Library

In the second year of the Jiaqing reign, while I was conducting a spirit-writing session (Ji) at the official residence of the Magistrate of Yangqu County, Heting and others had just completed the compilation of the book *Shenxian Jishi Liangfang* (Excellent Formulas for Immortals to Benefit the World), and thus requested me to write a preface. After reading it through, I found that its efficacy is verified, and those who have expended bitter toil and effort have indeed done well!

All recommend this casual inscription by the Elder of the Southern Pole.

Although Li Bai was not a scholar-official, in the winter month of the first year of the Jiaqing reign, Heting and two others frequently invited spirit-immortals. I appreciated their elegance, and therefore frequently descended via the spirit-writing board to compose linked verses with them.
\x Drunken Scholar Qinglian

Neither short nor fat, nor lowly in stature,
The palace opens to the west of the Southern Purple Star.
The Great Dao is non-action, vast as billions,
Cultivated to achieve immortal longevity equal to Heaven.
(Lu Yan)

The red-faced gentleman arises naturally,
With floating double buns, drunk as if mad.
Carefree in heaven, chest exposed,
He is the number one immortal of Penglai.
(Li Bai)

An old man with white hair and silver beard,
Riding a paper donkey into the blue clouds.
Who can resemble his nine-fold primordial merit?
Among the Eight Cavern Immortals, he may be paired with Zhong (Liquan).
(Lu Dongbin)

Originally leaving the world, he is naturally ethereal;
Transforming bones and transcending the ordinary also has its destiny.
Mistakenly killing him back then led to the name Tieguai (Iron Crutch);
Most likely due to the erroneous transmission associating him with the surname Li.
(Respectfully inscribed by Heting)

Before the Xuanmiao Temple, viewing painted cranes,
A great compassionate immortal saving all beings in the human realm.
(He Xiangu)

Preferring to be an immortal rather than a royal relative,
Crane dances gracefully in the depths of white clouds.
Since meeting my master on the island,
I have subdued tigers and dragons in the highest heavens.
(Qinglian Jushi)

The landscape and West Lake are fine,
My dwelling holds even more affection.
Bamboo baskets are often companions,
Gathering herbs throughout the four springs.
(Self-inscribed by Caihe)

White teeth and red lips in the prime of youth,
Unknown where he cultivated to become an immortal.
Holding a jade flute, full of unique charm,
Flying back and forth with circling white cranes.
(Lan Caihe)

His clothes are neat and exceptionally beautiful,
People should not mistake him for Magu.
Since ascending to the Yao Island among the Eight Caverns,
He shames the men of the human world who speak of masculinity.
(Recorded respectfully by Jingyuan)

Sitting on stones, holding a cup, interest unending,
Unaware of cold throughout the four seasons.
Composing hundreds of poems with natural charm,
Watching the moon amidst the misty clouds.
(Self-inscribed by the Drunken Scholar)

Great righteousness valued in life,
Known to the Queen Mother of the West in death.
A thousand years of cultivation achieved the Great Dao,
Guarding books and scrolls, never lightly departing.
(Inscribed by Zhang Yu'e)