《呂帝詩集》Vol. 1

The Book of Changes (Zhouyi) states that observing human culture enlightens the world, yet enlightenment cannot manifest without written words. Words must embody the Dao (the fundamental principle of the cosmos) to truly fulfill their transformative purpose. The highest expression of writing appears as effortless and unadorned, yet this wordless subtlety must still be conveyed through language. Just as the brilliance of the Milky Way and the radiance of the sun and moon in the sky are visible whether tangible or intangible, their profound mysteries can never be fully exhausted.

When writing reaches its most sublime state, it takes on countless forms—like the Min Mountains guiding the Yangtze River, forming streams from their source until they become immeasurable, beyond the reach of praise. Poetry, as an expression of words, began with the Book of Songs (Shijing) and reached its zenith in our Tang dynasty. Though Tang poets were as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, only those works in harmony with the Dao could resonate with all beings, each word as precious as a golden needle. Even if one composed countless poems, all would follow this same principle.

The poetry of our revered master (referring to Lü Dongbin) has endured through dynasties, yet the transmission of his heart-method remains unchanged. This is because the essence of poetry lies not in the words themselves but in the lineage of the Dao. Our master’s intent fully penetrates the highest realms—not by deliberately using words to express the Dao, but by allowing the Dao to manifest naturally through his verse. Though his poems take myriad forms, their core never strays from his original vow. Only those with sincere hearts can grasp their meaning, for they cannot be understood through literal interpretation alone.

Though the master’s poetry has been passed down for generations and recorded in many texts, few have truly comprehended its spiritual essence. Now, the Jue Altar (a Daoist cultivation site) has compiled a complete edition, integrating his poetry with his other works into a unified system. This is not merely a literary achievement but a means of conveying the Great Dao through verse. Scholars who approach it with humility may discern its profound truths. I, Han Xiang (a disciple of Lü Dongbin), am of limited literary talent, yet I have been fortunate to witness this complete collection. I offer these brief reflections on the poetry, joining fellow seekers in contemplation. Recorded on the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Xinyou year, by disciple Han Xiang.

The Book of Documents (Shangshu) states, "Poetry expresses intent; songs chant words." Both poetry and lyrics belong to the realm of literature. Yet in the verses of our Imperial Master (Lü Dongbin), not a single line fails to resonate with the subtleties of the Dao. If one contemplates them with a tranquil mind, each word carries the weight of a golden needle.

This passage serves as the preface to the Anthology of Emperor Lü's Poetry, composed by Liu Shouyuan, a disciple of the Hongjiao lineage. It explains that the exalted immortals of the Great Brahma Heaven (the highest Daoist celestial realm) often transmit the Dao through poetry, with Bai Yuchan's (also known as Haichanzi) Haichan Anthology being the most renowned example. However, while these celestial poems possess exquisite refinement, they still follow conventional modes of expression shared among higher immortals.

Only the poetry of Lü Dongbin (venerated as "Imperial Preceptor") stands apart—each character conceals profound mysteries, thoroughly revealing all esoteric truths with a depth unmatched for countless eons. Regrettably, less than a thousandth part of these precious verses has descended to the mortal world, a consequence of karmic conditions not yet ripening.

Previous printed editions were incomplete and haphazardly arranged. Now, the Jueyuan Altar of Dharma has newly compiled this comprehensive collection, extensively gathering Lüzu's poetry scattered across various scriptures (excluding those already included in Records of Sacred Traces), systematically organized by literary form. This edition will expand the content a hundredfold compared to older versions. The compiler has instructed disciples to meticulously collate the texts, avoiding textual errors, hoping readers may discover the path to the Dao through these verses. Yet it must be remembered that the true essence lies beyond the written words—one should not linger merely on the aesthetic surface of the verses.