《靈寶無量度人上品妙經》Vol. 7

Chapter on Manifest Wonders and Auspicious Responses

The Dao says: Long ago, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning received the Highest Scripture of Primordial Beginning for Deliverance, Manifest Wonders, and Auspicious Responses in the Realm of Secluded Radiance and Vermilion Essence within the Great Elixir Heaven. When the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning was about to expound this scripture, he first circumambulated his seat ten times and summoned the gods of the ten directions. Then countless beings—including the Great Gods of Manifestation, the Venerable Lords of Auspicious Spirits, and the Perfected Ones of Talismanic Response—came riding through the air on clouds and vapors, arriving in the Purple Empyrean. They rode in jade carriages and gem-inlaid palanquins, shaded by ornate canopies. Golden and emerald radiance mingled and shone; dense flying clouds blazed with light, illuminating the Great Void.

Above the Nine Heavens, the celestial framework revolved, and the heavenly wheel displayed auspicious clouds and rosy mists. The Seven Luminaries—the sun, moon, and five planets of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—gathered their radiance. Auspicious signs appeared on the earth; the Three Primordial Forces of Heaven, Earth, and Water were still, and the Four Vapors were clear and pure. The jeweled towers and jade halls of the heavens reflected the auspicious clouds. The True Writings of the Eight Assemblies appeared, their light illuminating the upper palaces, while the whole scene remained free of any blemish. The Perfected Ones stood in attendance by their seats. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning sat upright in the air atop a five-colored jeweled mountain. He recited the scripture once, and the holy beings of the heavens all praised it together.

Before long, a vermilion phoenix and a yellow dragon came to announce peace throughout the land. When he recited the scripture a second time, the mountains and rivers of the earth brought forth the Seven Treasures. At the third recitation, beams of Yin radiance formed layer upon layer of halos in the distant landscape. At the fourth, auspicious stars appeared in both the Celestial Market and Supreme Palace constellations. At the fifth, jade blossoms filled the sky, and celebratory clouds drifted in all directions. At the sixth, sweet dew gathered into droplets, nourishing all things. At the seventh, jade fungi sprang up everywhere among the city gates, towers, and terraces. At the eighth, numinous writings unfurled and true talismans descended. At the ninth, Heaven bestowed mysterious charts and books, and emperors received precious registers. At the tenth, the people lived in health and joy, receiving blessings in abundance; even plants, trees, and insects were transformed by the teaching of the Great Dao.

At that time, men and women throughout the land turned their hearts upward in reverence. With their own eyes, they witnessed the mysterious auspicious responses of the talismans and knew that the sage had arrived at the appointed time. Each received protection and deliverance, and all attained long life.

The Dao says: When the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning recited the scripture for the first time, the Great God of the Eastern Boundless and Immeasurable Orders of Ascended Immortals, together with countless gods, came riding through the air. At the second recitation, the Great God of the Southern Boundless and Immeasurable Orders of the Cinnabar Pool, together with countless gods, came riding through the air. At the third recitation, the Great God of the Western Boundless and Immeasurable Orders of Radiant Splendor, together with countless gods, came riding through the air. At the fourth recitation, the Great God of the Northern Boundless and Immeasurable Orders of the Twin Towers, together with countless gods, came riding through the air.

The Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) rose into the sky and proclaimed the scripture in turn for the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth recitations. As each recitation ended, countless gods arrived in the sky from the northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, above, and below. They were the Great God of Azure Radiance, the Great God of the Yellow Supreme, the Great God of the Central Sovereign, the Great God of the Celestial Origin, the Great God of the Mysterious Void, and the Great God of the Cavernous Abyss, each leading an immeasurable retinue.

When the ten recitations were complete, countless great gods from the ten directions—the four cardinal directions, the four corners, above, and below—who had manifested auspicious signs in response to the Daoist teachings, arrived together. Men and women throughout the land discussed among themselves: “We once heard that when the five scriptures were first revealed, the Three Realms began to take shape, the Celestial Venerable and the emperors were born, and the gods of the heavens manifested auspicious transformations. Now, having heard the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning explain the foundations of Heaven and Earth, we understand that all things return to the emperor. The emperor’s virtue accords with Heaven and Earth; the Dao’s teachings flourish and his beneficence is vast. The gods are complete, and primordial Qi is abundant. The purest forces of the Five Phases each manifest their mysteries, giving rise to wondrous signs that proclaim the emperor as an auspicious response. These principles are profound and far-reaching; they deserve our wholehearted reverence.”

Those who came to hear the scripture surged forward like a tide, beyond counting in number. Their crowds caused half the land to tilt and sink, and the situation could not be controlled. Then the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning released a vast light, its shifting forms impossible to fathom. The jeweled mountain on which he rode transformed into a pearl, bright as the moon, suspended in the sky ten thousand zhang above the ground.

The Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning led the assembled Perfected Ones of the Nine Heavens, the Highest Sages, the Exalted Venerables, those of wondrous practice, the flying immortals, and the countless auspicious great gods from the ten directions with their retinues into the pearl. The heavenly beings looked up and saw them entering one after another through its opening. Once inside, no one knew where they were. The crowd then dispersed, and the ground returned to level, no longer tilting or sinking.

Within the pearl, the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning completed the entire scripture. The Perfected Ones supervised and presided over the proceedings, then transmitted the scripture to me. The joy and celebration at that time were beyond words, and the ritual was largely complete. The heavens each returned to their proper place. In an instant, all fell silent, leaving no trace of movement.

At that time, the heavenly beings were fortunate to encounter these teachings. They were saved as a whole and enabled to complete their natural lifespans; no one suffered harm. Everyone throughout the land turned their hearts toward reverence and cultivated goodness together: they were neither false nor flattering, formed no factions nor showed favoritism, acted neither carelessly nor obsequiously, gave themselves neither to excess nor to pride, were neither negligent nor deceitful. They were inwardly respectful and humble, did not speak frivolously, and lived in harmony with one another…

Compassion allows people of different surnames to become like family. The state is at peace, the people are prosperous, and all gladly enjoy an age of peace. When the scripture was first revealed, it transformed an entire country. All who approach it beforehand with sincere hearts, honoring and revering it, can be delivered from the world’s sufferings.

The Dao says: The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, a revered Daoist deity, declared that the words in this scripture are all the inner names and hidden sounds of the original Qi of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen), the source of the Dongshen tradition, and of Lingbao, one of Daoism’s major scriptures and traditions. They are also talismanic commands that bring down auspicious signs, the inner names used by the holy perfected beings, and the hidden names of those who fly as immortals. They are not ordinary words of the world. Only the high sages, having cultivated until they became perfected beings and attained the profound principles and explored the hidden mysteries, can fully understand its chapters.

When this scripture is recited ten times, the heavens send down auspicious signs and the myriad emperors bestow talismanic commands. Rivers and seas grow calm, clouds conceal the mountains, auspicious signs appear on earth, and exalted spirits illuminate dark places. Demons are bound, and ghosts, monsters, and spirits are destroyed. The dead come back to life, and white bones take human form. When those who cultivate the highest Dao recite it ten times, the Five Emperors receive the auspicious signs, and the Three Realms—the different domains inhabited by heaven, earth, and humanity—bear witness together, making the highest compassion manifest and proclaiming the highest Dao. This is because the auspicious signs revealed by heaven and earth accord with the holy perfected beings and become auspicious Qi. This Qi is so subtle that thought cannot grasp it and discussion cannot exhaust it. It transforms the myriad things and brings wondrous changes to the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). When people respond to its vital essence, they do not become decaying corpses. To recite this chapter carelessly, however, invites disaster.

Those who honor and revere this scripture will see their households prosper and flourish for generations. By forming ties with goodness, they will be beyond the reach of every kind of calamity, and the spirits will protect their homes. This scripture is exalted and mysterious, unique in the Jade Capital, the heavenly palace of Daoist tradition. It can deliver boundless multitudes and is the root of the myriad Dao. Its teaching is lofty, and its grace cannot be measured.

The Dao says: Whoever recites this scripture in full ten times, with sincerity that reaches the highest heavens, will draw auspicious signs together and condense wondrous Qi, transforming the myriad things into light. It can assist the ruler, keeping the fortune of the Dao unending and preserving it for countless ages. Those who love learning and draw near to this scripture will, once their merit is complete, all become immortals, ascending to the Golden Palace in heaven and roaming and feasting in the Jade Capital.

When superior cultivators practice and recite this scripture, the auspicious signs sent down by heaven will appear clearly, and blessings will spread throughout the region. Their names will be entered into the records and submitted to the officials of heaven, and listed in the Southern Palace register. When people in the world receive and recite this scripture, sacred fungi will grow and sweet springs will well up from pools. Dao Qi will descend and harmonize their vital essence. If people refine and take the associated medicines, they can extend their years, live long lives, roam the Five Sacred Mountains, and attain the rank of earthly immortals.

This scripture is subtle and vast, able to bestow boundless benefits everywhere. All heavenly beings and people in the world receive blessings and joy from it, and immeasurable blessings can also reach both the living and the dead. It is a treasure cherished by heaven and must not be transmitted to unworthy people. Those who truly possess the Dao must express their sincerity with gold and precious things, then swear an oath before heaven before transmitting it. If they carelessly disclose or neglect this scripture, calamity will befall seven generations of their ancestors, condemning them to serve the ghost officials for a long time. The Five Emperors’ jade boys and jade girls who attend this scripture number twelve each; they are charged with guarding the precious text and protecting…

Protecting Those Who Receive and Uphold the Scripture

The Dao Lord said: If, in the first month, you keep the fast and recite this scripture, the breath of Heaven will become harmonious, plants and trees will flourish, all things will be spared calamities and epidemics, and every harvest will be abundant. If, in the seventh month, you keep the fast and recite the scripture, the spirits of the Nine Heavens will descend, the mountains will give birth to numinous energy, worthy people will be born, and people will come to revere the Great Dao and study how to become immortals. If, in the tenth month, you keep the fast and recite the scripture, Heaven and Earth will become joined; sacred mountains will manifest their efficacy, auspicious signs will appear one after another, and the many gods will gather in the Celestial Court. The world will enjoy lasting peace, and the people will praise the age of peace and order. Reciting the scripture on the Eight Seasonal Nodes—the Beginning of Spring, Spring Equinox, Beginning of Summer, Summer Solstice, Beginning of Autumn, Autumn Equinox, Beginning of Winter, and Winter Solstice—will make the Five Grains grow abundantly, while extraordinary fine grains will appear as auspicious signs. Reciting the scripture at the end of each month will enable numinous treasures such as cinnabar, green jade, and lingzhi to protect all beings. Practitioners will be free from the afflictions of external forces; their bodies will shine with light, their jade-like radiance illuminating the four directions. Feathered canopies will come to welcome them, and the myriad gods will come to pay homage. Their names will be entered in the registers of Heaven, and, when their merit is complete, they will ascend to Shangqing, the Daoist realm of the highest heavens.

The Dao Lord also said: On the day of any Daoist cultivation rite, bathe with fragrant water and observe the fast before entering a quiet chamber. Face east, click your teeth thirty-two times to send your invocation up to the thirty-two heavens, then bow thirty-two times. Close your eyes and meditate, visualizing yourself seated upright amid clouds of blue, green, and red, with deep darkness all around, within and without. The Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Dark Warrior, along with lions and white cranes, stand in rows on either side. The sun and moon shine, filling the chamber with clear light; a round halo appears above your head, its radiance illuminating the ten directions. When the visualization is clear, silently recite this secret incantation:

“Supreme Lord of the Dao, Mysterious Origin and Highest Dao Lord, summon forth from within my body the Three-Five Functionaries, the divine scribes who convey documents; the messengers of the left and right offices; the jade boys who attend to incense; the jade maidens who convey messages; the Five Emperors’ Day Officers, the divine talisman officials on duty for the five directions; and the incense officials on duty for this day—thirty-two of each. Let them all submit a petition together: Today is an auspicious day. In this pure, quiet chamber, I cultivate the scripture and pray for the boundless Dao of delivering people from suffering. I beg that my invocation be conveyed upward, layer by layer, until it reaches the presence of the Supreme Primordial Emperor, the Most Venerable One of the highest thirty-two heavens.”

When you have finished reciting, circulate the Qi thirty-two times, face east, and recite the scripture.

With boundless compassion, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning proclaimed the Supreme Scripture of Wondrous Salvation.

This is a supreme scripture revealed by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning as he discerned the mysteries and manifested the Lingbao. It brings forth auspicious signs, its talismanic correspondences resonating with wondrous transformations; even the scripture’s hidden, subtle sounds accord with the Dao of Nature.

Amid primordial chaos, essence and Qi flowed and gathered, congealing into a womb and nurturing a wondrous, immortal radiance. The radiance transformed into red numinous script, interweaving and forming layer upon layer of auspicious clouds, rooted in the mysterious source. Its light shone across the heavens. Cinnabar radiance and jade writings gathered the numinous Qi of the Five Directions; the vast, distant emptiness echoed faintly with the deep, still sounds of the true palace.

The breath of the Celestial Emperor transformed into red talismans, whose sounds spread through the Nine Heavens. Water and fire surged upward and changed shape—this was an auspicious sign of great worth. In the realm where all is united stood a mysterious terrace adorned with the Seven Treasures, and the Upper Palace of Purple Tenuity.

There, enthroned at the utmost reaches of Great Nonbeing, pure Qi rose high and grew abundant. The Supreme One held the fundamental mysteries governing the workings of Heaven and Earth, commanding Yin-Yang and bringing forth the myriad things. His laws were enacted within the stillness of empty space, and their principles were subtle and profound. He dwelt in the Great Luo Heaven, gazing from afar across the vast worlds.

Throughout the worlds in the ten directions were Perfected Lords who governed the mysterious origin and great Dao of transformation and nourishment; sovereigns who commanded the seven transformations of Highest Clarity; honored divinities who revealed the auspicious signs of Heaven; and Perfected Ones who answered the tokens of Heaven’s mandate. They set the celestial framework in motion and steadied the terrestrial order, traveled through the realms of space, established the order of Heaven and Earth, commanded the honored divinities, administered the registers and records, and manifested countless transformations.

Today, a grand assembly is being held. The myriad spirits have come to pay court before the hall.

The Limitless Divine King of Benevolence and Virtue of the East, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Illumination and Virtue of the South, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Transformation and Virtue of the West, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Wisdom and Virtue of the North, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Gentleness and Virtue of the Northeast, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Righteousness and Virtue of the Southeast, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Culture and Virtue of the Southwest, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Purity and Virtue of the Northwest, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Mysterious Virtue Above, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The Limitless Divine King of Bountiful Virtue Below, Great Sage of Long Life, Savior of Countless Beings.

The ten directions of Spirit Kings, who manifest auspicious signs and answer the divine commands, together with the countless Great Spirits who bring long life and deliver people from the world, arrive in jade and agate chariots wreathed in crimson clouds. Their chariots bear purple canopies and dragon banners, and are drawn by celestial deer and numinous phoenixes. In the procession, attendants ride zōuyú and carry staffs of dark crystal; banners in three colors stream overhead. Flying generals march in ranks to the left, while golden flame bells, heavenly horses, qilin, and bixie follow on the right. Ten kinds of splendid ceremonial guards lead the way, and five divine officials stand watch over the chariots. Myriad chariots and countless riders come through the air, their numinous light circling and shining.

By command, they summon the immortals and perfected beings, whose names are entered in order in the registers of Turtle Terrace, Kunlun, Langfeng, and other places. The Great Spirit who governs auspicious omens in the Office of the Dark Registry holds the tablets and attends to the canonical records. Together they arrive at the Jade Court, the palace of Heaven, and act in accordance with the divine commands revealed and answered, summoning the spirits of the heavens.

They make their proclamation throughout the realm: to the immortal lands, divine continents, Eight Seas, Four Rivers, famous mountains and great rivers, grotto-heavens and palace precincts, the Twelve Numinous Sources, the administrative offices of the earth, and the Nine Palaces of the Yellow Gate. They are to swiftly put the Dao’s transformative power into effect and begin sending down good fortune. Nothing may obstruct or delay this, so that the first auspicious signs may descend without hindrance.

Once the True King receives the talismanic command, blessings protect the people: cold and heat proceed in their proper seasons; the sun, moon, and stars shine brightly for ages; all things are spared calamity and illness; and the grains yield abundant harvests. Teachings reach the four quarters, and benevolence extends even to insects. All things follow their nature and live in ease and joy, while peace is shared throughout the world. As the cycles of kalpa and destiny turn, all beings are able to ascend and become immortals. They are forever spared the calamity of trials inflicted by the Six Heavens’ demons, and can walk through the air, roam freely, and feast and wander in the Great Darkness—the far-reaching, hidden realm of Heaven. The Great-Darkness Heaven is where the Celestial Emperor Wenchang dwells, a realm leading to the ultimate Dao.

The Eight Heavens of the East

Responsive Virtue, Treasure, and Mystery Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Taijing Zumeng.

Manifest Spirit, Reverent Radiance Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Bogong Rong.

Fortune in Motion, Hidden Response Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Houyuan Liuchang.

Perfect Brightness, Transformation of Qi Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Zhaolin Yongxian.

Opening Light, Wondrous Reality Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Heji Chong.

Immortal Deliverance, Benevolent Receiving Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Zhengguang Tongsheng.

Vast Pattern, Expansive Will Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Haoji Gaoqing.

Mystical Transformation, Blessing the Capital Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Tan Cheng Ligong.

The Eight Heavens of the South

Esteemed Letters, Kindness, and Fame Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Fu Jianlang.

Record of Extended Years and Great Merit Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Zhu Qiuwen.

Heaven of Revering Rites and Proclaiming the Mystery: its Celestial Emperor is Lian Zuizhao Dun.

Great Splendor, Brilliant Spirit Heaven: its Celestial Emperor is Jiang Xian Feiyong.

The eastern, southern, western, and northern regions each have eight levels of heaven, making thirty-two heavens in all. Each heaven is governed by a Celestial Emperor, whose name is as follows:

Eight Heavens of the East

Heaven of Lofty Emptiness and Bright Grace, governed by the Celestial Emperor Dongpu Lin;

Heaven of Upright Power and Settled Directions, governed by the Celestial Emperor Fuyao Zongqi;

Heaven of Benevolent Rulership and Widespread Kindness, governed by the Celestial Emperor Jinghui Wanrong;

Heaven of Accomplishment and Accumulated Transformation, governed by the Celestial Emperor Qiongjing Zizi.

Eight Heavens of the West

Heaven of Nurturing Kings and Ancestral Transformation, governed by the Celestial Emperor Fangjian Jingkang;

Heaven of Right Principle and Perfect Subtlety, governed by the Celestial Emperor Hongfei Yiliang;

Heaven of Sincere Faith and Flourishing Teachings, governed by the Celestial Emperor Henzhi Beigeng;

Heaven of Accomplished Diligence, Universal Blessings, and Birth, governed by the Celestial Emperor Daochang Huayan;

Heaven of Subtle Frugality and Primal Radiance, governed by the Celestial Emperor Luanhong Yuanchong;

Heaven of Mysterious Watchfulness and Flowing Essence, governed by the Celestial Emperor Zhaoque Shanxi;

Heaven of Primal Sages and Ranked Immortals, governed by the Celestial Emperor Zhuo Baolin;

Heaven of Auspicious Grandeur and Bright Talismans, governed by the Celestial Emperor Gongmeng Biyuan.

Eight Heavens of the North

Heaven of the Great Treasure of the Dharma Sea and Dragon Radiance, governed by the Celestial Emperor Kunluo Yao;

Heaven of Empty Mystery and Hidden Illumination, governed by the Celestial Emperor Jue Shenji;

Heaven of Ancestral Primality and Wondrous Light, governed by the Celestial Emperor Hao Congfu Chang;

Heaven of Harmonious Blending and Abundant Qi, governed by the Celestial Emperor Shou Cangliu Xuan;

Heaven of Seals and Wheels United, governed by the Celestial Emperor Yangqi Bu’an;

Heaven of Great Wonder and Protection of the World, governed by the Celestial Emperor Jizhi Yuechu;

Heaven of Transformations Through the Ages and the Complete Dao, governed by the Celestial Emperor Tusi Qianmen;

Heaven of Vast Life and Patterned Vision, Above and Beyond, governed by the Celestial Emperor He Fu Zhao Yan.

The thirty-two heavens and their thirty-two Celestial Emperors each have secret names of their own. The hidden names, taboos, and tones of these celestial realms form the numinous chapters of the Great Cavern—the Daoist term for the sublime heavens and their scriptures and teachings. They embody the sacred power by which the revered spirits of Lingbao manifest auspicious signs, open the way to good fortune, and harmonize primal Qi.

After nine cycles of transformation and ten rounds of traversal, the spirits can ascend into the void and travel through the air, displaying mysterious and profound powers. Their lofty, luminous Qi shelters Heaven and Earth, spreading radiance like cinnabar blossoms and responding with manifestations in both the celestial realm and the human world.

Today, all those gathered rejoice together and welcome the transforming, nurturing power of the utmost Dao. Through the reckoning of the cycles, the heavens respond; their celestial splendor appears in abundance, shining with purple light.

The swirling, dancing clouds of Qi create a scene that reaches beyond a deep and hidden abyss. Jade light shines upon the Spirit Ford, the crossing where immortals come and go, as the sacred host of spirit immortals bestows Fulu, Daoist talismans used to summon deities and perform rites.

The gods commissioned by the Imperial Court each carry out their appointed duties: the Eastern Dipper sets divine Qi in motion; the Western Dipper refines and nourishes Jing; the Northern Dipper gathers and brings things to completion; the Southern Dipper bestows spiritual Qi; and the Central Dipper draws in the breath. Auspicious talismans take shape in the blue heavens. The Perfect and Pure Heavenly Mandate raises true immortals to the skies; the Dark Heaven records their names in the registers of immortals; the Cinnabar Heaven summons perfected immortals; and the Yellow Heaven holds its celebratory assembly. The Primordial Gate stands wide open, while the Cloud-Rosé Spirit King oversees the ordering of affairs. The Longli Spirit King sends the mists above rising into the sky; the Changkai Spirit King governs the Seven Gates; the Yudan Spirit King cultivates the Eight Powers; and the Central Yellow Spirit King watches over true immortals and investigates their offenses.

The High Perfected Ones of the Five Heavens, lords of all transformations, govern the affairs of the heavenly realm and set the Celestial Pivot in motion. Riding dragons and driving clouds, they fly through Taiwei, the region of the heavenly palaces, surveying and dispelling evil influences and returning upright Qi to the Supreme Emperor. The Supreme Emperor sends down charts and registers. In obedience to his decree, the Great Lord of Cinnabar Radiance subdues demons and evil beings in the ten directions by his might, destroys every kind of harmful spirit, spreads the teachings of the Dao, and brings good fortune to the human world.

The regions of the four directions are clear and peaceful, the Five Phases move in order, and the Imperial Way shines brightly for ages. Should violence and rebellion arise, the offenders are seized and sent to Nüqing, the divine authority who examines cases and assigns punishments in Daoist texts. The officials of the Three Offices determine their guilt and impose severe penalties; the Nine Heavens and Eight Extremities watch and inspect without cease. Thus the ruler receives blessings, the state remains secure, the people thrive, and the altars of the land and grain endure through countless eons without end. All may enjoy peace and flourish together with the Great Dao.

The spirits fly to the Jade Capital, the heavenly city of Daoism, where they feast and wander in the Upper Palace. They proclaim their message to the myriad gods and spread it throughout worlds without end. The Five Emperors of the Three Realms submit their reports, each in turn, to the vault of heaven. The Great Cycle becomes clear and open, and establishes its ultimate order. Cinnabar radiance raises the heavens, while Yin and Yang flow and transform: ascending, they become the Three Qi; descending, they give rise to the myriad things. The hidden, profound principles of the Primordial Cavern take shape as firm laws. The wondrous cycles of the mysterious calendar revolve through the Six Turbidities and Nine Purities. Within the vast and indistinct expanse, all is subtle and unseen: no image has yet appeared, and nothing has taken concrete form. From the chaotic Qi of darkness and light, a wondrous sound pours forth, unfolding my supreme transformation and spreading boundlessly, of itself. The fiery essence stirs fierce winds, setting heaven and earth, above and below, surging into motion.

The canonical texts in sacred works such as the Jade Volumes, Red Tablets, and Jade Registers can summon the Qi of harmony and command the myriad…

The Great Method of the Forest of Celestial Writings is widely put into practice as the cycles of tribulation unfold, opening and proclaiming the wondrous chapters of Great Simplicity. The celestial diagram is bestowed below, guarding the Divine Empyrean and keeping the Jade Palace secure for all time. The moment coincides with a grand assembly and accords precisely with the heavenly cycle. Thus the scripture is passed down and widely saves living beings, bringing them all to the supreme teaching of the Three Origins (the Daoist teachings of the Three Origins). Through the work of clarity and purity, one reaches upward to the wondrous realm of the Mystery. Auspicious talismanic mandates from within the Mystery then appear.

The Perfected One brings peace and comfort to the people, and the land is always kept at rest. He conceals his radiance rather than displaying it, guarding stillness and repose without end. He preserves Jing and Qi, refining and nourishing the original embryo with the flower of mystery. Riding purple mist and clouds, he rises through the air and becomes a flying immortal. His transformations are without limit; united with primordial Qi, he becomes a Perfected One. In the realm of reality, he attains supreme Shen and becomes sovereign of the Myriad Ways. He sets the heavenly Dao in order and rules over the utmost realm. Through billions of kalpas he remains uniquely revered, bearing the title Primordial Beginning. This is my own body, the chief in command of the officials who govern the Three Realms.

The root of Primordial Beginning’s life lies above. His spirit roams the Jade Void, flying through the Great Nonbeing, within the Round Enclosure and amid the undifferentiated Yellow. He penetrates the depths, transcends the realm without color, and reaches the numinous passes of the eight directions. He swiftly summons the great demons, subdues them, and gathers them at the Mysterious Capital. The returning wind turns ten times, and blessings and celebrations descend even to the underworld. The Dao of Heaven sends down auspicious signs and saves beings without measure.

Above, the Gate of Life is opened. Through the Flying Wheel, names and registers are examined, and the causes and conditions of good and evil are scrutinized. All living beings thereby receive deliverance and aid. The souls of the dead are delivered across; the bodies and minds of the living are preserved, and they receive new life. The petitions are then sent upward to Purple Clarity, the celestial realm of immortals. Above Purple Clarity, each has its own mysterious sound; there appear chapters in which auspicious talismanic mandates are fulfilled. The Jade Chapters of the Three Essences, named for the “Three Essences,” bring together in their words the teachings of the high Perfected Ones.

First: The Flying Immortals’ Hymn to the Sound of Primordial Beginning Establishing the Supreme Pole

From afar, I gaze upon the realm of Great Nonbeing;

all the heavens honor the Void Sovereign.

The Kalpa of the Dragon Han has passed,

and in darkness the Kalpa of Yan Kang has passed as well.

Heaven and earth return to the undivided state of primordial chaos;

the starry enclosures of the eight directions conceal their vital radiance.

The Three Realms are wholly transformed into emptiness,

and living beings, too, grow indistinct and hard to find.

Only the realm of the Supreme Dao remains;

within it, nothing suffers untimely death or harm.

Red radiance opens the mysterious celestial diagram,

and the True Writings spread through the ten directions.

Wondrous Qi descends to the Clear and Subtle Heaven;

the Flying Wheel forms the guiding order of Primordial Beginning.

Lingbao brings forth the Three Luminaries—the sun, moon, and stars—

and myriad transformations appear anew.

Mysterious talismanic mandates guard the Five Sacred Peaks;

the blessings of the world are endless.

The High Sage sits upright in the realm of the Round Enclosure,

dwelling always in the Hall of Great Blessing.

Orthodoxy governs the Dao of the Imperial Pole,

which is transmitted forever to the True King.

Second: Chapter of the Great Demons’ Praise, Proclamation of the Scripture, and Manifestation of Its Responses

The mysterious guiding order shines with bright light,

flowing everywhere through the empty space of the eight directions.

It wheels through the heavens,

governing and gathering all at the Mysterious Capital.

The myriad spirits stand solemn and majestic,

surrounding and attending the dwelling of the Emperor.

The Highest Sage proclaims the supreme teaching, which Dongyang, a Daoist immortal, records in a brief text. After it has been proclaimed ten times, its wondrous and subtle passages are revealed.

All living beings awaken and are renewed through it; the wondrous Dao has no end. Among the myriad heavenly realms, a pearl of the Dao is treasured.

The immortals rejoice without cease, while Yuxu, the realm of clear emptiness in Daoist cosmology, receives the mysterious talismanic decree. Red spirit-script shines across the blue sky, and auspicious clouds fill the heavens.

The earth brings forth rare marvels, and the Qian tree, a legendary immortal tree, grows jade-like branches and leaves. Phoenixes and qilin descend among humankind; jade fungi flourish in a corner of the courtyard. After ten thousand kalpas, peace comes to the world, and the mysterious teaching spreads far and wide.

The Third Perfected One Proclaims the Chapter on Manifested Auspicious Signs and Fulfilled Talismanic Decrees

The Primordial Beginning, the Empty August Sovereign, dwells in the Jade Clarity Heaven. Lofty above, he brings forth the sun, moon, and stars—the Three Luminaries—and establishes the foundations of heaven. Mysterious radiance is arrayed on his right, while the Qi of perfect brightness revolves on his left. Primordial Qi spreads out and descends to the middle heavens. The Northern Dipper and the celestial pole are most revered; seated in dignity, they receive the homage of the eight directions.

The responses of the heavenly Dao descend to earthly rulers. When a ruler follows the Dao of Heaven, auspicious signs appear in accordance with his De: the earth reveals talismans of longevity, and heaven bestows mysterious auspicious writings. Beautiful, numinous Qi wells up from mountains and rivers; treasures and auspicious objects gather at the royal court. The people suffer no pestilence, and the five grains yield abundant harvests.

Proclaim the Supreme One’s decree so that it may be heard throughout the myriad heavens. All living beings rejoice and bow their heads in gratitude for this mysterious De.

This is a song sung by the true demons above the Three Realms, as they fly through the air; its melody accords with the Cavern Scriptures. Recite it one hundred times, and it is called “Crossing to the Southern Palace.” Recite it one thousand times, and the true demons will escort and welcome you. Recite it ten thousand times, and your Dao practice will be complete: you may ascend through the vast sky, transcend the Three Realms, and take your place among the immortal lords.

When the wondrous heavenly sound is heard, auspicious signs descend upon the person, and even demon kings revere their presence. The Earth Spirits are commanded to guard and escort them, drawing them out through the gates of the underworld and freeing them from the Five Sufferings and Eight Calamities. Their ancestors of seven generations are raised up, forever leaving the jurisdiction of the underworld officials. Their souls are conveyed to Zhuling, a place of refinement and deliverance in Daoist belief, where they undergo transformation and are reborn. This is called boundless universal deliverance, without end.

These are scriptures kept secret by Heaven and revered together by all the heavens. Whoever divulges them or treats them lightly will fall into hell, and calamity will also reach their ancestors of seven generations.

The Dao says: These two chapters are both the supremely numinous and hidden sounds of the heavenly emperors.

The auspicious Qi of Great Harmony and the Ten Thousand Blessings of the Upper Origin transforms into signs of good fortune and reveals them to the ruler. When it manifests in human affairs, it appears as loyal and worthy people; when it manifests in things, it appears as precious jewels, jade, and extraordinary marvels…

Among the birds and beasts, auspicious creatures such as the qilin, phoenix, tortoise, and dragon appear. On the earth, the Five Magic Fungi, strange trees, and precious stones emerge, while mountains and rivers display auspicious signs. In the sky, auspicious clouds, bright stars, and sweet dew appear. These are all signs that arise in response to a ruler who follows the Dao and cultivates De.

These words are the utterances of the Great Brahma—the sublime speech of the celestial realms as described in Daoism—not the ordinary language of the world. They have neither ornate rhymes nor finely polished literary flourishes, and so are called mysterious and difficult to understand, beyond detailed investigation. Heaven stored this scripture in a scripture chamber east of the Jade Repository in Divine Empyrean Jade Purity, a lofty celestial realm in Daoist teaching. In the year renchen, when the time and its destiny aligned, it was at last transmitted to the world below. Only after a person who has attained the Dao offers gold and jewels as tokens, sincerely follows the established rites, and makes a solemn vow may this scripture be transmitted to them.

The scripture says: When a ruler practices benevolence and accumulates De, Heaven responds by revealing auspicious signs. When a ruler does evil and commits transgressions, Heaven reveals calamities and anomalies to warn the people. Therefore, when the movements of Heaven and Earth become irregular, or the sun, moon, and five planets—the celestial bodies known in ancient times—are eclipsed or behave abnormally, all should sincerely observe purification, whether they are sages, divine beings, or people at an early stage of cultivation. During the purification period, they should burn incense at the prescribed six times each day and recite the scripture ten times. Auspicious signs will then descend, and every kind of calamity will be dispelled. This boundless scripture can save all beings without limit.

The scripture also says: When someone whose cultivation of the Dao is still shallow and whose rank among the immortals remains incomplete approaches the end of their life and passes through Great Yin, the netherworld in Daoist teaching, accomplished fellow practitioners may burn incense and recite the scripture ten times on their behalf, helping them pass through the ordeal of bodily death. In accordance with the rite, numinous and auspicious Qi will silently descend upon them, and their hun and po spirits will ascend directly to the Southern Palace, a celestial court in Daoist teaching. Then, according to their cultivation and the days of merit they have earned, they will be granted renewed life through rebirth. If their resolve remains undeluded, they may become immortals.

The scripture further says: When the movements of Heaven and Earth are nearing their end, the stars fall into disorder, the sun and moon lose their light, the seasons fall out of sequence, Yin-Yang loses its balance, the realm is unsettled, farming and trade suffer, epidemics spread and people die or are injured, or when a teacher or friend passes away, one should observe purification, burn incense, and recite the scripture. The merit of purification and recitation is great: above, it can dispel calamities from Heaven and protect and bring stability to the emperor; below, it can drive away poisons and save the people. The living and the dead alike may receive its blessings. This merit is beyond measure, and so it is called “the boundless salvation of Heaven and humanity.”

Whoever possesses this scripture and performs these meritorious acts for Heaven and Earth, the emperor, and the people, resolving to observe purification, burn incense, and recite the scripture ten times on the day calamity strikes, will bring auspicious signs to appear and help the realm remain peaceful for a long time. The heavens will record this person’s name, and the myriad spirits will protect them. A cultivator of the Dao who meets these conditions may ultimately become a minister in the Golden Palace of the Sage Lord. The heavens record people’s merits and transgressions without overlooking even the smallest detail.

The many true demons of heaven can also recommend you, enabling you to attain the Dao. Only those who have truly attained the Dao should fully understand these supreme words.

The Boundless Sounds of the Great Brahma’s Hidden Words Across the Heavens, composed by the Lord of the Dao.

Curved Verses of Auspicious Signs in the Primordial Beginning’s Spirit Writ

The spirit writings and auspicious signs of the eight heavens in each of the east, south, west, and north are listed below. The phrases in this scripture belong to the “hidden words of the Great Brahma”—sacred esoteric language in Daoist scriptures. They are used chiefly as talismanic inscriptions, recited sounds, or sacred names, and should not be interpreted word by word according to ordinary Chinese meanings.

Eight Heavens of the East

Zheji Hu Yan, Choufei Guanchen, Miluo Manchou;

Juedu Hecen, Gu’e Wangji, Mianhong Meiqin;

Donghe Bingluo, Huayao Zixun, Qubo Fanna;

Mingmo Dalin, Miaojie Jifan, Mufen Xuanshen;

Shenzhu Xujie, Liqiong Bixin, Huzhuo Bianke;

Mingmou Fuxin.

Eight Heavens of the South

Zhechi Yanshu, Jiujia Minxian, Guocheng Liding;

Gongmi Jingdan, Yuena Yunnuo, Xianshe Ziyuan;

Maojun Douge, Yizheng Fuqian, Heshu Minnong;

Bishi Jiuhui, Langhua Zhibo, Siyi Xuanju;

Shejia Faqi, Luzu Weiwei, Guangtun Youshuang;

Qianling Zicui.

Eight Heavens of the West

Chongguang Luyuan, Moutuo Jiongxuan, Biyi Dansuo;

Qimeng Shiyun, Baoyue Longdian, Fuyou Jiansun;

Jianjiang Hengzu, Bixian Puquan, Yaowen Zetai;

Yingxi Canglun, Yuwu Zhaosu, Yunhe Guqiong;

Liaoyan Lumi, Shejing Miqing, Lumo Yukë;

Baolun Youtun.

Eight Heavens of the North

Jiaohuan Wutang, Yilin Xijiang, Xuandun Qingwei;

Gushen Feiyang, Xialuan Yaichen, Wenjue Tonghuang;

Zhiping Youkui, Dingji Shilang, Ouduli Shan;

Zhaofeng Huaguang, Gongchong Zuyu, Douyuan Binggang;

Piaolu Jianxu, Xuanfu Yindang, Lingzhou Juandu;

Taichi Hunfang.

The scripture says: In these heavenly realms circulate the “Hidden Utterances of the Great Brahma,” secret sacred words of the heavens whose sounds are without limit. Ancient records say that the Yellow Spirit Terrace of the Central Heaven summoned the Twelve Mysterious Auspicious Signs and the Twenty-Four Responses. They appeared in the realm of the Great Hall of Blessings of the Five Elders of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning. The Red Script and Jade Writings, heavenly characters written in red, appeared as auspicious signs and served as the beginning of these sacred words.

Each character was one zhang long. The Celestial Perfected Sovereign (Tianzhen Huangren), a legendary divine being of the heavens, once wrote these characters as the correct sounds. Those who understand their sounds and meanings, and can recite them after observing purification and abstinence, will be inspected by the flying heavenly divine kings sent down from the heavens. They will record the person’s merits and diligence, then report them to the heavens. The myriad gods will come to pay homage, while the terrestrial spirits stand at the gate. A Perfected One of great merit will be recommended by the spirits; once the Way of Divine Heaven is fully cultivated, they can travel among the Three Realms and ascend to the Golden Gate.

These sounds can ward off evil, avert calamity, save beings, and bring things to completion wherever they are heard. They are the natural sounds of the Celestial Perfected. Reciting them brings the flying heavens down to inspect, while the Supreme Lord answers from afar. The myriad gods come to pay their respects, and the spirits of the Three Realms stand beside the carriage. Evil spirits bow their heads, and ghosts and demons vanish of their own accord. The recitation rings like precious jade, bringing clarity and stillness to the Ten Directions. Rivers and seas grow calm, mountain mists disperse, and the myriad spirits tremble in submission. Immortals gather when summoned. Between Heaven and Earth, no impurity or evil spirit remains; even the darkest places become bright and clear. The expanse is vast and profound, its mysteries without end.