《太上说牛癀妙经》

At that time, the Most High Lord of the Dao (Taishang Daojun) was gathered with the assembled immortals in the Forest of the Seven Treasures, expounding the teaching. Among those seated was a Perfected Person (Zhenren) named Pushan. He arranged his robes and cap and respectfully addressed the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun): “I see that people in the world, in order to make a living, raise cattle, horses, colts, and calves, yet they repeatedly suffer epidemic disease. The livestock will not eat or drink, which is truly heartbreaking. I earnestly beg the Celestial Worthy, of great compassion and great mercy, to extend aid far and wide.”

The Celestial Worthy said: “People in the world do not understand the taboos, nor do they examine the orientation of cattle pens and horse stables. They therefore offend the shensha—spirits or directional prohibitions believed to bring calamity. Encountering the seasonal epidemic Qi (vital energy), they give rise to plague. If one wishes to bring the disaster and epidemic to rest and pray for misfortune to be removed, one should follow the profound method: choose an auspicious day, sprinkle and sweep the household, set up the ritual seat, light lamps and burn incense, recite the numinous writ, and offer rites of exorcism and apology to the shensha. In this way calamity can be eliminated, the seasonal epidemic dispersed, and it will no longer do harm.”

Grateful for the Celestial Worthy’s grace, the Perfected Person Pushan composed a hymn, saying: “The Celestial Worthy’s grace is deep as the sea and universally delivers the people of the world. If one would remove poisonous harm, nothing surpasses this Jing (scripture) of the Great Vehicle. If living beings can turn toward it with sincere hearts, the state will be at peace and the myriad things will flourish. To preserve cattle and horses is not only to protect cattle and horses, but also includes calves, pigs, sheep, and other livestock. If one devoutly takes refuge in the Great Dao (the Way), the light of the holy Dao will surely appear. If one diligently pays homage to the Primordial Celestial Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun)—one of the highest deities venerated in Daoism—one may pray for blessings and long life without end. Cattle pens and sheepfolds will all be at peace, and the livestock will multiply in herds. All of this must rely on the power of the true Jing and the protection of sacred majesty. Dragon spirits will constantly come to guard them, and the hooves and horns of cattle and horses will long remain flourishing.”

When the Perfected Person Pushan had finished reciting the hymn, the assembled immortals bowed together and withdrew.

The Marvelous Scripture of the Most High Speaking on Cattle Plague (Taishang Shuo Niuhuang Miaojing) ends here.