《高上玉皇本行集經(一)》Vol. 3

At this moment, Haotian Shangdi (one of the supreme deities in Daoism) rose from his seat after listening to the scripture's teachings. Kneeling respectfully before the Jade Emperor, he said: "I beseech Your Majesty to expound this sacred text for all present and sentient beings throughout the heavens, that all who hear it may receive its benefits." With compassionate heart, the Jade Emperor opened the Dharma gate to benefit all beings, proclaimed the Jade Cabinet Liturgy (Yugui Keyi, an important Daoist scripture), and transmitted the essential methods of Lingbao. Addressing Haotian Shangdi, he declared: "Listen carefully, for I shall explain the merits of reciting this scripture—it can rescue from peril, deliver the deceased, and benefit all living beings. These are its divine wonders."

All the assembled immortals and perfected beings bowed reverently, chanting in unison: "We disciples are fortunate today to hear this eternal and wondrous Dharma. We all pray to bring blessings to beings in the Three Realms (Desire Realm, Form Realm, and Formless Realm) above, and to relieve suffering in the Three Evil Paths (hells, hungry ghosts, and animal realms) below. We humbly beseech the Jade Emperor's compassion to reveal to us this subtle Dharma meaning."

The Jade Emperor proclaimed: "Should any sentient being practice filial piety toward parents, revere the Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and teachers), remain loyal to rulers; abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, envy, anger, resentment, arrogance, and deceit; uphold precepts with purified body and mind, single-mindedly devoted to the Dao while reciting this scripture with sincere heart—I shall command deities from all directions to descend and offer protection:

I command the Eastern Emperor Donghua (sovereign of the eastern immortal realm) to lead his azure cavalry and countless celestial troops to descend and protect the reciter; command the Southeast Emperor Fusang with his host of immortals to descend in protection; command the Southern Emperor Zhuling to lead his crimson cavalry in protection; command the Southwest Elder Taihua with his host to descend; command the Western Emperor Haoling to lead his white cavalry in protection; command the Northwest Emperor Huangtian Shangdi with his host to descend; command the Northern Emperor Ziwei (Polaris deity) to lead his black cavalry in protection."

This passage depicts the magnificent scene of Daoism's "Eight Directional Protectors." Devotees who recite the scriptures receive comprehensive divine protection. The directional emperors and their cavalry colors correspond to Five Phase theory (azure, crimson, white, and black representing Wood, Fire, Metal, and Water respectively), embodying the Daoist cosmology of heaven-human resonance.

The Heavenly Lord of Flowing Emptiness from the northeast, along with his countless celestial troops, will descend upon the mortal realm by divine command to protect those who recite this scripture. I decree that the Celestial Emperor of the Central Realm (one of the Five Directional Thearchs), the ancient immortals of Mount Kunlun, and their legions of yellow-robed celestial soldiers shall also descend to guard and uphold the reciters.

The Heavenly Lord of Harmony from the upper realms and the immortals dwelling within sacred mountains and great grottoes shall descend with their countless troops to offer protection. I command all Golden Immortals (high-ranking transcendents), the Fourfold Assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen), the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors (including heavenly dragons and divine beings), and their retinues to come forth and safeguard those who chant this scripture.

The Flying Celestial Kings and Great Flying Deities of the Ten Directions, the Three Officials (Heavenly, Earthly, and Water Officials), the Four Sacred Guardians, the sun, moon, and stars, the Lords of the Northern and Southern Dippers, the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the myriad constellations of the heavens, as well as the Vajra Warriors and Divine Kings—all shall descend with their hosts to protect and uphold. I command the Demon-Subduing Warriors, the guardians of the Four Heavenly Gates, the mountain and river deities of the Five Sacred Peaks and Four Great Rivers, and all sovereigns of mountains, streams, and seas to bring their retinues and shield the reciters, turning peril into peace.

All earth deities, numinous officials, spirits of ditches and waterways—even the mighty ghost kings—must protect those who recite this scripture. Let all malevolent demons and heretical forces tremble and retreat, fleeing to distant lands. The spirits of forests and mountains, the gods of temples, the plague-spreading demons, wind fiends, water monsters, calamitous dragons, and earth essences shall all vanish of their own accord. Nightmares, curses, venomous creatures, and all misfortunes shall naturally dissipate, and the heart’s desires shall be fulfilled.

Even those who do not fully observe the fasting rituals but sincerely revere this scripture shall receive merits equal to those who strictly uphold the precepts. Such individuals shall attain the blessings of carefree liberation, be revered as sages among mortals, and see their virtue renewed daily, akin to realized Daoist adepts.

At this, the Celestial Emperor of the Vast Heaven (the supreme deity of Daoism), having heard these vows, sang a hymn of praise before the Jade Emperor.

The supreme Dao is formless and transcends all concepts of time and space. When primordial chaos first divided, the celestial path (the movement of heavenly bodies) manifested, separating heaven and earth into clarity. Divine radiance illuminated the nine heavens as the souls of the celestial realms inhaled and exhaled their essence. The jade void of the immortal realms shone with purity, while the celestial clouds (the divine mists of the immortal world) hung high in the firmament.

The Jade Emperor initiated his teachings to universally deliver beings of both the celestial and human realms. Through the Dao of the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen), life is nourished, while the two energies of Yin and Yang sustain vitality. Like withered trees sprouting anew or tiny insects transforming their forms, all beings—whether in the womb or in gestation—flourish and multiply. The souls of the departed return to the sacred realms of the Three Pure Ones (Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing), ascending to immortality after refinement in the Southern Palace (the Daoist institution for refining departed souls).

Today is an auspicious occasion, with all things bathed in light. The Five Thearchs of the cardinal directions observe the mortal world, announcing this decree to all divine beings—celestial deities, earth spirits (local gods), the guardians of river sources, the sacred peaks and great rivers, as well as the immortals dwelling in mountain grottoes. The supreme sages residing in the mystical realms of Dongxuan, Dongxu, and Dongkong, along with the supreme deities of the boundless realm, ceaselessly illuminate and deliver all beings.

Those who sever the roots of evil will have their names recorded in Xuandu (the Daoist celestial realm). The assembled immortals stand in orderly ranks, listening to the Jade Emperor’s decree. This scripture is his sacred command, and those who recite it will receive protection until they transcend suffering, free from calamity. By the Jade Emperor’s decree, I proclaim: All beings must listen.

After the Heavenly Lord of the Vast Heaven spoke these words, he further revealed to the assembly: This is the profound teaching of the Jade Emperor, the secret transmission treasured by the sages. Its principles transcend ordinary thought, subtle and unfathomable—the highest model of the divine realm, capable of protecting nations and delivering beings from life and death.

As the Heavenly Lord expounded these truths, the pure assembly at the Dharma gathering listened with reverence, universally attaining enlightenment. Then the Heavenly Lord spoke in verse:

The merit of the Jade Emperor is vast and boundless, his profound principles deep and inscrutable. Born countless eons ago, he governs creation through all ages. Now I proclaim this wondrous scripture, compassionate toward all sentient beings. This is the supreme Dharma gate, the highest merit among merits, its name unparalleled, with no teaching that can compare.

As the King of Great Radiance, the Jade Emperor’s majestic virtue and sacred power are rare and precious. He shatters all demonic forces, subduing their hearts; he eradicates the gravest sins, restoring purity. Those who hear this scripture or the name of the Jade Emperor, and who sincerely bow in reverence, will have all their transgressions dissolved—including the Ten Evils (killing, theft, etc.), the Four Grave Offenses (the most severe Buddhist transgressions), and the Five Heinous Crimes (such as killing one’s parents). With faith, merely invoking his name erases sins in an instant.

The Jade Emperor protects beings of heaven and earth, freeing them from the Four Marks (birth, aging, sickness, and death) and the Five Signs of Decay (the five signs of a celestial being’s decline). He rescues those suffering in the Three Evil Paths (hell, hungry ghosts, and animals) and dispels worldly calamities—whether famine, plague, poison, or curses; wrongful imprisonment, war, or hardship; the perils of tigers, leopards, and wolves in mountain forests, or the havoc of venomous dragons in rivers and seas—even storms, thunder, and hail. The Jade Emperor shelters all beings in peace.

This scripture primarily expounds upon the miraculous efficacy and protective power of reciting the Gaoshang Yuhuang Benxing Jijing (Supreme Jade Emperor's Scripture of Original Conduct). The text states that those who sincerely chant this scripture will be safeguarded from all manner of calamities—be it floods and fires, harm from thieves and bandits, madness induced by gu poison, or venomous bites from snakes and scorpions. Even malevolent spirits and demons dare not approach. The chronically ill will find recovery, and troubling nightmares will cease.

Those seeking wealth and nobility will have their wishes fulfilled through the merit (De) of this scripture. All celestial beings—including the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions (ershiba xingxiu), Thirty-Two Heaven Emperors (sanshi'er tiandi), dragon kings of rivers and lakes, wind and fire deities—will descend to offer protection. Households will enjoy abundant food and clothing, with descendants attaining nobility and the speaker's words carrying weight and respect. For those praying for offspring, the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi) will dispatch heavenly immortals to be reborn in their families—children destined for greatness, with ancestors attaining Daoist immortality.

The scripture particularly emphasizes this classic's supreme dignity and profound mystery, capable of universal salvation. Whether emperor or commoner, all who worship sincerely will receive protection for their households and nations, with disasters dissolved and calamities averted. Peace will reign under heaven, with no banditry and people living contentedly. However, those who obtain this scripture must treasure it carefully and never reveal it lightly.

Finally, several Perfected Persons (Zhenren)—including the Compassionate Savior from Calamity (Cibe Du'e Zhenren) and the Sound-Seeking Deliverer from Suffering (Xunsheng Jiuku Zhenren)—add that in this Dharma-Ending Age, though some encounter this scripture due to past virtuous karma, they may doubt its efficacy due to delusions from evil obstructions. This serves as a reminder to maintain steadfast faith.

(Note: The term "Zhenren" refers to Daoist perfected beings who have attained the Dao. The "Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions" represent ancient Chinese astronomical constellations, while the "Thirty-Two Heaven Emperors" govern the thirty-two celestial realms in Daoist cosmology.)

What retribution awaits those who commit evil deeds in their lifetime after they descend to hell? The Celestial Master (Tianshi, the highest deity in Daoism) is asked to explain the suffering brought by wicked actions. The Celestial Master reveals to the Four Perfected Ones (practitioners who have attained the Dao): Those in the mortal world who are obstinately cruel and malicious—who show no reverence before sacred statues yet spew slanderous words—will fall into the Five Uninterrupted Hells (the most severe hell realms) for such transgressions. However, if they encounter someone reciting this scripture and are skillfully guided to temporarily quell their evil thoughts, developing faith in this sacred text, all their sins may be cleansed.

There are also foolish and stubborn evildoers who, upon seeing others recite this scripture, feel rebellious disdain—even casting scornful glances. The mere arising of one wicked thought or utterance of a single slanderous word against the scripture’s bearer ensures they will descend into the Great Hell after death, never to find liberation. Worse still are those who possess the scripture yet show no reverence: touching it with unclean hands, reciting it after consuming impure foods, placing it on defiled bedding, or frivolously mocking its teachings in casual conversation. After death, they will plunge into the Uninterrupted Hell, implicating nine generations of ancestors to suffer interrogations in Fengdu (the Daoist underworld) and bringing calamity upon their descendants. In hell, they will endure immense torment across countless kalpas. Even if a saint intervenes to lessen their punishment, they must first spend millions of years as starving ghosts, deprived of even the name of sustenance, then be reborn as beasts. If they eventually regain human form, it will be among barbaric lands of heretical beliefs—born as women plagued by poverty, illness, and social revulsion, trapped between unbearable life and unattainable death.

Others may initially accept the scripture but later grow negligent. The Boy Recorders (messengers of the Three Officials) will then inscribe their names in the Black Register of Sins and shorten their lifespans in the Blue Register of Blessings. After death, they will be confined in dark prisons, cycling endlessly through the Three Wretched Realms (hell, hungry ghosts, and beasts) without release. Some may face retribution in this very life: afflicted with vile diseases like scabies, leprosy, or festering sores, suffering day and night; or meeting sudden disasters, imprisonment, or even accidental poisoning—all consequences of disrespecting the sacred scripture.

This scripture describes the various calamities people may encounter—being bitten by tigers, wolves, or venomous snakes; suffering vengeance from enemies; meeting violent ends at the hands of wicked men in the mountains and forests; being harmed by malevolent spirits (wangliang); or falling victim to floods, fires, or the chaos of war. These misfortunes arise from disregarding the scriptures and violating the Dao of Heaven, a truly grievous consequence.

The text teaches people to sincerely uphold the righteous path and refrain from harboring wicked thoughts. With a pure heart, all evil affinities will naturally dissolve, and calamities will vanish of their own accord. The merit (de) of this scripture is inconceivable—it is the most sublime and wondrous Dharma, supreme among all classics, capable of bringing immense benefit. However, it must not be carelessly transmitted to those without proper spiritual foundation.

The scripture specifically states that when celestial beings (tianren) manifest the five signs of decay (the five marks of a deva’s impending death) or the four marks of existence (birth, aging, sickness, and death), if they abandon delusions and recite this scripture with sincere devotion, they will attain celestial blessings, transcend the Three Realms (the realms of desire, form, and formlessness), and abide eternally with the Dao.

This scripture possesses unparalleled power and virtue (de). Like a miraculous incantation, it can revive withered trees, bringing forth lush blossoms and fruit; it can relieve beings from their deepest suffering; it can even grant longevity to those destined for short lives. Yet without profound cultivation roots and accumulated merit (fude), one cannot so much as hear the scripture’s name, let alone behold the text itself.

According to the Sandong Zhenge (the classification system of Daoist scriptures), this scripture is transmitted only once every eighty thousand kalpas (an immeasurably long cosmic cycle). It is treasured in the Jade Capital and Golden Palace (Yuijing Jinque), the highest celestial abode in Daoist cosmology, making it exceedingly rare and precious. Only those with karmic connections to immortality from past lives may encounter it. Even then, one must prepare offerings of gold, silver, and precious objects, take vows with a master, and receive it at the proper time—it must never be carelessly divulged.

Finally, the scripture employs several metaphors to illustrate its rarity: as inconceivable as lotuses blooming in rivers, crows’ feathers turning white, turtles growing fur that can be woven into cloth, moonlight melting ice and snow, mosquitoes’ legs forming bridges strong enough to bear weight, or a small bird lifting Mount Tai and casting it afar. These images all emphasize that encountering this scripture requires immense karmic fortune.

This scripture employs a series of astonishing metaphors to illustrate how exceedingly rare it is to encounter this sacred text. It describes phenomena as improbable as a single leaf bearing the weight of Mount Kunlun while floating across oceans, or a leech growing tusks as massive as elephant ivory, or wormwood leaves large enough to shade infinite worlds and shelter countless beings. These metaphors all emphasize that hearing this scripture is ten million times more extraordinary than any of these marvels.

The Celestial Venerable (the highest deity in Daoism) then addresses all present, proclaiming that those who uphold and recite this scripture will attain supreme merit. This manifests in ten sublime states: they become a body of merit capable of sheltering all beings; a body of spiritual powers gathering all auspicious signs; a pure body untouched by negative karma; a majestic body unswayed by demons and heterodox paths; a peerless body praised even by the Jade Emperor; an indestructible body unharmed by calamities; a treasury body of the Dao whose words command reverence from spirits; a compassionate body blessing beings across all six realms; a body of the Great Dao that moves through the world without fear; a healer's body benefiting others with wondrous methods; a radiant body perpetually guarded by divine light; and a sovereign body capable of celestial journeys through heavenly palaces.

Finally, the text explains that the merits of reciting this scripture are beyond full description. If a genuine Daoist practitioner establishes an altar, dons fresh, clean robes, and at the stillest hour of midnight sits facing east in a purified chamber, taps their teeth nine times, and recites this scripture, the Most High Immortals (Taizhen) will personally attend them, the Jade Consort (Yufei) will arrange their seat, ten thousand spirits will assemble in homage, and all celestial realms will descend to listen.

This scripture describes the profound merits of cultivating the Gaoshang Yuhuang Benxing Jijing (Scripture of the Jade Emperor’s Primordial Deeds). When practicing, one should first close the eyes, calm the mind, and visualize standing amid five-colored auspicious clouds, with the body radiating brilliant light. At this moment, celestial immortals (zhongzhen) from the heavenly realms will descend to welcome the practitioner, fulfilling all heartfelt aspirations and spontaneously bestowing divine elixirs and wondrous treasures. Thus, one must reverently uphold this scripture in strict accordance with its rituals. Even the highest Golden Immortals (sanshi jinxian) and enlightened sages from all directions (shifang dasheng) attained the supreme Dao through its cultivation.

The Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi) is revered as the teacher of all buddhas and the sovereign of sages. Ordinary people who encounter this scripture will receive protection from the Five Thearchs (wudi), gain the ability to summon divine beings, command celestial palaces, and harmonize Yin-Yang. All immortals and deities will pay homage, while malevolent spirits retreat. At life’s end, practitioners will be refined and liberated in the Southern Palace (a Daoist paradise for soul purification), ascending to the Shangqing Heaven to eternally unite with the Dao.

The scripture further explains that sentient beings who hear this text and feel inspired—setting up a purified space at home to enshrine an image of the Jade Emperor, offering incense, flowers, lamps, and fruits with devotion, and reciting his name in reverence—will obtain thirty extraordinary blessings. These include praise from immortals, ancestral salvation, dispelling calamities, fulfilled wishes, protection from theft and disasters (fire or flood), auspicious dreams, freedom from illness, enhanced wisdom, harmonious relationships, material abundance, illustrious descendants, family unity, exemption from rebirth in the Three Wretched Realms (hell, hungry ghosts, or animals), transformation from female to male form, dignified appearance, high-ranking officialdom or even rebirth as a monarch, reverence from spirits, attainment of past-life recollection (sutra-mingtong), divine guardianship, blessings for nine generations, longevity and health, gratitude from all beings, escort by demon kings, transcendence beyond the Three Realms (desire, form, and formlessness), and ultimately, ascension in broad daylight—all inconceivable rewards of boundless grace.

The Most High Jade Emperor (the supreme deity of Daoism) addressed the assembly once more: The merit of this scripture is immeasurably vast. It can shatter the Iron Encircling Mountains (a cosmic mountain range recognized in both Buddhist and Daoist cosmology), dry up the Sea of Suffering, destroy the great hell realms, liberate beings from the suffering caused by grave offenses, subdue violent demons, and protect all nations. It eradicates all malevolent spirits, cures severe illnesses, neutralizes deadly poisons, keeps people safe from evil individuals, tames venomous creatures and fierce beasts, and dismantles all heterodox paths. Even the celestial deities bow before its power—such are its boundless merits.

Hearing these words, the Golden Immortals (Jinxian), Bodhisattvas, True Saints (Zhensheng), and their retinues present at the Dharma assembly rejoiced with uplifted hearts. They paid reverent homage and chanted this hymn of praise:

"O Supreme Dao (Dao), you transcend all sects—you are the ultimate truth. You deliver celestial beings and relieve the souls in the underworld. You have neither master nor patriarch, for the Dao itself is your essence. Within the Purple Palace of the Cinnabar Terrace (immortals' abode) and the Jade Capital's Golden Towers (celestial palaces), this profound teaching lies concealed—a dharma gate that benefits all living beings, eradicates our countless transgressions, and prolongs our lifespan. Ten thousand spirits come to pay homage; even demon kings offer their protection. So flourishing is its merit that its name is inscribed upon the Golden Registers (Huanglu, the Daoist celestial records). Though countless kalpas (eons) may pass, it grants us everlasting existence."

After chanting this hymn, the assembly again bowed in reverence, took refuge in the Great Dao, and withdrew. This passage comes from the final scroll of The Collected Scriptures of the Primordial Acts of the Most High Jade Emperor (Gaoshang Yuhuang Benxing Jijing).

(Note: The translation maintains Daoist technical terms with pinyin in parentheses for first occurrences, follows natural paragraph flow, and preserves the original's length and detail while ensuring accessibility. It adheres to the glossary's standardized renderings of key terms like Dao, Jinxian, and Huanglu.)