Zhanhou Ruding Jue: Divination as Path to Daoist Meditation

Dongzhen Taishang Basu Zhenjing: The Marvelous Instructions on Prognostication and Entering Samadhi

It is an early classic of the Shangqing School, presumably compiled during the Eastern Jin and Southern Dynasties (c. 317–589 CE). As one of the texts dedicated to the marvelous instructions for practicing the Basu Zhenjing (Scripture of the Eight Essences), it consists of one scroll and is included in the "Zhengyi Section" (the core section of the Taoist Canon focusing on orthodox rituals and doctrines) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon).

The scripture proclaims: Practitioners of the Dao should master the art of "zhanhou" (prognostication, i.e., observing omens to predict fortunes or misfortunes) in order to stabilize their mind and body.

Prognostication requires attention to the "Nine Matters" and "Nine Dreams":

The so-called "Nine Matters" refer to abnormal phenomena occurring in various organs of the human body, or persistent physical distress and illnesses that cannot be cured. Practitioners must make preparations in advance based on the symptoms of the illness, practice Taoist techniques, use appropriate methods, visualize deities (cunshen) to seek efficacy, and thus the illness will naturally be eliminated, ensuring long-term purity and auspiciousness.
The so-called "Nine Dreams" refer to dreams of ominous auras, strange sounds, fishy or foul odors, involuntary mouth movements or sore teeth, dazzling wandering lights, scattered water or fire, fighting and beating, people stripping each other, and people fleeing in panic. For all these dream omens, practitioners must employ techniques such as cunshen (deity visualization), repenting of sins, massage, teeth-tapping (a Taoist ritual gesture to harmonize internal energy), and swallowing saliva (regarded as a source of vital energy in Taoism). In this way, all calamities will naturally disappear without the need for medical treatment.

If practitioners of the Dao can master the art of prognostication, eliminate disasters and illnesses in a timely manner, over time they will achieve "upright intention and pure body, and then enter samadhi" (ruding). This is the "marvelous instruction on prognostication and entering samadhi."

Key Terminology Notes

Shangqing School: A major school of Taoism founded in the 4th century CE, emphasizing esoteric meditation, deity visualization, and omen observation as part of spiritual cultivation, distinct from ritual-centric early Taoist schools.
Daozang (Taoist Canon): The comprehensive collection of Taoist scriptures, commentaries, and ritual texts compiled over millennia, serving as the primary repository of Taoist religious, philosophical, and practical teachings.
Zhanhou (Prognostication): A traditional Taoist practice of observing natural phenomena, bodily symptoms, or dreams to predict and avert potential disasters or illnesses, reflecting the school’s focus on harmonizing the human body with cosmic rhythms.
Cunshen (Deity Visualization): A foundational Shangqing meditative technique involving concentrated mental visualization of deities, believed to channel divine power for healing, disaster prevention, and spiritual advancement.
Samadhi (Ruding): A term borrowed from Buddhism and integrated into Taoism, referring to a state of deep, focused meditation where the mind is stable and free from distractions, regarded as a key step toward attaining the Dao.