《洞真太上飛行羽經九真昇玄上記》

This passage records the transmission lineage and cultivation essentials from the Dongzhen Taishang Feixing Yujing Jiuzhen Shengxuan Shangji, a Daoist scripture. The text has several alternative titles, including Shangqing Taishang Huiyuan Jiudao Feixing Yujing.

The scripture recounts how Lord Taishang Dadaojun (one of Daoism's highest deities) received this classic from Lord Xuhuang Gaozhen at the Jade Purity Upper Palace (a Daoist celestial realm), containing the "Way of Transcending Emptiness, Treading the Void, and Floating Amidst Radiance"—the secret methods of celestial flight and ascension. Subsequently, the text was transmitted through a lineage of immortal lords: the Shangqing Jade Emperor Lord, Lord Shangyuan Taisu, Lord Taiwei Tian, and others, until finally being entrusted to Lord Qingtong and similar beings to impart only to those qualified to become zhenren (perfected beings).

The text particularly emphasizes that only those whose names are recorded in the "Taisu Jianglu" and "Golden Tablets" (celestial registers) may encounter this scripture. Transmission requires rigorous examination, with recipients taking the solemn "Blood Oath and Severed Gold" pledge (a ritual involving blood vows and breaking gold objects) to guarantee secrecy. Those who possess this scripture will be protected by forty-eight jade boys and maidens who monitor any potential disclosure.

Practicing this scripture belongs to the "Supreme Middle Truth Way," representing the most profound method. Successful cultivation enables one to ride the "Eight Radiances Brocade Chariot" (a celestial carriage adorned with eight immortal vistas), preceded by ten thousand spirits clearing the path and followed by a thousand perfected beings. With nine phoenixes singing in unison, divine dragons leading the way, and the Five Thearchs (rulers of the five directions) providing protection, adepts soar through the celestial void, feasting amidst crimson clouds (danxiao), ultimately becoming Shangqing perfected beings—even qualifying to serve as teachers of "jade ministers" (high-ranking celestial officials).

Regarding transmission protocols: this Feixing Yujing may be imparted to no more than six individuals every three thousand years. Suitable candidates may receive the complete transmission at once. If no qualified recipient appears within three millennia, the text must be inscribed with cinnabar on plain silk and sealed within the golden platform stone chamber of Mount Emei. Forcibly transmitting to unworthy individuals risks leaking celestial secrets, while recipients who fail to uphold the precepts violate their zhenren vows.

This scripture primarily expounds the secrets of cultivating flight and ascension to immortality, with particular emphasis on the central role of the Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) in transcendent practice. Here is the modern interpretation:

【Cultivation Taboos】

Disciples who seek to learn this method must strictly observe the precepts. Those who divulge the scripture's contents or treat it with disrespect will not only degenerate into lower ghosts sinking in the underworld rivers, but also cause seven generations of ancestors to suffer punishment by wind-blades in Xuandu (the Daoist underworld). To study the art of flight, one must pledge with gold as an oath; to learn the prohibitions of immortality, silk must be offered as a token. Mastering these "feathered scriptures" (flight texts) enables communion with cosmic laws, while comprehending the profound scriptures allows one to ride auspicious clouds in ascension.

【Teachings of the Three Primordial Lords of Great Simplicity (Tai Su San Yuan Jun)】

Though immortals know methods to harness stellar protection, they remain ignorant of the Perfected Ones' secret technique for concealing the Dipper's essence. The Nine Stars of the Northern Dipper form the pivot of celestial Dao, containing mysterious radiance that governs the eight directions and rotates the nine heavens, harmonizing the dual Qi of Yin-Yang. Even when the Dipper's light is obscured by sun and moon, the Jade Mechanism (Xuanji, a name for the Dipper) still drives seasonal transitions—its arcane brilliance and majestic glow perpetually shining.

【Guidance from the Great Imperial Lord (Tai Di Jun)】

Immortals only understand the inhalation and exhalation of Yin-Yang Qi, unaware that the Dipper constitutes their fundamental source. They laboriously study trivial details while neglecting the supreme origin. Why not visualize the Nine Dipper essences within the heart-mind to harmonize Yin-Yang? After fourteen years of steadfast practice, the Supreme Dao Lord (Tai Shang Dao Jun) will dispatch jade carriages to receive the practitioner, assisting ascension to the Shangqing Heaven (Highest Clarity) as a superior Perfected One—restoring youthful vitality with hosts of spirits attending.

【Secret Method of the Green Lad Great Lord (Qing Tong Da Jun)】

Though immortals recognize the Xuanji Star's power to observe the nine heavenly currents and cultivate through stellar forces, they don't comprehend internal illumination through the nine heavens' breath or storing the Bright Dipper essence in the Muddy Pellet Palace (Niwan Gong, upper Dantian). True adepts embrace the universe's mysteries to conceal auroral light, internally storing the Dipper's essence for self-cultivation. Practicing thus condenses the ethereal and corporeal souls (Hun and Po), ultimately ascending to Shangqing Heaven.

【Concrete Practice Method】

Visualize the seven stars of the Dipper appearing purplish-red, sensing the warmth of violet Qi. Observe the stars' size variations for cultivation—this is the oral transmission from the Green Lad Great Lord, the very method through which ancient immortal Bai Chengzi achieved realization.

(Note: "Visualization" (Cunxiang) refers to the Daoist cultivation technique of mentally contemplating specific forms or Qi.)

This scripture describes a cultivation method involving visualization (cunxiang) to connect with the nine stars of the Northern Dipper (Beidou), along with its accompanying ritual procedures. The main content is as follows:

Several immortals (Gu Xizi, Guang Chengzi, and Qing Zhenzi) collectively entered a lotus flower by visualizing the essence and Qi (vital energy) of the Northern Dipper stars. Within the lotus manifested wondrous visions: a golden pond spanning a thousand miles, jade mountains, endless palaces and towers, and various rare sights beyond verbal description. The four immortals roamed and feasted within, completely forgetting they were inside a lotus. This demonstrates the miraculous transformation of "containing the vast within the minute," illustrating how visualizing celestial stars can transcend spatial limitations.

The specific cultivation method is practiced at noon or midnight on the 1st, 3rd, or 5th day of each lunar month, choosing one of these times:

1. Sit facing north, regulate breathing, close the eyes, and visualize the nine stars of the Northern Dipper descending from heaven into the Niwan Palace (upper Dantian) at the crown of the head.

2. After prolonged visualization, a slight warmth in the head will be felt—this confirms the entry of the upper primordial nine-essence true Qi.

3. Then swallow saliva 50 times and tap the teeth 9 times.

4. Gently press the center between the eyebrows with the left middle finger while silently reciting an incantation. The prayer invokes the Northern Dipper Star Lord (named Qi Niu, styled Ling Gang) to descend and assist the practitioner in ascending to immortality.

5. After reciting the incantation, swallow saliva another 30 times and tap the teeth 9 times.

6. Finally, bow once facing north and once facing west to conclude the ritual.

This scripture exemplifies the Daoist approach of cultivating body and mind through celestial visualization, breath regulation, and incantations, seeking communion with cosmic energy to ultimately achieve ascension and immortality.

This passage explains the essential methods and precautions for practitioners cultivating the "Scripture of Soaring Flight" in meditation chambers:

When practicing on the meditation platform, one need not kneel in worship. The cultivation method of perfected beings (those who have attained the Dao) values stabilizing the Shen (spirit) and honors simplicity and refinement, without clinging to elaborate formalities. The crucial technique lies in direct simplicity and unique essentials.

During practice, one should perform the "Three Invocations" method (three types of prayer rituals) - while the methods are similar, the invocations differ, and there are directional variations when visualizing constellations. These practices must be conducted in secluded meditation chambers, avoiding observation by others. This is because during cunsi (visualization practice), jade maidens and youths (protective deities) will be present to oversee the practice. Practitioners must avoid funerals and contact with corpses, keeping clothing and footwear exclusively clean and dedicated for practice - never lending them to others or using another's items.

The term "kindred practitioners" refers to those sharing the same spiritual aspirations. One should not share meals with those of different faiths, particularly avoiding those who worship the Six Heavens deities (Daoist term for heterodox spirits) or sacrifice to malevolent mountain and river spirits. Do not enter their dwellings, accept their food, or wear their garments - this prevents contamination by impure Qi.

Authentic Dao cultivation lies in subtle profundity. Only through refinement can one attain the true Dao; only by avoiding defilement can one obtain purity. If mixed with turbid Qi, using unclean implements, with unsettled heart-mind, dwelling with malign energies unawares, or immersed in worldly dust without aspiration for transcendence - such pursuit of the Dao will inevitably fail. Just as luminous pearls cannot grow in cesspools, nor inferior trees thrive on high mountains.

During practice, when the subtle resonance between Jing (essence) and Shen manifests, jade radiance (auspicious light) may appear and divine illumination may shine forth. These heart-methods must not be casually disclosed to others unless transmitted by a master. The Great Deity of the Dipper (the Northern Star Lord) emerges from the refined essence of the nine stars. During practice, silently recite the deity's name while performing invocations. Visualize the star deities constantly residing in the mudball palace (crown point acupoint) - maintain this visualization throughout all practices.

When first visualizing the Northern Dipper stars descending into the body, the resonance may seem faint. But through single-minded concentration - as if the stars already dwell within - gradual progress will naturally unfold with sustained practice.

This scripture describes a Daoist cultivation method focused on visualizing the nine stars of the Big Dipper during specific dates and times. The practice proceeds as follows:

During the 7th, 9th, or 12th day of the lunar month at noon or midnight, enter a quiet chamber and sit upright with hands clasped. Regulate the breath, close the eyes, and concentrate the spirit (Shen). Visualize the nine stars of the Big Dipper descending from heaven and entering the heart region. The constellation should appear like a ladle with its handle pointing upward toward the throat and its bowl facing outward. Maintain this visualization until a great deity manifests in the heart, dressed and named as described in the scripture. One will feel warmth in the heart center as vital energy (Qi) flows in. Then swallow saliva fifty times, tap the teeth nine times, press the right index finger over the heart area, and silently recite an invocation.

The invocation praises the miraculous power of the Supreme Purple Perfected Nine Qi, beseeching the starlight to illuminate the heart, filling the body with vital energy (Qi), unblocking the six viscera, and ultimately enabling ascension to immortality. The great deity is named "Xuandu" with the courtesy name "Sukang," wearing magnificent immortal robes and radiating precious light.

After reciting, swallow saliva thirty more times and tap the teeth nine times. The invocation may be repeated. Conclude by rising, facing south, and bowing twice before opening the eyes.

On the 15th, 19th, or 23rd day of the lunar month at noon or midnight, perform a similar practice—this time visualizing the Big Dipper entering the lower Dantian (energy center) three inches below the navel. The visualization mirrors the earlier method but in reverse: the ladle handle points upward toward the heart while the bowl faces outward. One will again feel warmth in the Dantian as vital energy (Qi) flows in. Swallow saliva sixty times, tap the teeth nine times, press the left ring finger over the philtrum, and silently recite another invocation.

This cultivation method combines timing selection, visualization, breath regulation, teeth-tapping, and saliva-swallowing—common Daoist techniques—to refine vital energy (Qi) by resonating with the power of the Big Dipper deities, ultimately achieving immortal ascension.

This scripture describes a Daoist ascension ritual and visualization (cunxiang) method, containing the following key elements:

The practitioner must enter a quiet chamber at midnight during the eight seasonal nodes (bajie), sitting upright with hands clasped. After regulating the breath and closing the eyes for inner vision (neishi), one visualizes the body gradually rising to enter the center of the Northern Dipper (Ursa Major). Maintain this focused state until experiencing the tangible sensation of entering the constellation. A warming sensation in the body indicates the harmonization of one's vital Qi (qi) with celestial Virtue (De).

Next comes the visualization of the Nine Essences and Three Great Deities (jiujing san dashen) - these supreme beings appear with infant-like countenances wearing specific ritual garments. Imagine the three deities seated facing you while performing mental prostration. Maintain this subtle state between presence and absence, then swallow saliva eighty times, click teeth nine times, place the left hand over the heart, and silently recite the invocation.

The prayer essentially petitions the Supreme Cinnabar Spirit (Taishang Danling): "May the radiance of the Nine Heavens open the Jade Pivot (Xuanji, the Dipper), purify the purple qi, and illuminate the Seven Luminaries (sun, moon and five planets). May yin and yang be clearly distinguished and the four seasons flourish. We beg for celestial nectar (yunjin) to irrigate our being, for the eight seasonal nodes to generate vital qi, ascending through the nine celestial layers to commune with the Dipper." The practitioner then questions why ascension remains elusive until the Heavenly Emperor manifests - depicted with solar essence in his mouth, suppressing the Six Heavens (domain of demons) with his left and subduing Mount Fengdu (hell realm) with his right. The Flowing Gold Fire Bells (liujin huoling) shine brilliantly, scattering ten thousand demons. This harmonizes the hun and po souls, strengthens the three ethereal souls, and internalizes the Dipper's radiance while preserving the Nine Essences in the heart. Purple auroras illuminate with boundless light, purifying the six viscera. Through perfect sincerity, the Jade Consort (yufei) manifests.

After completing the prayer, swallow saliva thirty times and click teeth nine times. Then rise and perform two prostrations toward one's natal constellation (benming xing). Opening the eyes concludes the foundational (xiayuan) practice. The text specifies all hand gestures must be completed during prayer, returning to the initial mudra afterward.

This scripture embodies characteristic Daoist cultivation elements: temporal selection (eight nodes at midnight), visualization (deity contemplation), dental percussion and saliva swallowing (yangsheng techniques), and incantations (zhuzhou) - all aiming for ascension through the dual cultivation of internal and external practice.

This scripture describes an advanced cultivation method called "Ninefold Authentic Ascension to the Mysterious" (Jiuzhen Shengxuan), with the following key elements:

Practitioners must sit in meditation while regulating their breath, visualizing a lotus flower named "Secret Blossom" (Mihua) with the alternate name "Neighboring Radiance" (Linqian) within their heart. Through inhaling and exhaling crimson vital energy (Zhu Qi), they harmonize the meridians throughout their body. During practice, they should wear magnificent ritual garments: a brocade cape, a phoenix-embroidered skirt, a belt adorned with tiger and dragon motifs, while holding a ritual implement engraved with lunar patterns and wearing a solar crown. At advanced stages, practitioners can soar through the void, riding clouds, ultimately attaining the "Primordial Simplicity" (Taisu) realm to achieve celestial flight.

Specific cultivation methods:

1. Timing: Practice on the ninth, nineteenth, and twenty-ninth days of each lunar month

2. Procedure:

• Begin by reciting incantations
• Swallow saliva thirty times
• Click teeth nine times
• Repeat incantations
• Bow toward the northwest
• Open eyes to complete the "Eight Nodes" (Bajie) technique

This is a secret text transmitted by Lord Laozi (Taishang Laojun) with strict transmission protocols:

1. Recipients must be carefully vetted

2. Initiates must observe purification fasts: 100 days, 30 days, or 10 days depending on circumstances

3. Both transmitter and receiver must fast for one day before transmission to purify body and mind

4. Formal transmission requires blood-oath rituals (smearing animal blood on lips) and hair-cutting ceremonies to swear secrecy

• Later substitutions allowed: two yi of gold for blood oath
• Thirty-two feet of blue silk for hair cutting

5. Vow objects received by the master cannot be used personally but must be donated to mountain hermits or impoverished cultivators

Violators of transmission rules—both themselves and seven generations of ancestors—will face punishment by the underworld's "Mysterious Capital Wind Blades" (Xuandu Fengdao), becoming low-ranking spirits after death. Both transmitters and recipients must treat this scripture with utmost reverence.

Notes:

• Mihua, Linqian: The visualized heart lotus and its alternate names in cultivation
• Zhu Qi: The innate crimson vital energy in Daoist practice
• Bajie: Either refers to eight solar terms or eight stages of cultivation
• Taisu: One of Daoism's supreme realms representing the primordial state of the universe
• Xuandu: Normally a Daoist paradise, here referring to the underworld's judicial authority

This scripture discusses the cultivation methods and transmission systems of ancient Daoist immortals. The main content can be understood as follows:

Those who disregard cultivation discipline and neglect spiritual practice will bring punishment upon three generations of ancestors from the Fire Official (a Daoist deity overseeing fire), while themselves contracting illnesses.

The Yellow Emperor (Xuanyuan Huangdi) once learned the art of refining stones from the Elder of Jing Mountain (the immortal Ji Youzi). This immortal now resides on Mount Weiyu, capable of transforming stones into water and further refining water into jade powder. Consuming this powder grants longevity, though not the ability to ride clouds or pluck morning mist—such stone-refining arts, while marvelous, remain minor techniques.

Here concludes the contents of the Supreme Flight of Feathers Scripture: Nine Perfected's Ascent to the Mystic. What follows records the Supreme Nine Perfected Central Scripture. Though these two texts follow sequentially, their cultivation methods differ entirely. The Central Yellow Elder (an important Daoist deity) separately transmitted these secret methods to the Great Void Perfected Being and the Eightfold Secret Sayings.

When the Nine Perfected Central Scripture circulated in the human realm, it included oral instructions not fully recorded in the text. Now I shall explain these cultivation methods:

First Perfected Method: Practice five times monthly on the 5th, 15th, 25th, 27th, and 29th days of May, always at dawn.

Second Perfected Method: Practice six times monthly on the 8th, 11th, 14th, 19th, 23rd, and 27th days of August, always during the Chen hour (7-9 AM).

Third Perfected Method: Practice six times monthly on the 6th, 7th, 17th, 18th, 25th, and 26th days of June, always during the Si hour (9-11 AM).

Fourth Perfected Method: Practice six times monthly on the 2nd, 8th, 14th, 18th, 19th, and 28th days of January, always during the Wu hour (11 AM-1 PM).

Fifth Perfected Method: Practice five times monthly on the 3rd, 8th, 13th, 20th, and 26th days of March, always during the Wei hour (1-3 PM).

Sixth Perfected Method: Practice seven times monthly on the 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, and 28th days of July... (subsequent content incomplete)

This passage details the specific timing and essential considerations for practicing the "Ninefold Authentic Ascension to the Mysterious" method:

Regarding practice timing:

• The Seventh Authentic Method should be performed during the Shen period (3-5 PM) on eight specific days in mid-November: the 2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 23rd, and 27th.
• The Eighth Authentic Method is practiced during the Xu period (7-9 PM) or Hai period (9-11 PM) on seven days in mid-February: the 2nd, 7th, 9th, 15th, 18th, 19th, and 27th.
• The Ninth Authentic Method is performed during the Zi period (11 PM-1 AM) on six days in mid-December: the 3rd, 9th, 17th, 19th, 26th, and 29th.

The scripture explains that these particular months and dates correspond with the "Authentic Qi" (Zhenqi), aligning with periods of vital energy generation and essence consolidation—ideal times for attaining mystical states through contemplative visualization (cunsi).

Practice requirements:

1. Ideally performed in secluded mountain peaks enveloped in clouds and mist

2. Complete withdrawal from worldly affairs

3. Reduced food intake to purify the digestive system

4. Maintaining proper posture with hands folded

5. Daily practice is recommended

Acknowledging worldly obligations, the text permits practice on the specified dates alone. Fourteen years of consistent cultivation can lead to:

• Transcending illusions
• Mastering life-death transformations (indicating advanced spiritual attainment)
• Immunity to elemental extremes
• Ascension to the Qingjing (Pure Realm)
• Radiant illumination of the five viscera
• Union with the celestial Dao

Additional notes:

• This content originates from the first volume of the Ascension to the Mysterious Feather Scripture
• Lay practitioners may practice nine times monthly
• Long-term adepts maintaining purification and mental clarity can practice sequentially

The passage concludes with a visualization technique: during practice, envision the "Jade Consort" (Yu Fei)—embodiment of Nine Yin essence and an immortal of the Jade Pure Realm—emerging from the Big Dipper. She appears seated amidst purple mists, her garments shifting according to the eight seasonal nodes. This oral transmission originates from the immortal Qingtong (Azure Lad).