《太上洞玄靈寶三十二天尊應號經》
About this page. The original text of 《太上洞玄靈寶三十二天尊應號經》 (Taiping 太平部, 1 volume) is shown in Classical Chinese as transmitted in the Kanripo (Kyoto University) edition. An English interpretation of the 13 passages on this page accompanies it: select a passage or press “Interpretation” to show it. All texts in English
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Source textInterpretation
Vol. 1
The twelfth scroll of The Most High Dongxuan Lingbao Scripture of the Thirty-Two Heavenly Honored Ones' Responsive Names (the first eleven scrolls being lost) records the realm of "Pure Brightness and Innocence Heaven" (Qingming Hetian Tian) within the "Desire Realm" (Yujie). During this Dharma assembly, an immortal named Fanming rose respectfully, adjusted his robes, and inquired of the Heavenly Lord of Pure Brightness and Innocence: "I have accompanied the Heavenly Honored Ones on journeys through immortal realms and witnessed countless Dharma assemblies, yet today's gathering is exceptionally sublime. All the perfected immortals have been elevated in rank, the Honored Ones of the Ten Directions wear radiant crowns and robes of celestial brocade as they expound wondrous teachings, flanked by guardian immortals while divine blossoms and rare fragrances fill the air, their radiance outshining the sun. How then can beings of the lower realms, burdened by karmic accumulations over lifetimes, be absolved of their transgressions?"
The Heavenly Lord replied: "Your compassionate plea for sentient beings holds great merit. As karmic retribution differs for each being, only through sincere supplication to the Heavenly Honored Ones can liberation be attained. Now I shall impart to you the sacred names recorded on the silver slips and jade registers within the Golden Florescence Palace. Devoted men and women should diligently venerate these names, offering incense and lamps, visualizing the divine presence, striking the celestial bell twelve times according to ritual, swallowing the elixir thrice, regulating breath while reciting scriptures."
The scripture subsequently records a cultivation mantra (a spell to be chanted with specific pronunciation) and the sacred names of one hundred Heavenly Honored Ones from the Nine Qi Heavens of the East. Through reverent incense offerings, fasting, and veneration of these names, beings may escape the sufferings of the Ninefold Netherworld, eradicate immeasurable karmic obstructions, and attain auspicious conditions.
(Notes: 1. "Desire Realm" refers to one of Daoism's Three Realms, denoting the hierarchical world where beings still bound by desires reside. 2. "Swallowing the elixir" describes a longevity practice involving the ingestion of saliva. 3. "Immeasurable Cavern Chapters" indicates scriptural passages with special efficacy in Daoist texts.)
This scripture enumerates the sacred titles of thirty-two celestial venerables (Tianzun) in Daoism, recited by devotees during reverent worship. Each divine name embodies specific Daoist philosophical concepts and theological attributes:
"Zhixin xinli" means "to worship with utmost sincerity and devotion." Each venerable's title represents distinct divine qualities, such as:
- "Shiji miaoguang" (Tenfold Sublime Radiance) signifies the wondrous light illuminating all directions
- "Bawei jiecheng" (Eightfold Majestic Formation) symbolizes the coalescence of virtuous power from all quarters
- "Xuantong daohui" (Mystic Convergence of the Dao) denotes the gathering that penetrates the profound Way
- "Gaoxu daoyun" (Operation of the Dao in Lofty Emptiness) describes the Dao's movement in supreme void
- "Sanhua xiling" (Three Blossoms of Western Numen) refers to the manifestation of Jing-Qi-Shen (essence, vital energy, and spirit) in western sacred realms
These appellations reflect Daoist cosmological perspectives on the origin of the universe and stages of spiritual cultivation, including:
1. Luminous qualities (sublime radiance, numinous brilliance, illuminating light)
2. Spatial orientations (Eastern Splendor, Southern Pole, Western Numen)
3. Characteristics of the Dao (primal unity, empty vastness, unimpeded flow)
4. Wisdom attainments (right knowledge, enlightened wisdom, mystic realization)
5. Cultivation levels (tranquil stability, preserved integrity, concentrated serenity)
Through chanting these sacred names, devotees express veneration for Daoist supreme truth while seeking celestial blessings. This nomenclature system demonstrates the richness of Daoist theology and cosmology, personifying the abstract Dao-principle as divine manifestations with distinct attributes.
This scripture enumerates the sacred titles of thirty-two Celestial Worthies (Tianzun), the highest deities in Daoist belief. Each line begins with "zhixin xinli" (至心信礼), meaning "to worship with utmost sincerity." Every Celestial Worthy's title reflects their unique divine attributes and functions:
1. Zhu Ying Xuan Yuan Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy of Mysterious Origin Illumined by Crimson Radiance
2. Kong Ji Dong Zhi Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy of Profound Wisdom in Empty Silence
3. Tai Xuan Tai Ji Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy of Supreme Mystery and Ultimate Polarity (Taiji)
4. Gao Zhen Jiu Sheng Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy of Sublime Truth and Life Salvation
5. Ming Ying Huang Yun Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy of Manifest Response and Imperial Fortune
6. Fang Bian Shan Qiao Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy of Skillful Means and Adaptable Salvation
(Some Celestial Worthies' titles omitted here)
31. Ba Ku Qing Hua Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy Who Extracts Suffering with Azure Splendor
32. Fa Wang Bao Hai Tianzun: The Celestial Worthy of Dharma-Kingship Like a Jeweled Ocean
Each Celestial Worthy governs specific domains: some preside over wisdom (like Dong Zhi Tianzun), some specialize in delivering beings from suffering (like Ba Ku Ci'en Tianzun), some symbolize cosmic origins (like Tai Xuan Tai Ji Tianzun), while others protect spiritual cultivation (like Ding Hui Shang Pin Tianzun). Through sincere veneration of these deities, Daoist practitioners may receive corresponding blessings and spiritual empowerment.
This scripture records Daoist devotees paying reverent homage to thirty-two Celestial Worthies (high-ranking deities in Daoism), and recounts the repentance ritual taught by the Celestial Lord of Qingming Hetong (the sovereign deity of the Eastern Heavens). Here's a plain explanation:
[Section on Homage to the Thirty-Two Celestial Worthies]
This passage enumerates thirty-two Celestial Worthies with distinct honorific names, each representing specific divine powers and virtues. For example:
- Celestial Worthy of Wisdom Illuminating Emptiness (one who comprehends ultimate truth)
- Celestial Worthy of Virtues Manifest in Void (one who reveals all benevolent deeds)
- Celestial Worthy of Fulfilling Karmic Retribution (one who actualizes cause and effect)
...(remaining honorific titles all embody different sacred attributes)
[Teachings of the Celestial Lord of Qingming Hetong]
The Celestial Lord instructs devotees: If male and female followers can sincerely:
1. Prostrate before the Celestial Worthies in the Golden Radiance Palace (celestial abode)
2. Recite the names of one hundred Celestial Worthies from the Eastern Limitless Realm (Daoist Eastern Heaven)
3. Burn incense, light lamps in purified fasting chambers while silently chanting true scriptures
They may beseech absolution for all accumulated transgressions including:
- Sins of deception through broken promises
- Wrongdoings recorded by the Ten Rectifying Officers of the East (deities monitoring human morality)
- Offenses causing deceased souls to suffer in Fengdu's hells (Daoist underworld)
[Key Elements of the Repentance Ritual]
Devotees must:
- Recite sacred names of one hundred Celestial Worthies from the Three Qi Heaven of the South
- Maintain fasting purity and reverent worship
- Pray for the opening of the Jade Archive of Nine Darknesses (underworld records of sins)
To obtain:
1. Elimination of sins numerous as dust and sand
2. Acquisition of immeasurable virtuous merit
3. Present-life prosperity and soul tranquility
4. Ultimate attainment of carefree bliss
Note: This passage exemplifies the Daoist practice of "absolution through name recitation," where devout chanting of Celestial Worthy names combined with zhaijiao (purification rituals) generates merit for dispelling calamities.
This scripture is a liturgical text used by Daoist devotees for paying homage to thirty-two Celestial Worthies (Tianzun). Each invocation begins with "zhixin xinli," meaning "with utmost sincerity, we believe and bow in reverence."
These Celestial Worthies bear distinct titles and functions, such as:
- Celestial Worthy of Sublime Inner Harmonics (governing mystical musical principles)
- Celestial Worthy of Golden Hall's Profound Stillness (symbolizing solemn tranquility)
- Celestial Worthy of Ever-Shining Liberation (aiding liberation from afflictions)
- Celestial Worthy of the Three Pure Ones' Dharma Kings (representing the Sanqing supreme deities)
- Celestial Worthy of Jade Purity Who Values Life (cherishing life's true meaning)
- Celestial Worthy of Western Radiance's Lofty Sage (illuminating sage of the West)
- Celestial Worthy of Golden Mystery's Wondrous Light (golden mystical radiance)
- Celestial Worthy of Jeweled Metropolis' Dharma Treasures (guardian of precious ritual implements)
Other titles reflect core Daoist concepts: "Earthly Sovereign" represents the deity of the earth, "Cinnabar Fruit" symbolizes the achievement of Golden Elixir (Jindan) cultivation, "Dharma Ocean" metaphorically compares Buddhist teachings to the sea, "Great Void" (Taixu) denotes the cosmic origin, and "Jade Capital" (Yujing) refers to the celestial emperor's abode.
These deities preside over various salvific functions including: delivering the deceased (e.g., Celestial Worthy of Death-Transcending Sage King), illuminating wisdom (e.g., Celestial Worthy of True Awakening), granting longevity (e.g., Celestial Worthy of Eternal Joy's Skillful Means), and radiating universal light (e.g., Celestial Worthy of Ninefold Light's Great Cavern). Through chanting these sacred names, devotees seek corresponding blessings and spiritual empowerment.
(Note: In Daoist rituals, such name recitations are typically accompanied by specific mudras (hand seals), visualization techniques, and breathing methods, though this text primarily presents the verbal invocation component.)
This scripture enumerates the honorific titles of thirty-two Tianzun (Celestial Venerables, the highest deities in Daoism), which are sacred appellations chanted by devotees during pious worship. Each invocation begins with "zhixin xinli" (至心信礼), meaning "with utmost sincerity, believe and venerate."
Each Tianzun embodies distinct divine attributes and functions, such as:
- Jindu Ningji Tianzun (Golden Metropolis of Serene Quiescence): symbolizing the supreme state of eternal tranquility
- Shentong Wanbian Tianzun (Divine Power of Infinite Transformations): possessing boundless supernatural abilities
- Baocun Taixuan Tianzun (Guardian of the Great Mysteries): protector of Daoism's profound truths
- Fadeng Changyou Tianzun (Eternal Lamp of Dharma): representing the inextinguishable light of wisdom
- Ziqing Shangdong Tianzun (Purple Clarity of the Upper Caverns): deity representing the highest celestial realm of Ziqing
- Donghua Huming Tianzun (Eastern Florescence Guardian of Life): divine protector of vitality from the Eastern Immortal Realms
- Jiusheng Fayun Tianzun (Life-Saving Dharma Cloud): who delivers sentient beings with compassionate dharma rain
The term "three vehicles" (san cheng 三乘) refers to the three stages of Daoist cultivation, while "Xuandu" (玄都) and "Jindu" (金都) designate celestial paradises. "Danzi" (丹紫) symbolizes the supreme state of Golden Elixir (jindan 金丹) refinement. These Tianzun titles collectively represent guardian deities of various celestial realms and cultivation states within the Daoist cosmological framework.
When devotees chant these sacred names, they simultaneously pay homage to the Daoist pantheon and seek divine protection through nominal invocation. Each title contains specific cultivation symbolism and carries the power of spiritual blessing.
This scripture primarily records the honorific titles of thirty-two Celestial Worthies (the highest deities in Daoism) and explains how devotees may seek relief from calamities through reverent worship. Here is a simplified interpretation:
The first section enumerates the titles of the thirty-two Celestial Worthies, including:
1. Jade Treasure Golden Palace Celestial Worthy (the Supreme One dwelling in a golden palace)
2. Constant Void Radiance Celestial Worthy (the One who abides in emptiness and illuminates all)
3. Northern Truth Jade Dawn Celestial Worthy (the Divine Light of Northern Truth)
...(Other titles similarly reflect each Celestial Worthy's distinct divine functions and attributes)
The second section contains teachings from the Pure Brightness Hetian Heavenly Emperor (the sovereign deity of the Southern Heavens):
- Devotees are instructed to sincerely take refuge and, within the Golden Flower Palace (a celestial abode), pray to the hundred Celestial Worthies of the Southern Limitless Realm (the Daoist Southern Heaven) using silver tablets and jade registers (sacred documents).
- Specific cultivation methods include: reciting the names of the Celestial Worthies, chanting scriptures, quiet meditation, burning incense and lighting lamps, fasting, and purifying one's chamber.
- One may beseech the removal of accumulated karmic transgressions from past and present lives, particularly sins such as envy of others' talents. These transgressions are recorded by the Ten Rectifying Spirits (ten divine enforcers) of the South and the emissaries of the Great Unity Deity (the Supreme Divinity), who report them to the Celestial Court (the heavenly judicial system).
The third section describes the severe consequences of karmic transgressions:
- Offenders suffer prolonged torment in the Fengdu Hell (the Blazing Inferno of Fengdu), finding it difficult to attain liberation.
- Through devout prayer, one may receive the compassion of the Celestial Worthies, dispelling the Five Sufferings (five types of anguish), thereby attaining peace of spirit and a life of abundance and ease.
A concluding note states:
This is the twelfth scroll of the Supreme Lingbao Scripture of the Thirty-Two Celestial Worthies' Responsive Titles. Scrolls thirteen through twenty-one have been lost.
(Note: This scripture reflects the Daoist practice of seeking blessings and dispelling misfortunes through worship of the Celestial Worthies, emphasizing repentance for transgressions and the importance of sincere devotion. The titles of the Celestial Worthies often relate to their divine roles or attributes, such as "Illuminator of the Lost" referring to one who guides the confused, or "Universal Compassion of Subtle Emptiness" denoting boundless mercy.)
This scripture expounds upon the compassionate names of the Hundred Celestial Worthies (the highest deities in Daoism) residing in the Western Heaven of Seven Qi (a celestial realm composed of seven primordial energies in Daoist cosmology). It describes how the sacred "Platform of Luminous Truth in the River of Thoughtlessness" (a Daoist paradise) contains treasured purple-origin treasures and jade-slip mystical texts (esoteric Daoist scriptures).
Cultivation Method: Devotees should with utmost sincerity practice incense burning, purification rituals (practices for purifying body and mind), reverent bowing, and recitation of these Celestial Worthy names while making vows. Through these practices, one may petition to erase karmic transgressions recorded in the "Jade Repository of Nine Netherworlds" (the underworld's record book) and the "Casket of Eternal Night" (symbolizing suffering in darkness). Such practice helps sentient beings escape suffering, eliminate sins as numerous as Ganges River sands, and obtain immeasurable virtuous affinities.
The scripture then enumerates thirty-two Celestial Worthy titles, each prefaced with "With utmost sincere faith we worship," indicating the most devout reverence. These honorifics manifest different divine attributes, such as:
- Celestial Worthy of Cinnabar Heaven's Empty Cavern (deity governing the void of crimson celestial realms)
- Celestial Worthy of Golden Treasury's Marvelous Numen (mystical divinity possessing golden treasures)
- Celestial Worthy of Purple Purity Beyond Compare (incomparable divinity of violet purity)
- Celestial Worthy of Longevity's Azure Radiance (bestower of longevity through cyan luminosity)
- Celestial Worthy of Dharma-Ocean's Precious Truth (guardian of orthodox teachings vast as the sea)
Each Celestial Worthy fulfills distinct sacred functions, collectively protecting practitioners by bestowing wisdom, liberation, and blessings. Through sincere worship, devotees establish spiritual connections with these deities to receive their divine empowerment.
This scripture enumerates the titles of thirty-two Celestial Worthy deities (Tianshi, Daoist venerated divinities), each name reflecting distinct divine attributes and salvific functions. Here's a plain explanation:
All these Celestial Worthy titles follow the fixed format of "utmost sincere devotion + divine name," where "utmost sincere devotion" means "taking refuge and paying homage with the most devout heart." Each deity's title consists of two parts: the first two characters denote the honorific, while the latter two indicate their sacred function or characteristic. For example:
"Dongming Dantian" (Illuminating Cinnabar Heaven) refers to wisdom that penetrates celestial realms; "Zhuji Baolun" (Vermilion Pole Treasure Wheel) symbolizes the luminous Dharma wheel like the crimson sun; "Gaowen Daoyun" (Exalted Pattern Dao's Movement) represents the supreme operation of Daoist teachings; "Yicheng Xuanjing" (Single Vehicle Mysterious Vista) indicates the unique sublime state; "Kaiguang Yingmiao" (Radiant Opening Responsive Wonder) signifies awakening wisdom to perceive profound mysteries.
These Celestial Worthies have specialized roles: some oversee salvation (e.g., Savior Worthy, Suffering-Reliever Worthy), some symbolize the operation of Daoist teachings (e.g., Dao-Movement Worthy, Mysterious-Movement Worthy), others represent luminous wisdom (e.g., Mysterious-Light Worthy, Illumined-Sovereign Worthy), while some embody compassionate salvation (e.g., Universal-Compassion Worthy, Compassion-Wisdom Worthy).
Key technical terms deserve special attention:
- "Dongxuan" (Penetrating Mystery) denotes comprehending profound truths
- "Wuxiang" (Formless) indicates transcendence beyond appearances
- "Taiqing" (Great Purity) refers to one of the Three Pure Realms (Sanqing)
- "Bahui" (Eight Convergences) marks the eight nodal points of Qi circulation
- "Yicheng" (Single Vehicle) represents the supreme Daoist teaching
These Celestial Worthy titles actually form a complete cultivation system: from awakening wisdom (radiant opening), realizing truth (true emptiness), attaining spiritual powers (treasure illumination), to universal salvation (compassionate power), transcending rebirth cycles (limitless), and ultimately achieving union with the Dao (ascending mystery).
(Note: As the original text uses repetitive phrasing, this vernacular interpretation adopts categorized presentation, maintaining approximately 1.5 times the original length)
This scripture primarily documents the devout worship of thirty-two Celestial Worthies (high-ranking Daoist deities) by practitioners, along with admonitions from the Thought-Free Jiangyou Heavenly Emperor Lord (a Daoist immortal) to cultivators.
The text first enumerates the sacred titles of these thirty-two Celestial Worthies, each possessing specific divine functions and virtues, such as:
- Dongyuan Celestial Gate Worthy (guardian of immortal pathways)
- Resonant Sound Divine Movement Worthy (sovereign of sacred sounds and spiritual power)
- Forged Bell Current Worthy (keeper of ritual bells and magical instruments)
- Majestic Countenance Dharma Treasure Worthy (protector of sacred iconography and teachings)
These Celestial Worthies respectively govern various aspects of Daoist spiritual power, requiring devotees to offer worship with utmost sincerity.
The latter portion presents crucial warnings from the Thought-Free Jiangyou Heavenly Emperor Lord to practitioners: If ordinary devotees sincerely worship the Purple Origin Treasure Trove and Jade Slip Mystic Texts (precious Daoist scriptures) at the "Platform of Luminous Truth" (sacred cultivation site), while reciting the names of one hundred Celestial Worthies from the Western Limitless Realm through practices like scripture chanting, meditation, incense offering, lamp lighting, and fasting, they may seek absolution for karmic transgressions accumulated by their ancestral lineage since beginningless kalpas.
Specific mention is made of common offenses:
1. Unauthorized transmission of scriptures to disciples
2. Interfamilial karmic entanglements through marital relations
These transgressions are recorded by the Ten Rectifying Deities (divine lawkeepers) of the West, examined by deities like the Great Unity Life-Register and the Record-Keeper, then reported to the Celestial Ministry (heavenly judicial system). If unresolved, these karmic burdens become archived in the Jade Repository of Thought-Free Jiangyou Heaven, ultimately judged by the Mysterious Azure Maiden (celestial scribe) and the Lower Primordial Investigation Bureau (underworld judiciary).
This scripture passage primarily describes sentient beings suffering in the cycle of rebirth, beseeching the Celestial Worthies for deliverance, and enumerates the sacred names of thirty-two Celestial Worthies.
The text first depicts beings endlessly enduring suffering within the wheel of life and death—dying only to be reborn again, oscillating between the netherworld and realms of light, bearing various karmic retributions while assuming different forms. People pray for liberation from these sinful burdens, hoping the Nine Nether Hells (the Daoist underworld) might cease judgment, that the Three Evil Paths (hell realms, hungry ghosts, and animal rebirths) may be emptied, allowing eternal darkness to be illuminated anew, thereby attaining carefree joy.
The scripture mentions sacred Daoist locations and texts such as the "Tower of Luminous Truth in the Thoughtless Jiangyou Heaven" and the "Purple Origin Treasury's Jade Slips of Mysterious Writings," as well as the Wuji World within the Northern Heaven of Five Qi (the celestial realm formed by the Five Phases' energies). Through rituals like incense burning, fasting, mental stillness, and reverent prostrations, devotees earnestly implore the Celestial Worthies to eradicate karmic obstacles, liberating both humans and celestial beings from suffering.
Subsequently, the text lists the sacred names of thirty-two Celestial Worthies, each prefaced with "zhixin xinli" (worship with utmost sincerity). These Celestial Worthies embody distinct divine powers and virtues—for instance, "Universal Virtue Sage-True Celestial Worthy" represents all-encompassing salvation, "Heavenly Truth Deliverer-from-Suffering Celestial Worthy" specializes in relieving anguish, while "Compassionate Responder Who Extracts from Suffering Celestial Worthy" embodies merciful relief. Through devout veneration of these deities, corresponding blessings and liberation may be obtained.
This passage reflects the Daoist cultivation method of seeking deliverance through venerating Celestial Worthies and repenting transgressions, demonstrating the tradition's profound emphasis on rescuing beings from suffering and guiding them toward liberation.
This scripture enumerates the honorific titles of thirty-two Celestial Worthies (Tianzun), forming a liturgical text recited by Daoist devotees during reverent worship. Each Tianzun name embodies distinct qualities of Daoist practice and divine power:
1. Supreme Origin Mysterious Truth Tianzun (symbolizing the profound truth of cosmic origin)
2. Golden Capital Wondrous Sovereign Tianzun (mystical ruler of the golden celestial city)
3. Ascending Mystery Illuminated Truth Tianzun (elevating arcane principles to awaken to true Dao)
4. Wondrous Treasure Transformational Birth Tianzun (marvelous treasure manifesting all creation)
5. Dao's Operation Divine Radiance Tianzun (universal Dao in motion with divine light)
The subsequent titles include: Wisdom Dao Mysterious Peace, Movement Illumination Fundamental Response, Dharma King Deliverer of Beings, Empty Songs Form Completion, Ultimate Subtlety Responsive Light, Divine Penetration Opening Illumination, Great Cavern Beyond Form, Precepts Birth Highest Minister, Great Dao Prolonging Life, Ultimate Attainment Bright Emptiness, Illuminating Imperial Pivot, True Teaching Clear Luminance, Movement Illumination Divine Serenity, Eternal Joy Supreme Origin, Lofty Movement Bright Flight, Mysterious Constancy Liberation, Great Peace Quiescence, Jade Purity Wondrous Splendor, Wisdom Mystery Moving Light, Golden Opening Wondrous Sovereign, Emptiness Ultimate Supreme Void, Celestial Grace Wondrous Practice, Life-Saving Cavern Silence, Empty Vision Upper Palace, Universally Sensing Three Realms, Golden Might Coagulated Form, Universal Opening Compassion Light, Divine Wisdom Universal Clarity, True Pearl Marvelous Fruit, Dao Opening Lofty Transformation, Empty Space Myriad Changes, Harmonious Formation Exalted Sovereign, Supreme Mystery Sacred Practice, Dao Victorious Celestial Movement, Five Movements Penetrating Light, Left Mystery Purple Purity, Wondrous Observation Immortal City.
These epithets reflect Daoism's multifaceted understanding of the Dao: some represent wisdom (Wisdom Dao, Divine Wisdom), salvation (Life-Saving, Deliverer), luminosity (Illuminating, Compassion Light), mystery (Mysterious Truth, Wondrous Treasure), and emptiness (Empty Songs, Ultimate Void). Through chanting these sacred names, devotees express veneration for the Dao's manifold manifestations while seeking blessings corresponding to each Tianzun's virtuous power (De).
This passage enumerates fourteen Celestial Venerable (Tiansun) titles recorded in the Daoist scripture Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Sanshi'er Tiansun Yinghao Jing (Most High Numinous Treasure Scripture of Thirty-Two Celestial Venerables' Responsive Appellations). These Celestial Venerables represent high-ranking deities with specialized divine functions in Daoist belief:
1. Dongxuan Haikong Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of the Cavernous Mystery and Oceanic Void) - governs profound Daoist methods and realms of emptiness
2. Changsheng Shangdao Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Constant Ascension in the Supreme Dao) - guides practitioners to elevate their spiritual cultivation
3. Jingle Yinhuang Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Serene Joy and Silvery Radiance) - presides over tranquility and bliss
4. Pudong Guangming Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Universal Illumination) - radiates wisdom's light throughout existence
5. Dechong Zuisheng Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Supreme Virtue's Fullness) - embodies unsurpassed virtuous power (De)
6. Taizhen Dantian Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Great Authenticity and Cinnabar Heaven) - oversees alchemical practice (Neidan) and spiritual refinement
7. Xinggong Deman Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Merit Completion Through Practice) - represents the perfection of cultivation achievements
8. Kuhun Zhenjiu Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of True Salvation for Suffering Souls) - delivers sentient beings from distress
9. Xuantong Balang Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Mysterious Penetration of Eight Directions) - comprehends the profound principles of all quarters
10. Yuzhen Guisheng Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Jade Authenticity Valuing Life) - honors the true meaning of vital existence
11. Zhenyun Mingqing Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Clear Dao Operation) - governs the luminous movement of the Dao's workings
12. Nanji Fawang Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Southern Pole's Dharma Sovereign) - supreme dharma lord of the southern realm
13. Suhuan Miaole Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Pure Radiance and Subtle Bliss) - manifests wondrous spiritual joy
14. Jincai Suyu Tiansun (Celestial Venerable of Golden Splendor and Pure Jade) - symbolizes the immaculate Dao body
These sacred appellations are recited by Daoist devotees during worship, with the phrase "zhixin xinli" (utmost sincere devotion) preceding each name to express wholehearted reverence. Through chanting these Celestial Venerable titles, practitioners may receive corresponding divine blessings and protection. The complete scripture records thirty-two Celestial Venerables' sacred names, with this excerpt presenting partial contents from its twenty-second chapter.
Source text: Kanripo 漢籍リポジトリ(KR5e0023); Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Report an error / feedback