Taoist Chanting Sheet for Wuzhen Pian (悟真篇) – Waiting When the Path is Unclear
Introduction
Among the most difficult practices for a human being is knowing how to proceed when the way forward is uncertain. Typically, this involves understanding when to wait, accepting the necessity of waiting, and then truly waiting. In Taoist practice, chanting serves as a method to cultivate patience, align with natural rhythms, and embrace the wisdom of stillness.
What follows is a chanting sheet designed to aid you in the process of waiting properly. It is derived from the Wuzhen Pian (悟真篇, Awakening to Reality), a classic Taoist text on internal alchemy, and outlines key principles of harmonizing with the Dao through non-action (wuwei, 無為). The verses herein guide the practitioner in attuning to the subtle flow of time and energy, allowing wisdom to arise naturally.
Opening Invocation (開經偈, Kāi Jīng Jì)
(Optional, to be chanted in a slow, reverent tone, with deep inhalation before each line.)
(Begin with a deep inhale, followed by a low hum: “Wēng——” before reciting each line.)
無為而化，順道而行。 (Wú wéi ér huà, shùn dào ér xíng.)
“Transform through non-action, walk in harmony with the Dao.”
(Strike the Qing (磬, metal chime) once to signal transition.)
無言之教，無聲之音。 (Wú yán zhī jiào, wú shēng zhī yīn.)
“The teaching without words, the sound without voice.”
(Pause for a moment of breath awareness before continuing.)
Core Verses (本章, Běn Zhāng)
(Each phrase should be chanted with a steady rhythm, allowing breath to settle between lines. Begin each verse with a low hum: “Wēng——” before the first syllable.)
時來則動，時止則靜， (Shí lái zé dòng, shí zhǐ zé jìng,)
(Soft tap on the wooden fish drum (木魚, mùyú) to set tempo.)
“When the time arrives, move. When the time halts, be still.”
不疾不徐，安然以定。 (Bù jí bù xú, ān rán yǐ dìng.)
(Pause for a breath, exhale gently before reciting.)
“Neither rushing nor delaying, remain at peace and steady.”
機不發則守，勢不成則待， (Jī bù fā zé shǒu, shì bù chéng zé dài,)
(A single bell chime (編鐘, biānzhōng) marks this phrase for deep resonance.)
“If the opportunity does not arise, hold firm. If the momentum is not formed, wait.”
順則行，逆則藏， (Shùn zé xíng, nì zé cáng,)
(Low hum before beginning, long exhale after recitation.)
“With harmony, proceed. With resistance, conceal.”
若雷聲已遠，若風息無痕。 (Ruò léi shēng yǐ yuǎn, ruò fēng xī wú hén.)
(Slowly strike the Qing (磬) to emphasize fading resonance.)
“Like thunder fading into the distance, like wind that leaves no trace.”
Closing Reflection (結經偈, Jié Jīng Jì)
(Slower, meditative recitation to close the chant, accompanied by breath awareness.)
(Deep inhale, prolonged hum “Wēng——” before each line.)
道生萬物，不爭而成。 (Dào shēng wàn wù, bù zhēng ér chéng.)
“The Dao gives birth to all things, accomplishing without striving.”
(Pause for deep exhale, followed by a soft bell chime.)
守真養氣，時來則應。 (Shǒu zhēn yǎng qì, shí lái zé yìng.)
“Guard the truth, nurture the Qi, and when the time comes, respond.”
(Final Qing (磬) chime to mark the conclusion, followed by silence for contemplation.)
Notes on Chanting Practice:
Breath Awareness: Each line should align with natural inhalation and exhalation.
Humming Integration: Before each verse, a low hum (Wēng——) should be sustained for resonance.
Instrumental Cues:
Qing (磬, chime) for transitions and reflections.
Wooden fish drum (木魚, mùyú) for rhythm.
Bell chimes (編鐘, biānzhōng) for emphasis.
Pacing: In solo practice, longer pauses can be taken to allow for Qi circulation.
Group Chanting: A leader (主誦者, zhǔ sòng zhě) may intone the first half, with the congregation responding in unison.
This version of the chanting sheet integrates humming, instrumental cues, and structured breathwork, aligning the Wuzhen Pian with traditional Daoist oral and meditative practices.