《翊圣保德传》

The Account of the Assistant Sage Who Protects Virtue

The Account of the Assistant Sage Who Protects Virtue, Volume One

Compiled by imperial command by Wang Qinruo, Kaifu Yitong Sansi, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, Shangzhuguo, and Duke of the Founding State of Taiyuan, of the Song dynasty.

The Perfected Lord Who Assists the Sage and Protects Virtue, a deity revered in Daoism. In the early Jianlong era, Zhang Shouzhen, a resident of Mei County in Fengxiang Prefecture, was traveling in the Zhongnan Mountains when he suddenly heard someone calling to him from the sky in a clear voice. Alarmed, he looked around, but saw no one. He could only continue silently on his way, listening in fear. After walking several miles, he heard the voice again: “Go on ahead. I will follow shortly.” This continued for several days, and Zhang Shouzhen could not fathom the reason.

After he returned home, he heard someone speaking inside the house: “I have been ordered to descend into the human world. Why are you so stubborn and refuse to heed me? If it were not for the great affairs of the Song dynasty, I would have crushed you to pieces long ago.” Astonished and afraid, Zhang Shouzhen asked, “I do not know which stellar deity you are, that you have descended in this way. I am dull-witted and ignorant by nature. Please do not compel me, divine one. I will certainly not serve you.”

The voice replied, “I am an aide to the Great Sage of the High Heavens, the Jade Emperor. I have been ordered to protect the age and have descended into the human world astride a dragon. Only a righteous person is fit to serve me. I see that your bones and features are unusual, unlike those of ordinary people. You may worship me with sincerity and follow my teachings.”

Zhang Shouzhen said, “I have heard that when men do such things they are called wu, and when women do them they are called xi. Though I am only an ordinary person, I would be ashamed to become one of them.” The voice replied, “I am a deity of Heaven, not a demon or ghost. I can command the Five Sacred Peaks and the Four Great Rivers. If you turn your heart toward the Dao and diligently offer incense and worship, I will ensure that you are summoned by the great state and receive the favor of the True Sovereign. How could you be like a wu or a xi?”

Zhang Shouzhen said, “Since the divine one has instructed me in this way, how could I dare not serve you with sincerity?” He then set out wine and meat as offerings. The voice said, “I am a divine being. Why do you offer me things tainted with blood and strong odors? Since you do not yet understand, I will not blame you this time. From now on, offer only incense, tea, vegetarian food, and fresh fruit. Though I do not eat or drink, these offerings express your sincerity.” Zhang Shouzhen bowed and gave thanks.

The voice continued, “I am your teacher in Heaven. In the human world, you also have a teacher who can transmit the Dao. You may visit a worthy master and ask him to confer the transmission upon you.”

Shouzhen then took Liang Quan, a master of the ancient Louguan tradition, as his teacher, received ordination, and became a Daoist. His master in Heaven told him, “I am your master in Heaven, but in the human world you have another teacher who will pass on Daoist teachings to you. Simply seek out a virtuous and accomplished master and ask him to ordain you.”

Near his dwelling, Shouzhen found an empty plot of land. With his own money, he built the Northern Emperor Palace and erected a hall there to enshrine the gods. He bowed in devotion every morning and evening, showing them great reverence. The gods said to him, “Seeing how sincere you are, I can truly call you a steadfast and upright disciple of my teaching, capable of driving away evil spirits on behalf of others. I will first teach you sword techniques so that you may rid the people of demons. Later, I will also have you establish an altar and pray for the country’s good fortune.”

Shouzhen bowed again and said, “I am an ordinary, dull-witted person, though my heart is plain and upright. Perhaps a bond from a past life has allowed me to take refuge in the Daoist tradition in this life. I will serve the gods with all sincerity, respectfully follow the altar rites and sword techniques, and await your instruction.”

The Perfected Lord said, “There are three kinds of sword technique. Take a sharp sword forged from bronze, iron, or another metal; once I have looked upon it, it can be put to use. When you encounter a sick person, wield the sword and perform the rite: the baleful energy will disperse, and the patient will not be harmed. Use the upper sword to deal with local deities causing trouble, water spirits that have become demons, disasters arising in a celestial region, or threats to the security of the state. Use the middle sword against monsters in mountains, forests, lakes, and marshes, or strange creatures among birds and beasts that alarm people in all directions and harm the people. Use the lower sword against demons such as chimei, ghosts of the mountains and forests, and kuimei, malevolent beings that use sorcery to torment the living and cause harm.”

Shouzhen said, “I have heard and accepted your instructions on the three sword techniques. Please also guide me in the rites for establishing an altar.”

The Perfected Lord said, “There are nine ways to establish an altar. The three highest kinds are set up for the state. The highest is called the ‘Altar for Following Heaven and Flourishing the State.’ On it, 3,600 stations are arranged according to the positions of the stars, and a Great Universal Jiao is performed, a large Daoist purification rite honoring all the gods of Heaven. Banners, ritual swords, bows, arrows, and other implements must all be set out in order, and the entrances and gates must be opened according to the rules. Every part of the rite follows a clearly defined protocol.”

The Grand Universal Jiao, a large purification and offering ritual performed on behalf of all under Heaven to pray for the continuation of the nation’s fortunes and the protection of life, requires ritual implements and ceremonial objects such as banners, ritual mirrors, swords, bows, and arrows to be arranged in a prescribed order. The altar space must be established, its gates opened, and the appropriate ritual regulations observed.

These Jiao altars are divided into three grades. The highest is called the “Altar for Extending the Mandate and Protecting Life,” with 2,400 star positions, where the Grand Jiao of the Celestial Circuit is performed. The middle grade is called the “Altar for Praying for Grain and Auspicious Times,” with 1,200 star positions, where the Grand Jiao of the Net of Heaven is performed. Its ritual implements and procedures are one degree simpler than those of the highest altar. If an urgent prayer leaves no time to prepare any of these three grades of altar, one should still respectfully and carefully prepare a written memorial, ready fresh flowers and unusual fruits, beat the drums to summon the spirits, and pray with sincerity. Burning incense and presenting the memorial nine feet above the ground can also establish communion with the divine.

The three middle-grade altars are intended for officials. The highest is called the “Yellow Register Altar for Extending Life,” with 640 star positions; the middle is the “Yellow Register Altar for Attaining Blessings,” with 490; and the lowest is the “Yellow Register Altar for Warding Off Evil,” with 360. Each has its own level of elaboration in the ritual implements and procedures.

The three lowest-grade altars are intended for scholars and commoners. The highest is called the “Altar for Renewing Life,” with 240 star positions; the middle is the “Altar for Gathering Blessings,” with 120; and the lowest is the “Altar for Repelling Calamities,” with 81. The procedures used likewise vary according to grade.

In addition to these nine kinds of altar, there is the “Altar for Responding to Circumstances,” which may have 64, 49, or 24 star positions. The number of ritual implements required varies with its size. Scholars and commoners may hold a ritual of this kind according to their means. If officials or commoners pray for the emperor’s protection, they should establish the “Altar for Praying for Grain and Auspicious Times,” with 1,200 star positions. If they seek to avert calamities and pray for blessings on behalf of their parents, teachers, elders, or other respected people, they may choose an altar suited to the circumstances and adjust its grade to its scale. Scholars and commoners should likewise act within their means.

Anyone wishing to avert misfortune and pray for blessings on behalf of their parents, teachers, or elders should establish an altar and perform a Daoist offering ritual, adjusting the offerings to suit the circumstances. After Shouzhen received this method through worship, it often proved efficacious; there were so many accounts that they could not all be recorded.

During the Qiande era, Emperor Taizong was still Prince of Jin. Having heard that Shouzhen’s rites often produced results, he sent an attendant bearing gifts, incense, and candles to perform an offering ritual at the monastery. After fasting and burning incense, the envoy reported: “The Prince of Jin has long admired your numinous powers. He wishes to prepare offerings, repair the halls, and submit a memorial requesting that you be granted a Daoist title.”

The Perfected One said: “In time, I will meet the ruler of an age of peace: the second emperor of the Song dynasty. He will build the Shangqing Taiping Palace, with twelve halls and chambers. The stars in the Three Realms, the Daoist worlds of heaven and earth and beyond, each follow their appointed courses; this matter cannot be predicted lightly. Simply tell the prince that Heaven has already fixed the year when this palace will be enlarged, but the time has not yet come.”

The envoy returned and reported these words to Taizong. Greatly astonished, Taizong therefore halted the construction.

Emperor Taizu had heard of this matter long before, but did not entirely believe in its supernatural aspects. He sent an envoy bearing incense, candles, and a written prayer to the monastery. Later, Taizu summoned Shouzhen to the palace and questioned him closely. Shouzhen explained everything point by point, then said: “Without a heart of utter sincerity, the spirits will not descend.” He also reported each instance in which a High Saint had descended and manifested its presence.

Taizu ordered a young palace eunuch at his side to give a long whistle, then asked Shouzhen: “Do divine beings speak like that as well?” Shouzhen replied: “If Your Majesty believes that I am speaking falsehoods and uttering heresy, then order an inquiry and have me put to death in the marketplace. Do not let these words profane the High Saint.”

The founding emperor issued an edict ordering Shouzhen to remain at Jianlong Abbey. The next day, he sent his palace attendant Wang Jien to the abbey to conduct a Zhaijiao ritual of prayer. For a long time, nothing happened. Wang Jien bowed again and prayed with devotion. Before long, the Perfected Lord descended with a divine message: “I am an assistant minister to the Great Sage of the High Heavens, the Jade Emperor. By his command, I have descended to protect the Song dynasty and help establish its enduring foundations. I am certainly no mountain demon or such creature. Yet children are now being made to shout and clamor, and their words are being taken as mine. This is wholly improper. Just tell the emperor: the heavenly palace has been completed, the jade lock has been opened, and the Prince of Jin is benevolent in heart.” The divine message contained more than a hundred characters.

Both terrified and awestruck, Wang Jien did not dare conceal it. He carefully recorded the message and presented it to the emperor, reporting in person that the divine voice had been clear and distinct, and that everyone who heard it had been struck with fear and solemn reverence. Taizu remained silent, finding the event extraordinary. It was the night of the nineteenth day of the tenth month in the ninth year of Kaibao. The next day, Taizu died, and Taizong succeeded him.

Not long afterward, Taizong summoned Shouzhen to Qionglin Garden to perform a grand ritual to the celestial circuit, a large-scale Daoist Zhaijiao ceremony honoring all the spirits of the heavens. He also established the Altar for Extending Blessings and Preserving Life, praying for the continuation of the dynasty and the ruler’s safety. After the ritual, the Perfected Lord again delivered a divine message through the palace attendant Wang Jien: “I have something to say, and you must present it to the throne on my behalf. In the first year of Jianlong, by the command of the Heavenly Emperor, I descended on a dragon to protect the ruler of the human world. Sweeping away demons and evil spirits is no more than a small gesture; I set the world in order in every direction and establish the order between Heaven and Earth. The foundations of the state have now arisen and will endure in stability. The people live in peace and contentment, preserving the innate nature bestowed upon them. The four quarters come to pay tribute, and the myriad spirits are subdued and acknowledge themselves as subjects.

“When princes celebrate the ruler’s birthday, they should burn incense and pray. Ministers should be sincere and pure in their dealings with one another, and show reverence toward the ruler and their elders. I command a million swift divine warriors, and the spiritual officials number in the hundreds of millions. If you uphold loyalty and filial devotion, I will bestow blessings; if you act in defiance, I will surely destroy you. Rewards and punishments are carried out with fairness and impartiality. Above, Heaven is free of corruption; below, Earth is free of dust.”

To cherish the people and govern the state better than the rulers of former ages, and to ensure that the foundation of the realm would flourish for ten thousand years—these words were recorded in a document and presented to Emperor Taizong the next day. After reading it, the emperor was greatly astonished. He bowed in gratitude and said, “This is a blessing for the state and a great fortune for the ancestral altars. I respectfully accept the excellent words bestowed by the Holy One above.” He then ordered the document sealed away in the inner palace.

Not long afterward, Taizong sent the palace official Wang Shoujie and the Court Diarist Wang Guicong to build a Daoist temple at the foot of Mount Zhongnan. As they surveyed sites in Zhongnan town, the Perfected Lord suddenly appeared and said to Wang Guicong and the others, “This is where the palace of the Lord on High is to be built. The site must not be changed.” They settled on this location, and the temple was completed three years later.

At its center stood four grand halls: the Hall of Radiant Clarity of the Jade Emperor at the front, followed by the Hall of the Purple Tenuity and the Hall of the Seven Primordials, and then the hall where the Perfected Lord resided. Four more halls stood to the east, dedicated to Marshal Tianpeng, the Nine Luminaries, the Eastern Dipper, and the Three Officials of Heaven, Earth, and Water. To the west were four halls dedicated to Zhenwu, the Twelve Year Gods, the Western Dipper, and the Celestial Bureau. The complex also included a Hall of the Numinous Officials, a Dragon Hall, and a Pavilion of the Southern Dipper, along with statues of the gods of the constellations. A bell tower, a scripture tower, a refectory, and living quarters for the Daoists completed the grounds. Once construction was finished, a stele was erected to commemorate it, bearing the name “Palace of Supreme Clarity and Great Peace.” Its scale and layout followed exactly the plan the Perfected Lord had described in advance.

Taizong appointed a court official who regularly attended the emperor to oversee the temple, and selected Daoist priests to burn incense and cultivate the Way there. Each year, on the Three Primal Festivals, the emperor’s birthday, and his birth zodiac day, the court sent an imperial envoy to perform a Zhaijiao ceremony—a Daoist rite to pray for blessings and honor the gods. On the night of each ceremony, the emperor faced the temple from afar and paid his respects. He also went there to pray during floods and droughts, or when the state was about to undertake an important action.

When the palace had just been completed, the Perfected Lord, a revered Daoist deity, suddenly descended and said to Wang Guicong and the others, “You obeyed the imperial edict and built the palace, and you certainly did your best. But why did you not open the Sun-and-Moon Radiance Gate, or paint the walls of the eight small halls? The steps and courtyards, too, were not properly adorned according to ritual. You thought only of finishing quickly so you could win favor. Heaven will not erase your merits, nor will it pardon your faults.”

Shoujie and Guicong were deeply alarmed when they heard this. But the project had already been reported, and there was no time to add further ornamentation. They could only bow their heads, confess their fault, and leave. When they returned to court, both were promoted and each received a thousand taels of silver. Before long, Shoujie died of illness, while Guicong was killed by weapons. This shows that although Heaven does not erase merit, it does not pardon fault either; the warning is unmistakable.

At the beginning of the Taiping Xingguo era, Emperor Taizong personally led a campaign against Taiyuan. The Perfected Lord suddenly said to Shouzhen, “The emperor has already reached the area around Fenzhou and Jinzhou, and the cities will soon be recovered. You should have the palace officials establish a Jiao ritual, a Daoist rite of offering and prayer, to thank the Lord on High for the victory.” Shouzhen and the others replied, “This is a matter of state. Let us wait until news of victory arrives.” The Perfected Lord answered, “Heaven has already determined the outcome.”

More than ten days later, the Song army’s victory report arrived, just as predicted. The palace officials reported the matter to the emperor. He sent the eunuch Lu Wenshou to the palace carrying treasures from the imperial treasury, incense and medicines, an imperial document, and a sacrificial prayer. There they performed a Jiao ritual to thank the Lord on High. That evening, the Perfected Lord spoke from on high: “The emperor has held this grand Jiao ritual. The Lord on High and the heavenly beings are all pleased. The fortunes of the state will endure for a long time, surpassing those of the Tang dynasty.”

In the sixth year of the Xingguo era, Shouzhen went to court before Qianming Festival to offer congratulations. When the emperor summoned him, he made this request in person: “The holy Perfected One has descended and protects the flourishing age in which we live. Please issue an edict conferring an added divine title, so that the deity’s beneficence may be made known.” The emperor granted his request. Before long, the court issued an edict: “The deity of Taiping Palace received its charge from Heaven and descended into the human world. People offer incense, flowers, and sacrificial foods, and their prayers have often been answered. The deity widely protects the people and has repeatedly shown great benevolence. An honorific title should be added in gratitude for the deity’s blessings. The deity is hereby titled General of the Radiant Sage.”

When the imperial edict arrived at the palace, Shouzhen lit incense and made his report. The Perfected Lord suddenly spoke, saying, “I have repeatedly protected the people and bestowed abundant grace. You should grant me an honorific title to acknowledge divine favor, and invest me as ‘General of the Radiant Sage.’”

When another imperial edict arrived at the palace, Shouzhen again lit incense and made his report. The Perfected Lord said, “You should ask the emperor to clarify: whom does the title ‘Assistant to the Sage’ assist?” For several days Shouzhen was anxious and afraid, and did not dare reply. The Perfected Lord said, “Just report my words to the emperor. I will not blame you.” Shouzhen then wrote a memorial and submitted it. After reading it, Taizong summoned his close attendants and said, “The Jade Emperor’s assistant serves the Supreme Lord. Tell Shouzhen this, so he can report it.”

An imperial attendant was ordered to go to the palace. Shouzhen went to the hall, lit incense, and made his report. The Perfected Lord said, “That explanation is correct.”

In the seventh year, Shouzhen again entered the palace to offer congratulations. The Perfected Lord suddenly spoke, saying, “I have something to tell the emperor. The Great Dao is flourishing and plots are vanishing; all the sages of the heavens rejoice. The fortunes of the Song dynasty will endure for a long time, and the auspicious signs of a peaceful age have just begun to appear. The ruler should set his mind right and show wisdom. He should cherish the people and govern the state with constant care. The dynasty’s foundation will remain secure for ten thousand years, and the imperial family’s descendants will flourish from generation to generation.”

After receiving these words, Shouzhen entered the palace and reported them to the emperor. The emperor issued a decree granting Shouzhen a purple robe and conferring on him the title “Master Who Honors the Primordial.” Thereafter, whenever the emperor sent envoys to conduct Zhaijiao rituals and offer prayers, the Perfected Lord would sometimes speak, and Shouzhen would report his words to the court in confidence.

At the beginning of the Zhidao era, the Perfected Lord suddenly said to Shouzhen, “At the beginning of the Jianlong era, I descended to the human realm by order of the Supreme Lord to protect the state and its altars. Now the foundations have been laid, and the dynasty’s fortunes will endure for a long time. An age of peace is about to continue, and wise rulers will succeed one another. The time has come for me to return to Heaven. From now on, you will no longer hear me speak through a descent. If the state has prayers to make, simply light incense with solemnity and purity, face north, and address me. Even though I will no longer speak through a descent, I will still bestow blessings and protect the state.”

An era of great peace is about to arrive, and afterward a wise and benevolent ruler will succeed to the throne. My appointed time to return has come; I will go back to Heaven, and you will no longer hear messages from me. If the state holds prayers, you need only fast and purify yourselves, burn incense, and face north to pray to me. Even if I send down no divine oracle, I will still bestow blessings and protect the state.

He also said, “It has been thirty-five years since you first encountered me when I descended into the human world. You have worked diligently and accomplished much. The Supreme Emperor has bestowed a talismanic mandate, appointing you Lord of the Five Soils, the divine office that governs the lands of the five directions. When your term of service ends, you will be promoted to an office among the immortals. You will not remain in the human world much longer.” From then on, he sent down no further oracles.

On the sixteenth day of the intercalary seventh month of the following year, Shouzhen said to his disciples, “I have received my talismanic mandate. Now I must depart.” With that, he passed away.

Thereafter, the sacred ruler ascended the throne, and the rites for worshipping Yisheng largely followed the old precedents. When the emperor received the Yuanfu auspicious mandate, performed the feng sacrifice at Mount Tai, and built the Jade Clarity Palace of Manifest Responses, a Hall of Congealed Destiny was also erected in the palace’s northwest corner, within the Pavilion of Precious Talismans. Behind the hall, a Pavilion of Congealed Destiny was built to worship the Perfected Lord Yisheng.

In the seventh year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era, the emperor issued an edict:

“To proclaim far and wide the precious mandate bestowed by Heaven depends on the protection of the Most Divine. To make manifest the spirit’s extraordinary responses is to raise its honor with reverence. These are important rites of statecraft and express our profound intention to protect the people. Moreover, the Perfected Lord Yisheng assists in spreading the transformation of the Dao, serves as a model for the assembled spirits, governs the hidden affairs of all beings, and displays divine might in the blessed realms. At the very founding of the dynasty, the Perfected Lord descended into the human world to assist in its governance. Later, he manifested his presence in response, fulfilling the auspicious hopes of the late emperor. The court has therefore repeatedly built splendid palaces and temples, prepared the rites, and honored him with ever more illustrious titles. The Perfected Lord bestows boundless blessings and helps the state’s great enterprise flourish without end.

“Though my own abilities are limited, I have inherited and govern this vast realm. At a time when the rites are being revised and auspicious signs arrive in abundance, I reflect on the spirit’s unseen protection and dare not cease to honor him. I therefore bestow a still loftier title to express my utmost sincerity and fulfill the rites of reverent gratitude. May our respectful sacrifices be graciously accepted by the spirit, and may all things enjoy lasting peace. Let this edict be issued and communicated to the chief ministers and officials. Understand my purpose and join in proclaiming this matter.”

General Yisheng should receive the additional title “Perfected Lord Yisheng, Protector of De.”

The court issued an edict informing the chief minister and all the officials that they should discern the emperor’s intentions and work together to proclaim this matter. General Luan Sheng should be elevated to the title “Perfected Lord Who Assists the Sage and Protects De.”

End of Volume One of The Account of Yisheng Baode

The Account of Yisheng Baode, Volume Two

Compiled by Wang Qinruo, Grand Master for Opening the Government and Equivalent in Rank to the Three Excellencies, Associate to the Chief Councilor in the Secretariat-Chancellery, Pillar of the State, and Duke Founding a State in Taiyuan Commandery, by imperial command.

When the Perfected Lord descended into the human world, he sometimes imparted teachings to people, who then recorded them. When the people of the Qi and Yong regions suffered serious harm from demons, they came sincerely to report it. Shouzhen would pray for help and, at the Lord’s command, go to deal with the problem. The demons invariably fled in fear. The Perfected Lord’s miraculous responses were too numerous to count. Here are several of the accounts that have been passed down.

Shouzhen once went to pay his respects at the Jade Emperor’s Hall. Seeing the words “Hall of Pervading Radiance” above its entrance, he did not understand what they meant. He lit incense and reported, “I still do not understand the meaning of ‘Pervading Radiance.’ I respectfully ask the Perfected Lord to explain it.” The Lord replied, “The Supreme Deity dwells in the highest of the Three Heavens and is sovereign over all the heavens. All beings and the immortals submit to him. He often ascends the Golden Hall. The hall’s radiance illuminates the Supreme Deity’s form, and the radiance of his form in turn lights the Golden Hall. Their light passes between them and shines upon all things; therefore it is called the Hall of Pervading Radiance. When the sovereigns of the heavens, the myriad spirit attendants, the immortals, and the Buddhas of the Brahma realms come to pay their respects, they look up at the hall and see the Supreme Deity seated in majesty amid a great radiance. After the immortals depart, that radiance shines throughout the heavens.”

There was an old man named Wang, over seventy years of age. In his youth he had served military commanders, and in his later years he retired to Zhongnan Town. He was bold and forthright, and whenever he encountered strange or absurd happenings, he would angrily oppose them. When the Perfected Lord first began to descend, Wang did not fully believe in him. Only after witnessing supernatural events with his own eyes did he gladly come to believe. From then on, he went to the palace twice each day at fixed times to burn incense and bow in worship, never missing a visit, even in wind, rain, frost, or snow.

One day, he suddenly asked Shouzhen to open the hall doors so he could gaze upon the Lord, pay his respects, burn incense, and pray. With tears in his eyes, he said, “I have always been a straightforward man. From childhood I served in the military, never believing in evil spirits and always holding fast to the right path. In this life I have been fortunate enough to meet a High Immortal. Now I am old and frail, and my allotted time is near. I ask only that, after I pass away in peace, I may remain by your side and await your commands. If I can have such a destiny, I will be content.” The Perfected Lord issued an edict granting his request.

The old man once made a vow: “When my life comes to its end, I hope to remain by the True Lord’s side and await his commands. That would be enough for me.” The True Lord agreed. Before long, the old man died without illness.

Ten days later, Shouzhen suddenly heard someone in the air beside the True Lord’s hall call his name. The voice said, “I am General Iron Wheel. Why have you never entered my name in the register?” Shouzhen looked up and asked, “The True Lord has four generals who regularly serve in the hall. I have always honored them devoutly, but I do not know what star spirit General Iron Wheel is or what rank he holds.”

The voice in the air replied, “I am Wang the Elder. I once made a vow with utmost sincerity, begging to serve at the True Lord’s side. Now I have been accepted and placed in charge of the Iron Wheel, ranking below the four generals. In future, when you perform a Jiao sacrifice, a Daoist rite held at an altar to honor the gods and pray for blessings or protection from calamity, do not forget my name.”

The True Lord once said to Shouzhen, “Whenever I tour the heavenly realms, more than a million spirit officials and swift-moving clerks and soldiers accompany me. Comets, broom stars, and other strange apparitions know my carriage is passing and flee far away. I can also summon and command the spirits of mountains and seas. What, then, are the demons and evil spirits of the human world? I see that you are an upright person, so I have passed the sword art on to you, so that you may heal the people’s afflictions and pray for protection from calamity. You must cultivate diligently and never slacken. Build merit for the people and bring benefit to all things. Heaven will observe this and record your name. If you neglect the Daoist teachings, disregard their admonitions, and fail to follow the way of stillness and emptiness, you will naturally suffer punishment in the unseen realm. When I grow angry, all things can turn to dust in an instant. Could you bear that?

“Still, when you are sometimes punished, it is because the five junior generals think you are not sufficiently focused and diligent. You should treat them with respect. Each of them can know your thoughts in advance. Do not try to deceive them, or you will bring trouble upon yourself.”

One day, Shouzhen calmly lit incense and asked devoutly, “I have read in Buddhist teachings that nothing in heaven or on earth surpasses the Buddha. I wonder what rank lies above the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). I beg you to give me a true teaching, so that I may resolve my doubts.”

The Perfected Lord descended and spoke these divine words: “The Buddha is a sage who attained the Dao in the West. Among the Three Pure Ones—the three realms revered in Daoism, Jade Clarity, Highest Clarity, and Great Clarity—there is also Brahma Heaven, the Buddha’s abode. The Buddha stands to the Lord on High as the nine ministers of the world stand to the Son of Heaven.”

Someone prayed for the Perfected Lord to bestow clear and genuine instruction, dispelling ignorance and confusion. The Perfected Lord again descended and said: “The Buddha is a sage who attained the Dao in the West. Among the Three Pure Ones, there is also Brahma Heaven, the Buddha’s abode. The Buddha stands to the Lord on High as the nine ministers of the world stand to the Son of Heaven.”

Shouzhen asked, “Buddhism has spread widely through the world. What is the reason for this?” The Perfected Lord replied, “That its teachings can circulate in the world accords with the will of the Lord on High.”

Shouzhen then asked, “The scriptures of Daoism and Buddhism are both in circulation. I do not know which one should be revered to gain blessings.” The Perfected Lord replied: “The meaning of the Scripture of the Way and Its Virtue (Daode Jing) is vast and all-encompassing, reaching even the finest details. It speaks of cultivating the person and nurturing one’s nature, refining one’s conduct and practice, and governing both family and state. If people understand its intent, grasp its subtle workings, follow it in their daily lives, and sincerely believe in and put it into practice, will they gain only an increase in blessings? Even reciting a single line from it can bring boundless benefit.

“The Buddhist Scripture in Forty-Two Sections teaches people to gather in their thoughts and cultivate their minds, to cast off greed and keep clear of calamity. It instructs them through compassion and honesty, and uses the principles of good and evil as confirmation. These teachings, too, accord with the Dao. Those who follow them in seeking blessings will naturally receive blessings without limit.

“As for the Duke of Zhou and Confucius, both are counted among the immortals. The Five Classics and Six Canonical Books contain methods for governing the state and caring for the people. Though people often recite them, most do not act according to their teachings. If they recite with their mouths and also understand with their hearts, and if they put that understanding into practice, keeping words and deeds of benevolence and righteousness, along with the ways of ritual and wisdom, always in mind, they will not only bring order to their daily conduct. How could the way to long life and lasting vision then be far off?”

Shouzhen once also asked, “In Zhongnan Mountain there is a shrine to the Spirit of Red Valley. Local people often go there to pray and make offerings. They slaughter oxen and pigs as sacrifices, set out wine and play music amid much noise, while the people beat drums and dance. Can such offerings win the spirits’ protection?”

The Perfected Lord replied: “Zhongnan Mountain is an imperial sacred mountain and an imperial blessed land. Even in the realm of ordinary people, there are holy spirits. This has been so since ancient times.”

Those who entertain evil thoughts, invite in demons and calamities, and kill living beings to pray for blessings, hoping in this way to win the protection of the spirits, are far from receiving true blessings. Before long, bandits hid beneath the shrine. The men sent to catch them piled up firewood and burned them to death, and the shrine itself was reduced to ashes. No further miraculous manifestations occurred there.

At the end of the Jianlong era, Liu Wan, a presented scholar from Chang’an, was exceptionally gifted in letters and surpassed his peers. He once went to the palace to pay his respects and pray, earnestly asking, “I wish to know how high or low my future official rank will be. Please grant me a divine revelation.” The Perfected Lord (an honorific title for a deity) gave this response: “Heaven granted you literary talent, but not the means to attain office. If you study the Dao and withdraw from worldly life, you may still prolong your years. If you recklessly seek advancement in office, you may shorten your lifespan.” Liu Wan left displeased. Three years later, just as foretold, he died without having achieved anything.

During the Yongxi era, Chen Tuan, the Master Xiyi of Mount Hua, died in a stone chamber in Zhangchao Valley. Many people claimed that he had already shed his mortal form and become an immortal. Shouzhen went to pay his respects, burned incense, and reported: “Chen Tuan of Mount Hua recently died. People today say that he underwent corpse liberation, the Daoist means by which the body is left behind and the spirit ascends to immortality. I wonder whether his cultivation and merits have enabled him to attain the ranks of the immortals. I humbly ask the Perfected One to offer some guidance.” The Perfected Lord replied: “Chen Tuan refined Qi and nurtured Shen, and indeed grasped the essentials. But his merits in aiding the world and benefiting others are not yet sufficient; he has only been assigned a certain charge.”

During the Duangong era, Gao Ningku, a Vice Director in the Ministry of Justice who governed Fengxiang Prefecture, went to the palace to pay his respects. After he left, the Perfected Lord suddenly said to Li Zhu, the palace custodian: “Gao Ningku is deficient in character and lacks loyalty and trustworthiness. He will die before long.” Li Zhu secretly recorded these words. Later, Gao Ningku’s term of office ended, and he returned to the capital to serve as a judge in the Three Offices. When Li Zhu heard this, he again burned incense and reported: “Gao Ningku now holds this post. How could he possibly be blessed?” The Perfected Lord replied: “His time of death is near.”

A few months later, Ning Ku died. Song Bai, Minister of Personnel, was living at Zhengwu during the Qiande era. His younger brother, whose courtesy name was Qige, was still a child. In his teens, he was bewitched by a fox demon. He often shouted loudly and behaved strangely, and at times he was strong enough to fend off several people. His family could not restrain him. Doctors and healers who came to treat him were often shoved and beaten as well.

Song Bai therefore purified himself and quieted his mind, then sent relatives and friends to pray at a Daoist temple, pleading for the gods’ protection. The Perfected Lord, a revered Daoist deity, gave this instruction: “Go back. I will send Shouzhen.” Shouzhen came to the Song household as ordered. As soon as he sat down in the guest quarters, Qige was already terrified and distraught. The family hurried out to welcome Shouzhen and bow before him.

After asking what had happened, Shouzhen called Qige by name in a stern voice. A while later, Qige patted his own head with his hand and answered aloud. He came out of the room and stood before Shouzhen, trembling with fear and drenched in cold sweat. Shouzhen rebuked the fox spirit. After some time, the ghost finally took visible form and kowtowed, confessing its guilt. Shouzhen killed it with the method of defensive execution. Qige lay on the ground for a long time before waking; afterward, he recovered.

Once, the Perfected Lord suddenly said to Shouzhen: “Dozens of fox spirits live in the Li Jing Temple below the mountain. The local earth deity has just sent someone to report this. I fear they may cause trouble and harm people. Go quickly and drive them out.” Shouzhen accepted the order, took his sword, and went. Before long, he was sitting in front of the temple, shouting loudly several times. All the fox spirits appeared at once and lined up before him, terrified and alarmed. Shouzhen rebuked them: “This is a place where a true immortal descends. How can you make your home here alongside him? I do not wish to kill you today. Return at once to the mountain forests and wilds. Do not let blood stain my spirit sword.”

The fox spirits looked at one another, then crawled away in disarray. Shouzhen left and returned; very little time had passed. Wang Deyuan, a Daoist who was staying at the temple, asked where he had gone. Shouzhen told him what had happened. Wang Deyuan said, “That place is twenty li from here by the round trip. How did you get there and back so quickly?”

Shouzhen said, “When I left the temple, I cut off a low-hanging branch in the courtyard with my sword, then went there in person. On my return, I was not delayed at all.” Wang Deyuan, a Daoist priest living in the palace, asked where he had gone, and Shouzhen told him the whole story in detail. Wang Deyuan said, “It is twenty li there and back from here. How could you have returned so quickly?” Shouzhen replied, “The branch I cut with my sword when I left the temple is still on the ground. You can go and see for yourself.” At daybreak, Wang Deyuan rode out to inspect the place. Sure enough, in front of the temple he smelled a foul, fishy stench and could not get any closer. He found the severed branch and brought it back. Only then did he bow in thanks again and praise the event as wondrous.

At that time, several hundred fox spirits in Dengzhou often showed themselves in strange forms. When Shouzhen heard of this, he burned incense, reported the matter in detail, and asked to be sent to exorcise them. The Perfected Lord, a revered deity, issued an instruction: “These fox spirits once took the form of bodhisattvas in the southern mountains of Chang’an and persuaded the local people to offer them goods and money. Eight or nine out of every ten among them have since turned toward goodness. Therefore, the Lord on High granted them talismanic mandates and appointed them as the local earth gods of Dengzhou. Their standing may be compared with that of the Duke of Zhou and Confucius; all belong to the ranks of the immortals. The teachings on ordering the world and governing the people recorded in the Five Classics and the Six Books are all contained in them. Though people in the world recite these texts, most do not put them into practice. If they recited them aloud, understood them in their hearts, and then put that understanding into action—keeping words and deeds of benevolence and righteousness, and the ways of propriety and wisdom, constantly in mind—they could do more than set human affairs right. The path to long life and enduring vision would not be far away.”

Shouzhen also once reported: “At the shrine of the Red Valley Deity in Zhongnan Mountain, villagers from nearby often go to pray and make offerings. They slaughter cattle and pigs as sacrifices, make a noisy revel with wine and music, and have the people beat drums and dance. Can such offerings bring the protection of the gods?” The Perfected Lord replied: “Zhongnan Mountain is an imperial sacred mountain and blessed land. It is a place where the dwelling of mortals meets the realm of the holy, and it has been so from ancient times to the present.”

Building an illicit shrine, holding deluded sacrifices, and killing living beings in hopes of gaining blessings and protection are, in truth, far from the right path. Later, thieves hid near the shrine. Those sent to catch them piled up firewood and set it alight, and the shrine burned to ashes. Afterward, no more signs of supernatural power appeared.

Toward the end of the Jianlong era, Liu Wan, a jinshi from Chang’an, was highly gifted in literary composition, surpassing his contemporaries. He once went to the palace shrine to pray, asking to learn what rank he might attain in office and seeking a divine revelation. The Perfected Lord gave this pronouncement: “Heaven granted you literary talent, but not official rank or stipend. If you study the Dao and withdraw to a quiet place, your life may yet be prolonged. If you recklessly seek advancement, your life will likely be shortened.” Liu Wan left displeased. Three years later, his career had indeed come to nothing, and he died.

During the Yongxi era, Chen Tuan, the Master Xiyi of Mount Hua, died in a stone chamber in Zhangchao Valley. Many people said that he had become an immortal through corpse liberation. Shouzhen went to pay his respects and, burning incense, reported: “Chen Tuan of Mount Hua recently died. People today say he became an immortal through corpse liberation. I do not know whether his cultivation and merit have reached the rank of an immortal. I respectfully ask the Perfected Ones above to offer some guidance.” The Perfected Lord gave this pronouncement: “Chen Tuan refined Qi and nurtured Shen, and indeed grasped the essentials. But his merit in aiding the world and helping people has not yet reached that level; he has only been given charge of something.”

During the Duangong era, Gao Ningku, a Vice Director in the Ministry of Revenue in Fengxiang Prefecture, once went to the palace shrine to pay his respects. After he left, the Perfected Lord suddenly said to Li Zhu, the palace supervisor: “Gao Ningku has acted in ways that betray loyalty and trust. He will die before long.” Li Zhu secretly recorded these words. Before long, Gao Ningku’s term of office ended and he returned to the capital, where he became a judge in the Three Finance Offices. When Li Zhu heard this, he again burned incense and reported: “Gao Ningku now holds this office. How could that be an auspicious sign?” The Perfected Lord gave this pronouncement: “His time of death is near.” A few months later, Gao Ningku died.

During the Qiande era, Song Bai, Minister of Personnel, lived in Zhengwu. His young brother, named Qige, was bewitched by a fox spirit when he was a little over ten years old. He shouted loudly all day and behaved strangely. At times he was so strong that several people could barely hold him down, and his family could not control him. Doctors who came to treat him were often shoved and beaten.

Song Bai then observed purification and calmed his mind. He sent someone close to him to pray at the palace, asking the spirits for protection. The True Lord, a revered deity, issued a command: “Go back. I will send Shouzhen.” Shouzhen came to the Song home as ordered. As soon as he sat down in the guest quarters, Qige became visibly agitated. The family hurried out to welcome and pay their respects to him. Shouzhen asked for a full account of what had happened, then called Qige’s name sharply. Before long, Qige came out of the room on his own, shaking his head as he answered. He stood before Shouzhen, trembling all over, drenched in cold sweat, and breathing rapidly. After Shouzhen rebuked him for a while, the demon revealed itself and kowtowed, confessing its guilt. Shouzhen killed it with a weilu, a divine general’s weapon for slaying evil. Qige immediately collapsed and did not regain consciousness for a long time. Afterward, he recovered.

Once, the True Lord suddenly said to Shouzhen, “Dozens of fox spirits have taken up residence in the Li Jing Temple below the mountain. The local earth deity has just sent someone to report it. I fear they may cause trouble and harm the people. Go drive them out at once.” Shouzhen accepted the command, took his sword, and set off. Before long, he sat down in front of the temple and shouted sharply several times. Dozens of fox spirits came out and lined up before him, all terrified. Shouzhen rebuked them: “This is where the True Lord descends. How can you live here alongside him? I have no intention of killing you today. Return quickly to the mountain forests and wilderness. Do not let blood stain my spirit sword.” The fox spirits looked at one another, then crawled away in disarray.

Shouzhen was gone only a short time before he returned. Wang Deyuan, a Daoist who was staying at the palace, asked where he had been. Shouzhen told him the whole story. Wang Deyuan said, “It is twenty li there and back from here. How did you return so quickly?”

Shouzhen said, “When I left the temple, I cut a low branch from a tree in the courtyard with my sword and let it fall to the ground. You can go and see for yourself.” Deyuan said, “It’s twenty li there and back from here. How did you do it so quickly?” Shouzhen replied, “I really did cut down the branch when I left the temple. You can verify it.” At daybreak, Deyuan rode over to inspect the place. Sure enough, he smelled a foul, fishy stench in front of the temple, so strong that no one could approach. He found the broken branch and brought it back. Only then did he bow again and praise the marvel of what had happened.

At the time, several hundred demon foxes in Dengzhou city often showed themselves in strange forms. When Shouzhen heard about them, he burned incense, reported the matter in detail, and asked to be sent to drive them away. The Perfected Lord sent down these instructions: “These fox spirits once took the form of bodhisattvas in the Southern Mountains of Chang’an, persuading local people to donate money and goods as offerings. As a result, eight or nine out of ten people turned their hearts toward goodness. The Lord on High therefore granted them a divine warrant, appointing them as the local tutelary gods of Dengzhou. This appointment, too, has a set term. When the term ends, they will leave of their own accord and cause no harm. You need not go.” Here, “local tutelary gods” refers to guardian deities of a particular place, and “divine warrant” means proof of an appointment granted by the gods.

During the Kaibao era, a mountain demon haunted the home of Chen Yingmei, a resident of Fengxiang Prefecture. It hurled roof tiles and stones into the courtyard, which piled up there day after day. At times it also spewed smoke and fire, trying to burn down the house. The Chen family’s possessions were exhausted, and their relatives were distressed and miserable. They asked ritual specialists to perform rites to expel the evil spirit and invited Buddhist monks to recite scriptures, but nothing stopped it. They moved far away to escape, yet the strange events followed them there. With no other recourse, Chen Yingmei fasted, took incense and fruit offerings, and went to the government office to pray devoutly. The Perfected Lord sent down instructions to Shouzhen: “Quickly accept my command and go drive it away.” Shouzhen bowed to receive the order, slung on his sword, mounted his horse, and arrived at the Chen home two nights later. Yet the clatter of hurled roof tiles continued just as noisily as before.

The onlookers packed the place so tightly that no one could get through. “This Daoist will surely be unable to subdue the monster,” they all said. Shouzhen then purified himself, straightened his robes and cap, and entered holding a precious sword. At once, the monster stopped.

That evening, Shouzhen established an altar in the courtyard. Standing on it with his sword in hand, he slowly called out in a loud voice: “Mountain demon, where are you? If you still mean to cause trouble, come out and face me. Otherwise, leave this place and go far away, ten thousand li from here, and I will pardon your offense.” After a long time, all around was silent and still. From then on, the household was peaceful and undisturbed. Later, they followed Shouzhen to a Daoist temple and held a Zhaijiao rite to give thanks.

A wealthy family surnamed Yang in Chang’an was also plagued by ghosts and monsters. The creatures hurled roof tiles, set fires, and conjured up all kinds of disturbances throughout the day. The entire family lived in fear and unease, with nowhere they could safely remain. At that time, there was a ritual specialist named Li the Ghost Catcher, who was especially skilled at using talismans and incantations to restrain ghosts. The Yang family summoned him, but as soon as he reached the gate, he seemed to be struck by something and fell face down. He had barely got back up when he fell again. After this happened three times, he could only flee in disarray.

The Yang family then invited Buddhist monks to establish a ritual space, recite scriptures, and chant Buddhist hymns to drive away the evil spirits. Before long, something seemed to seize the monks’ ritual implements: some were thrown onto the roof, others hurled into a well. Terrified, the monks left. Even the laundry stones and stone anvils flew through the air, chasing one another in groups of two or three before landing in the courtyard. They struck things without damaging them. There were many other strange occurrences of this kind, too many to recount one by one.

The Yang family had long heard that the Perfected Lord’s power was efficacious. They personally hurried to him with incense, candles, and other offerings to pray, reported each strange occurrence, and asked him to drive the monsters away. The Perfected Lord gave this instruction: “Go back at once. I will send Shouzhen there next.” Shouzhen immediately bowed again and went to the Yang family’s home. Onlookers crowded the gate. Shouzhen changed his clothes, straightened his cap, rinsed his mouth with water and sprayed it around, then swept his sword toward the four corners of the house. The disturbances ceased at once. Shouzhen said to the Yang family, “The monster has submitted. Hold a Zhaijiao rite to confirm this.” At dusk, Shouzhen set up an altar and burned memorials addressed to the gods. After completing the rites, he departed. People throughout the city bowed their heads and praised him.

After Shouzhen returned, Lady Yang followed him to the palace and set up an altar to perform a Zhaijiao ritual, giving thanks to the deities.

There was also a wealthy man named Liu Wenji who suddenly fell under the spell of fox spirits and ghosts. His mind became clouded, and he could find no peace whether walking, sitting, or lying down. At the market he met a Daoist who said, “An aura of demonic influence clings to your face. You must have been beset by evil beings. The Perfected Lord is about to descend. If you pray with sincere devotion, you will certainly recover.”

Liu Wenji prepared incense and candles himself and hurried to pray morning and evening. On the way, ghosts pursued him, taking many forms—monks and nuns, women, merchants—to trick him into turning back and leaving him confused and unsure. Later he met the Daoist again and told him in detail what had happened. The Daoist said, “These are all ghosts. Go straight there and do not falter, or you will be harmed by demons in the plants and trees.” Liu Wenji understood. Within a few days, he made his way to the palace. After purifying himself through fasting, he prayed with deep sincerity and bowed a hundred times before the hall.

The Perfected Lord issued a decree: “I know you have come from far away. Tonight I will have Shouzhen drive out the evil spirits for you.” That night, Shouzhen had Liu Wenji stand in the courtyard. Holding a precious sword, he performed a rite over the water and shouted repeatedly. Liu Wenji immediately collapsed to the ground and rose again only after some time. He said, “When the master shouted just now, I saw several figures resembling divine generals. Each seized two ghosts and carried them away.” Liu Wenji had been so terrified that he had fallen over; now his mind was clear, as if he had just awakened from drunken sleep. He bowed a hundred times and departed.

Since the Perfected Lord descended, officials and commoners have spared no effort to travel a thousand miles. Some pray earnestly from afar; others purify themselves through fasting before coming to pay their respects, all seeking the Perfected Lord’s blessings. At times, the Perfected Lord also manifests his numinous power.

In general, he teaches and encourages people in accordance with their individual temperaments and customs: he counsels ministers on loyalty and instructs children in filial devotion. To those who are upright and sincere, he explains the principles of proper conduct; to the greedy and cruel, he offers pointed teachings as a warning. His words are plain and easy to understand, and have a pleasing rhythm, yet few have truly heard them. The following records them as they have been handed down.

During the Qiande era, the Daoist priest Feng Dongyuan of White Deer Abbey on Mount Li went there to pay his respects. He then burned incense and prayed devoutly: “For many years I have studied the writings of Confucius and followed the teachings of Laozi. Yet in cultivating myself and refining my practice, I have still not grasped the true intent. Now, by good fortune, I have encountered a Sage above. I venture to ask for the bestowal of ancient instructions.”

The Perfected Lord delivered this teaching: “Only upon reaching the state can one understand stillness. Though the body may be busy and active, the spirit can remain at ease. Use the principle of true emptiness to illuminate your cultivation; in what is subtle and hidden lies the Great Return. Observe movement and stillness without being obstructed, and the elusive Dao—the unseen and unheard—can then accord with nature. When merit and practice are complete, the wondrous becomes beyond measure, and transformation can soar straight to the heavens. You yourself determine whether to stay or depart, advance or withdraw. The Three Offices, which govern Heaven, Earth, and Water, pardon past offenses; the Bureau of Fate, which governs lifespan, erases the register of sins; and the Six Ding, the six guardian spirits of Daoism, report the matter to Heaven. All who wish to cultivate the Dao must understand how to trace their way back to the source of the Primordial Beginning.”

Feng Dongyuan bowed repeatedly, offered his respectful thanks, and departed.

During the Kaibao era, Lu Chong, an Investigating Censor, received an imperial edict appointing him prefect of Fengxiang. He went to a Daoist monastery to pay his respects to the Guardian of Truth. He then set up an altar for a Zhaijiao ritual in the prefectural offices and performed the ceremony, praying for the Perfected Lord to descend. That evening, he purified himself through fasting and prayed sincerely: “Bound by my duties, I cannot go in person to pay my respects at the sacred shrine. I can only present water plants and other offerings, and respectfully pray that the divine spirits will look upon me. May you bestow true words to guide those who are in darkness.”

The Perfected Lord delivered this teaching: “Devote yourself fully to serving the sovereign and be a loyal minister. Do not covet wealth gained unjustly, and do not heed evil counsel. Set the courts in order, redress injustices, and aid the people. Those whose conduct accords with the Way of the Kings will in time become people of good fortune and virtue. Those who accumulate offenses and do not change will surely sink into suffering. All beings have an inherently formless nature, yet dwell within formed bodies. Through countless kalpas, beings have been unable to awaken on their own. There is a world of Limitless Nothingness, a realm without night. All things merge with the Great Void, profoundly still and obscure, and return to one principle.”

The Perfected Lord added: “Within the four directions of Heaven and Earth, most beings do not understand this principle. Through countless kalpas, they have still been unable to awaken on their own. There is a world of Limitless Nothingness, a realm without night. All things merge with the Great Void, profoundly still and obscure, and return to one principle. Beings create evil karma and press onward, like blind people rashly crossing rivers and seas. If they can use wisdom to turn their gaze inward, they can pass beyond a thousand layers of danger.” Lu Chong bowed once more, recorded these words, and recited them.

Wang Guicong, an Assistant Director of the Left, observed a day of fasting and purification of the heart-mind, then went to a Daoist temple. Burning incense, he prayed earnestly: “I am merely an ordinary and humble person, burdened with many faults and sins. By good fortune I have encountered the High Perfected, the revered gods of Daoism. I beg you to bestow your subtle and wondrous teaching: how should I cultivate body and mind in order to attain long life?”

The Perfect Lord spoke: “In my advice on cultivation, the most important thing is diligent effort. If you persevere without slackening, even the highest sages will know of it. When an age of peace and prosperity arrives, both military preparedness and education should be promoted. Without education, governance cannot be properly ordered; through education, one can better assist the ruler. When enjoying salary and benefits, do not violate the ruler’s commands. Even when acting with good fortune and virtue, remain content with a poor and simple life. Those who live simply accord in their words and actions with Heaven and Earth. The corrupt and greedy, who crave wealth, are like fire cast into ice: their flames are soon extinguished. Those who accumulate evil deeds will ultimately bring harm upon themselves. Their misfortune will also reach seven generations of their ancestors, causing them suffering in the underworld and bringing harm to their family.

“I have lowered a thousand-foot line to fish for those who are destined to encounter the Dao. The Dao is supremely noble; De is most precious. The Great Dao gives life to and nourishes all things. Living beings have heads like Heaven, feet like Earth, and an empty space at the center of body and mind; thus they accord with truth. When doors and windows are cut into a house, something remains within it that has neither shadow nor form. It is deep and mysterious, beyond the understanding of ordinary people. Those who recognize it may attain long life. Yang Qi is in Heaven and Yin Qi is on Earth; when the two Qi unite, they accord with truth. When doors and windows are cut into a house, there is something within it without shadow or form, deep and difficult to know; those who recognize it may attain long life. Yang is in Heaven, Yin is on Earth, and the two Qi harmonize—this holds a real principle. In the void, change arises of itself; from nature, all things come forth. Heaven is not truly high, nor Earth truly low. The Great Dao blends into a single whole, in accord with the principle of the original source of emptiness. For those who study the Dao and wish to understand these things, this is the gateway to cultivation and reverence for the wondrous Dao.”

During the Kaibao era, Chancellor Shen Lun suffered from a prolonged illness. He devoutly sent a messenger to a Daoist temple to perform a Zhaijiao purification ritual and report: “I, Shen Lun, am sullied in body and mind and now afflicted by illness. How should I cultivate myself so that I may be freed from this pain? I beg the sacred Perfected to bestow their teaching and guide one who is ignorant.”

The Perfect Lord spoke: “The wondrous spirit is free of illness; the physical form is naturally at peace. When the body is ill, one should turn one’s gaze back upon oneself and examine what lies within.” The messenger recorded these words and returned to give them to Shen Lun. After reading them, Shen Lun held the text in his hands and exclaimed with delight, “I understand.” Before long, his illness was cured. He then sent someone back to the temple to perform a Zhaijiao purification ritual in thanks.

When the Daoist Wang Deyuan traveled through the Zhongnan Mountains, he stayed at a Daoist temple, diligently burning incense and making offerings. He also enjoyed cultivating health, but his temperament was narrow and he often became angry over many things.

One day, the Perfected Lord—a revered divine being—suddenly appeared and said to him, “If you study the Dao and cultivate the Real, first regulate your temperament and let your state of mind accord with the harmony of Heaven. Forget all thoughts of deliberate contrivance, and do not exhaust your spirit. Keep your inner self peaceful and still; only then may the Dao become manifest.”

The Perfected Lord went on to admonish him: “Do not cling to things within or without. Move freely through the realm of the Real, and no solid barrier will stand in your way. Wherever you dwell at ease and in freedom is your home. Each of you should cultivate diligently; do not wait for one another. Do not hold one another back, for those who understand the Great Dao are never obstructed. In the true void there is subtle joy—that is Heaven. When your state becomes the same as that of the sages, every kind of karmic offense is dissolved.”

The Perfected Lord added, “Subtle principles must be put into practice through your own experience; your daily conduct and movements should accord with the Dao. In every gesture, understand the true void; within the true void there is no distress. Merge with the Great Void, the boundless expanse, and a silent joy will arise naturally. Whether beside the furnace fire or between Heaven and Earth, turn away from the ordinary and return to the sacred Dao. Constantly examine yourself with wisdom, and in this life you may hope to realize the Great Dao.”

Deyuan said, “I am fortunate to have received the Perfected Lord’s instruction, yet I do not understand what you said earlier: ‘When your state becomes the same as that of the sages, every kind of karmic offense is dissolved.’ I beg you to explain.”

The Perfected Lord replied, “If you can put aside agitation and enter stillness, train your mind and spirit, cultivate the true Dao, and continue accumulating merit, then, once your cultivation and deeds are complete, the Nivana Palace—the site of cultivation in the head—and all the joints throughout your body will be enlivened by the numinous Original Spirit. Naturally, you will reach the same state as the sages. The subtle joy of Heaven is everywhere; where, then, could any karmic offenses remain? That is why we say that when your state becomes the same as that of the sages, karmic offenses are dissolved.”

During the Taiping Xingguo era, Li Zhu, an Assistant Director of the Department of Stables, served as prefect of Fengxiang and personally witnessed miraculous events. Soon afterward, he was appointed by imperial decree to oversee Daoist temples. He held this post for more than ten years, maintaining a disciplined and pure resolve. The Perfected Lord gave more than ten revelations over this period, and several have been preserved.

The first passage says: At the beginning of the Jianlong era, during the early years of Emperor Taizu’s reign, I had just received the Way of Xiyi, the hidden, subtle, and ineffable Dao. The Lord on High commanded all the sages and perfected beings to know of this. They descended to the human world riding dragons, with the stars in attendance. The spirits of the Five Sacred Peaks were ordered to oversee and protect the land, while the earthly deities secretly supported the state and helped sustain an age of enlightened rule.

I wanted Li Zhu to know the date of my descent, but I could not reveal it freely, lest I disclose Heaven’s secrets. I also said: You must assist the state in an uncommon way, govern the people through reason, and order your household with a charitable heart. You must also learn to “become drunk without drinking.” When sober, govern the people; when drunk, govern the spirits. These words speak of a method for prolonging life. I urge the prefect to remember them.

I also said: In office, seek good results through integrity and clear judgment; in your dealings, be wise, perceptive, and discerning. Observe the Way of Heaven and act in accordance with the Dao, while quietly accumulating hidden virtue. Receive the salary and rank bestowed by your sovereign with constant reverence. Purify your thoughts as though reborn, leave the ordinary world and enter the realm of the sages, and pursue long life. The joys of the celestial palace surpass those of the human world; let your name endure in an immortal realm where night is unknown.

I also said: The prefect has lived many lifetimes as a human being, and in this life was born in the Central Plain. You must be as upright and frank as I am, and do no crooked or wicked deeds. Accumulate good works and merit, assist a wise ruler, clear the people of their grievances, and keep matters of criminal justice close to your heart. If the Lord on High knows of these deeds, he will call you a celestial official.

You should understand how to take up and let go of the transient wealth of this world. Practice only those meritorious deeds that have tangible form, gain merit that stays with you, and accumulate immeasurable blessings. Do not delay, for time flies. The spirit officials will reward your achievements, and the celestial offices will add to your blessings. If you follow each of my sacred words, you will surely prolong your life.

I also said: A person who lives beyond seventy has few days left in the world. Even if you reach a hundred, how many years does that amount to when you look back? You should hold the underworld in awe; it is difficult to plead for mercy before the courts of the dead. If you have merit, there is no need for fear; if you have accumulated sins, you will certainly be punished. Your descendants cannot take your sins upon themselves. Wake up in time, and do not persist in delusion.

It was also said: “Whether people have karmic affinity or not, blessings and karma are intertwined. For those with affinity, blessings will come; those without it are entangled in karma. Grave offenses committed through the three forms of action—body, speech, and mind—arise because the foundation of faith is not yet complete. If you follow my words, you will be as secure as if leaning against a great mountain. Awaken in time; do not remain deluded.”

It was also said: “Heed my words, and your life will surely be prolonged; you will also naturally enjoy health and peace. As long as your resolve is sincere and firm, and you continue cultivating the truth, you can receive acknowledgment before the Jade Emperor (the Daoist sovereign of the celestial realm) even while still living in this world.”

It was also said: “Because you have devoted yourself with sincere faith, the stellar deities have descended, arriving on the dark wind and departing amid the ritual rain. They open the ears and eyes of the deluded, turn those who have accumulated evil toward a change of heart, and lead everyone back to the righteous path. Because you performed a Jiao offering (a Daoist sacrificial rite) and prayed to Heaven, even those who did evil have come to revere and return to the Way. This is your merit. I have already reported your case to the Lord on High so that you may receive blessings. You should make what is upright still more upright, what is pure white still purer, and what is bright still brighter. Do not begin diligently and then grow slack, or change course halfway, turning purity into defilement and good deeds into evil. The divine officials will report matters to the Lord on High; if you violate these instructions, the Lord on High will know.”

On the night of the tenth day of the seventh month, the Perfected Lord (an honorific for a revered Daoist deity) also descended and proclaimed: “You have served the state loyally and diligently, cared for the people, and governed the region. Continue to apply yourself, and do not disregard my earnest admonitions. Before you met me, I removed all the many evil deeds you had committed. After you met me, those offenses and karmic burdens naturally ceased; the divine officials at your side have also recorded your merits. From now on, continue to follow me morning and evening in accumulating good merit. Do not stop or grow slack, and do not violate my sacred words.”

It was also said: “Simply fulfill your duties as an official: redress wrongful convictions and long-standing grievances. Divine officials will often be sent to protect and assist you. In all kinds of affairs, act impartially and follow my sacred words. The present ruler is bringing peace through his teaching; what lies ahead will be arranged in due course. You need not worry.”

It was also said: “Tuotuo, do not fret or worry; the military administration will naturally be settled. In all matters, act impartially and follow my sacred words.”

Moreover, the present age is peaceful. The ruler is carrying out his civilizing mission, and every undertaking has a promising future. You need only put your worries aside.” He also said, “There is no need to fret over what has been entrusted to you; the military headquarters will settle itself. Let everything be done in accordance with the kingly way, and its reputation will spread throughout the world.”

He also said, “For the sake of the ruler, worship the Highest Mystery with devotion—that is, the Daoist name for Heaven, the dark vault above. Then the Song dynasty’s realm and altars of state can remain secure for a long time. Before long, the world will be at peace and everyone will live in comfort. Your family, too, will receive blessings and help preserve this peace together.”

He also said, “For the sake of the ruler, serve with wholehearted devotion, using the strength of your own heart to help bring about peace. The heavenly court will examine your duties, so in all matters you must be especially conscientious and careful. The assembled sages know you; your conduct must therefore inspire respect. When your merit and virtue are complete one day, you will be able to dwell forever among the Three Pure Ones, the highest heaven revered in Daoism.”

He also said, “While you are alive, do not give yourself needless worry, and you need not be anxious about what lies ahead. The judges who govern affairs in the human realm will settle the world’s cases. How many years can an ordinary person live, after all? If you follow the teachings of the sages, you can seek long life in Heaven.”

Zhu read each teaching he received morning and evening, never once stopping. The Perfected Lord once said to him, “When you reach eighty, if you have achieved nothing through cultivation, your body will still perish and your soul will ascend to Heaven. Even so, you will be given a corresponding office.” Zhu bowed again and said, “In this life I have had the good fortune to encounter a perfected one from the higher realms and hear secret teachings many times. If I am fortunate enough to receive a heavenly office in the future, I hope to serve alongside Shouzhen.”

The Perfected Lord said, “In earthly office, Shouzhen is no match for you; in heavenly rank, you are no match for Shouzhen. If you devote yourself wholeheartedly to the Orthodox Way, the time will come for you to rise among the ranks of the immortals.”

During the Chunhua era, Zhao Pu, Western Capital Commissioner and Secretariat Director, sent an emissary to prepare the rites and conduct a Zhaijiao, a Daoist ritual seeking the gods’ protection and averting disaster, in the hope of learning what good or ill fortune lay ahead. The Perfected Lord delivered this message: “Zhao Pu has done great service in upholding the altars of state. Heaven knows this and will grant you blessings and long life. Yet even great blessings may come with minor hindrances. In the underworld’s courts, there are still unresolved grievances and cases in which the parties face one another.”

One should respectfully recite the true scripture and lay one’s affairs before Heaven and Earth, beginning by repenting one’s past wrongs. I will also plead your case before the Lord on High; perhaps your offense can be absolved. But your official rank and lifespan have already been fixed. He then had someone write down these words and departed. Pu knelt and recited the scripture, moved to tears. Afterwards, he burned a document of apology and sent someone to the government office to perform a Zhaijiao purification ritual and pray.

Jia Huangzhong, Grand Master for Palace Attendance and Assistant Councillor of State, once sent someone to pray sincerely, asking the holy perfected beings to bestow their instruction. The Perfected Lord sent down a divine message: “When a wise and enlightened ruler commands a minister, the minister should serve the ruler with loyalty. Aid the present age through the Dao, and model your aspirations on the ancients. Good and evil cannot be concealed; treacherous deeds will surely be discovered. Only when ruler and minister act in accordance with what is right can they establish merit.” He added: “Care for the people wholeheartedly, and make rewards and punishments fair. If you act according to my words, your whole family will be safe.”

Zhang Zhuo, Palace Attendant, once asked the holy perfected beings to bestow their words. The Perfected Lord said: “The Great Dao nourishes your nature; Yin and Yang shape your body. You should diligently practice the Dao and cultivate the Real for me. Keep justice and integrity in your heart, and be mindful of the people’s hardships, showing them compassion. When the right moment comes, assist a worthy and enlightened ruler. The Lord on High hears whether you are upright or corrupt. Wealth and rank gained through corruption cannot last. Those who are upright even in poverty are approved by Heaven. Do not make others see only your wealth and rank, and do not trouble yourself over their mockery of poverty. True abundance has its own place. Be noble and honest; then even in poverty you will have a clear conscience.”

He added: “Your body is that of an ordinary person, but your character should be extraordinary. Uphold integrity for the glory of the state. Though your household numbers more than a thousand, if there is wrongdoing, you alone must bear responsibility.”

He also said: “If you take in the Qi of Yang and Harmony, the celestial sea turtle will rise again, steaming with vitality. The earthly furnace has its own wondrous function, and moral cultivation renews itself day by day. Prolonging life and accumulating blessings will naturally bring results. One should draw near to the True Void, the Daoist state of stillness beyond form. Within emptiness lies a wondrous principle, capable of delivering those who have an affinity for the Dao.”

The Daoist Zhou Wuben once came to the palace and submitted a petition, asking the Perfected Lord to bestow instruction. The Perfected Lord said: “You write words declaring your admiration for Heaven, yet your heart is as distant as though separated by a thousand mountains and rivers. The immortal palace may seem close at hand, but your inner cultivation and outward meritorious deeds are both still incomplete. The officials of the underworld record each fault one by one. If your offenses cannot be absolved, you will fall into Dengdu, the legendary place of punishment in the underworld, for hundreds of years.”

If you do as I have said, you will accord with my Dao (the Way), and entering the realm of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing), the highest heaven revered in Daoism, will not be difficult. Yuanji, the son of Zhang Shouzhen, often observed purification and went to the government office. The Perfected Lord descended and said to him, “Your father, Shouzhen, once met me, so I brought blessings upon his descendants. Do you not know that Zhang Daoling of Mount Longhu in Xinzhou, founder of the Celestial Masters tradition, has descendants who continue to flourish to this day because he encountered a supreme sage, attained the Dao, and passed blessings on to later generations? You, too, are fated to meet me. If you are filial to your parents at home, loyal to the sovereign in office, and make a name for yourself through upright conduct, is that not good?”

The Perfected Lord also instructed him: “Do not wander idly in the streets. Study diligently, and you will surely become known. When your name spreads throughout the world, your affinity with the Dao will endure, and you will attain long life.”

He further warned: “You know in your own heart what wrongs you have done; good and evil are always by your side. If you knowingly defy the Way of Heaven, must you still ask who is foolish?”

During the Chunhua era, the Perfected Lord descended and said to Shouzhen: “The sovereign today is enlightened; cultivating De (Virtue/Power) can move the Three Pure Ones. Heaven has returned to the right path, and warfare has ceased across the four seas. The eight directions look up to the enlightened ruler, and the Five Grains yield abundant harvests. I urge you to cultivate your virtue, and the High Emperor will grant you long life.”

The Perfected Lord also said: “Bandits in the west are causing disorder, and the time is ripe. The court should order their pursuit and suppression. Officials and envoys must not kill the people indiscriminately. As the court cultivates virtue, it must also root out the true bandits.”

The Perfected Lord once descended and said to an assistant Daoist: “A thousand people may have a thousand different thoughts, and ten thousand people may all be mistaken. When everyone holds to their own views and cannot understand one another, it is difficult to resonate with the sages.”

On another occasion, the Perfected Lord descended and admonished the officials: “Keep a heart of loyalty and trust, so that your virtue accords with the Way of Heaven. Among the civil and military officials of the court, there are worthy people. Guard the ruler’s enduring foundation, and always be mindful of the people’s hunger and cold. Practice virtue over the long term, bringing it into accord with the Great Dao. Burn incense with reverence and pray to the mysterious, empty heavens. May the state be secure and the ruler’s reign endure; may all join in supporting the court and usher in years of peace.”

May the state remain stable, may the ruler hold the throne for many years, and may the court officials work together in support of the sovereign, sharing in an age of peace.

The Perfected Lord Who Preserves De once descended and delivered these words of admonition to the ministers at court:

Ministers should be pillars of the state and establish meritorious achievements. They should assist a wise ruler in governing all under Heaven.

A peaceful age like that under King Wen of Zhou or the ancient Emperor Yao depends on loyal ministers who support Heaven and Earth and govern the state.

As subjects of the ruler, ministers should devote themselves wholly to loyalty and integrity. In life or death, they should remain grateful for the sovereign’s favor.

They should constantly do good and accumulate De, bringing their virtue into accord with their duties. They should uphold their principles with care and remain steadfast, without worrying about their own safety.

A memorial presenting the deeds of the Perfected Lord Who Preserves De.

I, Qingruo, respectfully submit: I have heard that when the azure heavens favor a land and bestow the Mandate of Heaven, a sagely ruler rises at the appointed time. The highest spirits must then reveal their signs and offer aid in secret. Their sacred plans and teachings are shown through acts of protection, while hymns of praise record how the divine watch over the world. Examining the portents of past and present, we can see that Heaven and humanity respond to one another. I, Qingruo, rejoice and offer congratulations, bowing my head twice.

Now the spirits bestow blessings, and the sagely power of virtue succeeds to its rightful place. A great national destiny is thereby founded, and manifest auspicious signs are plain to see. Yuchen, the Prime Minister of the Origin, a revered celestial spirit, carries out the august command of the Golden Palace, the residence of the Celestial Emperor. He descends among humankind to support the people of pure and upright hearts, revealing the unfathomable power by which Yin and Yang bring forth and transform all things. He assists the state in opening a new era and foretells that Emperor Shenzong will inherit the throne. These signs appeared before the events themselves: they were astonishing and known to all.

The court therefore honored the spirit all the more, offering splendid titles and holding grand, solemn ceremonies. The spirit responded with blessings. From ministers and officials to ordinary people, all bowed their heads and gazed upon the spirit’s presence, purifying their hearts and awaiting sacred instruction. The spirit offered guidance according to each person’s nature, and, judging the depth of their understanding, admonished them at the proper time with words of goodness and beauty, reminding them to leave confusion behind. These patient teachings led people to understand hidden truths; even simple and unlearned folk could discern their reality in their hearts.

At times, demons and ghosts caused disturbances, including strange beings unknown even to the records inscribed on the bronze vessels of the Xia dynasty. At other times, illness deep in the body gave rise to uncanny phenomena that even the renowned physicians of Qin could not investigate. Still, the spirit listened to prayers and earnestly imparted guidance from afar. When the true teaching descended, plants once regarded as inauspicious and uncanny came to be treasured. After miraculous signs, deep and hidden, appeared among humankind, the spirit soon returned to the heavens. People continued to offer worship over the years, and the spirit secretly bestowed blessings in return.

All the secret words have been preserved in earlier records. I have prepared to arrange and compile them so they may be passed down to later generations. I, Qingruo, did not dare to presume that my learning was inadequate while receiving an imperial decree. Instead, I purified myself and devoted my mind to the task, respectfully reciting the texts. Holding the scrolls in both hands, I proceeded with caution and reverence, repeatedly investigating their deeper meanings. In private, I reflected that the glorious deeds of the Highest Perfected Ones are indeed clear proof of the enlightened order of the present age. How could someone as mediocre as I presume to describe the deeds of the spirits?

I humbly hope that Your Majesty, the Emperor, honored as Reverent in Letters, Broad in Arms, Aligned with Heaven, Responsive to the Dao, Manifestly Sagely, Benevolent, and Filial, will find time to read these texts, personally take up the brush, compose an inscription, and bestow a title upon the work. In this way, Your Majesty may record this noble achievement, place a preface at its beginning to make clear the intention to honor the spirits, and preserve the memory of imperial grace for generations to come. I gaze upward toward Your Majesty’s face and await your decision with trembling fear and deepest apprehension.

The work I have compiled, titled Record of the Deeds of the True Lord Who Assists the Sage and Preserves Virtue, consists of three scrolls. I respectfully present it together with this memorial. I, Qingruo, am filled with fear and apprehension; I bow my head twice and respectfully submit.

Wang Qinruo submitted a memorial reporting this matter. In deep apprehension, he kowtowed twice and presented his words with due care.

Reply:

I have read your memorial. The mysterious and wondrous Dao is supremely exalted; its foundation lies in emptiness, stillness, and formlessness. The highest spirits have no fixed form, yet their responses are clearly manifested. The Jade Void Primordial Assistant, an attendant to a revered Daoist deity, holds a high rank in the realm of immortals. In secret, he assists Heaven and Earth and brings the myriad things to completion; openly, he displays supernatural powers.

When the founding emperor, Taizu, received the Mandate to establish the realm, the spirits bestowed blessings and manifested their presence. When the late emperor inherited this blessed legacy, they foretold that Heaven’s Mandate was approaching and revealed auspicious signs. The court therefore acknowledged their beneficence and began building dedicated palaces and temples, worshipping them through solemn rites of supplication and averting calamity, in hopes of securing protection for the people. The spirits once gave signs of their attention in hidden and subtle ways, and people sought their support with utmost sincerity. Their earnest teachings were manifest in awesome, numinous power beyond human measure. Their responses came swiftly, like an echo answering a call; their divine carriage arrived and departed with lightness and speed.

Since ascending the throne, I have shown even greater reverence for the spirits, performing rites in solemn palaces and temples and bestowing honorific titles on the Daoist temples established by the court. I considered that the secret edicts had all been preserved and that the related events deserved to be brought to light. I therefore wished to have them arranged and compiled, so that the auspicious signs might be made known. You hold a pivotal office and assist the court in governing the realm; your learning is broad and you are well versed in the classics, making you well suited to oversee this compilation. You have gathered the materials, carefully organized them, placed them in a brocade pouch, and presented them to me, asking that I write a preface and grant the work a title. I know that my understanding is limited and that I can scarcely compare with the achievements of the enlightened rulers of former times. Nevertheless, I have reluctantly agreed to your request. I feel both humbled and appreciative of your care, and your appeal has remained in my thoughts day and night. Your petition is approved.

On the eighteenth day of the fourth month of the third year of Chongning, an envoy bearing the imperial edict for the conferral of an additional title upon the Perfected Lord arrived at the palace. The edict stated:

By imperial command: Heaven has spirits who assist it and make manifest their divine power and virtue. The area around Mount Zhongnan has repeatedly received blessings from the spirits, and the court should further honor them. The Perfected Lord who Aids the Sage and Preserves Virtue gave an oracle in the early years of Jianlong and manifested his presence again with a revelation in the final years of Kaibao. He has widely protected the people and guarded the state. The court built a palace and temple to worship him, and his responses came as swiftly as an echo. I have received the spirits’ grace, and the imperial house has also prayed to them with reverence. Since auspicious events have shown themselves through signs, how could we forget to repay their beneficence? Utmost sincerity can reach the spirits, and earnest prayers receive a response. The blessings bestowed by the spirits will endure for countless generations. They should therefore be granted an exalted title, and their honor proclaimed through a grand ceremony, so that their blessings may flourish for ages to come. The Perfected Lord who Aids the Sage and Preserves Virtue, worshipped at the Shangqing Taiping Palace in Fengxiang Prefecture, is hereby granted the honorific title “Perfected Lord who Aids the Sage, Responds to Prayer, Stores Up Blessings, and Preserves Virtue.”

End of the lower scroll of The Account of the Assistant Sage Who Protects De. The three characters “do not wait for one another” are missing from the original text and have been supplied here from the Daozang Jiyao edition.