《上清太上九真中經絳生神丹訣》

This scripture records the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition's esoteric methods for cultivating the "Crimson Life Elixir" and the "Method for Clearing Vision." It primarily contains two cultivation techniques:

The first is the method of inner vision and spirit retention:

Practitioners should sit quietly with eyes closed, hands firmly clasped over the knees, concentrating their awareness to visualize the deities within the body. Particularly during the midnight hour (11 PM to 1 AM) on the first day of each lunar month, they must visualize white Qi emerging between their eyebrows, gradually transforming into two luminous mirrors nine inches in diameter that illuminate the twenty-four body deities (according to Daoist belief, each body part has corresponding spiritual beings). Simultaneously, they silently recite incantations, praying for these precious mirrors to illuminate their original spirit (Shen) and dispel demonic obstructions. Practicing this every five days allows practitioners to examine their vital essence (Jing) and Qi, harmonize the deities of the five viscera, and with prolonged practice, eliminate calamities while ultimately attaining the Daoist immortal path.

The second method concerns eye illumination:

During the noon hour on the Gengwu day within the sixty-day Jiazi cycle, take clear water mixed with one zhu (an ancient weight measure) of cinnabar, stirring it leftward twenty-one times. After reciting the proper incantation, wash the eyes facing east fourteen times with this solution. Regular practice can also be done while facing the moon's current position. This cultivation enables practitioners to see clearly across vast distances and commune with various celestial beings.

The scripture further mentions:

• Visualizing the White Star of the West (Venus) positioned one inch above the eyebrows, called the "Jade Pendant Purple Palace"
• Visualizing the Northern Water Star (Mercury) located five fen above the bridge of the nose at the hairline, termed the "Imperial Minister's Mysterious Palace"
• Selecting tranquil environments for practice while maintaining physical and mental purity

These methods belong to the Shangqing tradition's internal cultivation secrets, refining Jing, Qi, and Shen through celestial visualization and inner observation of body deities, ultimately achieving the immortal state of "ascending to Highest Clarity." Practitioners must carefully observe proper timing, spatial orientation, and specific operational procedures during cultivation.

This scripture describes a Daoist meditation technique called "Visualizing the Five Planets" (Cunsi Wuxing), a Neidan (internal alchemy) practice centered on contemplating the five directional stars. The detailed procedure unfolds as follows:

Begin by visualizing the Wood Star (Suixing) of the East positioned at the "Vermilion Platform of the Grotto Pass" (Dongguan Zhutai) behind the eyes: for male practitioners, one inch behind the left eye; for females, one inch behind the right eye.

Next, visualize the Fire Star (Yinghuoxing) of the South at the "Jade Gate Magnificent Chamber" (Yumen Huafang) location: five fen deep within the inner eye corners, left corner for males and right for females.

Then contemplate the Earth Star (Zhenxing) of the Center at the "Yellow Chamber Golden Repository in Long Valley" (Jinkui Huangshi Changgu): two fen deep at the center of the philtrum below the nose, imagining the star suspended like a luminous pearl above.

After completing these visualizations, sense all five stars radiating their positions, emitting five-colored light that penetrates the entire body, creating internal and external transparency. At this stage, knock the teeth five times, swallow saliva twenty-five times, and recite the incantation.

The chant essentially conveys: through visualizing the Five Directional Star Lords (five deities transformed from the essence of the Three Primordials), practitioners refine their bodies via stellar illumination. Each Star Lord wears distinct colored robes and holds ritual implements, assisting the cultivator's ascension to immortality.

Following the incantation, swallow saliva three more times and knock teeth three times. The scripture states that after fifteen years of consistent practice, the Five Directional Immortal Elders (the Southern, Western, Northern, Eastern and Central Elderly Lords) will arrive in five-colored cloud chariots to welcome the practitioner's celestial ascent.

Key practice notes: Long-term commitment is essential, with visualizations requiring precise concentration. Avoid contact with impurities and maintain frequent incense purification and ritual bathing. Violating these taboos leads to cultivation failure, while adherence enables ascension. After completing the visualization, practitioners may offer additional prayers following the incantation if seeking specific blessings.

This scripture records a visualization practice from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition of Daoism, detailing how to achieve immortality through contemplation of the sun and moon. Here's a modern interpretation:

The practice method involves:

1. Choosing specific dates (1st, 7th, 9th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 20th, and 25th of the lunar month) at cockcrow

2. Visualizing the sun and moon appearing in the "Sixfold Chamber of the Hun Soul" (an energetic space above the outer corners of the eyes)

3. Maintaining clear mental images of their radiant light with closed eyes

4. Tapping teeth seven times and swallowing saliva nine times

5. Reciting specific incantations to summon celestial essences and harmonize body-spirits

Key requirements:

• Requires fifteen years of consistent practice
• Practitioners should keep a rooster to mark the proper time
• Incorrect practice may disrupt the celestial light convergence

Historical context:

• This method called "Winged Forms of Twin Luminaries Hidden in Mysterious Dao" was transmitted by Lady of the South Pole from the Most High Perfected Ones
• Only those with innate immortal potential can practice it
• Simultaneously functions as a karmic purification technique

Additional purification method:

• On Dingmao days (one of the Six Ding days) during the Jiazixun cycle at midnight
• Sit facing north while visualizing the Big Dipper
• Recite specific purification mantras
• Can absolve karmic debts from seven past lifetimes

The core philosophy involves using celestial visualization to achieve ascension while providing protective benefits. This characteristic Shangqing practice emphasizes precise timing, vivid visualization, and ritual incantations in combination.

This scripture records the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) school's specific method for practicing "Star Visualization Technique," primarily describing how to eliminate misfortunes and enhance cultivation through contemplation of the Big Dipper.

Practice Method:

During the midnight hours of either Dingchou day in the Jiaxu ten-day cycle or Dinghai day in the Jiashen cycle, sit cross-legged facing north on a bed in the bedroom, clasp the hands together, and tap the teeth seven times. Visualize the seven stars of the Big Dipper descending from the sky and entering the mouth, their radiance illuminating the five viscera and six bowels. Recite specific incantations (such as those for the Second Primordial Star and Third True Star) to beseech the elimination of karmic transgressions from seven lifetimes. When a slight warmth is felt in the mouth accompanied by radiant light, it signifies the stellar essences have entered the body.

Precautions:

The bed mat and clothing used for practice must be dedicated solely to this purpose and not shared with others. Men and women are strictly prohibited from practicing together on the same bed, as this would result in their names being recorded in the Northern Mysteries' ledger of transgressions. Contact with defilements may invite calamities from the underworld. However, fellow disciples practicing together is not considered a violation.

Effects of Practice:

This method can absolve the sins of ancestors and oneself, grant the penetrating insight of "seeing through the hidden void," register one's name in the celestial records (Jade Books), and ultimately enable one to "ride the void and harness the light," achieving eternal existence with heaven and earth.

Note: This represents a classic Shangqing visualization practice combining stellar contemplation with incantations to purify body-mind and commune with cosmic forces. "Seven Primordials" refers to the Big Dipper, while "Nine Dawns" denotes the stars of the nine heavens. Strict adherence to timing, orientation, and taboos is essential for successful cultivation.

This scripture documents an esoteric Daoist practice of cultivating the self through visualization of the Big Dipper. Practitioners must sit facing north at specific hours, visualizing the seven stars entering their bodies while performing techniques like teeth-tapping and saliva-swallowing to purify body and mind.

The practice unfolds in three stages:

During the first phase on Dingyou Day (within the Jiawu ten-day cycle) at midnight, the adept sits upright facing north on their bed, clasps their hands, and taps their teeth seven times. They then visualize the Big Dipper stars descending from the heavens into their mouth, coming to rest at the liver region, illuminating all five viscera from within. Silently reciting an incantation to absolve seven generations of karmic obstructions, they guide the starlight into the spleen.

The second phase occurs on Dingwei Day (within the Jiachen cycle) at midnight. Maintaining the same northern orientation, the practitioner repeats the seven teeth-taps and Dipper visualization. This time, a different incantation is recited to purify internal and external defilements, with the starlight directed into the stomach.

The third phase on Dingsi Day (within the Jiayin cycle) follows the same midnight protocol, but the incantation now petitions for immortal ascension.

Each session concludes with swallowing saliva (yan ye) a prescribed number of times (either nine or fourteen repetitions). The text particularly emphasizes achieving "radiant penetration" and "visceral illumination" - hallmark features of Daoist neiguan (inner observation) practice where celestial light purifies the body's interior.

This scripture records the specific ritual procedures and incantations for the "Big Dipper Seven Stars" visualization practice (cunxiang) of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) Daoist tradition. The practice consists of several key stages:

First, the practice must be performed at specific times: either on the evening of the last day of the lunar month (the dark of the moon) or at dawn on the first day (new moon), before cockcrow. The practitioner sits cross-legged on the bed facing east, clasps the hands in a special gesture (wogu), and taps the teeth seven times (kouchi). Then one visualizes the Big Dipper shining before them while silently reciting incantations to request the elimination of karmic debts from seven past lives and enrollment in the celestial registers.

During practice, special attention must be paid: on odd-numbered days (yang days), visualize the starlight storing in the left kidney; on even-numbered days (yin days), in the right kidney. Strict taboos include avoiding contact with blood pollution or consuming meat, as violations would condemn both ancestors and practitioner to become lower ghosts.

The visualization method involves imagining the Big Dipper descending from heaven, entering through the mouth and reaching the kidneys (or eyes), making the five viscera glow with translucent light. Different time periods have specific requirements: during midnight (the time of vital qi on the liujia days), one should lie supine, hold the breath with hands clasped, and visualize the nine stars of the Dipper radiating light above the head.

The incantations primarily address deities like the "Nine Sovereigns of August Emptiness" and the "Jade Emperor Dao-Lord of the Supreme Ultimate," petitioning for sin absolution, healing of all ailments, and ascension to immortality. Successful practice leads to states of "spiritual illumination" (jingshen tongda) and "acute hearing and clear vision," with one's name recorded in the celestial registers.

(Note: "Wogu" refers to a special hand-clasping technique in Daoist practice; "kouchi" means gently tapping upper and lower teeth together as a health preservation method; "cunxiang" is an essential Daoist meditation technique involving focused visualization.)

This scripture records the meditation (cunsi) and incantation rituals practiced by the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) Daoist school for cultivating the "Nine Perfected Scarlet Life Divine Elixir of the Central Scripture." The main contents include:

Practitioners must silently recite incantations under the starlight in front of the Big Dipper's handle, summoning nine celestial lords including the "Eighth Imperial Star—Supreme Jade Emperor's Divine Lord of Eight Radiances." They then pray for the elimination of all sins committed by their ancestors across nine generations up to themselves—including transgressions recorded in the registers of death at Mount Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) and evil deeds inscribed in the "Northern Nine Origins Supreme Ultimate Perfected Being's Black Register."

Through visualizing the seven stars of the Big Dipper descending from heaven and entering the "Mud Ball Palace" (upper Dantian) at the crown of the head, practitioners fill their five viscera with purple light, achieving a state of internal and external luminosity. During practice, they must swallow saliva twenty-seven times (the numerological combination of three nines).

Special instructions note that during conflicting dates like the Six Jia days, last days of lunar months, or Six Ding days, practitioners may adjust the timing while maintaining the essential method's integrity.

The text explains two crucial concepts: "Five Penetrations" (Wutong)—auspicious days of the Supreme Dao Lord—and "Return to Origin" (Huiyuan)—days of renewal. Practitioners must recognize these dates to absolve sins and eradicate misdeeds. On these days, reflecting on personal transgressions can liberate one from karmic cycles spanning seven lifetimes.

The scripture also details taboos: abstaining from bloody foods and avoiding corpse pollution, lest one incur "Supreme Mystery's Judgment" (cosmic retribution). These methods were originally secret transmissions from the Nine Palaces celestial realm, rarely revealed to the uninitiated.

This passage describes Daoist cultivation methods involving the "Purple Chamber of the Cavernous Abode" (a Neidan/internal alchemy practice) and visualization of the "Nine Luminaries and Seven Originals" (the Big Dipper stars with their auxiliary stars). It consists of two main sections:

The first part details an incantation for pre-sleep practice:

When preparing to retire at night, practitioners should first softly recite a mantra after eating. This incantation invokes the Five Stars (Five Phases), Six Harmonies, and the Purple Chamber, beseeching the Mysterious Father (yang spirit) and Mysterious Mother (yin spirit) to assist in transforming the body. It calls upon the "Young Lord" who governs tendons and bones and "White Origin" (both internal deities) who oversees essence (Jing) to nurture the body, ultimately leading to longevity and ascension. The mantra must be whispered so quietly that even the practitioner cannot hear it—this secret formula transmitted by Laozi (the Supreme Lord Lao) dispels pathogenic Qi, concentrates the Shen (spirit), and maintains clear awareness without drowsiness.

The second section introduces the seven Dipper Emperor Lords and their consorts:

1. First Star - Supreme Palace: Houses the Emperor Lord of Transformation and Concealment, whose consort Fa-da of Supreme Unity wears yellow-red immortal robes

2. Second Star - Central Origin Palace: Houses the Emperor Lord of Fetal Protection and Physical Transformation, whose consort San-pen of Supreme Unity wears blue-green feathered garments

3. Third Star - True Origin Palace: Houses the Emperor Lord of Six Concealments and Seven Withdrawals, whose consort Ling-yi of Supreme Unity wears blue embroidered feathered robes

4. Fourth Star - Twisting Mystery Palace: Houses the Emperor Lord of Hidden Radiance, whose consort Qi-lie of Supreme Unity wears purple-yellow immortal robes

5. Fifth Star - Firm Spirit Palace: Houses the Emperor Lord of Physical Transformation, whose consort Yu-shu of Supreme Unity wears red-purple immortal robes

6. Sixth Star - Recorded Brilliance Palace: Houses the Emperor Lord of Concealed Traces, whose consort Qi-jing of Supreme Unity wears red-blue immortal robes

7. Seventh Star - Pivotal Convergence Palace: Houses the Emperor Lord of Myriad Physical Manifestations

The text emphasizes that to attain abilities like shape-shifting, concealment, commanding creatures, and subduing demons, practitioners must regularly observe purification rituals (Zhaijiao) while visualizing these nine Emperor Lords. This represents an important Shen (spirit) visualization practice within the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) Daoist tradition.

This scripture describes the visualization practice (cunsi) of the "Nine Consorts of the Great Yin" (Taiyin Jiufei) - nine goddesses corresponding to the stars of the Northern Dipper - from the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition of Daoism. The content divides into two main sections:

The first section reveals the hidden names of the nine goddesses within the Northern Dipper stars:

1. The goddess in the eighth star "Palace of the Imperial Mat" is named Taiyi Shi Qizhu, styled Luomaohua, wearing purple brocade shawls and embroidered feathered skirts

2. The goddess in the ninth star "Palace of the Supreme Venerable" is named Taiyi Ai Tiao, styled Yunyu, wearing green brocade shawls and kingfisher-feathered splendid skirts

(The first seven goddesses' names appear in the omitted portion)

The text emphasizes that when reciting these goddesses' names, practitioners should only invoke their honorific titles and personal names without describing their attire. Those who know these true names can ascend to immortality, attain the status of "Shangqing Zhenren" (Perfected Ones of Highest Clarity), avoid calamities during their lifetime, and receive protection from the Great Yin deities.

The second section details the specific visualization practice:

1. Timing: Practice during dusk on even-numbered days of the lunar month (when Yang energy emerges)

2. Preparation: Burn incense, enter a quiet chamber, sit or recline comfortably, close eyes and calm the mind

3. Visualization steps:

• First envision the "Imperial Lord" seated peacefully in the "Purple Chamber of the Supreme Ultimate" (Taiji Zifang, a specific head location)
• Then sequentially visualize: the Five Spirits of Taiyi in the six spatial directions, the nine stars of the Northern Dipper in the heart, and the Nine Consorts of Great Yin in the Hall of Light between the eyebrows (mingtang, one inch behind the midpoint between eyebrows)
• Next visualize the Child of Taiwei holding ritual talismans (fulu) standing before the Imperial Lord, with your own form standing behind the child
• Finally visualize the Nine Consorts of Great Yin emerging from the Hall of Light to stand in sequence behind you, followed by the Five Spirits of Taiyi entering the Purple Chamber behind the nine consorts

4. Effects: When all divine forms manifest clearly, they suddenly merge into one, producing miraculous alchemical effects

This scripture belongs to the internal cultivation methods (neixiu) of Shangqing Daoism, using deity visualization to "resolve karmic knots, pacify the soul, and achieve longevity." The "Hall of Light" (mingtang) refers to an important acupoint in the head according to Daoist physiology, while the "Purple Chamber of the Supreme Ultimate" represents a higher-level meditative space in the cranial region.

This scripture describes a Shangqing (Highest Clarity) practice called the "Formula of the Crimson Life Divine Elixir from the Central Scripture of the Nine Perfected Ones," which primarily involves visualizing the light of the sun, moon, and stars to refine one's physical form.

During cultivation, practitioners should imagine themselves as newborn infants, referred to as "the Ever-Changing Child" (symbolizing the mutable true self). The specific method involves: holding the Nine Stars in the left hand, placing the sun above the head, and containing the moon in the mouth, allowing the radiance of celestial bodies to illuminate the entire body until it becomes translucent and crimson like flame, achieving perfect unity between inner and outer. This symbolizes the supreme deity "Great Unity of the Imperial Lord" (Di-Jun Taiyi) merging with the "Nine Yin" (nine yin energies) to manifest infinite transformations.

The practitioner then performs 24 teeth-tapping sequences, swallows saliva nine times, and recites incantations to summon stellar deities like "Lady of the Dipper" (Douzhong Furen) and the "Three Goddesses." The mantras describe marvelous transformations: turning fire into fire, merging with forests when entering them, becoming water when dwelling in it—achieving limitless metamorphosis at will.

Next comes the visualization of five planetary lights (Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn) entering through the mouth to illuminate respectively the Muddy Pellet Palace (upper Dantian) in the head, the five viscera and six bowels, and the lower Dantian, rendering the entire body luminous. This is called "the Imperial Lord's method of using illumination to cycle the Nine Yin."

The practice concludes with five teeth-tapping sequences, five saliva swallows, and another mantra invoking each planet's power: Mercury dispels calamities, Jupiter attracts blessings, Mars removes misfortunes, Venus wards off weapons, and Saturn stabilizes foundations. Through this complete sequence of visualization, teeth-tapping, saliva swallowing, and incantation, practitioners attain communion with divine beings and mastery over transformation.

This scripture records two important Daoist cultivation methods: the Hidden Book of Nine Yins and the Path of Coursing with Sun and Moon.

The Hidden Book of Nine Yins is a secret method transmitted by the Imperial Lord, involving the cultivation practices of the Five Directional Divine Sovereigns (Central Yellow Elder Lord, Southern Purple Essence Lord, Eastern Azure Lad Lord, Northern Supreme Lord, and Western Grand Simplicity Lord). By harmonizing the Qi of Nine Yins, dispersing physical form, and resonating with the Five Stars, one can blend with all creation and attain the state of longevity and perpetual vision. Constant practice of this method grants supernatural abilities such as immunity to water and fire, and the power of free transformation.

The Path of Coursing with Sun and Moon contains two secret texts: "The Red Radiance Jade Script of Supreme Jade Dawn's Coursing with the Sun" and "The Yellow Radiance Jade Chapter of Lunar Coursing with the Moon." These represent the highest-level cultivation methods of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition. Practitioners must first observe purification rituals for a hundred days, severing all worldly affairs. Prolonged cultivation enables one to absorb the essence Qi of sun and moon, with fifty jade youths and maidens serving as protectors.

These scriptures are extraordinarily precious, stored in the Cinnabar Jade Terrace beyond the Nine Heavens, accessible only to those whose names are recorded in the immortal registers and who possess the bone structure of transcendents. Transmission follows strict regulations: only one person may receive them every three hundred years, with subsequent transmission permitted only after seven hundred years. Unauthorized disclosure incurs severe consequences—seven generations of ancestors will suffer torment in hell. The scriptures are engraved on jade slips at the Western Mysterious Mountain's Grotto Terrace, written in golden characters that manifest their sacred nature.

This scripture primarily expounds the esoteric methods of cultivating the "Radiant Solar and Lunar Essences" (sun-moon practice) and the related content concerning the Five Emperors of the Sun.

The text mentions that the complete records of this Central Scripture of the Nine Perfected are inscribed only on the golden pillars and jade walls of the Northern Chamber in the Tai Xuan Palace, Gao Shang Terrace, and Penglai Mansion. Most Daoist priests in other celestial palaces are unaware of the scripture's true contents. In the stone chamber of the Northern Cavern of Mount Emei, twenty characters are carved: "Radiant Solar Essence draws the sun's brilliance, Lunar Essence summons the moon's spirit; attaining the Dao leads to the Upper Palace, where one ascends as a True Imperial Lord." Many lower-ranking immortals fail to comprehend their meaning.

The scripture emphasizes that the Golden Elixir (Waidan, external alchemy) is merely a minor technique and cannot elevate one to the Supreme Clarity Heaven (Shangqing Tian). This method can be practiced by anyone, regardless of wisdom or foolishness, but it must be transmitted by a true celestial official and requires an oath-pledging ceremony. Upon mastery, the practitioner may ride the Eight Scenes Jade Chariot (a high-level immortal vehicle), traverse the Nine Heavens, and pay homage to the Supreme Unity Emperor (Taiyi Dijun).

The text then details the names, epithets, and attire of the Five Emperors of the Sun (the five imperial lords residing within the solar orb):

1. The Green Emperor: His name is Yuan Chang Wu, his epithet Zhao Long Tao, and he wears green robes.

2. The Red Emperor: His name is Dan Ling Zhi, his epithet Lü Hong Ying, and he wears red robes.

3. The White Emperor: His name is Hao Yu Jiang, his epithet Hui Jin Xia, and he wears white robes.

4. The Black Emperor: His name is Cheng Zhen Ting, his epithet Xuan Lü Yan, and he wears black robes.

5. The Yellow Emperor: His name is Shou Yi Fu, his epithet Biao Hui Xiang, and he wears yellow robes.

When practicing the Path of Solar Ascent (sun cultivation), one must silently recite these emperors' names and visualize their attired forms encircling oneself. Similarly, when cultivating Lunar Essence (moon practice), one must also know the names of the lunar spirits to avert calamities.

This scripture records the names, attire, and related cultivation methods of the Five Imperial Consorts residing in the Lunar Palace of Great Simplicity (Taisu). The main contents are as follows:

In the Taisu Lunar Palace dwell five Imperial Consorts:

1. Consort of the Green Emperor (Qingdi): Named E Yin, styled Fen Yanying, wearing a magnificent cyan brocade cloak with emerald-green phoenix and dragon motifs on her feathered skirt.

2. Consort of the Red Emperor (Chidi): Named Yi Yiliao, styled Wan Yanxu, adorned in a crimson brocade cloak with floral patterns and a vermilion phoenix-embroidered feathered skirt.

3. Consort of the White Emperor (Baidi): Named Ling Sulan, styled Yu Lianhua, dressed in a white jade-like brocade cloak with a plain feathered skirt patterned with mythical luan birds.

4. Consort of the Black Emperor (Heidi): Named Jie Lianqiao, styled Ting Shujin, robed in a black brocade cloak with langgan jade motifs and a dragon-embroidered black feathered skirt.

5. Consort of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi): Named Qing Yingjin, styled Xuan Dingrong, wearing a yellow cloud-patterned brocade cloak with a green phoenix-stitched skirt.

All five consorts wear their hair in twin topknots, with the remaining locks cascading to their waists. The scripture states that those seeking to cultivate the "Path of Lunar Ascent" must silently recite the consorts’ names while visualizing their adorned forms surrounding them.

It further mentions that the Solar Essence (Ri Hun), named "Zhu Jing Chitong" (Scarlet Child of Luminous Pearls), corresponds to these five lunar consorts. Knowing these names grants lifelong freedom from illness and misfortune. The Supreme Dao Lord (Taishang Daojun) concealed these names of solar and lunar essences in the Purple Void Royal Palace—those who know them may commune with spirits and attain divine insight.

The cultivation methods include:

1. Practicing in a quiet chamber with visibility of the sunrise and moonrise.

2. Severing worldly affairs and avoiding external distractions.

3. Silently reciting the consorts’ names during midnight incense offerings, with inner prayers.

4. Visualizing the sunrise at dawn, holding the breath ten times, and swallowing the solar light.

5. Mentally invoking the names of the Five Emperors.

The scripture explains that 24 years of such practice—even without dedicated focus on the "Path of Lunar Ascent"—can achieve the state of daytime ascension. However, it emphasizes maintaining unwavering concentration during practice, with all invocations performed silently.

This passage describes the "Sun-Racing Method" (奔日法) from the Shangqing (上清) tradition's "Luminous Solar and Lunar Practice" (郁仪结璘), detailing how to cultivate through visualization of the Five Directional Emperors (青帝, 赤帝, 白帝, 黑帝, 黄帝) and the essence of the sun and moon.

The practice unfolds as follows:

First, visualize the five emperors emerging sequentially from sunlight: the Green Emperor (青帝) appearing to your left, the Red Emperor (赤帝) to your right, the White Emperor (白帝) behind you, the Black Emperor (黑帝) above your left hand, and the Yellow Emperor (黄帝) above your right hand. Once manifested, focus on clearly imagining their robe colors and forms.

Next, click your teeth five times, swallow saliva nine times, and silently recite the incantation: "Crimson furnace, cinnabar radiance..." This mantra essentially invokes the Five Emperors to bring celestial light that illuminates all things, enabling you to ride crimson clouds with them, ascend to the solar palace, merge with the sun's spirit, and attain longevity matching heaven and earth. After reciting, click your teeth three more times and swallow saliva three times.

Then continue with another silent incantation: "Lunar soul essence..." which petitions for the moon's refined energy to ascend immortal palaces, partake of celestial feasts, and chant divine scriptures. Visualize boarding a crimson cloud chariot drawn by nine red dragons, flying sunward with the Five Emperors. Maintain complete self-forgetfulness during this focused visualization.

Conclude by swallowing saliva fourteen times, then open your eyes while sustaining the visualization. The text states that prolonged practice enables genuine ascension to the solar palace—this constitutes the "Luminous Sun-Racing" (郁仪奔日) method.

A parallel "Lunar-Binding Moon-Racing" (结璘奔月) method is mentioned afterward. Performed on moonless nights, it involves holding the breath nine times in a quiet chamber while swallowing imagined moonlight nine times. Similarly, one visualizes the Lunar Five Empresses descending, accompanied by mantra recitation and teeth-clicking.

This scripture describes an advanced cultivation method called the "Way of Lunar Radiance" (Jielin zhi dao), which employs visualization (cunxiang) and saliva swallowing (fushi) to achieve ascension to the Moon Palace.

The practice unfolds in several stages:

First, the adept knocks their teeth together seven times while swallowing saliva seven times, silently reciting an incantation. The mantra essentially petitions the Solar Essence (Rihun) to guide them into the lunar celestial realm, where they may don immortal talismans, partake of elixirs, and recite transcendent scriptures.

Next comes the visualization of a celestial chariot drawn by ten yellow dragons—the "Flying Cloud Chariot with Flowing Bells" (Liuling feiyun che)—descending from the moonlight. The practitioner imagines boarding this vehicle alongside the Five Thearch Consorts (Wudi furen), completely dissolving awareness of their physical form during this lunar journey.

After thirty more saliva swallows, the adept gradually opens their eyes while maintaining deep meditative focus. The text promises that sustained practice eventually enables one to "ride the radiance and gallop to the moon" (chengjing benyue).

The scripture outlines progressive results:

• Ordinary practitioners may faintly perceive the celestial realm after two years, see it clearly by the third year, and achieve actual ascension to the sun and moon within five years
• Immortals cultivating this method experience accelerated effects
• This transmission's rarity is emphasized—it's bestowed only once every seven centuries

The "Five Thearch Consorts" represent five female immortals governing the cardinal directions and center, while the dragon-drawn chariot symbolizes divine transport. The "Way of Lunar Radiance" denotes a practice connecting solar and lunar essences, characteristic of Shangqing (Highest Clarity) tradition with its integration of spirit visualization, vital fluid ingestion, and mantra recitation.