Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy

Pang Yanning

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17

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Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy

Pang Yanning^*

Published in International Journal of Philosophy (Volume 13, Issue 3)

Received: 4 August 2025 Accepted: 15 August 2025 Published: 18 August 2025

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Abstract

This paper deciphers the "divine consciousness" embedded in the Beijing Temple of Heaven—a Ming-Qing imperial sacrificial site for heaven worship—through the lens of Daoist alchemical "mandala" (坛城 Tancheng). As a physical manifestation of ancient Chinese cosmology and spiritual pursuit, the Temple is interpreted as a three-dimensional mandala encoding the stages of Daoist Internal Alchemy (内丹学 Neidan Xue): refining essence into vital breath (炼精化炁 Lianjing Huaqi), transforming breath into spirit (炼炁化神 Lianqi Huashen), and sublimating spirit to merge with the divine (炼神还虚 Lianshen Huanxu). Key architectural elements-such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿 Qinian Dian) with its triple eaves (corresponding to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Elixir Fields 下/中/上丹田 Xia/Zhong/Shang Dantian), celestial blue tiles (symbolizing divine purity), and numerical symbolism (12 pillars for earthly cycles, 4 pillars for cosmic order)-are analyzed as symbolic vessels for consciousness ascension. The Temple’s layout (Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Danbi Bridge) forms a nested cosmological model mirroring the human body as a microcosm, facilitating the integration of mortal and divine. Ultimately, the Temple of Heaven is revealed as a monumental "mandala writing" (坛城书写 Tancheng Shuxie), where architecture serves as both a ritual space and a catalyst for achieving the Daoist goal of "Heaven-Human Unity" (天人合一 Tianren Heyi).

Published in	International Journal of Philosophy (Volume 13, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17
Page(s)	135-144
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Beijing Temple of Heaven, Daoist Internal Alchemy (Neidan Xue), Mandala (Tancheng), Divine Consciousness, Tan T’ien

References

[1]	Park Introduction. Temple of Heaven Park. 2010-03-14 [2023-05-19]. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19.
[2]	Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Whc.unesco.org . 1998-12-02. Archived from the original on 2008-08-01. Retrieved 2016-10-31.
[3]	Qian Mu. Introduction to Chinese Cultural History. Beijing: The Commercial Press, 1994.
[4]	Chen Yingning, Lectures on the Huangting Jing [Yellow Court Classic], Journal of the Daoist Association, 1980, Issue1. http://philosophychina.cssn.cn/fzxk/zjx/201507/t20150713_2728918.shtml
[5]	Li Guangwei. Historical Narratives and Factual Analysis of Kangxi's Prayers for Rain at the Temple of Heaven—Also Discussing the Evolution of Kangxi and Yongzheng's Concepts of Disasters and Anomalies and Their Impact. Qing History Research, 2022(1): 1-20.
[6]	Liang Sicheng. (2006). Structural Regulations of Qing Dynasty Architecture. Tsinghua University Press.
[7]	Lü Houjun. A Comparative Study of Three Mechanistic Explanations for Acoustic Phenomena in Beijing's Temple of Heaven Architecture. Cultural Relics, 2017, (4): 88-96.
[8]	Cao Peng, Wen Yuqing. Insights into the Experience of the 1935 Temple of Heaven Conservation Project. Journal of Tianjin University (Social Sciences), 2011, Vol. 13, No. 2: 145-149.
[9]	Jiang Bo (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Institute of Archaeology), Round Altar and Bright Hall: Ceremonial Building Sites of the Tang Empire. Historical Studies of Ancient and Medieval China, Vol. 29, 2013.2, 163 - 187.
[10]	Hou Xiaoxuan. Research on the Evolution and Characteristics of Altar Architecture in Ming and Qing Beijing [D]. Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2024. https://doi.org/10.26943/d.cnki.gbjzc.2024.000012
[11]	Joseph Needham. (1956). Science and Civilisation in China (Volume II). Science Press.
[12]	Introduction to the Temple of Heaven Park. (2010-03-14) [Retrieved 2023-05-19]. Archived from the original on 2023-05-19.
[13]	Chao, Pi Chen, and Kuan Yü Lu. Taoist Yoga: Alchemy and Immortality. London: Rider, 1970, p.xi - p.xvii.
[14]	Annot. & Trans. (1996). Yellow Court Canon: Annotated Translation • The Secret of the Golden Flower (T’ai I Chin Hua Tsung Chih). China Social Sciences Press.

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Yanning, P. (2025). Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy. International Journal of Philosophy, 13(3), 135-144. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17

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Yanning, P. Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy. Int. J. Philos. 2025, 13(3), 135-144. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17

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AMA Style

Yanning P. Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy. Int J Philos. 2025;13(3):135-144. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17

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@article{10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17,
  author = {Pang Yanning},
  title = {Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy
},
  journal = {International Journal of Philosophy},
  volume = {13},
  number = {3},
  pages = {135-144},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijp.20251303.17},
  abstract = {This paper deciphers the "divine consciousness" embedded in the Beijing Temple of Heaven—a Ming-Qing imperial sacrificial site for heaven worship—through the lens of Daoist alchemical "mandala" (坛城 Tancheng). As a physical manifestation of ancient Chinese cosmology and spiritual pursuit, the Temple is interpreted as a three-dimensional mandala encoding the stages of Daoist Internal Alchemy (内丹学 Neidan Xue): refining essence into vital breath (炼精化炁 Lianjing Huaqi), transforming breath into spirit (炼炁化神 Lianqi Huashen), and sublimating spirit to merge with the divine (炼神还虚 Lianshen Huanxu). Key architectural elements-such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿 Qinian Dian) with its triple eaves (corresponding to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Elixir Fields 下/中/上丹田 Xia/Zhong/Shang Dantian), celestial blue tiles (symbolizing divine purity), and numerical symbolism (12 pillars for earthly cycles, 4 pillars for cosmic order)-are analyzed as symbolic vessels for consciousness ascension. The Temple’s layout (Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Danbi Bridge) forms a nested cosmological model mirroring the human body as a microcosm, facilitating the integration of mortal and divine. Ultimately, the Temple of Heaven is revealed as a monumental "mandala writing" (坛城书写 Tancheng Shuxie), where architecture serves as both a ritual space and a catalyst for achieving the Daoist goal of "Heaven-Human Unity" (天人合一 Tianren Heyi).},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy

AU  - Pang Yanning
Y1  - 2025/08/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17
T2  - International Journal of Philosophy
JF  - International Journal of Philosophy
JO  - International Journal of Philosophy
SP  - 135
EP  - 144
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7455
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17
AB  - This paper deciphers the "divine consciousness" embedded in the Beijing Temple of Heaven—a Ming-Qing imperial sacrificial site for heaven worship—through the lens of Daoist alchemical "mandala" (坛城 Tancheng). As a physical manifestation of ancient Chinese cosmology and spiritual pursuit, the Temple is interpreted as a three-dimensional mandala encoding the stages of Daoist Internal Alchemy (内丹学 Neidan Xue): refining essence into vital breath (炼精化炁 Lianjing Huaqi), transforming breath into spirit (炼炁化神 Lianqi Huashen), and sublimating spirit to merge with the divine (炼神还虚 Lianshen Huanxu). Key architectural elements-such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿 Qinian Dian) with its triple eaves (corresponding to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Elixir Fields 下/中/上丹田 Xia/Zhong/Shang Dantian), celestial blue tiles (symbolizing divine purity), and numerical symbolism (12 pillars for earthly cycles, 4 pillars for cosmic order)-are analyzed as symbolic vessels for consciousness ascension. The Temple’s layout (Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Danbi Bridge) forms a nested cosmological model mirroring the human body as a microcosm, facilitating the integration of mortal and divine. Ultimately, the Temple of Heaven is revealed as a monumental "mandala writing" (坛城书写 Tancheng Shuxie), where architecture serves as both a ritual space and a catalyst for achieving the Daoist goal of "Heaven-Human Unity" (天人合一 Tianren Heyi).
VL  - 13
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Pang Yanning

School of Foreign Languages, Shandong Unviersity of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China

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http://orcid.org/0009-0003-8556-8462

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APA Style

Yanning, P. (2025). Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy. International Journal of Philosophy, 13(3), 135-144. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17

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ACS Style

Yanning, P. Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy. Int. J. Philos. 2025, 13(3), 135-144. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17

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AMA Style

Yanning P. Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy. Int J Philos. 2025;13(3):135-144. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17

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@article{10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17,
  author = {Pang Yanning},
  title = {Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy
},
  journal = {International Journal of Philosophy},
  volume = {13},
  number = {3},
  pages = {135-144},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijp.20251303.17},
  abstract = {This paper deciphers the "divine consciousness" embedded in the Beijing Temple of Heaven—a Ming-Qing imperial sacrificial site for heaven worship—through the lens of Daoist alchemical "mandala" (坛城 Tancheng). As a physical manifestation of ancient Chinese cosmology and spiritual pursuit, the Temple is interpreted as a three-dimensional mandala encoding the stages of Daoist Internal Alchemy (内丹学 Neidan Xue): refining essence into vital breath (炼精化炁 Lianjing Huaqi), transforming breath into spirit (炼炁化神 Lianqi Huashen), and sublimating spirit to merge with the divine (炼神还虚 Lianshen Huanxu). Key architectural elements-such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿 Qinian Dian) with its triple eaves (corresponding to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Elixir Fields 下/中/上丹田 Xia/Zhong/Shang Dantian), celestial blue tiles (symbolizing divine purity), and numerical symbolism (12 pillars for earthly cycles, 4 pillars for cosmic order)-are analyzed as symbolic vessels for consciousness ascension. The Temple’s layout (Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Danbi Bridge) forms a nested cosmological model mirroring the human body as a microcosm, facilitating the integration of mortal and divine. Ultimately, the Temple of Heaven is revealed as a monumental "mandala writing" (坛城书写 Tancheng Shuxie), where architecture serves as both a ritual space and a catalyst for achieving the Daoist goal of "Heaven-Human Unity" (天人合一 Tianren Heyi).},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Decoding the "Divine Consciousness" of the Temple of Heaven: The "Mandala" Writing of Daoist Alchemy

AU  - Pang Yanning
Y1  - 2025/08/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17
T2  - International Journal of Philosophy
JF  - International Journal of Philosophy
JO  - International Journal of Philosophy
SP  - 135
EP  - 144
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7455
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijp.20251303.17
AB  - This paper deciphers the "divine consciousness" embedded in the Beijing Temple of Heaven—a Ming-Qing imperial sacrificial site for heaven worship—through the lens of Daoist alchemical "mandala" (坛城 Tancheng). As a physical manifestation of ancient Chinese cosmology and spiritual pursuit, the Temple is interpreted as a three-dimensional mandala encoding the stages of Daoist Internal Alchemy (内丹学 Neidan Xue): refining essence into vital breath (炼精化炁 Lianjing Huaqi), transforming breath into spirit (炼炁化神 Lianqi Huashen), and sublimating spirit to merge with the divine (炼神还虚 Lianshen Huanxu). Key architectural elements-such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿 Qinian Dian) with its triple eaves (corresponding to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Elixir Fields 下/中/上丹田 Xia/Zhong/Shang Dantian), celestial blue tiles (symbolizing divine purity), and numerical symbolism (12 pillars for earthly cycles, 4 pillars for cosmic order)-are analyzed as symbolic vessels for consciousness ascension. The Temple’s layout (Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Danbi Bridge) forms a nested cosmological model mirroring the human body as a microcosm, facilitating the integration of mortal and divine. Ultimately, the Temple of Heaven is revealed as a monumental "mandala writing" (坛城书写 Tancheng Shuxie), where architecture serves as both a ritual space and a catalyst for achieving the Daoist goal of "Heaven-Human Unity" (天人合一 Tianren Heyi).
VL  - 13
IS  - 3
ER  -

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