The Supreme Collection of Thirty-Six Scriptures 太上三十六部尊经

The author is unknown. It was probably compiled in the late The Northern and Southern Dynasties of Ancient China.

This scripture has already been recorded in Volume 37 of Wushang Miyao (Supreme Secret Essentials).

The existing version in The Daozang consists of six volumes, included in the Benwen (Scripture Text) category of The Dongzhen Section.

The Supreme Collection of Thirty-Six Scriptures

The entire work comprises thirty-six short scriptures, divided into three categories. The Jade Pure Realm includes twelve scriptures such as Shangqing Jing (Shangqing Scripture) and Miaozhen Jing (Wonderful True Scripture); the Supreme Pure Realm includes twelve scriptures such as Dongxuan Jing (Cavernous Mystery Scripture) and Yuanyang Jing (Primal Yang Scripture); the Great Pure Realm includes twelve scriptures such as Taiqing Jing (Great Pure Scripture) and Cheshi Jing (Penetrating Vision Scripture).

All scriptures follow a similar format: each begins with the main text, followed by four-character verses and twelve Taoist talismans. Integrating both Taoist and Buddhist doctrines, its content briefly expounds the theory and methods of cultivating the true self, and explains terms such as emptiness, nothingness, nature, and mind-nature.

It holds that all sentient beings possess The Dao -nature, but due to failing to uphold a sincere mind and correct mindfulness, they become deluded about their true nature, leading to various afflictions and disasters. If one can venerate the Dao, cultivate the mind, recognize the nature of Dharma, practice proper conduct, be free from attachment to forms and appearances, and embrace purity and non-action, they can attain the state of extinction, achieve the Dharma body, and be free from worries forever.

Its cultivation methods emphasize doing good deeds and accumulating virtues, burning incense and holding fasts, reciting scriptures and paying homage, and widely planting karmic blessings—while disapproving of techniques such as breath control, forgetting oneself in meditation, and refining elixirs.

This scripture exerted considerable influence on Taoism during the Sui and Tang dynasties. Wushang Neimi Zhenzang Jing (Supreme Inner Secret Scripture of the True Treasury) praised it as "the most revered and noble," "encompassing all without exception and penetrating into the finest details."