Zidu Yanguang Jing: Shangqing Vision & Ascension Rites

The True Grotto: The Supreme Scripture of the Divine Mysterious Transformations of Purple Radiance and Fiery Light

As one of the early classic texts of the Shangqing School (Supreme Clarity School), it was probably compiled during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317–420 CE).

In Volume Five of The True Declarations (Zhengao), it is stated: “The Dao encompasses the ‘Divine Candle of Purple Radiance, Fiery Light, and Night Illumination’”; The Catalogue of the Supreme Scripture of the Great Cavern (Shangqing Dadong Zhenjing Mu) records “One scroll of The Supreme Clarity Scripture of the Divine Mysterious Transformations of Purple Radiance and Fiery Light”—both references denote this very text.

The present version is included in the Zhengyi Bu (Orthodox Unity Section) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon).

The entire scripture contains eight Taoist practices, detailed as follows:

The Method of Summoning the Invisible to Observe the Heavens with Penetrating Vision

At dawn, when the sky is about to brighten, first rub the hands to warm them and wipe the eyes, tap the teeth (a Taoist ritual gesture) and swallow saliva, then lie down quietly, cover the ears and close the eyes. Next, practice cunsi (visualization meditation) on all things in the five directions (east, west, south, north, and center). It is claimed that after three years of practicing this method, one can see events thousands of miles away and foresee future good and bad fortunes.
The Method of the Flowing-Gold Fire Bells and the Five Bell Divine Talismans

It is stated that the Flowing-Gold Fire Bells are the essence of the Nine Stars, hidden in the Jade Chamber of the Jade Palace. After seven thousand years, they transform into the Five Bell Divine Talismans. Taoist practitioners who wear these five talismans and visualize a circular light shining above their own necks—if they practice diligently for nine years—can summon divine beings to descend, and ride through the air.
The Method of the Emperor’s Divine Candle for Night Illumination

It is said that the Divine Candle originates from the Jade Chamber of the Golden Hall. Taoist practitioners light the candle to illuminate the Five Directional Emperors, perform rituals, make vows, recite prayers, and focus their thoughts on the divine power and might of these emperors. If they practice this method for nine years, divine light will naturally emanate from their bodies, allowing them to ride through the void and ascend to the Emperor’s Hall (a celestial realm).

In addition to the three methods mentioned above, the scripture also includes five other Taoist practices:

The Method of the “Spiritual Pills of the Seventy-Four Directions” for Calming the Soul, Securing the Corporeal Souls, and Soaring Through the Air;
The Supreme Scripture of “Streaming Light and Flashing Lightning” for Transforming Forms and Protecting Life;
The Supreme Method of Swallowing Saliva to Restore Appearance, Protect Teeth, and Seek Immortality;
The Supreme Method of “Returning Clouds and Descending Rosy Mists” for Ruling the Air;
The Secret Text of “Circulating Through the Heavenly Passes, Unveiling the Divine, and Observing with Penetrating Vision.”

These five practices still take “contemplating divine beings” (sishen) as the core key to practice, and also incorporate techniques such as ingesting spiritual pills and soaring through the air.