《太上靈寶淨明道元正印經》

The Scripture of the Primordial Seal of Pure Illumination Dao in Vernacular Interpretation:

The essence of the Dao is originally empty, existing only in the void. Both internally and externally, it is vast and luminous, unattached to any concrete thing. Though worldly disturbances may arise before it, the supreme Dao remains eternally clear and bright, serenely observing the waxing and waning of all phenomena. Like fish swimming unknowingly in deep waters, those who truly understand the Dao are likewise—their Shen (spirit) never exhausts, their Qi (vital energy) flows like rivers, their breath circulates like luminous pearls, their bodies remain desireless as withered wood, and their thoughts roam freely like wild ducks, neither knowing where to alight nor where to dwell, following the natural course of all things.

The heart-mind rests in tranquil serenity, understanding that "not knowing" constitutes true knowing. What appears as action is actually Wuwei (non-action), detached and peaceful as the celestial palaces of Qingdu (Daoist paradise). In this state, consciousness is liberated, thoughts are released, emotions are settled, and Jing (essence) and Qi become pure and unified. Concentration is the Dao, yet one must not cling to this "oneness." Without bias, rigidity, or haste—only through relaxed ease can one attain the stable emptiness that forms the root of the Dao.

To align correctly with the Dao, refrain from deliberate thinking. Even when thoughts arise, maintain the clarity of "not thinking." In this lucid stillness, the physical form naturally endures. "Long life and perpetual vision" (a core Daoist cultivation goal) is but another name for the Dao. What is longevity? What is decay? The Dao is inherently eternal—the crux lies in awakening one's innate nature. Upon genuine awakening, the boundaries between realization and non-realization, understanding and non-understanding, dissolve completely. To comprehend this state of "neither realization nor non-realization" is true enlightenment.

Recognize our original form—within the body resides the primordial Shen (innate spirituality), which can expand freely without constraint, ultimately achieving transcendence and ascension. Why pursue wind-steeds and cloud-chariots (vehicles of Daoist immortals)? True liberation lies not in external forms but in inner authenticity. Reality and illusion share the same source, yet clinging to illusion negates reality. When observing illusion through the lens of reality, both dwell in the same abode. Without attachment, fixation, rejection, or opposition, perceive formless images and listen to soundless music.

What are true Fulu (talismanic scriptures)? What are authentic scriptures? A settled heart-mind and awakened consciousness constitute "Pure Illumination." This state transcends the Three Realms (Desire, Form, and Formlessness), reaching the Jade Capital and Divine Metropolis (highest Daoist heaven), wandering freely through the Sanqing (Three Pure Ones) sacred realms. This is the true meaning of the Primordial Seal of the Dao.