Huangting Jing Annotation and Translation. Taiyi Jinhua Zongji Annotation and Translation

Author: Du Cong, Zhang Chaozhong (Translation and Annotation)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The "Huangting Jing" (Yellow Court Scripture) has traditionally been passed down in two versions: "Huangting Neijing Yujing" (Yellow Court Inner Jade Scripture) and "Huangting Waijing Yujing" (Yellow Court Outer Jade Scripture). Additionally, the "Huangting Zhongjing Jing" is considered a later composition. The "Huangting Jing" commonly referred to does not include the "Zhongjing Jing." From the perspective of qi (vital energy), this scripture prioritizes the preservation of essence, the cultivation and consumption of primordial qi, placing it as the foremost practice in self-cultivation. It proposes insights such as "Seal the life gate like the Jade Capital," "Receive the primordial essence to prolong life," and "Consume the mysterious qi to achieve eternal life," repeating these ideas in various ways throughout the text. From the perspective of the unity of form, qi, and spirit, this scripture holds that the three treasures of essence, qi, and spirit are mutually nurturing and convertible. When qi and fluids are abundant, they can purify impurities and transform the body. According to the theory of yin and yang and the five elements, this scripture outlines the fundamental principles of alchemy as harmonizing yin and yang and accumulating the five elements, as expressed in phrases like "Two deities unite to transform into jade essence," "The sun and moon arrange themselves to balance yin and yang, hidden in the Great Yin to form its shape," and "The five elements vary yet share the same root, combining three and five qi to return to the original one." Based on the theory of the five internal organs as the center of human functional activity, this scripture places significant emphasis on the functions and significance of the internal organs in self-cultivation, particularly highlighting the roles of the kidneys and spleen. It proposes insights such as "The heart is the sovereign of the five organs," "The five organs are ruled by the kidneys," and "The five elements are sovereigns," succinctly pointing to the core principles. Furthermore, from the perspective of the unity of heaven and humanity, this scripture suggests methods and principles for consuming the primordial qi of the universe and absorbing the light of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as adhering to natural laws and recognizing opportune moments in self-cultivation.
"The Taiyi Jinhua Zongji" (Great One's Golden Flower Essentials) is an alchemical scripture with widespread influence both in China and abroad. Since its first publication and circulation in the early Qing Dynasty, it has been highly valued by the (self-cultivation) community. Among the existing versions, it is primarily divided into two systems: the Jingming (Pure Brightness) school and the Longmen (Dragon Gate) school. "The Taiyi Jinhua Zongji" incorporates the philosophical essence of both Buddhism and Confucianism, aiming to make the theory of inner alchemy more accessible. Both the Jingming school and the Longmen school believe that "The Taiyi Jinhua Zongji" was transmitted by Lü Dongbin. The texts of the two schools refer to Lü Dongbin as "Lü Zuzhu" (Lü Ancestor) and "Zuoshi" (Great Master), respectively, and claim that the book was revealed through a spirit-writing platform. During the translation and annotation process, the author received strong support from Mr. Zeng Chuanhui, the chief editor of this series. After completing the translation and annotation, the manuscript was submitted to Mr. Hu Chen for review. Mr. Hu read the entire text, edited and revised it, greatly enhancing the quality of the translation and annotation.