《太上說十鍊生神救護經》

This scripture records the salvific method transmitted by Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun, one of the highest Daoist deities) to all beings. Manifesting in countless forms, Lord Lao traversed the ten directions of the universe to propagate the Dao (the Way) and deliver both the living and the deceased. Throughout different ages, he appeared as a spiritual guide, teaching people to regularly recite the sacred names of the Ten Directions' Salvation Deities (Tianzun) who specialize in relieving suffering:

The East's Compassionate Salvation Tianzun,

The South's Life-Preserving Salvation Tianzun,

The West's Equanimous Salvation Tianzun,

The North's Great Mercy Salvation Tianzun,

The Northeast's Universal Aid Salvation Tianzun,

The Southeast's Boundless Salvation Tianzun,

The Southwest's Impartial Salvation Tianzun,

The Northwest's Wisdom-Dispelling Salvation Tianzun,

The Zenith's Omnipresent Mercy Salvation Tianzun,

The Nadir's Vast Deliverance Salvation Tianzun.

Lord Lao proclaimed: "By reverently reciting these ten sacred names as taught, one can liberate suffering souls, granting them awakening and release. All you beings of the four categories [monastics, Daoists, laypeople, and officials]—if you have committed offenses like killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, or created negative karma through greed, anger, jealousy, deluded speech, or actions defying heaven-earth and filial piety—these immeasurable transgressions inevitably invite calamity. Yet through sincere devotion to this sacred scripture and its holy names, all sins may be absolved. Departed souls may ascend to celestial realms, with even the slightest karmic traces eradicated."

The text further states: "In this present life, those who maintain purity of heart while reciting this scripture will avert all misfortunes, prolong their lifespan, and attain peace of body and mind." Finally, it instructs devotees to devoutly venerate the Tianzun and faithfully uphold this Scripture of Ten Refinements, Spirit-Nourishment and Salvation.

(Note: "Ten Refinements" refers to purifying body-mind through ten cultivation methods; "Spirit-Nourishment" indicates cultivating inner deities (Shen); "Salvation" denotes its suffering-relieving function.)