《太上洞淵神咒經》Vol. 12

The Primordial Heavenly Worthy (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity of Daoism) addressed the Five Directional Thearchs, the Nine Heavens' Divine Kings, and the Perfected Ones from the Ten Directions: "I have ceaselessly observed sentient beings across the Three Realms (the Realm of Desire, Realm of Form, and Formless Realm), witnessing their perpetual cycling through the Five Paths (the Paths of Heaven, Humanity, Beasts, Hungry Ghosts, and Hell). Like echoes following sound, the wheel of karma turns inexorably. Seeing beings drowning helplessly in the sea of birth and death, my heart is moved to reveal the truth of the Great Dao, guiding those with affinity to return to the source.

Since time immemorial, through countless kalpas, I have nurtured all beings of the Three Realms and Five Paths with parental compassion. Through infinite causal connections, I employ myriad manifestations, names, voices, and teachings tailored to each being's capacity. I have transmitted the Three Caverns scriptures (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen) as vessels of salvation, delivering beings from the snares of desire and dismantling attachments. Yet beings remain bound by karmic fetters—deluded by ignorance, tossed about by the Three Corpses (three malevolent spirits that damage jing, qi, and shen) and Nine Worms (parasitic entities within the body), creating evil karma that perpetuates suffering through cycles of rebirth, plagued by chronic illness and misfortune.

To dispel such suffering, one must first contemplate the root of arising thoughts, still deluded mentation, and take refuge in the Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and teachers). Cultivate compassion, frugality, and humility. Visualize the names and forms of the Seven Perfected Lords (high-ranking Daoist immortals) and the Ten Directions' Heavenly Worthies, meditate upon the majestic appearances of the Eight Pristine Tai Su and the Nine Qi Primordial Goddesses (high-ranking Daoist female deities). Through breath regulation, scripture recitation, hanging sacred banners, offering flowers and incense, and sincere vow-making, repent transgressions—thus gradually dissolving karmic obstructions.

Practitioners chanting this scripture awaken wisdom; the chronically ill receive qi nourishment and healing. When haunted by malevolent spirits, accompany recitation with drumming and bell-ringing to disperse entities. When dwelling alone in wilderness, chant while regulating breath to ward off hunger, cold, and evil influences. The talismanic secrets within this text require sincere reception and focused visualization to manifest efficacy."

This scripture elucidates Daoist methods for dispelling calamities, protecting the body, and cultivating inner nature through scripture recitation and mantra chanting. It states that when encountering various disasters—such as warfare, epidemics, natural calamities, or human-made misfortunes—sincerely reciting the Supreme Cavern Abyss Divine Incantation Scripture (Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing) can make baleful stars retreat, malevolent spirits vanish, weapons break, and plagues cease.

The text mentions how celestial beings—including the "Five Venerable Sovereigns" (Wulao Shangdi, the five highest Daoist deities), "Ten Directions' Flying Celestials" (Shifang Feitian, divine generals from all cosmic directions), and "Seven Sage Immortals" (Qisheng Shenxian, seven perfected transcendents)—will descend to offer protection. These deities transmit essential Daoist methods, secret formulas, and divine incantations with talismanic registers (fulu), teachings preserved through the "Three Dragon Calamities" (three great cosmic catastrophes) specifically to deliver sentient beings.

The scripture emphasizes three prerequisites for practitioners: First, maintaining "cinnabar sincerity" (dancheng, utmost devotion) with unwavering persistence; second, valuing spiritual cultivation over material comforts; third, adhering to the "Four Poles Bright Precepts" (siji mingke, Daoist ethical codes) and "Three Primes Ancient Canons" (sanyuan jiudian, classical Daoist texts). Transmission of these secret methods requires three months of purified fasting (zhai); if constrained by worldly duties, at least seven or twenty-one days of purification are mandatory. Reckless disclosure incurs "wind-blade bodily punishment" (fengdao kao shen, celestial retribution).

The latter section presents the "Mysterious Perfected Body-Protection Talismanic Incantation" (Xuanzhen Hushen Fu Shenzhou), transmitted by seven Perfected Lords (zhenjun). They teach that regardless of social status or age, all may chant this mantra when facing illness, disaster, danger, hardship, crisis, or sorrow. References to "Seven Perfected" (qizhen) and "Nine Perfected" (jiuzhen) denote progressive stages of Daoist cultivation. Through devoted recitation, practitioners receive protection from the "Celestial Perfected" (tianzhen, primordial divine spirits), safeguarding body and mind to ultimately realize the "Way of Non-Action" (wuwei zhi dao, the supreme Daoist attainment).

The scripture concludes with visions of accomplished cultivation: the dharma-mirror reflecting the original spirit (yuanshen), golden light shielding the body, dharma-implements radiating brilliance, morning lamps illuminating, auspicious clouds encircling—all culminating in communion with celestial deities. These images symbolize the profound spiritual realms attained by advanced practitioners.

This scripture describes Daoist ritual methods for dispelling calamities and warding off evil, invoking divine protection through sacred incantations and talismanic verses. Let me explain its content in contemporary terms:

All deities unite to help eliminate my misfortunes—earth spirits (Diqi) drive away my ill fate, numerous celestial emperors remove ominous threats, sacred beings block disasters for me, the Seven Perfected (Qizhen) descend to safeguard my peace, while the Nine Perfected (Jiuzhen) oversee and protect me for enduring vitality.

Following is a hymn for averting calamities: The golden True Spirit descends through the skies, the Divine Tiger patrols the clouds, and the Jade Emperor (Yudi) appears in emerald radiance. Celestial generals mobilize divine troops as the Nine Luminaries (Jiuchen) turn their cloud chariots, binding countless demons. The Nine Subtle Star Lords swiftly manifest while spirit generals subdue evil entities. The primordial Qi of the Nine Heavens clears cloud paths as divine majesty summons immortals. Flashing golden blades whirl, pacifying all disasters spontaneously. Sacred light illuminates the constellations, sweeping away ghost armies. The Five Directional Divine Beasts (Wuxiang) stir wind and fire, while golden steeds appear to eradicate poisons. Should any misfortune dare intrude, the Northern Dipper's Purple Tenuity Emperor (Beidi) shall revoke its existence.

The Sacred Dao's brilliance shines forth, its divine might annihilating specters. Ten-directional dragon-riding generals arrive as Divine Empyrean troops encircle ghostly domains. The sages teach me incantations—flying talismans traverse the clouds freely. Deities from all directions protect through tribulations, granting me prosperity and auspiciousness.

Another verse contains talismanic hymns to dispel malignant spirits from five directions: The ritual drum shakes heaven and earth while sacred smoke summons the Nine True Immortals. Streaming gold talismans descend as all cosmic phenomena manifest with lightning. Demonic winds dare not blow contrary—cloud-borne lords brandish fiery bells. Resounding divine power awes all, keeping stellar movements flawless. Swiftly spinning fiery-armored divine wheels slash through ghostly forms with sacred lightning. Violet-lit poison-dragon guards escort demons to northern borders. Divine winds surge through ninefold heavens, illuminating all eight directions spontaneously. Suddenly the Nine Heavens open—specters wail and collapse. Millions of demons are bound without exception.

These talismans bestowed upon mortals bring blessings for millennia when chanted. The upper realms celebrate calamities' end—only compassion brings universal peace. Through pure fasting and stillness, billions attain flourishing prosperity. Spreading swift as lightning, all heavens confer blessings. Let everyone recite them, ensuring eternal prosperity for descendants.

Finally, the Seven Perfected command the Ten Great Celestial Emperors to subdue the Six Heavens' ghost armies: By the Ten Great Emperors' decree, the Huoluo Talisman shakes all realms. Divine generals penetrate earth's veins to capture the Six Heavens' specters (Liugui Feng). Flames rise from emptiness as brocade clouds brush spiritual winds. Above, they protect celestial fortunes—mysterious celestial signs never cease. At the center, they stabilize imperial foundations—the divine chime resonates with compassion. Below, they deliver all beings—flying cavalry vanquish demon lords. The Seven Luminaries' (sun, moon, and five planets) radiance flashes—no evil can prevail. The Ten Great Emperors activate talismans as myriad rulers respond like soaring dragons. Floating beyond the Eight Calamities (Banàn), beings across the Five Paths receive grace.

The Five Directional Celestial Emperors (deities governing the cardinal directions in Daoism) immediately proclaimed that diseases would be dispelled like floods, fires, and storms under divine protection. The ten directions of the universe rejoiced in celebration, as the boundless grace of divine guardianship spread universally.

The Seven Perfected Ones (highly realized adepts) declared: If one sincerely takes refuge, receives and transcribes this sacred talisman (fulu), carrying it while reciting its incantation, at life's end their spirit will be shielded from ten calamities and eight tribulations. They shall avoid falling into the three wretched paths (hell, hungry ghosts, animal realms), the five destinies of rebirth, and the six forms of existence. Upon death, talismanic escorts will guide their soul to ascend to blessed realms in the ten directions.

Reciting nine times pacifies the heart-mind (xin); ten times clarifies consciousness (shen); a hundred times dispels misfortunes; a thousand times removes illness. Whether worn or recited, ten thousand deities will pay homage, offering day-and-night protection for bodily health. Prolonged recitation preserves the physical form through myriad kalpas without decay, dissolving hundreds of negative karmic deeds. All celestial beings will heed these words—even the ghost-kings of the ten directions tremble upon hearing the chant.

The Seven Perfected vowed to eternally transmit this method through endless kalpas, delivering countless practitioners. At this, the celestial guardians (tianding lishi) and disciples like Juminzi rose to bow, kneeling reverently before the Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) to declare: "After passing through a hundred million kalpas of rebirth, we're blessed to behold your presence at this grand assembly. Hearing the dharma-kings expound essential teachings to save beings from suffering and guide them into the Dao (Way) fills our hearts with ineffable joy."

"We once studied divine incantations with the Nine Heavens Perfected Ones in the land of Xiutuoluo. Though instructed, our ignorance prevented understanding. Maintaining constant sincerity, we practiced the oral formulas through ritual bows and chanting. With focused spirit (shen) and resonant awareness, we gradually merged with Dao-Qi, gaining initial insight. Yet realizing our minds and bodies were illusory, we grew fearful and begged the True Sovereign (higher divinity) for compassionate guidance."

After prolonged contemplation, the True Sovereign smiled and said: "You ghost-kings have since antiquity followed Qi's aggregation and dispersion. Though possessing supernatural transformations, you mistakenly deem them permanent. Your restless minds fabricate distinctions, clinging to emptiness and form, right and wrong—ensnared in karmic retribution, revolving endlessly through the five destinies and eight gates of rebirth. Only by extinguishing the six sensory desires, harmonizing with Yin-Yang's dual Qi, cultivating the true Dao without deluded thoughts or grasping at preferences can you enter the Way. Even the absence of conscious cultivation—simply aligning with nature's principles—brings fearless liberation."

This scripture primarily expounds methods for dispelling calamities and attaining peace through reciting divine incantations and cultivation practices.

It begins by pointing out that human body and mind are temporary amalgamations of causes and conditions, not truly eternal, and one should not generate fear from deluded thoughts. The Celestial Master reveals to sentient beings the "deathless destiny" (the truth transcending life and death) and the "non-arising mind method" (practice free from clinging to illusions), imparting fearless dharma gates that teach people to cultivate with a genuine, unwavering mind—neither grasping nor rejecting, maintaining purity and harmony with the Dao.

It then transmits two divine incantations. The first, the "Chaotic Great One Nine Qi Transformation Incantation," describes how the cosmic origin (Hundun, Chaos) differentiates into nine types of primordial energy (Jiuqi, Nine Qi), summoning divine generals like the Golden Fire Bells, Poison Dragons, and Bird Mother to subdue the demons of the Six Heavens (Fengdu underworld deities) and vanquish malevolent spirits. The second, the "Epidemic-Dispelling Stellar Transformation Incantation," explains how the King of Luminous Essence (a stellar deity) governs the Nine Heavens, with divine generals like the Golden Tiger and Soaring Dragon each fulfilling their roles to regulate celestial movements (the Five Dippers as cosmic regulators) and capture baleful stars (Jiuchou, Nine Malignancies), pacifying the calamitous energies of the Six Heavens.

Finally, the scripture teaches cultivation methods for the Dharma-Ending Age: whether dwelling in temples or mountain forests, when facing catastrophes like the "Yang Nine-Hundred Six" (a Daoist cycle of major calamities), one should stabilize the mind and maintain resolve through pure fasting, visualization (contemplating deities), and breath cultivation (Tuna). Key techniques include visualizing nine-colored light radiating from the crown to illuminate the Three Realms, clouds of qi surging from the five viscera to protect the body, imagining divine beasts like dragons, tigers, and lions guarding the four directions, and invoking the power of "Flowing Gold Fire Bells" (an exorcism ritual implement) to dispel disasters. Through such practice, celestial immortals will descend to offer protection.

These teachings reflect the Daoist system of transforming calamities and achieving physical-spiritual peace through sacred language (divine incantations), visualization practices, and ritual actions.

This scripture describes the scene of the Celestial Worthy (the highest deity in Daoism) universally saving sentient beings through scripture recitation and blessings, centered around five grand vows of universal salvation.

The Celestial Worthy first instructs devotees: Any sincere man or woman devoted to the Dao, who single-mindedly upholds the Three Treasures (Dao, Scriptures, and Master), and for seven days, fourteen days, or even three months continuously offers incense and pays homage to the Jade Emperor, the Eight Pure Dao Lords, and other Celestial Worthies while reciting their sacred names, will purify the three karmas of body, speech, and mind, thereby resonating with the heavenly Dao. Here, the emphasis is on sincerity in practice—the heavenly Dao will never forsake those who genuinely seek the Way.

Next, in verse form, the text reveals the essence of the Great Dao: The true Dao transcends coming and going, birth and extinction; seemingly quiescent yet brimming with vitality. When practitioners devoutly pay homage to the Jade Emperor, they can perceive the auspicious radiance of dragons and phoenixes emanating from the scriptures, illuminating the ten directions of the celestial realms. Through reciting scriptures and mantras, one can harmonize body and mind, connecting with the profound and mysterious heavenly Dao.

Subsequently, the True Sovereign (i.e., the Celestial Worthy) proclaims five great vows:

1. The vow that the origin of the Great Dao remains eternal and unchanging, transcending the cycles of prosperity and decline.

2. The vow that the celestial realms remain pure and luminous, with the sun, moon, and stars moving in harmony, their essence nourishing all beings.

3. The vow that the earth remains tranquil, with fertile mountains and rivers, lush vegetation, sweet springs, and all life nurtured in abundance.

4. The vow that human society is governed by wise rulers and virtuous ministers, with even beings in the netherworld receiving grace.

5. The vow that all practitioners attain spiritual powers and wisdom, whether in seclusion or engaged in the world, preserving their original purity and ultimately ascending as immortals.

Finally, the text emphasizes the importance of guiding sentient beings through orthodox teachings, using rituals, cultivation, and other methods to help them return to the source of the Dao. These five vows—spanning cosmic principles, natural ecology, social governance, and personal cultivation—embody the Daoist ideal of "harmony between heaven and humanity" in its compassionate mission to save the world.

This passage contains prayer verses and divine incantations from the Taoist scripture Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing (Great Supreme Cavernous Abyss Divine Incantation Scripture), featuring eight grand vows and disaster-dispelling mantras transmitted by the Five Elderly Sovereign Emperors (high-ranking Taoist deities).

The eight vows include: The sixth vow seeks to eliminate negative karma, avert calamities, preserve positive affinities, and ensure deceased souls receive clothing and food offerings. The seventh vow prays that all living beings—whether born or unborn—may maintain their peaceful nature and attain joy and tranquility. The eighth vow aspires for all sentient beings to ascend together to the Jade Pure Realm (one of Taoism's highest celestial domains), obtain blessings through Dao cultivation, and perpetuate life through the Dao's primordial Qi.

The text then depicts the Five Elderly Sovereign Emperors transmitting the sacred mantras: The five celestial sovereigns rise reverently, adjust their attire, and kneel to declare that through countless eons of cosmic cycles, they have consistently upheld the Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) teachings to deliver beings. Now commissioned to openly transmit these protective mantras—the essence of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen) scriptures containing the Nine Heavens' true Qi and the sacred names of hundreds of deities—they emphasize that practitioners must cultivate inner purity. Through recitation, visualization (cunxiang), breath cultivation (tuna), and other methods to commune with divine energies, one can dispel misfortunes and even attain ascension.

The actual incantations employ poetic verses describing how to mobilize the three primordial Qi energies (blue, red, and white) to subdue demons. For instance, the "Primordial Essence in Chaos" section invokes eastern blue Qi to safeguard the liver; "Crimson Luminescence Charts Creation" employs southern fire essence to vanquish red demons; while "Golden Essence Awakening" harnesses western metal Qi's purifying power. References to divine youths, vermilion phoenixes, and flowing bells signify guardian generals, with "nine uglies" denoting demonic categories. These mantras utilize the Five Phases' mutual conquest principles to achieve purification effects—"sweeping away demonic miasmas" and attaining "carefree wandering in the Dao's virtue."

This scripture depicts a sacred Daoist scene of exorcising evil influences and safeguarding households and nations, while expounding on the power and application methods of talismanic charms.

White clouds drift across the sky as divine dragons carry holy water to extinguish raging disaster-flames. Fanged beasts pursue malevolent ghosts, while celestial beings pacify the four directions. Practitioners who attain the state of natural Wuwei (non-action) radiate mysterious light, with the Qi (vital energy) of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) circulating ceaselessly. The Twin-Pavilion Sovereigns of the celestial palace—referring to high-ranking Daoist deities—govern the myriad spirits, bringing all things into being. The practitioner steadies the mind, preserves wisdom, and can even absorb and neutralize scorching evil Qi.

Azure dragons unleash lightning to vanquish the Yellow Turban rebels—symbolizing demonic forces. Gleaming swords tremble, sending sparks flying. The mighty warriors of the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, the highest Daoist heavens) subdue countless spirits and demons, ensuring peace for homes and nations, allowing the Great Dao to flourish in the world.

The scripture describes the process of cosmic creation: in the beginning, primordial chaos split, and the primal Qi differentiated, forming heaven and earth. The sun, moon, and stars took their places; wind and fire clashed, blades and swords crossed. The Six Heavens (realms ruled by malevolent forces) and the Nine Uglies (nine types of baleful spirits) were vanquished, bringing peace to human hearts. None dare defy the sacred decrees of Lord Lao (Laozi, revered as Taishang Laojun), and thus all beings attain tranquility, entering the state of governance through Wuwei.

At this moment, the Perfected Wei Mingluo, acting on the Celestial Worthy’s command, admonishes the assembly: "When you immortals deliver sentient beings in the future, you must establish Zhaijiao (purification rituals), recite scriptures, and perform prostrations. Prepare cinnabar and plain paper to inscribe divine Fulu (talismans and registers), which must be hung or worn to summon the divine officers and generals of Taiqing and Taiji (high-ranking Daoist deities) to punish wicked ghosts."

The scripture emphasizes that these celestial talismans contain the nine heavenly Qi essences and record the names and forms of a hundred deities. They possess immense spiritual power to dispel calamities, nourish primordial Qi, and guard the twelve time-positions and key locations of dwellings. Ordinary people, often deluded and not yet converted to the Orthodox Unity (Zhengyi) covenant, are easily polluted by external influences, breeding fear and inviting harm from the Six Heavens and Nine Uglies. Thus, divine talismans are used to protect primordial Qi, stabilizing body and mind.

For the afflicted, one should ingest talismanic water, persist in practice, and recite scriptures three times daily while facing north in the courtyard. Burn incense, light lamps, hang colored banners, and follow the precepts and Keyi (liturgical procedures) recorded in scriptures such as the Three Registers and Four Extremes of Clear Truth. Disrespect or careless disclosure will bring misfortune upon nine generations of ancestors. Finally, Perfected Wei Mingluo bows once more to the assembly, holding a jade tablet and opening a golden casket to burn the talismans, completing the ritual.

This scripture depicts a sacred ritual assembly where celestial beings report to the Celestial Worthy (the supreme deity in Daoism), declaring their intention to transmit all ancient incantations and esoteric methods to humanity for relieving suffering, upholding the true Dao, and protecting nations and people.

The text explains that in these latter days, if people sincerely believe and prepare colored silks, cinnabar pigments, and establish ritual altars according to the protocols of the Mingzhen Keyi (Liturgy of Luminous Truth) to offer exquisite tributes to the Five Directional Thearchs (Wu Di) and the deities of the Thirty-Six Heavens, their wishes will be fulfilled. Upon hearing this, the assembled immortals rejoice, chanting hymns in unison to praise the vast wisdom of the Dongyuan (Cavernous Abyss) teachings and extol the mysterious manifestation of the Celestial Worthy who descends to the human realm before returning to the heavenly domains.

The hymns emphasize three key principles: cultivation of the Dao knows no distinction between noble and humble, wise and foolish—only sincerity matters; all karmic retribution for good or evil is self-inflicted; and ultimately all must take refuge in the Three Treasures (Dao, scriptures, and teachers). To encounter such sacred incantations is a rare blessing accumulated over ten thousand kalpas.

As the assembly concludes, the Celestial Worthy commands the Five Elder Lords (Wu Lao) to prepare their chariots. All perfected beings rise to pay homage, transforming into Eight Radiance Cloud Chariots (the auspicious vehicles of Daoist immortals). Amidst celestial music resonating through the heavens, they are escorted by hosts of divine beings, riding clouds and mists back to the Jade Clarity Heaven (Yuqing, the highest of the Three Pure Realms). This passage vividly portrays the solemnity of Daoist ritual assemblies and their compassionate spirit of universal salvation.