《元始天尊說東嶽化身濟生度死拔罪解冤保命玄範誥咒妙經》

Interpretation of the Wondrous Scripture of the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign on the Eastern Peak’s Manifestation for Saving Lives, Delivering the Dead, Absolving Sins, Resolving Grievances, and Preserving Life

At that time, the Primordial Heavenly Sovereign (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity of Daoism) was seated upon the Nine Radiance Throne within the Jade Pure Sacred Realm of the Great Luo Heaven’s Golden Tower. Holding the Five Illuminations Scepter, he summoned the celestial emperors, the deities of the sun and moon, the stars, and the assembled host of perfected immortals and sages. The Heavenly Sovereign proclaimed the supreme wondrous Dharma in a majestic voice, while celestial flowers rained down and fragrant mist swirled in the air.

Present were four great perfected beings: the Golden Radiance Perfected (Jinhua Zhenren), the Jade Pure Perfected (Yuqing Zhenren), the Wondrous Practice Perfected (Miaoxing Zhenren), and the Savior of Suffering Perfected (Jiuku Zhenren). They stepped forward, knelt in reverence, and addressed the Heavenly Sovereign: "We have witnessed the suffering of sentient beings in the human realm—some endure poverty and illness, others are plagued by malevolent spirits, curses, and unresolved grievances. Many face legal disputes, calamities, or untimely deaths. The souls in hell suffer ceaseless torment, enduring the Mountain of Knives, the Sea of Flames, and the Punishment of Frozen Ice. Particularly afflicted are the women trapped in the Blood Lake Hell, enduring unbearable agony. We beseech the Heavenly Sovereign to reveal a method of salvation."

The Primordial Heavenly Sovereign then expounded: "The suffering of sentient beings arises because they disregard the law of cause and effect, show no reverence for Heaven and Earth or the divine, lack loyalty to rulers and love for their country, fail in filial piety toward parents, disrespect teachers and elders, deceive friends and family, and speak falsely with duplicitous hearts. These transgressions are meticulously recorded by the divine officials of the Eastern Peak Prefecture (Dongyue Fu, the celestial administration governing life, death, and fortune). As a result, they endure present-life misfortunes—poverty, illness, disasters, legal entanglements—and their households are unsettled, plagued by untimely deaths and ominous calamities."

(Note: This scripture primarily expounds the root causes of suffering, emphasizing the principle of karmic retribution. In Daoism, the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak (Dongyue Dadi) oversees human life, death, and fortune, recording the good and evil deeds of mortals.)

This scripture describes how the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) revealed the origins and majestic virtues of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak (Dongyue Dadi, the sacred mountain deity of Mount Tai) to the Four Great Perfected Ones. During an era when the mortal realm was plagued by warfare, famine, and calamities, causing deceased souls to suffer in hell realms, the Celestial Worthy explained: Before the separation of Heaven and Earth, the Primordial Mother of the Dao (Hunyuan Daomu, the Daoist creatrix goddess) transmitted the teachings of the Dao, from which later emerged the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak. This divine sovereign, honored through successive dynasties with escalating titles, ultimately received the designation "Great Life-Giving Emperor of Heavenly Equanimity and Benevolent Sageliness," presiding over human morality, underworld judgment, and manifesting as the Four Sacred Peaks' emperors to govern all creation.

The scripture further states: When devout men and women establish altars during major festivals (such as the Three Primes [Sanyuan: Upper, Middle, and Lower Origin festivals] or Five La fasting days), offering incense and lamps while sincerely petitioning the Eastern Peak Emperor, they shall receive manifold blessings: national stability, abundant harvests, karmic purification, household peace, and longevity. Deceased ancestors may thereby escape hellish torment, with grievances resolved and souls ascending to paradise. These teachings embody Daoism's salvific doctrines and the belief in securing divine protection through ritual veneration.

(Note: The "Three Primes" refer to the major Daoist festivals of Shangyuan, Zhongyuan, and Xiayuan; "Five La" denotes five annual fasting days; "Four Seasons and Eight Nodes" collectively signifies important seasonal transitions throughout the year.)

This scripture primarily expounds on the divine offices and majestic powers of the Five Sacred Peaks' Great Emperors (Mount Tai, Hengshan, Songshan, Huashan, and Hengshan). Here's an accessible interpretation:

The First Great Emperor of Mount Tai (officially titled "Great Emperor of Eastern Peak, Benevolent and Sagely Ruler of Heavenly Equality in Great Life-Giving"):

He governs the azure heavens of the East, exercising authority over Yanzhou. Above, he resonates with the Fang constellation; below, he commands the Zhen trigram direction. Capable of making all things flourish, his lifespan equals heaven's. His palace is called the Mysterious Numinous Hall, with his name recorded in celestial blue registers. He saves both the living and delivers departed souls, ensuring the nation's enduring prosperity.

The Second Great Emperor of Southern Hengshan (officially titled "Great Emperor of Southern Peak, Luminous and Sagely Ruler of Heavenly Transformation"):

He rules the crimson heavens of the South, administering Hengzhou. Above, he corresponds to stellar constellations; below, he illuminates the Li trigram direction. He nurtures all creatures to lasting prosperity. His palace, the Solar Jade Tower, records his name in vermilion celestial registers. Specializing in burning away demonic influences, he perpetually eliminates calamities.

The Third Great Emperor of Central Songshan (officially titled "Great Emperor of Central Peak, Venerable and Sagely Ruler of Heavenly Peace"):

He presides over the yellow heavens at earth's center, wielding authority in Daizhou. Harmonizing constellations from all directions, he specifically governs the Fengdu Mountain of ghosts. Commanding all creation across eons, his palace—the Mysterious Capital Jade Tower—bears his name in jade registers. He pacifies deities of all directions and annihilates countless evil spirits.

The Fourth Great Emperor of Western Huashan (officially titled "Great Emperor of Western Peak, Auspicious and Sagely Ruler of Golden Heaven"):

He oversees the radiant white heavens of the West, administering Huazhou. Above, he resonates with the Mao constellation; below, he governs the Dui trigram direction. He assists all beings and prolongs mortal lifespans. His Golden Pass Mysterious Window palace records his name in white celestial registers. He stabilizes nations and guards frontiers.

The Fifth Great Emperor of Northern Hengshan (officially titled "Great Emperor of Northern Peak, Primal and Sagely Ruler of Heavenly Peace"):

He rules the profound black heavens of the North, administering Hengzhou. Above, he corresponds to the Xu constellation; below, he connects with the Kan trigram direction. He makes all beings prosper and extends their lifespans. His palace, the Sublime Dark Platform, records his name in black celestial registers. He delivers departed souls to heaven and assists human transcendence.

The final passage extols the Eastern Peak Emperor's virtues:

He is the ancestral sovereign of Resplendent Heaven's Mysterious Essence, the patriarchal source of Golden Wheel's Lesser Sea. His mother conceived him after dreaming of sunlight, and he shone brilliantly in the Purple Palace (Daoist celestial realm). First establishing merit at Changbai Mountain, he received titles from Fu Xi's era—originally called the True Man of Taihua, later enfeoffed as Mount Tai Marshal during Han Dynasty, and revered as Sagely Emperor of Venerated Grace in Tang Dynasty. Guarding the earth with merits reaching heaven, he nurtures all through benevolent virtue. His palms restore yang energy to revive the dead; his sagely heart shines like sun and moon upon creation. All Five Peaks praise his eastern achievements; among Three Realms, he uniquely honors the middle realm. Executing celestial decrees, he oversees underworld affairs and judges human virtue and vice.

This scripture primarily extols the divine majesty and compassion of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak (the deity of Mount Tai, foremost among Daoism's Five Sacred Peaks) and his celestial retinue. In modern terms:

The Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak governs the cosmic authority over human morality, life and death, presiding over thirty-six judicial departments (for judgment) and seventy-two administrative offices that record human conduct. Those who perform virtuous deeds are guided to heavenly realms, while wrongdoers still receive compassionate salvation. This deity possesses boundless power and mercy, honored as the "Supreme Sovereign of the Middle Realm."

The text then praises the Emperor's consort, the Virtuous and Luminous Empress, who shares virtue with Heaven and Earth, extending grace throughout the Three Realms (celestial, terrestrial, and human), revered as the "Principal Palace of the Eastern Peak."

Next comes the True Lord of Lifespan, Prime Minister of the Eastern Peak, who assists the Great Emperor in administering Mount Tai affairs, overseeing human morality with impartial discernment that notices the finest details.

Following this is the Benevolent and Kind Prince Bingling, Crown Prince of the Eastern Peak, who embodies the righteous qi of Heaven and Earth, possessing the divine power to bestow blessings and prosperity, renowned for his filial piety and benevolence.

Finally, the scripture venerates the Primordial Sovereign of Azure Radiance (the goddess of Mount Tai), who manifests as a Jade Maiden, commanding the sacred troops of Mount Tai while monitoring human morality. Responsive to all pleas, she protects nations and blesses the people, honored as the "Jade Maiden of Celestial Immortals."

Each section concludes with "zhixin guiming li" (devoted homage with utmost sincerity), signifying reverent devotion. These deities collectively form the sacred pantheon of Mount Tai belief, governing life, death, fortune and misfortune—administering stern justice while extending boundless salvific compassion.

This scripture primarily describes the sacred duties and merits of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak (Dongyue Dadi) and several key deities under his administration. Here is a simplified interpretation:

The first section introduces the deity in charge of blessings and prosperity within the Eastern Peak Prefecture (the divine court of Mount Tai). This deity records virtuous deeds in the human realm, bestows blessings upon the virtuous, grants treasures like gold and silver, and inscribes merits in the celestial registers.

The second part praises two deities: the "True Lord of Luminous Purity, Supervisor of Life from the Nine Heavens" and the "Holy Mother of the Womb, Primordial Sovereign of the Nine Heavens." They govern matters of childbirth—determining fetal gender (according to the transformations of Yin-Yang), safeguarding expectant mothers (ensuring safe delivery), harmonizing Yin-Yang balance, and even curing diseases like smallpox. These deities treat all beings with impartial compassion.

The third section recounts the story of a deity who attained the Dao through cultivation in the Min region (modern-day Fujian). He studied under the Five Patriarchs, achieved immortality, protected the imperial procession at the Yangzi River, manifested divine powers on the emperor’s ship, and became renowned for his loyalty and diligence.

The fourth part describes a fierce general of the Eastern Peak Prefecture, "General Zhu." With crimson hair and a blue face, wearing an iron helmet and wielding a steel whip, he is responsible for capturing souls, subduing malevolent spirits, rewarding the virtuous, punishing the wicked, and rectifying wrongdoings. He is a formidable marshal commanding divine troops.

The fifth section outlines the judicial system of the Eastern Peak Prefecture. Here, there are seventy-five departments, ten grand guardians (Taibao), and deities like the Dragon-Tiger Divine Lords, who oversee retribution for good and evil across both the Yin and Yang realms. They judge followers of the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism), record the merits and faults of officials and generals, handle matters of life, aging, illness, and death, and govern all living beings—including humans, ghosts, spirits, and creatures born from wombs, eggs, moisture, or transformation. All affairs must pass through the judgment of these underworld officials.

Finally, it is mentioned that after the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun) proclaimed these divine incantations and the names of the ten deities, all the celestial beings praised in awe.

(Note: "Eastern Peak" refers to Mount Tai, a sacred site in Daoism that governs the underworld; "Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning" is one of the highest deities in Daoism; "Taibao" was an ancient official title, here referring to divine ranks.)

The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, one of the highest deities in Daoism) addressed the Four Perfected Ones, saying: Whether kings, emperors, consorts, officials, or common people—when encountering the following circumstances, all may recite this scripture:

In times of war, chaos, rampant banditry, locust plagues, droughts, floods, rat infestations, or epidemics, reciting this scripture will bring peace to the world, harmonious weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity to the people.

For those long imprisoned, reciting this scripture will grant them pardon, breaking their shackles and restoring their freedom.

If afflicted by malevolent stars (inauspicious astrological influences) leading to prolonged illness, reciting this scripture will turn misfortune into fortune and dispel calamities.

Those seeking promotion, wealth, fame, or success will, through recitation, attain higher rank, prosperity, and illustrious achievements.

The impoverished who pray for wealth will find their fortunes improved, with ample food and clothing.

The childless or those without family support will receive the protection of the Nine Heavens (the highest realms in Daoist cosmology) and be blessed with intelligent, outstanding sons to continue their lineage.

For households troubled by ghosts or declining fortunes, recitation will bring prosperity and drive away evil influences.

If construction or excavation has offended the Earth God (a Daoist deity governing the land), causing misfortune, recitation will restore the deity’s harmony and bring peace to the home.

Those cursed, framed, or facing obstacles in business or endeavors will dissolve their misfortunes, ensuring safety on land and water, and smooth success.

Reciting this scripture for deceased relatives or wandering spirits will guide them to the Pure Land (a blissful afterlife in Daoist belief), where they may enjoy eternal serenity.

When reciting, one must observe fasting, bathe, wear clean clothes, and sit upright while chanting aloud. In doing so, the Mountain Gods of the Five Peaks (guardian deities of the sacred mountains) and celestial immortals will descend to offer protection.

Devout men and women may invite Zhengyi (Orthodox Unity) Daoist priests to light lamps, offer fruits, and recite this scripture ten or more times in temples or their homes.

This scripture recounts the merits of the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity in Daoism) transmitting the Mysterious Edict and Mantra Scripture for the Salvation of Life, Deliverance from Death, Absolution of Sins, Resolution of Grievances, and Preservation of Life through the Eastern Peak's Manifestation. It conveys several key teachings:

If one sincerely copies and prints this scripture in thousands or tens of thousands of copies, widely disseminating and reciting it so more people may know its contents, they will receive protection from the Sacred Emperors of the Five Peaks (the mountain deities) and all the divine officials of the Seventy-Two Departments (the underworld bureaucracy). These deities will bless the scripture distributors by increasing their fortune and longevity, averting disasters, resolving karmic obstacles from present and past lives, while also ensuring national stability, abundant harvests, peaceful livelihoods for the people, and deliverance for the deceased.

Later, the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning expounds in verse form the cosmic origin and divine majesty:

• The Dao (the Way) is formless and nameless, yet the progenitor of all things
• The Supreme Celestial Venerable (referring to Yuanshi Tianzun) naturally embodies nobility, silently operating the profound principles
• Governing the ten directions and circulating through the eight extremities to oversee all beings
• Manifesting through celestial movements (the Dipper's rotation and lunar mansions) to regulate the sun and moon's course, illuminating all
• The God of Chaotic Origin (another name for Yuanshi Tianzun) descends to the human realm as the master of Three Teachings (Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism)
• In the West awakening the Golden Immortals (referring to Buddhism), in the East instructing Confucius
• Through countless kalpas of cultivation, attaining the pure enlightenment of Tathagata (Buddha)
• Governing the Thirty-Six Heavens while delivering beings as numerous as Ganges' sands
• Sometimes dwelling in celestial realms, sometimes appearing in the human world, sometimes retreating to immortal mountains
• Constantly responding to sentient suffering, saving from life-and-death cycles, liberating wandering souls
• With unfathomable divine powers that even sages and buddhas cannot comprehend
• Radiating boundless light to liberate beings from the Six Realms (heavens, humans, asuras, animals, hungry ghosts, hells) and Nine Darkest Hells
• Descending upon altars in auspicious cloud-borne chariots, enveloped in numinous qi

In essence: propagating this scripture brings immeasurable merit, while the omnipresent Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning wields boundless divine power to deliver all suffering beings.

This scripture recounts how the Celestial Venerable of Primordial Beginning (Yuanshi Tianzun, the supreme deity in Daoism) expounded the merits of the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak (the sacred mountain Taishan) to the assembly of immortals, explaining how devotees may obtain blessings through reverent worship of these deities.

The text conveys several key teachings:

First, it describes Yuanshi Tianzun leading the celestial assembly in paying homage to the pantheon of Eastern Peak deities. These include:

• The Great Emperor of Eastern Peak, Sovereign of Life and Benevolent Sage of Heavenly Qi (principal deity of Mount Tai)
• The Holy Emperors of the Four Sacred Peaks surrounding Taishan
• The Virtuous Empress of Earthly Grace from the main Taishan palace
• The True Lord Who Guards the Nation, administrator of lifespan
• The Benevolent and Kind Crown Prince of Taishan, Brilliant Numinous King
• The Primordial Sovereign of Azure Radiance (female deity of Taishan)
• Various deities presiding over prosperity, official rank, and offspring
• The entire hierarchy of divine officials and generals in the Taishan administration

Yuanshi Tianzun then reveals to the immortals that all sentient beings who sincerely repent their transgressions and take refuge in the Eastern Peak deities will receive corresponding blessings.

Upon hearing this teaching, four perfected beings (zhenren) offer a hymn praising the Great Emperor of Eastern Peak, whose essence proclaims:

As foremost of the Five Sacred Peaks, he nurtures all living beings,

Governing the seventy-two departments (Daoist belief holds Taishan deities oversee seventy-two underworld bureaus).

He reigns as earthly sovereign while commanding the celestial host,

Able to dissolve all karmic obstructions,

Bestowing grace upon both the living and deceased.

Following this hymn, Yuanshi Tianzun returns to the celestial realms amid auspicious clouds, while the assembled immortals joyfully bow in acknowledgment of these teachings.

The core message emphasizes that sincere worship of the Eastern Peak deities coupled with genuine repentance can bring blessings including disaster relief, longevity, and salvation for deceased souls. The text concludes by referencing the "Mysterious Model Edicts and Incantations" - secret methods and mantras transmitted by the Eastern Peak pantheon.