《太上洞淵說請雨龍王經》

The Scripture of the Supreme Cavern Abyss on Invoking the Dragon Kings for Rain, rendered in plain interpretation:

The Supreme Dao Lord (one of the highest deities in Daoism) once observed the mortal realm from the heavens above the Threefold Heaven. He saw plagues spreading across the land, the people afflicted by disease, nations suffering severe drought, crops failing to ripen, and humanity left helpless. At this critical moment, the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (the supreme deity of Daoism) descended upon the world riding five-colored auspicious clouds. Manifesting divine powers, he radiated boundless light, leading over 7,200 celestial Dragon Kings, immortal youths, and jade maidens to expound the orthodox Dharma for the universal salvation of beings. Immediately, sweet rain fell from the heavens, relieving the drought.

The scripture warns: If living beings fail to revere this scripture, not only will they bring calamity upon themselves, but even the souls of their ancestors across nine generations will suffer in the underworld, tormented by ghostly officials and unable to attain liberation for countless kalpas. Yet if one recites this scripture with sincere devotion, the merit will be immeasurable—common people will be spared disasters, granted longevity, and protected from harm.

The scripture further reveals: When nations face calamities such as war, cannibalism, or cosmic anomalies, one need only establish altars for the Nine Dragon Kings and the Sacred Truths of the Five Directions at auspicious geomantic sites, or by springs and ponds within palace gardens. By reciting this scripture and paying homage to the August Emperor of the Void (a Daoist deity), disasters will dissolve of themselves and conflicts cease. Should rulers and ministers practice this Dao, receiving the Dragon Kings' protection, the world will enjoy peace and prosperity. Hearing these teachings, the assembled immortals all gained profound benefit, bowing in reverence and vowing to uphold this scripture.

Finally, the scripture enumerates the twenty-eight principal Dragon Kings by name:

Geographically classified are: the Azure Thearch Dragon King of the East, the Vermilion Thearch Dragon King of the South, the White Thearch Dragon King of the West, the Black Thearch Dragon King of the North, and the Yellow Thearch Dragon King of the Center.

By domain of authority: the Dragon Kings governing the sun and moon, the constellations, the celestial palaces, and the dragon palaces themselves.

Specialized functions include: the Ghost-Slaying Dragon King, the Kalavinka-Ghost Subduing Dragon King (repressing malignant spirits), and the Golden Radiance Dragon King (emanating auspicious light). Each Dragon King fulfills distinct duties in safeguarding heaven, earth, and all living beings.

This scripture expounds the Daoist system of Dragon Kings who govern various affairs, and explains how to invoke these deities through scripture recitation to dispel calamities and resolve difficulties.

First, it enumerates over thirty Dragon Kings with distinct functions, such as:

• The Yin-Yang Dragon King, who governs the vital energies of yin and yang
• The Medicine Dragon King, who oversees healing and remedies
• The Household Guardian Dragon King, who protects homes
• The Wealth Dragon King and the Gold-Silver Dragon King, who preside over riches
• The Five Grains Dragon King, who ensures bountiful harvests
• The Official Rank Dragon King, who governs promotions and emoluments
• The Thunderstorm Dragon King and the Great Rain Dragon King, who command wind, rain, thunder, and lightning
• The Ocean Dragon King, who rules the Four Seas, among others

The scripture states that by sincerely burning incense and reciting this Divine Incantation Scripture of the Celestial Dragon Kings for three days and nights, one can summon these Dragon Kings to descend. In times of drought, they will bring rain, and even amid thunder and lightning, no harm will befall the petitioner. The Dragon Kings fulfill various petitions according to one’s wishes, including:

• Seeking blessings, longevity, and prosperity
• Praying for descendants or official rank
• Healing illnesses and dispelling misfortunes
• Resolving grudges and legal disputes
• Expelling malevolent spirits and demons (those who refuse to retreat will be utterly vanquished)

A special emphasis is placed on locations frequently plagued by celestial fires: every household can inscribe the names of the Four Seas Dragon Kings (East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, and North Sea Dragon Kings) at the four corners of their dwelling, then burn incense and recite the scripture. These Dragon Kings will swiftly arrive upon clouds and mist, manifesting their divine powers to summon torrential rain, forcing the fire spirits (huojing) to retreat underground. Simultaneously, they will dispatch the Great Water Dragon King to guard the central space, eliminating all inauspicious influences.

Note: Here, "fire spirits" (huojing) refers to mischievous entities that cause conflagrations, while "shi" (石) is an ancient unit of measurement (approximately 60 kilograms), used here to describe the immense volume of rainfall.

This passage from the Scripture of the Most High Cavernous Abyss on Invoking the Dragon Kings for Rain explains:

When devout men and women enshrine the Dragon Deities (Dragon Kings) in their homes, if they transcribe this scripture and regularly place it where the Dragon Deities reside or in their storehouses, offering pure water and clean fruits at proper times—especially reciting the scripture and summoning the Dragon Kings on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month (traditional days for dragon worship)—their households will enjoy unceasing prosperity and abundant granaries. The marvelous efficacy of this scripture is truly immeasurable.

Upon hearing this teaching, the fourfold assembly of disciples (referring to ordained monks and nuns, and laymen and laywomen) rejoiced immensely. Simultaneously, eighty-four thousand Dragon Kings leapt with joy, causing heaven and earth to tremble. All dragon deities gathered together, sending down great rains to universally deliver sentient beings. The celestial beings and humans present all praised in unison, reverently bowing to signify their commitment to practice accordingly.

(Note: The "Dragon Kings" mentioned here are water deities in Daoist belief who govern rainfall, distinct from their Buddhist counterparts. Daoism holds that through specific rituals and sincere offerings, one can invoke the Dragon Kings' divine response to alleviate droughts.)