《洞真金房度命綠字迴年三華寶曜內真上經》

This scripture recounts how the Supreme Immortal Official of the Southern Pole (a high-ranking Daoist celestial officer) sought the secrets of longevity from the Daoist supreme deity Xu Huang Daojun (the Divine Lord of Empty Majesty).

In the first year of Qin Shi Huang's reign (the Renwu year), at high noon on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, this immortal official knelt reverently beneath the jeweled trees of the Purple Terrace in the Seven-Treasure Cavern-Void of the Supreme Goodness Infinite Longevity Heavenly Kingdom. There, he beseeched the Jade Emperor, the Celestial Worthy of Empty Majesty (the highest divinity in Daoism), for guidance. Despite his long cultivation and his rank among immortals who command celestial hosts, he confessed he still lacked the true method to prolong life and transcend mortal limits.

Xu Huang Daojun then revealed the profound mysteries of the Scripture of the Three Blossoms' Radiant Treasure and the Green-Character Life-Extending Method from the Golden Chamber:

1. This secret method is preserved in the Ninefold Golden Terrace and Jade Chamber of the Nine Heavens, within the winding passages of the Nine-Cornered Room, attended by three thousand jade maidens.

2. The effects of cultivation progress in stages:

• One cycle of practice purifies the internal organs and unblocks energy pathways.
• Ten cycles clarify the heart-mind (Shen), enabling communion with the spirit realm.
• A hundred cycles extend life, transforming the mortal body into an immortal vessel.
• A thousand cycles grant flight through the higher celestial realms of Shangqing (Upper Clarity).
• Ten thousand cycles elevate the practitioner to the rank of immortal minister, worthy of standing before the Celestial Emperor.

3. Transmission rites: The method must be conferred under the supervision of immortal officials from the Five Elders' Celestial Capital and the Southern Changshang Palace, with solemn oaths sworn in the Infinite Longevity Heaven.

4. Lineage: The scripture was successively transmitted to the High Lord of the Southern Pole's Upper Origin, Master Wan Shi (Primordial Beginning), and the Central Perfected Yellow Youth, among other perfected beings.

5. Hidden copies: Another sealed version awaits the destined in Mount Emei—one whose "golden bones and jade constitution" mark them as worthy.

Contextual Notes:

• The "Three Blossoms" refer to the triad of Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit), while "Radiant Treasure" signifies the inner light awakened through cultivation.
• Practice emphasizes aligning with the "Nine Yang's Appointed Time"—harmonizing with the cyclical rhythms of heaven and earth.
• As a key Shangqing (Upper Clarity) text, it prioritizes cunsi (visualization) and internal refinement (neilian).

(Note: "Stomach storing flowing passages" denotes the unblocking of energy channels in the viscera through practice; "internal transformation into a fetal immortal" describes shedding the mortal body to attain an immortal form.)

This scripture passage explains the precious efficacy and cultivation methods of the Dongzhen Jinfang Duming Lüzi Huinian Sanhua Baoyao Neizhen Shangjing (Scripture of the Three Radiances and Precious Illuminations from the Golden Chamber for Prolonging Life with Green Characters, the Supreme Inner Truth of the Cavern of Perfection):

Within the Lingdu Palace (Palace of Numinous Capital), there reside 240,000 high-ranking immortals who all use gold to craft scripture cases, silver to weave binding cords, and purple-haired brushes to transcribe the sacred text. When collectively chanting this scripture, their jade-like pure voices ascend directly to the Nine Heavens, enabling communication with divine spirits and the reversal of aging. Constant recitation and veneration of this classic allows transcendence beyond life and death, attaining longevity equal to Heaven and Earth.

This scripture is the supreme treasure text that can regulate the body's entire meridian system. Different recitation frequencies yield distinct effects: one recitation brings enlightenment of profound principles; ten recitations reverse aging; one hundred recitations refine the body and bones; one thousand recitations confer invisibility and escape techniques; ten thousand recitations lead to attaining the Dao and ascension. With prolonged purification through fasting and focused cultivation, even if immediate immortality isn't achieved, one can still avert disasters and eliminate karmic obstacles.

Specific cultivation methods:

1. Choose auspicious days such as one's birth year, Jiazi days, or the eight solar terms (major nodes among the twenty-four solar terms)

2. In a quiet chamber, face the four directions (east, south, west, north) sequentially to:

• Swallow Qi (vital energy) nine times
• Visualize the corresponding directional Celestial Lords (Great Emperor of the East, Supreme Perfected of the South Pole, etc.)
• Perform prostrations

3. Alternatively, uniformly face east while mentally paying respects to all four directions

4. Upon completion:

• Face one's birth direction and click teeth 36 times
• Swallow Qi 36 times
• Face the Tai Sui (Jupiter) direction and swallow Qi 24 times

5. Finally, face north and recite the scripture ten times as one cycle, consuming one Golden Chamber Life-Preserving Talisman per cycle

6. During practice, visualize five-colored auspicious clouds filling the chamber while silently chanting specific incantations

Persistent cultivation regulates meridians, gathers Qi, and ultimately achieves the state of immortality and radiance equal to the sun and moon.

This scripture describes the mystical visions and visualization practices (cunsi) of the "Golden Chamber" (referring to the upper Dantian in the head) in Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) cultivation. Here's a modern interpretation:

Within the nine layers of mysterious Qi (vital energy), the supreme Dao gives birth to the Upper Origin (upper Dantian). The Three Wheels (Jing, Qi, and Shen - the three treasures) revolve in emptiness, while the Five Qi (energies of the Five Phases) transform into jade-like purity. Through reciting the scripture ten thousand times, the Great Dao naturally manifests in the Grand Void.

Visualize the Golden Chamber (upper Dantian) containing the True Lord of Imperial Unity (the presiding deity), merging with the golden palace. At this stage, one should practice breath retention in stillness, ensuring all meridians are unobstructed before beginning scripture recitation.

Within the Golden Chamber resides the True Person (original spirit), surrounded by a jade paradise. Amidst swirling purple clouds, nine layers of mysterious Qi condense into jade towers and platforms, with golden towers standing opposite each other. Flowing rosy clouds and crimson mists protect the spiritual truth, while green radiance fills the middle Dantian (heart region). Above are the nine heavenly layers, below lies a ten-thousand zhang deep spring, converging at the cave gate to form the root of cloud-like Qi.

Three thousand jade maidens and immortal youths hold fragrant kerchiefs in attendance, as purple smoke rises and countless immortals in ritual robes chant scriptures in unison. Through the revolution of the Golden Chamber (celestial cycle), one can prolong life, with the Three Flowers (Jing, Qi, Shen) radiating brilliance. Each ten recitations lead to the Upper Origin realm; after swallowing the spiritual talisman, sit in stillness to regulate the five organs and all meridians.

Various deities reside in the body's key points:

• The tongue root houses the Child of Supreme Subtlety (tongue deity) governing saliva
• The Jade Pillow acupoint (occiput) contains the Divine Lord of Supreme Unity (brain deity)
• Between the eyebrows dwells the Prince Without Peer (brow deity)
• The left armpit/liver region contains the Luminous Deity of Cave Yang (liver deity Bai Yuan)
• The right armpit houses the Ruler of Life Destiny (lung deity)

Additionally:

• The Crimson Palace (heart) contains the Peach Well-being Deity (heart deity)
• The lower Dantian holds the Celestial Emperor's Red Child (kidney deity)
• Before the nine apertures of the Mud Ball Palace (brain) resides the Crimson Emperor Deity
• The throat contains four True Deities (throat deities) holding scriptures
• The stomach houses three True Deities (stomach deities) manifesting in cinnabar hues

These deities each perform their functions, collectively maintaining the practitioner's vital functions. Through visualizing these inner deities' locations and forms, one achieves the cultivation effects of divine communion and life extension.

This passage describes the Neidan (internal alchemy) practice of "filling the spirit" (infusing divine names and energies into specific body parts) in Daoist cultivation. Here's a plain explanation:

The human body has two nostrils leading to deep internal passages, where two streams of Qi (vital energy) condense into jade-like purity. A fragrance like orchids fills the stomach region (Great Granary/Taicang), flowing unimpeded during practice. The celestial Zhenyi (True Unity) deity resides peacefully in the chest, governing all organs. Practitioners wearing blue ritual robes can transcend life and death by reciting sacred texts. Each ten recitations reveal deeper meanings, granting not just longevity but ascension to the nine heavens.

Specific cultivation methods:

1. Infuse the left ear with the name "Truth of Double Nines" to sharpen hearing and vision, perceiving across vast distances

2. Infuse the right ear with "Imperial First Soul" to comprehend all things and discern subtle sounds

3. Infuse the head with "Purple Plain Primordial Lord" to make the face glow and absorb solar/lunar essences

4. Infuse the chest/abdomen with "Yellow Plain Primordial Lord" to form protective energy webs against demons

5. Infuse the lower body with "White Plain Primordial Lord" to stabilize Jing (essence) and illuminate the nine orifices

6. Infuse the left hand with "Solar Destiny Regulator" to draw longevity-enhancing sunlight/moonlight

7. Infuse the right hand with "Peach Lord of the Moon" to circulate stellar energies

8. Infuse each eye with youth deities' names—left eye observes yang world, right eye perceives yin realms

9. Infuse the lungs with youth deities' names to purify internal/external breath

10. Infuse the five organs and throat with names like "Mystery-Seeker" to stabilize vital energies

11. Infuse the stomach with "Grain-Protecting Youth" to aid digestion and absorption

12. Infuse joints with "Dark Terrace" names to generate black protective energy

Through visualization of divine names and energy infusion, these methods strengthen the body and prolong life.

This scripture elucidates the workings of various deities and vital energies within the human body, along with methods for achieving immortality through cultivation. The text describes:

Within the human body reside numerous important deities and essential energies. The intestines contain the "Four Dimensional" Qi—understanding this enables longevity. The womb harbors "Yellow Qi" (primordial yellow energy), while the blood contains "Red Qi" (primordial red energy). Each of the five viscera is guarded by an imperial ruler: the Black Emperor resides in the bladder, the White Emperor in the scrotum, the Red Emperor in the mouth, and the Green Emperor in the palace of the five viscera.

The cultivation methods involve quietly contemplating profound principles—repeating this practice ten thousand times enables one to ride clouds and ascend to heaven. One must harmonize the body's fluids and energies to protect the physical form. Practitioners visualize internal deities like the "Threefold Unity True Lord" and "Imperial Unity True Lord" safeguarding their bodies. Regular recitation of scriptures allows the myriad energies to coalesce into a perfected form.

Through these practices, understanding these principles grants immortality and a lifespan of ten thousand years, ultimately leading to ascension to the Jade Pure celestial realm. After prolonged cultivation (such as three years), one may encounter perfected beings who transmit texts like the "Golden Chamber's Method for Rejuvenation." Practitioners can soar among clouds, traverse the Five Sacred Peaks, and pay homage to the Jade Emperor.

The text emphasizes diligent practice: immortality isn't attained spontaneously but requires persistent cultivation. Reciting scriptures ten times pleases the ten thousand deities, while extended purification rituals accumulate merit.

Using richly symbolic language, this scripture describes Neidan (internal alchemy) practices and their transcendent states. It posits that the human body inherently contains various deities and primordial energies that, when awakened through specific cultivation methods, can lead to immortality and celestial ascension.

This scripture describes a Daoist cultivation method called the Golden Chamber Life-Prolonging Technique, which primarily consists of three components: scripture recitation, visualization, and talisman ingestion.

After completing the scripture recitation, practitioners should visualize the chamber filled with auspicious natural purple Qi (vital energy). This purple Qi enters the body through the mouth, nose, and ears. At this stage, one will feel slight bodily warmth and should perform thirty-nine swallowing motions while silently chanting an incantation. The incantation essentially states that myriad Qi energies merge to form a sacred abode, purifying the body's thirty-nine orifices, dispelling fatal misfortunes, and attaining registration in the golden tablets with green characters (sacred Daoist documents), ultimately enabling joyful ascension to immortality.

The scripture mentions that those whose names are recorded in the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) celestial register will be served by thirty-six jade youths and maidens. Practitioners must maintain physical and mental purity: they must avoid contact with filth and abstain from consuming the five pungent vegetables (like onions and garlic), lest they anger the inner deities and hinder cultivation progress.

The text then details the usage methods for three types of jade talismans:

1. Upper Truth Jade Talisman: Written in blue ink on white paper on one's Benming day (birthdate's corresponding celestial stem-earthly branch day), to be ingested while facing the "auspicious direction" (Wang Fang). Combined with scripture recitation and specific rituals, ingesting varying quantities produces different effects—from unblocking meridians to perceiving divine beings, culminating in union with heaven and earth.

2. Middle Truth Jade Talisman: Written in red ink during eight major solar terms (Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, etc.) and ingested while facing the corresponding seasonal direction. With accompanying scripture recitation, it gradually achieves bodily purification and rejuvenation.

3. Lower Truth Jade Talisman: Written in yellow ink during Taisui years and Jiazi days, ingested while facing the Taisui direction. Through this comprehensive talisman ingestion system, practitioners can attain the state of "Three Radiances in Harmony" (sun, moon, and starlight in perfect alignment).

(Note: "Muddy Pellet" (Niwan) refers to the upper Dantian (energy center), while "Crimson Palace" (Jianggong) denotes the middle Dantian—both crucial cultivation points in Daoism. "Northern Emperor" (Beidi) signifies the northern deity, and "Southern Palace" (Nangong) represents the celestial palace of the south.)

This scripture reveals the esoteric Daoist practice of "extending life and reversing aging" (du ming hui nian), incorporating ritual talisman ingestion, purification bathing, and visualization techniques:

[Talisman Ingestion Method]

1. Begin by reciting the Scripture of the Golden Chamber Inner Truth (Jinfang Neizhen Jing), then prepare and ingest talismans according to prescribed protocols. Different quantities yield distinct effects:

• 100 talismans: The lower Dantian (Lower Primordial Dark Palace) receives nourishment from Nine Numinous Qi (jiuling zhi qi), unblocking energy channels throughout the body
• 1,000 talismans: Enables faint perception of the True Lord of the Lower Primordial manifesting
• 10,000 talismans: Completes the Daoist cultivation, with every pore accumulating spiritual energy as death-qi dissipates, qualifying for celestial ascension

2. When drawing talismans, face the imperial direction while knocking teeth 36 times. Silently recite the invocation: "Celestial numen manifests glory... (petitioning for purification of the nine orifices, divine radiance in the five viscera and six bowels, stabilization of the Three Originals [sanyuan], and rejuvenation through the Golden Chamber life-extension method)" before swallowing breath 46 times and ingesting the talisman.

[Purification Bathing Method]

1. On every Gui Day (water element day), collect northern spring water. On one's birth-sign day, boil equal portions of angelica root, peach bark, and cypress leaves (one jin each), bathing precisely at noon.

2. Before bathing, knock teeth nine times while visualizing three jade attendants holding towels to your left and two jade maidens bearing incense to your right, with a canopy of purple clouds enveloping you.

3. Silently recite: "Heaven and Earth are profoundly pure... (seeking bodily purification, return to original truth, and life extension)" before commencing the bath.

[Post-Bathing Cultivation]

1. After bathing, return to your chamber and recline facing east. Apply fragrant powder over your body while rubbing palms warm to massage the face fourteen times.

2. Simultaneously intone: "Celestial dark qi purifies... (petitioning for impurity removal and age reversal)" followed by 36 deep breaths.

3. Three years of consistent practice enables complete bodily renewal: shedding old skin to reveal jade bones and golden countenance.

[Important Admonitions]

The scripture concludes by emphasizing this as secret transmission (michuan) not to be carelessly taught to the unworthy, lest ancestors suffer karmic descent into ghostly realms. Only sincere practitioners may attain the Dao and achieve immortality.

(Note: Terms like "Jade Dawn" [yuchen] and "Great Clarity" [taiqing] refer to Daoist deities/pure realms; "Three Originals" denote the upper/middle/lower Dantian; "Nine Apertures" indicate the body's sensory orifices)

This scripture elucidates the protocols for cultivating the "Life-Prolonging and Year-Returning" method (extending longevity). When practicing this method, both master and disciple must observe purification rituals (zhaijie, cleansing body and mind) according to ceremonial regulations, choosing periods of nine days, three days, or five days as appropriate. The sacrificial silk (zeng) should correspond to the practitioner's age—one chi (Chinese foot) in length per year of life. Additionally, a golden figurine weighing two liang and four zhu (ancient weight units) must be prepared, symbolically representing the practitioner when making oaths to the Nine Heavens (Jiutian, the highest celestial realm in Daoism).

The text particularly emphasizes that without properly swearing the oath according to these rules, the divine spirits will not respond, and the practice will bear no fruit. Violating the precepts will incur punishment from the "Right Official" (Youguan, the Daoist deity overseeing examinations and judgments). Thus, practitioners of this method must exercise utmost caution.

Finally, it mentions that this method was originally transmitted by the Immortal of Western Citadel (Xicheng Zhenren) to Wei Huacun (a renowned female Daoist of the Wei-Jin period) at Yangluo Palace. Now, a copy of this scripture—titled The Upper Scripture of the Inner Truth of the Three Luminous Jewels and Green Characters for Life-Prolonging from the Cavern of Perfection's Golden Chamber (Dongzhen Jin Fang Du Ming Lü Zi Hui Nian San Hua Bao Yao Nei Zhen Shang Jing)—is sealed and preserved in the Yangluo Mountains.