The True Grotto: Secret Taboos of the Three Heavens
The author of The True Grotto: Secret Taboos of the Three Heavens (Dongzhen Santian Mihui) is unknown.
Judging from the content and textual style, it should be a classic text of the Shangqing School (Supreme Clarity School) from the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589 CE).
Consisting of one scroll, it is included in the Zhengyi Bu (Orthodox Unity Section) of the Daozang (Taoist Canon). The text first lists the true names of the Three Heavens, the true names of the Three Masters, and the essence names of the Nine Stars:
- The Three Heavens refer to Qingwei Tian (Clear Subtlety Heaven), Yuyu Tian (Jade Surplus Heaven), and Dachitian (Great Red Heaven);
- The Three Masters refer to Wushang (Supreme Master), Xuanlao (Mysterious Elder), and Taishang (Great Supreme);
- The essences of the Nine Stars refer to Tailiang Jing (Essence of the Great Measure Star), Yuanxing Jing (Essence of the Primordial Star), Zhenxing Jing (Essence of the True Star), Niuxing Jing (Essence of the Linking Star), Gangxing Jing (Essence of the Sinew Star), Jixing Jing (Essence of the Order Star), Guanxing Jing (Essence of the Gate Star), Dixing Jing (Essence of the Emperor Star), and Zunxing Jing (Essence of the Venerable Star).
All the above-mentioned Three Heavens, Three Masters, and Nine Star Essences have their own true names and hidden taboos (secret designations not to be casually revealed). The text claims that if ordinary people know these true names and maintain sincere meditation on them without interruption, they can achieve immortality and avoid death. Whenever encountering urgent disasters, hardships, or illnesses, calling out the true names of the Three Heavens and Three Masters will dispel all disasters and illnesses.
If disasters and illnesses cannot be completely eliminated, one can also practice visualization meditation on the secret names of the Star Essences, and perform the methods of "Walking the Stars" (Buxing, a Taoist ritual involving stepping in specific patterns corresponding to celestial constellations) and "Incantatory Vows" (Zhouyuan, reciting prayers or incantations with devout intentions).
The final part of the text discusses karmic retribution for good and evil, exhorting people to uphold and observe precepts and commandments.
✨ Recommended Taoist Talismans
Discover powerful talismans for your spiritual journey
