《洞真上清龍飛九道尺素隱訣》

This scripture records a sacred transmission ritual of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, an important early Daoist school emphasizing Shen (spirit) visualization practices.

On the first day of the second month in the year of Shanghuang (Supreme Primordial), the Great Lord of the Dao (a supreme Daoist deity) conducted an oath ceremony in the Boundless Heaven (one of the thirty-six celestial realms in Daoist cosmology) to impart secret teachings to the True Lord of the North Pole. The scene was witnessed by the Nine Heavenly Sovereigns and exalted immortals, with the Five Directional Thearchs (guardian deities of the five directions) standing solemnly with their sashes tied. Ten thousand spirits attended in service as the sun and moon shone simultaneously, the five planets aligned, the seven stars of the Northern Dipper manifested, the ecliptic (celestial path) momentarily halted, heaven and earth stood still, and the Three Realms became reverently silent.

Amidst swirling purple clouds and auspicious radiance, the Great Lord of the Dao tore a piece of plain silk at dawn while orally transmitting the esoteric formulas. The assembled celestial deities chanted praises in unison, the Heavenly Sovereigns joyfully bore witness, the Tianzhen (perfected immortals) bowed in homage, and demon kings (guardian spirits of the Dao) stood respectfully. Through this ceremony, the True Lord of the North Pole attained the Dao and ascended to the Jade Clarity realm (one of the Three Pure Realms).

Key ritual components included:

1. Supervision and testing by the Five Elders (essences of the five planets)

2. Verification assisted by the Four Heavenly Bureaus (celestial administrative offices)

3. A grave oath stipulating seven generations of calamities ("misfortune punishing seven ancestors") for unauthorized disclosure

4. Bestowal of protective retinues: 900 golden dawn jade youths, 700 jade splendor celestial maidens, and 500 jade maidens from each of the Five Thearchs

The account concludes with the True Lord ascending to the North Pole Palace in the Jade Clarity realm aboard a purple cloud chariot drawn by nine dragons, where he governs the Palace of Vast Numen. This "Dragon-Flight Plain Silk" secret method originates from the Nine Heavenly Sovereigns, containing the true names of the celestial bodies (the Nine Luminaries of the Dipper and five planets) and representing the supreme covenant scripture. According to tradition, it is transmitted only once every ten thousand kalpas (an immense cosmic cycle), later safeguarded by the Great Lord of Eastern Florescence (a key Shangqing transmission immortal).

Note: The repeated references to "torn plain silk" signify the ritual tearing of fabric to seal sacred oaths, while "plain silk scroll" denotes the ceremonial parchment inscribed with the covenant, both symbolizing divine contracts.

This passage explains the transmission conditions and cultivation methods of the precious scripture Dongzhen Shangqing Longfei Jiudao Chisu Yinjue (The Secret Formula of the Nine Dragon-Flight Ruler from the Upper Clarity Cavern-Perfection).

First, it states that only those who have endured nine kalpas of tribulations in past lives and whose names are recorded in the celestial registers of Shangqing (the highest Daoist paradise) are qualified to behold this scripture. Those who cultivate its methods will receive divine radiance as protection, and even the Celestial Emperor will descend to them. Practicing for seven years enables concealment and transformation, while fourteen years of cultivation allow daylight ascension to the Jade Clarity (Yuqing) realm, one of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Even without the complete scripture, sincere veneration of the deities can grant longevity and ward off calamities.

The scripture's origin is extraordinary, having been transmitted from the Primordial Sovereign of the Nine Heavens through exalted beings such as the Great Lord of the Dao (Taishang Dadaojun) and the Golden Tower Emperor (Jinque Dijun), until it reached the Eastern Florescence Azure Lad (Donghua Qingtong Dajun), the divine ruler in charge of immortal registers. According to tradition, it is transmitted only once every ten thousand years.

The transmission of this scripture follows strict ritual requirements:

1. The disciple must prepare ninety feet of deep-red silk and fifty feet each of five-colored silk.

2. Before a master possessing the scripture, the disciple must observe purification fasts for either one hundred days, seventy days, or seven days.

3. An altar must be erected on a secluded high mountain, facing north to make the oath.

4. Offerings must include a five-ounce golden ram (a ritual vessel shaped like a ram) to honor the Five Planets (Wuxing) and a nine-ounce silver goose (a ritual vessel shaped like a goose) to honor the Nine Celestial Luminaries (Jiuchen).

5. The offerings are placed separately on the east and west sides while swearing an oath to the Nine Heavens.

6. Both master and disciple retain half of the oath document.

A stern warning is given: if the scripture is transmitted carelessly without these rituals, both master and disciple will suffer severe retribution, with seven generations of ancestors held accountable. During the ceremony, the disciple must hold the offerings, bow nine times to the north, and once to each of the five directions. The master, positioned at the center, performs "knocking the teeth" (kouchi—a Daoist ritual action believed to commune with the divine) nine times, declaring their name and cultivation vow.

(Note: The "Three Pure Ones" (Sanqing) refer to the three supreme celestial realms: Jade Clarity (Yuqing), Upper Clarity (Shangqing), and Great Clarity (Taiqing).)

This scripture records the esoteric rituals and cultivation essentials of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition—an important early Daoist school emphasizing Shen (spirit) visualization practices. The text comprises two main sections:

The first part contains an oath-prayer to the deities:

The practitioner, referred to as "Disciple A" (a ritual designation representing the adept), beseeches the compassion of the Most High Celestial Sages (the supreme deities). It declares that the Northern Emperor (supreme deity of the north) has already recommended the practitioner to serve as an immortal official of a sacred mountain, aspiring to eternal attainment of the true Dao (Way) beyond the cycle of rebirth. The prayer seeks permission to study the Dongzhen (Cavern of Perfection) scriptures, recite the "Emperor One" (supreme deity) mantras, and contemplate the celestial realms. It petitions for the secret method of "Feathered Insignia Soaring Through the Void" (a flying immortal technique) within a specific heavenly realm, calling upon the Celestial Sovereign of Ten Thousand Heavens, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), and other supreme deities to witness this covenant. Finally, it invokes the Five Directional Thearchs, sacred mountain deities, and great river/ocean spirits as overseers, while requesting protective Qi from the Jade Clarity Palace (one of the Sanqing Three Pure Realms).

The second part details the ritual transmission of secret methods:

1. Use three feet of white silk—inscribe incantations on the left section and draw Fulu (talismans) in the center

2. The transmitter writes deity names in purple ink and inscribes incantations/Fulu in vermilion

3. Invoke Jade Maidens and Jade Youths (immortal attendants) to protect the recipient

4. Tear the talisman vertically—male and female practitioners each keep half

5. Place in a crimson brocade pouch worn over the heart

6. Grave warning: Violating life/death taboos invites celestial punishment causing soul dispersion

The conclusion depicts Celestial King of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianwang) and immortals like the Great Elder of Supreme Truth riding dragon chariots—these beings traverse mysterious realms in lightning-fast dragon vehicles while chanting numinous verses. The heavens and earth radiate with light amidst violet mists as the perfected ones contemplate the Dao's profound mysteries. This likely represents visualized celestial scenery during practice.

Note: Terms like "chewing solar roots" represent distinctive Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) techniques involving breathwork and visualization to absorb solar/lunar essences.

This scripture describes a sacred scripture-bestowal ceremony where multiple Daoist deities descend together:

In the Jade Void celestial realm above the nine heavens, as the Great Perfected Elder (a high-ranking Daoist divinity) had just completed the Shangqing purification ritual, numerous deities including the Great Thearch Lord, the Three Primordial Purple Tenuity Lords, and the Celestial Thearch of Grand Tenuity descended together. They burned hundred-harmonies incense as five-colored divine palaces manifested. The assembled immortals arranged themselves in the Purple Tenuity Palace (the highest administrative center of the celestial realm) to pay homage to the scriptures, circumambulating them three times.

The Three Primordial Lords then faced westward and chanted the "Feathered Stanzas Celebrating Perfection" in clear voices to praise the divine. The lyrics depicted celestial scenes: in the Great Void paradise, numinous winds scattered rare fragrances while white luan birds (celestial phoenixes) soared swiftly, and phoenixes bearing sacred scriptures fluttered their wings across the nine heavens. The immortals collectively celebrated, bowing to the Jade Emperor.

Next, the Great Thearch Lord faced north and chanted: black phoenixes spread their wings, white luan birds circled, and fragrances filled the cloud paths. Numerous transcendents supported each other in celebration, as the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (the supreme Daoist deity), though traceless, could resonate with all beings. They fluttered their feathered wings without needing chariots, riding on vaporous qi to float freely.

The Celestial Thearch Lord then faced east and chanted: white divine birds rode air currents in spirals, their fragrance permeating the ten heavens (the Daoist cosmological concept of ten celestial layers). The numinous scriptures revealed profound mysteries, elucidating the supreme principles of Dao.

Finally, the Great Perfected Elder donned seamless nine-colored ritual robes adorned with flowing bells and seven-star ornaments. The Celestial Thearch of Grand Tenuity commanded the Feathered Transcendent Attendant (a celestial official) to present a golden tray, kneeling northward to confer the precious scriptures upon the Great Perfected. As the Elder received the texts, his entire body emitted golden light, spontaneously manifesting the Numinous Flight Jade Talisman (protective incantations). He then ascended the white luan chariot with the assembled immortals to begin their journey.

Notes:

1. The "white luan" and "black phoenix" mentioned repeatedly are divine bird imagery from Daoist scriptures

2. The "threefold circumambulation" and "threefold incense rotation" are common worship methods in Daoist rituals

3. The "Numinous Flight Jade Talisman" refers to protective talismans that manifest naturally through cultivation, symbolizing spiritual attainment

This scripture describes the secret methods of ascension practice from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition of Daoism, focusing on the efficacy and application of four types of "Lingfei Jade Talismans" (Lingfei Yufu).

First, it depicts how practitioners can soar freely like phoenixes: traveling east to the azure waters where the Fusang Divine Tree stands, west to the misty lands of Xuanyu’s plain, south to the fiery realm of Zhuling, and north to the cavernous abode of Shuo Yin. Ultimately, they ascend to the supreme celestial capital of Tai Xuan Yu Jing (the highest Daoist heaven), where they command myriad immortals and deities, and even the Celestial Emperor must follow the principles of the Great True Dao (Tai Zhen Zhi Dao).

Next, it details the four jade talismans:

1. Upper Lingfei Jade Talisman (Shang Lingfei Yufu): Worn for seven years enables flight to the heavens. Requires an oath sworn on ninety feet of blue brocade. When inscribed on the left palm, it allows one to grasp the azure mists and soar, while summoning the protection of the Six Jia Spirits (Liu Jia Shen) and Twelve Jade Maidens (Shi’er Yu Nü).

2. Lower Lingfei Jade Talisman (Xia Lingfei Yufu): Worn for nine years grants heavenly flight. Requires an oath on sixty feet of plain white brocade. Inscribed on the right palm, it enables one to grasp the white numinous energy and fly, also with divine maidens as guardians.

3. Left Lingfei Jade Talisman (Zuo Lingfei Yufu): Worn for nine years permits cloud-riding flight. Requires an oath on eighty feet of crimson brocade. Inscribed on the sole of the left foot, it allows one to tread the void and ascend.

4. Right Lingfei Jade Talisman (You Lingfei Yufu): Also worn for nine years, it facilitates mystical ascension.

These talismans must be written on nine-inch-long multicolored silk and worn on specific auspicious days. Each talisman summons the Six Jia and Twelve Divine Generals (Liu Jia Shi’er Shen) along with twelve Lingfei Jade Maidens (Lingfei Yu Nü) as protectors. The scripture emphasizes that ascension is impossible without these talismans. This reflects the Daoist belief in achieving immortality through ritual talismans (Fulu) and ceremonies that commune with divine forces, ultimately realizing the goal of celestial transcendence.

This scripture expounds the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) school's esoteric methods for cultivating flight and celestial ascension, detailing several crucial talismans (fulu) and practice procedures:

To ride clouds and ascend to the Jade Purity Realm (one of the Three Pure Ones' heavens), one must master the "Soaring Steps to Mysterious Ascension" technique. Without these talismans, it's impossible to tread upon the Big Dipper's seven stars (qiyuan) for elevation. Practitioners must make a vow upon fifty feet of black brocade, then inscribe a talisman on the right sole during cultivation to ride dark qi (vital energy) in flight. Another talisman drawn on nine inches of black silk should be worn to command the protection of the Six Jia deities (Daoist guardian spirits) and twelve celestial flying maidens.

The "Great Numinous Flying Jade Talisman" embodies yang qi essence. Wearing it for nine years will make golden light manifest on one's face, achieving the state of "vanishing while seated" (instant teleportation) and soaring through the great void. Without this talisman, one cannot ascend past the Emperor's Chief Star (first star of the Dipper) to transcend the nine heavens. A vow upon twelve feet of yellow brocade is required, with a talisman inscribed over the heart during practice to exhale clouds and tread upon them. A corresponding yellow silk talisman grants protection from the Six Jia deities and twelve jade maidens.

Practice begins by ingesting five talismans while facing east, tapping teeth twelve times, and reciting: "The flying true scripture of Mysterious Void Purple Purity connects above with rosy clouds, commands below all numinous beings, harnesses the Six Jia, transforms body movements, ascends through soaring steps..." After completing these rituals, nine years of continued cultivation enables riding emptiness and driving clouds at will.

These cloud talismans and jade incantations originate from natural dark qi, transmitted by the Supreme Lord of Dao to Great True Immortals (high-ranking Daoist transcendents) for void-treading ascension. At complete attainment, white phoenixes and black luan birds (immortals' mounts) arrive to escort one to jade palaces.

The scripture concludes by emphasizing: These secrets were transmitted by the Supreme Lord of Dao to high-ranking immortals like the Primordial Lord of Great Simplicity, to be stored in the Numinous Capital Palace. According to precepts, transmission is permitted only once every three millennia—unauthorized disclosure incurs celestial punishment, condemning the offender to ghostly servitude after death with calamity extending to nine generations. All talismans must be inscribed with cinnabar.

(Note: "Soaring steps" refers to a flight technique combining star-stepping rituals (bugang) and visualization; "Six Jia" denotes six guardian generals including Jiazhi; "Jade Purity" is among Daoism's highest celestial realms.)