《洞真太上青芽始生經》

This scripture primarily elucidates the transmission and cultivation methods of the Dongzhen Taishang Qingya Shisheng Jing (Scripture of the Primordial Green Sprout from the Supreme Perfected of the Cavern of Truth), along with the symbolic meanings and efficacies of the five directional "sprouts" (east, south, center, west, and north).

The scripture was originally practiced by the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu) and later transmitted to immortal adepts such as Master Taigu, the Yellow Child Perfected (Huangtong Zhenren), Master Guxi, and the Supreme Ultimate Perfected (Taiji Zhenren). Sealed within Mount Tai (Dai Zong) for seven thousand years, it was decreed that the scripture could only be transmitted three times, and only to those whose names were recorded on purple jade tablets. Practicing this method for five years can eliminate the Three Corpses (the three malevolent spirits believed to reside in the human body), stabilize the spirits of the Five Viscera, allow communion with the Five Directional Celestial Emperors, and ultimately lead to the state of roaming freely in the Three Pure Realms (Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing—the highest celestial realms).

The text then elaborates on the characteristics of the five directional "sprouts":

The Green Sprout of the East corresponds to the Azure Heaven, embodying the Wood phase and resonating with Jupiter (the Year Star). It governs the liver. Its Qi resembles the fresh growth of early spring grass, and its radiance is like the first light of dawn. When two practitioners cultivate it together, they may attain unity with the divine.

The Vermilion Sprout of the South corresponds to the Cinnabar Heaven, embodying the Fire phase and resonating with Mars (the Blazing Star). It governs the heart. Its Qi is like crimson clouds enveloping the sun, and its radiance resembles black jade reflecting in a scarlet abyss.

The Yellow Sprout of the Center corresponds to the Yellow Heaven, embodying the Earth phase and resonating with Saturn (the Guardian Star). It governs the spleen. Its Qi is like yellow silk wrapping red clouds, and its radiance resembles purple mist veiling the setting sun.

The White Sprout of the West corresponds to the Pure Heaven, embodying the Metal phase and resonating with Venus (the Great White Star). It governs the lungs. Its Qi is like multicolored clouds entwining the bright moon, and its radiance resembles a luminous pearl in the dark night.

The Black Sprout of the North corresponds to the Mysterious Heaven, embodying the Water phase and resonating with Mercury (the Time Star). It governs the kidneys. Its Qi is like white mist encircling jade trees, and its radiance resembles a shooting star streaking across rolling waves.

Regarding the age for cultivation: Children under twelve may comprehend the method but are not yet suited for practice. Those above twelve may begin cultivation, while those who start after fifteen are considered late, as their bodies have already suffered depletion, making restoration difficult. Even if one does not practice in secret, beginning late makes it hard to achieve great attainment—prolonging life may be possible, but achieving immortality (Dao) becomes unlikely.

(Note: The term "sprout" here refers to the manifestation of the refined Qi of Heaven and Earth within the human body. "Two practitioners ingesting together" may refer to a ritual of joint cultivation between master and disciple or fellow practitioners.)

This scripture expounds the practice of "The Sprouting Green Bud" (a Daoist longevity cultivation technique), emphasizing that practitioners must follow specific rituals to attain immortality effects:

To cultivate the "Scripture of the First Sprouting" method, one must first observe purification and repentance rites (Daoist rituals for purifying body and mind). Without properly performing the prescribed methods of atonement, one cannot truly master this art. Those who genuinely receive the transmission gain immortality, while those who obtain this method will surely experience perpetual vitality.

When cultivation bears fruit, these manifestations appear: ingesting the primordial Qi (vital energy) of the Five Directions (corresponding to the Five Phases of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth), the Five Viscera radiating brilliance, the Five Shen (spirits corresponding to the organs) rejoicing within, the energy of the Five Planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn) circulating, and the Five Directional Immortal Elders (five high-ranking deities) descending. Practitioners may roam the Five Sacred Mountains, feast in the Five Heavenly Realms, ultimately achieving immortality and attaining the state of True Immortals.

The scripture specifically warns: Those who violate precepts and damage the scripture will not receive the true transmission of the "First Sprouting Scripture"; those who fail to absorb the Green Bud Qi (primordial life energy) and the Five-Colored Essences (quintessential energies of the Five Phases), even if they study other arts, cannot compensate for the deficiency. If compensation proves impossible, how much less can they attain the Dao?

Fellow seekers who diligently cultivate the Five Virtues (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faithfulness), constantly ingest the Five Buds (essences of the Five Phases), persevere daily without interruption, and practice according to the methods of the Five Directional Immortal Kings, will ascend to the ranks of immortals within five years. When the time comes, the Five Directional Heavenly Emperors (five supreme deities) will dispatch envoys riding cloud chariots to welcome you into carefree transcendence.

Even if one temporarily fails to ascend, those who cultivate in seclusion while delivering sentient beings in the mundane world will move without obstruction. Slanderers will reap what they sow, and offenders will bring calamity upon themselves. Evil people and malicious demons cannot disrupt your practice—the more they insult you, the more your purity shines; the more they suppress you, the brighter your radiance becomes. Such practitioners will have their virtue widely celebrated, receiving reverence from both celestial and earthly realms.