《太上老君说救生真经》

At that time, the Supreme Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun), together with eight thousand disciples, was in the Hall of Lapis Lazuli and the Seven Treasures within the Palace of Purple Tenuity (Ziwei Gong, the heavenly palace spoken of in Daoism), broadly expounding the profound and subtle methods of the Dao (the Way). He praised the men and women of China in the world: if they can keep the fast (observing the precepts of abstinence) and single-mindedly hold this true Jing (scripture/classic) in remembrance, every unexpected calamity can be prayed away and removed. In this way one may widely form good affinities, prolong life, dissolve a thousand enmities, and eliminate ten thousand evil thoughts, so that disasters do not arise and disorders do not break out, karmic offenses diminish, and blessings and auspiciousness gather together.

At that time, the Supreme Lord Lao commanded the Six Jia and Six Ding (Liujia Liuding, guardian deities in Daoist belief) to protect those who recite and uphold this Jing, so that they might long be free from calamity and untouched by illness; at peace through the four seasons and in good health through the eight nodes (the eight festivals or solar terms of the traditional calendar); with thieves in hiding and demons and strange beings subdued and in retreat. Reciting this Jing seven times, fourteen times, and up to twenty-one times (one seven being seven recitations, and three sevens being twenty-one recitations), the merit is immeasurable, and all who revere the Great Dao can attain accomplishment. It can also make the ears keen and the eyes bright, and the body strong, sound, and light.

At that time, the Supreme Lord Lao proclaimed this true Jing in order to rescue life and preserve nature and life, so that people might forever be spared disastrous obstructions and, generation after generation, encounter the Dao and meet True Persons (Zhenren). If one can copy, recite and uphold, and venerate this Jing, one can long preserve peace and safety and extend the number of one’s years. All should revere it and take refuge in it, accept it in faith, and practice in accordance with the text of the Jing.