Primordial Dao Scripture of Supreme Clarity 太清元道真经

Also known as The Supreme Yuan Dao True Scripture.

The original text does not specify its author. According to the preface at the beginning and the postscript at the end: This scripture was dictated by the Supreme Old Lord (Tai Shang Lao Jun). In the tenth year of the Yuanhe reign of the Tang Dynasty (818 CE), Fan Dajun of Nantong transmitted this scripture to Meng Dixian, who then passed it down to Wang Xuwu. It is evident that this scripture was compiled by a Taoist Priest during the mid-Tang Dynasty.

The original text consisted of one volume, which was recorded in Tongzhi·Yiwen Lue (Comprehensive Records of Literature and Arts). The current version in The Daozang is divided into three volumes, included in the Zhengyi Section.

This scripture elaborates on the path of cultivating inner purity and tranquility to attain longevity and immortality, adhering to the core tenets of Taoism. The first volume explains the meaning of "Yuan Dao" (Primal Dao), stating: "Yuan Dao is the supreme Dao of the Supreme Old Lord." "Strengthening tendons and replenishing marrow, protecting the five zang-organs, purifying the Niwan Palace (Muddy Pellet), stabilizing the Cinnabar Spirit, preventing the six sensory distractions from intruding arbitrarily, and keeping the three vital essences from leaking recklessly—when all impurities are eliminated, true Qi pervades freely, soaring through the great void and thriving in the Jade Pure Heaven, ultimately becoming a True Lord: this is all achieved through Yuan Dao." From this, it can be seen that "Yuan Dao" refers to the Taoist practice of cultivating both body and spirit internally to pursue longevity and celestial ascension.

The second volume outlines the methods for practicing Yuan Dao, with its core principle being to maintain peace and gentleness, preserve one’s inherent nature, and constantly uphold emptiness and spontaneity. By preventing the dispersion of primal Qi and unifying one’s thoughts, practitioners can attain longevity and prolonged vitality.

The third volume details the precautions that practitioners of Yuan Dao should observe, such as avoiding excessive joy, anger, sorrow, and fear; refraining from extreme cold or heat, irregular daily routines, rambling speech, and restless thoughts. All actions that contradict the principles of peace and harmony, or damage one’s spirit and primal Qi, should be guarded against.

The overall purport of the scripture aligns with Laozi’s teachings of purity, tranquility, and non-action, and its language is clear, coherent, and concise.