《高上玉皇本行集經(一)》Vol. 2

This scripture describes the scene where the supreme Daoist deity, the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi), imparts divine incantations. At the dawn of creation, the Five Ancient Lords of the Five Directions (Wufang Wulao) reverently reported to the Celestial Venerable (Tianzun): the Jade Emperor, in his compassion for all beings, radiated divine light illuminating the entire Dharma Realm (cosmos), allowing both ordinary beings of the Six Realms and the four types of sages to receive the protection of Daoist teachings.

The text mentions that before the formation of the cosmos, even the "Primordial Beginning" (Yuanshi Tianzun, the highest Daoist deity) had not yet manifested. At that time, absolute emptiness prevailed—no foundation of heaven and earth, no light of sun and moon, only dark chaos. In this primordial state of "no ancestors, no lineage, no qi, no form," mysterious numinous texts (the "Lingbao Red Script Jade Chapters of True Writing") suddenly appeared, flickering in and out of existence. It was precisely these numinous writings that enabled the separation of the two principles of Yin-Yang and brought forth the sun's radiance.

The Jade Emperor transmitted the inconceivable "Lingbao Secret Registers" (divine incantations) to the Five Ancient Lords. These divine mantras possessed the power to create heaven and earth: through them, the celestial and terrestrial realms separated, and the sun, moon, and stars gained their luminosity. The numinous writings manifested from the Heaven of Beginning Blue (one of Daoism's Thirty-Six Heavens), their characters twisting and difficult to decipher. Yuanshi Tianzun refined these characters in the Cavern Solar Pavilion (a celestial abode), smelting them with flames from the Flowing Fire Courtyard (an alchemical site) until they glowed with crimson light—hence their name "Red Script."

When these celestial diagrams shone with brilliance, all heavenly emperors came to pay homage, flying through the void to circle the Upper Palace (celestial court) while burning incense, scattering flowers, and reciting numinous verses. At this moment, twelve auspicious signs appeared in heaven and twenty-four propitious omens manifested on earth, collectively celebrating this supreme mystery of the Dao.

Yuanshi Tianzun commanded the Great Perfected (Taizhen, an immortal official) to wield the brush and the Jade Consort (Yufei, a female immortal) to prepare the writing desk. They cast golden tablets and engraved the Jade Chapters of True Writing. The Five Ancient Lords recorded these secret texts, storing them in the Numinous Capital Pavilion of the Nine Heavens (a celestial library), where jade maidens and jade youths attended as guardians. Even spirits and deities were unworthy to behold these celestial scriptures, for their preciousness sustained the operations of heaven, stabilized the earth, empowered the Five Directional Emperors to guard their domains, enabled the celestial bodies to move in radiance, and allowed the highest sages to attain realization of the Dao.

This scripture describes the sacred moment when the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity of Daoism) transmitted the Lingbao True Texts. At the dawn of creation, observing the maturation of cosmic timing, the Celestial Venerable prepared to impart these texts containing the profound mysteries of heaven and earth to destined individuals.

The Lingbao True Texts possess inconceivable power: when obtained by rulers, they bring harmonious governance; when received by common people, they bestow peace and prosperity. These texts represent the most profound foundation of existence, capable of governing all things and harmonizing Yin-Yang. Their virtue (De) is boundless—they are the ancestral source of all divine beings, their depth immeasurable even by the vastness of the cosmos.

This transmission occurred during a cosmic renewal, as heaven and earth became distinct and all beings first emerged. Seated in sublime stillness, the Celestial Venerable gathered the assembly of perfected sages to deliberate. They calculated the cycles of cosmic epochs (kalpas), examined celestial patterns, and prepared to select worthy recipients to inherit the Great Dao (Da Dao). Yet, the assembled immortals remained silent, for the path to truth seemed obstructed.

Only after repeated entreaties by the Five Supreme Sovereigns (Wulao Shangdi, five high-ranking deities) did the Celestial Venerable reveal a compassionate countenance, sighing: "What you seek is profoundly profound. These Lingbao True Texts are the foundation of creation—they open heaven and earth, give birth to divine beings, stabilize the Five Sacred Peaks (Wuyue), and protect nations and people. Their mystery is peerless; they are the supreme treasure of all existence."

The Celestial Venerable explained: "We now stand at the pivotal transition of the 'Three Heavens' (Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing realms) and the rotation of the 'Six Heavens' (six celestial ordinances). Among the 36,000 cultivation methods available, the true Dharma will flourish only after the 'Three Dragons' (three great kalpic cycles) have passed, when the chaotic energies disperse during the Gengzi year (a specific astrological alignment). For now, these texts must remain preserved in the upper celestial palace (Lingdu Ziwei Shang Gong), as celestial law strictly prohibits their direct descent to the human realm."

The scripture particularly emphasizes that those seeking this transmission must journey to the Purple Tenuity Palace (Ziwei Gong) to receive heavenly revelations and follow sacred liturgical protocols. This reflects the Daoist principle that "the Dao is not lightly transmitted," underscoring that spiritual practice requires both proper timing and a purified heart-mind.

This scripture describes the scene where the Jade Emperor confers sacred texts upon the Five Directional Sovereigns (the Five Elders). The Eastern Sovereign of Azure Radiance, Anbao Hualin Qingling Shilao (the Azure Emperor of the East), first receives a set of mystical incantations comprising five groups:

The first set of 24-character mantras is inscribed on the Celestial Terrace of the Nine Heavens, used to summon the Nine Heavenly Sovereigns for verifying the celestial registers. It mentions that within the azure heavens formed by the Nine Qi (nine primordial energies) of the East, there resides an Elder responsible for examining immortal records and overseeing the ascension of cultivation practitioners.

The second set of 32-character mantras is stored in the Eastern Blossom Hall of the Purple Tenuity Palace, employed to command stellar officials in adjusting celestial phenomena. The content involves the Year Star (Jupiter) guarding the liver, with constellations like Jiao and Kang from the Twenty-Eight Mansions each performing their duties, while the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper regulate seasonal nodes—all possessing the power to dispel malevolent influences and avert disasters.

The third set of 32-character mantras is preserved in the Eastern Blossom Mysterious Numinous Hall, specifically designed to subdue demonic entities. These incantations can summon the Nine Heavens' decrees to suppress the Fengdu Ghost City (the Daoist underworld), commanding spirits to immediately report to the Eastern Wood Palace without delay.

The fourth set of 32-character mantras is carved on the Jade Tower's Cinnabar Terrace in the northeast, used to control the Eastern Sea. During great floods, it can command water deities to clear pathways, restrain flood dragons, and ensure unimpeded waterways through wind-fire talismanic spells.

These 120-character Eastern incantations are all recorded on precious azure jade tablets, engraved with golden thread seal script. When the Five Elderly Sovereigns received their mandate at the Purple Tenuity Upper Palace in the Supreme Mysterious Jade Metropolis (a high celestial abode), the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (the supreme deity in Daoism) personally opened a brocade treasure pouch to reveal these scriptures containing the profound mysteries of heaven and earth. The texts encompass supreme principles for regulating natural order, managing celestial beings and spirits, and pacifying calamities—all requiring strict transmission according to Daoist liturgical protocols.

This scripture records the divine incantations and talismanic mandates bestowed by the Jade Emperor (also known as the "Supreme Great Radiant Perfected Divinity of Limitless Light") upon the Five Directional Thearchs. These sacred incantations bear various names such as the "Scripture of Primordial Emptiness and Naturalness" and the "Chapter of Life-Giving Spirits and Truth-Preserving Mysteries."

The text first describes the mandate given to the Green Thearch of the East (officially titled "Venerable Sovereign of Azure Primordiality, Guardian of Peace and Jeweled Splendor"). The Jade Emperor granted him nine types of primordial Qi (Nine Qi) to govern all divine beings in the eastern realms—celestial bodies, sacred mountains, river sources, and every spiritual entity. Any deity receiving these mandates must obey them without exception.

Next comes the account of the Red Thearch of the South ("Venerable Sovereign of Cinnabar Truth, Guardian of Prosperous Yang and Brahma's Treasures") receiving his divine incantations. In the Vermilion Hall of the southern celestial court resides the great divinity "Blazing Flowing Mist of the Crimson August," who commands three fiery Qi (Three Qi) in resonance with the sun. A thirty-two-character secret incantation, inscribed in the Parched Solar Pavilion of the Nine Heavens, serves specifically to summon celestial beings.

The seven southern constellations (Well, Ghost, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wings, and Chariot) each fulfill distinct roles: the planet Mars (Yinghuo) assists the heart-mind (Shen), while other stars guard the four directions. The Chariot constellation oversees the celestial motion of all seven. Through the thirty-two-character secret text, these stellar officials maintain cosmic order, ensuring the Dao's harmonious operation.

Another forty-character secret incantation specializes in subduing demons: it commands Mount Fengdu (the Daoist underworld in the north) to capture malevolent spirits and sever evil at its root. The southern incantations possess formidable power—dispelling hordes of demons and dissolving calamities.

Finally, a forty-eight-character aquatic incantation, governed by the Southern Water Thearch Great Elder Dragon King, summons flood dragons to clear waterways and prevent deluges. Those who defy these commands face punishment in the fiery palaces.

Collectively numbering 152 characters, these southern incantations form the "Perfected Text of the Three Qi's Numinous Jeweled Chapters." They are alternatively titled "Southern Cloud Scripture of Celestial Penetration" or "Nine Heavens' Supreme Scripture"—all representing the highest luminous incantations of divine authority.

This scripture records an important system of Daoist incantations and talismanic decrees, divided primarily into southern and central sections.

The southern portion mentions the "Red Emperor's Eight Powers Edict," an imperial mandate bestowed by the Jade Emperor upon the Southern Fanbao Changyang Danling Zhenlao (the supreme deity of the south). The Red Emperor (Southern Celestial Sovereign) commands the Three Qi Celestial Lords, governing all sacred immortals within the southern heavens and earth—including the sun, moon, stars, sacred mountains, grotto-heavens, water palaces, and spring abodes. Any realm receiving this decree must comply without exception.

The central section describes the "Yellow Emperor's Secret Texts," divine incantations and mandates received by the Central Baojie Dongqing Yubao Yuanling Yuanlao (the supreme deity of the center). The Central Zongling Huangshang Tianzun oversees the Five Directional Elder Lords, particularly the Central August High Venerable, managing celestial immortals, recording mystical charts, safeguarding jade-text scriptures, and propelling the movement of heaven and earth's primordial Qi (vital energy) while commanding the myriad spirits.

Notably, the Yellow Emperor's forty-character secret text is inscribed on the Supreme Mysterious Jade Treasure Altar, primarily used to summon divine immortals. Another forty-character text is written on the Mysterious Metropolis Jade Terrace to regulate the movements of stellar officials. A sixteen-character decree, also inscribed on the Mysterious Metropolis Jade Terrace, binds the Northern Emperor (Northern Celestial Sovereign) to guard the Ghost Gate. Additionally, a forty-eight-character text on the four walls of the Mysterious Metropolis Jade Terrace specifically governs the Dragon Kings and water deities of the Four Seas, controlling floods and disasters.

These incantations are collectively known as the "Central One Qi Lingbao Jade Scroll True Text," totaling 144 characters. They bear multiple honorific titles: "Supreme Great Luminous Perfected Divine Incantation," "Baojie Dongqing Nine Heavens Spiritual Script," "Great Divine Incantation of the Yellow Heaven," and "Yellow Emperor's Eight Powers Edict." Finally, it is clarified that these were all mandates bestowed by the Jade Emperor upon the Central Baojie Dongqing Yubao Yuanling.

This scripture describes the governing powers and mystical incantations of the White Emperor of the West (one of the Five Elderly Sovereigns of the Five Directions, who presides over the western realm). The content can be divided into three main sections:

First is the description of the White Emperor's authority. The Western Sovereign, the August White Emperor of Haoling, governs all divine beings within the celestial and terrestrial realms of the west, including immortals and deities residing in the sun, moon, stars, sacred mountains, cave abodes, and underwater palaces. He exercises his authority through talismanic commands that all spirits must obey once issued.

Next are detailed records of three sets of mystical incantations. The first set consists of 48 secret characters recorded in the northern pavilion of the Nine Heavens' Pure Spirit Palace, primarily regulating the Qi (vital energy) of Daoist cultivation. The second set of 24 esoteric characters is engraved on the golden tower's mysterious windows, used to govern the western star officials and regulate celestial phenomena. The third set of 16 secret characters is preserved in the Three Charts Pavilion of the Nine Heavens' Golden Tower, capable of summoning all energies of heaven and earth to submit to the sovereign and controlling the ghostly energies of the Six Heavens. These incantations have specific administrative functions, such as subduing water monsters, summoning clouds and dragons, and preventing floods.

Finally, the text explains the collective name and origin of these incantations. The 136-character Jade Script of the Western Seven Qi's Numinous Treasure is the supreme natural mystical script, known by several names: "Golden Truth Treasure Illumination's Subtle Chapter," "Western Mountain Divine Incantation," and "White Emperor's Eight Powers Dragon-Summoning Text." These incantations were bestowed by the Jade Emperor upon the Western White Emperor, the Celestial Lord of Seven Qi, as his authoritative credential for governing the western realms. All spirits receiving these talismanic commands must immediately comply.

This passage describes the mystical incantations under the jurisdiction of the Black Emperor of the North (one of the Five Thearchic Sovereigns governing the cardinal directions) and their formidable powers. These sacred mantras are inscribed in various divine locations, each possessing distinct functions and energies.

In the Mysterious Heaven of the North (referring to the celestial realm of the north), the Five Qi (with Water Qi from the Five Phases) spiral and flow. Here, the Black Emperor jointly administers talismanic decrees (Fulu) with the Twin Sovereigns of the Great Subtlety, clad in azure immortal skirts and feathered robes adorned with dragon-phoenix patterns, commissioned by the Celestial Sovereign to oversee celestial affairs.

A forty-character secret script of the Black Emperor is engraved within the Northern Pavilion of the Purple Subtlety Platform in the Dark Origin of Jade Singularity, specifically used to summon perfected beings (Zhenren) and divine immortals. Another thirty-three-character esoteric text is carved in the Northern Primordial Mysterious Dipper at the Celestial Heart, governing the stellar officials of the north and regulating the righteous Qi of heaven and earth.

The Divine Incantation of the Northern Mountain can activate yang energy, summon thunder, and with its flowing golden bells' radiant brilliance, subdue demons and malevolent spirits. A twenty-four-character secret script is inscribed on the Platform of Dark Origin in the Northern Cavern-Yin of Shuo Singularity's Absolute Origin, employed by the Northern Emperor (the Black Emperor) to command celestial troops and vanquish evil ghosts and deities.

Another twenty-four-character esoteric text is engraved on the Platform of Absolute Origin in the Northern Cavern-Yin of Xiang Singularity, specifically controlling water deities of the Northern Sea, capable of commanding aquatic spirits and directing flood dragons to summon clouds and rain. Collectively numbering 120 characters, these mantras are called the "Supreme Great Luminous Perfect Divine Incantation of the Most High," the ultimate secret method transmitted by the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, Daoism's supreme deity).

These incantations bear several alternative names: "Precious Luminous Text of the Original Spirit from the Purple Subtlety of Life-Destiny," "Divine Incantation of the Northern Mountain," and "Black Emperor's Eight Powers Celestial Restraint Text." The Jade Emperor bestowed these mantras upon the Black Emperor of Five Qi, the Mysterious Elder of Northern Five Numinosities, commanding him to govern all beings in the northern cosmos—including sun, moon, stars, sacred mountains, great rivers, and all water palace deities. Wherever these talismans reach, every spirit must obey their decree.

The scripture concludes by emphasizing that these great divine incantations constitute the mysterious true words of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the formal edicts of the Jade Emperor. They are numinous texts spontaneously generated in the Supreme Clarity realm (Shangqing, Daoism's highest heaven), primordial talismanic scripts existing since the initial opening of the Nine Heavens, and the secret language of the highest sages and perfected immortals.

This scripture recounts the miraculous powers of the Gaoshang Yuhuang Benxing Jijing (Scripture on the Origin and Deeds of the Supreme Jade Emperor), the supreme classic of the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's highest deities). Created by Yuchen (a revered Daoist divinity), this scripture possesses the power to establish heaven and earth, stabilize all things, harmonize Yin-Yang, and summon divine beings. When the Jade Emperor first transmitted this scripture to the Five Directional Thearchs (five deities governing the celestial realms), they reverently knelt to receive it and enshrined it in the Lingdu Pavilion of the Shangqing (Highest Clarity) celestial realm (Daoism's highest heaven).

The text reveals that this scripture has remained intact through countless kalpas (cosmic cycles) as the supreme divine incantation, possessing the qualities of remaining unstained by impurity and growing brighter when damaged. Those who obtain its authentic transmission and diligently cultivate its teachings may attain longevity, divine vision, and ultimately achieve immortality through realizing the Dao (the Way).

In the section on meritorious virtues, the Jade Void Thearch (a high-ranking Daoist divinity) inquires of the Celestial Worthy about this scripture's power to aid the world. The Celestial Worthy responds: When nations face war, epidemics, or natural disasters, if rulers command Daoist priests to establish altars and recite this scripture, it can bring peace to the land and abundant harvests. Ordinary people encountering dangers such as wild beasts or shipwrecks need only recite it with sincere devotion to receive mountain deities' protection and turn misfortune into fortune. The scripture particularly emphasizes that this classic contains supreme mysterious mechanisms capable of delivering people from suffering and bestowing blessings.

This scripture describes the miraculous effects of devoutly reciting the Supreme Jade Emperor's Essential Scripture of Original Conduct. When chanted correctly, this sacred text can deliver practitioners from all manner of adversities.

For instance, when encountering storms at sea, sincere recitation will immediately calm the winds and waves, bringing the vessel safely to shore. During warfare between armies, silently chanting this scripture can cause enemies to disperse of their own accord. Those wrongfully imprisoned may clear their names and gain freedom through tranquil recitation. When plagued by evil spirits or malevolent entities, following the prescribed method of chanting drives away these harmful influences, leading to natural recovery from illness.

Couples seeking children who respectfully recite this scripture will find the Jade Emperor commanding celestial officials to consult immortal registers, arranging for a destined child with celestial affinity to be born to them—a child who will be intelligent and widely respected. Pregnant women chanting during labor ensure safe delivery of a child blessed with both wisdom and virtue.

Those seeking official positions may gain promotions and noble titles through recitation, with honors extending to their descendants. Practitioners desiring wealth will find abundant resources and secure livelihoods, with blessings reaching future generations. People troubled by malignant stars or prolonged illness can transform these inauspicious influences into auspicious ones through chanting, bringing good fortune.

For the dying, having recited this scripture in life ensures they will not fall into hell after death—their names erased from the registers of the damned. If family members establish a Daoist altar (a site for ritual practice) to venerate the scripture, the deceased’s soul will be liberated from suffering and reborn in a pure land. All tormented souls may thus be saved and ascend to the celestial realms.

Wherever this scripture resides, it is secretly guarded by the Ten Directions’ Celestial Honored Ones and divine protector kings. Those who uphold it receive the honorable title of "Zhengyi True Person" (Orthodox Unity Realized Being), with Vajra Guardians invisibly protecting them wherever they go, as if shielding their own bodies. Whether traveling or at home, malevolent forces will avoid them, and disasters cannot approach. At life’s end, practitioners will not witness hellish visions but ascend directly to the heavenly realms.

When one devoutly recites the Gaoshang Yuhang Benxing Jijing (Supreme Jade Emperor's Scripture of Original Conduct), celestial maidens from the heavenly palaces will come bearing jeweled banners to welcome them upon the manifestation of karmic retribution for past misdeeds, guiding their rebirth in the celestial realms. Should such a person exhaust their heavenly blessings and return to the human realm, they will be reborn for countless lifetimes as kings or ministers, encountering ages of peace where sages gather and people live in prosperity. Retaining wisdom from past lives, they will steadfastly uphold the Dao (the Way), ultimately attaining perfection through continuous cultivation.

If the reciter encounters rain while maintaining a compassionate heart and recites all three scrolls of the scripture toward the sky, wherever the rain falls, all beings—even those guilty of the Five Heinous Crimes (patricide, matricide, etc.) or Ten Evil Deeds—will have their heavy karmic obstructions eradicated, and grave illnesses will be instantly cured. At life's end, these beings will avoid rebirth in hell realms and instead be reborn in the Pure Land (Western Paradise), emerging transformed from lotus blossoms. How much more so for the reciter themselves?

When walking in strong winds, if dust stirred by the reciter's presence touches other beings, their evil karma will be utterly dissolved, freeing them from rebirth in the Three Wretched Realms (hells, hungry ghosts, or animal realms) and ensuring ascent to heaven. The merit of scripture recitation is truly inconceivable. Even fish, turtles, and other aquatic beings touched by water where the reciter has bathed will have all karmic debts cleansed, liberated from the sufferings of womb-born, egg-born, or moisture-born rebirths.

Every word spoken by the reciter resonates as pure Dharma sound to celestial demons and heterodox paths. When chanting in temples, ghosts and spirits who hear the scripture will transcend the hungry ghost realm, attain the immortal path, and revere the reciter as they would the Jade Emperor. For those who committed grave sins—disrespecting parents, scorning the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha), killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, or false speech—if a cultivator compassionately recites the Jade Emperor's sacred name seven, twenty-one, or even a thousand times at their deathbed, all lifetime transgressions will be extinguished.

This scripture passage expounds the manifold merits and miraculous effects of reciting the Gaoshang Yuhuang Benxing Jijing (The Supreme Jade Emperor's Scripture of Original Deeds). It states that sincere recitation of this scripture can prevent one from falling into evil rebirths, allowing the practitioner to ascend to the celestial realms after death.

Even if someone has accumulated grave offenses through countless cycles of reincarnation, merely encountering a person who recites this scripture—whether by being briefly touched by their shadow or hearing their voice—is like being illuminated by the radiance of the Jade Emperor (one of Daoism's supreme deities) and receiving the teachings of the Celestial Lord. Such contact ensures the permanent eradication of that person's karmic burdens.

When the Jade Emperor's sacred name is inscribed on long banners and hung high—whether in temples or homes—the wind-blown movement of these banners brings blessings to all beings in their direction, dissolving their negative karma. Similarly, engraving the Jade Emperor's name on ritual instruments like bells, chimes, or hand-gongs, or on altar implements, purifies the sins of all who hear their resonant tones, whether near or far.

Practitioners who recite this scripture while cultivating in deep mountain forests radiate transformative power: wherever their gaze reaches across the landscape—upon birds, beasts, plants, or trees—all living beings within sight are cleansed of karmic defilements. Such adepts are assured celestial ascension at life's end, becoming embodiments of the "meritorious Dharma-body" (possessing all virtues described in Daoist scriptures).

Hearing these extraordinary benefits, the Jade Void God-Emperor (an exalted Daoist divinity) rejoiced and composed a hymn of praise: In the Great Brahma Heaven (Daoism's highest celestial realm) beyond the Nine Heavens stands the resplendent Jade Capital with its golden towers, where the compassionate Jade Emperor resides. Wielding supreme Daoist dharma, he subdues all demonic forces. This realm teems with countless immortals, numinous talismans (Fulu), and celestial statutes—all who hear the Jade Emperor's name are liberated from sin and the bitter sea of rebirth. This sovereign is the "Ancient True Lord of the Azure Vault," ruler of the cosmic firmament.

The passage concludes by noting these descriptions merely hint at the scripture's boundless merits. A full exposition might breed skepticism among ordinary people due to their deluded views—the true benefits of this sacred text remain beyond exhaustive expression.

This passage describes the noble character and great virtues of the supreme Daoist deity, the Jade Emperor (also known as the Emperor of Jade Purity). Endowed with perfect wisdom and eloquence, he embodies the supreme Dao (the Way) and serves as the teacher of the Three Realms: heaven, earth, and the underworld.

As the primordial source at the dawn of chaos (Hunyuan Ancestor), he is the invincible ruler (Unconquerable Lord) and a compassionate father to all beings born from womb, egg, moisture, or transformation (the Four Kinds of Birth). This supreme sage dwelling in the highest heavens (Exalted Celestial Saint) possesses ten perfect honorific titles (Tenfold Perfection of Titles), his entire being radiant with immeasurable merit. He universally delivers sentient beings, rescuing them from the suffering of the cycle of birth and death.

When the Emperor of Jade Purity proclaimed these praises and ten honorific titles, all celestial beings joined in unison to extol him, declaring they had never before heard such sublime praises. This passage is taken from the middle scroll of the Scripture of the Fundamental Acts of the Exalted Jade Emperor (Gaoshang Yuhuang Benxing Jijing).