The Great Encyclopedia of Taoism

Eight-directional mountain peaks surrounding central space in Chinese ink painting, representing the Ten Directions

Shi Fang San Jie: Ten Directions and Three Real...

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Shi Fang San Jie: Ten Directions and Three Realms as Taoist spatial framework. Central to Zhengyi ritual practice.

Shi Fang San Jie: Ten Directions and Three Real...

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Shi Fang San Jie: Ten Directions and Three Realms as Taoist spatial framework. Central to Zhengyi ritual practice.

Layered celestial heavens in traditional Chinese ink painting, representing the Thirty-Two Heavens

San Shi Er Tian: The Thirty-Two Heavens of Taoi...

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San Shi Er Tian: thirty-two heavens in two systems—four vertical tiers (Desire, Form, Formless, Brahma) from Yunji Qiqian, and four directions (eight each) from Duren Jing. Core Taoist cosmology.

San Shi Er Tian: The Thirty-Two Heavens of Taoi...

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San Shi Er Tian: thirty-two heavens in two systems—four vertical tiers (Desire, Form, Formless, Brahma) from Yunji Qiqian, and four directions (eight each) from Duren Jing. Core Taoist cosmology.

Dark valley depths in traditional Chinese ink painting, representing the Nine Dark Realms

Jiu You: The Nine Dark Realms of the Taoist Und...

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Jiu You: nine dark realms across eight directions plus center, where deceased souls reside. East to Center: Youming, Youyin, Youye, You'e, Youdu, Youye (Forge), Youguan, Youfu, Youyu. Used in salvation...

Jiu You: The Nine Dark Realms of the Taoist Und...

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Jiu You: nine dark realms across eight directions plus center, where deceased souls reside. East to Center: Youming, Youyin, Youye, You'e, Youdu, Youye (Forge), Youguan, Youfu, Youyu. Used in salvation...

Nine layered skies in traditional Chinese ink painting, representing the Nine Firmaments of Taoist cosmology

Jiu Xiao: The Nine Firmaments in Taoist Celesti...

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Jiu Xiao are nine celestial layers above the mortal realm, each ruled by an emperor. From Shenxiao to Taixiao. Used in thunder rites and inner alchemy.

Jiu Xiao: The Nine Firmaments in Taoist Celesti...

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Jiu Xiao are nine celestial layers above the mortal realm, each ruled by an emperor. From Shenxiao to Taixiao. Used in thunder rites and inner alchemy.

Nine celestial layers in traditional Chinese ink painting, representing the Nine Great Brahma Heavens

Jiu Da Fan Tian: The Nine Great Brahma Heavens ...

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Jiu Da Fan Tian are nine celestial realms below the Three Purities, from Yudan to Wuxiang. Originating in the Lingbao text Hunyuan Shiji. Intermediate heavens in Taoist cosmology.

Jiu Da Fan Tian: The Nine Great Brahma Heavens ...

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Jiu Da Fan Tian are nine celestial realms below the Three Purities, from Yudan to Wuxiang. Originating in the Lingbao text Hunyuan Shiji. Intermediate heavens in Taoist cosmology.

Eight directional clouds surrounding center, cardinal directions denser than intercardinals, ink painting

Si Zheng Si Yu: 4 Cardinals and 4 Intercardinal...

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Si Zheng Si Yu: four cardinal directions (east, south, west, north) and four intercardinals (SE, NE, SW, NW). Foundational for Taoist altars, eight banners, and Dipper Pace rituals.

Si Zheng Si Yu: 4 Cardinals and 4 Intercardinal...

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Si Zheng Si Yu: four cardinal directions (east, south, west, north) and four intercardinals (SE, NE, SW, NW). Foundational for Taoist altars, eight banners, and Dipper Pace rituals.