The Shangqing Supreme Scripture of the Nine Truths and the Middle Elixir: Instructions for the Crimson Life-Giving Divine Elixir
It is an early classic of the Shangqing School (a major school of Taoism), presumably compiled during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (c. 420–589 CE).
Consisting of one scroll, it is included in the "Zhengyi Section" (the core section of the Taoist Canon focusing on orthodox rituals and doctrines) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon).
This scripture is one of the transmitted versions of The Scripture of the Nine Truths and the Middle Elixir, and its content differs considerably from that of The Shangqing Supreme Heavenly Lord's Scripture of the Nine Truths and the Middle Elixir. However, Volume 18 of Wushang Miyao (The Supreme Secret Essentials) cites passages from The Cavern of Truth: Scripture of the Nine Truths and the Middle Elixir, and these cited texts are found in this scripture—providing evidence that this work was indeed produced during the Southern and Northern Dynasties.
The entire scripture compiles five sections of Taoist practice methods:
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The first section (its title is incomplete) expounds on the method of cunsi (focused visualization) of the "Five Gods of the Supreme Purity (Tai Su)" and the "Twenty-Four Gods." Practicing this method can ward off disasters and enable ascension to immortality.
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The second section, titled The Supreme Perfected One Summons the Five Celestial Bodies (Planets) to the Bridal Chamber and Gathers the Flying Souls in the Six Directions: The Esoteric Dao of Hidden Visualization, details two practices:
- The method of using cunsi to summon and invite the gods of the Five Planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Saturn) into one’s body, so as to nourish the soul and control the corporeal soul (po);
- The method of using cunsi to visualize the images of the sun and moon within the "Six Directions Mansion of the Soul Chamber" in one’s body.
Practicing these two methods will lead to immortals coming to welcome the practitioner (to ascend to heaven).
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The third section, The Supreme Returning to the Origin: The Esoteric Dao—Inner Chapter on Eliminating Sins, explains the method of using cunsi to connect with the gods of the Seven Stars of the Big Dipper, so as to be liberated from sins and transgressions.
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The fourth section, The Supreme Lord of the Nine Truths: The Scripture of the Nine Yin (Female Gods of the Nine Stars of the Big Dipper) Merging, Transforming Forms and Concealing Appearances, and Ascending to the Jade Purity (Yuqing) Realm, describes the method of using cunsi to connect with the "Nine Yin of the Lord" (female gods of the Nine Stars of the Big Dipper) and the gods of the Five Planets, thereby transforming one’s form, concealing one’s appearance, and ascending to the Jade Purity Realm (one of the highest celestial realms in Taoism).
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The fifth section, The Supreme Dawn: The Jade Text of Yuyi (Celestial Attendant) Racing to the Sun with Red Light and the Jade Chapter of Jielin (Celestial Attendant) Racing to the Moon with Yellow Light, elaborates on the method of using cunsi to connect with deities such as the "Five Emperors in the Sun" and the "Five Ladies in the Moon," so as to fly toward the sun and moon.
All the Taoist practice methods in the above sections are centered on cunshen (visualizing and summoning deities—a core practice of early Shangqing Taoism).
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