《御制真武廟碑》

This stele inscription was composed by a Ming emperor in honor of the Zhenwu Temple, expressing gratitude for the divine protection Emperor Zhenwu had bestowed upon the Ming dynasty. Here is my modern interpretation:

I believe that all beings—whether human or divine—who have rendered meritorious service to the state deserve recognition, regardless of whether they dwell in the mortal realm or the underworld. The divine merits of Xuantian Shangdi (Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven), the Great Zhenwu, toward our Ming dynasty are truly immeasurable. When my father, Emperor Taizu (Zhu Yuanzhang), raised an army to pacify the realm, though he relied on the assistance of civil and military officials, he also received the unseen aid of Zhenwu. Later, when I (Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di) quelled internal rebellions, I too was secretly protected by Zhenwu, who governs the pivotal forces of heaven and earth, commanding wind, rain, thunder, and lightning. His divine manifestations were awe-inspiring, and his merits boundless.

The contributions of ministers are easily visible, making their recognition straightforward. But Zhenwu’s great deeds permeate the realms of yin and yang, profound and unfathomable, making proper gratitude far more challenging. For this reason, I specially commissioned the construction of temples on Mount Wudang (where Zhenwu cultivated and ascended to immortality) to eternally honor him. On one hand, this serves to elevate the souls of my parents in heaven; on the other, it prays for bountiful harvests and peace for the people. Throughout the construction, Zhenwu repeatedly manifested divine signs, with auspicious omens and miraculous phenomena too numerous to describe in words.

Considering that the capital is the center of the realm and the very place where Zhenwu protected me in times of hardship, how could it lack a temple where officials and commoners might offer prayers? Thus, I selected an auspicious site to build this new temple, erecting grand halls and long corridors, majestic in scale and solemn in dignity. This not only expresses my gratitude but also provides the people with a sacred space to seek blessings.

The vernacular interpretation of "Imperial Stele Inscription of the True Warrior Temple" reads:

The numinous power of the Great Emperor Zhenwu (a revered Daoist deity) manifests universally, his star-banner regalia fluttering with the wind. With devout hearts, people conduct purification rituals (Zhaijiao) seasonally, praying for the deity's protection day and night. Though divine blessings don't depend on mortal offerings, I maintain sincere reverence in my heart, seeking only to express utmost devotion.

Does Zhenwu's grace merely extend to the northern regions? He transforms into clouds covering the earth, descends as nourishing rain, rolls thunder, and manifests as sun and moon. Banishing evil influences and dispelling plagues, he ensures all things grow unhindered by floods, droughts or epidemics—such boundless benevolence in protecting the people! Thus I compose this record with appended verses of praise:

The verses describe Zhenwu as the embodiment of primordial Qi (vital energy) and the essence of Five Phases (Wuxing), coalesced from cosmic forces like Mysterious Heaven and Aged Yin. With vision penetrating the unseen and foreknowledge of events, Daoist practitioners through internal alchemy (Neidan) may commune with the Supreme Void (cosmic origin), ultimately achieving perfection to ascend astride dragons. Returning to the source yet manifesting in the world, he shines with sun and moon, assisting the Great Ming Dynasty.

The palatial temples of Wudang Mountain (sacred site of Zhenwu worship) stand majestic, with jade-constructed immortal halls of extraordinary splendor. Morning bells and evening drums (standard Daoist temple rituals) welcome the deity's descent—behold Zhenwu riding flying dragons, driving shooting stars, with emerald-feathered canopies and rainbow banners unfurled, escorted by eight phoenixes and nine simurghs (Daoist ceremonial procession). Regulating the essence of Yin-Yang, he ceaselessly nurtures creation amidst lightning and thunder, bringing auspicious winds and timely rain for abundant harvests while eliminating disasters to ensure people's wellbeing.

People offer clear wine and fine foods, conducting eternal sacrifices with utmost piety. The inscription concludes by noting its composition date: the 13th day of the 8th month in the 13th year of the Yongle era (1415).