《洞真太上紫文丹章》
About this page. The original text of 《洞真太上紫文丹章》 (Zhengyi 正一部, 1 volume) is shown in Classical Chinese as transmitted in the Kanripo (Kyoto University) edition. An English interpretation of the 2 passages on this page accompanies it: select a passage or press “Interpretation” to show it. All texts in English
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Source textInterpretation
Vol. 1
This passage recounts the origins and efficacy of the Daoist scripture Dongzhen Taishang Ziwen Danzhang (Scripture of the Purple Script and Cinnabar Chapters from the Most High of the Cavern of Perfection). Also known as Jiutian Yuqing Lüzi Yinwen (Hidden Text of Green Characters from the Jade Purity of the Nine Heavens), it was formed from the condensed essence-qi (Jing-Qi) of the highest celestial realms, manifesting as natural purple radiance in 120 luminous characters. These radiant glyphs illuminate the Shangqing (Upper Clarity) realm—one of the Three Pure Ones' (Sanqing) sacred domains—connecting with celestial deities, maintaining cosmic order in the Jade Void Palace (residence of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning), and commanding the divine hosts of the Nine Heavens to summon authentic numinous beings.
The scripture reveals that this classic was originally worn by the Primordial Heavenly King before being transmitted to exalted deities including the Jade Purity Emperor, the Demon-Subduing Great King, and the Jade Purity Divine Empyrean King. Those who wear this text receive protection from twenty-four jade youths and maidens who guard against spiritual laxity. Practitioners bearing this scripture will have their names inscribed on the Cinnabar Platform (the celestial register of immortals), emit purple radiance from their bodies, and manifest a halo above their heads, enabling them to traverse the Great Void (cosmic space) freely. They will be welcomed by the ten directions of existence and may summon the Three Origin Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water) to descend for celestial banquets.
Detailed cultivation methods are provided: within a pure space measuring one zhang square, the practitioner should visualize the Purple Script and Cinnabar Chapters while holding the Flowing Gold Fire Bell (a ritual implement) in the left hand and commanding the power of the Seven Primes of Huoluo (the Big Dipper's mystical force) with the right. This practice naturally summons the Jade Void Palace's presence, unlocks the profound mysteries of the Great Cavern Perfection Scripture, attracts myriad authentic beings, and repels demonic forces. Practitioners may further mobilize the qi of the eight directions, circulate the Five Planets, command ten thousand spirits, and direct assemblies of transcendents.
The text emphasizes this scripture's status as the supreme secret of the Nine Heavens and Jade Purity realms, with severe penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Transmission requires crimson silk as the base, purple ink for inscription, ninety feet of purple fabric, offerings of golden fish and jade dragons, and ninety days of purification. The initiate must face north to swear a celestial oath before receiving the text, which must then be enshrined in a brocade pouch worn over the heart. Bearers attain the exalted state of High Mystery, and those who obtain the Jade Purity's Hidden Texts may reach the Supreme Authenticity realm, maintaining constant communion with the Jade Void Palace in daily life while being guarded by the Jade Radiance of the celestial realms.
This scripture elucidates the cultivation methods and taboos associated with wearing the "Purple Script Crimson Talisman" (a type of Daoist fulu):
It first emphasizes maintaining physical and spiritual purity during practice, avoiding any contamination with worldly defilements. Violating this prohibition causes the divine spirits to depart while demonic obstacles seize the opportunity to invade, ultimately leading to failed cultivation and inability to attain immortality.
The specific practice method involves visualizing one's body enveloped in purple radiance with vital Qi (energy) circulating throughout when wearing the talisman, during daily activities, or while cultivating the Dao. Lightly tap the teeth nine times while silently reciting this invocation:
"Within the Jade Void's ninefold celestial realms, eight directions shine with purple light. Mysterious radiance illuminates my form, as the Jade Pure sacred realm bestows nectar. The Purple Script Crimson Talisman manifests numinous power, its nine-heaven commands summoning myriad spirits. Gathering immortals to lend their aid, majestic virtue awes countless numina. Five-colored auspicious clouds coalesce as chariots, purple auroras forming divine canopies. Lifting me through soaring ascent, straight to the highest Jade Dawn paradise."
After recitation, swallow twelve mouthfuls of purple vital Qi. Practicing this consistently for nine years will result in protective purple cloud canopies surrounding the body, with radiant purple light illuminating the ten directions, ultimately achieving the state of communicating with spirits, perceiving truth, and penetrating cosmic emptiness.
The scripture concludes with its transmission lineage: Originally bestowed by the Lady of Upper Primordial (a female immortal) to the Jade Maiden of Great Harmony, who later transmitted it to the Lord of Tender Yang. After attaining the Dao and ascending, the Lord sealed the scripture within Nine Peaks Mountain's cavern chamber, prophesying its transmission after seven centuries to destined seekers. Sincere practitioners will naturally resonate with this immortal legacy through devoted cultivation.
Source text: Kanripo 漢籍リポジトリ(KR5g0144); Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Report an error / feedback