《無上大乘要訣妙經》

The Wushang Dacheng Yaojue Miaojing (Supreme Great Vehicle Essential Secret Scripture), Chapter 4 records:

At that time, the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the highest deity in Daoism) manifested divine powers during the Dragon-Han kalpic cycle in the Land of Great Bliss Hall. He transformed into a mystical platform naturally formed from seven treasures, adorned with various jewels and draped with embroidered canopies that covered the entire realm. Seated upon this platform, the Celestial Venerable radiated boundless light illuminating the infinite worlds of the ten directions.

Countless sacred beings gathered: the assembly of great sages and divine beings, the Flying Celestial Kings, the True Elder of Cinnabar Numen (Southern Fire Virtue True Lord), the Three Heavenly Lords of Supreme Qi, the Jade Dawn Supreme Sovereign, along with other perfected beings, the left and right guardian true lords, and innumerable immortal multitudes. The great demon kings of the three realms, the dragon kings of the four seas, and immortals from the ten directions arrived riding on light, offering priceless treasures. The hundred-harmony wondrous incense naturally diffused its fragrance without being lit, while celestial music resounded from the heavens.

The Primordial Heavenly King addressed the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (a high-ranking Daoist deity): "Your accumulated merit runs deep, and your wisdom transcends the ordinary. You are already capable of teaching living beings and universally delivering all creatures, penetrating the source of the myriad sages. Yet you still lack this supreme essential secret of the Great Vehicle—the inexhaustible dharma-gate of ultimate permanence. Having cultivated virtue across countless kalpas, the time is now ripe." Thereupon, he transmitted the highest essential teaching: "This dharma has no form above to seek, no abyss below to fathom. Cultivating the dharma-body attains the irreversible fruit, making you equal to us. You must universally deliver beings through the Three Vehicle methods, constantly abiding in great compassion, building for sentient beings a bridge to transcend afflictions and surpass the three realms."

The Supreme Dao Lord rose from his seat, prostrated in reverence, and humbly received the sacred decree, exclaiming: "Hearing this teaching today brings immeasurable joy to my heart. Recalling my earlier days cultivating the Dao in mountain forests, I often wondered why the Celestial Venerable only taught me through the Small Vehicle methods. Now I understand this was due to my own insufficient wisdom—had I earlier aroused the great mind to cultivate the wisdom of the Dongxuan (Mysterious Cavern), I could have directly realized the Great Vehicle. Limited by shallow understanding, we became content with the Small Vehicle immortal fruits upon hearing the Dao teachings, remaining stagnant for years. Only today do I realize that true children of the Dao are those born from the Dao and nurtured by its laws."

The Dao Lord rejoiced boundlessly and praised in verse: "(specific verse content omitted here)"

[Contextual Notes]

1. "Dragon-Han" refers to a cyclical kalpic era in Daoist cosmology.

2. "Three Vehicles" denote the three levels of Daoist practice: Small Vehicle (self-liberation), Middle Vehicle (liberating self and others), and Great Vehicle (universal deliverance).

3. "Irreversible" indicates reaching a state of practice that never regresses.

4. The described scene of the Celestial Venerable's teaching follows the common "dharma assembly" narrative pattern in Daoist scriptures.

When I first heard this supreme wondrous Dharma, my heart overflowed with unprecedented joy. All nets of doubt were completely shattered—from this moment onward, I would never lose the true meaning of the Great Vehicle (the highest Buddhist teaching of universal salvation), and my lifespan would become immeasurable and indestructible. This teaching has the power to eliminate the afflictions of all sentient beings. Upon hearing it, all my own afflictions were healed, and I realized that clinging to the Lesser Vehicle (the path of self-liberation alone) was the gravest mistake.

Now, having received the supreme prediction of Buddhahood, I am utterly freed from all suffering. Looking back to the time when I did not understand this teaching, I was no different from other deluded beings—who among them could truly awaken? All this is the fruit of accumulated virtuous deeds over countless lifetimes. Now bathed in the nectar of wisdom, I have attained the thirty-two golden marks (auspicious physical signs of a Buddha) and eighty excellent characteristics (distinctive features of a Buddha). My merit is so profound that even the demon king cannot slander it. Having realized the Dharma-gate of emptiness, all doubts and regrets have been purified, and the demonic hosts have been subdued. Now, with utmost reverence, I bow in devotion.

The Dao Lord (a high-ranking Daoist deity) said: "Throughout countless kalpas (immeasurably long cosmic cycles), I have expounded the supreme Dao, continuously guiding and teaching you. You, too, have long followed me in study, and I have led each of you into the Dharma according to your individual capacities. My original intent was for you to aspire to the highest truth of the Dao, yet you remained content with lesser teachings. Now, I shall proclaim to you this Great Vehicle scripture, the Supreme Numinous Treasure Teaching of All Perfected Dharma."

The Celestial Worthy (the highest Daoist divinity) said: "Due to your accumulated profound merit, you have now fulfilled your vow and ascended the throne of supreme wisdom. The radiant splendor of the Seven-Jeweled Celestial Palace shines upon you, and you, too, must teach sentient beings through the Three Vehicles (the paths of Śrāvaka, Pratyekabuddha, and Bodhisattva)." At that moment, all the sages assembled, and the heavens gathered like clouds. Seeing the Dao Lord receive the supreme prediction of enlightenment, they rejoiced and leapt for joy, casting off their celestial robes and scattering exquisite flowers in offering. The air resounded with countless celestial melodies, and all in the assembly awakened the mind of supreme, perfect enlightenment.

After receiving the supreme prediction of Dao-fruition, the Dao Lord addressed the Celestial Worthy, saying: "In the past, by following your teachings, I was able to escape the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death that afflicts all beings, attaining the Dharma of eternal abiding. I beseech you to explain the causes and conditions of this to the fourfold assembly (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen), so that all may be freed from doubt."

The Celestial Worthy replied: "Those with wisdom can comprehend truth through parables. Consider this: There was once an elder, aged and frail, yet immensely wealthy. His mansion was vast, but it had only one gate, and within it lived over a hundred people. Suddenly, the house caught fire. Though I could escape, the children remained inside, heedlessly playing, unaware of the approaching danger. The flames had already reached them, yet they still did not perceive the peril. I called out to them: 'This house is burning...'"

This scripture recounts a vivid parable: A wealthy elder (representing the literati) sees children trapped in a burning house (symbolizing the fiery abode of the Three Realms) and employs various means to guide them to safety. He promises them three types of carriages—a humble cart, a modest carriage, and a grand ox-drawn chariot—as rewards. Yet when the children emerge unharmed, he presents each with the same magnificent seven-jeweled chariot (symbolizing the supreme and ultimate Dao).

Through this metaphor, the scripture illustrates how the Dao Ancestor (the Great Dao) is like a father to all beings. He sees sentient beings tormented by birth, aging, sickness, and death, as well as sorrow and suffering—trapped as if surrounded by flames. Obsessed with wealth, lust, fame, and profit, they endure endless pain, and after death, they face the retribution of hell, the animal realm, or the hungry ghost realm. Even those born in the human or heavenly realms cannot escape poverty, separation, or resentment. Yet beings remain oblivious, like children playing heedlessly in the burning house.

With great compassion, the Dao Ancestor employs skillful means to teach and guide sentient beings, helping them break free from the fires of the Three Poisons (greed, hatred, and delusion) and ultimately attain the supreme and ultimate Dao (the seven-jeweled chariot). This embodies the core spirit of Daoist salvation: all beings are equal and capable of attaining the Dao.

The Wushang Dasheng Yaojue Miaojing (Supreme Great Vehicle Essential Secret Marvelous Scripture) presents this teaching:

The Great Dao (the supreme truth) beholds sentient beings trapped within the Triple Realm (desire realm, form realm, and formless realm) like a burning house, fleeing in all directions yet unaware they're amidst calamity despite enduring immense suffering. The Dao proclaims: "As the father of all beings, I must rescue them from distress, bestowing boundless wisdom and eternal abodes of the Way, that they may attain liberation and perfect freedom."

The scripture reveals that divine power alone cannot truly deliver beings without exposing the horrors of the Triple Realm. These beings, tormented by birth, aging, sickness and death—consumed as if by flames—how could they comprehend a sage's wisdom? Like a strong father who rescues children from fire not by brute force but skillful means, first extracting them from danger before granting precious carriages, so too the Great Dao employs wisdom and expedient means to save beings from the burning house of samsara, offering three liberation vehicles (the Three Vehicles: terrestrial immortality, celestial immortality, and the supreme vehicle of the Dao).

A solemn warning follows: clinging to coarse sensory pleasures within the Triple Realm is like embracing fire. Only by urgently transcending these realms can one attain the three progressive stages of immortal cultivation. This truth is absolute. Those who understand these Three Vehicles earn the sages' praise. With compassionate hearts and serene practice, practitioners naturally attain the joy of wuwei (non-action).

When practitioners hearing these true teachings diligently cultivate, seeking supreme wisdom while vowing to deliver all beings, they walk the path of the Great Vehicle. Such aspirants are called supreme cultivators. Just as children leave a burning house seeking ox-drawn carriages, the Great Dao liberates beings from the Triple Realm's suffering. Though initially teaching the Three Vehicles as guidance, ultimately all are delivered through the Great Vehicle. This dharma gate is inexhaustible, yet few beings fully receive it.

Finally, the Daojun (transmitter of this teaching) joyfully proclaims in verse:

"The Celestial Worthy proclaims wondrous dharma—

Today we hear what never was before.

Obtaining the Great Dao's wisdom-power,

Our lifespan shall become immeasurable.

Hearing this scripture brings true joy—

Practice diligently the Six Perfections (giving, precepts, etc.).

With steadfast resolve and vigorous progress,

Spread truth throughout the Triple Realm,

Let marvelous tones pervade the ten directions.

Ultimately transcending the Great Brahma Heaven (highest celestial realm),

We'll wander carefree in wuwei's boundless realm."

This scripture expounds the core teachings and cultivation methods of Mahayana Daoism (the highest path of liberation within Daoist practice). The text begins by stating that the compassionate immortals (xian), moved by pity for sentient beings, reveal methods for prolonging life: one must nurture virtuous roots, eliminate afflictions, and pursue wisdom. Specific cultivation requires practicing the Six Perfections (generosity, precept observance, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom), maintaining pure ethical discipline, steadfast resolve, generous offerings, and wholehearted spiritual practice. Through accumulating such merit, one attains supreme wisdom and spiritual powers.

Accomplished practitioners may reach the Shangqing realm (one of the highest celestial realms among the Three Pure Heavens), abiding eternally in the Great Luo Heaven (the supreme celestial domain) in the company of numerous immortals. However, witnessing beings drowning in suffering, the immortals do not appear directly but guide people through the Lingbao scriptures (essential Daoist classics) toward aspiration for Mount Jade Capital (the abode of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning). There, treasure-filled palaces and immortal fruits await in Dharma pools, where cultivators attain satiety without eating and achieve longevity.

The scripture criticizes those bound by evil karma, doomed for countless kalpas due to wicked deeds. In contrast, virtuous practitioners, through gentle yet steadfast cultivation, are reborn upon lotuses (symbolizing purity), hear the Dharma's sound, and ascend with celestial immortals to immeasurable longevity. True cultivators shatter demonic obstacles, purify body and mind, eradicate all afflictions, and swiftly realize the supreme fruit of Dao.

The text concludes with a solemn emphasis: This Mahayana scripture is profoundly subtle—superficial minds cannot comprehend it. The arrogant and lazy should not casually believe it; worldly beings obsessed with desires neither understand it nor require explanation. Those who disbelieve this scripture or slander its practitioners incur grave sins, suffering severe retribution after death.

This scripture describes the severe karmic consequences of slandering Daoist texts and the immeasurable merits of revering the Lingbao Jing (Scripture of Numinous Treasure):

Those who defame the classics will suffer terrible retribution: first enduring countless kalpas (cosmic cycles) of torment in hell realms, then being reborn as beasts covered in festering sores and mange. Even if reborn human, they will bear deformities—crooked limbs, missing facial features, speech no one believes, foul breath that attracts ghosts, chronic poverty and illness. Any wealth gained will swiftly vanish; their medical treatments will worsen diseases; when ill, none will aid them; medicines will intensify their suffering, forever barred from hearing sages expound the scriptures.

In contrast, those who maintain pure precepts and sincerely seek the Dao may hear the wondrous Lingbao Jing. Yuanshi Tianzun (the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, highest Daoist deity) reveals to Daojun (Lord Lao, deified Laozi): In this Dharma-ending age, whether young or old, whoever hears the Lingbao Jing and cultivates it faithfully accrues boundless merit—surpassing even the virtue of donating treasures or teaching immortal arts. Just as a wealthy patron’s charity or guidance toward transcendence pales beside the joy of hearing this scripture, how much greater are the blessings of those who personally venerate the text!

Through stark contrasts, the passage underscores how reverence for Daoist scriptures determines spiritual fruition, urging sincere practice. Note: "Kalpa" (a Buddhist temporal unit) denotes vast cosmic cycles; "Five Sacred Peaks" refer to Daoism’s holy mountains; "lower transcendents" denote lesser immortals.

In places where scriptures are expounded, if someone who has observed purification rituals (a Daoist practice for cleansing body and mind) invites friends saying, "This Lingbao Scripture contains profound and exquisite teachings—let us go listen together," such a person shall attain immense merit.

Such individuals will be reborn with the foundation for Mahayana (the highest spiritual attainment in Daoism), possessing extraordinary wisdom. For hundreds of thousands of lifetimes, they will never be mute, nor will their mouths carry foul odors. Their tongues will remain free from illness, their oral cavities healthy, their teeth neither blackened nor yellowed, neither sparse nor loose. Their lips will not droop or wither, nor will their mouths be crooked, overly thick, oversized, or darkened—devoid of any repulsive features. Their noses will not be crooked or bent, their complexions neither darkened nor distorted, free from any unpleasing countenance. Their lips, tongues, and teeth will be perfectly aligned, their noses straight and noble, their faces full and harmonious, their eyebrows elegantly arched, their foreheads broad and smooth—possessing flawless features. Life after life, they will be accompanied by blessings and frequently encounter sacred teachings.

Merely encouraging others to listen to the scriptures brings such merit—how much more so for those who devoutly observe purification rituals and diligently recite the texts? Such blessings are immeasurable, beyond conception.

Then the Celestial Master (the highest deity in Daoism) spoke in verse:

If someone hears this scripture during purification, their merit is supreme, their blessings profound. Like one who generously gives alms, hosting countless guests while expounding the teachings to guide them toward immortality and realization. Human life is fleeting as a bubble; if aversion arises swiftly, one attains the rank of a perfected being (Zhenren), mastering the Three Clarities and Six Spirits (marks of spiritual accomplishment). Yet all these pale before the merit of teaching even a single verse to fellow seekers. Such a person's virtue is boundless, attaining a resplendent Dharma-body, becoming an honored guest of the highest sages. Their mouth exhales no foulness, only fragrant breath; in future lives they dwell in celestial realms or human palaces amid jewels. Urging others to sit quietly and listen aligns them eternally with the true Dao—how much more for those who personally uphold the scripture? Their blessings defy measure.

Even if one offered nations, cities, spouse, children, or immeasurable treasures as devotion, the merit would not equal upholding this Lingbao Scripture. Among all rivers and streams, the ocean reigns supreme; among scriptures, this one is unsurpassed. As the moon outshines the stars, so this scripture illuminates countless teachings like the noonday sun.

This Supreme Great Vehicle Essential Secret Scripture (Wushang Dasheng Yaojue Miao Jing) shines like light dispelling all darkness, capable of dissolving every form of ignorance and unwholesomeness. Just as the sacred emperor stands supreme among worldly kings, this scripture reigns as the most exalted among all sacred texts. Like Mahabrahma (the Buddhist creator deity) who fathers all beings, this scripture serves as the progenitor of all sages and immortals.

This scripture possesses the power to deliver all sentient beings from manifold sufferings, bestowing immense benefit and fulfilling their deepest aspirations. It quenches thirst like a cool pond, warms the freezing like fire, clothes the naked, reunites children with their mothers, provides boats for river crossings, offers physicians to the sick, becomes a lamp in darkness, and grants treasures to the destitute. Similarly, this Great Vehicle scripture enables all beings to transcend the bondage of samsara equally.

Should anyone make offerings of gold, silver, or precious treasures to receive and uphold this scripture—or even merely hear its teachings—the resulting merit would surpass what even the most exalted deities and celestial emperors could measure.

The Celestial Worthy (Tianzun, the supreme Daoist deity) instructed the Lord of Dao (Daojun, a high-ranking Daoist divinity): "Pitiable are these beings, entangled in endless sufferings—truly deserving compassion. Therefore I repeatedly emphasize this scripture. Diligently propagate it to deliver all sentient beings." The Lord of Dao reverently bowed and accepted this decree. All present spontaneously awakened the aspiration for genuine Daoist practice, as the Four Guardian Kings paid homage and withdrew in silence.