《上清太極真人撰所施行祕要經》

This scripture records three distinct Daoist health preservation practices drawn from classical texts:

The first facial massage technique originates from the Taishu Danjing Jing (Scripture of the Great Simplicity and Cinnabar Radiance):

Daily practice involves rubbing the palms warm before massaging the face thoroughly from forehead to chin. Sustained for five years, this practice promotes rosy complexion akin to youthful maidens, preventing wrinkles and blemishes. The method specifics include warming the hands, massaging facial features and eyes, then combing through hair with fingers. Additionally, alternate hand massage along both sides of the waist prevents graying hair and varicose veins.

The morning regimen from Dadong Zhenjing·Jingjing Anmo Pian (True Scripture of the Great Cavern·Essence Scenery Massage Chapter) instructs:

Upon waking, sit calmly with hands clasped behind the neck. Tilt the head backward to create resistance against the hands, repeating three to four times. This movement harmonizes Qi (vital energy) and blood while warding off pathogenic winds. Follow with limb movements and three rotations of each major joint. After rising, wipe the crown and behind ears with warm cloth, then massage the neck as if combing hair. Conclude by rubbing warm hands over the face—long-term practice brightens vision and dispels pathogens. Finally, swallow saliva thirty times.

The third method for warding off evil from Dadong Zhenjing·Gaoshang Neizhang (True Scripture of the Great Cavern·Inner Chapters of Lofty Purity) prescribes:

When traversing hazardous paths, passing temples, or experiencing doubt, first curl the tongue inward and swallow saliva thrice. Then press the nasal septum (known as Mountain Source, Ghost Well, Spirit Pool and other names) with left index and middle fingers thirty-six times, maintaining pressure briefly. Follow by tapping teeth seven times, covering the nose with hands, slightly closing the eyes while silently reciting incantations (specific mantras aren't recorded).

These techniques integrate distinctive Daoist practices—massage and Daoyin (guiding exercises), saliva swallowing for longevity, and apotropaic rituals—into a cohesive health preservation system.

This scripture primarily discusses two key practices: the first is a method for exorcising evil and protecting the body, while the second is a meditation technique focused on visualizing sunlight.

[Method for Exorcising Evil and Protection]

When the practitioner recites the thirty-nine chapters of this scripture, various divine beings will gather to offer protection: the Vermilion Bird (Zhuque) soars overhead as a guardian, mountain deities secure the four directions, and malevolent spirits find no place to hide. The cultivator wears the dawn light as a crown and holds purple mists in hand, while the five viscera (such as the "Soul Terrace" and "Jade Chamber") within the body are purified. The text mentions deities like the "Dragon-Tiger Exorcists" who vanquish demons, the Fire God whose breath dispels inauspicious energies, and the Thunder God and Lightning Mother who scatter evil influences. A thousand deities and a hundred spirits will bow in reverence, and wherever the practitioner goes, myriad divinities will greet and escort them.

Specific Practices:

1. Knock the teeth three times (lightly tap the upper and lower teeth together three times).

2. Press the "Mountain Source" (the philtrum below the nose) with the left hand—this closes the "Ghost Gate."

3. Hold the "Divine Pool" (likely referring to the Dantian, or energy center) to dissolve malign energies.

4. Place a hand over the "Soul Terrace" (the heart region) to summon the Jade True One (Yuzhen, the inner spirit) to guard the vital passages.

By performing these actions, one attracts the protection of divine beasts, and a thousand spirits and a hundred demons dare not approach.

[Significance of Key Body Passages]

• The "Mountain Source" beneath the nose is a crucial juncture for the body's Qi (vital energy) channels. Both righteous and evil energies pass through here, and the practitioner's mastery of this point determines fortune or misfortune.
• The "Bright Hall" (either the space between the eyebrows or the Dantian) is pivotal for life and death. Visualizing the original spirit (Yuanshen) here leads to longevity, while neglecting cultivation leads to decay.

[Sunlight Visualization Method]

On the 5th, 15th, 25th, and 29th days of each month, at midnight:

1. Visualize the sun shining within the heart.

2. Imagine sunlight entering through the mouth, merging with the radiance of the heart-mind.

3. When warmth fills the heart and rosy light illuminates it, recite the incantation:

"The Great Light nurtures essence,

Within refines the cinnabar heart,

Brilliance converges in harmony,

The divine truth comes seeking."

4. Swallow saliva nine times.

Long-term practice of this method sharpens hearing and vision, renders the skin jade-like, and after fifteen years, the Great One (Taiyi, a supreme Daoist deity) will send a jeweled chariot to escort the practitioner to immortality.

(Note: "Taiyi" is one of the highest deities in Daoism, "Jade True One" (Yuzhen) refers to the inner spirit, and "visualization" (Cunxiang) is a key contemplative practice in Daoist cultivation.)

This scripture compiles various Daoist health cultivation methods primarily drawn from the Xiaomo Jing (Demon-Dispelling Scripture) and Zishu Sanwu Shunxing Jing (Purple Text on the Three-Five Ascension Scripture). The core teachings include:

1. Daily Health Preservation Techniques:

When experiencing physical discomfort, press the tongue against the palate and swallow saliva repeatedly to quickly alleviate symptoms. Regular practice maintains bodily ease. Frequently massaging the ears (termed "fortifying the city walls" in Daoist parlance) and nose (called "irrigating the central peak") enhances hearing, sharpens vision, and harmonizes Qi (vital energy), aiding spiritual cultivation.

2. Therapeutic Massage Methods:

At dawn (when Qi is vibrant), first swallow saliva fourteen times, then massage the affected area while facing east and reciting incantations. Follow by swallowing saliva another fourteen times. Rapidly massage the afflicted spot thirty-one times—a technique transmitted by Lady Wang.

3. Inner Vision (Neishi) Practices:

During seated meditation, close the eyes to visualize internal organs. Sustained practice enables clear perception of one's visceral landscape.

Cover the mouth and nose lightly with hands while breathing slowly through closed eyes. When saliva accumulates in the palms, massage the face. Long-term practice induces bodily fragrance.

With eyes closed and breath regulated as in sleep, gaze inwardly into the distance while focusing auditory attention. Persistent training gradually develops the ability to perceive phenomena thousands of miles away, even hearing celestial music (the sounds of golden jade and silk-stringed instruments). Begin by concentrating on a single direction.

These methods synthesize Daoist longevity techniques including Daoyin (guiding exercises), massage, and visualization (Cunxiang). They emphasize regulating breath, stimulating acupoints, and mental concentration to strengthen the body and prolong life.

This scripture outlines several essential Daoist cultivation methods and daily practices, divided into four sections:

The first section details eye cultivation techniques:

Beginners may not feel immediate effects, but persistent practice will naturally lead to profound states. The method involves pressing both hands against the inner corners of the eyes near the nasal bridge while holding one's breath. When the Qi (vital energy) flows smoothly, pause and repeat. Regular practice develops clairvoyant vision. This is one of four key methods transmitted by the Mysterious Master.

The second section reveals hair care secrets:

When combing hair, face an auspicious direction while silently reciting: "The Mysterious Flower of the Mud Ball Palace (crown chakra point) nourishes and preserves Jing (essence). The left represents the hidden moon, the right forms the sun's foundation. May all six directions be purified, benefiting the hundred spirits." Swallow saliva three times after chanting. Consistent practice prevents hair loss and accelerates growth. Frequently change combs and have others comb your hair to stimulate blood circulation and strengthen roots. This method was transmitted by Immortal An Jiuhua.

The third section lists daily taboos:

1. Ghosts fear those who perform rituals while holding breath. Advanced practitioners may converse with Gongcao Messengers (Daoist protector deities).

2. Never turn your head while burning incense, as this disrupts Zhengqi (true Qi) and attracts evil influences.

3. Enter meditation rooms leading with the right foot, then bringing the left foot parallel.

4. Avoid discussing death during meals and never expose food, which attracts negative energies.

5. Bathe frequently, especially on Jiazi days (significant Daoist dates). The problem isn't washing too often, but people's failure to maintain this practice. These precepts come from the Primordial Master.

The fourth section presents purification bathing:

After visiting polluted areas, boil 10 liang of bamboo leaves and 4 liang of peach tree bark in 1 hu 2 dou of clean water. Bathe in the cooled infusion. This eliminates impurities and prevents rheumatism, skin sores, and itching. Bamboo's hollow purity and peach wood's demon-expelling properties cleanse bodily impurities. Even celestial beings use this method after earthly visits before returning to heaven.

This passage describes a unique Daoist purification practice involving ritual bathing:

The specially prepared water (referred to as "refined corpse plain liquid" that has undergone consecration rituals) possesses far greater efficacy for bodily purification than ordinary talisman waters or incantation techniques. While full-body immersion yields optimal results, practitioners must note this liquid should not be used for washing the head (the character "沐" specifically denotes hair cleansing). This "refined corpse plain liquid" serves as an exceptional medium for complete physical purification.

The scripture concludes by attributing this method to Lady Wang of the Purple Tenuity (a revered Daoist deity), preserved within this secret transmission text composed by the Supreme Ultimate Perfected Being of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition.

Contextual notes:

1. The "refined corpse plain liquid" represents a ritually prepared Daoist consecrated water, potentially containing medicinal herbs or empowered through special ceremonies

2. In classical usage, "沐" specifically meant hair washing while "浴" indicated body cleansing - a distinction no longer maintained in modern language

3. Lady Wang of the Purple Tenuity stands as a major Shangqing lineage deity frequently transmitting esoteric cultivation methods