---
title: "太上玄靈北斗本命延生真經 – English Interpretation | Daozang"
url: "https://daozang.app/en/text/KR5c0003/"
canonical: "https://daozang.app/en/text/KR5c0003/"
lang: "en"
edition:
  - "Source: Kanripo (Kyoto University)"
  - "Daozang section: 洞神部"
  - "Kanripo ID: KR5c0003"
  - "Base edition (Kanripo): 正統道藏・涵芬樓版 (HFL)"
  - "Witness (Kanripo): 重刊道藏輯要 (CK-KZ)"
  - "Size: 1 volume · 3,159 characters"
source: "Kanripo 漢籍リポジトリ（京都大学）"
license: "CC BY-SA 4.0"
---

# 《太上玄靈北斗本命延生真經》

Dongshen 洞神部 · 1 volumes · 3,159 characters

## About this edition

- **Source**: Kanripo (Kyoto University)
- **Daozang section**: 洞神部
- **Kanripo ID**: [`KR5c0003`](https://github.com/kanripo/KR5c0003)
- **Base edition (Kanripo)**: 正統道藏・涵芬樓版 (`HFL`)
- **Witness (Kanripo)**: 重刊道藏輯要 (`CK-KZ`)
- **Size**: 1 volume · 3,159 characters

## Vol. 1

重刊道藏輯要太上玄靈北斗本命延生眞經

開經玄藴咒寂寂至無宗　　　虛峙刧仞阿　　　豁落洞玄文誰測此幽遐　　　一入大乘路　　　孰計年刧多不生亦不滅　　　欲生因蓮花　　　超淩三界途慈心解世羅　　　眞人無上德　　　世世爲仙家爾時太上老君以永夀元年正月七日在太淸境上太極宫中觀見眾生億劫漂沉周迴生死或居人道生在中華或生夷狄之中或生蠻戎之內或富或貴或賤或貧暫假因緣墮於地獄爲無定故罪業牽纒魂繫陰司受苦滿足人道將違生居畜獸之中或生禽蟲之屬轉乖人道難復人身如此沉淪不自知覺爲先世迷眞之故受此輪迴乃以哀憫之心分身教化化身下降至於蜀都地神湧出卷首·第1叶b扶一玉局而作高座於是老君昇玉局坐授與天師北斗本命經訣廣宣要法普濟眾生是時老君告天師曰人身難得中土難生假使得生正法難遇多迷眞道多入邪宗多種罪根多肆巧詐多恣淫殺多好羣情多縱貪嗔多沉地獄多失人身如此等緣眾生不悟不知正道迷惑者多我今哀見此等眾生故垂教法爲說良緣令使知道知身性命皆憑道生了悟此因長生人道種子不絕世世爲人不

**Interpretation**

The Taishang Xuanling Beidou Benming Yansheng Zhenjing (Authentic Scripture of the Northern Dipper for Prolonging Life and Original Destiny), commonly known as the Northern Dipper Scripture, records the transmission of life-prolonging methods by Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun). The opening "Xuan Yun Incantation" describes the profound realm of Dao's origin: the supreme Dao is tranquil and formless, transcending time and space (where "kalpa" signifies vast cosmic cycles), its profound principles beyond ordinary comprehension. Practitioners who align with this Dao can transcend the cycle of rebirth (the Three Realms refer to Desire, Form, and Formless realms), liberate sentient beings from suffering through compassion, and attain the supreme merit of realized beings (Zhenren), eternally abiding as immortals.

The scripture recounts: On the seventh day of the first lunar month in the Yongshou era, Lord Lao observed from his celestial abode in the Great Clarity Realm (Taiji Palace, one of Daoism's highest heavens) how beings drifted through samsara. Some were reborn in the Central Plains (China's heartland), others among barbarian tribes; some enjoyed wealth and status, while others suffered poverty. Due to karmic debts from past lives, some fell into hell realms after death, enduring punishments in the underworld courts; others took animal forms, rarely regaining human rebirth. All this stems from losing touch with the true Dao in previous existences.

Moved by compassion, Lord Lao manifested in Shu (modern Sichuan). Local earth deities emerged, raising a jade platform (yuju ritual seat) where he ascended to transmit the Northern Dipper Scripture's secrets to Celestial Master Zhang (Zhang Daoling, founder of Daoism). This method universally saves beings, extending lifespans and averting disasters.

Lord Lao revealed to the Celestial Master: Human rebirth is rare, and birth in civilized lands rarer still. Even as humans, few encounter true teachings. Most stray from Dao, joining heterodox paths and committing sins—deception, licentiousness, killing, greed, hatred, and arrogance—leading to hellish rebirths and loss of human form. Out of pity for this ignorance, Lord Lao bestowed this method to reveal how all life originates from Dao. Those awakening to this truth preserve their human status across lifetimes, never falling into lower realms.

(Note: This scripture holds central importance in Daoist practice, teaching that the Northern Dipper's seven stars govern human longevity. Reciting its verses and performing its rituals (keyi) can prolong life and prevent calamities. The seventh day of the first lunar month, "Human Day," commemorates Lord Lao's revelation, carrying unique religious significance.)

卷首·第2叶a生無道之鄕不斷人之根本更能心修正道漸入仙宗永離輪迴超昇成道我故示汝妙法令度天民歸眞知命可以本命之日修齋設醮啟祝北斗三官五帝九府四司薦福消災奏章懇願䖍誠獻禮種種香花時新五果隨世威儀淸淨壇宇法天象地或於觀宇或在家庭隨力建功請行法事功德深重不可具陳念此大聖北斗七元眞君名號當得罪業消除災愆洗蕩福夀資命善果臻身凡有急難可以卷首·第2叶b焚香誦經尅期安泰於是大聖北斗解厄應騐曰

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解三災厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解四殺厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解五行厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解六害厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解七傷厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解八難厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解九星厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解夫妻厄卷首·第3叶a

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解男女厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解產生厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解復連厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解疫癘厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解疾病厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解精邪厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解虎狼厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解蟲蛇厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解劫賊厄

**Interpretation**

Even if a person is born in a land without the Dao (the Way), one should not let one’s fundamental root be cut off; if one can moreover apply the mind to cultivating the true Dao, one will gradually enter the immortal lineage, forever escape transmigration, and transcend to attain the Dao. Therefore I (Taishang Laojun) instruct you in the wondrous method, enabling the people of Heaven to attain salvation, return to the truth, and know their destiny. On one’s Benming day (the day corresponding to the earthly branch of one’s birth), one may cultivate zhai (fasting and purification of body and mind), establish a jiao (altar sacrifice and prayer for blessings), announce, invoke, and pray to the Northern Dipper, the Three Officials (Heavenly Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official), the Five Emperors, the Nine Bureaus, and the Four Departments, pray for blessings and eliminate disasters, submit memorials, and earnestly make vows; devoutly present offerings, using various incense flowers and seasonal fresh five fruits, conforming to worldly ritual norms, purifying the altar ground, and emulating the image of Heaven and Earth. Whether in a Daoist temple or at home, establish merit according to one’s own capacity and request the performance of ritual (Daoist ceremonies); the merit is profound and weighty and cannot be fully described one by one. Reciting the name of the Great Sage Seven Primes True Lords of the Northern Dipper (the deified seven stars of the Northern Dipper) should cause karmic offenses to be eliminated, calamities and sins to be washed away, blessings and longevity to sustain one’s life, and good fruits to come to oneself. Whenever there is urgent peril, one may burn incense and recite the scripture, and in due course obtain peace and safety. Thereupon, the testimony of the Great Sage Northern Dipper’s deliverance from adversity says: the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of the Three Disasters; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of the Four Killings; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of the Five Phases; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of the Six Harms; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of the Seven Injuries; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of the Eight Hardships; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of the Nine Stars; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of husband and wife; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of men and women; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of childbirth; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of recurrent entanglement; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of pestilence; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of illness; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of malevolent spirits; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of tigers and wolves; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of insects and snakes; the Great Sage Northern Dipper Seven Primes Lord can remove the adversity of robbers and bandits.

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解枷棒厄卷首·第3叶b

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解橫死厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解咒誓厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解天羅厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解地網厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解刀兵厄

大聖北斗七元君　　　能解水火厄於是七元君　　　大聖善通靈　　　濟度諸厄難超出苦眾生　　　若有急告者　　　持誦保安平盡憑生百福　　　咸契於五行　　　三魂得安健邪魅不能停　　　五方降眞炁　　　萬福自來并卷首·第4叶a長生超八難　　　皆由奉七星　　　生生身自在世世保神淸　　　善似光中影　　　應如谷裏聲三元神共護　　　萬聖眼同明　　　無災亦無障永保道心甯老君曰北辰垂象而眾星拱之爲造化之樞機作人神之主宰宣威三界統御萬靈判人間善惡之期司陰府是非之目五行共禀七政同科有迴死注生之功有消災度厄之力上至帝王下及庶人尊卑雖則殊途命分俱無差卷首·第4叶b别凡夫在世迷謬者多不知身屬北斗命由天府有災有患不知解謝之門祈福祈生莫曉歸依之路致使魂神被繫禍患來纒或重病不痊或邪妖尅害連年困篤累𡻕迍邅塚訟徵呼先亡復連或上天譴責或下鬼訴誣

**Interpretation**

The *Supreme Mysterious Numinous Scripture of the Dipper for Extending Life and Resolving Calamities* reveals the divine power of the Seven Luminaries of the Northern Dipper (the Daoist-revered stellar deities) to deliver beings from all forms of misfortune.

The Seven Great Sage-True Lords of the Northern Dipper can dispel: imprisonment and judicial punishments, untimely violent deaths, curses and poisoned vows, the "Celestial Net and Earthly Snare" (symbolizing invisible calamitous bonds), warfare and blade afflictions, disasters of fire and water, and all manner of suffering. Their vast spiritual capacities enable them to rescue sentient beings from the sea of sorrows. Should anyone encounter sudden peril, sincere recitation of this scripture will bring peace, attract countless blessings, harmonize with the Dao of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), stabilize the Three Hun-souls (Daoism teaches that humans possess three ethereal and seven corporeal souls), and ward off malignant influences.

The scripture particularly emphasizes: the True Qi (primordial energy) from the Five Directions (east, south, west, north, center) will descend, and myriad blessings will naturally gather. To transcend the "Eight Obstacles" (hindrances to spiritual practice) and attain longevity, the key lies in devout veneration of the Seven Stars of the Dipper. This ensures freedom of body and mind across lifetimes, with radiant spiritual clarity. Such virtuous fruits manifest as inevitably as shadows follow sunlight or echoes resound in valleys. The Three Primal Deities (Upper, Middle, and Lower Origin divinities) will jointly protect the practitioner, while all sages observe with wisdom-eye vision, shielding one from calamities and eternally preserving the serenity of the Dao-mind.

Finally, the scripture conveys the words of the Supreme Venerable Lord (Laozi): the Northern Dipper (Polaris) functions as the celestial pivot, around which all stars revolve, governing the transformations of heaven and earth. Its majesty shakes the Three Realms (celestial, terrestrial, and underworld), commands the myriad spirits, judges human virtue and vice, and records underworld affairs. Whether emperor or commoner, all destinies are governed by the Dipper. Yet most mortals remain unaware of this truth. When calamity strikes, they know not how to resolve it, resulting in chronic illness, demonic harassment, restless ancestral graves, and years of misfortune caused by malevolent spirits.

(Note: This scripture embodies the Daoist belief that "the Dipper governs fate," teaching that sincere Dipper veneration dispels misfortune and prolongs life. The described "calamity resolution" requires accompanying Daoist rituals and cultivation methods.)

若以此危厄如何救解急須投告北斗醮謝眞君及轉眞經認本命眞君方獲安泰以至康榮更有深妙不可盡述凡見北斗眞形頂禮恭敬北斗第一陽明貪狼太星君子生人屬之卷首·第5叶a北斗第二陰精巨門元星君丑亥生人屬之北斗第三眞人祿存貞星君寅戌生人屬之北斗第四玄冥文曲紐星君卯酉生人屬之北斗第五丹元亷貞罡星君辰申生人屬之北斗第六北極武曲紀星君巳未生人屬之北斗第七天關破軍關星君午生人屬之北斗第八洞明外輔星君北斗第九隱光內弼星君上臺虛精開德眞君中臺六淳司空星君卷首·第5叶b下臺曲生司祿星君如是眞君名號不可得聞凡有見聞能持念者皆道心深重宿有善緣得聞持誦其功德力莫可稱量若正信男女値此眞經智慧性圓道心開發出羣迷逕入希夷門歸奉眞宗達生榮界於三元八節本命生辰北斗下日嚴置壇場轉經齋醮依儀行道其福無邊世世生生不違眞性不入邪見持經之人常持誦七元眞君所屬尊號善功圓滿亦降吉祥卽說北斗咒曰卷首·第6叶a

北斗九辰　　中天大神　　上朝金闕　　下覆崑崙

調理綱紀　　統制乾坤　　大魁貪狼　　巨門祿存

文曲亷貞　　武曲破軍　　高上玉皇　　紫微帝君

大周天界　　細入微塵　　何災不滅　　何福不臻

**Interpretation**

This scripture elucidates methods for resolving calamities and prolonging life through devotion to the Northern Dipper Lords (Beidou Xingjun).

When facing grave dangers, one should immediately offer prayers of repentance to the Northern Dipper Lords, recite this authentic scripture while identifying one's natal star lord (one of the seven stars corresponding to one's birth hour) to obtain peace and smooth fortune. The text particularly emphasizes the need for devout prostration when beholding the visage of the Northern Dipper Lords.

It then enumerates the nine stellar deities comprising the seven principal stars and two auxiliary stars, along with their corresponding zodiac animals:

- Greedy Wolf Star Lord (associated with Rat)
- Giant Gate Star Lord (Ox, Pig)
- Prosperity Preserver Star Lord (Tiger, Dog)
- Cultured Curve Star Lord (Rabbit, Rooster)
- Incorruptible Chastity Star Lord (Dragon, Monkey)
- Martial Pivot Star Lord (Snake, Goat)
- Army Breaker Star Lord (Horse)

Plus two auxiliary stars: Outer Support Star Lord and Inner Assistance Star Lord.

The text further mentions the Three Platforms Star Lords (Upper, Middle, Lower Platforms), whose sacred names are rarely heard in ordinary times. Those capable of hearing and reciting these names are deemed to possess profound Daoist resolve and accumulated merit from past lives. Devotees who faithfully uphold this scripture may awaken wisdom and comprehend the Great Dao (Da Dao).

The scripture instructs followers to establish altars during important festivals (Three Primes and Eight Nodes, natal birthdays, and days of Northern Dipper descent), performing scripture recitation and Zhaijiao (Daoist purification rituals) according to liturgical protocols. Such practice generates boundless blessings while preserving one's true nature across lifetimes. Regular recitation of the seven principal stars' names brings auspiciousness when merit reaches completion.

The text concludes with a Northern Dipper divine incantation, extolling the nine stars' cosmic governance in dispelling disasters and bestowing blessings. It invokes the Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi) and Purple Tenuity Emperor Lord (Ziwei Dijun) - prominent Daoist deities - to shower divine grace throughout the cosmos.

元皇正炁　　來合我身　　天罡所指　　晝夜常輪

俗居小人　　好道求靈　　願見尊儀　　永保長生

三台虛精　　六淳曲生　　生我養我　　護我身形

魁𩲃𩵄䰢魓𩳐魒　　尊帝急急如律令老君曰凡人性命五體悉屬本命星官之所主掌本命神將本宿星官常垂蔭祐主持人卷首·第6叶b命使保天年凡俗無知終身不悟夫本命星官每嵗六度降在人間降日爲本命限期有南陵使者三千人北斗眞君七千神將本命眞官降駕眾眞悉來擁護可以消災懴罪請福延生隨力章醮福德增崇其有本命限期將至自身不知不設齋醮不修香火此爲輕生迷本不貴人身天司奪祿減算除年多致夭喪迷誤之者雖遇經訣懷不信心毀謗眞文如此之人身謝之後淪没三途漂沉諸趣永失人身深可悲哀自致斯苦若本命之日卷首·第7叶a能修齋醮善達天司一世於本命限期開轉眞經廣陳供養使三生常爲男子身富貴聰明人中殊勝其有生身果薄雖在人中貧窮下賤縱知本命無力修崇能酌水獻花冥心望北極稽首禮拜念本命眞君名號者亦不虛過本命限期皆得延生注福繫係人身災厄蠲除獲福無量天師歡喜踴躍作禮讚歎難可得遇無上法橋老君重告天師曰世人罪福善惡皆屬天司懴罪消災莫越修奉遇本命生辰告身中元

**Interpretation**

The upright Qi of the Primordial Sovereign (Yuanhuang) comes to unite with my body, and wherever the Tiangang — the stellar power indicated by the handle of the Northern Dipper — points, it turns without cease day and night. I, a lowly person dwelling amid the dust of the world, delight in the great Dao and pray for numinous response; I long to behold the countenance of the honored deity, who forever guards me in long life. The empty essence of the Three Terraces (Santai) and Qusheng of Liuchun (names of stellar deities) give me birth and nourish me, shielding and protecting my bodily form. Reciting and holding the esoteric taboo-name characters of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper — Kui together with its six companion graphs — by the command of the Venerable Emperor (the honored high god): swiftly, swiftly, as the statute and ordinance require (jiji ru lüling, the closing formula of Daoist incantations, meaning "respond at once as commanded").

Laojun said: the life, nature, and body of ordinary people all fall under the charge of the Star Officer of the Original Destiny (Benming Xingguan, the deity who governs one's natal star). The divine generals of one's original destiny and the stellar officers of one's natal mansion constantly descend to shelter and protect, presiding over human life and enabling people to keep their allotted span of years intact. Yet ordinary worldly folk are ignorant and remain unawakened to the end of their days. The Star Officer of the Original Destiny descends into the human world six times each year, and the days of that descent are the original-destiny deadline days (benming xianqi — the natal days corresponding to one's own allotment of fate). There are three thousand envoys of Nanling (a divine messenger) and seven thousand divine generals of the Perfected Lord of the Northern Dipper; when the Perfected Officer of one's original destiny comes down in his carriage, all the assembled deities gather to guard and support him.

Thus one may dispel calamities, repent transgressions, pray for blessings, and extend life; and if one establishes a zhangjiao — the Daoist rite of submitting a memorial and setting up an altar offering — according to one's own means, blessings and virtue will increase. But if someone's original-destiny deadline draws near and the person knows nothing of it, sets up no zhaijiao (purification ritual), and maintains no incense or offerings, this is to slight one's life, to lose the root, and to fail to treasure the human body. The Celestial Bureau will then strip away that person's emoluments and blessings and reduce the years of the allotted lifespan, most often bringing on premature death. Deluded people, even when they meet with scriptures and oral instructions, harbor disbelief and slander the true texts. After such a person dies, they sink into the Three Destinies (the three evil paths) and drift and drown among the various realms of rebirth, forever losing the human body — this is deeply to be mourned, yet they have brought this suffering upon themselves. If, however, on the days of one's original destiny one can perform zhaijiao and skillfully cause one's petitions to reach the Celestial Bureau, and throughout one's life, on the original-destiny deadline days, expounds, reads, and recites the true scripture and sets out abundant offerings, one may thereby be born in three existences (sansheng) always in a man's body, wealthy, noble, and intelligent, outstanding and surpassing among people. And if someone is born with thin karmic fruit of blessing, so that even among humans they are poor and lowly, then even knowing their original destiny but lacking the strength to cultivate and revere it, they need only offer water and flowers, still the mind and gaze toward the North Pole, bow the head and do homage, and invoke the name of the Perfected Lord of their Original Destiny: such a one does not let the original-destiny deadline pass in vain either, but may extend life and have blessing recorded, remaining closely bound to the human body, with calamities dissolved and immeasurable blessing obtained.

The Celestial Master (Tianshi) rejoiced and leapt for joy, bowed in homage, and praised it, saying that it is hard indeed to encounter this unsurpassed bridge of Dharma (a metaphor for the scriptural teaching that ferries beings across). Laojun again told the Celestial Master: the guilt and blessing, good and evil of worldly people all belong to the Celestial Bureau, and for repenting transgressions and dissolving calamities nothing surpasses cultivating and putting this into practice. When the birthday of one's original destiny comes around, report it to the "Origin" within one's body (the primordial source within the body).

卷首·第7叶b辰驛馬削落三災九厄保見今眷屬安甯凡有上士於本命生辰持此眞文者外伏魔精內安眞性功霑水陸善及存亡悔過䖍恭漸登妙果重立玄功證虛無道乃得聖智圓通隱顯莫測出有入無逍遥雲際昇入金門與聖合眞身超三界永不輪轉夀量無窮快樂自在凡有男女於本命生辰及諸齋日淸淨身心焚香持此眞文自認北極本命所屬星君隨心禱祝善無不應災罪消除致感萬聖千眞俱來衞護此文所在之處千眞敬禮萬卷首·第8叶a聖護持魔鬼潛消精靈伏匿世有災殃悉皆消滅是名北斗本命延生經訣乃修眞之逕路得道消遥皆因此經證聖成眞皆因此經出離生死皆因此經保護男女皆因此經保命延年皆得自在永爲身寶福夀可稱保而敬之非人勿示老君說經將畢龍鶴天仙來迎還於玉京是時天師受得妙法而作是言誓願流行以傳善士若有男女受持讀誦我當與十戒仙官所在擁護於是再拜卷首·第8叶b老君而說贊曰家有北斗經　本命降眞靈

家有北斗經　宅舍得安甯家有北斗經　父母保長生

家有北斗經　諸猒化爲塵家有北斗經　萬邪自歸正

家有北斗經　營業得稱情家有北斗經　闔門自康健

家有北斗經　子孫保榮盛家有北斗經　五路自通達卷首·第9叶a

家有北斗經　眾惡永消滅

**Interpretation**

When the Chen post-horse star in one’s destiny (an astrological star-spirit) is pared away, the three disasters and nine adversities (three kinds of disaster and nine kinds of hardship) are dissolved, protecting one’s present family dependents in peace.

If a superior cultivator upholds and recites this true text on the natal birthday corresponding to one’s natal star (one’s natal day), externally one can subdue demons, monsters, spirits, and evil influences; internally one can stabilize the original true nature.

Merit moistens all beings in water and on land; good deeds benefit both the living and the dead. Repenting of faults and being devout and reverent, one gradually ascends to the wondrous fruit of the Dao, re-establishes mysterious and wondrous meritorious practice, and realizes and enters the Great Dao of emptiness and nonbeing.

Thereupon one attains perfect and penetrating sage wisdom; transformations in concealment and manifestation become unfathomable; one passes in and out between being and nonbeing; one roams freely amid clouds and rosy mists; one ascends into the Golden Gate (the gate of the heavens); and one becomes one with the sages and true ones.

The body transcends the Three Realms (the Desire, Form, and Formless Realms), never again transmigrates, gains an endless lifespan, and is joyful and at ease.

If any man or woman, on the natal birthday and on various fast days, purifies body and mind, burns incense and upholds and recites this true text, personally identifies the star lord of the North Pole to whom one’s natal destiny belongs, and prays and makes vows according to one’s wishes, then good wishes are all answered, disasters and sins are eliminated, and one invokes ten thousand sages and a thousand true beings all to come and protect.

Wherever this scripture is present, a thousand true beings pay homage; ten thousand sages protect and uphold it; demons and devils hide away and disappear; spirits and sprites conceal themselves and do not emerge; and whatever calamities there are in the world are all eliminated.

This is called the Northern Dipper Natal Destiny Life-Extending Scripture and Instructions; it is the path of cultivating the truth.

Attaining the Dao and roaming freely all come about through this scripture; realizing sagehood and becoming true all come about through this scripture; escaping birth and death all comes about through this scripture; protecting men and women all comes about through this scripture; preserving life and prolonging years, all attain freedom; forever make it a treasure within one’s body; blessings and longevity may be praised.

Protect and revere it; do not display it to those who are not suitable.

When Lord Lao was about to finish expounding the scripture, dragon-and-crane celestial immortals came to welcome him, and he returned to the Jade Capital (the capital of the Daoist heavens).

At that time the Celestial Master (Tianshi) received the wondrous Dharma and said: “I vow to cause it to circulate and to transmit it to good people. If any man or woman receives, upholds, reads, and recites it, I, together with the immortal officials of the Ten Precepts, will protect them wherever they are.”

Thereupon he bowed again to Lord Lao and spoke this praise:

When the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, the true spirit of one’s natal destiny descends; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, the dwelling gains peace and security; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, parents are protected and attain long life; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, all kinds of malevolent enchantments (evil influences and sorcerous objects) turn to dust; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, ten thousand evils naturally return to rectitude; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, undertakings and enterprises accord with one’s wishes; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, the whole family is naturally healthy; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, descendants preserve glory and prosperity; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, roads in the five directions naturally open; when the Northern Dipper Scripture is in the home, all evils are forever eliminated.

家有北斗經　六畜保興生

家有北斗經　疾病得痊瘥家有北斗經　財物不虛耗

家有北斗經　橫事永不起家有北斗經　長保亨利貞老君曰善哉善哉汝可宣揚正教福利無邊普及眾生永霑勝善天師稽首禮謝信受奉行太上玄靈北斗本命延生

**Interpretation**

This scripture passage describes the miraculous efficacy of the *True Scripture of the Great Supreme Mystical Numinous Dipper for Prolonging Life According to Natal Destiny*. The text states:

When this Dipper Scripture (an important Daoist classic governing disaster relief and longevity) is enshrined in a household, it ensures the thriving growth of domestic animals. Where this scripture resides, the sick shall recover from their ailments.

With the Dipper Scripture venerated in the home, possessions will not suffer unexplained loss; where this scripture is kept, unforeseen calamities shall never occur. A household that worships the Dipper Scripture will long maintain auspicious harmony.

The Most High Lord Lao (one of Daoism's supreme deities) praised saying: "Excellent! Excellent! You should propagate this true Dharma, for its blessings are boundless, benefiting all sentient beings eternally."

The Celestial Master (Tianshi, an advanced Daoist practitioner) reverently bowed in gratitude, pledging sincere acceptance and adherence to this sacred text.

The full title of this scripture is *True Scripture of the Great Supreme Mystical Numinous Dipper for Prolonging Life According to Natal Destiny*. As a key Daoist classic concerning the Big Dipper constellation, it primarily expounds the merits of worshipping the Dipper stars to dispel misfortunes, prolong life, and safeguard households.

眞經

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原文底本：Kanripo 漢籍リポジトリ（京都大学），CC BY-SA 4.0。  
Source text: Kanripo Chinese Classics Repository (Kyoto University), CC BY-SA 4.0.  
HTML version: https://daozang.app/en/text/KR5c0003/