《太平經》Vol. 106

Plain-language explanation

What you have provided is mainly a chapter title and title label/header inscription from fascicle 106 (juan 106) of the Taiping Jing; the large body of the main scripture text is not attached. Based on the literal wording and the conventions of scripture titles, it can be understood as follows.

The chapter title and position are: Taiping Jing, fascicle 106, Instruction 12—that is, the 106th fascicle of the entire scripture, the twelfth piece in the “Instruction” category (admonitions and teachings). “Dexing Jichang Fuwen,” no. 171: “fuwen” is a common genre in the Taiping Jing, mostly consisting of repetitive, expository, declaratory clauses and often carrying senses of heavenly admonition, efficacy, and good or ill fortune. “Dexing jichang” roughly means: if one maintains oneself through De (Virtue/Power), one obtains auspicious prosperity—linking “De” with “jichang” (blessing and felicity, flourishing).

The line “On the right: those of virtuous conduct are auspicious and prosperous; always abide, always bear the teaching/law” (a right-column or summary-style short sentence) may be literally interpreted as: those who possess virtuous conduct obtain auspicious prosperity and are constantly able to dwell securely and constantly able to bear (undertake and practice) the teaching/law. In Daoist canon catalogs, “right” often refers to a right-hand title, summary, or classification column; it is not necessarily the first sentence of the main text.

The “Instructions” around fascicle 106 generally emphasize the following. First, there is a correspondence between doing good and accumulating De and universal peace and personal blessings and emoluments. Second, violating De invites misfortune, while keeping De brings “auspicious prosperity.” Third, the fuwen style is used to declare repeatedly, somewhat like vows, precepts, or efficacy documents, urging people to remain on the right path and to take on the responsibility of practicing the teaching (the phrase “always abide, always bear the teaching/law” may be understood in this direction).

Note.