Commentary on the Primordial Dao Scripture 太上老君元道真经注解

Originally attributed to "Annotated by Yinzhi Neixiu, the Hidden Mushroom and Inner Elegance."

Yinzhi Neixiu is suspected to have been a Taoist Priest in the late Tang Dynasty.

Commentary on the Primordial Dao Scripture

In one volume, it is included in the Jade Commentaries Category of the The Dongshen Section in The Daozang. This text comprises both the original scripture and annotations.

The scripture is divided into three parts: the first explains the meaning of "Yuan Dao" (Primal Dao); the second elaborates on the methods for practicing Yuan Dao; the third details the precautions to observe in practicing Yuan Dao. Its core tenet is based on Laozi’s teachings, expounding the path of cultivating inner purity and tranquility to attain longevity and prolonged vitality.

The annotations quote Taoist texts such as the Dao De Jing, The Ascent to Mystery Scripture, The Yin Fu Scripture, The Huangting Scripture (Scripture of the Yellow Court), The Zhonghuang Scripture, and The Female Immortal Scripture to interpret the original scripture’s emphasis on inner purity and cultivation. However, they also incorporate the doctrines of the Three Dantians (Elixir Fields) and the Three Ones, focusing on developing the Internal Alchemy tradition’s principles of contemplating spirits, consolidating Qi, and returning to one’s root to restore life. Overall, these annotations are consistent with the original scripture’s intent. See the entry for The Taiching Yuan Dao True Scripture.