Huang Ting Nei Wai Jing Jing (黃庭內外景經)

黃庭內外玉景經

The Scripture of the Jade Scenes of the Inner and Outer Yellow Court.

內景經

The Scripture of the Inner Scenes.

上清紫霞虛皇前，太上大道玉晨君，閒居蕊珠作七言，散化五形變萬神。

Before the seat of the Void Sovereign of Purple Mists in Highest Clarity, the Jade Dawn Lord of the Supreme Great Dao (Laozi uses this word to point to the origin and manner of operation of all things, which in itself cannot be described), dwelling at leisure in the Palace of Pistil Pearls, composed these verses of seven characters, scattering and transforming the five forms and changing the myriad spirits.

是為黃庭曰內篇，琴心三疊舞胎仙，九氣映明出霄間，神蓋童子生紫煙。

This is the Yellow Court, called the Inner Chapter: the heart's lute is thrice folded, setting the embryonic immortal dancing; the nine qi (the flowing substance that makes up and runs through all things) shine bright as they come out from the Milky Way, and the child beneath the spirit canopy sends forth purple smoke.

是曰玉書可精研，詠之萬過升三天，千災以消百病痊，不憚虎狼之兇殘，

This is called the Jade Book. It can be studied closely; recite it ten thousand times and you rise to the Three Heavens, a thousand calamities vanish and a hundred illnesses are healed, and you need not fear the savagery of tigers and wolves,

亦以卻老年永延。

and you can also drive back old age and extend your years forever.

上有魂靈下關元，左為少陽右太陰，後有密戶前生門。出日入月呼吸存，

Above is the spirit-soul, below is Guanyuan; on the left is Shaoyang, on the right is Taiyin; behind lies the secret door, in front lies the gate of life. As the sun rises and the moon sets, visualize them within the breath,

元氣所合列宿分，紫煙上下三素云，灌溉五華植靈根，七液洞流沖廬間。

where the primal qi gathers and the constellations divide. Purple smoke rises and descends, the clouds of the Three Whites; it irrigates the five flowers and plants the spirit root, and the seven fluids flow through openly, rushing into the hut between.

回紫抱黃入丹田，幽室內明照陽門。

Turn the purple, embrace the yellow, and enter the cinnabar field. (The terms used in this text, such as lead, mercury, dragon and tiger, tripod and furnace, infant and maiden, as well as cinnabar field, Mud Pellet and Yellow Court, are names borrowed by inner alchemists from the drugs and vessels of outer alchemy to refer to the essence, qi and spirit within the body and the places of cultivation; they do not mean actual minerals or drugs.) Within the hidden chamber all becomes clear of itself, and the gate of yang is illuminated.

口為玉池太和官，漱咽靈液災不幹，體生光華氣香蘭，卻滅百邪玉煉顏。

The mouth is the Jade Pool, the office of Supreme Harmony. Rinse and swallow the spirit fluid, and calamity will not come to attack; the body gives forth radiance, the breath is like fragrant orchid, it drives off the hundred evils, and a jade complexion is refined in the face.

審能修之登廣寒，晝夜不寐乃成真，雷鳴電激神泯泯。

If one can truly practice this, one can ascend to the Cold Vast Palace; going without sleep day and night, one can become perfected, and though thunder rolls and lightning strikes, the spirit remains quiet and settled.

黃庭內人服錦衣，紫華飛裙雲氣羅，丹青綠條翠靈柯，七蕤玉龠閉兩扉，

The inner persons of the Yellow Court wear brocade robes, with purple-flowered flying skirts and gowns of cloud vapor; there are green strands of cinnabar-blue, and jade-green spirit branches; the seven-flowered jade flute closes the two doors,

重扇金闕密樞機，玄泉幽闕高崔巍，三田之中精氣微，嬌女窈窕翳霄暉，

layer upon layer of golden towers keep the pivot sealed; the dark spring and secluded gate stand tall and towering; within the three fields the essence and qi are fine and subtle, and the lovely maiden, graceful and shy, veils the radiance of the sky,

重堂煥煥明八威，天庭地關列釜斤，靈臺盤固永不衰。

the many-storied halls shine brilliantly, lighting up the eight awes; the heavenly court and earthly pass are lined with cauldrons and axes, and the Spirit Terrace is coiled firm and will never decay.

中池內神服赤珠，丹錦雲袍帶虎符，橫津三寸靈所居，隱芝翳鬱自相扶。

The spirit within the Middle Pool wears red pearls, a robe of cinnabar brocade and cloud, and carries a tiger tally; it crosses the ford for three inches, where the spirit dwells, with hidden lingzhi thick and shadowy, supporting one another.

天中之嶽精謹修，雲宅既清玉帝遊，通利道路無終休，眉號華蓋覆明珠，

The Peak in the middle of Heaven must be carefully cultivated. Once the cloud-dwelling is pure and clean, the Jade Emperor will come to roam; the road is open and smooth, without end or rest. The eyebrows are called the Flowery Canopy, covering a bright pearl,

九幽日月洞空無，宅中有真常衣丹。審能見之無疾患，赤珠靈裙華茜粲，

the sun and moon of the Nine Depths are open and hollow; within the dwelling there is a true one, always wearing red robes. If one can truly see him, one will have no illness; the spirit skirt of red pearls, in splendid crimson, is dazzling,

舌下膺玄生死岸，出青入玄二氣煥，子若遇之昇天漢。

under the tongue lies the Mystery, the shore of life and death; going out in green and entering in black, the two qi shine forth; if you meet him, you will ascend to the Heavenly Han.

至道不煩訣存真，泥丸百節皆有神。發神蒼華字太元，腦神精根字泥丸，

The Supreme Way is not complicated; the secret lies in preserving and guarding the original truth. The Mud Pellet and the hundred joints all have spirits. The spirit of the hair is called Cang Hua, style name Tai Yuan; the spirit of the brain is the root of essence, style name Ni Wan (Mud Pellet),

眼神明上字英玄，鼻神玉壟字靈堅，耳神空閒字幽田，舌神通命字正倫，

the spirit of the eyes is Ming Shang, style name Ying Xuan; the spirit of the nose is Yu Long, style name Ling Jian; the spirit of the ears is Kong Xian, style name You Tian; the spirit of the tongue is Tong Ming, style name Zheng Lun;

齒神峨峰字羅千。一面之神宗泥丸，泥丸九真皆有房，方圓一寸處此中，

the spirit of the teeth is E Feng, style name Luo Qian. The spirits of the whole face all take the Mud Pellet as their ancestor; the nine perfected ones of the Mud Pellet each have a chamber, one square inch, and they dwell within it,

內服紫衣飛羅裳，但思一部壽無窮，非各別住俱腦中，列位次坐向外方，

wearing purple robes and flying gauze skirts. One need only visualize this one region and life becomes limitless; they do not live apart in separate places but are all in the brain, seated in order of rank, facing outward,

所存在心自相當。

and what is visualized and where it is naturally correspond to the heart.

心神丹元字守靈，肺神皓華字虛成，肝神龍煙字臺明，翳鬱導煙主濁清，

The spirit of the heart is Dan Yuan, style name Shou Ling; the spirit of the lungs is Hao Hua, style name Xu Cheng; the spirit of the liver is Long Yan, style name Tai Ming, with dense mist guiding the smoke, governing the turbid and the clear;

腎神玄冥字育嬰，脾神常在字魂停，膽神龍曜字威明。六腑五臟神體精，

the spirit of the kidneys is Xuan Ming, style name Yu Ying; the spirit of the spleen is Chang Zai, style name Hun Ting; the spirit of the gallbladder is Long Yao, style name Wei Ming. The six hollow organs and five solid organs have spirits that are the essence within the body,

皆在心內運天經，晝夜存之自長生。

all turning the celestial warp within the heart. Visualize them day and night, and you will naturally live long.

肺部之官似華蓋，下有童子坐玉闕，七元之子主調氣，外應中嶽鼻臍位，

The office of the lungs is like a flowery canopy, and beneath it a child sits in a jade tower. The Child of the Seven Primes governs the regulation of qi, and corresponds outwardly to the Central Peak, at the position between the nose and the navel,

素錦衣裳黃雲帶。喘息呼吸體不快，急存白元和六氣，神仙久視無災害，

in a plain brocade robe with a belt of yellow cloud. When breathing is labored and the body is uneasy, quickly visualize the White Prime and harmonize the six qi; immortals gaze long and there is no harm,

用之不已形不滯。

if you do not stop, the body will not become stagnant or blocked.

心部之官蓮含華，下有童子丹元家，主適寒熱榮衛和。丹錦飛裳披玉羅，

The office of the heart is like a lotus holding its blossom, and beneath it a child, the home of Dan Yuan, governs the proper balance of cold and heat and the harmony of nutritive and protective qi. In flying cinnabar-brocade robes, draped in jade gauze,

金鈴朱帶坐婆裟。調血理命身不枯，外應口舌吐五華，臨絕呼之亦登蘇，

with golden bells and a red sash, he sits in the lotus seat. He regulates the blood and orders life, so that the body does not wither; he corresponds outwardly to the mouth and tongue, spitting forth the five flowers; even at the moment the breath is cut off, calling on him can bring revival,

久久行之飛太霞。

and by long practice you will fly up to the Great Rosy Clouds.

肝部之中翠重裡，下有青童神公子，主諸關鏡聰明始，青錦披裳佩玉鈴。

Within the liver, in layers upon layers of emerald green, beneath it dwells the Green Child, the divine young lord, who governs the mirror of all the passes and is the beginning of keen hearing and sight, draped in a green brocade robe and wearing jade bells.

和制魂魄津液平，外應眼目日月清，百療所鍾存無英，同用七日自充盈，

He harmonizes and restrains the spirit-soul and bodily soul and steadies the bodily fluids; he corresponds outwardly to the eyes, to the sun and moon being clear and bright, where a hundred illnesses gather; visualize Wu Ying, and in the same way for seven days it will naturally fill up,

垂絕念神死復生，攝魂還魄永無傾。

when near death, think of the spirit and you may die and live again, calling back the spirit-soul and returning the bodily soul, so that you are never overturned.

腎部之宮玄陰圃，中有童子冥上玄，主諸六府九液源，外應兩耳百液津，

The palace of the kidneys is the garden of Dark Yin, and in its midst there is a child called Ming Shang Xuan, who governs the six hollow organs and is the source of the nine fluids; it corresponds outwardly to the two ears and is the ford of all fluids,

蒼錦雲衣舞龍潘，上致的霞日月煙，百病千災急當存，兩部水王對生門，

in a robe of dark-green brocade and cloud, dancing with the dragon banner, summoning upward the rosy clouds and the smoke of sun and moon; for a hundred illnesses and a thousand calamities, one should quickly visualize this; the two Water Kings face the gate of life,

使人長生升九天。

making a person live long and ascend to the Nine Heavens.

脾部之官屬戌已，中有明童黃裳裡，消谷散氣攝牙齒，是為太倉兩明童，

The office of the spleen belongs to wu and ji (the source text has a variant character for ji, which should read ji), and in its midst there are bright children within yellow robes; they digest grain and disperse qi, and govern the teeth; these are the two bright children of the Great Granary,

坐在金合城九重，方圓一寸命門中，主調百穀五朱香，闢卻虛贏無病傷，

seated within the ninefold Golden Gate City, one square inch in size, within the Gate of Life; they govern the regulation of the hundred grains and the five flavors and red fragrance, ward off weakness and emaciation, so that there is no illness or injury,

外應尺宅氣色芳，光華所生以表明，黃錦玉衣帶虎章，注念三老子輕翔，

corresponding outwardly to the foot-long dwelling (the face), with fragrant color and complexion, where radiance is born, as a sign; in yellow brocade and jade robes, wearing a tiger emblem, one who concentrates on the Three Elders will find the body lightly soaring,

長生高仙遠死殃。

living long as a lofty immortal, far from the calamity of death.

膽部之宮六府精，中有童子曜威明，雷電八振揚玉旌，龍旗橫天擲火鈴，

The palace of the gallbladder is the essence of the six hollow organs, and in its midst is a child, Yao Wei Ming; thunder and lightning rouse the eight directions, jade banners are raised, dragon flags sweep across the sky, and fire bells are hurled,

主諸氣力攝虎兵，外應眼童鼻柱間，腦發相扶亦俱鮮，九色錦衣綠華裙，

governing all strength and commanding the tiger soldiers; it corresponds outwardly to the pupils of the eyes and the bridge of the nose, where brain and hair support each other and are also fresh and glossy; robes of nine-colored brocade and skirts of green radiance,

佩金帶玉龍虎文，能存成明乘慶云，役使萬神朝三元。

with gold belts and jade, bearing the patterns of dragon and tiger; one who can visualize and achieve this radiance will ride auspicious clouds, command the myriad spirits, and have audience with the Three Primes.

脾長一尺掩太倉，中部老君冶明堂，厥字靈元名混康，治人百病消谷糧，

The spleen is one foot long and covers the Great Granary; the Lord of the Central Region governs the Bright Hall; his style name is Ling Yuan and his name is Hun Kang. He cures a person's hundred illnesses and digests grain,

黃衣紫帶龍虎章，長枯益命賴君王，三呼我名神自通，三老同坐各有朋，

in yellow robe and purple sash, with the emblem of dragon and tiger; a life long withered is made to increase, thanks to this sovereign. Call my name three times and the spirits will naturally connect; the Three Elders sit together, each with companions,

或精或胎別執方，桃孩合延生華芒，男女徊尤有桃康，道父道母對相望，

some governing the essence, some governing the embryo, each holding charge of his own method. Tao Hai joins in prolonging life, giving rise to radiant light; men and women wander together, and especially there is Tao Kang; the Father and Mother of the Dao face and gaze at each other,

師父師母丹玄鄉，可用存思登虛空，殊途一會歸要終，閉塞三關握固停，

the Teacher Father and Teacher Mother are in the land of Cinnabar Mystery; by visualization one can ascend to the void; though the paths differ, they meet at one place, returning to the ultimate end; close the three passes, hold the fists firm, and stop,

含漱金醴吞玉英，遂至不飢三蟲亡，心意常和致欣昌，五嶽之雲氣彭亨，

hold in the mouth and rinse with the golden nectar, and swallow the jade blossom; then you will no longer be hungry, the three worms will perish, the mind will be constantly harmonious and flourishing, and the cloud qi of the five peaks will swell and fill,

保灌玉廬以自償，五形完堅無災殃。

nourishing and irrigating the Jade Hut, thereby replenishing oneself; the five forms become complete, firm and solid, with no calamity.

上睹三元如連珠，落落明景照九隅，五靈夜燭煥八區，子存內皇與我遊，

Looking upward you see the Three Primes like strung pearls, the brilliant scenes lighting up the nine corners; the five spirits illuminate the night and radiate over the eight regions; visualize the Inner Sovereign wandering with me,

身披風衣銜虎符，一至不久升虛無，方寸之中念深藏，不方不圓閉牖窗，

clothed in a wind-robe and holding a tiger tally; in no long time you will ascend to the void and nothingness; within the square inch keep the intention deeply hidden, neither square nor round, closing the windows,

三神還精老方壯，魂魄內守不爭競，神生腹中銜寶玉，靈注幽闕那得喪，

the three spirits return to the essence, and an old man is again in the prime of life; the spirit-soul and bodily soul guard within and do not contend; the spirit is born in the belly, holding precious jade in its mouth, and the numinous pours into the dark gate; how could it ever be lost?

琳條萬尋可蔭仗，三魂自寧帝書命。

The jade branches reach ten thousand fathoms and can provide shade and support; the three spirit-souls are naturally at peace, and the Emperor writes down your life and nature.

靈臺鬱藹望黃野，三寸異室有上下，間闕營衛高玄受，洞房紫極靈門戶，

The Spirit Terrace is lush and misty, looking out on the yellow fields; within three inches, the chambers have upper and lower levels, with gates and camps between, received from the High Mystery; the Cave Chamber and Purple Pole are the doors of the numinous,

是昔太上告我者，左神公子發神語，右有白元並立外，明堂金匱玉房間，

this is what the Supreme One once told me; on the left the divine young lord utters spirit words, and on the right the White Prime stands outside; between the Bright Hall, the Golden Casket and the Jade Chamber,

上清其人當吾前，黃裳子丹氣頻煩，借問何在兩眉端，內俠日月列宿陳，

the person of Highest Clarity stands before me, the Yellow-Skirted Cinnabar One, his qi coming and going often; may I ask where he is? At the ends of the two eyebrows, inwardly flanking the sun and moon (the source text has a variant character, which means "flank"), with the constellations laid out in rows,

七曜九元冠生門。

the seven luminaries and the nine primes crown the gate of life.

三關之中精氣深，九微之內幽且陰，口為天關精神機，足為地關生命靡，

Within the Three Passes the essence and qi are deep and still; within the Nine Subtleties it is dark and yin; the mouth is the Heaven Pass, the pivot of spirit; the foot is the Earth Pass, on which life depends,

手為人關把盛衰。

the hand is the Human Pass, which holds the balance of flourishing and decline.

若得三官存玄丹，太一流珠安崑崙，重重樓閣十二環，自高自下皆真人，

If you obtain the Three Offices, preserve and guard the Mysterious Cinnabar; the Great One's flowing pearl is placed on Kunlun, with tower upon tower and twelve rings, and from high to low are all perfected persons,

玉堂繹字盡玄官，璇璣王衡色蘭殲，瞻望童子坐盤恆，問誰家子在我身，

the Jade Hall with its threaded characters is all Mysterious Officials, with the Jade Armillary and Jade Crossbar colored like orchids; gaze upon the children seated and lingering, and ask whose sons they are within my body,

此人可去入泥龍，千千百百自相連，一一十十似重山，雲儀五華俠耳門，

this person can depart and enter the Mud Pellet (the source text has a variant character here, which should read Pellet); thousands and hundreds are naturally linked to one another, ones and tens like piled-up mountains; the five-flowered cloud regalia flank the ear gate,

赤帝黃老與己魂，三真挾胥共房津，五斗煥明是七元，日月飛行六合間，

the Red Emperor, the Yellow Elder and one's own spirit-soul, three perfected ones supporting one another, are together at the ford of the chamber; the Five Dippers shine bright, and these are the Seven Primes; the sun and moon fly through the six directions,

帝鄉天中地戶端，面部魂神綿相存。

the Emperor's home is in the middle of heaven, the earth door is at the tip, and the spirit-soul in the face lingers on in continuous preservation.

呼吸元氣以求仙，仙公公子已可前，朱鳥吐縮白石源，結精育胞化生身，

Breathe in the primal qi to seek immortality, and the Immortal Lord and Young Lord can already come forward; the Vermilion Bird spits and withdraws at the source of the white stones, gathering essence, nurturing the womb, and giving birth to this body,

留胎止精可長生，三氣右徊九道明，正一含華乃充盈，遙望一心如羅星，

keep the embryo and halt the essence, and you can live long; the three qi turn to the right, nine paths of light, and the True One holds its blossom and so becomes full; gazing far at the one heart like stars in a row,

金室之下可不傾，延我白首反孩嬰。

beneath the golden chamber you cannot be overturned; prolong my white head and return it to infancy.

瓊室之中太素集，泥九夫人當中立，長谷玄鄉繞郊邑，六龍散飛難分別，

In the Jade Chamber the Great Plain assembles, and the Lady of the Mud Pellet stands in the center (the source text has a variant character here, which should read Pellet); the Long Valley and Dark Village encircle the outskirts, and the six dragons scatter and fly, hard to tell apart,

長生至慎房中急，何為死作令神泣，忽之禍鄉三靈及，但當吸氣錄子精，

for long life the greatest care is needed against the urgency of the matters of the bedchamber; why court death and make the spirit weep? To neglect this is to enter the land of calamity, and the three spirits will be affected as well; you should only inhale and gather in your essence,

寸田尺宅可治生，若當決海百讀傾，葉去樹枯失青青，氣亡液漏非已形，

the inch-field and foot-dwelling can govern life; if you breach the great sea, all hundred streams pour out (the source text has a variant character for streams); with the leaves gone, the tree withers and loses its green; when qi is lost and fluids leak, the form is no longer your own,

專閉御景乃長寧，保我泥龍三奇靈，恬淡閉視內自明，物物不幹泰而平，

concentrate, close and guard, and steer the scenes, and only then will you be at peace for long, preserving the three marvelous spirits of my Mud Pellet; be calm and plain, close your eyes, and inwardly there is natural light; things do not come to attack, and all is tranquil and level,

愨矣匪事老復丁，思詠玉書太上清。

how sincere, this is not a matter of tasks; the old become robust again; think and chant the Jade Book, Supreme, pure and still.

常念三房相通達，洞得視見無內外，存漱五牙不飢渴，神華執巾六丁謁，

Constantly think of the three chambers connecting with one another; clearly open, they can be seen, with no inside or outside; visualize and rinse with the five sprouts, and you will not hunger or thirst; the spirit of radiance holds a cloth, and the Six Ding come to pay their respects,

急守精室勿妄洩，閉而寶之可長活，起自形中初不闊，三官近在易隱括，

you must quickly guard the chamber of essence and not emit it recklessly; keep it closed and treat it as a treasure, and you can live long; it arises from within the form, and at first it is not far away; the three offices are close by your side and easy to contain,

虛無寂寂空中素，使形如是不當汙，九室正虛神明舍，存思百念視節度，

empty and silent, pure within the void; if you make the body like this, it should not be defiled; the nine chambers are properly empty and are the dwelling of the spirit-light; as you visualize the hundred thoughts, pay attention to measure,

六府修治勿令故，行自翱翔入天路。

keep the six hollow organs cultivated and do not let them grow stale; as you walk you will naturally soar and enter the road of heaven.

治生之道了不煩，但修洞玄與玉篇，兼行形中八景神，二十四真出自然，

The way of governing life is not at all complicated; one need only practice the Cave Mystery and the Jade Chapters, and also practice the eight scene-spirits within the body; the twenty-four perfected ones come forth of themselves (naturally, as they are in themselves; not "nature" in the sense of the natural world),

高拱無為魂魄安，清靜神見與我言，安在紫房幃幔間，立坐室外三五玄，

fold the hands high and practice non-action (wuwei: not acting with deliberate effort, not doing nothing at all), and the spirit-soul and bodily soul are steady; in clarity and stillness the spirit appears and speaks with me, dwelling among the purple chamber's curtains, standing and sitting outside the room, the mystery of three and five,

燒香接手玉華前，共入太室璇璣門，高研恬淡道之園，內神密盼盡睹真，

burn incense and clasp hands before the Jade Radiance, and together enter the gate of the Grand Chamber and the Jade Armillary; lofty study of tranquility is the garden of the Dao; the inner spirits secretly look on, and all behold the true one,

真人在己莫問鄰，何處遠索示因緣。

the true person is within your own body; do not ask the neighbors, and why go far to search for it, only to be shown the cause?

隱影藏形與世殊，含氣養精口如朱，帶執性命守虛無，名大上清死錄除，

Hide the shadow and conceal the form, unlike ordinary people; hold in qi and nourish essence, with the mouth like cinnabar red; hold fast to life and nature, guard the void; your name is listed in Great Highest Clarity and removed from the register of death,

三神之樂由隱居，倏欻遊遨無遺憂，羽服一整八風驅，控駕三素乘晨霞，

the joy of the Three Spirits comes from dwelling in seclusion, roaming swiftly and freely, leaving no lingering sorrow; once you put on the feathered robe, the eight winds drive you, you steer the Three Whites and ride the morning rosy clouds,

金輦正立從玉輿，何不登山誦我書，鬱郁竊竅真人墟，入山何難故躊躇。

the golden carriage stands upright and the jade chariot follows; why not climb the mountain and recite my book? Dense and secret is the hidden aperture, the village of the true ones; what is hard about entering the mountain, and yet you still hesitate.

人間紛紛臭帑如。

The human world is tumultuous, like a foul and stinking bag.

五行相推反歸一，三五合氣九九節，可用隱地回八術，伏牛幽闕羅品列，

The five phases push one another, turning back and returning to one; the three and five join their qi, with nine times nine as the measure; with this one can hide in the earth and turn about the eight arts, subdue the ox in the dark gate and arrange the ranks in order,

三明出華生死際，洞房靈象鬥日月，父曰泥丸母雌一，三光煥照入子室，

the Three Brightnesses put forth radiance, at the boundary of life and death; the numinous images of the Cave Chamber, the Dipper and the sun and moon; the father is called the Mud Pellet, the mother is the Female One; the three lights shine brightly into your room,

能存玄真萬事畢，一身精神不可失。

if you can preserve and guard the Mysterious Perfected, all matters will be finished; the spirit and essence of the whole body must not be lost.

高奔日月吾上道，鬱儀結磷善相保，乃見玉清虛無老，可以回顏填血腦，

Soaring high to the sun and moon is my supreme way; Yu Yi and Jie Lin are good at protecting each other (the source text has a variant character for Lin, which should read Lin); and so you get to see the Old One of Jade Clarity and Void, who can bring back the countenance and fill the blood and brain,

口銜靈芒攜五皇，腰帶虎錄佩金當，駕欻接生宴東蒙。

holding the numinous light in the mouth, leading the Five Sovereigns, with a tiger register at the waist and a golden pendant, driving the sudden wind, to welcome life and feast at Dongmeng.

玄元上一魂魄煉，一之為物巨卒見，須得至真始顧盼，至忌死氣諸穢賤，

The Mysterious Prime Supreme One: the spirit-soul and bodily soul are refined and nourished; the One as a thing is hard to see all at once; only with utmost perfection does it begin to look back at you; it most abhors the air of death and all the foul and base things,

六神合集虛中宴，結珠固精養神根，玉匙金鑰常完堅，閉口屈舌食胎津，

the six spirits assemble and feast within the void; gather pearls and solidify essence, nurture and guard the spirit root; the jade key and golden lock are always whole and firm; close the mouth, curl the tongue, and feed on the womb's fluid,

使我逮煉獲飛仙。

so that I may complete the refining in due time and attain flying immortality.

仙人道士非有神，積精累氣以為真，黃童妙音難可聞，玉書繹簡赤舟文。

Immortals and Daoists do not have some other special power; by accumulating essence and piling up qi they become perfected; the wondrous sound of the Yellow Child is hard to hear, the jade book and threaded slips, the writing of the Red Boat.

字曰真人巾金巾，負甲持符開七門，火兵符圖備靈關，前昂後卑高下陳，

His style is called the Perfected One, his headcloth a golden cloth; on his back he carries a spirit-armor and holds a talisman, opening the seven gates, with fire soldiers and talisman charts, guarding the spirit pass; the front is raised and the back is low, arranged from high to low,

執劍百丈舞錦幡，十絕盤空扇紛紜，火鈴冠霄墜落煙，安在黃闕兩眉間，

holding a sword of a hundred zhang and waving a brocade banner, ten extremes coiling in the sky, fans stirring in profusion; the fire bell crowns the Milky Way, smoke falling from it, and he settles in the Yellow Tower, between the two eyebrows,

此非枝葉實是根。

this is not the branches, but truly the root.

紫清上皇大道君，太玄太和俠侍端，化生萬物使我仙，飛昇十天駕玉輪，

The Great Dao Lord, Supreme Sovereign of Purple Clarity, with Great Mystery and Great Harmony attending at his side, transforms all things and makes me an immortal, to fly up to the Ten Heavens, driving a jade wheel,

晝夜七日思勿眠，子能行此可長存，積功成煉非自然，是由精誠亦由專，

for seven days and nights visualize and do not sleep; if you can practice this, you can live long; by accumulating merit you complete the refining, which does not happen naturally without effort, but comes from sincerity and also from single-mindedness,

內守堅固真之真，虛中恬淡自致神。

guard within with firmness, and that is the truest of the true; with calm and plainness within the void, you naturally call forth the spirits.

百穀之實土地精，五味外美邪魔腥，臭亂神明胎氣零，那從返老得還嬰，

The fruits of the hundred grains are the essence of the earth, and the five flavors are pleasing to the mouth on the outside but carry the stench of demons; the stench disturbs the spirit-light, and the embryonic qi withers; how could one thereby return from old age and revert to infancy,

三魂忽忽魄糜傾，何不食氣太和精，故能不死大黃寧。

the three spirit-souls are flustered and the bodily soul rots and collapses; why not eat qi and eat the essence of Supreme Harmony, so that you can avoid death and rest in the Great Yellow Peace.

心典一體五藏王，動靜念之道德行，清潔善氣自明光，坐起吾俱共棟梁，

The heart is the standard of the whole body and the king of the five solid organs; whether in movement or stillness, think on it, and the Dao and virtue will move (virtue: the attainment of the Dao as realized in people and things, not "moral character" in the sense of moral preaching); clean and good qi is naturally bright, and sitting or rising, I share with it the work of the beam and pillar,

晝日曜景暮閉藏，通利華精調陰陽。

by day the sun shines its scene, by evening it is closed and stored; it opens and benefits the flowery essence and harmonizes yin and yang.

經歷六合隱卯酉，兩腎之神主延壽，轉降適鬥藏初九，知雄守雌可無老，

It passes through the six directions and hides in mao and you; the spirit of the two kidneys governs the extension of life, turns and descends to the Dipper, and is stored in the first yang line; know the male and keep to the female, and you can avoid aging,

知白見黑急坐守。

know the white and see the black, and you must quickly sit and guard.

肝氣都勃清且長，羅列六府生三光，心精意專內不傾，上合三焦下玉漿，

The qi of the liver is lush and thick, clear and long; it lines up the six hollow organs and gives rise to the three lights; with refined heart and focused intent, within it does not tilt, above it joins the Triple Burner, and below it becomes jade liquor,

玄液雲行去奧香，治蕩發齒煉正方，取津玄府大明堂，下溉喉嚨神明通，

the dark fluid moves like clouds, removing foulness and stench and bringing fragrance, washing the hair and teeth and refining them to rightness; draw the fluid from the Dark Gate and the Great Bright Hall, and irrigate downward into the throat, so that spirit-light connects,

坐待華蓋遊貴京，飄搖三帝席清涼，五色雲氣紛青蔥，閉日內眄自相望，

sit and wait for the Flowery Canopy, and roam in the Noble Capital, drifting at the banquet of the Three Emperors, cool and refreshed, with the five-colored cloud qi in lush green profusion; close your eyes and look within, so that you and yourself gaze at each other,

使心諸神還相崇，七玄英華開命門，通利天道存玄根，百二十年猶可還，

making the various spirits in the heart come back and honor one another; the seven mysterious blossoms open the Gate of Life, and the way of heaven flows freely; preserve and guard the dark root, and at one hundred and twenty years you can still return,

過此守道誠獨難，唯待九轉入瓊丹，要復精思存七元，日月之華救老殘，

beyond this, keeping the Way is truly hard to do alone; wait only for the nine turnings and enter the Jade Cinnabar, and you must further think with refinement, visualizing the Seven Primes, so that the flower of the sun and moon rescues the aged and decrepit,

肝氣周流終無端。

the qi of the liver circulates all around and in the end has no limit.

肺之為氣三焦起，視聽幽冥候童子，調理五華精發齒，三十六咽玉池裡，

The qi formed by the lungs rises from the Triple Burner; one sees and hears the dim and dark, waits for the children, regulates the five flowers, and refines the hair and teeth; thirty-six times swallow the fluid in the Jade Pool,

開通百脈血液始，顏色生光金玉澤，齒堅發黑不知白，存此真神勿落落，

opening the hundred vessels, and the blood begins to flow, the complexion gives off light and has the moisture of gold and jade, the teeth are firm and the hair black, not knowing what white is; visualize this true spirit and do not let it scatter and drift apart,

當憶此官有座席，眾神合會轉相索。

you should remember that this office has a seat, where the spirits assemble, searching for one another in turn.

隱藏羽蓋看天舍，朝拜太陽樂相呼，明神八威正辟邪，脾神還歸是胃家，

Hiding the feathered canopy, looking toward the heavenly lodge, paying homage to the sun, delighting in calling to one another; the Eight Awes of the Bright Spirit are warding off evil; the spleen spirit returns, and this is the home of the stomach,

耽養靈根不復枯，閉塞命門保玉都，萬神方胙壽有餘，是謂脾建在中官，

concentrate on nourishing the spirit root so it no longer withers; seal the Gate of Life and preserve the Jade Capital; when the myriad spirits receive the sacrificial meat, life has surplus; this is called the spleen established in the central office,

五臟六腑神明王，上合天門大明堂，守雌存雄頂三光，外方內圓神在中，

the five solid and six hollow organs have the spirit-light as their king; above they join the Heavenly Gate and the Great Bright Hall, guarding the female while preserving the male, bearing the three lights on the head, square outside and round within, with the spirit in the middle,

通利血脈五臟豐，骨青筋赤髓如霜，脾救七竅去不祥，日月列布設陰陰，

opening and benefiting the blood vessels, the five organs full and abundant, the bones green and the sinews red, the marrow like frost; the spleen rescues and protects the seven apertures, removes the inauspicious, lays out the sun and moon, and arranges yin and yang,

兩神相會化玉漿，淡然無味天人糧，子丹進饌餚正黃，乃曰琅膏及玉霜，

the two spirits meet and become jade liquor, bland and tasteless, the food of heavenly people; Zi Dan offers up the meal, and the dishes are yellow, and so are called Lang Gao (jade-gem paste) and Jade Frost,

太上隱環太素瓊，溉益八液腎受精，伏於太陰見我形，揚風三玄出始青，

the Supreme One's hidden ring and the jade of Great Plainness irrigate and benefit the eight fluids; the kidneys receive the essence and lie hidden in the Great Yin, seeing my form and raising the wind; the Three Mysteries come forth at the start of green,

恍惚之間至清靈，坐於飈臺見赤生，逸域熙真養華榮，內盼沉默煉五形，

in a trance you arrive at Clear Numinosity, sit upon the Whirlwind Terrace, and see Chi Sheng; in the Yi Yu realm, Xi Zhen nourishes and protects the flowering glory; look within, and in silence refine the five forms,

三氣徘徊得神明，隱龍遁芝雲琅英，可以充飢使萬靈，上蓋玄玄下虎章。，

the three qi pace to and fro and you attain the spirit-light; hide the dragon and escape with the lingzhi, the lang-gem flowers in the clouds can relieve hunger and command the myriad spirits; above it covers the Mystery of Mysteries, below it has the tiger emblem.

沐浴盛潔棄肥燻，入室東向誦玉篇，約得萬遍義自鮮，散發無慾以長存，

Bathe and be thoroughly clean, put aside the greasy, rich, strong-smelling and rank foods, enter a room and face east, and recite the Jade Chapters, about ten thousand times, and the meaning will naturally become clear; let your hair hang loose and be without desire, so as to live long,

五未皆至正氣還，夷心寂悶匆煩冤，過數已華體神精，黃華玉女告子情，

the five flavors all arrive (the source text has a variant character for flavors, which should read flavors) and the right qi returns; settle the mind, be calm and silent, and do not be vexed or aggrieved (the source text has a variant character, which should read "do not"); when the number of recitations has been exceeded, it is already splendid, body and spirit are both pure, and the Yellow Flower Jade Maiden will tell you the true facts.

真人既至使六丁，即授隱芝大洞經，十讀四拜朝太上，先謁太帝后北向，

When the Perfected Ones have arrived, they command the Six Ding spirits and at once transmit the Hidden Fungus and the Great Cavern Scripture; read them ten times and bow four times, then have audience with the Supreme One, first paying respects to the Supreme Emperor, and then turn to the north,

黃庭內經玉書暢，授者曰師受者盟，雲錦風羅金鈕纏，以代割發肌膚金，

The Inner Scripture of the Yellow Court, a jade text that flows without obstruction. The one who transmits is called the master, and the one who receives swears an oath, with cloud brocade and wind gauze, wound round with golden knots, used in place of cutting the hair or piercing the skin to offer gold,

攜手登山敵液丹，金書王景乃可宣，傳得可授告三官，勿令七祖受冥患，

Go hand in hand up the mountain and take the cinnabar of liquid together; the golden writings and jade scenery may then be revealed. Transmit to the right person, who may transmit again; you must report to the Three Officials, so that the seven generations of ancestors do not suffer in the underworld,

太上微言致神仙，不死之道此真文。

The subtle words of the Supreme One can bring a person to immortality; the Way of deathlessness is this very true text.

外景經

The Outer Scenery Scripture.

老君閒居作七言，解說身形及諸神，上有黃庭下關元，後有幽闕前命門，

Laozi, at leisure, composed this in seven-character lines, explaining the body and its spirits. Above is the Yellow Court, below is Guanyuan, behind is Youque, in front is Mingmen,

呼吸廬間入丹田，玉池清水灌靈根，審能修之可長存，黃庭中人衣朱衣，

Breath enters the Dantian through the hut, and the clear water of the Jade Pool irrigates the Spirit Root. If one can truly practice this, one may live long. The person in the Yellow Court wears a vermilion robe,

關元茂龠闔兩靡，幽闕俠之高巍巍，丹田之中精氣微，玉池清水上生肥，

At Guanyuan the lush gate closes its two leaves (the base text's "mi" should read "fei"), flanked by Youque, high and lofty. In the Dantian essence and qi are fine and subtle, and the clear water of the Jade Pool rises to produce richness,

靈根堅固老不衰，中池有士服赤衣，橫下三寸神所居，中外相距重閉之，

The Spirit Root is firm, and one grows old without declining. In the Middle Pool there is a scholar in a red robe, three inches below the crossbar, where the spirit dwells. Inside and outside are separated, closed off layer upon layer,

神廬之中當修治，玄府氣管受精府，急固子精以自持，宅中有士常衣繹，

Within the Spirit Hut one should cultivate; the windpipe of the Dark Mansion receives the mansion of essence, so hurry to guard your essence and hold it yourself. In the dwelling there is a scholar who often wears a crimson robe,

子能見之可不病，橫立長尺約其上，子能守之或無惹，呼吸廬間以自償，

If you can see him, you will be free of illness; across above it, about a foot long, stands a figure, and if you can keep hold of him, you may be free of misfortune (the base text's "re" should probably read "yang"). Breathing within the hut, you make up for yourself,

子保完堅身受慶，方寸之中謹蓋藏，精神還歸老復壯，心結幽厥流下競，

You keep yourself whole, firm and solid, and the body receives blessing. Within the square inch, guard and store carefully; when essence and spirit return, the old become strong again. The heart is bound to Youque and flows down in a rush (the base text's "jue" should read "que"),

養子玉樹令可壯，至道不煩無旁午，靈臺通天臨中野，方寸之中間關下，

Nurture your jade tree so that it may grow robust. The Supreme Way is not fussy and has no crisscrossing tangles. The Spirit Terrace reaches up to Heaven and looks down upon the central plain; within the square inch, beneath the Gate-Pass,

玉房之中神門戶，既是公子教我者，明堂四達法海源，真人子丹當吾前，

Within the Jade Chamber is the gateway of the spirit; this is just what the Young Lord taught me. The Bright Hall opens in all four directions, modeled on the source of the sea, and the Perfected Person Zidan stands before me,

三關之中精氣深，子欲不死修崑崙，繹官重樓十二環，瓊室之中五色集，

Within the Three Passes essence and qi lie deep; if you wish not to die, cultivate Kunlun. The Crimson Palace has stacked stories, twelve rings (the base text's "yi" should read "jiang"), and within the Jade Chamber the five colors gather,

赤神之子中池立，下有長城玄谷邑，長生要慎房中急，棄捐淫慾專子精，

The child of the Red Spirit stands in the Middle Pool, and below are the Great Wall and the town of the Dark Valley. For long life, what is urgent is to be careful in matters of the bedchamber; cast off lust and desire, and concentrate on guarding your essence,

寸田尺宅可治生，系子長留心安寧，推志遊神三奇靈，行間無事心太平，

The inch-wide field and foot-wide house can be used to govern life; keep yourself bound and lasting there, and the heart is at peace. Extend your aspiration and let the spirit roam among the numinous powers of the Three Wonders; with no incidents in your conduct, the heart is at peace,

常存玉房神明達，時思太倉不飢渴，役使六丁玉女渴，閉子精門可長活，

Constantly visualize the Jade Chamber, and the spirit-light passes through; think of the Great Granary from time to time, and you will be neither hungry nor thirsty. Command the Six Ding, and the Jade Maidens come to pay respects (the base text's "ke" should read "ye"); shut your gate of essence, and you can live long,

正室堂前神所舍，洗心自治無敗汙，歷觀五臟視節度，六府修治潔如素，

The Main Chamber before the hall is the house where the spirit dwells; wash the heart and govern yourself, without defeat or defilement. Observe the five viscera in turn and see their measure; tend the six bowels until they are clean as plain white silk,

虛無自然道之固，物有自然道不煩，垂拱無為身體安，虛無之居在幃間，

Emptiness and naturalness are where the Way is firm; things have their own nature, and the Way is not fussy. Let the robes hang and the hands fold in non-action, and the body is at ease. The dwelling of emptiness lies within the curtains,

寂寞郭然口不言，修和獨立真人官，恬淡無欲遊德園，清淨香潔玉女前，

Still and silent, vast and open, the mouth does not speak (the base text's "guo" should read "kuo"). Cultivate harmony and stand alone, in the palace of the Perfected Person; be tranquil and free of desire, and roam in the garden of virtue; pure and fragrant, in the presence of the Jade Maidens,

修德明達神之門。

To cultivate virtue and attain clarity is the gate of the spirit.

作道優遊深獨居，扶養性命守虛無，恬淡自樂何思慮，羽翼已具正扶疏，

One who practices the Way lives at ease, dwelling deep and alone, nurturing his life and holding fast to emptiness. Tranquil and happy in himself, what thoughts has he? His wings are already complete and spreading wide,

長生久視乃飛去，五行參差同根蒂，三五合氣其本一，誰與共之鬥日月，

With long life and lasting vision, he flies away. The Five Phases are uneven, yet share one root and stem; the three and the five unite to form qi, and its source is one. Who shares it with it? The Dipper, the sun and the moon,

抱玉懷珠和子室，子能守一萬事畢，子自有之持無失，即欲不死入金室，

Embracing jade and holding pearl, harmonize your chamber. If you can hold to the One, all affairs are concluded; you have it in yourself, so hold on and do not lose it. If you wish not to die, enter the golden chamber,

出日大月是吾道，天七地三回相守，升降進退合乃久，玉石落落是吾寶，

The sun rises and the moon sets; this is my Way (the base text's "da" should read "ru"). Heaven's seven and earth's three turn about and keep one another; rising and falling, advancing and retreating, in accord, they endure long. Jade and stone, in clusters, are my treasure,

子自有之何不守，心曉根基養華彩，服天順地合藏精，七口之五回相合，

You have it in yourself; why not guard it? When the heart understands the root, it nurtures radiance; take in heaven and follow earth, and bring them together to store your essence. The seven and the five turn about and unite (the base text's "kou" is probably superfluous or damaged),

崑崙之上不迷誤，九原之山何亭亭，中有真人可使令，蔽以紫官舟城樓，

Above Kunlun one does not go astray; how lofty is the mountain of the Nine Plains! In its midst are Perfected Ones who may be commanded; use the Purple Palace and the tower of Cinnabar City as a screen (the base text's "guan" should read "gong" and "zhou" should read "dan"),

俠以日月如明珠，萬歲昭昭非有期，外本三陽物自來，內拘三神可長生，

Flanked by the sun and moon like bright pearls, shining for ten thousand years with no fixed term. Outwardly take the three yang as the root, and things come of themselves; inwardly hold fast to the Three Spirits, and you can live long,

魂欲上天魄入淵，還魂返魄道自然，庶幾結珠固靈根玉，匙金鑰身完堅，

Nearly forming the pearl, guard the Spirit Root firmly; the jade key and golden lock keep the body whole and solid,

載地懸天周乾坤，象以四時赤如舟，前仰後卑列其門，選以還丹與玄泉，

Earth is borne below and heaven hangs above, enclosing Qian and Kun; modeled on the four seasons, red as cinnabar (the base text's "zhou" should read "dan"); the front is raised and the back is low, and the gate is set in order; choose the returned cinnabar and the Dark Spring,

象龜引氣致靈根，中有真人巾金巾，負甲持符開七門，此非扶葉實是根，

Guide the qi like a tortoise and call forth the Spirit Root. Within is a Perfected Person whose headscarf is a golden scarf; he carries spirit armor on his back and holds talismans, opening the seven gates. This is not a branch but the root itself,

晝夜忌之可長存，仙人造士非異有，積精所致和專仁，人皆食谷與五味，

Keep him in mind day and night and you can live long. Immortals and Daoists have no different art; it comes from accumulating essence, and lies in harmony and single-minded devotion. People all eat grains and the five flavors,

獨食太和陰陽氣，故能不死天相既，試說五臟各有方，心為國主五臟王，

But they alone take in the qi of Supreme Harmony, yin and yang, and so they can avoid death, and Heaven helps them as well (the base text's "ji" should read "ji", meaning "and"). Let us say the five viscera each have a place; the heart is ruler of the realm and king of the five viscera,

受意動靜氣得行，道自將我神明光，晝日昭昭夜自守，渴可得漿飢自飽，

It receives the movement and stillness of intention, and qi is able to circulate; the Way naturally leads me, and the spirit-light shines forth. By day it is bright, and at night one guards it oneself; when thirsty one can get drink, and when hungry one is sated of oneself,

經歷六府藏卯酉，通我精華調陰陽，轉陽之陰藏於九，常能行之耳不老，

Passing through the six bowels, stored in mao and you; reaching my vital essence and harmonizing yin and yang; turning from yang into yin, stored in the nine. If one can practice this constantly, one will not grow old,

肝之為氣修而長，羅列五臟主三光，上合三焦下玉漿，我神玖魄在中央，

The qi formed by the liver is long, spread among the five viscera, governing the three lights; above it joins the Triple Burner, and below it becomes jade fluid. My spirit, hun and po are at the center,

精液流泉去鼻香，立於玄膺含明堂，雷電霹靂往相聞，右酉左卯是吾室。

Fluid like a flowing spring, taking away the foul smell in the nose and bringing fragrance; standing at the Dark Breast and holding the Bright Hall; thunder and lightning crash and are heard to and fro; on the right is you, on the left is mao; this is my chamber.

伏於志門侯天道，近在子身還自守，清靜無為神留止，精神上下開分理，

Lie hidden at the gate of the will and await the Way of Heaven; it is close to your own body, and you should guard it yourself. In purity and non-action the spirit stays; spirit above and below are separated and put in order,

精候天道長生草，七竅已通不知老，還坐天門侯陰陽，下於喉嚨神明通，

When essence awaits the Way of Heaven, it is the herb of long life. When the seven orifices are already open, one does not know old age; sit back at the Heavenly Gate and await yin and yang; going down to the throat, the spirit-light communicates,

過華蓋下清且涼，大清靈淵見吾形，期成還年可長生，還過華池動腎精，

Passing beneath the Flower Canopy, pure and cool; in the Great Pure numinous abyss one sees my form. Hoping to accomplish the return to youth, one can live long; passing back through the Flower Pool, stirring the kidney essence,

立於明堂望丹田，將使諸神開命門，通利天道存靈根，陰陽列布若流星，

Standing in the Bright Hall, gazing at the Dantian; about to make the spirits open Mingmen; opening up the Way of Heaven and preserving the Spirit Root; yin and yang spread out like shooting stars,

肝氣周還終無端，肺之為氣三焦起，上座天門侯故道，津液醴泉通六府，

The circulation of liver qi has no end in the end. The qi formed by the lungs rises from the Triple Burner; above, sit at the Heavenly Gate and await the old path; fluid and sweet spring water flow through the six bowels,

隨鼻上下開兩耳，窺視天地存童子，調和精華治發齒，顏色光澤不復白，

Going up and down the nose with the breath, opening both ears; looking out at heaven and earth, visualizing the child; harmonizing the essence and regulating hair and teeth; the complexion glossy, no longer turning white,

下於喉嚨何落落，諸神皆會相求索，下大絳宮紫華色，隱藏華蓋觀通廬，

Going down to the throat, how clustered it falls; the spirits all gather, seeking one another; descending into the Great Crimson Palace, in a purple radiance; hidden beneath the Flower Canopy, observing the open hut,

專守心神轉相呼，觀我神明闢諸邪，脾神還歸依大家，致於胃管通虛無，

Guard the heart-spirit with single mind, calling to one another in turn; observe the spirits of my body and ward off all evils; the spirit of the spleen returns, relying on the others; sent to the stomach tube, leading through to emptiness,

藏養靈根不復枯，閉塞命門如玉都，壽傳萬歲年有餘，脾中之神主中官，

Storing and nourishing the Spirit Root, no more to wither; seal Mingmen as though it were a jade capital; lifespan passed on for ten thousand years and more. The spirit in the spleen governs the central office,

朝會五臟列三光，上合天門合明堂，通利六府調五行，金木水火土為王，

Holding court with the five viscera, spreading the three lights; above joining the Heavenly Gate and joining the Bright Hall; opening the six bowels and harmonizing the Five Phases; metal, wood, water, fire and earth are kings,

通利止脈汗為漿，修護七竅去不祥，二神相待化玉英，上稟天氣命益長，

Freeing the blood vessels and turning sweat into fluid; tending the seven orifices and removing the inauspicious; the two spirits wait on each other and transform into jade blossom; above they receive heavenly qi, and life grows ever longer,

日月列布張陰陽，五臟之主腎最精，伏於太陰成吾形，出入二竅合黃庭，

The sun and moon are laid out, spreading yin and yang; of the masters of the five viscera, the kidney is the most refined; lying hidden in the Great Yin, it completes my form; going in and out of the two orifices, joining the Yellow Court,

呼吸虛無見吾形，強我筋骨血脈盛，恍惚不見過青靈，坐於廬下幾小童，

Breathing within emptiness, I see my form; strengthening my sinews and bones, the blood vessels flourish; in the haze nothing is seen, and one has passed the Green Numen; sitting beneath the hut, almost a little child,

內息思存神明光，出於天門大無閒，恬淡無欲養華莖，服食玄氣可遂生，

Inner breath, thought and visualization, and the spirit-light shines; going out through the Heavenly Gate, vast and without gaps; tranquil and free of desire, nurturing the flowering stalk; take in the Dark Qi and you can live on,

還返七門飲太淵，通我懸膺過青靈，坐於膺間見小童，問於仙迂與奇方，

Return through the seven gates and drink of the Great Abyss; reaching my Hanging Breast and passing the Green Numen; sitting within the breast, seeing the little child; asking the immortals about winding paths and wondrous recipes,

服食芝草紫華英，頭戴白素足丹田，沐浴華池生靈根，三府相得開命門，

Taking fungus and the blossoms of purple radiance; wearing white silk on the head, with the feet in the Dantian; bathing in the Flower Pool and growing the Spirit Root; the Three Mansions find one another and open Mingmen,

五味皆至善氣還，披髮行之可長存，大道蕩蕩心勿煩，吾言畢矣勿妄傳。

The five flavors all arrive, and good qi returns; with hair loosened, practice it and you can live long; the Great Way is vast, so let the heart not be troubled. My words are finished; do not pass them on rashly.

高上玉皇胎息經

The Supreme Jade Emperor's Scripture of Embryonic Breathing.

玉皇天尊曰：

The Jade Emperor, Heavenly Venerable, said:

胎從伏氣中結，氣從有胎中息。

The embryo is formed from within hidden qi, and qi comes to rest within the embryo.

氣入身來謂之生，神去離形謂之死。

When qi enters the body, it is called life; when spirit leaves the form, it is called death.

知神氣，可以長生。

Those who know spirit and qi can live long.

故守虛無，以養神氣。

Therefore hold to emptiness, in order to nourish spirit and qi.

神行即氣行，神住即氣住。

When spirit moves, qi moves; when spirit settles, qi settles.

若欲長生，神氣相注。

If you wish to live long, let spirit and qi pour into each other.

心不動念，無來無去，不出不入，自然常在。

When the heart does not stir with thought, there is no coming and no going, no leaving and no entering, and naturally it always remains.

勤而行之，是真道路。

Practice diligently; this is the true path.