Page 666 - The Encyclopedia of Taoism v1_A-L

624 THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TAOISM A-L

1978-79, I: 208-9 (critical notes on Dunhuang ms.) and 2: 421-34 (reproduction
of Dunhuang ms.); Ofuchi Ninji 1991, 247-308

* Laozi and Laojun; Tianshi dao

Laozi zhongjing

Central Scripture of Laozi

The Laozi zhongjing appears twice in the Taoist Canon (CT n68, entitled Laojun
zhongjing~ -Ft ~ ;tq\; YJ QQ 18-19) and once in a *Dunhuang manuscript (P.
3784). It consists of fifty-five sections in two juan that describe methods of
visualizing and activating the gods in the body. The text is related in general
subject matter to the *Huangtingjing (Scripture of the Yellow Court) and can
be considered a precursor of the *Shangqing scriptures. Cited in the *Lingbao
wufu xu (Prolegomena to the Five Talismans of the Numinous Treasure), it
probably originated during the third century. Its instructions cover not only
visualization, but also breathing exercises and other methods, so that the text
can be considered one of the earliest technical manuals of Taoist meditation
and longevity techniques.
One of several references to Laozi in the text is the name Yellow Old Lord
of the Central Pole (Huanglao zhongjijun jt~ r:F,jiiltt). He is identified as the
central god of the Northern Dipper (*beidou) among the stars and the resident
of the Yellow Court (huangting JlN!) in the abdomen. He is always activated
together with a female aspect or "empress" (huanghou ~!n), described as a
celestial Jade Woman (*yunu) called Mysterious Radiance of Great Yin (Taiyin
xuanguang X I~ K Jt). Wearing robes of yellow cloudy energy, they join to
give birth to the immortal embryo.
To activate the pair, adepts visualize a sun and moon in their chests under-
neath their nipples, from which a yellow essence and a red energy radiate.
These vapors then rise up to enter the Crimson Palace (jianggong ~~;<2;) in the
heart and sink down to the Yellow Court in the abdomen. Filling its internal
halls, the energies mingle and coagulate to form the immortal embryo, which
grows gradually and becomes visible as an infant facing south, in the position
of the ruler. As he is nurtured by the yellow essence and red energy still flow-
ing from the adept's internal sun and moon, all illnesses are driven out and
myriad disasters dissolve. The practice leads to close communication with the
gods, enhances physical energy, and increases long life and vitality.
LiviaKOHN