Scripture of the Primordial Manifestations and Transformations

One thousand one hundred and sixty Celestial Worthies, the twenty-eight lunar mansions, and the thirty-two heavens encircle the body within. They distribute their spirits and spread their transformations, never ceasing for a single thought, constantly changing their divine forms. Yet, the nine types of fools A traditional classification of those who are spiritually blind or slow to learn are unable to recognize them. The great "Brahma Energy" original: 梵氣 (fanqi); here referring to the primordial, pure energy of creation of the Great Path is distributed in the ten directions. Within it, a hundred spirits preside over transgressions and blessings. The one who governs them all is the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning Yuanshi Tianzun, the highest deity in the Daoist trinity. The one who awakens to this is found only within the Mind.

To speak of the "Great Mesh" Daluo: the highest of the Daoist heavens is to speak of the Great Brahma Energy.
The "Three Purities" refer to the three Dantians: the upper, middle, and lower "Cinnabar Fields" or energy centers in the human body.
The "Nine Heavens" refer to the nine palaces within the head.
The "Three Realms" traditionally the realms of desire, form, and formlessness refer to the "Three Poisons" of the mind Greed, anger, and ignorance.
The "Ten Directions" refer to the entirety of one's own body.

What is called the "Great Mesh" is that which nothing fails to encompass.
What is called the "Three Purities" is the place where one realizes the fruits of cultivation.
What is called "Eternal Joy" is that which is serene and ever-present.
What is called "Brahma Conduct" is that which transcends life and death.
What are called the "Six Perfections" original: 六度 (liudu); the six paramitas or virtues are for purifying the six sense-roots.
What are called the "Four Equalities" are for removing the four delusions.
What are called the "Three Realms" are found within the cycle of Samsara: the wheel of birth, death, and rebirth.
What is called the "Golden Gate" is the meeting with the holy and perfected ones.
What is called the "Mystic Capital" is reaching the source of the Great Dao.
What is called the "Jade Capital" is virtue that is lofty and magnificent.

All of these arise from the Mind and are given different names. To study the Dao is to seek the Mind, not to seek from other people. First, one must empty the mind, not empty the environment. Quiet the mind, not the environment. Still the mind, not the environment. Wash the mind, not the environment.

The wise person is clear and luminous; they observe their own mind.
The foolish person is dark and dim; they see only the physical body.

The divisions of the "Three Grottoes" The three main divisions of the Daoist Canon arise from this distinction. Therefore, the scriptures have "inner" and "outer" aspects, the laws have "true" and "transformational" forms, the teachings have "small" and "great" paths, the Dao has "open" and "blocked" passages, conduct has "superior" and "inferior" qualities, the sages have "noble" and "humble" ranks, and virtue has "broad" and "narrow" scopes—all of this is because the mind is either bright or dark.

For this reason, the Primordial Beginning, throughout successive transformations, responds with great compassion and equality. He works with humility and endures suffering, using skillful means original: 方便 (fangbian); pedagogical tools to lead people to truth to liberate all living beings. His only hope is that they awaken to the Dao and eliminate "Delusive Thoughts."

"Delusive Thoughts" original: 妄想 (wangxiang); false imaginings or attachments are when the straying minds of living beings give rise to thoughts and various wrong views: killing, stealing, debauchery, adultery, jealousy, stinginess, greed, anger, cursing, harsh speech, double-tongued lies, false speech, flowery words, confusion, foolishness, laziness, trying to surpass others, being unfilial, committing the five rebellious sins heinous crimes such as killing a parent, offending the earth and violating heaven, and becoming stained by the various unwholesome laws of the secular world.

Thus, they drift through life and death and fall into the "Three Paths" of suffering the realms of hell, hungry ghosts, and animals. It is deeply painful; they cannot escape of their own accord. For this reason, the Gate of Liberation has been opened. The Worthy leads all beings to cast away their afflictions by:

By disciplining the mind, they may enter the place of practice Dojo: a place of enlightenment or ritual and leave all grievances behind...