1. Cessation of outflowing
If thou wouldst complete the diamond body with no outflowing,
Diligently heat the roots of consciousness and life.
Kindle light in the blessed country ever close at hand,
And there hidden, let thy true self always dwell.


2. The six periods of circulation in conformity with the law
If one discerns the beginning of the Buddha's path,
There will be the blessed city of the West.
After the circulation in conformity with the law,
there is a turn upward towards heaven when the breath is drawn in.
When the breath flows out energy is directed towards the earth.
One time-period consists of six intervals (hou).
In two intervals one gathers Moni (Sakyamuni).
The great Tao comes forth from the centre.
Do not seek the primordial seed outside!


3. The two energy-paths of function and control
There appears the way of the in-breathing and out-breathing of the
primordial pass.
Do not forget the white path below the circulation in conformity with the law!
Always let the cave of eternal life be nourished through the fire!
Ah! Test the immortal place of the gleaming pearl!


4. The embryo of the Tao
According to the law, but without exertion, one must diligently fill oneself with light.
Forgetting appearance, look within and help the true spirtual power!
Ten months the embryo is under fire.
After a year the washings and baths become warm.


5. The birth of the fruit
Outside the body there is a body called the Buddha image.
The thought which is powerful, the absence of thoughts, is Bodhi.
The thousand-petalled lotus flower opens, transformed through breath-energy.
Because of the crystallization of the spirit, a hundred-fold splendour shines forth.


6. Concerning the retention of the transformed body
Every separate thought takes shape and becomes visible in colour and form.
The total spiritual power unfolds its traces and transforms itself into emptiness.
Going out into being and going into non-being, one completes the miraculous Tao.
All separate shapes appear as bodies, united with a true source.


7. The face turned to the wall
The shapes formed by the spirit-fire are only empty colours and forms.
The light of human nature (hsing) shines back on the primordial, the true.
The imprint of the heart floats in space; untarnished, the moonlight shines.
The boat of life has reached the shore; bright shines the sunlight.


8. Empty infinity
Without beginning, without end,
Without past, without future.
A halo of light surrounds the world of the law.
We forget one another, quiet and pure, altogether powerful and empty.
The emptiness is irradiated by the light of the heart and of heaven.
The water of the sea is smooth and mirrors the moon in its surface.
The clouds disappear in blue space; the mountains shine clear.
Consciousness reverts to contemplation; the moon-disk rests alone.


- from the HUI MING CHING, The Book of Consciousness and Life



All instruments played by Steve Baker

© Steve Baker 1999

A Steam Abacus production