《太上洞淵神咒經》Vol. 5

The fifth volume of the Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing (Scripture of the Divine Spells from the Abyss of the Most High), in its "Chapter on Subduing Ghosts," records the following account:

When the Most High Lord of the Dao (Taishang Daojun, one of the supreme deities of Daoism) was expounding the Great Exorcism Scripture (Daqu Jing) to the assembled immortal kings and maidens in the Duyang Palace to instruct sentient beings, a Perfected One (Zhenren) named Tang Ping from the Central Plains came to report: "Recently, the number of deaths has been overwhelming. When will this calamity cease?" The Most High Lord of the Dao prophesied: "From now until the years of Wuyin and Renwu, plague demons (Yigui) will specifically target and slay those who commit evil deeds. The epidemic will not end until the year of Jiawu. By the year of Guiwei, pestilence will spread widely, and warfare will erupt across the land, with fathers and sons, rulers and subjects turning against one another. Those among the populace who do not believe in the Great Dao (Da Dao) or uphold the scriptures of the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen—the canonical texts of the Shangqing, Lingbao, and Sanhuang traditions) are actually celestial beings exiled to the mortal realm, not true inhabitants of this world."

The Lord of the Dao proclaimed: "From this day forth, if there are Daoist priests (Daoshi) who can receive and uphold these Three Caverns scriptures, diligently cultivate themselves, instruct the masses, reverently venerate the Three Treasures of Daoism (the Dao, the scriptures, and the master), and rescue and enlighten the ignorant, I will dispatch the celestial soldiers of the ten directions and the thirty-six heavenly guardians to protect these ritual masters. In places where they perform their rites, if any plague demons refuse to retreat, the guardians will be commanded to execute them one by one."

The Lord of the Dao continued: "In the future, if common people fall ill with plague and, upon hearing the ritual master recite this scripture, listen attentively with sincere devotion, then all calamities within and outside their households—including malevolent spirits, wild deities of mountains and shrines, ghosts haunting cold and hot hearths, and the myriad misfortunes dwelling in homes—will spontaneously submit. Should any plague demons persist in harming households, the celestial soldiers and guardians, along with the Four Brahma Kings (Buddhist protector deities, reflecting the integration of Buddhism and Daoism here), will join forces to exterminate them. I have already ordered the demon kings to restrain the plague demons. Your task is to diligently teach the people to receive and uphold this scripture. In the year of Jiashen, a great disaster will descend, and Daoist priests must strive to deliver the populace." The Great Demon Kings of the Three Heavens (deities governing plagues in Daoism) also swore an oath: "Henceforth, wherever Daoist priests work to save lives, if plague demons dare to inflict disease and suffering or stir up legal disputes among the people, may our skulls shatter into eighteen pieces. When priests instruct the masses, we demon kings will assist them—healing the sick and resolving conflicts and slander."

The Lord of the Dao concluded with a warning: "From now until the year of Xinsi, plague demons will surely slaughter multitudes, leaving the people decimated. Alas, the world refuses to believe in the wondrous teachings of the Great Dao." This passage, framed as a dialogue between deities and demons, not only demonstrates Daoism's compassionate mission to avert disasters and deliver beings but also reflects the frequent epidemics of the late Han and Wei-Jin periods. The emphasis on the "scriptures of the Three Caverns" highlights early Daoism's institutional efforts to systematize and unify the canonical texts of its various traditions.

This scripture primarily describes the calamities and divine punishments that occur during specific cyclical years (such as those marked by the celestial stems and earthly branches Jia-Shen, Ren-Wu, Jia-Zi, Jia-Xu, Jia-Wu, Jia-Chen, Jia-Yin, etc.), as well as how Daoist priests can avert disasters through scripture recitation and ritual practices.

The text states that when these inauspicious years arrive, the heavens dispatch numerous plague demons (such as the Red Slaughter Great Demon, the Sorrow-Chained Demon King, and others) to punish the wicked. These monstrous beings are enormous in stature (for instance, the Sorrow-Chained Demon King stands thirty-seven feet tall) and wield crimson ropes, bringing disease and strife to the human world. However, if a Daoist priest well-versed in the Three Caverns (Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen) scriptures performs recitations and scripture rotations on behalf of others, divine protection will be granted, and the plague demons will naturally be subdued.

Specific scenarios are highlighted: during the Jia-Zi year, eight thousand red plague demons and thirty-nine thousand pestilent spirits will kill people; the Jia-Xu year sees thirty-two types of diseases spreading; the Jia-Shen year brings seven hundred thousand malevolent demons wreaking havoc; the Jia-Wu year unleashes eighty kinds of plague demons; while the Jia-Chen and Jia-Yin years each summon three hundred sixty thousand plague demons. These disasters specifically target those who reject the Great Dao (Da Dao), slander the true teachings, and disregard Virtue (De).

The scripture emphasizes that the Supreme Venerable Sovereign (Taishang Laojun), observing from the Palace of Eight Radiances (Bajing Gong), witnesses the suffering of humanity and foresees the impending Three Calamities (war, famine, and pestilence), yet people remain deluded and unawakened. For those who stubbornly refuse to believe in the Daoist teachings, the heavens will dispatch the Three Heavenly Demon Kings and the Ten Directional Lords to descend and execute judgment. However, if Daoist priests promptly perform scripture rotations from the Three Caverns to provide relief, celestial beings will descend to assist in subduing the hundred demons.

Finally, it warns humanity: when disaster strikes, regret will come too late. Thus, it urges people to embrace Daoist teachings before calamity arrives.

Those who perform good deeds yet face ridicule will, after death, descend into hell to suffer the torments of fiery chariots (infernal instruments of punishment) and sword trees—agonies beyond endurance. These bitter fruits are entirely of their own making, with none able to bear them in their stead. Now, as I observe the mortal realm with divine insight, how can I refrain from warning all beings? Thus I summon masters of the Three Caverns (Daoist scriptural classification: Dongzhen, Dongxuan, Dongshen), immortal sages from the ten directions, celestial officials, and demon kings from the eight quarters to jointly establish prohibitions and divine incantations. Foreseeing how ignorance will cause multitudes to perish needlessly—like those unaware of the impending great flood—I command the demon kings to refrain from harming the people and instruct the ignorant to receive this scripture.

This Scripture of Divine Incantations stands as the king among scriptures, containing miraculous transformations and the power of sacred mantras across four volumes. The Supreme Lord of the Dao (highest Daoist deity) specifically expounded this text for the coming age of Dharma decline and chaos. Those destined to encounter this scripture, through recitation, can dissolve calamities—keeping misfortunes at bay while attaining celestial guidance to meet Perfected Immortals.

The scripture reveals: The boundless samadhi (advanced meditative state) of the Shangqing realm enables ascension to immortality. Its divine mantras subdue all demonic obstructions, allowing Daoist practitioners to move fearlessly whether secluded in mountain retreats or walking among mortals. Merely receiving and upholding these twenty scrolls may suffice without studying other texts, for they enable swift attainment of immortality. Hearing this, the assembled male and female devotees rejoiced, eagerly requesting transmission. Rising to inquire, they asked: "How should one make offerings when receiving this scripture? What specific preparations are required? We implore the Celestial Worthy to explain in detail—we shall reverently comply. Once instructed, we will prepare everything accordingly."

The scripture clarifies: This text subdues demons and eliminates all misfortunes. Those who uphold it remain unharmed by ghostly soldiers, enjoying natural peace. Whether entangled in lawsuits or plagued by chronic illness, merely hearing this scripture resolves suffering and dispels myriad calamities. Sincere practitioners will receive immortal guardians, honoring masters like the sun and moon, treasuring scriptures as pearls and jade. Before formal transmission, one must first sacrifice to the Five Primordial Emperors (primordial deities) to resolve karmic entanglements from past lives.

When reciting this scripture for ailing households, priests must first create eight spirit talismans to place at the eight directional gates before chanting. Thus, all malevolent spirits hearing the divine incantations will scatter, while benevolent deities bring boundless blessings, and scripture-protecting warriors (Dharma protector deities) naturally offer guardianship.

The scripture prophesies: A great kalpic catastrophe approaches—floods spanning ninety thousand li, the three disasters (water, fire, wind) arising simultaneously, ghostly soldiers running rampant, nearly annihilating humanity. Then I shall ride a blue dragon leading four hundred thousand celestial warriors...

The Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing (Scripture of the Divine Spells from the Abyss by the Most High) describes the miraculous efficacy and protective power of reciting this scripture.

The text states that eighty thousand celestial soldiers will block plague demons, and demon kings themselves will descend to the human realm to deliver sentient beings. If ignorant people accept and recite this scripture, their names will be recorded in the Jade Register (the celestial roster of immortals), sparing them from nine calamities including floods. From now on, all who hear and practice this scripture will be constantly protected by four billion celestial soldiers and divine generals.

The Daojun (a revered Daoist deity) proclaims: If people in the Central Plains receive and uphold these twenty volumes of divine spells and widely propagate them, Daoist priests who practice them will surely ascend to immortality. Even those in remote regions who recite this scripture will be guarded by eight hundred million scripture-protecting warriors, shielding both the scripture masters and practitioners from untimely deaths, while malevolent ghosts dare not approach.

Daojun observes that in these chaotic times, people frequently commit evil deeds and lack faith in the Dao. Yet even if just one person hears this scripture with joy and practices it devoutly, they will receive protection from four hundred and ninety million divine troops, gaining increased wisdom, fulfilled aspirations, successful official careers, abundant blessings, and avoidance of the Three Calamities and Nine Misfortunes.

Daojun warns of the approaching apocalyptic kalpa, when ghostly soldiers will run rampant and catastrophic floods will arise. The Taishang (referring to Laozi) pities sentient beings facing these tribulations, thus dispatching envoys to teach and guide them toward liberation. Daoist priests who practice only for themselves without teaching others will face retribution. The wise should encourage others to practice this scripture, thereby receiving protection from celestial beings and guardian warriors at their gates, making them impervious to all disasters and epidemics.

Finally, Daojun emphasizes: Practitioners of these four transformative volumes of divine spells will be guarded by divine generals from the ten directions and attended by jade maidens of the immortals. During great calamities, dragon chariots will transport them to safety, preventing wrongful deaths. Whether facing severe illness, legal troubles, domestic unrest or other difficulties, sincere devotion to this scripture brings deliverance. This scripture is like... (the original text leaves this metaphor incomplete, implying its wondrous efficacy).

This scripture contains the admonitions and promises of the Supreme Dao Lord (one of the highest deities in Daoism) to Daoist practitioners. The general meaning is as follows:

Medicines can cure all ailments. If you Daoist devotees believe in and accept this sacred text, following my instructions diligently, I shall have no more concerns. I hereby command the Ten Directions Ghost Kings (deities governing the underworld) that from now on, whenever people in the mortal realm suffer from illness or distress, and when Daoist priests come to assist them by reciting this scripture, you must protect these practitioners and refrain from harming the innocent. Furthermore, I strictly order the Director of Destinies (deity overseeing life and death) and the Registers' Messengers (spirits recording the ledgers of life) that in any place where this scripture is recited, patients destined to die shall be granted reprieve. Even if their names are already inscribed in the stone casket of death's register (the underworld's book of life and death), every effort must be made to save them. Those suffering from chronic illness or entangled in legal troubles shall have their calamities dissolved according to my teachings. Any Ghost King who disobeys my decree and harms virtuous commoners shall suffer death by a thousand cuts.

The Supreme Dao Lord prophesies that in the Dharma-Ending Age (an era of moral decline), human lifespans will shorten and hearts grow wicked, with most people losing faith in the Dao. Yet those who receive this scripture shall be spared great disasters, with immortal maidens (celestial attendants) descending to guide them. When catastrophic floods arise, forty-nine thousand dragon chariots—each eighty-four thousand miles wide—shall come to receive those destined for deliverance. As the world drowns in deluge, only devotees of this scripture shall be saved.

A special revelation mentions that in China, during the jiaxu year cycle, countless men and women will enter mountains to cultivate the Dao with utmost sincerity. Upon hearing this scripture, the assembled multitude rejoiced—three hundred thousand rose simultaneously to circumambulate the Supreme Dao Lord seven times, performing the threefold prostration to request transmission. The Supreme Dao Lord gladly consented.

The text concludes by reemphasizing: In this turbid world of Five Defilements (the mundane realm filled with afflictions), most perish untimely deaths, driven by ghostly soldiers for their disbelief in the Dao. Before great calamities strike, the ignorant remain oblivious. Yet anyone who reverently preserves these twenty scripture volumes shall, when floods come, be met by immortal guides. The Supreme Dao Lord vows: Henceforth, all who receive this classic shall enjoy divine protection, naturally avoiding disasters. Daoist priests must spread this teaching so even fools may escape the Three Calamities (war, pestilence, and famine). If devotees of this scripture still cannot cross the Three Rivers (symbolizing tribulations), I would be unworthy of being called a sage. Simultaneously, all mighty deities of the Ten Directions and demonic ghost kings are sternly commanded to obey this prohibition.

This passage expounds the miraculous efficacy and cultivation methods of the Taishang Dongyuan Shenzhou Jing (Most High Divine Spells Scripture of the Cavernous Abyss). The scripture states that sincere acceptance of this twenty-volume text of divine spells can eradicate all illnesses, resolve legal disputes, and fulfill every aspiration. All who heard these teachings rejoiced and pledged to receive this scripture's covenant to begin their practice.

The Dao Ancestor (referring to Lord Lao, the Most High) instructed practitioners: "This scripture can subdue all demon kings and is guarded by benevolent deities. Those who receive it must have formed immortal connections in past lives—they are no ordinary mortals. Whether from the Central Plains or distant frontiers, all will have those awakened to its truth. In regions like Wu and Shu where many follow the Dao, the wise will retreat to mountains for cultivation during turbulent times. When perilous years like Jiashen or Renchen arrive, Daoist priests must exhort and deliver sentient beings together."

"Should anyone personally receive this scripture, heaven will protect them from calamity," emphasized the Dao Ancestor. "Even if practitioners have received the Shangqing or Lingbao scriptures, those who neglect this Divine Spells Scripture cannot attain immortality, cannot be considered true Daoists, and cannot heal myriad ailments. Merely enshrining this scripture in one's home subdues all ghosts and spirits, granting blessings in both life and death."

The Dao Ancestor admonished practitioners: "After receiving the scripture, you must never disrespect your master nor treat the text carelessly. Practice it lifelong, constantly contemplating the divine and meditating on the Great Dao (Da Dao). Only thus can you ultimately attain immortality—nine divine dragons will descend to welcome you." Hearing this, the assembly stirred with emotion, rising to perform the triple prostration.

Finally, the Dao Ancestor taught specific methods: "After receiving the scripture, transcribe it and establish an altar in a quiet chamber or empty room. On each new and full moon, offer incense while paying homage to the ten directions' deities and your master. If your master is absent, bow four times toward their direction; if dwelling together, personally pay respects." Having received these instructions, the assembly reverently performed triple prostrations, vowing to uphold these teachings.