《洞真太上神虎隱文》

The Scripture of the Hidden Text of the Divine Tiger from the Cavern of Perfection (Dongzhen Taishang Shenhu Yinwen) depicts a sacred ritual performed by the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (Taishang Dadaojun), one of the highest deities in Daoism, within an immortal realm:

The Supreme Lord of the Great Dao played the jinglong yun'ao (a celestial musical instrument), producing ethereal melodies that pierced the clouds. Miraculous phenomena then manifested: jade phoenixes stretched their necks, golden luan birds regulated their breath, dragons chanted amidst emerald waves, and tigers leaped upon jasper isles. Harmonious echoes resounded across the nine heavenly layers, invigorating the divine beasts of the grotto-heavens and blessed lands. Fierce horses opened their throats in song, mountains trembled, and sword-wielding immortals subdued malevolent forces.

Next, the Great Dao Lord commanded several jade maidens from the Upper Palace of Jade Purity (Yuqing Shanggong)—An Fayin, Tian Sifei, Zhao Dingzhu, and Li Yunmen—to chant in unison the Hymn of Divine Wielding and the Melody of Dispelling Essences and Scattering Spirits. The lyrics conveyed:

"Once I rode auroral light to tour the eight directions, wandering freely among the clouds. Divine spirits govern all things, while auspicious dragons appear in the jade capital of immortals. Golden gates wreathed in propitious clouds, nine-tiered palaces ablaze with violet radiance. My lofty chariot traversed the dark northern realms, soaring effortlessly into the realm of non-birth. Crimson tigers guided the deities, emerald carriages ascended to the purest heights. The Four Mysteries (representing directional gods) paid homage at the forbidden palace, embracing luminous splendor before returning to the Phoenix City."

The text further describes the perfected state of immortal cultivation: overcoming seven kalpic calamities and penetrating the nine celestial pathways. Treasure-light illuminates all, swiftly revealing the true form. Harnessing primordial Qi (vital energy) to open the Plain Abode (the Dantian), with river deities leading the way. Yin and Yang alternate as sun and moon exchange brilliance. Condensing pure Yang essence, the spirit returns to emptiness. The myriad things flow like waterfalls in northern valleys, riding the void like shooting stars.

Finally, it portrays the mystic realm attained by adepts: dwelling peacefully within the Cinnabar Mystic Pearl (the inner elixir), roaming the great void to awaken to the Dao. Mastering talismanic wisdom to comprehend Yin-Yang, never losing one's way. Immortal assemblies convene like awakening from a long dream. Virtue (De) is internalized, reaching the ultimate stillness. The spirit resonates with cosmic Qi, free as drifting mist. Transcendent harmonies surpass form; subtle truths stand beyond doubt.

Through resplendent imagery of immortal realms and specialized cultivation terminology, this scripture reveals the sacred state of Daoist practitioners seeking union with the Dao—a fusion of cosmological vision, ritual power, and alchemical transformation.

This scripture depicts a sacred and magnificent scene, primarily describing how the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (one of the highest deities in Daoism) summons the Celestial Emperor of Great Tenuity to descend, revealing various miraculous visions and exorcism rituals:

The opening portrays celestial scenery: the spiritual path leads to magnificent palaces, ten thousand immortal mountains display wondrous sights, with jade towers and gemstone pavilions floating among clouds. The phrase "after the final kalpa joins with the Jade Blossom" refers to reuniting with the essence of the celestial realm after overcoming tribulations.

Next comes the divine manifestation: the River Marquis (water deity) establishes an altar on high, while the Luminous Pearl illuminates the courtyard. The sun intersects with profound yin energies, and spiritual awareness beyond the six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind) harmonizes in chorus. The Jade Dipper (Big Dipper) rotates celestial mechanisms as ten thousand deities descend riding crimson steeds, preventing a thousand types of demonic obstacles from arising.

The exorcism ritual section describes: water and fire officials eliminating evil spirits, while the four directional deities govern at the Northern Eminence (celestial realm in the north). Earth deities and terrestrial essences conceal themselves, mountains hide their clouds, and the nine abysses are severed. The thunder gods execute punishments as the Northern Emperor opens the path.

The divine procession is then portrayed: the Five Emperors (of the five directions) wield battle-axes while the Divine Duke exhales sacred smoke, enveloped in purple qi. The Divine Tiger manifests its majesty to behead evil entities. The Supreme Primordial Mysterious Dao reveals itself here—those who receive and uphold it will be protected.

Finally, the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao commands the Left Jade Lord of Mysteries to summon the Celestial Emperor of Great Tenuity with a golden feathered command staff. The celestial emperor's descent is accompanied by a grand spectacle: ten thousand deities form his retinue, golden dragons control celestial soldiers, nine phoenixes sing prolonged notes while a hundred dragons harmonize, various celestial music resounds together, banners flutter, ritual bells crisscross through the air, and moonlight becomes translucent. The entire scene brims with sacred majesty, showcasing the highest level of Daoist ritual for summoning celestial beings.

The scripture depicts a sacred ritual scene involving high-ranking Daoist deities. The main content describes:

The sky is suffused with five auspicious signs, fragrant flowers scatter about, and aromatic smoke coils upward. The gentle radiance of the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, and stars) descends softly, with ethereal clouds glowing in divine splendor. Seven celestial paths and eight divine chariots float in the air, guarded by nine thousand heavenly soldiers.

At this moment, the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (one of the highest Daoist deities) in the Jade Clarity Realm (one of the highest heavenly realms) commands four attendants to guide the assembly through the Ruizhu Gate into the Sevenfold Radiance Inner Chamber. The Celestial Emperor of Great Tenuity (the deity presiding over the Central Heaven) respectfully requests permission to initiate an important mission.

The Supreme Lord of the Great Dao declares: "Li Shanyuan (an accomplished Daoist master), whose virtue aligns with that of the Seven Sages, as master of the Golden Tower, should pay homage to the Ten Celestial Worthies, govern countless living beings, and establish the order of Yin-Yang through profound mysteries. He wields authority over life and death, capable of subduing the Six Heavens (referring to six types of demonic forces) and overseeing the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), while administering justice to the Northern Emperor (referring to the Great Emperor of Fengdu)."

Subsequently, important ritual implements are transmitted: the Divine Tiger Talisman (with exorcistic power) and the Golden Tiger Talisman (capable of subduing celestial and earthly spirits). Wearing these talismans can annihilate myriad ghosts—demons and evil spirits will perish upon sight. The Celestial Emperor of Great Tenuity reverently opens the cloud-encased scripture case, retrieving talismans that radiate seven-colored light.

Finally, the celestial maidens of the Great Tenuity Heaven sing the "Hymn of Golden Truth" and the "Melody of Pacing the Void." The lyrics convey: "In the supreme void beyond the four directions, divine powers manifest; on the jade platform spread crimson clouds, while golden ramparts stand amidst emerald mists; reaching upward to pluck cloud pearls, gazing upon the Blade-less Summit (symbolizing the supreme state); the spiritual mirror shines in the Purple Palace, as vermilion radiance fills the firmament."

This passage reveals the sacred atmosphere of Daoism's highest heavenly realms and the solemn ceremony of transmitting essential ritual implements and incantations.

This scripture describes mystical visions in Daoist cultivation and the power of the Divine Tiger talismanic incantations. The content can be understood in several sections:

The opening depicts the practitioner entering a profound state: holding the Purple Lad (an immortal child), the cultivator traverses the unimpeded path of practice, passing through the vermilion southern gate and the western Haoque Window (celestial portals). The body becomes light as rippling waves while the spirit (Shen) commands all ten directions of the universe.

The middle section portrays ascension scenes: riding flying dragons and immortal chariots through the Seven Paths (Daoist reference to seven cultivation ways), the practitioner instantly arrives at the jade-island paradise. Flanked by the Jade-Radiance Consort (immortal maiden) and Golden Truth Lord (celestial official), they connect above with heavenly transcendents and below with numinous realms. Moving between the Moon Palace (Guanghan Gong) and Divine Peaks, partaking of immortal wines like Phoenix Brain and Stamen Nectar (two elixirs) grants longevity.

The latter section emphasizes the power of Divine Tiger incantations: the text mentions "Hidden Script of Divine Tigers" and "Golden Tiger True Talismans" (Fulu) possessing formidable might to destroy demons and dispel foul Qi. Wearing these talismans enables audience with the Jade Emperor, but disclosing their contents invites calamity affecting even one's ancestors. Reciting these incantations at night repels spirits, making even mountains and rivers bow toward the sound.

A concluding note attributes one poem to Lady An of Jiuhua (a Daoist female immortal). The entire passage reveals the transcendent states achieved through talismans and cultivation, highlighting the Divine Tiger incantations' crucial role in exorcism and Dharma protection.

This scripture records a significant Daoist transmission ceremony: just before dawn on the sixth day of the eleventh lunar month (during the fifth watch approaching daybreak), the exalted female immortal Purple Clarity Nine Radiances Consort (Ziqing Jiuhua Anfei) descended to impart the Secret Text of the Divine Tiger. The transmission ritual had to be completed before sunrise (ending before daybreak). This classic forms one fascicle of the Supreme Divine Tiger's Secret Text of the Eight Arts of Wisdom for Subduing Demons, with its full title being Dongzhen Scripture of the Supreme Divine Tiger's Secret Text.

Contextual notes:

1. "Purple Clarity Nine Radiances Consort" (Ziqing Jiuhua Anfei) is a major female immortal venerated in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition, frequently responsible for transmitting secret texts.

2. The Secret Text of the Divine Tiger (Shenhu Yinwen) represents important talismanic methods in Shangqing Daoism, primarily used for exorcism, demon-subjugation, and protecting cultivation practice.

3. "Ending before daybreak" reflects the Daoist belief that certain sacred rituals must be completed within specific time windows, here emphasizing the necessity of concluding before sunrise.