Chiyang Daoren, Eastern Taoism
I. The Meaning of Hunyuan in Taoism
In Taoism, hunyuan refers to the state in which the primal qi has not yet divided and chaos is one—the beginning of the primal qi! The primal qi is born within chaos, inside brightness and outside darkness. Between brightness and darkness a hollow void arises; within the hollow void arises the Great Nothing; the Great Nothing changes and the three qi become distinct—the qi of beginning, the primal qi, and the mysterious qi. The three qi are chaotic and undivided; they give rise to the Great Void and establish the hollow; from the hollow, nothingness is established; from nothingness, being is born; from being, emptiness is born. By contemplating the transformations of emptiness and nothingness, one can let what is so of itself arise from the void.
The upper qi is called beginning, the middle qi primal, the lower qi mysterious. The mysterious qi is born in emptiness, the primal qi in the hollow, and the qi of beginning in nothingness. Thus one gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three gives birth to the myriad things; the myriad things carry yin and embrace yang—this is the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji).
One gives birth to two, two gives birth to three, and three transforms and gives birth, up to the Nine Mysteries; returning from nine to one is the truth of the Tao.
The clear yang forms heaven, the sediment congeals into earth, and what harmonizes in the middle forms humanity. When the three are divided, the myriad things receive life; the sun and moon shine in their ranks, and the five categories are called by name—this is the sage.
The three are born from the origin of the three qi and abide at the beginning of the primal qi; reaching to the Ultimate of Nothingness (Wuji), this is the hunyuan Wuji.
II. The Functions of the Taoist Hunyuan Incantation
1. Purifying and Nurturing Body and Mind
Through the guidance of intention in “clear and clear, numinous and numinous,” it helps the practitioner eliminate stray thoughts and reach a state of inner clarity, stillness, and numinous brightness, relieving mental stress and improving concentration. At the same time, combined with the visualization of “Bing and Ding below the heart,” it activates the energy of the elixir field (dantian) and promotes the circulation of qi and blood, helping to restore the body from fatigue, weakness, and similar states.
2. Healing Illness and Restoring Body and Mind
The statement in the incantation that it “can cure ten thousand illnesses” does not mean it cures illness directly; rather, it stimulates the body's own capacity to heal itself and helps improve bodily functions. For example, by visualizing the energy of the six stars of the Southern Dipper and the seven stars of the Northern Dipper, it regulates the body's hormonal balance and physiological rhythms, and has a certain supporting effect on chronic illness, low immunity, and similar problems.
3. Elevating the Spirit and Opening Wisdom
The aspiration expressed in “I can be hunyuan” leads the practitioner beyond the limits of the material world to merge with the energy of the cosmos and raise the spiritual state. This practice helps cultivate inner calm, tolerance, and wisdom, and deepens insight into life and the world.
4. Expelling Evil, Avoiding Misfortune, and Protecting the Body
In Taoist tradition, incantations are believed to have the power to communicate with the spirits and disperse evil influences. Through specific intention and visualization, the Hunyuan Incantation forms an invisible protective barrier that resists harmful external energy fields and negative energy, protecting the practitioner's body and mind. Note that the effects of Taoist incantations rest largely on faith and traditional systems of cultivation, and their results vary from person to person. Where health problems are involved, it is advisable to combine them with modern medical treatment.
III. The Taoist Hunyuan Incantation
The Hunyuan Incantation: Clear and clear, numinous and numinous; Bing and Ding below the heart. On the right I behold the Southern Dipper; on the left I behold the Seven Stars. I can be hunyuan; heaven and earth come forth. Each time I recite it, it can cure ten thousand illnesses. Swiftly, swiftly, as the law commands!
IV. Explanation of the Hunyuan Incantation
1. Clear and Clear, Numinous and Numinous
Clear and clear: In cultivation one must be clear, still, and in non-action (wuwei), pure and tranquil, natural and serene.
Numinous and numinous: Within clarity and stillness there must be numinous awareness—not a stubborn emptiness or blank stupor, but the light of awareness and wisdom.
2. Bing and Ding Below the Heart
Below the heart: Below the heart means the navel, that is, the dantian within the navel, the place where awareness turns back to look inward. Gaze at the Shenque point (seven parts forward, three parts back).
Bing and Ding: These refer to fire, a metaphor for the energy in the lower abdomen within the navel. The divine fire arises; the fire of the dantian blazes.
3. On the Right I Behold the Southern Dipper
On the right I behold: “Right” (you) here means “protect” (you), to guard and shelter. “Behold” means to visualize or imagine.
Southern Dipper: The six stars of the Southern Dipper in the southern sky, arranged in the shape of a small ladle, with four stars forming the bowl and two forming the handle. In cultivation, the six stars of the Southern Dipper symbolize the fire of consciousness in the heart, meaning that in cultivation one must keep one's thinking and consciousness well in hand.
The six stars of the Southern Dipper influence the length of one's life, one's rank and emolument, and one's share of blessings. Personified as deities, they are six star lords.
First of the Southern Dipper: Tianfu, True Lord Who Directs Destiny, Supreme Minister, Guardian of the State.
Second of the Southern Dipper: Tianxiang, True Lord Who Directs Emolument, Supreme Minister, Guardian of the Peaks.
Third of the Southern Dipper: Tianliang, True Lord Who Extends Longevity and Preserves Life.
Fourth of the Southern Dipper: Tiantong, True Lord Who Increases the Reckoning and Preserves Life.
Fifth of the Southern Dipper: Tianshu, True Lord Wenchang Who Delivers from Distress and Refines the Soul.
Sixth of the Southern Dipper: Tianji, True Lord of Upper Birth, Overseer of the Registers, Great Judge.
4. On the Left I Behold the Seven Stars
On the left I behold: “Left” (zuo) here means “assist” (zuo), to help from the side. “Behold” means to visualize or imagine.
Seven Stars: The seven stars of the Northern Dipper in the sky, arranged in the shape of a large ladle, with four stars forming the bowl and three forming the handle.
In cultivation, the seven stars of the Northern Dipper symbolize the various hormones and other substances in the body; in cultivation one must protect these waters of life.
The seven stars of the Northern Dipper likewise influence one's lifespan and death, one's blessings, poverty, and wealth, and one's karmic obstacles. Personified as deities, they are seven star lords.
First of the Northern Dipper: Tianshu, Star Lord Tai of Yang Brightness, Tanlang.
Second of the Northern Dipper: Tianxuan, Star Lord Yuan of Yin Essence, Jumen.
Third of the Northern Dipper: Tianji, Star Lord Zhen of the Perfected, Lucun.
Fourth of the Northern Dipper: Tianquan, Star Lord Niu of the Mysterious Dark, Wenqu.
Fifth of the Northern Dipper: Yuheng, Star Lord Gang of the Cinnabar Origin, Lianzhen.
Sixth of the Northern Dipper: Kaiyang, Star Lord Ji of the Northern Pole, Wuqu.
Seventh of the Northern Dipper: Yaoguang, Star Lord Guan of the Heavenly Street, Pojun.
5. I Can Be Hunyuan
I can: “I” refers to the practitioner. “Can” means the practitioner must cultivate, experience, and achieve it.
Hunyuan: The state in which everything is contained and everything is present, so great that nothing lies outside it and so small that nothing lies within it, where all things without exception are merged into one primal whole.
6. Heaven and Earth Come Forth
Heaven and earth: This refers to all things and affairs in the world, and also to all the organs, meridians, and energy in the body.
Come forth: This says that because the practitioner cultivates by the right method, changes begin to occur, like plants sprouting and growing in spring; the body becomes healthy and strong, and the energy of life begins to revive.
7. Each Time I Recite It
I recite: “I” refers to the practitioner. “Recite” means to cultivate by holding the incantation in mind and to experience it deeply, entering the state the incantation describes.
Each time: the state of meditative absorption in which the mind is single and undisturbed and one cultivates with a true heart; having a correct experience of the state corresponding to the incantation from beginning to end, and practicing in a truly grounded way.
8. It Can Cure Ten Thousand Illnesses
It can cure: “Can” means is able to; “cure” means to treat and eliminate.
Ten thousand illnesses: Many, many illnesses, pains, worries, fatigues, and so on.
9. Swiftly, Swiftly, as the Law Commands
Swiftly, swiftly: Quickly, speedily.
As: Act according to the incantation above, and resonate with heaven and earth and with oneself.
The law commands: You must carry it out, you must truly cultivate; quickly command yourself to recite it with a sincere heart.