《太上說玄天大聖真武本傳神咒妙經》

Interpretation

This scripture primarily recounts the origins, iconography, and divine responsibilities of the Daoist deity Zhenwu Dadi (also known as General Xuanwu). Here is the modern interpretation:

The text begins by extolling the majestic form of Zhenwu Dadi:

• This Great Sage of the Mysterious Northern Heaven (Zhenwu Dadi) is the supreme deity governing the Water phase of the Northern Ren-Gui celestial domain
• He embodies the true divinity of the Golden Tower (celestial court), bearing the exalted title "Peerless General"
• His awe-inspiring appearance features eyes flashing like lightning to subdue demons, commanding ten thousand celestial cavalry that shake the Nine Netherworlds
• Clad in purple robes with golden sashes and wielding a divine sword, he treads upon the sacred turtle and giant serpent
• He is flanked by the Six Ding and Six Jia (Daoist guardian generals) and escorted by the Eight Demon-Subduing Generals

The scripture then describes how Ziwei Dadi (one of the Four Heavenly Ministers) convened a celestial assembly in the North Pole Palace during the Zhongyuan Festival (Ghost Festival) of the Longhan era (Daoist calendrical system):

• Present were the stellar deities of the Southern and Northern Dippers, the Five Directional Planets, and the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions
• Ziwei Dadi issued an edict commanding General Xuanwu to lead celestial troops on tri-monthly inspections of the heavens
• His duties included: eradicating baleful energies and demonic stars, conducting earthly inspections during the Three Origin Festivals (Shangyuan, Zhongyuan, Xiayuan)
• Primary responsibilities encompassed recording good and evil deeds, upholding righteousness, delivering salvation to humanity, and subduing demonic forces

At this point, Miaoxing Zhenren (an accomplished Daoist adept) petitioned Ziwei Dadi:

• Inquiring about General Xuanwu's origins and divine powers
• Seeking to understand how this general subdues ghosts and spirits

Ziwei Dadi responded:

• Praising the adept for posing questions on behalf of mortal beings
• Yet noting that Xuanwu's manifestation and enlightenment history remain profoundly mysterious
• Revealing his fundamental connection to Daoist Patriarch Xuanyuan (referring to Laozi)

Note: Zhenwu Dadi serves as a major guardian deity in Daoism, presiding over the northern direction with powers to subdue demons and protect devotees. Through its depiction of celestial court proceedings, this scripture illuminates his sacred status and sphere of influence.

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Interpretation

The Sage Ancestor (Shengzu) protects and delivers all sentient beings in the heavens and the human world.

He manifests in bodies transformed in response to resonance.

The wondrous function of the divine (Shen) is originally within the formless Dao (the Way).

The Dao cannot be described through tangible images.

Its transformations are countless.

Empty and void, it is difficult to fathom.

Moreover, the Mysterious Origin Sage Ancestor (Xuanyuan Shengzu) appeared eighty-one times as Lord Lao (Taishang Laojun).

His eighty-second transformation was as Xuanwu (the Northern Deity).

From this we know that Xuanwu is a transformation body of Lord Lao.

This is evidence of the Wuqu Star’s spiritual manifestation.

He is fundamentally sourced from the two lunar mansions Xu and Wei.

He conjoins the two Jing (essences) of water and fire.

Sometimes he wears armor with a robe over it.

Sometimes he wears boots, and sometimes he is barefoot.

He often wears his hair loose, dark blue-green with a red gleam.

He often holds the Divine Blade (divine sword).

His voice shakes the Nine Heavens.

His awe-inspiring commands are carried out throughout the four divisions.

He is protected by black banners and dark mist.

Beneath his feet he treads the Dark Tortoise and Giant Serpent.

His retinue of divine soldiers and generals totals fifty million.

Serving him are Jade Boys and Jade Girls, twenty-four rows each.

He bestows numinous talismans upon the Northern Emperor (the Heavenly Emperor of the North).

He wears the Qianyuan (Heaven) Treasure Seal.

He commands the Thunder Duke and Lightning Mother.

He drives the Wind Earl and Rain Master.

Guarding front and rear are the Eight Sha Generals.

Attending left and right are the Six Jia Divine Generals.

Tiangang and Taiyi lead at the front of the ranks he commands.

Sheling (local earth deities) and City Gods are all under his command.

Demons and evils are entirely removed.

Good deeds are invariably upheld.

He pays homage at the Golden Portal (the palace of the Heavenly Emperor) and journeys to Kunlun.

He opens the Heavenly Gate and closes the Earthly Door.

In the deep and indistinct,

he examines adversity and prosperity.

He dwells in the north, represented by Ren and Gui.

He is assisted by the Jia and Geng generals.

Sometimes he rides a black steed.

Sometimes he mounts an azure dragon.

His eyes flash with lightning.

His eyebrows array like cloud formations.

His body is a thousand zhang tall.

Above his head are the Three Terraces stars.

When he moves, he is like the Meng Hexagram, Mountain over Water (clouds and mist in initial obscurity).

When he is still, he is like the Tai Hexagram, Earth over Heaven (heaven and earth in harmonious peace).

Thus he manifests.

Therefore it is called divine power.

At this time the Perfected One (Zhenren) bowed again and kowtowed, saying:

“I, your servant, am fortunate to have received these edicts and instructions.

Yet General Xuanwu is a responsive transformation of the Mysterious Origin.

What were his original traces and deeds?

I beg you to grant a detailed account and open my ignorance.”

Thereupon the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity (Ziwei Dadi) expounded the mysterious words.

He explained the causes within.

He unlocked the supreme matter.

Formerly, in the Palace of No Desire Heaven above the Daluo realm, King Jingyue and Queen Shansheng—

the queen dreamed of swallowing the sun.

When she awoke, she was pregnant.

Her Qi (vital energy) would not allow evil Qi to intrude.

Daily she practiced the Dao.

After fourteen months,

when more than four hundred days were fulfilled,

in the first year of Kaihuang, a Jiachen year,

at noon on the third day of the third month,

he was born in the royal palace.

His appearance was extraordinary.

Later he grew to adulthood.

He then renounced his home and took leave of his parents.

He entered Wudang Mountain to cultivate.

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Interpretation

This passage recounts the story of how the Perfected Warrior Emperor (also known as General Xuanwu) attained the Dao and was enfeoffed by the Jade Emperor:

After cultivating for forty-two years and perfecting his merits, he ascended to immortality in broad daylight. The Jade Emperor issued an edict appointing him as "Grand Mystery" (Tai Xuan) to guard the northern region—this marks the beginning of the Perfected Warrior Emperor's divine manifestations. At that time, a Perfected Person of Wondrous Practice sought instruction from the Purple Tenuity Emperor (Ziwei Dadi), wishing to understand the profound meaning in the Jade Emperor's decree.

Initially, the Purple Tenuity Emperor stated that celestial secrets could not be revealed, but moved by the Perfected Person's sincerity, he ultimately recited this mysterious heavenly mandate. Written in golden seal script and measuring ten feet square, this edict promised that all who saw or heard it would eternally preserve their immortal status and never descend into hell.

The decree's content essentially stated:

The crown prince of Pure Joy Kingdom (the Perfected Warrior Emperor's previous incarnation) cultivated through the Mysterious Origin Daoist methods to reach the supreme state. Aligning with the natural Dao, he underwent over six million years and eighty-two reincarnations before perfecting his merits. Now he is commanded to manifest in the north, entrusted with subduing demons, protecting the people, and specially enfeoffed as "Grand Mystery Marshal" (Tai Xuan Yuanshuai), overseeing the Harmonious Origin Transference Bureau.

The Purple Tenuity Emperor specially cautioned: this was the Jade Emperor's secret decree, not to be lightly disclosed. The Perfected Person of Wondrous Practice further inquired why General Zhenwu, possessing such great spiritual powers, was only assigned to guard the north. The Purple Tenuity Emperor explained (this part isn't fully elaborated) that it related to the general's special mission and the operating principles of heaven and earth.

(Note: "Jade Emperor" refers to the supreme deity in Daoism, while "Purple Tenuity Emperor" is one of the Four Assistants (Siyu) governing stars and cosmic operations. "Zhenwu/Xuanwu" is the northern guardian deity who later became a major Daoist divinity.)

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Interpretation

In the north, the hosts of stars surround and guard Zhenwu (True Martial); if he were not a supreme deity, who could suppress and restrain them? The Real Person (Zhenren) then asked the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity (Ziwei Dadi): If sentient beings in the heavenly realms and the human world sincerely revere him, can they obtain benefits?

The Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity said: This divine general, Zhenwu, on the sixth, sixteenth, and twenty-sixth days of each month in the current year, when the various heavens conduct inspections and the Ten Caverns (Dongtian) make their circuits; and also on the seventh day of the first month, the eighth of the second, the ninth of the third, the fourth of the fourth, the fifth of the fifth, the seventh of the sixth, the seventh of the seventh, the thirteenth of the eighth, the ninth of the ninth, the twenty-first of the tenth, the seventh of the eleventh, and the twenty-seventh of the twelfth, descends into the human world to cut down and eliminate evil demons, expel pestilence and malaria, protect people and prolong their lives, so as to preserve the lifespan bestowed by Heaven. If there are people whose upright Qi (vital energy) is pure, whose heart-nature is undefiled, and who are complete in loyalty and filial piety, their names are recorded in the jade tablets—the jade registers of immortal names—and they are recommended for ascension as immortals; further matters of the Mysterious Code (Daoist Keyi [liturgy]) cannot be fully detailed here.

The Real Person bowed his head and paid respects again, then reported to the Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity: I have received the teaching concerning the circumstances of Zhenwu’s manifestations; how should sentient beings in the heavenly realms and the human world who revere General Xuanwu take refuge, and what expedient methods should be established, so that they may obtain benefits? Please grant a word.

The Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity then told the Real Person: Between heaven and earth, if someone can sincerely worship Xuanwu, and for a whole lifetime does not eat fishy and rank foods, creatures that died of themselves, creatures harmed by poison, impure and polluted things, as well as leeks, garlic, and coriander; does not indulge in lustful desires and cravings; does not handle corpses or assist at childbirth—if one can cut off these, one may be called sincere. Whenever his descent days are encountered, there are auspicious blessings. On that night one should first bathe and wash body and mind, not allowing one’s thoughts to become muddled; at the fifth watch one should personally light incense and candles, prepare pure fruits and jujube soup, arrange offerings in three places, and with single-minded devotion bow and pray; all wishes will be fulfilled. Then, with purified thoughts, devoutly recite the divine incantation:

In the Northern Dark Heaven, the profoundly deep and unfathomable Divine Lord has millions of transformations; the numinous true Xuanwu ascends to heaven and enters earth, commands thunder and rides the clouds; a myriad retinues sweep away demonic miasma, while the Thunder Duke attends, together with Jade Women and generals; ghosts and spirits are subdued, dragons and tigers flee and hide; his mighty spirit guards the Five Peaks, and all spirits obey; bells ring and drums beat as he patrols heaven and earth; he captures rebellious ghosts and breaks, cuts, and eliminates hordes of demons; removing evil and supporting the right path, the Qi of the Dao (the Way) constantly descends. I respectfully receive the statutes and commands of Yuanshi Shangdi (Original Beginning Supreme Lord); carry them out swiftly. Zhenwu was transformed and born from Taiyin (Great Yin), is the essence of the Water position, and above corresponds to the Xu and Wei lunar mansions.

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Interpretation

The turtle and snake (the Xuanwu, or Black Tortoise, image of Zhenwu) merge into one body, coiling and traveling through the Nine Earths (the Nine Dark Underworlds), commanding and gathering all numinous beings. There is no dark place it does not penetrate, no wish it does not fulfill, from the end of a kalpa to the beginning of a kalpa. It cuts off demonic spirits, rescues sentient beings, and brings peace to families and states. When the qi-cycle runs out and the jiazi (sexagenary cycle) turns, demonic qi prevails, and the High God issues a decree. Therefore I send down divine spirits, expound the orthodox teaching, sweep away evil influences, and repel the calamities of war. I edify and benefit the people and assist the restoration. If any petty ghost dares to show its form, at a single glance from my eyes even the Five Peaks would collapse. By the Taixuan (Great Mystery) ordinance, carry this out swiftly.

Miaoxing Zhenren (a Daoist immortal) said: The subtlety of merit and virtue and the causes of manifest responses—I have been fortunate to hear them privately, and my delusion and ignorance have suddenly been opened. If there are barbarian peoples or foolish people, even if they hear it, they do not believe in their hearts; if there truly is karmic retribution, could you point to it with a word? Ziwei Dadi (Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity, a Daoist high deity) said: Though foolish, they must still know heat and cold; though among barbarians, they must still know suffering and joy. If they believe, spirit and soul become clear and refreshed; if they oppose, misfortune and calamity entangle them. Thus the rich lack children and grandchildren, while the poor have many offspring. Some men meet weapons and lose their lives; some women suffer illicit pregnancy and harm their lives. They often go in and out of litigation courts, repeatedly sinking into the sea of suffering. They wear away their estates and dissipate their wealth. It is all because they bring faults upon themselves, and so they receive such retribution. Wherever this divine general is, ferocious demons and evils draw back their heads, and heterodox paths hide their forms. Therefore, for those who serve him, blessings arise with the clouds and disasters scatter with lightning. Because you have asked earnestly, I therefore reveal heavenly secrets, set forth the order of the Dao at its subtle source, and enable the common people under heaven to obtain great blessing and felicity. Though the words are brief and simple, I want you to understand clearly: this is not a matter that the Perfected should keep secret as unsuitable to reveal. Miaoxing Zhenren said: May I hear a little of the principle of wondrous function?

Ziwei Dadi said: In former times, on the Shangyuan day (Shangyuan Festival) of the first year of Yongshou, Yuanshi Tianzun (one of the highest Daoist deities) was on the Five-Cloud Throne in the Eightfold Radiance Heavenly Palace, together with the High Gods of the Thirty-Six Heavens, the Zhenren of the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands, immeasurable flying great deities, the Limitless Long-Life Great Sages, Golden Boys and Jade Girls, nine phoenixes and eight luan birds, attending within the radiance and arrayed to left and right. The eight tones sounded spontaneously. All the sages were joyful and reverently listened as the Tianzun expounded the supreme true wondrous Dharma. Purified Dao-qi encircled the Supreme Mysterious Origin. They were just intently examining the wondrous principle. Suddenly, from the northeast of the Heavenly Gate, seven great peals shook. Ten eyes (the eyes of all the sages) looked together. They saw impure qi, formed by aggrieved demons in the lower world, surging up to the heavens. All the sages beheld this scene.

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Interpretation

At a time of true silence and stillness, when the Great Dao (the Way) was soundless, Miaoxing Zhenren (Perfected One of Wondrous Conduct) asked Yuanshi Tianzun (Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning) about the reason for this. Since you have already spread the wondrous Dharma and gathered all manner of auspicious signs, what special cause lies behind this? I therefore venture to request that you reveal your profound intent, so as to resolve the doubts of the multitude.

The Great Emperor (Dadi, the honored deity’s title in the scripture) said: All living beings of the Lower Primordial (the beings of the lower world) receive the Supreme Dao and are endowed with the clear Qi (vital energy) of yinyun—the clear and harmonious Qi of heaven and earth—which sustains and protects the bare body (the human body itself). Now the kalpa is about to end; demons and malevolent spirits are gradually flourishing; people follow only heterodox paths and do not understand the source; they delight in worshipping evil gods and flatter them to seek leftover blessings; they are confused and chaotic, greedy and stubborn, unjust and unkind, disloyal and unfilial. Now they are harmed unjustly by the Six-Heaven Demon Kings (a designation of demon kings) and the plague officers of the Five Bureaus (officials in charge of pestilence), who make no distinction between high and low. Whether old or young, male or female, they leave the world in vain before enjoying their full natural lifespan, though their allotted span had not yet come. Thus the resentment of orphaned souls rises upward and coils without dispersing; such violent death is truly pitiable.

Miaoxing Zhenren reported to Yuanshi: The assembled Perfected Ones pity those living beings. By what cause and condition may they be liberated? Thereupon the Heavenly Worthy knocked his teeth once (a Daoist ritual for gathering the spirit and issuing a command), released a ray of light ten thousand li long, and summoned Taixuan Jiangjun (General of the Great Mystery, a northern divine general) from the north to cut down all demons and save the multitudes (all beings).

The Perfected One said: May I ask by what cause and condition this general is stationed in the north, overawes and subdues the ghosts below, and sweeps away demonic miasma? The Great Emperor said: Before heaven and earth and the workings of creation had opened, this spirit had already received a divine and numinous nature. He changes names and titles and borrows names and forms in order to save people and aid beings. He does not boast of his own goodness or take pride in his own abilities. He was enfeoffed by the Jade Emperor (Yudi) as Xuanwu (the Northern Divine General, the predecessor of Zhenwu).

The Perfected One said: How may this general be brought to go to the lower realm and universally save living beings, so that they escape untimely death, the dead are liberated, and the living are peaceful and healthy? The Heavenly Worthy summoned him with a flying talisman. The divine general Xuanwu received the decree, and divine soldiers accompanied him. He came to the Cinnabar Terrace of No Night (a cinnabar step in the immortal realm) and gazed up at the Great Dao that is “forcibly named” (the Great Dao referred to in the Daodejing as “forcibly named Dao”). He bowed, knelt for a long while, and, with his head to the ground, spoke: By what cause and condition am I today specially summoned by the talisman? I am fortunate to behold your compassionate countenance. Where ultimately does your wondrous intent lead? I respectfully prostrate myself beneath the palace steps and bow to receive your command.

The Heavenly Worthy said: I observe that resentment in the lower realm rises to heaven; the multitude is terrified, and the high Perfected Ones (gaozhen, Perfected Ones of high rank) pity them. Go there and act with reverence and caution. Xuanwu then received the command and took leave of the heavenly realm. With his radiance turned back to shine, his hair unbound and his feet bare, he subdued the tortoise and trod upon the snake. His immortal procession rushed like thunder, heavenly guards (tianbing, heavenly soldiers) escorted him, and in an instant (shuxu) he pervaded that heaven and earth. He cut down cruel and poisonous demons, captured the rampant plague spirits, and freed netherworld souls and living beings of the yang world from suffering and illness; the people of the world were among them.

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Interpretation

Ghosts and evil are separated; karmic foes are released; the common people are peaceful and secure; the land is pure and calm. Xuanwu (that is, the Great Emperor Zhenwu) again pays his respects to the Heavenly Worthy (Tianzun, the supreme deity of Daoism) and reports in detail: the power of the Dao has been accomplished, and all matters have gone according to wish. Turbid Qi descends and pure Qi ascends. Auspicious radiance returns, and he returns to his original station. He unites with the Qian emblem (the celestial patterns) and arranges the Dipper lodges (the constellations); he stirs the Kun emblem (the terrestrial patterns) and points to the Gang star (the handle star of the Dipper). Above, he assists the Heavenly Gate (the portal of the celestial realm).

Then he utters a spell, saying: In Taichu and Taiyi (the initial stages of the cosmos), there was neither image nor form. No one knew what was heavy and turbid; who could distinguish what was light and pure? I separated darkness from light within the chaos. Heaven thereby became vigorous; Earth thereby became peaceful; the people thereby received nourishment; the myriad things thereby sprouted; evil Qi thereby returned to rectitude; the divine beings thereby became numinous and efficacious. Within the Three Powers of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, all kinds flourished.

After the Great Dao dispersed, benevolence and righteousness arose. After rites and music were instituted, treachery and evil became widespread. The Six Principles (the six ethical principles) sometimes fell into decline; the Four Occupations (scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants) fell into contention. Those above were not forgiving; those below were not loyal. Some were demons, some ghosts, some goblins, some sprites. They ran wild at will and spread poison and harm. They interfered with the common people; entire families became sick; for years on end they suffered punitive calamities. Wealth was dissipated; kin were left orphaned and scattered; lives were lost; disasters coiled around them. Filthy and impure Qi rose to the celestial court.

The Heavenly Worthy gave a command, charging me to bring peace and order. All goblins are to be cut off; no ghost shall escape being boiled to destruction. The divine officials of pestilence bow their heads and submit to the statutes. Ghosts and sprites have their souls and spirits annihilated; evil demons are broken and overthrown. I have one billion valiant warriors and fifty million divine soldiers. In heaven above and below heaven, they rise and descend with me. Those who resist me perish; those who believe in me survive; those who detest me are humiliated; those who respect me are glorified; those who revere me with ritual attain long life; those who oppose me die. I have this command; humans and ghosts alike must obey. Urgently, by the command of the Taixuan statutes, seize them and carry it out.

At that time, the Perfected One of Wondrous Practice (the title of a Perfected One), the Immeasurable Flying Celestial King (the title of a Celestial King), and the great assembly of true immortals, having heard this discourse, bowed joyfully and eagerly and praised the merits. The secret registers (esoteric Daoist texts and talismans) were treasured in a jade casket (a precious jade box). Later, a banished immortal (an immortal exiled to the human world) transmitted it to the human realm, and aspiring cultivators of the Dao bowed their heads and followed it. The title of the scripture is The Wondrous Scripture of the Divine Spell from the Original Biography of the Great Sage Zhenwu of the Mysterious Heaven, as Spoken by the Most High.

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