What is Three Sovereigns Tradition 三皇派?
Paul PengShare
The Taoist group of the scripture-talisman school that believes in Sanhuang Jing (Scripture of the Three Emperors) is called "Sanhuang Pai" (Three Emperors Sect). Sanhuang Jing originated from the texts of the Three Emperors, which is a kind of talisman book for summoning and impeaching ghosts and gods.
Baopuzi Neipian·Xialan (Inner Chapters of Baopuzi: A Glimpse into the Distance) states: "If a family has the texts of the Three Emperors, it can ward off evil spirits, plague qi, unexpected disasters and flying misfortunes."

Yunji Qiqian (Seven Slips of a Cloudy Satchel), Volume 106, Biography of Real Person Bao Jing, records: "Bao Jing studied and understood Confucian classics, divination by astronomical phenomena. He took Zuo Yuanfang as his teacher, and received the essentials of Zhongbu Fa (Mid-part Methods) as well as the summoning and impeaching techniques from Sanhuang (Three Emperors) and Wuyue (Five Sacred Mountains). These techniques worked miraculously, enabling him to control ghosts and gods, seal mountains and subdue demons."
When Sanhuang Jing was passed down to Lu Xiujing, it was established into a set of rituals and etiquettes. This Taoist sect chanted and transmitted Sanhuang Jing, and practiced the magic arts of summoning and impeaching ghosts and gods. It was once banned in the Tang Dynasty but still circulated. In the Yuan Dynasty, it was banned again and suffered the disaster of scripture-burning. Sanhuang Jing was burned, and thus the Three Emperors Sect came to an end.
94 Articles
Part of the Series
This article is part of our comprehensive guide covering all core Taoist philosophies, concepts, and practices — curated from the classic Encyclopedia of Taoism.
View Full Guide → ✦ Explore All Topics
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
Read his full story →
