the jing (essence) and qi, frees the flow of the blood vessels, and makes it difficult for wind-evil to enter. With long practice, one can preserve health and longevity.

Next, bend and move the body, stretch the hands out toward the four directions, then lean back and pull to each side, and shake all the joints of the body, performing each movement three times. On rising and before sleep, also rub around the neck and behind the ears with a cloth or a piece of thick fabric until warm, then massage the head along the hair as though combing it. After a short while, rub the hands together until warm and use them to massage the face and eyes. Long practice makes the eyes bright, keeps evil qi from disturbing the body, and also cleanses the body and removes impurities. When all this is finished, swallow the saliva thirty times to nourish the body within.

The passage above comes from the Dadong Jingjing Jing (Scripture of the Great Cavern on Jing-Radiance).

The Xiwangmu Fantai Anmo Yujing (Jade Scripture of the Queen Mother of the West on Reversing the Embryo and Massage) says: The Way of nourishing life takes the ears and eyes as its essentials. If what one looks at is chaotic and disordered, the eyes will grow dim; if one is overly anxious, the mind will fix on worry and brooding, and the shen (spirit) will be harmed.

This scripture primarily discusses specific massage techniques and incantations for maintaining eye and ear health, hair care, and daily living precautions. Here's the modern interpretation:

Regarding ear and eye ailments, the text explains these disorders originate internally within the body rather than from external causes. The most challenging aspect of Daoist practice isn't hearing the Dao (the Way), but persistently walking the path; the true difficulty lies not in beginning the practice, but in maintaining it to completion. If constantly troubled by distracting thoughts, even ascending to immortal pavilions or riding dragon chariots would prove futile.

Specific massage technique: On yang days (odd-numbered dates) during morning or evening, either before or after sleep, close your eyes while facing your life-direction (auspicious orientation determined by birth date). First rub hands until warm, then press palms against eyes and ears, crossing hands behind the neck to massage nine times. Simultaneously visualize three-colored clouds - purple, red and yellow - flowing from the eyes into both ears. Silently recite the incantation: "Eye pupils three clouds..." (essentially praying for bright vision and unobstructed spirit), followed by swallowing saliva three times. Practiced consistently for three years, this method enhances hearing and vision.

When combing hair, also face your life-direction while silently reciting: "Great Emperor disperses numinosity..." (invoking mental clarity and strong hair). Change combs frequently and have others assist with additional combing to stimulate blood circulation and prevent hair loss.

Daily living guidelines:

1. When sitting, lying, or eating, orient nostrils toward your life-direction when possible. If impractical, face northeast or northwest - both auspicious alternatives

2. While combing hair, face the "Jade Pool" (eastern direction), coordinating with incantations and saliva swallowing to prevent hair loss

The text concludes by identifying these methods as longevity essentials transmitted by the Jiuhua Zhenren (Nine Flowers Perfected Person). The core principle involves synchronizing specific movements with visualization and incantations to regulate the body's Qi (vital energy) and blood circulation.

This scripture records a set of Daoist cultivation techniques for health preservation and protection against malevolent forces. Here's a modern interpretation:

[Physical Movements]

Begin by gently swaying your body left and right several dozen times upon waking. Then place your hands behind you for support, lift your head to gaze skyward, and rotate your neck left and right twenty times. Next, sit cross-legged and raise both hands overhead as if holding up the sky, maintaining this posture for a period. Finally, rub your palms together until warm and massage around your eyes toward the ears with your palms.

[Incantation Section]

The recited mantra essentially means: Through forward and backward bending movements, one communicates with the Celestial Emperor; by looking left and right, one seeks longevity; by tilting the head back to breathe, one resonates with the Great Unity (Taiyi, one of Daoism's supreme deities). This regulates vital body parts (such as the spine referred to as "dragon spine" and life-governing organs called "Director of Destinies"), creating mutual resonance between Mount Kunlun (a sacred Daoist mountain) and the body's internal Qi.

[Breath Visualization Method]

After chanting, hold your breath and concentrate the spirit (Shen), visualizing a red thread-like Qi emanating from the navel and entering the nose. Repeat this three times. This massage and guiding technique helps unblock all meridians, achieving the effect of longevity and freedom from illness.

[Internal Vision and Distant Hearing]

The essential method of "Purple Radiance Inner Vision" involves:

• Closing eyes and lying still while regulating breath as if asleep (while remaining fully conscious)
• First practicing inner vision (closed-eye visualization) of distant places, gradually developing the ability to "see" thousands of miles away
• Ears will eventually hear immortal music like jade chimes and silk-string instruments
• Practice should begin by focusing on one direction; mastery develops with time

[Protection Against Malevolent Forces]

When passing through dangerous areas or encountering evil spirits:

1. Press the tongue against the palate and swallow saliva three times

2. Use the left middle finger to press the "Mountain Source" (the philtrum at the nasal root, also called "Ghost Well" or "Spirit Pool") thirty-six times

3. Then click the teeth together seven times

4. Finally, cover the nose with the palm, close the eyes, and silently recite the protective incantation: "Vermilion Bird soars through the void, divine power radiates within, sealing the pathways of evil Qi, malevolent spirits disperse..."

These methods integrate distinctive Daoist practices including guiding exercises, massage, visualization, and ritual incantations, combining health benefits with religious mysticism.

This scripture primarily elucidates Daoist cultivation methods for exorcising malevolent forces and protecting the body, along with explaining the pathogenic principles of geomancy. The text is divided into two sections:

The first section describes a cultivation method for exorcism and protection:

Within the practitioner's body reside the "Qi Evil Root" (the source of pathogenic energies) and the "Soul Storage Platform" (the dwelling place of hun and po spirits). Through specific hand gestures and incantations, one can summon various protective deities such as the evil-dispelling dragon and tiger, demon-slaying fierce beasts, and fire-breathing celestial beings. The specific method involves: pressing the left hand on the "Mountain Source" (an acupoint beneath the nose) to seal the ghost gate, while the right hand presses the "Divine Pool" to disperse the evil root, then presses the "Resting Soul Platform" to have the "Jade Perfection" (the true divine presence within) guard the bodily palaces. This practice summons spiritual beasts as protectors to subdue malevolent entities. The text emphasizes that the "Mountain Source" beneath the nose serves as a passageway for pathogenic energies, and mastery of Qi regulation (breath control) can suppress all evil influences.

The second section presents the Great Numinous Perfected Being's discourse on geomancy-induced illnesses:

It explains that wind disorders (such as stroke or paralysis) often originate from damp, yin-heavy burial sites where underground water vapors accumulate. Frequent dreams of former dwellings or spirit beds in the northeast or northwest directions indicate resonance with the yin energies of graves. The northeast sector of a burial site represents the "Annihilation of Fate" position, while the northwest corresponds to the "Nine Calamities" position—both being inauspicious locations. Dreams of deceased persons in these directions are particularly ominous. When experiencing such dreams, one should immediately upon waking face upward, click the teeth three times, and recite exorcism mantras.

[Note] The "Bright Hall" mentioned refers to the central facial region, while the "Chamber of the Seven Po" and "Dwelling of the Three Hun" denote specific bodily locations where these spiritual entities reside—key concepts in Daoist internal observation practices.

This scripture records Daoist cultivation methods for bodily protection and exorcism, primarily containing two esoteric techniques: the Northern Emperor's Secret Incantation and the Massage-Zhuyou Therapy.

The first is the "Northern Emperor's Secret Incantation," a longevity technique transmitted by an immortal named "Perfected One of the High Purity, Guardian of the Soul and Life, of the Purple Heaven of the Nine Capitals of the Supreme Mystery of the Great Origin." Practicing this method can:

1. Protect the soul and ensure its tranquility, warding off disturbances from evil spirits (the term "wǎngliǎng" refers to various malevolent entities).

2. Prevent nightmares about graves or the deceased.

3. Expel malignant Qi from the body and treat ailments such as numbness in the arms caused by wind-poison.

The method involves repeatedly reciting the incantation while knocking the teeth three times. It is particularly suitable for those who frequently experience nightmares or ominous occurrences.

Next is the "Massage-Zhuyou Therapy," a healing technique combining massage and incantations:

1. Begin by gently massaging the affected area with the hands.

2. Lie down and practice inner vision (visualizing internal scenes with closed eyes), swallowing saliva three times.

3. Knock the teeth three times and recite the incantation, which essentially calls upon the Three Hun and Seven Po souls, as well as various divine spirits, for protection.

4. Finally, swallow saliva fourteen more times.

The incantation mentions "Yu Chen," a revered Daoist deity, and "Jade Maidens and Jade Youths," who are protective immortal attendants. The complete method can expel evil influences such as the "Five Dragon Demons" (wǔlóng wǎngliǎng), treat wind-pathogen illnesses, and achieve a state of robust health ("the body constantly rests in strength").

The scripture specifically notes that if wind-poison or evil Qi invades the meridians, causing numbness in the limbs, these methods should be supplemented with acupuncture therapy for full effectiveness.

This scripture contains health-preserving and disease-eliminating methods transmitted by multiple Daoist immortals, primarily describing three cultivation techniques:

The first is the massage method transmitted by the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu). When experiencing physical discomfort, one should quickly press the affected area thirty-one times. Regular practice of this method maintains health and prevents illness. This was transmitted by the Right Heroine Lady Wang of Canglang Yunlin Palace on the twenty-second day of the tenth lunar month.

The second method, recorded in the Scripture of Dispelling Demons and Exalting Numinous Power (Xiaomo Shangling Jing), involves oral health cultivation. When feeling unwell, curl the tongue backward to touch the throat while continuously swallowing saliva. This quickly alleviates discomfort and creates sensations of bodily lightness and softness. The method originates from the Narration of Dispelling Demons and Exalting Numinous Power (Xiaomo Shangling Xu).

The third technique addresses nightmares. After experiencing bad dreams, face north and describe the dream content in detail to the Supreme Lord of the Dao (Taishang Dadaojun, a revered Daoist deity). Repeating this four or five times eliminates nightmares, as transmitted by the口诀 (koujue, oral formula) of the Azure Lad Immortal (Qingtong Xianren). Alternatively, one may turn over on the pillow while reciting the incantation: "The Jade Maiden of Great Harmony (Taihe Yunü) guards the true soul, the Golden Lad of Six Palaces protects the life gate (mingmen), transform misfortune into blessing, report to the Three Primes (Sanyuan, referring to the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth and Water), grant me longevity, and let me ride clouds and mist." After reciting, swallow saliva nine times and tap teeth seven times before sleeping. Repeating this four or five times also dispels nightmares and turns misfortune into blessing, as transmitted by the Right Heroine Lady on the thirteenth day of the eleventh lunar month.

Finally, the scripture introduces the "Ingesting Six Qi (Fu Liuqi)" cultivation method. The optimal practice time is between 3-5 AM (yin-chou hours) while facing east. When morning clouds appear, first visualize the sun like an egg yolk suspended above the crown (at the Muddy Pellet Palace, niwan gong). Then exhale turbid qi in three stages: corpse qi (black), stale qi (white), and death qi (blue). Finally, slowly inhale pure yellow qi four times. This breathing technique purifies body and mind through regulated exhalation and inhalation.

This passage records the meditation methods transmitted by the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu), detailing two primary visualization techniques:

Daytime Practice:

1. Visualize the solar energy (red qi) descending from the crown point (upper Dantian), circulating four times before swallowing saliva thrice. Repeat this sequence three times.

2. Then imagine the energy flowing from the ears, forming a luminous sphere nine inches before your face—visible even with closed eyes.

3. Absorb seven strands of crimson energy, swallowing saliva three times with each absorption. Conclude by stretching limbs and loosening joints.

Nighttime Practice (only during the waxing moon, 1st-15th lunar days):

1. Visualize lunar energy at the crown point, following a method similar to the solar practice.

2. Note: During the waning moon (16th-30th lunar days), lunar energy diminishes and becomes unsuitable for practice.

The scripture emphasizes the profound subtlety of this "Embryonic Origin Breathwork" (吐纳胎元) method:

• Harmonizes the five viscera (through five swallowings)
• Returns the hun (ethereal soul) to the crown and po (corporeal soul) to the Dantian
• Surpasses inferior methods like harvesting yin energy or petitioning deities

The text includes two visitations by the Director of Destinies (Siming Jun), a longevity deity:

1. First appearance: Accompanied by seven attendants bearing spirit banners and jeweled caskets, all clad in vermilion robes while the deity wore azure-purple immortal garments.

2. Second visitation (three days later) imparted essential cultivation principles:

• Maintain purity with few desires (清靖罕时)
• Immerse in Daoist scriptures (翫寳神生)
• Attain mental clarity (澄景虚中)
• Ultimately ride cloud-chariots to celestial ascent (筞雲軿以赴霄)

Special caution: Lunar practice must cease during the waning moon's energy depletion—practitioners must observe this prohibition diligently.

The Scripture of the Western Queen Mother's Precious Spirit for Daily Practice (Dongzhen Xiwangmu Bao Shen Qiju Jing) primarily presents two cultivation methods, which we'll examine in sections:

The first part details a visualization (meditative cultivation) technique:

• Avoid random thoughts in daily life, as they scatter Jing (essence) and Qi (vital energy) like dust and destabilize the Shen (spirit).
• Don't exhaust your spirit by dwelling in deep mountains or ancient forests—this hinders cultivation.
• The Dao appears simple yet proves difficult to master in practice.
• Specific method: On the 5th, 15th, 25th, and 29th nights of each lunar month, visualize the sun's image entering your heart, then passing through your mouth into the body, merging sunlight with your spirit. When you feel warmth in the chest and perceive radiant light, silently recite the incantation: "The Great Light nurtures essence, internally refining the elixir heart..." Conclude by swallowing saliva nine times.
• Practicing this for five years may lead to celestial chariots sent by the Great Unity (Taiyi) deity to escort you to heaven. The text notes that fixed dates aren't essential—regular practice matters more.
• This method originates from Southern Peak Red Lord's (a Heng Mountain immortal) secret technique in the Demon-Dispelling Scripture (Xiaomo Jing).

The second part reveals prohibitions from Lady Wei (the immortal Wei Huacun):

• Never discuss death while eating
• Don't expose food, which attracts harmful energies
• Bathe frequently, especially on Jiazi days (significant Daoist dates)
• Bathing removes bodily impurities, allowing true Qi (primordial energy) to enter
• Consistency matters more than frequency

The third section presents a purification bath formula:

• Sourced from the Scripture of the Nine Transformations and Ten Changes for Renewal (Taishang Jiubian Shihua Yi Xin Jing)
• After visiting polluted places, use this special bathwater:
• Recipe: 10 taels of bamboo leaves + 4 taels of white peach bark, boiled in water
• This formula dispels foul energies and prevents skin ailments
• Effective because hollow, plain bamboo and demon-expelling peach wood synergize
• Celestial immortals use this after descending to earth
• Note: Suitable for bathing but not washing hair
• A secret formula transmitted by Lady Purple Tenuity (a leading female immortal)

In essence, this text teaches methods—including visualization and purification baths—to purify body and mind for achieving immortality. It emphasizes mental focus, physical cleanliness, and provides specific practice dates, incantations, and medicinal bath formulas.

This scripture records two Daoist cultivation methods: the "Fulu (talisman) Ingestion Method" and the "Method for Dissolving the Three Corpses and Refining the Seven Po."

The first method involves facing the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu) on specific days (the 1st, 15th, and 27th of each lunar month) while performing rituals and ingesting vermilion-inscribed talismans. The procedure begins with two ceremonial bows, followed by reciting invocations to petition the Five Directional Deities (Wushen) to open the heart's orifices and have the Three Hun (Daoism holds that humans possess three hun and seven po) guard the spirit. After swallowing the talisman, one must swallow saliva five times and click the teeth five times, with the entire process conducted in secrecy. Practicing this for one full year yields results—this constitutes an extremely esoteric talismanic method.

The second method is the "Secret Method for Dissolving the Three Corpses and Refining the Seven Po," transmitted by the Perfected of the Great Void (Taixu Zhenren). Performed on specific seasonal days (Spring: Yimao day; Summer: Bingwu day; Autumn: Gengshen day; Winter: Renzhi day), it involves grinding equal portions (three fen each) of cinnabar, realgar, and orpiment into powder, wrapping it in cotton cloth to form jujube-sized packets, and inserting them into both ears before sleep. At noon the following day, bathe in east-flowing water, change into clean clothes, and purify the bedroom. Then lie down, hold the breath in Wuwei posture (a Daoist hand gesture), and silently recite invocations petitioning the Heavenly Dao for renewal, the Three Qi to purge bodily impurities, and the Seven Po to attain tranquility. This constitutes an essential method for bodily purification, requiring only one practice per season.

The Perfected of the Great Void also mentioned the "Sun Visualization Method" transmitted by masters: during the Five Auspicious Days (special propitious dates), stand facing the rising sun while visualizing the Three Hun entering the heart together with sunlight. After holding the breath three times and swallowing saliva three times, recite incantations to invoke the sun's violet radiance for physical and spiritual purification. Conclude by massaging the eyes fourteen times and clicking the teeth fourteen times. This method clarifies the Three Hun, rectifies mental focus, and expels pathogenic Qi. If natural sneezing doesn't occur, gently stimulate the nasal passages with a soft object.

This passage primarily discusses two cultivation methods: one involves specific rituals to communicate with celestial bodies for dispelling misfortunes and seeking blessings, while the other focuses on absorbing the essence of the sun and moon to cure illnesses and prolong life.

The first method concerns auspicious moments when one sneezes—an event ancients considered an omen of heaven-human resonance. One should immediately recite the incantation: "Heavenly light descends, nourishing the six viscera (referring to the body's six major organs), penetrating the three hun (Daoism holds that humans possess three hun and seven po souls), guarding the primordial spirit (Shen), keeping the seven po from scattering. This sneeze shines with solar radiance, aiding my ascension to immortal realms, attaining celestial rank." After recitation, rub the eyes fourteen times to connect the body's vital essence (Jing) and energy (Qi) with sunlight, brightening the three hun, enlightening the heart-mind, and ensuring unimpeded flow through all meridians.

However, this practice should only be performed during "Five Penetration Days"—specific auspicious dates listed later in the text. On these days, one must kneel facing north five times, silently invoke the names of the Supreme True Imperial Lord and his consort three times each, click the teeth five times, remove the headscarf and kneel upright, then confess the sins of oneself and seven generations of ancestors before the Five Planets, sun and moon, and Thirty-Two Celestial Emperors, seeking absolution and hoping to receive the Five Planets' true Qi (primordial energy) for ascension to the highest Shangqing (Upper Clarity) realm.

The text enumerates the twelve months' Five Penetration Days—such as noon on the sixth day of the first month, afternoon on the first day of the second month, midnight on the seventh day of the third month—all being special temporal nodes suitable for these rituals.

The second method is the "Ingestion of Solar and Lunar Essence Technique":

Solar Essence Absorption: At dawn on the first day of each lunar month when the sun rises two zhang (about 6 meters) high, face east and perform three steps of Yu Steps (a Daoist ritual gait), inhaling fourteen times toward the sun while swallowing solar essence. Practiced for fourteen consecutive days grants immunity to epidemics and ensures health and longevity for one's companions.

Lunar Essence Absorption: On the third lunar day when the moon appears in the geng position (southwest), face southwest, perform three Yu Steps, inhale fourteen times toward the moon while swallowing lunar essence. Consistent practice prevents illness throughout the year and enables entry into mourning households without contamination by foul energies. Since solar and lunar radiance purifies defilement, both methods eliminate hundreds of ailments.

These cultivation techniques originate from the Dongzhen Xiwangmu Baoshen Qiju Jing (Scripture of the Precious Spirit and Daily Practices of the Queen Mother of the West from the Dongzhen Canon), representing important longevity practices in early Daoism.