《太上洞淵神咒經》Vol. 14

The Supreme Dao Lord (the highest deity in Daoism) instructed the Perfected Being Mingluo (an immortal who attained the Dao): From this day forth, when virtuous people encounter epidemics and calamities, they should invite Daoist priests well-versed in the Three Caverns scriptures (the complete canon of Daoist texts) to recite scriptures and pray for blessings. Those seeking divine protection must: abstain from meat and pungent foods, refrain from sexual desire, purify both body and mind, and concentrate single-mindedly on silent scripture recitation without distraction. They should constantly visualize the Five Directional Celestial Emperors (Green Emperor of the East, Red Emperor of the South, White Emperor of the West, Black Emperor of the North, and Yellow Emperor of the Center) descending with celestial troops to stand guard around them. The ritual host must sincerely worship the ritual master, inviting true immortals from heaven through proper ceremony to relieve people's suffering.

If performed without sincere devotion as mere formality, even lavish ritual expenditures will fail to invoke divine protection, wasting resources in vain. Those who follow my instructions shall enjoy eternal peace. When reciting this precious scripture, celestial soldiers and generals will descend to suppress demonic forces. Those who disobey these teachings will cause the Demon King Wulinzi (legendary leader of plague demons) to be cleaved into three hundred pieces.

Thereupon, Perfected Being Mingluo immediately summoned the celestial armies of the Five Directional Emperors to descend upon the ritual platform, dispatching five divisions to capture plague demons:

• The Green Emperor of the East dispatched Lord Jiuyi leading 810,000 green-armored divine troops, cooperating with eastern celestial officials to subdue the green plague demons spreading wood-attribute pestilence
• The Red Emperor of the South dispatched Lord Baman leading 640,000 red-armored divine troops, cooperating with southern celestial officials to subdue the red plague demons spreading fire-attribute pestilence
• The White Emperor of the West dispatched Lord Liurong leading 360,000 white-armored divine troops, cooperating with western celestial officials to subdue the white plague demons spreading metal-attribute pestilence
• The Black Emperor of the North dispatched Lord Wudi leading 250,000 black-armored divine troops, cooperating with northern celestial officials to subdue the black plague demons spreading water-attribute pestilence
• The Yellow Emperor of the Center dispatched Lord Sanqin leading 90,000 yellow-armored divine troops, cooperating with central celestial officials to subdue the yellow plague demons spreading earth-attribute pestilence

All plague demons were completely eradicated, healing the afflicted and restoring peace to the people. Finally, in accordance with the Supreme Dao Lord's divine decree, the five directional generals executed the demons to safeguard the populace.

(The conclusion mentions that) All levels of divine officials - from local magistrates to household guardian spirits (minor deities protecting homes) and neighborhood wardens (community administrators) - must cooperate with this plague-exorcism ritual.

This scripture primarily elucidates the Daoist ritual practices for dispelling household misfortunes and exorcising malignant influences.

The text first depicts a family plagued by persistent ominous signs: recurring nightmares among household members, strange phenomena within the home, incessant illnesses and calamities, livestock afflicted by epidemics, as well as curses, pestilence, floods, and droughts. In response, the family invites a Daoist priest to conduct scripture recitation (zhuanjing) and purification rituals (zhaijiao) to dissolve these misfortunes. The scripture sternly warns the haunting spirits that refusal to heed these admonitions will incur severe retribution.

It then emphasizes the efficacy of the priest's ritual performance: when the master (fashi) chants scriptures and performs the rites, malevolent ghosts naturally scatter in fear. All participants are instructed to kneel reverently, facing north to listen as the priest intones sacred verses (gathas and incantations). Upon hearing these, demonic forces will flee thousands of miles away, never daring to return.

The text concludes with a didactic gatha illustrating karmic retribution through metaphor: under the dominion of the Azure Emperor of the East (one of the Five Celestial Sovereigns), the virtuous flourish like thriving vegetation, while the wicked endure torment. It stresses reverence for teachers and devotion to the Three Caverns scriptures (the canonical divisions of Daoist texts), warning that those who disregard these teachings will cause seven generations of ancestors to suffer in the Nine Nether Hells. Slanderers of the Daoist path invite generational calamities, whereas devout practitioners may behold Lord Lao (the deified Laozi, highest deity in Daoism) and attain immortality.

Note: Terms like "seven ancestors and nine mysteries" (qizu jiuxuan) refer to ancestral spirits, the "three luminaries" (sanguang) denote the sun, moon, and stars, while the "register" (lu) represents ordination credentials in Daoism. These rituals exemplify the tradition's functions in disaster relief and ancestral salvation.

This passage describes a Daoist zhaijiao (purification ritual) ceremony for invoking divine protection and dispelling plagues and calamities. The prayers are oriented toward the four cardinal directions, each associated with a Celestial Emperor (Green Emperor, Red Emperor, White Emperor, Black Emperor) and their respective divine powers.

The eastern invocation speaks of how performing scripture recitation and establishing purification rituals can liberate ancestors for seven generations, while celestial deities descend to offer protection. These heavenly beings restrain malevolent spirits, subdue evil ghosts, ward off epidemics, and restore health to the people. Practitioners must devoutly bow toward the east.

The southern section mentions the descent of the Red Emperor Yandi (fire-virtue deity of the south) and the Jade Maidens of the Three Heavens (high-ranking goddesses). It observes how people often become obsessed with material gain instead of cultivating the Dao, thus inviting disasters. Through scripture recitation and ritual offerings, floods and plagues can be averted—devotees must reverently bow toward the south.

The western portion explains the transformative power of the White Emperor Rushou (metal-virtue deity of the west) and the teachings of the Three Caverns scriptures (core Daoist texts). It emphasizes that only by following one's master's guidance and wearing fulu (talismans and registers) can one attain immortality, while slandering the classics invites karmic retribution. Devout western bows bring blessings, with jade maidens guiding the practitioner's ascension.

The northern section depicts the majestic power of the Black Emperor Xuanming (water-virtue deity of the north). Practitioners must honor their masters and revere the Dao—the Black Emperor will command demonic troops to heal illnesses and eradicate evil. Heavenly soldiers and divine guardians will subdue malevolent forces, while household deities protect devotees, eliminating all misfortunes.

Collectively, this presents a complete religious tableau where ritual connects with celestial powers to dispel calamities, aid ancestors, heal illnesses, and exorcise evil—all centered on the core principle of "honoring the master to cultivate the Dao." The directional deities each fulfill their roles in jointly safeguarding practitioners.

This scripture depicts a grand Daoist purification ritual (Zhaijiao) where celestial beings descend to assist in dispelling calamities. When devout practitioners conduct the Zhaijiao ceremony, the Jade Maidens and immortal sages from the heavens descend to the mortal realm. If the afflicted worship with sincere devotion, illnesses will be cured, and demonic forces will retreat of their own accord.

The Yellow Thearch of the Center (one of the Five Thearchs) commands the immortal sages and Jade Maidens from the ten directions, their divine radiance shining as brightly as the sun and moon, illuminating the Three Realms (heaven, earth, and water). Devout male and female cultivators will eventually behold the Jade Emperor, riding phoenixes through the celestial realms to meet with the immortal sages.

The Lord of Brahma Qi from the northeast (a deity governing that direction), together with the Celestial Sovereigns, Divine Consorts, and immortal sages, blesses devotees with flourishing descendants. Sincere worship can expel pestilent spirits, heal the sick, and prolong life.

The Luminous Thearch of the southeast governs the wind deities, with the Mysterious Maiden (a goddess) and nine dragons coming to assist. Human life is fleeting like pine needles—fools fear death, while the wise live in harmony with fate. By petitioning the celestial court, one can command great demons to retreat and vanquish all evils.

The Great Unity Lord of the southwest and the Celestial Mother protect disciples, curing all ailments and ensuring household peace. Immortal Jade Maidens will descend to guide devotees through tribulations.

The Flame Thearch of the northwest (another of the Five Thearchs) governs the Three Luminaries (sun, moon, stars). With sincere devotion to the Dao, countless Jade Maidens will descend to aid in cultivating the path of longevity. The devout accumulate merit and ascend to heaven escorted by divine dragons, while those who slander the Dao forfeit such blessings.

The passage emphasizes that through Zhaijiao rituals and sincere worship, practitioners gain protection from celestial beings to dispel illness, avert disasters, and attain longevity. It also warns against blaspheming the Dao, which leads only to ruin.

In the Ninefold Nether Darkness (the deepest hell in Daoist cosmology), those who spread slanderous rumors shall remain trapped in perpetual suffering, never attaining liberation. The misfortunes of human existence—disease, lawsuits, disputes, and theft—all stem from karmic transgressions committed in past lives. Today, we offer sacrifices to the Five Directional Celestial Emperors (the five directional deities venerated in Daoism), reciting oral petitions (Daoist ritual documents for deliverance) to redeem lost souls and heal the living. With utmost reverence, we bow toward the northwest, listening to the sacred recitation of scripture.

The celestial realm is vast and boundless, where all immortals attentively heed these words. The Three Caverns scriptures (the three great canonical systems of Shangqing, Lingbao, and Dongshen) can awaken the deluded in this world—those who sincerely carry talismanic registers (Fulu) may attain ascension. Oral petitions can cure illnesses, causing plague-spreading demons to naturally dissipate. By worshiping the Five Directional Celestial Emperors at this time and reciting this rare scripture, malevolent energies within households will be purified, and hordes of demons will retreat of their own accord. Devoutly wearing protective talismans, honoring scripture-transmitting masters, and performing thirty grand prostrations toward the celestial realm will naturally invite blessings.

The sovereigns of the lower realms enjoy enduring lifespans, and their destinies are revealed this very night. Ten thousand years pass like a single day—among them, those who attain immortality constantly chant the hymns of the Three Caverns scriptures. Establishing purification rituals (Zhaijiao) and invoking divine incantations, oral petitions can command a hundred thousand jade maiden spirit-soldiers, forcing plague demons into hiding. Sincere offerings to the Five Directional Celestial Emperors can redeem ancestral souls. To eliminate sickness and calamity, one must wholeheartedly venerate the deities of the lower realms.

The hymn of the Three Celestial Sovereigns (the highest Daoist deities) proclaims: When primordial chaos first parted, a sage sat at the center, flanked by immortal elders. The Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens descended, accompanied by ten thousand numinous beings, while the sacred immortals of the Five Peaks came to assist. Among eighty thousand attendants were the Mysterious Elder and the Azure Lad (two Daoist perfected beings). They heal worldly afflictions and slay malignant ghosts. Today, reciting these memorials will sink ten thousand demons into the abyss—any who dare transgress shall be mercilessly executed. With three sincere bows, your blessings shall endure.

The hymn of the Ninefold Celestial Jade Maidens warns: Though the Three Caverns scriptures circulate in the world, people today are shallow—they fail to recognize virtue, abandoning good deeds when encountered, thus plunging into endless night (symbolizing the sea of suffering). When Daoist practitioners expound wholesome teachings, some—whose ancestors for seven generations remain unheard (indicating heavy karmic burdens)—face unceasing disease, lawsuits, and disputes. Though they wear talismans, their hearts lack sincerity; they gossip, slander, resent others, and sabotage virtuous deeds, breaking precepts through licentiousness. Such conduct defiles the Daoist tradition—after death, they fall into the Ninefold Nether Hell, bringing misfortune upon descendants. Scheming for immediate gain, they remain oblivious to the immeasurable consequences of their sins. Having accumulated no merit in past lives, they suffer illness yet refuse charity, demanding much from others in crisis. Having never practiced virtue, what use is regret? Only through sincere veneration of the Ten Thousand Saints may grace be bestowed.

The hymn of Fusang the Great Emperor (the solar deity of the east) describes: On the mysterious Thirty-Threefold Heaven dwell divine mentors. The Five Dipper Stars (important Daoist constellations) align in perfect order, while sun, moon, and stars radiate glorious light. Immortals descend to the mortal realm, and jade maidens roam in celestial play.

This scripture primarily expounds methods for eliminating calamities and obtaining blessings through devout worship and the establishment of purification rituals (Zhaijiao). The hymns of several perfected immortals (high-ranking Daoist deities) reveal how worldly people create misfortune through ignorance and delusion.

The Golden Celestial True Mother (a Daoist goddess) points out: People in this world bustle about creating negative karma, though the scriptures of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen/Dongxuan/Dongshen, the core Daoist canon) are widely disseminated, the ignorant remain blind to them. Harmed by their greed and desires, they sink into ten kinds of suffering, endlessly transmigrating through rebirth. Only through sincere prayers to heaven and wholehearted family worship can they summon celestial maidens to descend and dispel misfortunes.

The Celestial Perfected Sovereign (a venerated Daoist deity) emphasizes: The Three Caverns scriptures can expel evil influences, yet the foolish disbelieve and thereby invite disaster. The sages lament humanity's obstinacy—how they wander through the cycles of life and death without seeking the Dao. Those suffering in this life due to past misdeeds must genuinely repent, performing purification rituals to summon the assistance of perfected beings like the Jade Maidens of Azure Youth.

The Thirty-Two Heavens' Jade Maidens (celestial female immortals) admonish: People's ignorant slaughter of living creatures disturbs their spiritual consciousness (Shen). Only by revering the Three Caverns scriptures and practicing sincere worship during rituals can one receive blessings from the Mysterious Maiden (Jiutian Xuannü, a major goddess) to heal diseases.

The Three Heavens' Jade Maidens (higher-ranking celestial immortals) reveal: Some possess Daoist scriptures yet fail to practice, obstructing the path of spirits. The divine incantations of the Three Caverns form the foundation for achieving immortality—neglecting them brings misfortune to seven generations of ancestors. Only through thorough repentance and following a scripture master's guidance in sincere atonement can one petition for celestial pardon.

The Ten Celestial Perfected Ones (realized beings from the ten directions) conclude: The Jade Maidens of the Three Heavens and other perfected beings will descend to the human realm, but only if practitioners devoutly follow their masters' teachings and adhere to Daoist methods. This scripture repeatedly stresses the importance of repenting for transgressions and obeying one's teacher's instructions, while detailing specific ritual practices to invoke the descent of perfected beings.

Sentient beings in this world are often plagued by illnesses, with floods, fires, and calamities occurring frequently, causing the wise to worry deeply. Yet the ignorant remain stubbornly unbelieving in the great Dao's truth—this has been so for millennia, and such obstinate individuals will ultimately fall into the Ninefold Netherworld (the realm of extreme Yin in Daoism). To cure humanity's suffering today, we must reveal the truth to ordinary people. With sincere threefold prostrations (the highest ritual gesture in Daoism), celestial maidens will descend to offer aid.

The Immortals of the Five Sacred Mountains (mountain deities guarding China's five peaks) lament: "Most people commit evil deeds, their ignorance accumulating like clouds. They disbelieve the Three Caverns Scriptures (the highest canonical texts of Daoism). The thirty-six precious Daoist scriptures of the Four Nines remain unstudied, hence diseases cling to them. These afflictions stem from karmic transgressions across lifetimes. Only by sincerely establishing purification rituals (Daoist blessing ceremonies) to pray for renewal can they receive heavenly grace and witness peace restored. Eternal health comes solely through genuine threefold prostrations."

The Great Brahma Heavenly King of the Thirty-Six Heavens (a high celestial deity) declares: "I observe worldly fools who deny the existence of sages, creating sins that burden seven generations of ancestors. Though masters have transmitted talismanic registers (Daoist exorcism documents), they live more basely than commoners. Disbelieving the Three Caverns Scriptures is like defaulting on celestial taxes—year after year, their blessings diminish. Accumulated sins manifest as illness; to dissolve past-life debts, one must diligently cultivate merit fields (accumulating virtuous deeds). To dispel plagues, one must burn memorial petitions (Daoist documents) addressed to the Three Heavenly Worthies, then kneel northward in repentance to dissolve old transgressions."

The celestial beings continue: "I witness fools not only rejecting the Dao but slandering those who study the Three Caverns texts as deluded. They know not that divine incantations were created by flying immortals and earth deities. When the Yellow-and-Red cultivation methods (Daoist practices) are taught, they respond with suspicion. Their grave illnesses stem wholly from past-life misdeeds. Only devout worship of the Ultimate Great Dao can invite divine resolution of calamities."

The Ten Directions' Great Deities (guardian spirits) sigh: "I see worldly fools—violent and stubborn, squandering lifetimes, denying karmic rebirth. Their careless slander and false accusations against masters' loyalty bring self-inflicted punishment. When chronic illness strikes, whom can they blame? Now is the time to sincerely submit memorials and venerate celestial perfected beings."

The Thirty-Six Heavens' Celestial Maidens add: "I observe the ignorant like walking corpses—seeking masters with impure hearts, how could they ascend to paradise? Present-life grave illnesses are fruits of past evil, just as officials whipping commoners incur heaven's wrath. For all present sufferings, only through purification rituals, memorial offerings, veneration of celestial deities, and sincere repentance for ten-direction sins can relief come."

Finally, the Nine Heavens' Celestial Maidens conclude: "The Supreme Dao Ancestor of the Ten Directions (Daoism's highest divinity) compassionately pities all beings. Through circulating the Primordial Qi (fundamental cosmic energy), universal salvation is bestowed."

Those who claim to cultivate the Dao yet harbor wicked thoughts and habitually commit theft will find even celestial talismans (fulu, the credentials of Daoist practice) utterly useless. Therefore, one must sincerely compose repentance documents, reverently bow before the supreme sacred beings, and pray for the forgiveness of sinful roots.

The Ten Celestial Realized Ones (ten immortal sages who attained the Dao) admonish: I observe foolish people who never reflect on their own spiritual poverty but instead commit the Ten Evils—killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and so on. They turn a deaf ear to virtuous deeds, coveting petty gains until they accumulate grave sins. Day and night, their transgressions pile up, and by the time they awaken to repentance, it is too late—afflictions and illnesses besiege them. Today, the repentance memorials submitted reach directly to the celestial courts. With sincere reverence for the divine, one will surely receive mercy and pardon.

The Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu, foremost among female immortals) warns: People drown in worldly distractions, ignoring the Three Caverns' True Scriptures (the core classics of the Daoist canon). Fools neglect virtuous practices, shackled by greed for immediate gains and the Ten Evils, ultimately falling into the Three Wretched Realms (hell, hungry ghosts, and beasts) and the Eight Hindrances (obstacles to cultivation). Today, by holding purification rituals (zhaijiao), seven generations of ancestors may ascend to the celestial realms, while living family members receive grace and protection from the Jade Maidens (celestial attendants).

The hymns of the Three Heavens' Jade Maidens (three celestial female immortals) reveal: Beyond the Three Realms, there are jade terraces where immortal officials reside, and countless realized beings arrive astride dragons and phoenixes. The scriptures of the Three Caverns can enlighten the ignorant, while divine incantations dispel calamities. The Five Thearchs command demon kings to subdue malevolent spirits—those who defy them are instantly beheaded by celestial soldiers. As the Jade Maidens chant scriptures throughout the ten directions, departed souls are liberated, and all who hear these wondrous teachings, along with seven generations of ancestors, may soar to the immortal city of the Purple Phoenix.

The essence of cultivation lies in this: Only with pure thoughts can one resonate with the immortals. Virtuous intent aids in mounting dragons to ascend, while those who reject the true path remain forever in darkness. Devotion to one's teacher, bright as the sun and moon, and compassion and filial piety move heaven and earth. Those who scorn the Three Caverns' scriptures condemn seven generations of ancestors to eternal darkness, bringing misfortune upon themselves and their descendants. Only by honoring teachers and revering the Dao can one stand before the Supreme Dao Ancestor (the highest deity in Daoism) and attain eternal bliss.

Finally, the fundamental principle of cultivation is clarified: Whether through purification rituals (zhaijiao), scripture recitation, ceremonial rites, incantations, submitting memorials by fire, visualization (cunxiang, contemplating divine beings), or chanting sacred names—all must ultimately reach the Supreme Dao Ancestor and the profound samadhi of the Cavernous Abyss (the profound and mysterious state of cultivation).

This scripture depicts a Daoist ritual for dispelling epidemics. It begins by enumerating the sacred titles of numerous Daoist deities, including the Supreme Unity of the Upper Prime (highest celestial divinity), the Jade Emperor, Lord Lao (Laozi deified), along with thirty-six Perfected Beings and the Five Directional Thearchs. These divine beings are summoned to descend and encircle the dwellings of devotees observing purification rituals.

The deities stand guard at the four directions bearing bows and arrows, with one divine general stationed every ten feet and celestial soldiers positioned every three feet. Within a hundred-mile radius, they hunt down epidemic-causing demons. All plague-spreading ghosts harming humanity are immediately captured and executed, with only the households of pious disciples granted clemency. Through this sacred protection, devotees are guaranteed peace throughout the seasons, the dissipation of calamities, avoidance of legal disputes, household prosperity, and thriving livestock.

The scripture emphasizes that should any malevolent ghosts refuse to depart, celestial warriors from the Thirty-Six Heavens will descend to apprehend and utterly annihilate them without leaving lingering harm. This exorcism ritual is performed according to the oral decree of Lord Lao and the legal statutes of Nüqing (the Daoist goddess of divine law).

The latter section explains that recurring epidemics in the world are caused by demon kings and their ghostly minions spreading disease alongside wandering spirits. Those seeking to preserve their lives should invite Daoist priests well-versed in the Three Caverns scriptures (the comprehensive Daoist canon) to establish ritual spaces. Through scripture recitation, incantations, and purification ceremonies (Zhaijiao), they may beseech the Five Directional Thearchs for protection. Such meritorious deeds not only eliminate epidemics but also liberate seven generations of ancestral souls from the sufferings of rebirth.

The text concludes by depicting the auspicious outcomes of successful rituals: people enjoying health and safety, elders and children protected, lifespans extended, bountiful harvests, increased silk production, harmonious households, thriving livestock, and national peace. The virtue of rulers surpasses that of legendary sage-kings Yao and Shun, with imperial descendants flourishing. This comprehensively demonstrates the Daoist belief in using sacred rituals to dispel epidemics, avert disasters, and protect living beings.

Now that peace reigns under heaven and the chaos of war has subsided, local officials (prefects and magistrates) everywhere promote the Dao (the Way) to bring stability to the people. Thus, no calamities or disasters arise among the populace, the four venomous serpents (symbolizing misfortune) no longer wreak havoc, and the six defilements (the "six thieves" of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind) no longer disturb the human heart.

I have deliberately transmitted this scripture to dispel your misfortunes and dissolve your worries—why not receive it with reverence? All who respectfully accept it shall gain boundless blessings. But should anyone deceive their teachers, violate the Dao's principles, or act contrary to the scripture's teachings—committing the Five Heinous Crimes (killing one's father, mother, an arhat, shedding the blood of a Buddha, or disrupting monastic harmony), failing in filial piety, murdering the innocent, oppressing the orphaned and widowed, or harming the virtuous—such sins will accumulate like mountains and seas.

Whether deceased ancestors or living men and women, young and old, rich or poor, all who have committed such grave offenses from the age of seven onward must now burn incense and repent. Pray for the deities' forgiveness and pardon, that no further punishment befall them. From this day forth, after reciting this scripture, all ghosts, demon kings and their minions, and every manner of malignant spirit must obey the guidance of this true scripture. Should any wicked spirit dare defy my command, the Ten Great Celestial Marshal Generals shall be dispatched at once to annihilate them utterly, leaving not a trace. This is the sacred decree proclaimed by the Most High Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun)—the mandate to slay evil spirits and bring peace to the people.