Primordial Scripture on the Resolution of Doubts 元始洞真决疑经
Paul PengPrimordial Scripture on the Resolution of Doubts
The author is unknown.
It was probably compiled around the transition between the Sui and Tang dynasties.
Quoted as Taishang Jueyi Jing (Supreme Scripture of Resolving Doubts) in Volume 2 of Daomen Jingfa Xiangcheng CiXu (The Succession Sequence of Taoist Scriptures and Methods), this is the very same text.
The surviving version in The Daozang consists of one volume, included in the Benwen (Scripture Text) category of The Dongzhen Section.
Primordial Scripture on the Resolution of Doubts
The scripture depicts a gathering of Yuanshi Tianzun (Primordial Heavenly Lord), Taishang Daojun (Supreme Dao Lord), and a host of immortals and true beings. Three figures—Taiji Zhenren (Perfected One of the Supreme Ultimate), Tianzhen Huangren (Heavenly True Imperial Man), and Shangxiang Qingtong Jun (Supreme Minister Green Boy Lord)—raise questions, which the Heavenly Lord answers in detail.
The dialogues cover topics such as: What is the true Dao, true scriptures, and true teaching? What are the stages for beginners to practice the true Dharma? What do concepts like receiving precepts, becoming a monastic, dwelling in seclusion in mountains and forests, contemplating the Dao, reciting scriptures, and remembering the master mean?
In the end, Taishang Daojun tells the assembly of immortals: "All dharmas are marked by emptiness and tranquility. Practitioners should recognize impermanence, seek liberation for themselves, and transcend the suffering of birth and death."
