《太上元始天尊說續命妙經》
About this page. The original text of 《太上元始天尊說續命妙經》 (Dongzhen 洞真部, 1 volume) is shown in Classical Chinese as transmitted in the Kanripo (Kyoto University) edition. An English interpretation of the 1 passages on this page accompanies it: select a passage or press “Interpretation” to show it. All texts in English
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Source textInterpretation
Vol. 1
This scripture records the revelation of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity in Daoism) to the Supreme Lord of the Dao (Taishang Daojun):
Observing sentient beings of the Three Realms (the Realm of Desire, the Realm of Form, and the Formless Realm) drowning in suffering with no deliverance, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning addressed the Supreme Lord of the Dao: "How can you bear to remain a bystander? You must diligently cultivate my teachings to universally save all beings."
Having received this command, the Supreme Lord of the Dao solemnly proclaimed: Should any being encounter illness or calamity, they need only recite this scripture with sincere devotion while invoking the names of the "Great Compassionate, Great Merciful, and Great Benevolent Perfected Being" and the "Great Compassionate, Great Merciful Savior from Suffering Perfected Being" to be liberated from affliction and attain deliverance. Not only will this alleviate sickness and prolong life, but it will also dissolve all disasters and karmic obstacles.
The scripture concludes with a summarizing verse:
These two Great Compassionate Perfected Beings
Deliver the suffering of the Three Realms.
Their radiant light illuminates the world,
Even the tortures of hell cease—
The mountain of blades loses its edge,
The boiling cauldrons grow cool.
With sincere recitation of their holy names,
Even souls burdened by grave sins find liberation.
Mortals are often tormented by illness and calamity,
Their suffering injuring the Five Viscera and clouding the spirit (Shen).
Moved by compassion for beings' anguish,
The Perfected Beings grant refuge to all devout followers.
Those who persevere in invoking these two holy names
Shall be freed from suffering and cured of disease,
With malevolent forces daring not approach.
Through unceasing practice day and night,
Complete liberation will ultimately be attained.
The courageous and diligent
Shall finally arrive at the Seven-Jeweled Grove (a Daoist celestial paradise).
Source text: Kanripo 漢籍リポジトリ（KR5a0048）; Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Report an error / feedback