《太平經》Vol. 112

Taiping Jing, Fascicle 112, Section Four

The Calamities of Greed for Wealth and Sex, and Admonitions Concerning the Womb (185) — A Plain-Language Reading

In ancient times there were “formless spirit-people”—cultivators who had attained the Dao, become one with it, and no longer clung to bodily form. They devoted themselves to seeking the way to long life, and their wishes accorded with the “entrusted Qi,” the vital energy and intention of the Dao of Heaven entrusted with sustaining life. They constantly thought of and yearned for the longevity of those who could live on. They dared not go against the will of the entrusted Qi: morning and evening they reflected on themselves, clinging firmly to life and never forgetting it. They examined themselves at all times, gave their utmost loyalty, and carried out and followed the entrusted Qi’s wishes. Their virtue rose, clear and radiant, and they could perceive things invisible in all four directions and sounds of the utmost subtlety.

In all their movements, up and down and in and out, they followed the proper laws. The assembled spirits and vital essences came of their own accord to serve them. They served with reverence and care, fearing they might fail to understand their wishes; they held in awe everything under their charge. Their garments and footwear gradually became perfectly fitted. They widely bestowed kindness and spread virtue, so that their good name traveled far and wide, reaching beyond the four directions, the six extremes, and the eight outer regions. Even the worthy people of earlier generations received blessings or misfortunes according to the weight of their good and bad deeds. Wherever their great kindness reached, people respectfully accepted their commands, and the stars were moved. They possessed boundless good fortune and boundless virtue.

They chose upright and worthy people to serve as their protection and discreet guardians, so their wishes could be fulfilled and their hearts could preserve their own well-being and ease. Thus they received the longevity of long life. They were tranquil and unadorned, and kept their bodies safe through mindful care. How could they dare grow slack? Ordinary people could not know them, and they themselves took no part in matters without merit or reward. How, then, could they stand alongside the entrusted Qi above? They therefore cherished, loved, and nurtured themselves, extending their generosity even to young children. Who or what could fail to benefit?

They reflected: “We move in and out between the formless and the realm of harmony, illuminating the sun, moon, and stars, and drawing clarity from what lies before us. The twenty-eight lunar mansions take turns governing the days and observing how the people conduct their affairs. The cyclical signs of the heavenly stems and earthly branches mark time and the course of events, and set out the patterns of good and ill fortune. Yet few among the people understand this; they consider themselves wise. Every action that brings no benefit to Heaven and violates its prohibitions invites calamities and punishment: a family may be wiped out, its line brought to an end, with no children to carry it on and no descendants to make offerings to the ancestors. Is the loss of one’s own life really the only danger? What can Heaven do for such people?”

Those who claim to follow the teachings but do not inherit the words of the ancient scriptures, and imagine they have not offended the spirits, are in fact disrupting the harmony of the Three Qi—the Qi of Heaven, Earth, and humanity, or the Qi of Origin, Beginning, and Generation. Some people also have a greater or lesser allotment of destiny and cannot fully reflect on the calamities that may befall them. Therefore, the spirits of the Three Qi are sent to warn and admonish them. Those who heed the advice are good; those who do not will bring their appointed end upon themselves, down to the underworld, with calamity passing on to their descendants. Such is the decree of Heaven. If people refuse to obey it and instead practice evil and abandon good, how can they endure for long? This is what the Sovereign Above—Heaven—does not wish to see.

Note for ease of reading:

This chapter belongs to the admonition texts in the Taiping Jing. It sets the example of formless spirit-people whose wishes accord with the entrusted Qi against the failings of ordinary people, who covet wealth and sex, disregard the ancient scriptures, and disrupt the Three Qi. It also emphasizes the belief that blessings and calamities can affect the womb—the beginning of life—and pass on to descendants. These themes follow the scripture’s teachings on heeding Heaven’s admonitions and the Three Qi spirits’ efforts to encourage goodness.

A Plain Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace)

Main meaning of the scripture:

People cut short their own lifespans without realizing it, then blame Heaven. When has Heaven ever wronged anyone without cause? Most disasters are brought on by people themselves, yet they show no self-reflection. Like sheep waiting for slaughter, their lives are short and they are no different from birds and beasts. They violate Heaven’s principles, overindulge in food and harm their bodies, follow the crowd, and give no thought to cherishing their lives. A rare few come to their senses and travel far beyond the borders, to places where they will not harm others. Only then can they preserve their lives. Such good fortune is hard to come by. So few people in the world receive a good reward; it is all determined by the turns of fortune and the fated span of life. How sad and lamentable. People still ask themselves, “What have I done to offend Heaven?” Yet they do not know that, among the ancients, scarcely one in ten thousand was truly content. They crave wealth and sensual pleasure, heedless of what may follow. Even unborn children, who have not yet seen the sun, moon, and stars, suffer heart-rending harm. People destroy themselves and fail to preserve their allotted lives; in the end, they return to the earth. How pitiful. Such people are no different from plants, birds, and beasts. They do not think to set their minds and bodies right, but speak recklessly and do evil. The gods above keep records, and the spirits below inspect and assess. Nothing can be hidden from the sovereign powers. People should earnestly seek instruction in the precepts and understand the intentions of the spirits: in the workings of good fortune and calamity, no deed goes unaccounted for.

Therefore, Heaven commands divine beings to establish prohibitions and precepts for the people, so they may understand the taboos surrounding life and death. Those who live are sustained by Yang Qi, and their names are entered in the registers of perfected beings and immortals. If they commit offenses, their names are struck out and their entries withdrawn. Those sustained by Yin Qi enter the register of the dead. They must think carefully and act with caution, keeping to Heaven’s guiding order and conforming to Earth’s principles. Only by understanding human feelings, when to advance or withdraw, and what is inward or outward, genuine or false, can they act with proper measure, avoid provoking resentment, and gain longer lives that extend to their descendants. After receiving the precepts, they must be especially careful with their words. If they do evil below, the gods above will not protect them. People in the ordinary world are often neither filial nor loyal. They covet what they desire, seize wealth that is not theirs, and speak constantly of killing—yet still hope to live forever? Calamity will surely come, sooner or later. They must follow Heaven’s patterns and revere what the spirits have recorded. They should keep far from evil and not put themselves to the test. Test whether you can live, and you will live; test whether you can die, and you will die. If death is your fate, there is no need to doubt it. So the warning is repeated again and again: do not argue with the ignorant over minor differences. The way to long life lies close at hand: the “Three Spirits” and “Three Qi” come together to form the human body. Once they disperse, a person becomes earth, stone, and rubble, broken apart and lost from sight, with no way to compare that state to a whole and living body. The “Three Spirits of Life” dwell close within the heart. Why not cherish and protect them? Instead, people covet things outside themselves, until their bodies are mutilated and displayed in the city. When will they ever be born again and return to life?

Note: This chapter belongs to the Daoist tradition of exhortations to goodness and emphasizes the “Three Qi,” the “Three Spirits of Life,” and the registers of the spirits and the dead. Its tone is severe, stressing karmic retribution and the observance of precepts and cultivation of the self. The “Three Spirits and Three Qi” and the “Three Spirits of Life” are concepts from the Taiping tradition, referring to the spirits and Qi that constitute the human body and lifespan. They do not refer simply to the “Three Souls” familiar from Confucian thought.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of Passages Related to the Taiping Jing

(From the preceding text: Encouraging Goodness, the Register of Destinies, and Guarding the One)

A mother cares for her children, and people also think of their spouses. When someone falls ill, close family members are often heartbroken, while some neighbors would rather the sick person “die later.” By setting such feelings against each other, the scripture uses the warmth and coldness of human relationships to remind people of the world’s ways.

If people in later generations can correct themselves and devote themselves to doing good, then, through steady effort over time, they may be able to extend their lives. When sincerity reaches its fullest, all things respond of their own accord. Take great care with the principles of nurture and growth through the seasons, and with the relationships between inner and outer, Yin and Yang. Do not casually damage them.

Heaven, Earth, and the position of balance and harmony each have their own governing powers. People of insight should support one another according to the “method of correspondence,” and ensure that their thoughts and actions accord with the Way of Life. Those who harbor malice and do evil will ultimately bring destruction upon themselves, and may not live out their years. How could they fail to be cautious? The words of divine beings are all confirmed by Heaven; do not simply blame others.

As for extending one’s allotted years, those who do good may live out their natural lifespans, while those who do evil risk falling into the Yellow Springs, the realm of the dead. Consider this again and again. Do not recklessly pass the scripture on to people with corrupt intentions, lest it bring calamity upon them. Life and death follow different paths, and must not be spoken of carelessly. If you yourself do wrong, do not blame others: the records of the underworld leave nothing out.

When reading, understand the meaning and treat divine books with reverence and care. Jing beings and ghost emissaries each have their own causes and connections. If fate has brought you to this text, take care not to deceive yourself or those who practice goodness; Heaven may reduce your allotted years. If you fall ill, you need not rely only on seeking medical treatment or troubling shamans and ritual specialists. Since your record has already been set down, why doubt it again? Reflect attentively, think deeply, and hold fast to the teaching; this may help you avoid calamity. Once calamity arrives, it is often difficult to avert.

A Perfected One presents this scripture to the ignorant and unenlightened, so that they may turn from evil and practice goodness. The text repeats itself because life and death change, and one must not speak lightly of destiny. Its prohibitions must be observed; spoken words are hard to preserve. What matters is to keep a sincere heart, value this text, and understand the depth of its words. That is why it urges people to guard their own person and live out their natural years. By guarding the One and reflecting on one’s faults, one may perhaps gain an extension of life. The Way of Heaven is vast, yet few attain what is true. Many have abandoned and lost faith in the River Map and Luo Writing, ancient texts of cosmological patterns, so few become immortals and cross beyond, while ordinary people are many. Now, by invoking the masters of the Three Divine Beings, the text seeks once more to move people’s hearts. Divine spirits attach themselves to people; they do not wish the Earth’s Qi to be summoned recklessly and bring about calamity. Reflect carefully on the scripture’s meaning, and do not be troubled by its repetitions. The masters of the divine beings received Heaven’s instruction; therefore, they possess the registers and understand the scripture’s meaning.

Seventy-Second Section: Admonition on the Corpse That Dies from Sensuality (One Hundred Eighty-Sixth)

Heaven has four corners, and Earth has four corners; therefore, the Sun and Moon alternate in their courses, and the stars move in an ordered way…

Note: The original text has no punctuation; the passage breaks have been adjusted slightly according to common editorial practice. Proper names and terms such as the Yellow Springs (the underworld), Guarding the One (a Daoist cultivation practice), the River Map and Luo Writing (ancient texts on numerical and cosmological patterns), and the registers of the underworld (records of merit and wrongdoing) have been retained in accordance with the scripture’s meaning.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace)

“Measures and counts discern right from wrong. People have high and low status; lifespans are long or short. Each receives a destined allotment. Birth comes early or late according to the Six Jia; allotted fortune accords with upright conduct, and good and evil have their distinct places, without the slightest error.”

Heaven uses calendrical calculations and laws to discern right from wrong. People differ in status, and their lifespans vary; each receives a destiny from Heaven. Calculations based on the Six Jia determine whether someone is born early or late. One’s allotted fortune corresponds to one’s upright conduct; good and evil each occupy their proper place, without the slightest discrepancy.

“Ordinary people do not understand this and instead claim there is no true Way. Only by joining in harmony with the spirits can one be called a human being; only by gaining the spirits’ support and sharing their intent can one become a ruler.”

Ordinary people do not understand this principle and instead say that there is no true Dao. Only someone who lives in harmony with the spirits can be called a true person. Only someone whose heart is protected by the spirits and aligned with them is fit to be a ruler.

“Days and hours have their responses, and people belong to different domains. Those who receive Heaven’s response are raised up by the heavenly spirits; those who receive Earth’s response are nurtured by the earthly spirits; those who receive the response of harmony are protected by humans, ghosts, and spirits. A good response brings good people together to support one another; an evil response draws evil people to one another. Everything has its roots, extending throughout the realms above and below.”

The days, months, and hours each have their corresponding responses, and people belong to different domains. Those who receive Heaven’s response are raised up by heavenly spirits; those who receive Earth’s response are nurtured by earthly spirits; those who receive the response of harmony are protected by humans, ghosts, and benevolent spirits. Good conduct brings a good response: good people recommend and support one another. Evil conduct brings an evil response: evil people gather together. Everything has its roots, and the pattern runs through all the realms above and below.

“The waters that connect the mountains and seas each have their own domain and boundaries. Their spirits all wish to have people of naturally good, compliant character as households under their protection. The spirits of the land likewise seek good people, each establishing its own prohibitions and taboos, and communicating upward to Heaven.”

The waters that connect mountains and seas each have their own boundaries and governing spirits. They all wish to have people of naturally good character who do not defy the Dao living there as “household people” under their protection. The spirits of the land likewise seek good people. Each sets its own prohibitions and taboos and communicates with Heaven above.

“Those who do evil and violate these prohibitions bring about their own destruction. The spirits despise a household that does great evil, old and young alike. One should correct oneself and not wrongly criticize or slander the spirits.”

To do evil and violate the taboos is to bring about one’s own destruction. The spirits despise a household that commits great evil, regardless of age. People should correct themselves and not rashly criticize or slander the spirits.

“The prohibitions of the ways of Heaven, Earth, and humanity are never empty words. The vital energy of benevolent spirits can still act through people. The record of the wicked is not erased: once their deeds are discovered, they are reported upward.”

The prohibitions of the ways of Heaven, Earth, and humanity are never ineffectual. Benevolent spirits and their vital energy can still act through people. The record of wrongdoing is never lost; once an evil deed is discovered, it is reported to higher authorities.

“When transgressions accumulate, the Great Yin takes charge of the case and submits a report. Their severity is judged according to the law, and every case is entered in the registers. People who have offended do not know it and think nothing is wrong.”

When many transgressions accumulate, the Great Yin—the spirit who governs the underworld and records offenses—takes charge and submits a report. Each case is entered in the registers and judged according to the severity of the offense. People often remain unaware of their wrongdoing and think nothing will come of it.

“The records in the Solar Bright Hall, which tracks merits, offenses, and names, are transmitted again and again; the spirits who govern each domain also report repeatedly. The heavenly spirits administer their domains above. Matters such as shortening lifespans and destroying generations should not be probed in detail or idly imagined.”

The registers of the Solar Bright Hall, the place that records merits, offenses, and names, are repeatedly sent onward, as are reports from the spirits who govern each domain. The heavenly spirits administer their domains in the heavens. Matters such as reducing lifespans and wiping out entire generations are not to be speculated about in detail.

“Take good deeds seriously and good will follow; evil returns to the one who does it and affects the course of that person’s life. Heaven knows that people have little understanding, so it has bestowed this text on good and evil and the saving of lives, as a warning to people in this and future generations. Do not lightly use evil words as a way to begin a conversation.”

If you take good conduct seriously, you will bring about good results; the consequences of evil return to you and affect your life. Heaven knows that people have little wisdom, so it has bestowed this scripture on good and evil and the saving of lives to warn people in this and future generations. Do not casually begin a conversation with malicious words.

“Every action, advance, and retreat can bring calamity, so this text was bestowed to instruct you, to make you reflect on its meaning and keep you from blaming others.”

Any action or choice to advance or withdraw can bring misfortune. This text was therefore bestowed to guide future generations, so that people will reflect on its meaning and not blame Heaven and others afterward.

“When the court and its officers establish laws, it is people themselves who break them. Do not resent those responsible for enforcing them. If resentment takes hold, one’s allotted lifespan may not endure; one may eventually be killed. The registers provide evidence. Even after a person is buried, they are examined and judged. The documents are linked together—how could anyone escape?”

When the court and its law-enforcement officers establish laws and penalties, it is people themselves who violate them; do not blame those in charge. If you harbor resentment, your allotted lifespan may not last long and may ultimately be cut short. When someone’s life is to be taken, the registers provide evidence. Even after a person is buried, they are still examined and judged. The documents are connected—how could anyone escape?

“Make every effort to keep far from evil and not associate with evil people; you may at least live out your allotted years. Those who are disloyal and suffer much illness may nevertheless survive, even when struck by frenzied and wicked forces.”

Do your best to keep away from evil and not associate with evil people; you may at least live out your allotted lifespan. Even those who are disloyal and afflicted by illness may sometimes survive attacks by frenzied, wicked forces.

“The prohibitions and commands of the spirits in Heaven are also in accord with harmony. The four currents below flow along their courses, all following the same pattern. Why doubt this?”

The prohibitions and commands of the heavenly spirits likewise accord with the principle of harmony. The four currents below, which flow through the land, follow the same pattern. Why doubt this?

“Those who accomplish merit for Heaven in their lifetime may have their descendants’ evil deeds removed.”

When people accomplish merit for Heaven during their lives, the evil deeds of their descendants may be canceled.

Note: “Six Jia” often refers to calendrical calculations based on the sexagenary cycle, used to determine a person’s allotted fortune. “Household people” means residents registered under the protection of the spirits of a particular domain. “The Great Yin takes charge of the case” and “the Solar Bright Hall” evoke the underworld and celestial offices that record offenses and names in Daoist theology. “Harmony” means a proper state in which the vital energies of Heaven, humanity, and Earth are balanced and neither excessive nor deficient. The passage’s central message is that allotted fortune has a fixed basis and produces verifiable results; good and evil are recorded, and divine prohibitions are real. People should correct themselves, keep away from evil, and not resent the law or the spirits who uphold it.

Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing

Lifespan and Moral Teaching

A person living in this world will not die before their allotted lifespan is complete. Once that span is exhausted, there is no hope of returning to life. Rulers and their subjects alike should be taught to distinguish good from evil and to make the truth clear, so that human lives are not cut short and the human world does not come to an end.

Punishments should be carried out according to the law. Let worthy and wise people guide the state from beginning to end; let awe-inspiring power shine through the ruler. The divine and numinous must not be treated with cruelty. This was stated in an earlier book, and it must now be emphasized again. If rulers and fathers act in this way, their lifespan and good fortune can be extended, even to the point of eternal life.

Guarding Against Greed and Killing; The Duties of Officials

Be watchful and never kill out of greed. You may escape trouble for a time, but disaster will surely come later. Officials of every rank, along with soldiers and attendants, should act in accordance with reason and must not become a source of suffering for the people. Above all, respect and cherish morality, treat others with benevolence and kindness, unite your De with Heaven, keep your heart in accord with Earth, and nurture the Qi of harmony. Let your thoughts reflect the good spirits. Keep faith with one another, and do not deceive the foolish or the weak.

Long Life and the Way of Heaven

If you seek long life, do not bring sorrow upon yourself. Devote yourself wholeheartedly to the affairs of Heaven, and, if the spirits recommend you, you may attain transcendence and enjoy a long life, shining alongside the sun, moon, and stars. This is Heaven’s great kindness. But do not commit even the slightest wrong, and never leave evil deeds behind or persist in wrongdoing until households are wiped out for generations. So the command is issued again as a warning.

Retribution for Good and Evil

Now that the warning has been given, those who do not offend will naturally remain unharmed. Those who do offend will each meet an untimely end. If young people are inclined to wrongdoing, explain things to them and free them from ignorance and delusion, so that they do not encounter danger. People often refuse to listen and regret it afterward; those who speak out to teach and admonish others will also receive blessings.

The stars watch over people, so do not do wrong. Those who do good will live long; there is no need to doubt this. Teach future generations, and they can make offerings to their ancestors. Those who do not act kindly bring their own name to ruin. Do not violate Heaven’s prohibitions or Earth’s punishments. Follow the seasons faithfully, and do not earn a reputation for killing. The Five Phases give rise to all things; each should be protected, and none should be associated with evil.

Mutual Care Between Those Above and Below

Do not slight those above or below you. People at every level depend on one another as leaders; when they prevent sudden violence, they earn an honored name. Keep your thoughts in mind, and take care not to stray from your proper form. When the spirit disperses, evil ghosts come to frighten people. Keep your thoughts steady to preserve yourself, do not forget your name, and each person will find joy.

Seek the Dao and its methods, and do good: you can add years to your life and even attain long life. Be careful, be careful! Do not impose punishments unjustly. Though this may take effort at first, honor and favor will come in time.

The Way of the Teacher and the Five Spirits

Teachers may be good or bad; what begins at the root shapes what comes at the end. If disciples are disobedient, they too will bring their name to ruin and will not attain transcendence. Offending the spirits who administer Earth’s punishments only increases evil and prevents one from receiving life. Be careful, and more careful still!

Within the body, the light of the spirits arises of itself, uniting the inner and outer. Every action and word should be fitting. Do not fail in trustworthiness, and keep the Five Spirits—the spirits of the five organs—at peace.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing

Within yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses; do not lightly transgress. Even a small fault is recorded in a heavenly document.

You should understand your own strengths and weaknesses and not casually break the rules. At the slightest fault, a written record is made in Heaven.

A fault is reported to the Bright Hall; body and spirit are detained and questioned about their actions. For a serious offense, one’s allotted years are not reduced.

When a fault is reported to the Bright Hall, body and spirit are detained and questioned. Those who commit serious offenses do not lose years of life; those who commit minor ones do. Spirits do not make accusations without cause. The person responsible is also investigated afterward, and there are corresponding legal punishments.

For minor offenses, years are taken away. Spirits do not make accusations without cause; the person responsible is investigated afterward and faces legal punishment.

(This continues the previous passage: minor offenses shorten one’s life; spirits do not accuse people recklessly, and those responsible are investigated afterward and face legal punishment.)

This applies not only to the living: spirits and ghosts are the same. In ancient times, people knew not to transgress. Human and divine beings repeatedly recorded matters in the registers of Heaven, Earth, and humanity. Do not expect a reward where you have done no good or made no sincere effort. The hearts of sages and worthies should consult these writings; every volume contains admonitions and prophetic warnings.

This applies not only to the living; spirits and ghosts are subject to the same rule. The ancients knew not to transgress. Human and divine beings repeatedly entered records in the registers linking Heaven, Earth, and humanity. If you have done no good, do not expect a reward without cause. Sages and worthies should heed these writings: every volume contains warnings and prophecies.

The hearts of sages and worthies should follow the writings; every volume contains warnings and prophecies. The wicked rebel. Those who cherish life are protected by Heaven; those who cherish nurturing are aided by Earth; those who cherish benevolence are loved by all. Whoever crosses this line and does evil will surely meet with harm.

The hearts of sages and worthies should follow the writings, for every volume contains warnings and prophecies. The wicked act in defiance. Those who cherish life are protected by Heaven; those who cherish nurturing are aided by Earth; those who cherish benevolence are loved by all. Whoever crosses this line and does evil will surely meet with harm. Heaven knows of such evil, and so sends fierce spirits, Jing, ghosts, and other beings to lie in wait.

Those who cherish benevolence are loved by all. Whoever crosses this line and does evil will surely meet with harm. Heaven knows of such evil, and so sends fierce spirits, Jing, ghosts, and other beings to lie in wait. They enter the human body and spread outward through the limbs, head and face, abdomen and back, chest and flanks. The Seven Luminaries report to the Bright Hall, displaying seventy-two colors. This is a sign that the person is already a corpse.

Those who are benevolent are loved by all. Whoever crosses this line and does evil will surely meet with harm. Heaven knows of such evil, and so sends fierce spirits, Jing, ghosts, and other beings to lie in wait. They enter the human body and spread outward through the limbs, head and face, abdomen and back, chest and flanks. The Seven Luminaries report to the Bright Hall, displaying seventy-two colors. This is the appearance of someone who is dead.

When the five organs are diseased, their departure has its appointed time. Be careful with food and drink, do not let wind and cold afflict you, and conduct yourself according to De: this is the way to live out your allotted years.

When the five organs are diseased, their time of departure is set. Be careful with food and drink, guard against wind and cold, and conduct yourself in accordance with De. This is how to live out your allotted years.

Those who greedily take another’s land, life, or lifespan, or seize another’s offerings, will find that the calamity brought on by evil cannot be warded off. Therefore the heavenly writings issue this command, ordering the people not to transgress the prohibitions. The words of Heaven’s Qi emerge through people. Each person should cleanse away impure conduct, be careful and never forget; joy will come later.

Those who greedily take another’s land, life, or lifespan, or seize another’s offerings, will find that the calamity brought on by evil cannot be warded off. Therefore the heavenly writings issue this command, ordering the people not to transgress the prohibitions. Heaven’s Qi speaks through people. Each person should cleanse away impure conduct.

Each person should cleanse away impure conduct, be careful and never forget; joy will come later.

Otherwise, there is no need to keep it any longer; let the spoken words be followed as they are.

(According to the formulaic tone of the original, this means that what does not accord with the teaching need not be kept; what is transmitted orally should be put into practice as spoken.)

Writing is not a pointless hardship: Admonition 187

The words of the ancient sages and divine beings do not depart from the guiding principles and have their own laws and measures. Let the ignorant take these admonitions to heart; they are especially profound and far-reaching. The severity of punishment for wrongdoing all begins with human actions. These matters are not empty abstractions: people will inevitably suffer the consequences. The nature of Heaven is spontaneous and cannot be deceived. Reflect carefully and do not set this aside; when your conduct is perfected, you will become a heavenly spirit. Change comes in its own time, without departure from the guiding principles. The Qi of the four seasons must not be violated. Spirits are always present; there is no room for carelessness. If you think your actions go unreported, Heaven observes them. Spirits act on its behalf; they do not make reckless reports to those above. Only then can you remain alive.

Otherwise, you will be punished and demoted: sent to sell vegetables in the city, forbidden to receive payment, and made ugly in appearance, despised and scorned by everyone. For a grave offense, the demotion is severe: only after forty years may you return to serve as an attendant to the spirits. For a middling offense, the term is thirty years; for a lesser one, ten. Each person’s charge is taken away according to its proper measure.

Otherwise, you will be punished and demoted. You will be sent to sell vegetables in the city, forbidden to receive payment, and made ugly in appearance, so that people look down on and despise you. A grave offense brings a severe demotion: only after forty years may you return to serve as an attendant to the spirits. For a middling offense, the term is thirty years; for a lesser one, ten. Each person’s charge is taken away according to its proper measure.

For a middling offense, the term is thirty years; for a lesser one, ten. Each person’s charge is taken away according to its proper measure.

Those who can change their hearts and reproach themselves can recover their former standing and endure for a long time. Do not forget.

(Continuing the previous sentence: those who can change their hearts and reproach themselves can endure for a long time.)

Note: The original’s punctuation and repetitions have been lightly combined according to common divisions in the Daoist Canon to make it easier to read. Names such as the Bright Hall, the Seven Luminaries, and the seventy-two colors have been retained, and the original’s doctrinal judgments have not been altered.

The Yitian says: “Do you not think carefully about how you bring misfortune upon yourself?” For the sake of those who hope to become immortals in the future, consider this deeply: whether your thoughts are profound or shallow, the misfortune falls upon you. Do not blame the spirits. Your words and conduct, whether in public or in private, must be consistent; be careful not to make mistakes. Understand fully the commission you have received. When carrying out Heaven’s affairs, do not act arbitrarily. You must carry out the command at once and not linger, or you will immediately be called to account. A grave offense will lead to demotion and dismissal. The name of the one who receives the appointment is recorded as in an official document; no vacancy may remain for long, as a subordinate will fill it. This happens because the heart is not sincere. Even immortals may be demoted and dismissed; how much more so the foolish?

From now on, do not repeat these offenses. When Heaven punishes people for their wrongdoing, ghosts and spirits act as its messengers. If you refuse to heed Heaven’s teaching, you will meet with misfortune. No whipping is needed: your actions will naturally bring their consequences. If you think this is not so, you will come under suspicion and cannot remain long in your post. So I warn you again: be careful!

Do not imitate worldly people by bonding over wine and meat; this obstructs the Way of the immortals. The Dao is of utmost importance, so I warn people again. If you have been given a mandate, you must preserve Shen (spirit). The spirits support one another, and their journey through the world, riding clouds and dragons, continues without end. Heaven has issued its teaching and commands; you must carry them out again, without abandoning the proper rules. Otherwise, the record will be wasted and become false evidence, unworthy of your own belief. Heaven, too, will bring matters to an end, and each will receive the punishment due. Do not resent it.

Those who have been attested by the spirits must not transgress recklessly. The children of harmony between Heaven and Earth, throughout the world, each fail to honor themselves. Do not resent Heaven’s reprimand or Earth’s punishment. Those above and below who obstruct one another are like people bound by worldly laws. When words are not truthful, those below will incur resentment and cannot remain long in their posts. If the gods in Heaven still contend over the Dao, how much more so ordinary people? You must carry out Heaven’s law yourself and follow Heaven’s harmony. Do not covet grain of immeasurable value or clothing of immeasurable value. With merit comes promotion, and one may oversee the various groups and receive attestation. Each year has a set quota; act upon the document you receive, without doubt. Each must receive attestation. If matters are not settled fairly between both sides, resentment will arise. Those who make a joint accusation will be punished and reduced to an even lower status.

Though they do not often descend to the world below, they are sent by the great gods. You must not go against the spirits’ wishes. If you do, you will be handed over to the earth’s ruler and will not be allowed to return to Heaven. Thus, when a position is vacant, you cannot occupy it yourself. This is how the upper, middle, and lower realms are joined together as one. Carefully follow these words: the lifespan of the body that has lost its life is bound to the earth. Here, “earth” does not mean the soil beneath our feet. There are fearsome spirits who guard the karmic domain; they are messengers of the gods of Heaven and Earth. If a messenger fails to follow what was said, that messenger will encounter suffering. Even immortals make mistakes, so how can people be free to do as they please? That is why the Director of Destinies is kept close to the heart and does not leave people’s side. People...

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace)

The human body is a “house” where the spirit resides. Good fortune and misfortune are really in your own hands, so why flee far away? Fleeing in panic will only trouble you more. When disaster strikes suddenly, life itself may not be preserved. Once a person’s allotted years (suan) are spent, hiding as far away as you can will do no good.

The many gods in Heaven govern life and death. If the gods themselves are negligent or fail in their duties, they too will suffer the consequences. Since human life cannot easily be extended, Heaven has sent divine beings down to deliver scriptures, so that people may read their admonitions and stop doing evil. If an evil deed is not reported to Heaven, a person may perhaps linger a little longer and eat some grain. But be sure to take care: do not burn mountains or break rocks, for disaster will spread to plants and trees. Do not pluck flowers, injure branches, or destroy fruit. If you wield a sharp blade in the marketplace and cut away all the roots and stems of plants and trees, the “Earth Mother” will grow angry and report you to the “Heavenly Father,” who will pay no heed to your years. People also depend on plants and trees for their own sustenance, so take only what has withered and fallen and will not grow again. This alone accords with the constant way. Heaven and Earth want all things to grow, and people want to stay alive. Why indulge yourself and let harm reach your descendants?

Those who understand should not break the prohibitions. Anyone who harms others may think they can get away with it, but they must not take what is young and tender. Those willing to give food to others may have their lives extended a little. Do not raise weapons, rob, harm, or threaten people’s lives. Heaven’s decree has determined that such people cannot live long. Evil deeds pile upon one another, afflicting the spirits, Jing and Qi, and ghostly beings, each of whom is left unable to rest. These are people’s own faults and deviant actions. Evil done in an earlier generation brings calamity upon descendants. Thus, when a child is conceived on an inauspicious day, or pregnancy falls during times when Yin and Yang are out of harmony—such as thunder and lightning, the waxing or waning moon, the new or dark moon, Blood Taboo days, or Fan Zhi days—childbirth will go badly and calamity is sure to follow. The Earth’s Qi is stirred up and gives rise to resentment and poison. If you act viciously like a gray wolf, evil will bring evil in return. What can you expect? Those who do not repent or change their ways will die out without descendants.

After death, people do not all receive the same treatment. If someone served as a low-ranking official or soldier, they may be left in a desolate, unclean place. Their corpse may be eaten by foxes or dogs, their remains left uncollected and abandoned by the roadside. Their souls and spirits suffer, forced to labor without rest; they may cling to plants and trees or be eaten by domestic animals. When will they be born again? People all know that evil is punished and good rewarded, so why not correct your conduct yourself? Heaven rewards those who have done good; it does not reward the unworthy. Think it over again and again: rewards and punishments are clear. Those who bring evil upon themselves alone endure the greatest suffering.

Good and evil are tied to the length of one’s life; consider this carefully. Caution can lessen blame and punishment. That is why these stern admonitions are given, so that people will repent. The difference between good fortune and misfortune may be vast, so this text is sent down to command and admonish you: do not resent Heaven or blame Earth. Keep good and evil clearly distinct.

The original passage combines exhortations to goodness and warnings against evil from the Way of Great Peace, the resonance between Heaven and humanity, funerary practices, and taboos concerning conception and childbirth. Its sentences are terse and it contains many specialized terms. Fan Zhi, the waxing and waning moon, the new and dark moon, and Blood Taboo days are all calendrical taboos for choosing auspicious dates. This plain-language rendering aims to stay close to the meaning of the original. “Gray wolf” may also be read as “blue wolf,” a metaphor for ferocity; where the reading is uncertain, the common interpretation has been followed.

A Plain-Language Reading of the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace)

First Passage

Those who understand how things work know that doing evil harms the soul and exhausts the spirit. The ignorant do not understand, so the scripture repeats its warnings and passes them on from person to person, urging people not to leave calamity behind for those who come after them. This is proof in itself—what is there to resent or hate? Each person should act according to their proper role. This text should be passed down and must not be allowed to disappear. Those who understand it can lessen their offenses and prolong their lives; the foolish bring suffering upon themselves. To copy the book but not follow its teaching is only to make oneself suffer.

A Warning Concerning Those Who Have Suffered Death and Exile, and the River Crossing (Chapter 188)

In ancient times, the sages and spirits knew the Dao and governed together with Heaven. They assigned posts to the four directions and to the upper, lower, and central realms. Each had its duties, rank, and place in the order; those above and below could see one another. There was no need for harsh supervision: matters were accomplished, and all devoted themselves to goodness, fearing only that they might fail in their duties.

Heaven sent spirits on their errands: they rode in clouds and mounted flying dragons, while the immortals followed in orderly ranks. Each carried a register, and everything was naturally arranged, with no fear of anything being overlooked. Their actions followed rules, and each fulfilled their proper place.

In spring, they set the Qi of life in motion; in summer, they brought growth to completion; in autumn, they gathered the harvest so that the people could make offerings; in winter, they stored the surplus grain, then renewed the cycle. Nothing was ever cut off. All who received the gifts of the spirits were blessed; even crawling creatures and plants and trees were included. Was this not Heaven’s kindness? Each received food, and there was food to spare; the old gave way to the new. How could this be forgotten?

Since the people gave their support, the spirits were not left resentful. Good people were always repaid, and so they should in turn provide one another with what was sufficient. Heaven ordained it this way: wealth must not be hidden away, leaving others hungry and cold. Therefore, those with means were instructed to lend to the poor, using up old grain to make room for new, so that people could survive and pass their lives on to their children and grandchildren, with the spirits’ protection. Was this not great kindness spread throughout the world?

The ignorant, lacking understanding, refused to give thanks or return what they owed. They took their duties for granted and instead grew resentful. They seized other people’s goods to enrich themselves, felt no wish to repay them, and gave no thought to the troubles that might follow, believing they could live out their days. Therefore, the divine people and perfected beings once again joined in writing this text, seeking good people who could pass it on and put its teachings to use. Such people may have their lives extended and their years increased, unite with Heaven and Earth, and be transformed into spirits. They may once again ride through the upper, lower, and central realms, extending their reach in all six directions. Is this not good? Why not think carefully about it? Do not forget the inner spirits and the dwelling places they inhabit. Observe what people do, and do not assume that you yourself are always right. Know that those who have received something should pass it on in turn. When matters pass, calamity may follow or fortune may arrive; one must not act in the slightest way against Heaven’s intent.

Note: This chapter is a “warning” text. It emphasizes the consequences of good and evil, lending to the poor, passing on the scripture and practicing goodness, and prolonging life to become an immortal. Its language uses repeated phrases and parallel structures. This plain-language version seeks to preserve familiar concepts from the Taiping Jing, such as “divine people and perfected beings” and “extending life and increasing one’s years.”

Interpretive Translation of the Taiping Jing

Heaven and Earth, the four seasons, the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and all the divine officials who administer the registers of human lifespans should be honored and repaid with gratitude. One must not seek only to benefit oneself while doing no good, thereby going against the will of the heavenly gods.

If the heavenly gods bring disorder to wind and rain and throw the flow of Qi (vital energy) into confusion—so that the weather is warm when it should be cold, or cold when it should be warm—planting and harvesting fall out of season. Farmers grow resentful and refuse to tend their fields properly. They treat the grains with contempt, even feeding them to dogs and pigs, then abandon their land. In a country where De (Virtue/Power) prevails, little is planted and the harvest is poor; trees wither and shed their leaves, and the people have no grain in reserve. They kill and rob one another, seeking only a momentary victory and giving no thought to the long term or the principle of what is true. In the end they are poor again, with no grain to harvest and nowhere to go. Before reaching a place where grain is cheap, they are already starving by the roadside, dizzy and stumbling along. After going without food for days, they die of hunger, with no one to bury them. Young and old alike suffer calamity, yet they turn around and blame Heaven.

The country is then left empty. Its granaries hold no stores, meat is scarce, and money runs short. Conditions grow worse year by year, leaving the state unable to supply the court. Many are exempted from taxes, so nothing enters the granaries. The agricultural administration has documents but no grain with which to pay salaries; if it draws on the stores for its own needs, even less remains for state use. The people depend on the state, yet when hardship comes, they do not each do their part. Heaven abhors such conduct, and Earth cannot sustain the wicked for long. The Perfected One knows this and hastens to deliver this scripture to a country where De prevails, so that it may reflect on itself. Those who understand may live out their allotted years; those who do not will have no better lot than beasts. This cannot be forced: each person receives the consequences of their own conduct, and should not blame Heaven.

Study the scripture carefully, and constantly reflect on filial piety, loyalty, trustworthiness, benevolence, and generosity. If you have done wrong, blame yourself, and let that lesson reach your descendants as well—for the scripture does not speak falsely. Heaven will not protect a country without De. The celestial pivot and balance turn swiftly, and the sun and moon hasten people onward; their light grows faint. In a country where De prevails, the celestial pivot and balance move slowly, and the sun and moon shine brightly. This is how Heaven moves. The celestial pivot, the sun and moon, and the stars should shine through good conduct. If they grow dim, it is the result of people’s actions. Why then complain or blame anyone else? Human beings share one Qi with Heaven and Earth, the sun and moon, and the stars. Those who receive Heaven’s response see its clarity.

When the five planets stray from their proper courses, warfare spreads, foreign peoples invade from within, and bands of raiders and rebels rise everywhere. The state sends out its armies: those whose fate allows them return; those whose fate does not, do not. This is the fault of those in high positions. Children are not filial, the country has few loyal ministers, and conduct is not upright; therefore people are set against one another, until the end of the year brings it to a halt. For this reason, I set forth this scripture, which reaches the depths of the Dao, and name it the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace).

A Plain Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing

Those who can put the Way into practice receive blessings; those who cannot should reflect

Those who act in accordance with the right way will receive blessings. Those who cannot should reflect deeply, gather their minds and bodies, and not stray from the constant Way.

Retribution does not treat anyone unjustly. Those unwilling to do good instead do harm to others. It is often said that people are born without distinctions of rank or status; the only question is whether your name appears in the registers of fate. Cherish yourself and act with care. Do not do what you should not, or wrong and harm others. If you do, Heaven will not answer you, Earth will not sustain you, and baleful spirits will follow you. You will not live long.

Those who cling to life but indulge themselves should not expect to live forever, especially if their names are absent from the register of those granted long life. They may force their way into the “house of the immortals’ fasts,” worship spirits everywhere, and seek to be saved by the immortals. But when the immortals consult the register of the dead, your name is not among those listed as living; the spirits you pray to and sacrifice to will not accept your offerings. A beggar takes the offerings and presents them to the gods, who grow angry. Wild beasts devour you; your flesh and bones are gone, and foxes come to gnaw at them. You cannot return to your hometown. Your neighbors in the county may say you became an immortal, but there is no credible sign that you received the promised reward. Why defend yourself? In this way, it is hard to distinguish truth from falsehood. If someone truly becomes an immortal, there will be signs, and people will see it; only then can it be said that they really ascended to Heaven. The false claimant suffers punishment, yet says little. This person is arrogant and perverse, but others believe them. Together they fall into the realm of the dead and return to the Yellow Springs, unable to control their own fate.

Those who have De (Virtue/Power) and can save others are listed in the register of the living. When their appointed years are complete and they are due to ascend, someone will come to welcome them. How can the ignorant and foolish make that ascent? They merely waste their wealth, abandon their families, and give up their lives in the wilderness. The Dao is natural; fortune and rank cannot be forced. If you bring hardship upon yourself, neglect your livelihood, and fail to care for your parents, wife, and children, you may still seem like a worthy person when met face to face. But you may be unfilial and disloyal, lacking in trustworthiness, and live only to the end of your present year. There may be no severe punishment below; perhaps you will simply enjoy yourself for a while. If you have surplus wealth, your descendants should also make use of it. Do not make yourself suffer needlessly. Whether your descendants prove worthy or unworthy, let each live their own life and do not leave one another with trouble. This is good conduct.

So this passage is recorded for the intelligent to read. Fools disregard it, give way to reckless anger, and are eager to escape punishment and evade misfortune. A worthy person may admonish someone three times without being heeded, then stop. Heaven protects good people and does not side with the wicked. Each person should be cautious and not blame others. Each should consider their own welfare and act appropriately. People have intelligence; they should not incur fault before Heaven or against what is written in the registers. Be careful and do not force things; forcing them brings no benefit. Heaven does not protect those who act wickedly and against the proper order.

(On what happens after death)

Do not leave your dwelling or the walls of the city. (After death,) bones joined together form paths, while sinews and veins govern the desire to live and keep the body firm.

Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing

The waterways of the city walls flow to and fro like a network of bones; the flesh beneath the skin is like a covering over the channels. The spirit guards within and watches over people’s good and evil deeds, so there is no need for distant worry. The Seven Regulators—the sun, moon, and five planets—govern the cycles of time. The spirit’s gateway is the way to seek the Dao and attain life: one need not leave home. Through transformation, one joins in virtue with the spirit. What more could one seek from the Dao? Thus, good deeds are entered into the heavenly registers, whose records of immortals differ from those of ordinary people.

When the time comes to ascend, the spirit in charge of the registers and the spirit who protects the person will arrive. Only then will the person know who governs their division. They will follow the teaching and its transformation, each in their proper order. Those who are to advance will advance, and those who are to depart will depart; no one may decide for themselves. The spirits govern together, and those who accord with Heaven’s heart are the first to attain life.

Such people have clear hearts and far-seeing vision, without limits. What the mind undertakes and brings into being may still be unknown to others, yet it has already preceded the transformations of Heaven and Earth. Above and below, all remain true to the Dao. Since the spirits cannot know everything, systems of order and calendars are established. Officials are appointed on both sides, to the left and right; the stars are distinguished, each with its own charge. Those who are loyal are advanced and assigned to their respective divisions. When good is seen, a person should advance; when evil is seen, they should withdraw. What is there to doubt?

Each carries out their own duties. Those who are not misled by the spirits can therefore succeed and earn the title of Heavenly Lord. The officials who govern Heaven keep their records and do not exceed their bounds. The spirits who govern the divisions are assigned their duties. Thus, in each of the four directions, the Meng, Zhong, and Ji take turns on duty. Above and below, this arrangement is called the Grand Year; behind them is the Great Yin, which oversees knowledge of the earth’s geography.

The beings that bring forth life in the four seasons are also appointed, each dwelling in the countryside. Some appear earlier, some later. Grain and grasses near people do not live long, while those farther from people can endure. Trees in sacred groves may survive on their own for a time, but when generations change, they may be cut down, and the cutting can continue through their descendants. This happens because their dwelling place is unsettled: they leave the old and move to the new, and the spirit can return again.

People have a lifespan, and trees grow from the earth beneath Heaven. Each has its own season of spring: those born in the third month of spring are assigned mulberry trees; those born in the third month of summer, jujube and plum trees; those born in the third month of autumn, catalpa and another kind of tree; and those born in the third month of winter, locust and cypress trees. This is the lot of ordinary people, and each has an official in charge of their tree.

When a person’s lifespan is nearly over, their tree likewise approaches the end of its life: it withers and its leaves fall. The official in charge cuts it down. How, then, could that person remain alive? To live long and avoid death, one must change one’s intentions and resolve. The tree is then transmitted to a place near Heaven’s gate and called the Tree of Long Life, under the care of spirit officials. It remains pure, clean, and radiant, and grows of itself, protected by Heaven. The spirit is honored and exalted. One need only avoid bringing lasting harm to one’s name. Heaven has a constant decree: generation after generation receives its honor. Even without direct protection from above, in time one comes to know one’s own essence. This is why.

This passage distinguishes the heavenly registers and registers of immortals from the records of ordinary people. It describes the spirits governing together, with those who accord with Heaven’s heart attaining life first. It also says that each person has a lifespan and a tree overseen by an official; when the lifespan ends, the tree withers and the person is in danger. To attain long life, one must change one’s intentions, place the tree near Heaven’s gate, and come under the care of spirit officials, thereby receiving honor through the generations. Its language accords with ideas found elsewhere in the Taiping Jing and in Daoist writings on heavenly registers, individual destiny, and long life.

A Plain-Language Reading of the Taiping Jing

Those who have long been far removed from worldly life should carry out the affairs of Heaven and must not neglect their duties. The gods keep watch over one another, applying standards as strict as a carpenter’s rule and ink line. You should still return from the old path; there is no need to find this strange.

Merit will eventually become known. You must not judge it by the same standard as that of ordinary people, who think it brings no benefit to their families. Yet inwardly, you are honored by it—is that not good? So it is shown to those who come after, so that they may awaken.

Scriptures must not be hidden away—there is punishment for concealing them. Do not join in thought with the treacherous, the deceitful, or the unfilial. Everyone should remain true to the words of the scriptures; otherwise, they will again be called to account. How could one fail to be careful?

Teach the teachings only to those fit to receive them, so they may be recommended for advancement. Do not violate the books of the gods or test their words. Take care with the gods’ pronouncements: Heaven rewards and punishes all such conduct. Do not violate them lightly—even a small offense can bring demotion and exile; a grave offense admits of no rescue.

Therefore, the gods are made to supervise one another and report their findings upward. Anyone who is untruthful will be dealt with again. Matters must be handled impartially; no one may bend the rules for personal favor. Thus the gods are made to inspect one another in turn.

If you repent afterward, why doubt that you may still be stopped again? You will also be examined. If you do not confess the truth at the outset, it will be exposed after the examination and you will be brought down. Your advances and retreats will also be examined—this is what happens when you fail to confess; that is what this means. Do not offend lightly, and harbor no doubts. The laws of the gods are weighty, so you must be careful, thorough, mindful, and reflective. How could you fail to take seriously the way to long life and enduring vitality?

This text is therefore set down to show those who should make amends for what is lacking: establish good works and pass them on in turn, leaving nothing unpaid or lost. Good deeds bring merit and lengthen one’s years; there is no need for further doubt. Is there any limit to the Way of nature? For now, awaken and help one another set things right.

Even a tiny lapse, no larger than a single grain, will at once be questioned. Heaven has music to delight the gods, and the gods listen to it. Those who do good are rewarded; even music that is played poorly will be subject to correction. Each person has a teacher; without one, the order of things cannot be established.

All receive food from Heaven’s granary and clothing from the office of agriculture. Garments are changed to suit cold and warmth; here too, Yang is honored and Yin is subordinate. Coarse and fine goods alike—treasures of gold, silver, brocade, silk, pearls, and jade—should be distributed evenly. There must be no arbitrary gifts; these are for those who have earned merit. No one may receive Heaven’s food and clothing without merit. This was already stated earlier, but it is repeated now to prevent resentment and suspicion. This is because Heaven holds the commands of the divine spirits in high regard.

At the end of each year, the registers are collected and checked, then submitted. The shrines and communal altars in the mountains, by the seas, and across the land must each report what they have received, without waste or loss. The guardian spirits of homes and residences must inspect the people’s offenses and submit their monthly records to the office of agriculture each year.

The Director of Shrines and Documents of the Underworld

The directors of shrines should take turns handing over the documents. The Court of Great Yin will calculate each person’s account of inherited karmic burdens. Once a person’s lifespan has been shortened and their allotted years exhausted, the terrestrial Yin spirits will be summoned, along with the officials of the Earthly Bureau, to collect the body and examine the soul. Their findings must be reported according to the registers, with the record showing whether everything agrees. If those in charge act corruptly for private gain, the severity of their misconduct will be assessed, entered in the registers, and punished accordingly.

Ghosts, spirits, and numinous beings not sent by Heaven must not harm people. If there is cause for action, they must correct one another and report one another’s offenses. Those guilty of serious crimes may be sentenced to death; others may be demoted and punished, or sent to labor at river crossings, in mountains, or by the sea. Punishments must match the circumstances and the law, with nothing overlooked. Each office and county has its own responsible officials at the relay stations, and senior officials must investigate according to the law. They must not wrongfully take human life. Ghosts, spirits, and numinous beings are subject to the same rules. Officials at every level should exchange documents through the proper channels, each following the established regulations.

Admonition Against Seeking Fine Clothes and Shoes (189)

From ancient times to the present, every domain has had its own divisions. Their workings extend through all levels and in every direction, and all that is received and taken is measured as precisely as a plumb line. Nothing must go amiss. How can one fail to see the decisive principles of life and death? Each person should be careful and avoid offending the spirits. Everyone should keep to their own duties and take care never to forget them. A person’s conduct may be entered in a brief record: good deeds rise upward, while evil deeds bring demotion. Good fortune and misfortune follow each person’s wishes; one can only go along with them, not defy them. If your intentions are crooked and you then blame the spirits, your own conduct has brought you to where you are. What have you to resent?

People are hard to guide. They lack understanding and bring misfortune upon themselves. They force themselves into things beyond their ability, then boast without end. They handle matters without thought, see only what is before them and give no thought to what follows. They bring calamity upon themselves, turn away from those they love, slander good people, and claim that Heaven has destroyed the high and that Earth is absent below—unaware that spirits and ghosts keep records of their deeds. They settle others’ grudges, give lavishly of wine, meat, and delicacies, and indulge themselves. At the time they think this is acceptable, but later others speak against them. They curse and abuse people carelessly, utter wicked imprecations, lie and slander, steal other men’s wives, keep watch day and night for a chance to seize them, then sell them to support themselves. They seek fine clothes and shoes, compete in quarrels and disputes, and refuse to follow reason. How can they expect to make a living for long?

Such fools may well be called “children of evil.” When senior officials learn of them, their subordinates will seize them and swiftly punish them, bringing calamity upon both near and distant relatives, who will all share in the blame. If you are poor, work hard for yourself; do not simply sit with folded hands. A person receives their allotted life at birth, and evil spirits follow them. How could such a person remain for long? There are many like this. Their past causes and future consequences will eventually bring them together, so the matter cannot be stopped; that is why these words are spoken.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing

(The preceding passage contains admonitions such as refraining from killing and acting with care.) If you are even slightly careless and fail to keep the commandments, do not let your own misdeeds go unchecked. People like this are often seized by evil spirits, so you must be careful.

When someone incurs resentment or is blamed, they may not realize it at the time. But later, when they see the admonitions, they should stop at once. Even the smallest wrongdoing can use up the life span you have left. Good and evil are both recorded in registers, and increases or decreases in longevity are determined by them; the key is still to do good. People fail to see the far-sighted plans of the worthy and the sages, and instead regard life as suffering and death as something good. Yet even those who rise to the rank of immortals may extend their lives. Why abandon yourself to the world and become caught up in calamity? Children born from their mothers’ wombs say, “I was born just as my parents were,” yet they resent Heaven and Earth and speak evil words. Such people should be kept apart from the good and not mixed with them. The impure must likewise be separated from the pure, just as rulers are distinct from servants. Thus, those who practice the Great Dao can survive, while those who do not ultimately return to dust. The pattern has been much the same throughout history: good and evil have passed from one generation to the next without end, though their numbers differ. Heaven knows that people often rebel against what is right, so it has issued this text to admonish them again and again. Once you understand the commandments, there is no need to doubt: the correspondence between ten and a hundred is unfailing. How could anyone escape?

The Method for Never Forgetting the Admonitions and Gaining Long Life and Blessings (190)

Heaven and Earth took shape from the primordial Qi (vital energy). Spirit and essence arose from Nature, and all things were nurtured into flourishing life. Heaven also arranged the sun, moon, and stars, and appointed the celestial officers who observe and keep watch. The five planets each remain in their proper direction and carry out their appointed roles. Clouds and rain bring nourishment; people worry over their crops; primordial Qi returns to its hidden store. Grain, grasses, trees, creatures that crawl, beings that breathe, and wriggling insects all contain primordial Qi. Birds in flight, beasts that run, and creatures in the water do as well. They provide offerings for people’s sacrifices and food for themselves; people should take only those that cause harm, to sustain themselves. If oxen, horses, mules, or donkeys are no longer fit for work, their meat can provide more than enough for people throughout the world and for the Earth spirits (deities of the land). But do not kill animals still being put to work, or those that are young. This is how Heaven acts, and what the spirits look up to.

The people are foolish and reckless, killing and injuring as they please. Some kill pregnant animals and the young that should have been born from their wombs, cutting short their lives to feed human mouths. When death comes, all are afraid; those who come close to it know that there is no way to remain alive. Heaven therefore truly takes pity on them and has established prohibitions and safeguards. Those who break them are punished. Even the six domestic animals understand affection and cannot bear to harm one another, while people do not value their own lives. They are repeatedly seized by robbers and captors. If someone carelessly takes up a metal blade and kills another person, they may not be executed on the spot, but Heaven accumulates a record of their transgressions. Their ruin will continue, and their remains will be cast into the depths. Those not yet born will likewise fail to encounter good fortune. The spirits despise such people, and the celestial officers who keep watch record their deeds beside them.

Note: This passage belongs to the Taiping Jing’s style of writing about “refraining from killing,” “accumulating transgressions,” and “the measure of one’s life span.” Its language often shifts abruptly and omits subjects, so the plain-language rendering fills in connections in line with the text’s meaning without changing its teachings. Specialized terms such as “celestial officers who keep watch” (officials who observe good and evil and the length of people’s lives), “Earth spirits” (deities of the land), and “primordial Qi” (the original vital energy from which all things arise) are briefly explained at their first appearance.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace)

Why were there times of liberation in the past? Good and evil were recorded, and punishments were made more severe, so people would not dare to transgress. The spirits and perfected beings made this text known to the people. Its moral teachings could not be kept hidden: people needed to understand that they need not blame themselves. So it was written in ordinary language, in clear and readable characters. The sages and worthies do not break the prohibitions because they fear that the foolish will still refuse to stop. A teacher’s lineage has an order of transmission, and its roots must not be forgotten. Remember the source while holding to what is new; cherish it as you did at the beginning. This is the way of life. Deeds have different degrees of merit, and the rewards received differ accordingly. People should be brought to understanding.

There are also secret teachings not yet understood, meanings not yet made clear, thoughts not yet examined, words not yet heard, and aspirations not yet formed. These two sides must be clearly distinguished; all are the will of Heaven. The way by which things are generated and brought to life comes from this. Trust must be placed in Heaven, Earth, the central realm, the four seasons, and the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). These are all rewards due from Heaven; trust must not fail by even the smallest measure. Do you understand? This is the formless state in which Qi (vital energy) is entrusted to nature and brought into submission and transformation. Thus the Three Platforms and Seven Stars uphold Heaven’s proper authority, while the sun and moon observe right and wrong. When things are thus allowed to unfold naturally, no one will later have cause for regret. Therefore, the names and duties of the various officials are again proclaimed and made clear, so that people will accept punishment without resentment. This is what is meant. Do not accuse others of right or wrong; instead, make yourself upright. Prohibitions, whether great or small, provide standards to follow. If you do not forget these words, you will long receive blessings. Take care to put them into practice without departing from due measure. Hence it is said that taking one’s own life is a test.

Before this book could be put to use, emperors did not believe in it, and flatterers stood at their sides, so its principles could not be seen. Disasters arose together; where could the people turn? The Book of Great Peace would not have its principles recognized again until three cycles of sixty years had passed. Better to remonstrate ten times and make its meaning known. Keep in mind the effort to live and seek understanding; then one may attain the knowledge of sages and worthies. The sage should ascend first, with the worthy following after. Those who seek life and do not turn away from it come next.

The registers of the immortals are linked to the North Pole. At the ruins of Kunlun, perfected beings regularly ascend and descend. The perfected beings preside over those whose names appear in the registers, arranging them in order: the highly accomplished attain a high rank, those of middling attainment a middle rank, and those of low attainment a low rank. There are absolutely no people who slap their faces and beg. The Master serves as teacher; he is honored as ruler and called father. Therefore, the roles of teacher, ruler, and father must be clearly understood; ministers must be loyal, and disciples must be obedient. Respect and follow those above you, passing that respect upward in turn. Heaven does not forget the Master’s kindness, Earth does not forget the Master’s nurture, and people do not forget the Master’s generosity. This is the basis of loyalty and filial devotion.

A Plain-Language Interpretation of the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace)

Main Ideas of the Scripture

Faith, reflection, life, and evil:

Faith and reflection can keep people from turning toward evil and draw them close to goodness, bringing clarity to their own lives. The light of Heaven shines down, reaching even the depths of the Yellow Springs.

The earth below connects with Heaven above:

The clarity of the earth below can illuminate Heaven above. The clarity of harmony in between joins the upper and lower realms. Thus the “Three Lights” come together and unite in harmony with Heaven. These Three Lights are the sun, moon, and stars: they shine above upon harmony and below upon the earth, never growing weary or ceasing to shine.

A country without De and its people in exile:

In a country without De (Virtue/Power), Yin energy veils the sun and keeps people from seeing the light. The people live in fear, grain is scarce, and floods and droughts come unpredictably. The people are driven from their homes to regions where food is plentiful.

Heaven’s compassion and the return home:

Heaven truly takes pity on them and lets them settle in a country ruled by a wise and enlightened ruler. The country flourishes, and the displaced people return. They cultivate abandoned land, the grains grow and ripen, and the people once again have food. They can again make offerings to their ancestors, and the spirits and gods find peace.

Seeking immortality and serving as officials of Heaven:

Among them are people of wisdom and holiness who seek the immortals. Those whose names are recorded in registers and records may return to serve as officials of Heaven, inspecting the people and bringing harmony to wind and rain so that government orders may be carried out in peace. Show this book to future generations and let it serve as a good deed that benefits Heaven.

Admonishing descendants and prolonging life:

From now on, you may admonish your descendants, so that the span of life may not be cut short. Though the book repeats itself, this is because Heaven deeply loves the people and wishes them to live out their allotted years. It earnestly and repeatedly entrusts these words to the spirits.

Good and evil, and abiding by the book:

Do good, and your merit will be reported in Heaven; do evil, and your name will be erased. Do not go against this book. Never abandon the intention to think of goodness. Always keep in mind the wish to live and the principles for attaining the Dao (the Way), for these are within the reach of human aspiration. Strive to cultivate yourself with care, each according to your own wishes; Heaven does not force anyone to do what they do not want.

The infinite and what Heaven allots:

The same applies to what extends sideways beneath the earth in all four directions. The infinite Heaven, the infinite earth, the infinite realms, the infinite clarity, and the infinite light are likewise. A small measure of fulfillment is already a great share of what Heaven allots.

Thinking of Heaven, harmony, status, and hardship:

If you wish to consider matters in Heaven, contemplate harmony from the perspective of Heaven; with harmony comes peace. If you seek high status, the spirit of nobility brings honor. If you seek wealth, the spirit of abundance brings riches. In times of hardship and ease, always think carefully about what you say. The Dao of Heaven depends in countless ways on what people do; it does not take away their wishes.

The way of life and death:

The way of nurturing life is clear and can be observed. The way of death is a source of distress to ghosts. When baleful spirits are unsettled, people suffer calamities—calamities that are difficult to put into words. There are writings in Heaven; they are the root of seeking life, which people desire. That is why this text has been set forth, so that people may reflect on it. If you have done wrong, repent and examine this text. Otherwise, let it be; do not speak carelessly. The spirits are before you and behind you, and there is never a time when they are absent.

Key Points

Note: This passage belongs to the Taiping Jing’s writings on governance, religious instruction, and moral exhortation. It combines celestial phenomena, statecraft, the quest for immortality, registers, and the surveillance of people by spirits. Its language often repeats itself for emphasis. This plain-language rendering follows the sentence order and retains specialized terms such as the Three Lights, the Yellow Springs, officials of Heaven, and registers and records, with brief explanations. To compare it with a particular version of the original or collate it sentence by sentence, specify the volume or chapter title.

This passage comes from the Taiping Jing (Scripture of Great Peace). Its general meaning is as follows:

When Heaven seeks to bring a country prosperity and renewal, it sends down enlightened teachers and sages to govern the world in accordance with the Dao (the Way) of Heaven and Earth. The Auspicious Spirit appears to assist with affairs of state, grant people long lives, drive away foreign peoples from the four directions, and bring peace to all under Heaven.