Lingbao Scripture of Contemplating the Mysterious 太上洞玄灵宝观妙经

The author is unknown. Judging from its content and linguistic style, it was presumably compiled by Taoist priests during the Sui and Tang dynasties.

It is included in the Ben Wen (Original Text) category of The Dongxuan Section in The Daozang.

Lingbao Scripture of Contemplating the Mysterious

This scripture is an essential guide to cultivating the mind and nature, with its core purport encapsulated in the four characters: "calming the mind and concentrating the spirit." The scripture states: "To contemplate the mysteries and attain true realization, one must first abandon deviant conduct and sever all external entanglements. Then, clarify and calm one’s thoughts—restrain them, then eliminate them. With prolonged practice, the mind will gradually become peaceful. Only extinguish the restless mind, not the calm mind; only concentrate on the empty mind, not the attached mind... Practice this diligently, and you will naturally attain the Dao."

The scripture further elaborates: "Those who attain the Dao experience five stages of mental transformation and seven signs of physical refinement," using these "five stages" and "seven signs" to delineate the steps of body-mind cultivation. "The mind is always in harmony with the Dao, unshaken even by external stimuli" constitutes the fifth stage; "Refine the spirit to unite with the Dao, and one shall be called a 'Perfect Person'" marks the seventh sign. Calming the mind, concentrating the spirit, and uniting with the true Dao—this is the highest realm of cultivation.