《太上無極總真文昌大洞仙經》Vol. 1

While tilling the fields, my plow unearthed a golden statue. The village elders identified it as an image of the Primordial Heavenly King (Yuanshi Tianwang, the supreme deity of Daoism). They recounted how Great Yu had cast such golden statues to pacify the waters during his flood control efforts. I enshrined and venerated this sacred image with unwavering devotion.

When catastrophic storms and tidal waves threatened our region beyond human endurance, I sacrificed the golden icon to the raging sea—whereupon the tempest immediately subsided, saving countless lives. Years later, I discovered the same statue glowing amid coastal sands, its radiance piercing the heavens. We built a temple to house it, and through communal worship, it has manifested countless miracles across generations.

After my parents perished in a plague, I kept vigil by their graves in a mourning hut. There I was visited by three divine beings—Perfected Persons Zhen Dingguang, Yu Luo, and Qiaoguang Miaoyin—wearing hempen headscarves, feathered robes, and straw sandals. They bestowed upon me the Great Cavern Scripture (Dadong Jing), instructing: "Recite this morning and night—it elevates ancestors from underworld sufferings, averts calamities to prolong life, and protects living kin. Renounce worldly riches to honor us, and we shall impart true methods." I immediately prepared ritual offerings and began ceaseless scripture recitation.

During another great flood, I venerated the golden statue while reciting the Great Cavern Scripture a thousand times. When the waters receded, the stream gully before my parents' graves had transformed into solid highland over a mile wide, with pine and cypress trees standing unharmed. Consumed by grief against the plague demons who took my parents, I devotedly chanted the scripture day and night, beseeching the golden statue for retribution. After three years, the statue spoke in a dream: "The power of the Great Cavern..."

You have thoroughly memorized the Dongxian Jing (Scripture of Grotto Immortals), yet have not witnessed the Great Grotto Ritual Registers (advanced Daoist talismanic arts). Now I shall transmit them to you—these will not only help fulfill your original aspiration but also assist in the operation of celestial order, saving the nation and aiding the people." As he spoke, he drew two scrolls from his sleeve. I knelt in reverence to receive them: one was the Great Grotto Register, the other the Great Grotto Method. Upon waking, I found these very scrolls beside my pillow. I immediately prepared a purification fast, enshrined them in a precious casket, and chose an auspicious day to unseal and study them.

When I reached the passage stating, "Ten thousand armored celestial cavalry of the Great Grotto descend to assist," suddenly, in broad daylight, wind and thunder erupted violently. Countless divine generals clad in golden armor with crimson sashes at their waists materialized before me, bowing in readiness. At their forefront stood a commander holding a red banner, who declared, "We await your command." In my dazed state, I unconsciously issued a stern order: "Go and punish the plague demons! In such-and-such village, an entire household has fallen ill—seize the haunting specters at once!" No sooner had I spoken than the banner-holder led a hundred divine soldiers into the afflicted home. Moments later, they returned with five demonic envoys in custody: one draped in tiger skin, another crowned with a rooster’s comb, one with a human face and beast’s body, another resembling a crow, and the last shaped like a donkey-horse hybrid, each clutching vicious tools—flames-and-water fans, axes, and chisels.

I rebuked them furiously, threatening annihilation, but the demons hastily pleaded: "We are born of Heaven-and-Earth’s annual cycles, acting according to seasonal nodes. Those stricken by pestilence are either under underworld punishment or fated to perish by celestial decree. We merely execute the edicts of the Three Officials and Five Peaks (Daoist deities: the Heaven, Earth, and Water Officials, and the Five Sacred Mountains’ emperors), who petitioned the Jade Emperor based on humanity’s ledgers of transgressions. If the True Officer spares us, henceforth we vow obedience, retreating wherever your talismans appear." Following the scripture’s methods, I imparted precepts and released them. Thereafter, I painted talismans to heal villagers, saving countless lives, and my renown spread far. Officials and commoners from all regions sought my aid, and the accumulated merit stemmed wholly from reciting the Great Grotto Immortal Scripture and mastering its registers—this art summons divine generals, exorcizes evils, rescues life and death, dispels calamities, and prolongs longevity, its profound efficacy manifesting ceaselessly in unseen realms.

This scripture primarily elucidates the miraculous efficacy and application methods of the Supreme Infinite Pervasive Truth Wenchang Great Cavern Immortal Scripture.

The text states that when temple-manifesting spirits and deities request scripture recitation for merit transference, they later express gratitude, testifying how the scripture's power enhanced their majestic virtue (De) and secured their names in the register of virtuous deeds. Wandering souls unable to attain rebirth may also appear in dreams or through possession to request salvational recitations, afterward reporting their liberation from suffering and attainment of new life.

During epidemics, simply chanting this scripture while employing talismanic methods from the "Register Practices" (such as Epidemic-Dispersing, Epidemic-Severing, and Epidemic-Stopping Talismans) can mobilize celestial armies (including the Nine Divisions of Divine Officers like the Heavenly Stable Armored Soldiers and Plague-Collecting Devourers, along with Black Cavalry Celestial Officials and Vajra Warriors). The specific protocol involves: first issuing documents to the Year King (Taisui of the current year), then petitioning the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak, before commissioning City Gods and Earth Deities for execution. Only when plague deities refuse to heed advice should one petition the heavens for eradication.

The scripture emphasizes the Dao's reverence for compassion and heaven's virtue (De) of nurturing life. Practitioners must never abuse violent punishments, but rather approach with ritual propriety, transform through scripture, awe through dharma, and guide through virtuous deeds—this being the true shortcut in cultivation. Those studying this scripture's methods must exercise utmost discretion.

This supremely venerable scripture can: resolve karmic grievances, settle lawsuits, absolve transgressions, break curses, pacify households, quell conflicts, dispel epidemics, pray for rain or clear skies, ensure harvests, protect lives, and deliver departed souls. For such situations, one should establish purification rituals (Zhaijiao) and recite the scripture. Additionally, the "Purple Court Celestial Physician Divine Formulas"—a grace left by Great Yu and the Golden Mother Goddess—can cure illnesses and neutralize toxins, preventing untimely deaths and pestilential diseases, making them essential study for cultivators.

This scripture recounts the origin and efficacy of the Supreme Ultimate Zongzhen Wenchang Great Cavern Immortal Scripture. Initially revealed in the Wu-Hui region (modern Jiangsu-Zhejiang area), sustained recitation of this text enables practitioners to attain the fruition of "Brahma-Pacified Tathāgata," ultimately reaching the state of "Supreme Non-Arrogant Joyful Nurturing Celestial Emperor," and receiving the sacred title "Treasure-Light Compassionate Responsive Rebirth Eternal Life Celestial Worthy of Pure True Contemplation."

The scripture particularly emphasizes that this Great Cavern Scripture and the Scripture on Salvation (Duren Jing) together form the ancestral source of all scriptures. Like the millet-sized pearl and the Canghu treasure (Daoist metaphors for fundamental truths), they represent the origin of all sages. These two scriptures share the same source with different names, possessing the power to create heaven and earth while nurturing profound mysteries. Far from being deceptive claims, they constitute the essential gateway for transcending mundanity to achieve sagehood.

The text notes that while many know to recite the Scripture on Salvation, few recognize the preciousness of the Great Cavern Scripture. Therefore, Lord Wenchang specifically commanded his disciples to publish this scripture, composing hymns to aid comprehension. Three gathas are included:

The first gatha, "Expounding the Scripture's Meaning," reveals its origin in the "Canghu Tanchi Sound" (supreme celestial tone in Daoism), transmitted to the mortal realm by the Great Mysterious Dao-Father. The second, "Cultivating the True Path," identifies sincere recitation of the Great Cavern Scripture as the shortcut for mortal transcendence. The third, "Praying for Offspring and Blessings" and "Quelling Celestial Disasters," demonstrates the scripture's power to grant descendants and prosperity, even rectifying cosmic disturbances like eclipsed suns, darkened moons, and erratic stars.

The scripture concludes by recording three key revelation events: First, autumn 1168 (Southern Song Qiandao era) at the Phoenix Terrace, received by Liu Ansheng; second, autumn 1264 (Jingding era) at Golden Lotus Stone in Mowei Cave, Aotou Mountain, where it was re-collated; third, during the Double Ninth Festival in a Xuanmo year (sexagenary cycle), revealed at the Western Ridge Guiyan Weisheng Zongzhen Altar. These accounts underscore the scripture's sacred nature and transmission lineage.

The Supreme Infinite General Truth Great Cavern Scripture of the Immortal Wenchang expounds the miraculous effects attained through reciting this sacred text. Using relatable examples, the scripture illustrates how sincere recitation of the Great Cavern Scripture can resolve all manner of calamities—whether natural disasters, human conflicts, or personal afflictions.

During droughts, locust plagues, or floods that devastate crops, devout recitation of this scripture can invoke timely rains and bountiful harvests. For commoners burdened by worldly toils, regular recitation helps dissolve karmic obstacles arising from greed.

On a national scale, reciting this scripture ensures full state treasuries, cessation of warfare, and prosperity for all citizens. For divine beings, spirits aspiring for celestial promotion but lacking the proper connections will find their spiritual power enhanced and their names recorded in the registers of virtue simply by hearing this scripture recited morning and evening.

Ancestral souls trapped in the underworld can be liberated through descendants' disciplined recitation. Families suffering misfortunes due to disturbed grave geomancy or offending malevolent spirits during construction projects can neutralize these afflictions through recitation. During epidemics, communal recitation by entire clans prevents contagion.

Those with chronic illnesses who find no relief through divination or prayers to other deities need only take refuge in this scripture and recite it sincerely to be healed. Wandering souls stranded in the netherworld ascend to celestial realms upon hearing its verses. Generational feuds and karmic vendettas dissolve when this scripture is heard. Even underworld lawsuits stemming from financial curses can only be settled through its power.

In essence, this scripture functions as a panacea—whether addressing individual suffering or collective disasters, devout recitation invites the protection of Wenchang, the Celestial Lord of Culture, dissolving all misfortunes.

In life, we inevitably encounter illnesses and misfortunes, the passing of loved ones, legal disputes, and the threat of thieves. Wealth melts away like snow and ice—to seek divine protection, one should regularly recite the Great Cavern Immortal Scripture (Dadong Xianjing).

Tree spirits, stone goblins, fox and monkey demons, and spectral hounds manifest by hurling bricks, conjuring flames, or taking human form, deceiving people into offering sacrifices through intimidation. The most effective way to vanquish these malevolent beings is to study the Great Cavern Immortal Scripture.

Scholars often suffer from mental blockages, and even prodigies may find their minds dulled. To write with divine inspiration, one must first persevere in reciting this scripture. Our bodies are as fleeting as shadows and foam—only by refining Jing (essence), Qi (vital energy), and Shen (spirit) can we attain the true Dao. Those who seek eternal form and spirit, living as long as heaven itself, must diligently study this scripture transmitted by the Wenchang Emperor.

Wealthy men should not assume their riches ensure security—heaven may withdraw blessings at any moment. While prosperous, one should accumulate virtue through good deeds, ideally by sponsoring the printing and dissemination of the Great Cavern Immortal Scripture. With sincere practice, one may resonate with the Shangqing (Upper Clarity) celestial realm and receive guidance from the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing). Those who achieve the status of heavenly venerables all attained it through devoted study of this scripture.

This profound scripture contains immeasurable merit—ordinary people must not take it lightly. The supreme teachings expounded by the Primordial Heavenly King (Yuanshi Tianwang) are encountered only by those with karmic affinity. Those who persist in recitation and practice may join the Wenchang Dharma Assembly.

Among the scriptures of the Three Caverns (Sandong), these jade-toned sacred texts are the most precious, each word a gem like gold and jade. They dispel calamities and universally deliver sentient beings. Practitioners seeking transcendence must recite these wondrous texts with purified hearts. The Dao (Way) is originally wordless and silent—sages established scriptures to teach humanity. Just as one needs a net to catch fish, once the fish is caught, the tool is no longer clung to.

When the Primordial Heavenly King first transmitted the Great Cavern Scripture, countless beings listened as his Dharma voice resounded. The methods of cultivation must be passed down through generations—they are not solely the teachings of heavenly venerables and Daoist lords. When divine winds still and sea and sky grow clear, a single deluded thought can set the celestial constellations in motion again. Choosing auspicious days and hours to recite with single-minded focus, free from worldly distractions, is the true path.

This scripture primarily expounds upon the merits of Lord Wenchang (the Daoist deity overseeing literary success and imperial examinations) in benefiting the world and the true essence of spiritual cultivation.

It first describes how Lord Wenchang's benevolent deeds for humanity have been recorded in celestial registers (the heavenly records of merits and faults). His true nature transcends worldly concepts of existence/non-existence and sensory phenomena, representing pure and authentic being. Though difficult to depict through form, his sacred status within the mysterious realms remains absolute. As the supreme perfected being, he has maintained pristine constancy since the cosmic cycle of Dragon Han Kalpa (a Daoist cosmological era), embodying what is called the "Great Dharma Body" (the highest spiritual attainment).

The scripture emphasizes that devout contemplation of sacred talismanic symbols (Fulu) can liberate beings from hellish sufferings, helping them return to their original nature and elevate their spiritual state. Sins originate from clouded consciousness, leading to karmic rebirth and suffering. Only through the purifying celestial light can one purify body and mind to behold the Supreme. Spiritual practice should gradually enter the state of Wuwei (non-action), achieving perfect comprehension where one sees through the illusions of the three thousand worlds. The true Dharma Body is formless, beyond birth and extinction, eternally luminous through all kalpas.

Later passages use imperial examinations as a metaphor, illustrating how cultivators ultimately attain achievement through arduous trials, stressing that a man's determination cannot be obstructed. Dao cultivation requires wisdom—even amidst storms, one must steadfastly maintain the Dao mind. The text concludes by revealing that this "Original Vow Scripture of Nine Heavens' Transformation" was personally expounded by the Supreme Dao Ancestor to deliver beings during the apocalyptic kalpa, preserved in the Jade Heaven Palace and mandated for dissemination by celestial immortals. It specifically mentions its revelation during the Shaoxi era (Southern Song dynasty) at the Numinous Response Altar, encouraging devotees to print and circulate it to help beings avoid calamities of war and plague. The compiler reminds readers: mere reception of the scripture is insufficient—one must earnestly practice its teachings.

This scripture primarily discusses two key aspects: the fundamental principles of spiritual practice, and the preparatory rituals before scripture recitation.

First, it emphasizes that cultivation cannot rely solely on reciting scriptures—it must be put into action. The most essential practice is to embody the six virtues of "filial piety, brotherly love, loyalty, obedience, impartiality, and forbearance"—honoring one's parents, cherishing siblings, being faithful and trustworthy, following the righteous path, acting with fairness and selflessness, and treating others with kindness. In truth, these are not difficult to achieve, as the core principle is simply fulfilling one's proper role. The scripture states that by adhering to this principle, one can dissolve calamities and adversities.

Next, it details the preparatory rituals before scripture recitation: one must bathe, observe fasting, wear clean clothes, and burn incense in a quiet chamber. First, knock the teeth nine times as a gesture of reverence, then silently bow in the mind to the celestial deities of the Nine Heavens. Visualize the Primordial Heavenly King (the supreme deity of Daoism) along with various immortals and perfected beings, including the Wenchang Emperor of the Sevenfold Bend, descending to the ritual assembly and arranging themselves in the void.

Following this, a series of purification incantations should be recited:

1. Purification of Heart and Mouth Incantation: Cleanses the mouth and mind, ensuring the breath is pure, while the deities governing the tongue, teeth, and throat fulfill their roles to aid the practitioner in attaining communion with the Dao.

2. Purification of the Body Incantation: Invokes the protection of the Numinous Treasure Heavenly Worthy, bringing peace to the five viscera, with the Four Divine Beasts (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise) guarding the true self.

3. Purification of the Three Karmas Incantation: Purifies the karmas of body, speech, and mind, praying for endurance through kalpas and eternal abiding in the Daoist path.

4. Dispelling Defilement Incantation: Calls upon the essence of the sun and moon to cleanse the body, dispelling impurities so that the mind and body become as pure as a luminous pearl or lotus.

5. Purification of Heaven and Earth Incantation: Cleanses the surrounding environment, invoking the power of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing) to purify all directions.

Each incantation concludes with "urgently, urgently, as the law commands" (急急如律令), a common closing phrase in Daoist invocations, signifying immediate efficacy. These rituals are designed to create a purified state of body and mind, facilitating deeper communication with the divine.

This scripture contains multiple Daoist incantations and ritual elements, primarily describing the process of exorcism, protection, and ritual purification through scripture recitation and mantra chanting.

The first section is an exorcism mantra: The talismanic decree of Lingbao Tianzun (Numinous Treasure Celestial Worthy) is proclaimed throughout the Nine Heavens. By invoking the power of "Qianluodana" (a secret Daoist mantra) and "Donggang Taixuan" (referring to the Northern Dipper's celestial energy and supreme mysterious Qi), it can slay demons and bind malevolent spirits. The divine incantation of Zhongshan Zhenjun (Central Mountain True Lord) and the jade-character true words of Yuanshi Tianzun (Primordial Heavenly Worthy) can exorcise ghosts and prolong life with each recitation. When the mantra holder traverses the Five Sacred Mountains and Eight Seas, demon kings bow in submission, noxious energies are purified, and the Dao's primordial Qi can endure eternally.

The following altar purification chant depicts the sacred scene when Taishang Laojun (Grand Supreme Elder Lord) expounds the Dao: Golden bells resound, celestial flowers scatter like dharma rain, and ritual drums awaken the deluded. Heavenly deities unite in praise while golden boys and jade maidens play music and scatter blossoms. The chant invokes the Eight Radiances of sacred light to guide practitioners back to the true path, enabling them to soon cross the bridge to the Great Dao and serve the Celestial Worthy amidst auspicious clouds.

The Land Pacification Mantra stabilizes the ritual space: Yuanshi Tianzun commands all local earth deities to return to their proper stations without disturbance. It demands inner and outer purity, safeguarding the scripture recitation space while hunting down malevolent entities. Dharma-protecting divine kings guard the reciters, enabling all to return to the Great Dao (fundamental truth).

The Five Stars Mantra summons the divine powers of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth stars: The five stars illuminate the five directions - Water Star dispels calamities, Wood Star brings prosperity, Mars (Yinghuo) eliminates disasters, Venus (Taibai) averts warfare, and Saturn (Zhenxing) stabilizes the four quarters. Practitioners' names may be inscribed in immortal registers, granting them power to ride clouds through the ten directions and command myriad spirits to protect the perfected ones.

The concluding section describes the ritual for invoking deities: Through incense offering and scripture recitation, it summons protective generals from one's own body (such as merit officials, golden boys, and jade maidens) along with various perfected saints to descend upon the ritual space. Amidst swirling incense smoke, the assembled deities offer protection and support to enhance scripture recitation and cultivation practice.

This scripture primarily expounds on eliminating calamities, liberating departed souls, and seeking blessings through cultivation practices and divine supplications.

It begins by explaining that cultivating true Qi (primordial vital energy) yields threefold benefits: At the highest level, it safeguards the nation's stability and the emperor's well-being, averting disasters of war, floods, and fires, as well as epidemics, droughts, and locust plagues. At the intermediate level, it prolongs one's lifespan and protects the entire household, resolving misfortunes brought by the Nine Luminaries and Eight Calamities (Daoist terms for astral afflictions and eight major tribulations), and dispelling the Five Sufferings and Three Disasters (referring to birth, aging, sickness, death, and other hardships, along with three great cosmic calamities). At the lowest level, it enables the deceased to escape the dark registers of the underworld, allowing seven generations of ancestors to ascend to immortal realms.

Next, it invokes the blessings of deities such as the Wenchang Emperor (Divine Lord of Zitong), praying that the people may receive myriad blessings by upholding the scriptures, and that mountain and river spirits, moved by sacred virtue, may together reach the shore of the Dao. It seeks protection from disease and calamity, advocating purification of the heart and contemplation of the true Dao to ultimately attain ascension and immortality. The text emphasizes that benefiting the world and accumulating virtuous deeds are of paramount importance.

The "Incantation for Gathering the Divine" section summons various deities: the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the Five Thunder Deities, the Five Elders of the Five Directions (the Five Thearchs), and others who govern the Nine Heavens, guard Fengdu (the Daoist underworld), and command rivers and seas. Through jade-tablet incantations, one can summon dragons to bring rain, gather Qi to form clouds, and harness the powers of the sun, moon, five planets, and the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper. The incantation commands the immediate response of divine beings across the Three Realms, including deities of heaven, earth, mountains, and waters, the Great Gods of the Watery Abyss, and celestial officers and soldiers, who swiftly arrive to offer aid.

Finally, it beseeches the Supreme Dao Ancestor, the Three Pure Ones, the Jade Emperor, the Wenchang Emperor, and other exalted deities to infuse the practitioner with the righteous Qi of the Ten Directions, ensuring swift delivery of prayers to the celestial court. The entire passage exemplifies the Daoist practice of communicating with the divine through sacred incantations, bridging the human and heavenly realms.