《太上道君說解冤拔度妙經》

Interpretation of the Wonderful Scripture of Resolving Grievances and Delivering the Departed by the Supreme Dao Lord:

At that time, the Supreme Dao Lord (one of the highest deities in Daoism), accompanied by immortal sages, was seated upon the Seven Treasures Terrace in the Baxian Forest (a celestial realm). With solemn ritual arrays arranged, he expounded the essential principles of the Dao. They sat in serene meditation, nurturing their spirits as if dwelling in the Jade Capital, the immortal mountain, radiating auspicious light that illuminated the Hall of Blessings (the abode of virtuous souls). There, one could witness virtuous men and women dwelling in carefree harmony, while in the hell realms, hungry ghosts and tormented spirits suffered ceaseless punishments—their bodies festering, forced to swallow flames to sate their hunger and drink molten copper to quench their thirst, their bare feet treading upon mountains of blades, their flesh torn by iron rods, their bodies drenched in blood, their wails shaking the heavens.

A realized being named Guangxin rose and inquired, "What transgressions did these departed souls commit in life to endure such torment?" The Dao Lord replied, "In their mortal existence, they showed no reverence for Heaven, Earth, or the sun and moon (the Three Luminaries), deceived the divine, committed the Ten Evils and Five Heinous Crimes (grave offenses), lacked loyalty and benevolence, showed neither kindness nor filial piety, and harmed living beings. Once their karmic merit was exhausted, they naturally fell into the hells."

Guangxin earnestly beseeched the Dao Lord to employ his divine power to deliver these suffering souls. In response, the Dao Lord transmitted the Scripture of Resolving Grievances and Absolving Sins, promising that if devout men and women could observe purification rituals, calm their minds, burn incense, and recite this scripture day and night, the Dao Lord would protect them. Through this accumulated merit, past enmities would be resolved, and the tormented spirits would all be elevated to liberation.

Finally, Guangxin offered a verse in praise: "The mighty Dao Lord delivers countless beings, like a ferry crossing the bitter sea of life and death, lifting souls from the infernal Luo Feng Hell (the Daoist underworld). When sins are exhausted, blessings penetrate the netherworld; his divine might is unfathomable, his merit boundless." All the assembled immortals reverently received and entrusted themselves to this scripture.

(Note: The core teaching of this scripture is the concept of "resolving karmic grievances," asserting that through the merit of recitation, enmities and karmic obstacles between the realms of yin and yang can be dissolved. This reflects the Daoist cultivation ideal of "saving the world and delivering beings.")