《洞真太上三九素語玉精真訣》

The Jade Essence True Formula of the Three-Nine Pure Words from the Dongzhen Supreme Scripture describes an essential Daoist practice method. The main contents are as follows:

This Three-Nine Pure Words Jade Essence True Formula was transmitted by the Great Lord of the Nine Heavens (a high-ranking Daoist deity) and the Jade Youth of the Three Heavens (a celestial attendant) on an auspicious day in the first year of the Shangshi era (a Daoist calendrical period). At that time, the northern direction was particularly favorable, and the Three Primordials (Heaven, Earth, and Water—the Three Officials) simultaneously manifested auspicious signs while the Nine Celestial Emperors (the supreme Daoist deities) returned to their original purity. This formula can open the spiritual gate (lingguan), grant immortality, and lead to the true comprehension of the Dao (Dao).

The scripture depicts the wondrous phenomena during cultivation: jade tones reverberate, celestial music resounds through the heavens, fragrant winds surge, and the sound of wisdom fills the void. Those who master this practice can command myriad immortals, and this profound teaching will endure through countless kalpas without fading.

The Green Youth Lord (Qingtong Jun), a major Daoist immortal, explains that this formula originates from the words of the Nine Emperors and Three True Ones (Jiudi Sanzhen). It consists of incantations for regulating qi (Qi) and prolonging life. It opens the spiritual gate and illuminates the five viscera. However, those who receive this transmission must meet certain conditions: they must possess an immortal’s bone structure (xiangu), make a secret vow upon encountering the scripture, practice with utmost care, and never recklessly disclose it. If transmitted to the unworthy, not only will the practitioner suffer divine retribution, but their ancestors for seven generations will also be implicated.

The lineage of transmission is as follows: from the Great Lord of the Nine Heavens and the Jade Youth of the Three Heavens, it passed to three great deities—the Great Thearch Lord (Taidi Jun), the Celestial Thearch Lord (Tiandi Jun), and the Great Tenuity Celestial Thearch Lord (Taiwei Tiandi Jun). These then transmitted it respectively to the Supreme Primordial Lord of the South Pole (Nanjí Shangyuan Jun), the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu), and the Sacred Lord of the Golden Palace (Jinque Shengjun). Finally, the Sacred Lord of the Golden Palace passed it to the Green Youth Lord, who in turn transmitted it to the Lord of the Western Citadel (Xicheng Wangjun), entrusting him to teach it to later generations of destined cultivators. By the time it reached the Lord of the Western Citadel, it had already been transmitted for over seven thousand kalpas (an extremely long cosmic cycle). Later, this scripture was sealed in a jade chamber on the western side of Mount Wangwu (Wangwu Shan, a sacred Daoist mountain), guarded by the Pure Spirit Official (Suling Guan), a deity overseeing scriptures. Only those with a predestined connection can encounter this formula.

[Contextual Notes]

1. "Three-Nine" (Sanjiu) refers to the threefold division (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity) into three grades each, totaling nine.

2. "Jade Essence" (Yujing) denotes the most refined primordial qi within the human body.

3. This formula belongs to the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) Daoist tradition, emphasizing specific incantations and cultivation methods for achieving longevity.

This passage presents the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) school's cultivation method, focusing on visualizing the Five Directional Deities to refine the five viscera. The following is a modern vernacular interpretation:

This Jade Essence True Formula of the Three-Nine Pure Words is a key Shangqing text emphasizing that cultivation must begin with regulating the five viscera. If one only practices the methods of pacing the void and ascending to the mysterious without first harmonizing the viscera, the myriad Qi (vital energy) will remain unstable and the true spirit won't manifest—no matter how diligently one practices, achieving immortality will prove difficult. The scripture specifically warns: these are secret methods transmitted by the Celestial Emperor and must be carefully guarded; careless transmission will invite calamity.

Specific cultivation method:

1. On one's Benming day (the celestial stem and earthly branch day corresponding to one's birth), after ritual purification, face east in a quiet chamber to practice.

2. Knock the teeth nine times, close the eyes, and visualize:

• The Eastern Green Emperor's (one of the Five Directional Celestial Emperors) emanation "Young Yang Nine-Spirit Perfected Being" named Ju Shangsheng.
• Appearance: Nine inches tall, wearing a Nine Primes crown, dressed in azure flying skirts, holding a green jade tablet.
• Riding azure clouds accompanied by twelve jade maidens in green robes descending from heaven, enveloping oneself in azure clouds.

3. Visualize the Perfected Being entering your body and taking residence in the liver area.

4. Call the Perfected Being's name three times, imagining him bringing green spirit mushrooms to nourish the body.

5. Swallow saliva three times while reciting an incantation (essentially praying for true Qi to return to the liver and pacify the ethereal and corporeal souls).

6. Conclude with nine deep breaths.

Then turn south to practice:

1. Knock teeth three times and visualize:

• The Southern Red Emperor's emanation "Great Yang Southern Pole Perfected Being" named Rong Shangsheng.
• Appearance: Three inches tall, wearing a Scholar's Advancement crown, dressed in crimson ceremonial robes, holding a red jade tablet.
• Riding crimson clouds accompanied by twelve jade maidens in red robes descending.

2. Similarly visualize the Perfected Being entering the heart area.

3. Recite the corresponding incantation (praying for the Three Qi to return to the heart and stabilize the spirit).

4. Conclude by swallowing saliva three times.

Note: This exemplifies classic Daoist visualization techniques, using deity imagery and Five Phase correspondences (eastern azure/wood correlating to liver, southern crimson/fire to heart) to regulate visceral functions. The practice combines physiological operations like breathing, teeth-knocking, and saliva-swallowing.

This passage describes a Daoist visualization ritual for spiritual cultivation. The practitioner faces different directions while performing specific techniques—closing the eyes, tapping teeth, visualizing divine figures, and reciting incantations.

First, face west with closed eyes and tap teeth seven times. Visualize the emissary of the White Emperor (one of the Five Thearchs), the Lesser Yin Pure Numinous Perfected Being (known as Rumingzi). His form appears as follows: seven inches tall, wearing a jade-adorned dark crown and white brocade robes, holding a white jade tablet, riding a chariot of white clouds, accompanied by twelve jade maidens of pure numinosity descending from the Palace of the Celestial Sovereign. Envision white clouds enveloping your body as the Perfected Being enters and settles within your lungs. Then invoke his name three times, imagining he brings immortal herbs and jade essence (Jing) to nourish your form, followed by reciting an incantation to seek transcendence.

Next, turn northward, close your eyes, and tap teeth five times. Visualize the emissary of the Black Emperor, the Great Yin Mysterious Numinous Perfected Being (named Mingxuanmo). His form resembles the previous figure but is clad in black robes, holding a black jade tablet, riding a chariot of dark clouds, and accompanied by twelve jade maidens of supreme mystery. Envision him entering your body to reside in the kidneys, invoke his name, imagine receiving nourishment, and recite the prescribed incantation.

Finally, face your birth-direction (benming), close your eyes, and tap teeth twelve times. Visualize the emissary of the Yellow Emperor, the Supreme Primordial Threefold Numinous Perfected Being (named Yuanhua). His form differs slightly, standing one and two-tenths inches tall. The entire ritual integrates visualization of the Five Thearchs' emissaries with breath regulation (inhaling Qi and swallowing saliva) to complete the cultivation practice.

This scripture describes a complete Daoist cultivation method divided into two main sections:

【Yellow Court Inner Vision Practice】

The practitioner visualizes wearing a yellow jade crown, clad in yellow brocade flying robes, holding a yellow essence jade tablet, and riding a yellow mist flying chariot. Twelve jade maidens of the Central Yellow Emperor descend from the celestial palace, enveloping the body in yellow clouds. At this moment, one must visualize the Three Numinous Perfected Immortals riding clouds to enter the body and take residence in the spleen area. Then invoke the "Three Primordial Numinous Perfected" three times, imagining them bringing yellow essence (Jing) and jade mushroom herbs to nourish the body. Coordinate this with swallowing three breaths while reciting incantations to beseech the Yellow Emperor's life-preserving spirit to guard the spleen, enabling true bodily nourishment, eternal youthful countenance, and immortality.

【Five Directions Homage to the Perfected Method】

Facing east with closed eyes, knock the teeth thirty-six times while visualizing the Five Qi Jade Purity High Emperor Precious Perfected (named Taixu). This immortal stands three inches tall, wearing a Jade Dawn crown and five-colored immortal robes, holding solar essence in the left hand and lunar radiance in the right, stationed at the crown chakra (Niwan Palace). Invoke this immortal five times, imagining him pouring five-colored vital Qi (Qi) to bathe the entire body, coordinated with swallowing five breaths. Recite mantras to beseech the Five Directional Thearchs to guard the Niwan Palace, enabling the Three Lights (sun, moon, stars) to shine brightly and celestial mists to nourish, ultimately achieving myriad transformations and ascension to immortal realms.

【Key Practice Points】

1. This method requires five years of continuous cultivation to achieve golden radiance emanating from the face and luminous internal organs

2. Practice must remain secret and never be casually disclosed

3. Combine with the "Eight Nodes Name Card Method": at eight seasonal nodes (beginning of spring, spring equinox etc.), submit name cards (similar to ceremonial petitions) to one's destiny mountain for three consecutive years without interruption to register one's name in immortal records

4. The scripture emphasizes this is a precious method from the Jade Purity Realm's Imperial Lord - successful cultivation enables daylight ascension, but reckless disclosure invites celestial punishment

Note: "Niwan Palace" refers to the crown chakra (Dantian) at the head; "Three Numinous Perfected" denotes three guardian spirits within the body; "Eight Nodes" refers to eight seasonal divisions (beginning of spring, spring equinox etc.). This complete method integrates characteristic Daoist practices of visualization, Qi absorption, and incantation techniques.

This scripture records the Daoist cultivation rituals performed during different solar terms. The core practice involves conducting ceremonies—including tooth-tapping, incantation recitation, and tablet-burial—while facing specific directions during five key seasonal nodes: Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice.

The detailed procedure is as follows:

1. At high noon on each solar term day, face the prescribed direction (e.g., south for Summer Solstice, southwest for Beginning of Autumn).

2. Perform tooth-tapping 32 times (a Daoist health-preservation technique).

3. Tilt the head back and softly recite a specific incantation (each solar term has its own chant, all containing petitions to deities for longevity).

4. Swallow Qi (vital energy) nine times.

5. Turn to face north, kneel solemnly, and recite the tablet inscription’s incantation.

6. Finally, bury a wooden slip inscribed with the incantation atop a high mountain or cliff.

The incantations primarily include:

• Petitions to deities such as the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun).
• Requests for blessings from the Three Officials and Nine Bureaus (Daoist celestial institutions governing human affairs).
• Hopes for erasure from the death register and enrollment in the immortal records.
• Prayers for soaring through the heavens and attaining enduring life.

These rituals embody the Daoist principle of "correspondence between heaven and humanity," which holds that aligning with cosmic energies during specific solar terms—through precise ceremonies—facilitates divine communion and longevity. Each solar term’s incantation resonates with distinct natural forces and celestial protections.

This scripture records a set of Daoist ritual procedures performed during specific solar terms, primarily involving the burial of inscribed bamboo slips (toujian), teeth-tapping (kouchǐ), and incantation recitation. Here's a vernacular interpretation:

【Spring Begins (Lichun) Ritual】

Time: Noon on Lichun day

Direction: Face northeast

Procedure:

1. Tap teeth 32 times

2. Gently recite while facing upward: "The essence-Qi (Jingqi) of the Great Yang begins to rise as the primordial Qi (Yuanqi) of heaven and earth converges. As Yin-Yang rotates, the Three-Five constellations align. By decree of the Celestial Emperor, I bury this sacred text in immortal mountains, beseeching the Three Officials (Tianguan, Diguan, Shuiguan) and Nine Bureaus (earthly administrative offices) to grant protection. May my name be recorded in immortal registers to become an eternal guest of the celestial realm."

3. Swallow Qi 9 times

4. Turn northward, kneel to read the inscribed text before burial

【Spring Equinox (Chunfen) Ritual】

Time: Noon on Chunfen day

Direction: Face due east

Incantation essence: "Pure Qi permeates heaven and earth as I ride morning light to tour the Five Planets. May the Yellow Register (Huanglu, Daoist document) protect my soul, and the Emperor of Eastern Florescence (Donghua Dijun) grant me longevity. With this slip presented to celestial palaces, may the Northern Emperor (Beidi, the Purple Tenuity Emperor) erase my mortal name, allowing me to wander freely through immortal palaces and purple abodes."

【Summer Begins (Lixia) Ritual】

Time: Noon on Lixia day

Direction: Face southeast

Incantation references: "Primordial Qi from eight directions encircles me as the Five Planets and Seven Luminaries revolve. Having passed three trials and nine tests, I shed mortal form to become a superior immortal."

【Universal Document Format】

Disciples self-identify as "Three Radiances Disciples of the Most High Purple Void Jade Emperor's Great Cavern (Gaoshang Zixu Yuhuang Dadong Sanjing Dizi)", specifying:

• Daoist title (e.g. "Master of [Mountain] Peak")
• Personal name (e.g. Wang XX)
• Age and birthdate
• Having passed three examinations

They petition the Five Sacred Mountains' deities, Three Officials and Nine Bureaus, and Twelve River Sources (important Daoist waterways) to register their names in celestial records.

【Key Considerations】

1. Inscribe using cinnabar on silver slips

2. After northern recitation, bury deep in mountain crevices

3. Maintain complete secrecy throughout

4. Conclude with nine prostrations northward while reciting: "I beseech the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun), the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang), and all immortals to verify my immortal registration and ensure this document ascends to celestial courts."

These rituals embody the Daoist cultivation principle of "heaven-human resonance" (tianren xiangying), communicating with deities through specific spatiotemporal energy nodes. The teeth-tapping summons body-spirits (Shen), while Qi-swallowing visualizes primordial energy circulation.

The Dongzhen Taishang Sanjiu Suyu Yujing Zhenjue (Authentic Scripture of Jade Essence and Ninefold Plain Words from the Supreme Great Cavern of Truth) records an esoteric Daoist ritual for safeguarding the spirit and securing divine protection during mountain retreats. This complete ceremony unfolds across four cardinal directions, each with specific requirements:

Eastern Ritual

On Ren-Gui days (Heavenly Stems associated with Water), engrave the black talismanic script "Nine Heavens Jade Writ" (Jiutian Yuwen) onto cyan stone. Bury it nine feet deep east of the dwelling. Facing east, perform nine teeth-knockings while reciting incantations to summon the sacred power of Mount Tai and the qi-essence of the Nine Heavens as protectors. The liturgy warns transgressors of celestial punishment.

Western Ritual

On Wu-Ji days (Earth-associated stems), carve yellow talismans on white stone for burial west of the dwelling. Facing west, the adept knocks teeth and chants to invoke the Fire Deity of the South and the palace chambers of the Celestial Emperor, declaring violators will face execution.

Southern Ritual

Also performed on Wu-Ji days, this variant summons white-hued deities and the sacred mountain spirits of the Western Peak (Xiyue). The chant proclaims Yuanshi Tianzun (the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning) commands governance over the Three Flowers (Jing, Qi, Shen), threatening offenders with decapitation.

Northern Ritual

On Geng-Xin days (Metal-associated stems), white talismans are carved on black stone for northern burial. Though the text omits full details, the north-facing liturgy presumably mirrors other directions in structure.

Known as the "Jade Writ Method of the Imperial Lord for Anchoring the Spirit" (Dijun Yuwen Zhen Shen Shangfa), this practice demands secrecy—completing twenty-four cycles (six per direction) over three years for efficacy. Successful adepts gain immortal registry by the True Sovereign (Zhenhuang), receiving twelve jade attendants of each gender as protectors. Violating secrecy invites calamity.

This scripture documents a secret Daoist ritual known as the "Jade Essence Mountain-Pacifying Superior Method," primarily used to suppress malevolent forces and protect sacred cultivation sites. Here's a modern interpretation:

Mount Heng in the north (one of the Five Sacred Peaks) contains the refined essence of Mercury (the Water Star), embodying profound and mysterious dark energy. This location gathers the vital Qi (energy) of heaven and earth, where the Celestial Emperor issues decrees to suppress evil influences using jade-carved talismans (Fulu). The Three Realms (likely referring to heaven, earth, and humanity) manifest their authority—this pacification method must never be treated lightly and requires strict adherence to ritual protocols.

The specific procedure is as follows: On Bing-Ding days (auspicious fire-element days), carve vermilion talismanic characters on yellow stones and bury them at the center of your dwelling mountain. While burying, face your birth year's auspicious direction, tap your teeth nine times, and recite the incantation: "Yellow primordial Qi envelops Mount Song, governing the five directions. Bearing the Mandate of Heaven, we subdue demons. A thousand armies lend their aid, perishing together with evil. The Celestial Emperor manifests, receiving the command from Nine Yang. The Jade Talisman of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning is pacified in the central palace." Then bury it nine feet underground.

This secret method was transmitted by the Nine Heavens Elder to the Divine Ruler according to the Supreme Truth's Mysterious Precepts—only once every seven hundred years, exclusively to those with immortal bone structure and names registered in the celestial records. Unauthorized disclosure brings calamity upon seven generations of ancestors and the transgressor themselves. Transmission requires golden fish, jade dragons, forty feet of cyan silk, nine pairs of golden clasps, and one hundred feet of natal-year silk as ritual tokens, performed in a purified chamber with fasting and oaths. Violators face punishment from the underworld for both master and disciple.

A similar ritual occurs on Jia-Yi days (wood-element auspicious days): Carve cyan talismanic characters on red stones and bury them in northern mountains. Facing north, tap teeth nine times while reciting: "Northern Mount Heng, Mercury's essence, dark mystery's shelter. Harmonizing vital Qi, the Celestial Emperor decrees—jade talismans pacify life. The Three Realms display power, suppression severe, each returns to position, revealing true form." Also bury nine feet deep.

The conclusion emphasizes: "All energies from the four directions and eight dimensions fall under my command—offenders will be punished." This reflects Daoist cultivation's emphasis on spatial order and the practice of communicating with natural forces through ritual.

This scripture records the "Jade Essence Mountain-Pacifying Superior Method," an advanced esoteric practice in Daoist cultivation. The main content is as follows:

On Bing-Ding days (auspicious days associated with the Fire phase), one must inscribe the "Nine Heavens Jade Script" (a sacred talismanic writing) in vermilion on yellow stone and bury it at the central mountain position of one's dwelling. During burial, face your Benming direction (auspicious orientation determined by birthdate), tap the teeth nine times, and recite the incantation:

"Yellow Qi of Mysterious Peaks (representing the central Earth Virtue) governs the Five Directions,

Receiving Heaven's mandate to subdue demon kings.

A thousand spirit-officials suppress malignant forces,

While the Celestial Unity Emperor's essence (referring to the North Star's first deity)

Receives the mandate of Ninefold Yang (pure Yang Qi).

The Primordial Jade Script (talismans of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning)

Guards the Central Palace (the core of one's body or cosmos)."

The stone must be buried nine feet deep. This is a spirit-pacifying secret method transmitted by the Imperial Lord (likely referring to the Purple Tenuity Emperor).

The "Jade Essence Mountain-Pacifying Superior Method" was originally transmitted by the Nine Heavens Elder (a high-ranking transcendent) to the Imperial Lord. According to the Supreme Truth's Mysterious Precepts (advanced monastic rules), it may only be transmitted once every seven hundred years and exclusively to those with immortal bone structure and names registered in the transcendent registers. Unauthorized disclosure incurs karmic consequences for seven generations of ancestors and brings calamity upon the offender. Recipients must guard this method with utmost discretion.

Key transmission protocols per the Illuminated Precepts (explicit rules):

The ceremony requires golden fish and jade dragons (precious ritual objects), forty feet of blue-patterned silk, nine pairs of golden clasps, and one hundred feet of Benming silk as offerings to swear oaths before the Nine Heavens. Transmission must occur in a purified ritual chamber after fasting. Violating this oath condemns both master and disciple to divine retribution. Recipients must practice with reverent caution.

This passage emphasizes the sacredness of esoteric methods and strict transmission protocols, embodying the Daoist principle that "the Dao is not lightly bestowed."