《太上安镇九垒龙神妙经》

In former times the Most High Primordial Heavenly Worthy, while in the Heaven of Dongyang, summoned the holy hosts of the ten directions to assemble together and expounded the mysterious methods of the Dao (the Way). At that time a Perfected One, holding a ceremonial tablet, stepped forward and addressed the Heavenly Worthy: “I have seen that after the beings of the human world build their dwellings, they often meet with calamity. By what means may these ordinary and deluded people be saved?”

The Heavenly Worthy said, “Good. Listen carefully.” Thereupon he uttered a voice far-reaching and mysterious, and set forth the principle:

Primordial Qi (vital energy) congealed and, within the still-undivided chaos, conceived and formed the earth. The form of the earth spread downward, vast without limit, laid out in deep seclusion amid emptiness and stillness. The earth took root as firmly as a net, and within it was stored numinous true Qi. The deity who presides over the land is called Lord Earth Sovereign, commissioned by the Celestial Emperor. Lord Earth Sovereign established thirty-six palaces and offices and commands the host of spirits. Metal and stone intertwine so that the earth is firm, and the pivot of the earth’s veins converges at Kunlun. The earth is empty, still, and broad, containing oceans and waterways; wind, rain, and watery expanses reach in every direction. Its mysterious principle issues from the Dao of Lingbao, and its profound De (Virtue/Power) keeps the earth stable and untoppled.

Through the transformations of the kalpic cycles, even the flood dragons bear the movement of the earth. If people accord with the upright Dao and with what is natural, how can demonic evil, treachery, and wickedness arise? When the workings of Heaven and Earth and of Yin-Yang interpenetrate, and mysterious operations come into accord, the peace of the world can be upheld.

The Celestial Worthy told the Perfected: If good men or good women build a residence and disturb the dragon spirits, so that the buildings resound or the ground cracks open, then whether it be the southern hall or the northern house, the eastern corridor or the western gate, or wells, stoves, mills, storehouses, boats and carts, as well as pens for livestock, farm dwellings, and temples and monasteries—any house, gallery, or cave—all may offend various taboos and sha spirits.

The scripture enumerates Heavenly Sha, Earthly Sha, Year Sha, Month Sha, Day Sha, Hour Sha, and the various sha of the four directions, together with the earth deities of the five directions (the earth gods who guard the five quarters), the Azure Dragon, the White Tiger, the Vermilion Bird, and the Dark Warrior (deities representing the four directions), the General, Taisui, the Yellow Banner, the Leopard’s Tail, the spirits of the twelve hours, the taboos of the Six Jia, the Lord of the Soil, the Mother of the Soil, the Hidden Dragon of the Earth Bureau, and others. When such things occur, one should recite this scripture and pray that the unease brought on by offending the divine sha be removed, so that they withdraw, return to the four directions, each keeping to its own place, and do no further harm.

Reciting this scripture can disperse evil ghosts and drive away illness, make the body robust and the spirit light and at ease, and the merit thus gained is measureless. If good men and good women wish to protect their silkworms and mulberries, they may also recite this scripture, seeking the good recompense of blessing and virtue.

When building a house or breaking ground to begin work, one may recite this scripture three times, or as many as a hundred times, praying that the deities of the Earth Bureau be in harmony with one another, that Yin-Yang be duly balanced, that the facing and sitting orientations of the house be fitting, and that the dragon spirits protect and lend their aid. In this way every kind of blessing will arrive, so that the household lives in harmony, all affairs proceed smoothly, what is sought is granted, and what is wished for is fulfilled.

When the Perfected and the holy assembly present had finished hearing this scripture, they were all filled with joy. They paid their respects and withdrew, and reverently practiced and propagated this scripture.

The Wondrous Scripture of the Most High for Pacifying and Settling the Dragon Spirits of the Nine Layers comes to an end here.