Gongye Miao Jue: Shangqing Ethics & Ascetic Foundations

Dongzhen Taishang Basu Zhenjing: The Marvelous Instructions on Cultivation Merits and Achievements

It is an early classic of the Shangqing School, presumably compiled during the Eastern Jin and Southern Dynasties (c. 317–589 CE). As one of the texts dedicated to the marvelous instructions for practicing the Basu Zhenjing (Scripture of the Eight Essences), it consists of one scroll and is included in the "Zhengyi Section" (the core section of the Taoist Canon focusing on orthodox rituals and doctrines) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon).

This text is presented in the form of a dialogue between the Supreme Lord of the Great Dao (Taishang Dadaojun) and the Four Perfected Ones of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji Sizhenren). It discusses the progressive sequence of merits and achievements that beginners in the Dao should attain through cultivation. Included within are the precepts and fasting methods that practitioners of the Dao ought to receive and uphold, such as the "Ten Precepts for Fasting Practices," the "Five Types of Fasting Methods," and the "Five Precepts for Overcoming Dharma Hardships."

The text repeatedly admonishes disciples not to "show contempt for Heaven and Earth, or claim that there are no ghosts and spirits."

Key Terminology Notes

Shangqing School: A major school of Taoism founded in the 4th century CE, emphasizing esoteric meditation, visualization of deities, and inner cultivation, distinct from the ritual-centric practices of earlier Taoist schools.
Daozang (Taoist Canon): The comprehensive collection of Taoist scriptures, commentaries, and ritual texts compiled over centuries, serving as the primary repository of Taoist religious and philosophical heritage.
Taishang Dadaojun (Supreme Lord of the Great Dao): A high-ranking deity in Taoist cosmology, regarded as one of the core celestial lords who transmits Taoist teachings and guides practitioners toward the Dao.
Perfected Ones (Zhenren): Revered figures in Taoism who have attained profound spiritual realization and mastery of the Dao, often serving as teachers or intermediaries between deities and mortal practitioners.