The Ten Matters of Daoist Decorum 玄门十事威仪

Author unknown.

Judging from its content and writing style, it is believed to date from the Sui or Tang Dynasty.

Consisting of one scroll, it is included in the Dongshen Section (Divine Grotto Section) of the Daozang under the category of Rituals and Ceremonies.

Falsely attributed to the Supreme Old Lord (Taishang Laojun) preaching to the Formless True Person, this text records ten sets of regulations and rituals that Taoist priests should observe in their daily practice, life, and daily routines. The book is divided into ten chapters, containing a total of 144 etiquette rules, which are as follows in sequence: 1. The Chapter on Holding Rituals and Sitting on the Altar (8 rules); 2. The Chapter on Paying Homage (16 rules); 3. The Chapter on Going Out and Entering (14 rules); 4. The Chapter on Sitting and Standing (14 rules); 5. The Chapter on Holding Vessels (11 rules); 6. The Chapter on Washing and Grooming (12 rules); 7. The Chapter on Towels and Utensils (10 rules); 8. The Chapter on Fasting and Dining (33 rules); 9. The Chapter on Requesting Dharma (9 rules); 10. The Chapter on Protection and Upholding (17 rules).

It is claimed that those who can abide by the above etiquette and rituals can cultivate into "Great Smoothness True Persons," while those who violate them will fall into hell—reflecting the Taoist emphasis on moral conduct and alignment with the Dao.