Dongxuan Lingbao Daoyao Jing (The Scripture of the Essential Principles of the Dao of the Numinous Treasure of the Cavernous Mystery), the author of which is unknown.
Judging from its content and wording, it is likely to have been composed by Taoist priests during the Sui and Tang dynasties.
It consists of one scroll and is included in the Text category of the Cavernous Mystery section of the Daozang (Taoist Canon).
The scripture is pseudonymously attributed to the High and Bright True King delivering the teachings. The main purpose of the entire text is to promote filial piety. It states that filial piety is the essence of the Great Dao, and that "the Dao lies in utmost filial piety; without filial piety, one is not following the Dao"; it also says that "those who uphold my Dao must first practice filial piety before cultivating the Dao, hence it is named the Dao of Filial Piety".
It further claims that practicing filial piety can permanently sever the karmic causes of birth, death, and afflictions, bringing peace and joy to both body and mind. Being disloyal and unfilial, rebelling against parents, and murdering monarchs are referred to as the ten evils. Those who violate imperial laws in life will be sent to hell for torment after death, with no hope of ever escaping.
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