《老子十方像名经(敦煌本)》

At that time, the Supreme Laozi, together with the Ten Perfected of the ten directions, the mighty spirits of the Ten Divisions, and countless living beings, journeyed through the boundless worlds of the ten directions, teaching and transforming beings in every quarter. He saw that beings throughout the ten directions had committed all manner of evil deeds and incurred grave karmic offenses. Because of these offenses, beings passed from darkness into light and from life toward death, turning without cease through birth and death and wandering lost among the hells of the ten directions.

Some fell into the Wind-and-Thunder Hell of the East; some entered the Furnace-and-Charcoal Hell of the South; some found themselves in the Golden-Mallet Hell of the West; some landed in the Cold-Ice Hell of the North. Some plunged into the Boiling-Broth Hell of the Northeast (the Hell of Seething Liquid); some fell into the Copper-Pillar Hell of the Southeast; some sank into the Hell of Slaughter and Dismemberment in the Southwest; some descended into the Fire-Chariot Hell of the Northwest; some were cast into the Fire-Pit Hell above; and some sank into the Filth-Pit Hell below. The punishments beings received were not all the same: some had body and head crushed to pieces, and some had the body torn apart. Each punishment brought its own suffering. The sight was deeply sorrowful. Beings suffered the retribution of their offenses without respite, and the pain was exceedingly hard to bear. Laozi felt profound compassion for them, and grief filled his heart.

He therefore proclaimed this scripture and set forth the titles of the numinous images of the Celestial Worthies of the ten directions, one thousand one hundred and sixty in all, hoping that beings throughout the boundless worlds of the ten directions would reverently worship and recite these titles, and thereby repent of faults and extinguish offenses on behalf of both the living and the dead, increasing merit, virtue, and good deeds. The scripture lists these titles one by one; all are asked to listen and receive them with care.

Thereupon the Supreme Laozi said to the Perfected One of Universal Salvation of the East: “Within the Boundless World of the Nine Qi (vital energy) of the East (the boundless eastern world formed of nine kinds of primordial Qi), there are the titles of ninety numinous images of Celestial Worthies. Those who worship these titles can extinguish measureless karmic offenses and obtain measureless merit and virtue.”

With utmost sincerity and reverence, bow in worship to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Compassion Who Protects the Nation, of the East.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one reverently pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Forbearance and Freedom from Obstruction (Daren Wu’ai Tianzun), who symbolizes great patience and the absence of hindrance.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one reverently pays homage to the Celestial Worthy, Supreme Minister of Eastern Florescence (Donghua Shangxiang Tianzun).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one reverently pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Supreme Title of Azure Florescence (Qinghua Zhihao Tianzun). Those who worship this Celestial Worthy are able to eliminate immeasurable karmic offenses and obtain immeasurable blessings.

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one reverently pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Universal Compassion Who Protects the Realm in the East (Dongfang Puci Huguo Tianzun).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one reverently pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Forbearance and Freedom from Obstruction, the Celestial Worthy Supreme Minister of Eastern Florescence, the Celestial Worthy of the Ultimate Azure Florescence (Qinghua Zhiji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Wondrous Treasure of the Azure Numen (Qingling Miaobao Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Azure Harmony and Empty Ultimacy (Qinghe Xuji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Azure Origin Who Accumulates Goodness (Qingyuan Jishan Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Imperial Sovereign, the Perfected Elder (Huangshang Zhenlao Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Golden Portal and the Jade Void (Jinque Yuxu Tianzun), the Worthy of the Mysterious Response of Jade Florescence (Yuhua Xuanying Yongzun), the Celestial Worthy of Great Deliverance of the Numinous Capital (Lingdu Dadu Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Utmost Virtue of the Mysterious Numen (Xuanling Zhide Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Lofty and Supreme Great Void (Gaoshang Taixu Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Perfect Brightness and Empty Ultimacy (Yuanming Xuji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Utmost Brightness and True Appearance (Zhiming Zhenxiang Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Appearance of Primordial Harmony (Baoxiang Yuanhe Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Treasury of Perfect Ultimacy (Baozang Yuanji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Precious Brightness and True Stillness (Baoming Zhending Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Pure Brightness and Perfect Practice (Jingming Yuanxing Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Appearance of Golden Florescence (Jinhua Baoxiang Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of True Practice and Bright Florescence (Zhenxing Minghua Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Light and the True Limit (Weiguang Zhenji Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy Who Opens Salvation and Clears the Way (Kaidu Tongdao Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom-Understanding and Wisdom-Brightness (Huijie Huiming Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Void and the Purple Ultimate (Zixu Ziji Tianzun), and the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Numen and Immortal Response (Xianling Xianying Tianzun).

With a heart of utmost sincerity, one opens the method-gate of salvation and the deliverance of beings; with a heart of utmost sincerity, one reverently pays homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom-Understanding and Wisdom-Brightness, the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Void and the Purple Ultimate, the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Numen and Immortal Response, the Celestial Worthy of the Source of Wisdom and the Treasure of Wisdom (Huiyuan Huibao Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of True Awakening and Wise Instruction (Zhenjue Huixun Tianzun), the Celestial Worthy of Suchness and Wisdom-Brightness (Zhenru Huiming Tianzun), and the Celestial Worthy of Immortal Deliverance and Wondrous Treasure (Xiandu Miaobao Tianzun).

With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Palace of Numinous Response. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Purple Blossoms Opening in Radiance. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Golden Light and Beneficent Wisdom. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Void and True Conduct. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wisdom and Emptiness Who Delivers and Liberates. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Adorned Wisdom and Mysterious Awakening. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Stimulus and Mysterious Response. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Great Mystery and the Ultimate Void.

With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Void Sovereign of Numinous Response. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Ultimate Void, the True Sovereign. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Ultimate and Gracious Illumination. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Precious Form of True Yang. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Brings Peace to the Han and Concentrates Shen (spirit). With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Dharma Clouds Lustrous as Jade. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Dharma Brightness and Dharma Radiance. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Treasure and the Dharma Form.

With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Form and Wondrous Discernment. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Original Light and the Original Limit. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Original Mystery and Original Form. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Joy, Majestic Radiance, and the Celestial Dharma Form. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Form and Wondrous Discernment. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Original Light and the Original Limit. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Original Mystery and Original Form. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Joy and Majestic Radiance.

With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Universal Illumination and Universal Brightness. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Dharma Conditions and the Dharma Root. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Who Responds According to Conditions and Occasions. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Orthodox Dharma and the Mysterious Void. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Radiance of Jing (essence) and the Gracious Sun. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Jasper Blossoms Dazzling as the Sun. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Floating Fragrance and the Seven Luminaries. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Flying Fragrance and Fourfold Radiance.

With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Universal Salvation, the Medicine King. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Sea and Emptiness Who Graciously Liberates. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of Compassion Who Bestows Joy. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Empty Boat of Universal Deliverance. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy of the Dharma Lamp and the Gracious Torch. With single-minded devotion I reverently venerate the Celestial Worthy Most High of the Great Void.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of great compassion who removes the sufferings of all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of compassion who bestows peace and happiness.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who, like an empty boat, universally rescues all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who, like a lamp of the Teaching and a torch of wisdom, illuminates all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who dwells on high above the Great Void (Taixu).

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of great compassion who removes the sufferings of all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who has amassed vast merit, benevolent and good.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of tranquil forbearance who brings wondrous bliss.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of mysterious harmony, precious as a jewel.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who settles wisdom by means of the Dao (the Way) of Wuwei (non-action).

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of mysterious empty stillness, majestic and pure.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who is compassionate and able to abide patiently in the true Teaching.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who is the source of wisdom, plain and endowed with De (Virtue/Power).

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy, pure and majestic, whose virtuous conduct is simple and unadorned.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of profound mystery and empty stillness who has reached the supreme realm.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who accords with what is natural, empty and still to the utmost.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of compassion who rescues and protects all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy without name and without form, majestic as a jewel.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who, like a cloud of the Teaching, compassionately shelters all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who bestows compassionate grace and brings blessings and good fortune.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Qi (vital energy) of primordial harmony, who universally moistens and nourishes all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of empty quiet and gentle accord, who accumulates practice and turns toward the good.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy in whom wisdom is gathered, clear and profound.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who widely bestows grace, benevolent and good.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who entrusts and transmits the precious treasures of the Teaching.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who propagates universal salvation and brings all living beings to liberation.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who honors the Way of the Immortals and opens the work of teaching and transformation.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the true Teaching of the Great Vehicle. The “Great Vehicle” refers to the teaching that universally saves all living beings.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who, like a bridge, universally ferries people across.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who holds within a store of virtue and the precious treasures of the Teaching.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who propagates universal salvation and brings all living beings to liberation.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who honors the Way of the Immortals and opens the work of teaching and transformation.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the true Teaching of the Great Vehicle.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who, like a bridge, universally ferries people across.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy who holds virtue within and, like a field of blessings, offers ground in which merit and virtue may be cultivated.

With wholehearted sincerity, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy skilled in expedient adaptation, who manifests according to conditions.

Then, facing the Celestial Worthies, kneel upright and sincerely repent of one’s own faults.

The Most High Lord Lao said: These Celestial Worthies each manifest a wondrous bodily form like true gold, with a round halo of encircling flame-light shining behind the neck. On their heads they wear Far-Roaming Crowns made of purple-refined gold, set with splendid pins shaped like dragon claws and gorgeous as mist and rosy clouds. They are draped in magnificent ritual robes woven of nine-colored cloud brocade, the cloth interwoven with every kind of pattern; they wear soft, long skirts the color of cinnabar-red clouds, the hems stirring in the wind; and on their feet are shoes that stream and overflow with light and color like the purple empyrean and cinnabar-red clouds.

Beside them are also attendants—the valiant soldiers of the celestial dragons, the infantry of the divine tigers, the fierce generals of Vast Heaven, the divine kings of the mighty sword, the lions that open the way, and the patrolling demon troops—drawn up on either side of the two Perfected, jointly guarding the Celestial Worthies as their ten divisions of retinue.

In the Boundless World of the Nine Qi (vital energy) in the East (the boundless eastern world which, in Daoism, is said to be formed of nine kinds of primordial Qi), the Celestial Worthy sits upright upon a blue-green lotus throne in the Celestial Pool, leaning on a curved armrest adorned with the seven treasures and patterned with phoenixes, and holding a whisk tied with ornaments in the hue of pine soot and shaped like a fly-whisk stirring in the wind, expounding the essentials of the Dao (the Way) and the true Jing (scripture/classic), broadly delivering all guilty beings so that they enter the way of peace and joy and each attains repose.

At this time the Most High Lord Lao again said to the Perfected of Universal Salvation of the East and the assembled immortals: “(The Celestial Worthy) leans on a curved armrest adorned with the seven treasures and patterned with phoenixes, holds a whisk tied with ornaments in the hue of pine soot and shaped like a fly-whisk stirring in the wind, and expounds the essentials of the Dao and the true Jing, broadly delivering all guilty beings so that they enter the way of peace and joy and each attains repose.”

At this time, the Most High Lord Lao further told the True Person of Universal Salvation of the East (the True Person who saves and delivers beings in the East) and the assembled immortals: “If you are able to exhort all the good men and faithful women of the Infinite World of the East to turn toward them with sincere hearts, to bow in reverent worship, and to recite in praise the names and titles of the numinous images of the ninety Celestial Worthies of the Eastern Infinite World of the Nine Qi (vital energy), they will gradually be able to eliminate the many offenses committed in this life and through successive ages past.

They will first eliminate the offense of slighting the Three Treasures—the Dao (the Way), the Jing (scripture/classic), and the teachers—and of failing to show reverence; next, the offense of going against the classics, breaking the precepts, and abandoning good to follow evil; and then the offense of despising teachers and elders and of aggressive conduct contrary to the Way and to right principle; the offense of deceiving one’s own conscience and of failing to repay debts according to what is right; the offense of confronting others with harsh words and of cursing and reviling them; the offense of making trouble while drunk, of fighting, brawling, and causing disturbances, and of offending against both public and private affairs; the offense of secretly plotting evil and of stealthily harming others; the offense of turning closeness and distance upside down, growing angry with members of one’s own household while showing a pleasant face to outsiders; the offense of falsely accusing and slandering good people, even dragging them into matters of ghosts and spirits; and the offense of suppressing good deeds while encouraging evil ones, complying to a person’s face and opposing them behind their back. These are the ten evil offenses of the East; beyond them there are also offenses without measure or bound, too many to count.

If now, in the space of a finger-snap, one can repent with a sincere heart and eliminate these ten offenses, the deities of the Ten Upright Days of the East (spirits who patrol the human world at the appointed times and record good and evil) and the envoys of the Celestial Emperor will not register that person’s charges and report them to the Celestial Bureau (the heavenly office in charge of documents and of rewards and punishments). When such a person’s life comes to an end, they will not fall into the Wind-and-Thunder Hell of the Eastern Infinite World of the Nine Qi, and will long be spared the suffering of being struck by the Thunder Lord and his thunderbolts. Every part of the body will remain whole, the five viscera and six bowels will be pure, and they will wear celestial robes and have food in abundance. Reborn as a human being in a future life, they will also know joy without end, with clothing, food, and wealth in plentiful supply.

All of this depends upon the grace of the ninety Celestial Worthies of the Eastern Infinite World of the Nine Qi, and it answers the sincerity with which these men and women turn toward them with whole hearts, entrust body and mind, and take refuge in reverent worship.” Thereupon the True Person of Universal Salvation and the assembled immortals snapped their fingers and together performed prostrations, respectfully receiving the teaching.

At this time, the Exalted Supreme Laozi again addressed the True Person (Zhenren) of Universal Salvation of the South and the assembled immortals, saying that, in the Limitless World of the Nine Qi (vital energy), the grace of the ninety Celestial Worthies extends downward to these men and women, enabling them to arouse their resolve, set forth their sincerity, take refuge, and accept the charge. When the True Person of Universal Relief and the assembled immortals heard this, they snapped their fingers in homage and reverently received the teaching.

The Exalted Supreme Laozi then further told the True Person of Universal Salvation of the South and the assembled immortals that, in the Limitless World of the Three Qi of the South, there are the numinous images and sacred titles of thirty Celestial Worthies. To pay homage to them can efface measureless karmic offenses and bring measureless blessings and merit.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Virtue and Great Compassion of the South.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vermilion Light and Numinous Radiance.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Vermilion Mound of the Southern Pole.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Austere Purity of the Southern Pole.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Long Life of the Southern Pole.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Numinosity, Concentration, and Wisdom.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Cinnabar Elder of Wondrous Light.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vermilion Brightness, Root of the Dharma.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Superintends Destiny and Presides over Emolument (the Celestial Worthy who governs lifespan and the blessings of rank and salary).

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Radiance Who Delivers and Liberates (the Celestial Worthy who saves living beings by majestic light).

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Brightness Who Ferries Beings Beyond the World (the Celestial Worthy who guides living beings to transcend the world).

With a sincere heart, pay homage to the principal Celestial Worthy.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Superintends Destiny and Presides over Emolument.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Majestic Radiance Who Delivers and Liberates.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Brightness Who Ferries Beings Beyond the World.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Unobstructed Sovereign Freedom.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Skillfully Expounds the Marks of the Dharma.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Increases Wisdom and Understanding.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Dispels Benightedness as Clearly as the Open Palm.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wholesome Quiescence and Empty Mystery.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Peerless Wisdom and Virtue.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Prefecture and Grand Tenuity.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vacant Stillness Who Penetrates the Subtle.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Discernment and Luminous Wisdom.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Radiance Who Propagates the Teaching.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Fully Illumines the Mysterious Depths.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Ascends to the Ultimate of Mystery.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Utmost Subtlety and Wondrous Treasure.

With a sincere and reverent heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Balanced Harmony and Great Wisdom.

With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of the Profound Mystery of the Great Vehicle (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy of the subtle and deep profundity of the Great Vehicle). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of Ascending to the Mysterious Ultimate (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy who rises into the realm of mystery at its furthest extreme). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of Utmost Marvel and Wondrous Treasure (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy of the most wondrous precious jewel). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of Central Harmony and Great Beneficence (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy who is upright and peaceful and who widely bestows grace). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Empty Ultimate of the Great Vehicle (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy of the Great Vehicle’s realm of emptiness at its utmost extreme). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Responsive Manifestation of the Mysterious Lineage (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy in whom the subtle lineage of the Dao (the Way) responsively transforms and appears). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of Measureless Majesty and Blessing (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy whose awe-inspiring virtue and felicitous grace are without measure). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Radiance and Subtle Awakening (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy of mysterious brilliance and subtle enlightenment). With utmost sincerity I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Nether Spirit’s Profound Serenity (symbolizing the Celestial Worthy of the deities of the hidden darkness, deep and at peace).

The Most High Laozi says: These Celestial Worthies all manifest bodily forms as beautiful as true gold. Behind the neck there is a round halo encircled by flames of light. On the head they wear crowns of natural lotus flowers, with hairpins inserted in the shape of tiger fangs and in the likeness of clouds. They are draped in robes embroidered with the sun, moon, and stars, five-colored patterns, and designs of mountains and clouds. They wear colored skirts like yellow clouds and flying radiance, and on their feet are five-colored, six-sectioned square shoes adorned with lions.

Each Celestial Worthy is attended by valiant generals of the heavenly dragons, divine kings who brandish swords, jade phoenixes that crane their necks and cry long, golden luan birds that clear the way, and spirit generals such as the nine-headed ghosts and the thousand-bodied mo. They hold axes and broad-axes. There are also the Five Emperors, the Juemo, the hundred wolves, and others, divided altogether into ten divisions, who guard the Celestial Worthies. Thereupon the Celestial Worthies tread the guiding order of the stars and constellations and together roam in the boundless world of the Three Qi (vital energy) of the South, broadly saving and delivering all guilty living beings, so that they enter the Dao of peace and joy and each attains tranquility.

At this time the Most High Lord Lao again addressed the True Person of Universal Deliverance of the South and the assembled immortals:

“If you can exhort the faithful men and women of the Limitless World of the South, so that they turn toward it with sincere hearts, worship with reverence, and intone the titles of the thirty Celestial Worthies of the Limitless World of the Three Qi (vital energy) of the South, then the offenses committed by them and by two generations of their ancestors can be removed.

These offenses include slandering the true Jing (scripture/classic) and calling the orthodox Dao (the Way) a heterodox teaching; forgetting what the master transmitted and failing to remember the master’s instruction; recklessly speaking of good and ill fortune by means of divination and prophetic charts; luring good people so that they fall into bondage as servants; licentiousness that transgresses ritual propriety; seizing travelers’ goods and clothing; stealing the Three Treasures and the ritual implements permanently held by Daoist monasteries; robbing graves and taking the belongings of the dead; hiding scriptures away and refusing to transmit them; and envying the prosperity of other households while hoping for their decline. These are the ten evil deeds of the South. Their guilt is measureless and boundless, beyond counting.

If they can now repent with sincere hearts and clear away these ten offenses, the deities of the Ten Days of Uprightness of the South, the emissaries of Taiyi and the Eight Spirits, will not record their crimes or report them to the Celestial Bureau (the offices of the heavenly realm). After death they will not fall into the Furnace-and-Charcoal Hell of the Limitless World of the Three Qi of the South. They will long be spared the suffering of burning and decay; their bodies will remain whole, their six viscera pure, and they will dwell at ease, enjoying the bliss of Wuwei (non-action). Should they be born again as human beings, they will be penetrating and intelligent, of outstanding talent and wisdom.

All of this receives from above the grace of the thirty Celestial Worthies of the Limitless World of the Three Qi of the South, and answers from below the true intention of these men and women, who turn toward the teaching with sincere hearts and, accepting the charge, place their faith in the Dao.”

Thereupon the True Person of Universal Deliverance and the assembled immortals snapped their fingers and prostrated in homage, reverently receiving the instruction.

In the text, “repentance by a snap of the fingers” means expressing repentance through ritual gestures such as snapping the fingers. In the Daoist context the “Three Treasures” ordinarily refer to the Dao, the Jing, and the master, while “permanently held ritual implements” refers to the ritual objects long enshrined or used in a Daoist monastery.

At this time, the Most High Lord Lao again told the Compassionate Perfected of the West and all the assembled immortals: “In the vast, boundless world brought forth by the seven Qi (vital energy) of the West—the seven kinds of primordial qi that constitute the Western world—there are the numinous images and titles of seventy Celestial Worthies (Tianzun). To worship them with sincere devotion can remove immeasurable karmic offenses and obtain immeasurable blessings.”

The scripture then pays homage to these Celestial Worthies in turn:

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the West Who Bestows Great Blessings and Protects the Soul.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of Western Numinous Gracious Illumination.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Far West Who Manifests the True.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Nine True Ones and the Nine Elders.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Sages and the Ten Blossoms.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Four Voids and the Four Illuminations.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Three Origins and the Seven Radiances.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Far West Who Manifests the True.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Nine True Ones and the Nine Elders.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Sages and the Ten Blossoms.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Four Voids and the Four Illuminations.

With a devout heart, I respectfully salute the Celestial Worthy of the Three Origins and the Seven RadiancesAt this point the Most High Laozi further told the Compassionate Perfected of the West and all the assembled immortals: “In the vast and boundless world transformed by the seven Qi (vital energy) of the West—the seven kinds of primordial Qi that constitute the Western world—there are the numinous images and titles of seventy Celestial Worthies. To worship them with devout reverence can eliminate measureless karmic offenses and bring measureless blessings.”

The scripture (Jing) then pays homage to these Celestial Worthies in sequence. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the West Who Bestows Great Blessings and Protects Souls. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Western Numen of Gracious Illumination. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Western Extremity Who Manifests the True. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Perfected and the Nine Elders. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Sages and the Ten Florescent Glories. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Four Voids and the Four Illuminations. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Three Primordials and the Seven Reflections. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Western Extremity Who Manifests the True. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Perfected and the Nine Elders. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Ten Sages and the Ten Florescent Glories. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Four Voids and the Four Illuminations. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Three Primordials and the Seven Reflections.

With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Three Simplicities and the Brilliant Numina. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Brilliant Reflection and Universal Light. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Florescence and the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate). With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Cavernous Emptiness and the Void Extremity. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Bright Light and Mysterious Deliverance. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Voids and the Six Simplicities. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Radiances and the Eight Effulgences. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Nine Florescent Glories and the Seven Awakenings. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Simplicity and Radiant Light. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Cavern and Florescent Effulgence. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Unity and the Cavern of the True (Dongzhen). With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Harmony and the True Cavern. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Steadies the Light and Appoints Life and Emolument. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Brilliant Worthy. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Simplicity and Radiant Light. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Cavern and Florescent Effulgence. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Great Unity and the Cavern of the True (Dongzhen). With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Harmony and the True Cavern. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Steadies the Light and Appoints Life and Emolument. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Brilliant Florescence and Pure De (Virtue/Power). With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Treasure and Pure Light. With a devout heart, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of True Brightness and the Empty Extremity.

Here, “salute with the utmost heart” means to worship with a sincere and reverent heart. The titles of the Celestial Worthies are retained as they stand in the scripture, and some of those titles are repeated.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) of the Great Void (Taixu) Who Responds with Numinous Efficacy (the Celestial Worthy who communes with the Great Void and answers with efficacious spiritual resonance).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Lofty Great Mystery (the supremely high and profound Celestial Worthy of the Great Mystery).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Ultimate Emptiness and Wondrous Numinosity (the Celestial Worthy of supreme vacuity and stillness, of peerless spiritual subtlety).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Wondrous Treasure and Primordial Harmony (the Celestial Worthy symbolized by wondrous treasure and the Qi (vital energy) of primordial harmony).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Conceals Scenes in Secret Wonder (the Celestial Worthy who harbors mysterious and wondrous scenes).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy, the Ancestral Master Who Saves and Liberates (the honored ancestral master, the Celestial Worthy who can transform, save, and deliver sentient beings).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers the De (Virtue/Power) of Mystery and Purity (the Celestial Worthy who unites the De of mystery and pure simplicity).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Great Hua Who Gathers the Designations.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy, the Exalted Sovereign Jade Emperor (the venerable Jade Emperor Celestial Worthy).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Splendor and Precious Brilliance (the Celestial Worthy whose light is resplendent, bright as a precious radiance).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Holiness and Mysterious Scenes (the Celestial Worthy who is loftily holy and manifests mysterious and wondrous scenes).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Central Sovereign and the True Realm (the Celestial Worthy who dwells at the center and embodies the realm of truth).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the True Cavern and the Jade Dawn (the Jade Dawn Celestial Worthy within the true and wondrous cavern-realm).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Lofty Celestial Worthy of Primordial Harmony (the Celestial Worthy transformed from the Qi of primordial harmony, of exalted station).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Utmost Great Empyrean (the Celestial Worthy who attains the realm of the supreme Great Empyrean).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Void Whose Radiance Flows (the Celestial Worthy in the realm of the Jade Void through whom light and radiance circulate).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Gathers the True and Resides in the Primordial Cavern (the Celestial Worthy who comprehensively holds the true Dao (the Way) and dwells in the Primordial Cavern).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Light Who Appears in Response (the Celestial Worthy whose light circulates and who manifests in response to spiritual resonance).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Reflection Who Penetrates the Void (the Celestial Worthy who, with mysterious and luminous discernment, sees into the realm of emptiness).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Reflection Who Fathoms the Abyss (the Celestial Worthy who sees into the depths and comprehends the subtle and hidden).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Pure Radiance and Golden Countenance (the Celestial Worthy of bright, pure brilliance who manifests a majestic golden visage).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Elixir Who Scatters Radiance (the Celestial Worthy in whom the Mysterious Elixir is transformed and made manifest, and light and radiance are dispersed).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Light Who Illumines the Eight Directions (the Celestial Worthy whose light circulates and brightly shines toward the eight directions).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Penetrates the Primordial and Accumulates Resonance (the Celestial Worthy who comprehends the Dao of the primordial beginning and gathers spiritual response).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Lofty Mystery Who Gathers the Hosts (the Celestial Worthy who is lofty, wondrous, and profoundly remote, and who commands the multitude of spirits).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vast Radiance and Pure Treasure (the Celestial Worthy who is vast and luminous, pure and exalted).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Light, Plain and Ancient (the Celestial Worthy of golden radiance, simple and ancient).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Emperor’s True Ultimate (the Celestial Worthy of utmost truth and ultimacy within the realm of the Jade Emperor).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Ultimacy in the Grand Tenuity (the Celestial Worthy of supreme mystery who dwells in the realm of the Grand Tenuity).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Penetrating Wisdom and Empty Mystery (the Celestial Worthy who sees through and comprehends, whose wisdom lies deep within the empty and mysterious).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Illumines the Hidden Pivot and Whose Reflection Flows (the Celestial Worthy who clearly apprehends the mysterious workings and, like a bright mirror, surveys all things).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Who Seeks the True and Penetrates the Great Cavern (the Celestial Worthy who seeks the true Dao and reaches the realm of the Great Cavern).

After the homage offered with a sincere heart, the original text continues with “the Celestial Worthy of Ultimate Light, Plain and Ancient,” before which there appears to be missing text or a corruption.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Jade Emperor’s True Ultimate.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Ultimate and Grand Tenuity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Cavernous Grace and Empty Mystery.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Mechanism and Flowing Reflection.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Seeking the True and the Great Cavern.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Cavernous Illumination and the Assembly of the Holy.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Proclaiming the True and Mysterious Unity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Precious Light and Mysterious Radiance.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Flowing Light and Luminous Virtue.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Brightness on High.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Splendid Scenery and Glorious Radiance.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jasper Blossom and Jade Luster.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Blossom and Primordial Unity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Six Voids and the Cavern Mansions.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Transformations and Primordial Harmony.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Splendor and Elegant Scenery.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Contained Light and Hidden Scenery.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Moisture.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Blossom and Primordial Unity.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Six Voids and the Cavern Mansions.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Seven Transformations and Primordial Harmony.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Splendor and Elegant Scenery.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Contained Light and Hidden Scenery.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Numinous Capital and the Empty Ultimate.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Transformation and Cavernous Emptiness.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, we pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Cavernous Void and Tranquil Vastness.

The Most High Laozi said: These Celestial Worthies all display a marvelous hue like true gold. Behind their necks are circular halos that fly and flash. They wear brilliant lotus crowns of the Seven Luminaries and are adorned with magnificent hairpins that streak through the void like lightning. They are draped in feathered robes in which cinnabar-red clouds and white rainbows shine upon one another, radiant as the sun; they wear long skirts streaming with seven-colored light, and on their feet are splendid shoes decorated with patterns of golden tigers and phoenixes. They sit upright upon precious thrones borne by six-headed lions.

Beside them are also guards: fierce troops of venomous dragons, divine kings of awesome swords, mighty warriors of the vast heavens, generals of wind and water, wrathful demon kings who inspire dread, officers of banners and standards, formidable generals who grasp halberds, and valiant soldiers who brandish spears. These guards belong to ten divisions, arrayed before and behind to lead and attend. The Celestial Worthies and their retinues now vanish and now appear, ranging and circulating throughout the boundless world of the Seven Qi (vital energy) of the West—the western divine realm spoken of in Daoism—broadly saving and delivering all guilty beings, so that they enter the Dao (the Way) of peace and joy and each attains repose.

At this time, the Most High Lord Lao (a revered deity of Daoism) again addressed the Compassionate Perfected of the West and the assembled immortals, saying:

“If you can exhort the faithful men and women of the Limitless World of the Seven Qi (vital energy) of the West (the divine realm of the West in Daoist teaching) to turn toward it with sincere hearts, to worship with reverence, and to praise the sacred images and names of the Seventy Heavenly Worthies of the Limitless World of the Seven Qi of the West, they will be able to eliminate the many sins committed by themselves and by their ancestors through successive generations.

First, they can eliminate the sin of failing to keep one’s word and of deceiving and misleading others; second, they can eliminate the sin of envying others for their talent and for surpassing oneself. They can also eliminate the sin of using power to oppress the poor and lowly, the sin of appearing kindly on the surface while harboring malice within, the sin of twisting judgments with clever words and wronging the upright, the sin of rebuking elders and superiors and of bullying the aged and the sick and weak, the sin of spreading others’ faults and malicious speech, the sin of dressing so as not to cover the body and exposing oneself beneath the sun, moon, and stars, the sin of resenting and punishing others without cause, and the sin of mocking others in speech beyond proper measure.

Sins of this kind belong to the Ten Evils of the West, and there are yet other sins, measureless and boundless, too numerous to count. If one can now repent at once with a sincere heart and eliminate these ten kinds of sin, the deities of the Ten Upright of the West will not record these offenses in the registers of the Great Unity, nor submit them to the Celestial Bureaus (the administrative offices of the heavenly realm). When a person’s life comes to an end, that person will not fall into the Golden Hammer and Iron Staff Hell of the Limitless World of the Seven Qi of the West, and will long be spared the suffering of the lash; one will also preserve the body intact, render the six viscera pure, enjoy peace and happiness by means of the true Dao (the Way), and obtain safety and harmony by relying on merit and De (Virtue/Power).

If one is reborn as a human being, one’s descendants will flourish and stand eminent through the generations. In this way, one receives from above the grace of the Seventy Heavenly Worthies of the Limitless World of the Seven Qi of the West, and also answers the sincere resolve of these men and women to entrust their lives in faith.”

Thereupon the Compassionate Perfected and the assembled immortals snapped their fingers and bowed in prostration, reverently accepting the teaching.

At this time, the Most High Laozi, an honored deity of Daoism, again addressed the True Person of the North Who Saves from Suffering, together with the assembled immortals: “In the Wuji (Boundless) World of the Five Qi (vital energy) of the North, there are the numinous images and titles of fifty Celestial Worthies. Those who pay them reverent homage may eliminate immeasurable karmic offenses and receive immeasurable blessings.”

The titles of the Celestial Worthies to be honored are as follows.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the North Who Prolongs Life and Protects Destiny.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Radiance of the North Pole.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Void and Taiji (Supreme Ultimate).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Purple Measure, Sovereign of the Void.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Perfection and the Five Blessings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the North Who Prolongs Life and Protects Destiny.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Bright Radiance of the North Pole.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Void and Taiji.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Purple Measure, Sovereign of the Void.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Perfection and the Five Blessings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jasper Blossom and the Ten Good Deeds.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Subtle Mystery and Purple Radiance.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Purple Perfection and Supreme Treasure.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Harmony and Great Deliverance.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Purple Dawn and Primordial Blessings.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Harmony and True Treasure.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Hall of Blessings and Profound Stillness.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Radiance and Luminous De (Virtue/Power).

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Purity Who Embraces the Unadorned.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Precious Truth and Silent Illumination.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy, Primordial Sovereign of the Purple Pole.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Simplicity and Wondrous Treasure.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Fourfold Illumination and the Boundless.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Six Harmonies and the Mysterious Void.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Brilliant Splendor and Flourishing Radiance.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Jade Luster and Mysterious Brilliance.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Golden Reflection and Flowing Perfection.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of the Mysterious Heights and the Purple Void.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Grand Tenuity and the August Ultimate.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Numinous Light and the Form of Emptiness.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Luminous Emptiness and Streaming Radiance.

(Here eleven lines of Celestial Worthy titles are missing.)

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Vast Illumination and Precious Form.

With utmost sincerity and reverence, pay homage to the Celestial Worthy of Radiant Empty Form.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) Mingkong Liujing.

(Eleven lines of Celestial Worthy titles are missing here.)

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Hongming Baoxiang.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Mingyuan Konghui.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Chongguang Wanshan.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Xuanchang Hande.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Youxu Changshan.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Duanxu Shangde.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Mingxia Tongde.

With a sincere heart I pay homage to the Celestial Worthy Chengyan Daohua.

Here, zhixin jingli means to pay homage to the Celestial Worthies with a heart of utmost sincerity. The lines above offer homage in turn to Celestial Worthies of different titles. Mingkong Liujing, Hongming Baoxiang, and the others are all titles of Celestial Worthies and are retained as in the original text.

The Dunhuang manuscripts of the Scripture of the Images and Names of Laozi of the Ten Directions (Laozi Shifang Xiangming Jing) survive in several fragmentary copies. Their content corresponds roughly to the first four juan (fascicles) of the ten-juan Scripture of the Images and Names of Laozi (Laozi Xiangming Jing) preserved in the Zhengtong Daozang (Orthodox Daoist Canon), though the wording differs in many places. The Dunhuang text may originally have comprised three juan and was copied around the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang. It was one of the scriptures included in the Tang dynasty All Daoist Scriptures (Yiqie Daojing), that is, the Daoist Canon of the Tang. In the commentary, manuscript P.3344 begins with the line zhixin jingli Mingkong Liujing Tianzun, the text before it having already been lost.

The manuscripts of the Dunhuang version of the Laozi Shifang Xiangming Jing (Scripture of the Names of the Images of Laozi in the Ten Directions) and the Daozang edition contain several lacunae and variant readings at this point.

Manuscript S.1315 ends at this line, and the text that follows has already been lost. The term huya (“tiger’s teeth”) was mistakenly written in the original as xuya. The four characters toukuan zhixin (“submitting one’s petition with utmost sincerity”) were originally missing and have been supplied according to the format of the surrounding context. The character ci (“next”) was originally missing and has been supplied from the context.

Manuscript P.3344 ends at this line, and the text that follows is missing. Manuscript S.6009 begins at this line. According to the Daozang edition, eleven lines of the titles of Celestial Worthies (Tianzun) are missing before this line and after the final line of manuscript P.3344.

Manuscript S.6009 ends at this line. According to the Daozang edition, five lines of Celestial Worthy titles are missing after this line; between these titles and the words “The Most High Laozi addresses the North,” a further eleven lines of Celestial Worthy titles are also missing.

Another note states that manuscript S.6009 ends at this line; according to the Daozang edition, five lines of Celestial Worthy names are missing after this line, together with the words in which the Most High Laozi informs the True Person Who Saves from Suffering of the North (Beifang Jiuku Zhenren).