《太上洞淵神咒經》Vol. 2

(Here is the vernacular interpretation of the "Chapter on Dispelling Demons" from the second volume of the Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing)

When the Patriarch of Dao (Taishang Laojun) was expounding the Shangqing Zhongxuan Miaojing in the Nine-Layered Palace of Mysterious Metropolis (the highest celestial realm in Daoism), eighty thousand realized adepts and truth-comprehending cultivators from the lower realms came to pay homage to the Celestial Worthy. They petitioned: "Nowadays, human hearts have grown treacherous and faithless. Though the Three Caverns' True Scriptures (the core Daoist canon) have been transmitted to the mortal world, none practice them. This has caused epidemic demons to run rampant, wars to break out incessantly, and common people to suffer endless slaughter. Seeing sentient beings in such torment yet being powerless to save them grieves us deeply."

"In this age when Dao and De have collapsed, rulers and ministers destroy each other, fathers and sons harm one another. Even Daoist practitioners face mockery from ignorant folk. People drag each other down into evil destinies, with none seeking the immortal path. The great kalpa-catastrophe approaches unnoticed, while pestilential qi threatens to exterminate humanity. Unable to bear this tragedy, we beseech the Celestial Worthy for deliverance."

Hearing this, the Celestial Worthy sighed toward heaven: "Alas! Sentient beings, ignorant of Dao's true principles and unaware of heart-cultivation and nature-nurturing, have invited these calamities and plagues. Now I shall dispatch celestial generals to expel these evils: eight hundred million heavenly guardian warriors (celestial protector deities), eight hundred million celestial cavalry, four hundred thousand heavenly law-enforcement officers, four hundred thousand heavenly executioner troops, and four hundred ninety thousand heavenly commander-in-chief's guards (divine soldiers under Marshal Tianpeng). Whoever upholds this Divine Incantation Scripture shall see epidemic demons disperse spontaneously."

The Dao Patriarch prophesied: "From the Gengchen to Guiwei years (in the sexagenary cycle), especially approaching the Jiashen year, ninety-two kinds of pestilence will erupt worldwide. None but Dao-possessing individuals may escape. These plagues will manifest through varied symptoms: alternating chills and fever, headaches and dizziness, visceral imbalances, stabbing heart pain, coughing and breathlessness, abdominal distension and chest congestion, limb convulsions. There will also appear jaundice and abscesses, skin ulceration, severe diarrhea, hematemesis and epistaxis, excruciating joint pain, high fever with convulsions, mental derangement, insomnia with nightmares, delirious speech, demonic visions, limb edema—even sudden unexplained death among other dreadful manifestations."

These are pestilence demons (disease-spreading evil spirits) coming to slay the wicked. If you can sincerely devote yourselves to the Three Caverns scriptures (the highest canon of Daoism), I shall dispatch the Celestial Warriors (heavenly guardian generals) to expel these pestilence demons and prevent them from harming you. The great flood approaches—all beings must quickly cultivate virtuous hearts and receive transmission of the scriptures to avoid this calamity.

The Dao Ancestor (referring to Lord Lao) proclaims: From this day forth, if any Daoist practitioner wholeheartedly seeks immortality without clinging to worldly glory, strictly follows the scriptures, diligently studies the Three Caverns classics, and accompanies their master into mountain cultivation or teaches among mortals, I shall send forth 4.9 billion Celestial Warriors to protect them wherever they go. No demon would dare approach them, and even demon kings would retreat. From now on, I shall frequently command divine generals to eradicate all pestilence demons that harm living beings.

The Dao Ancestor warns: The year of Jiashen (a cyclical year in the Chinese calendar) approaches, and the great flood will soon arrive. Pestilence demons now ravage the mortal realm because evil far outweighs good. People fail to recognize the true teachings—the Three Caverns scriptures have long been available, yet none seek them. Who else can they blame for their suffering? Out of compassion, I now dispatch the Eight Armies of Divine Soldiers (eight celestial battalions) to exterminate the pestilence demons, commanding them to disperse immediately. Daoist practitioners must guide people to revere the Three Caverns scriptures.

The Dao Ancestor promises: From now on, all who uphold this Divine Incantation Scripture shall be guarded by thirty thousand celestial soldiers wielding divine blades. You need only teach the ignorant daily—those who remain deluded and mock the virtuous—and Heaven will send pestilence demons to execute them. Their souls shall fall into the Three Wretched Realms (hell, hungry ghosts, and beasts), never to be liberated.

The Dao Ancestor foretells: In the years of Xinsi and Renwu, eighty million great demons will come to annihilate the wicked. Those who sow discord, slander the Dao, recklessly address masters by name (a Daoist taboo), criticize scriptures, reject the Three Caverns teachings, and refuse the Great Dao—the Great Demon Kings shall lead their legions to destroy them.

The Dao Ancestor declares: Henceforth, wherever a Daoist follows the Three Caverns scriptures and practices the Dao to save others, I shall immediately send forth nine hundred billion Great Soldiers of the Nine Heavens (the highest celestial army) to protect them. Should even one pestilence demon refuse to depart, the Ten Directions Warriors (guardians of all directions) shall come to subdue it.

The Dao Ancestor concludes: From this day forward, wherever a Daoist recites this scripture, 490,000 warriors of the Three Caverns, 800,000 warriors of the Six Heavens, and nine billion soldiers of the Thirty-Six Heavens shall descend together to eradicate these pestilence demons.

This passage explains the powerful exorcistic and healing efficacy of the Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing (Scripture of Divine Spells from the Abyssal Cavern of the Most High). The scripture states that malignant ghosts often cause illnesses or legal troubles, but merely reciting this text can swiftly dispel such misfortunes, alleviate diseases, gladden household deities, and drive away all invasive evil entities. Only properly venerated ancestral spirits may remain—all other spectral beings must be completely expelled. Should any demon refuse to obey, demon-kings will dispatch ghostly soldiers to execute them without mercy.

The text particularly emphasizes that this scripture records the names of thirty-six celestial demon-kings and seventy trillion minor kings. When Daoist priests recite it, these demonic sovereigns arrive to offer obedience and protection. If ordinary people enshrine this scripture during apocalyptic calamities, malignant ghosts dare not approach, for all demon-kings will send mighty guardians, along with countless divine beings like celestial immortals and jade maidens—rendering ghostly soldiers powerless to encroach.

A dire warning follows: henceforth, should any evil ghost harm a scripture-reciter or ritual master, the ghost-kings and eight hundred million demon-kings swear to slice them into thirty thousand pieces. These demonic sovereigns pledge that whenever Daoists use this scripture for healing or blessings, their petitions will be fulfilled. Should they break this oath, demon-kings like Ju Min will suffer death by ten thousand cuts.

Finally, the passage clarifies that unlike other scriptures, this text requires separate transmission. Its extraordinary power derives from the supreme authority of the great demon-kings, so practitioners must devote themselves to its recitation for saving humanity. When encountering acute illnesses, a Daoist chanting its spells will prompt the Three Celestial Demon-Kings to summon all minor ghost-kings to assist.

This scripture passage discusses the miraculous power of the Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing (Great Supreme Cavernous Abyss Divine Incantation Scripture) to exorcise evil and cure illnesses. The text records various demons' names and characteristics—such as eighty thousand types of water ghosts, each measuring three feet and two inches tall, who gather in groups to harm people in water. There are also 980,000 types of waterborne diseases and thirty-two fatal illnesses of different colors, all of which arise because people in the world do not believe in the Daoist teachings and commit many wicked deeds.

The scripture particularly emphasizes that sincere devotion to this sacred text—whether through copying, reciting, or carrying it—can prevent myriad ghosts from approaching. If someone performs a purification ritual (Zhaijiao) to save others, even demon kings will come to assist the practitioner in curing illnesses. However, if a demon king refuses to help, they will suffer severe punishment—their head will split into ninety pieces.

The phrase "Dao yan" (Words of the Dao) in the scripture represents the teachings of the Great Supreme Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun), who warns all demon kings: If the men and women of the Central Land (China) sincerely believe in the Dao and recite this scripture, the demon kings must assist these devotees in curing illnesses, saving lives, and calming storms. By doing so, the demon kings may be promoted in rank; but if they break their oath, their heads will likewise shatter.

Finally, the passage points out that although these divine and demonic kings possess great supernatural powers, because they do not cultivate the natural Dao-Qi (innate righteous energy) and harbor malicious thoughts in their hearts, they remain trapped in the cycle of life and death. This reflects the Daoist concept of "chengfu" (karmic retribution), illustrating how past misdeeds lead to present misfortunes.

This scripture records the admonitions given by the supreme Daoist deity, the Dao (the Way), to demon kings and divine rulers. The Dao declares its abode above the Three Heavens (the highest celestial realm in Daoism), governing all divine beings. Moved by compassion for all living beings, it has established principles to nurture virtuous people, accomplish good deeds, execute the wicked, and eradicate evil. Now that the "Great Dharma of the Three Caverns" (the core scriptural system of Daoism) has begun circulating in the human realm, the Dao commands all demon kings to assist Daoist priests who heal illnesses and save lives, ensuring the fulfillment of their virtuous merits. Those who disobey this decree shall face execution.

The Dao emphasizes that although numerous great deities and demon kings have existed in the world since ancient times, their power cannot compare to even one ten-thousandth part of its own. It sternly warns these demonic rulers: "Your very existence and destruction lie within my control." While many in the human realm currently lack faith in the Dao, whenever Daoist priests employ the Three Caverns scriptures to heal and save lives, you demons must assist them without disrupting their meritorious works. Violators will be executed without exception.

Specifically, the Dao addresses the eight hundred million major demon kings and eight hundred million minor demon kings, demanding their cooperation wherever Daoist priests practice the Three Caverns scriptures to heal diseases. They must ensure patients recover completely and virtuous deeds reach fulfillment, with celestial deities subsequently granting favorable weather and harmonious conditions. Should any demon violate these commands—whether by unleashing ghostly soldiers to harm virtuous people or causing illness and hardship for Three Caverns masters—all thirty-six chief demon kings shall be executed.

In conclusion, the Dao underscores that although many still disbelieve in the Great Way, demon kings must support the continuous growth of virtuous intentions in those who embrace the Three Caverns scriptures. Since ancient times, humans have suffered various ailments, and the Dao possesses complete knowledge of which malicious spirits cause specific afflictions: headaches, bodily heaviness, limb weakness, mental confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, or skin rashes. The "Shenyou Ghost" mentioned here represents one such malevolent entity responsible for these sufferings.

This scripture describes the calamities and demonic disturbances occurring in different sexagenary cycle periods (ancient time units of ten-year intervals), and how Daoist mantras and spiritual power can deliver sentient beings.

During the Jiazi cycle, seventy-two kinds of diseases afflict humanity. The Chang'an region suffers from warfare, displacing multitudes, while southern Chu also fractures through conflict, forcing refugees to flee abroad. Though virtuous ministers govern Jiangdong (the lower Yangtze region), unrest still shakes the realm, leaving people in anguish. Wandering ghosts seize this opportunity to harm mortals, causing widespread death. Even those cultivating the Dao and practicing virtue face mockery from the wicked, causing immortals to withdraw their manifestations.

In the Jiaxu cycle, masses flee to Jiangdong while 30,000 crimson demons wreak havoc in Shu-Han, specifically slaying those who reject the Dao. The Daoist tradition dispatches immortals Dong Xuanke and Yin Zhongkan to enlighten the ignorant, but when fools remain faithless, Heaven sends 120 afflictions as punishment. Should Daoist priests recite the Three Caverns Scriptures (key Daoist classics) and transmit these mantras, even the dead may revive. Daoist deities will command all demon kings and minor ghosts to cease their hauntings—if patients recover, the spirits may be pardoned; if not, they face execution.

The Jiashen cycle brings 490,000 black demons causing untimely deaths. By the ominous Zi-Chou years, 800,000 crimson soldiers (baleful spectral armies) will massacre populations. The Renwu, Guiwei, and Jiashen years further unleash floods and plagues, with the great demon king Jiang Gongyan joining the slaughter. Should minor ghosts dare harass the sick, they must retreat a thousand miles instantly—or face decapitation by the archdemon lords.

During the Jiawu cycle, 360,000 Di, Qiang, Hu, and Liao tribal ghosts rampage, butchering common folk. Simultaneously, 700,000 crimson birds (harbingers of doom) darken the skies; mere sighting brings incurable pestilence. These disasters stem wholly from humanity's rejection of the Sacred Teachings (Daoist wisdom).

The text emphasizes that only through embracing Daoism, reciting scriptures, and accumulating virtue can people escape demonic harm and dissolve calamities. Daoist deities shield cultivators, suppress malign forces, and deliver the people from suffering.

From this day forward, should even a single person in the land receive and recite this divine incantation scripture, wherever this scripture resides, the Great Demon Kings and celestial deities shall come to assist, causing the afflicted to recover spontaneously. For those who are healed, you guardian deities shall receive ten thousandfold blessings. But if any remain unhealed, you Great Demon Kings and lesser ghosts shall tear them limb from limb without mercy.

The Daoist scriptures prophesy: During the ten-year cycle of the Jia-Chen year [2024-2033], ninety kinds of diseases shall arise in the world, and many shall perish suddenly, with livestock also suffering plagues. This occurs because people do not revere the Great Dao (Daxue). If someone receives this scripture and practices it, the ignorant will mock them. Thus, Heaven dispatches thirty-nine thousand Great Ghosts to execute such mockers. When pestilence spreads through the world, should a Daoist priest recite this divine incantation, eighty trillion mighty celestial warriors shall descend to assist. If the afflicted still do not recover and die, the Great Demon Kings shall bear the blame first, and the lesser ghosts must immediately seize the departed souls. All ghosts and demons are warned—do not harass the virtuous common people. Those who disobey shall be shown no mercy.

The scriptures further foretell: In the ten-year cycle of the Jia-Yin year [2034-2043], sixty kinds of fatal diseases shall emerge, claiming nine out of ten lives. A tyrannical ruler will reign, and among the people, the Crimson Crow Ghosts (red raven-like malevolent spirits) will appear. From this day forward, wherever a Daoist priest recites this scripture, the sick must recover spontaneously. If any still worsen and perish, the Great Ghost Kings shall be punished first, and the heads of lesser ghosts shall be split into forty-nine pieces.

The scriptures declare: The world is overrun with wickedness, and thus the sages refuse to dwell here. Yet if a Daoist priest establishes the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen) teachings, the celestial deities shall come to protect them. Henceforth, when the sick are on the verge of death, the Great Demon Kings must sever the calamities in their households, and the lesser ghosts must ensure spontaneous recovery. Those who heal shall bring promotion to the Great Demon Kings and their kind; those who do not shall see their ghostly forms torn asunder. All lawless lesser ghosts of the world, disperse at once—do not take human lives. Should you defy this command, forty-nine billion Crimson Enforcers (scarlet-clad celestial soldiers) shall be dispatched immediately to execute the Great Demon Kings and their ilk without leniency. This decree carries the authority of the Supreme Elder Lord (Taishang Laojun) himself and must be enforced without delay.

The scriptures prophesy: From the twenty-ninth day of the eleventh month in the Ren-Wu year [2062] to the third day of the tenth month in the Ren-Chen year [2072], seven hundred twenty thousand lesser Ghost Kings shall invade homes, spreading disease rapidly. At that time, Li Xin and Li Ling shall each lead...

This scripture passage describes a Daoist priest's incantation for exorcising evil spirits. The text states that a hundred thousand malevolent ghosts are coming to harm human lives, but the priest already knows these spirits' names and commands them to depart immediately. Should they refuse to leave, seven hundred twenty thousand Crimson Execution Warriors (Chisha Lishi, divine generals in Daoism specifically tasked with slaying evil spirits) will arrive to behead them, cutting their bodies into ten thousand pieces without mercy.

The scripture further explains that the foundation of a Daoist priest's practice lies in mastering the "Three Caverns" (Sandong) classics—the highest canonical texts in Daoism. Only by mastering these divine incantations can one safely enter mountains for cultivation or eliminate various harmful ghosts in the human world. Without these protective spells, evil spirits would show no fear of humans.

The passage concludes with a final warning: thirty-six thousand vicious ghosts are coming to kill, but the priest already knows their names and orders them to flee a thousand miles away. The closing phrase "urgently, urgently, in accordance with statutes and ordinances" (jiji rulü ling) is a standard Daoist incantation formula meaning "execute immediately, as unbreakable as legal decrees."